Minehead & exmoor chronicle on line

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M I N E H E A D & E X MO O R

CH RO N I CL E

a free newspaper for the communities of minehead and exmoor

issue 1 september - october 2016

PORLOCK BAY OYSTERS Best oysters in England? page 11

page 2

N EWS

Welcome

and a very warm one at that - to the very first issue of the Minehead & Exmoor chronicle a new free newspaper for the local community.

THE MINEHEAD & EXMOOR CHRONICLE Cover picture by Maureen Harvey The Porlock Bay Oyster.

The Minehead & Emoor Chronicle is a free local newspaper published by LQF Photography.

The views expressed by contributors to the Minehead & Exmoor Chronicle are not necessarily the views of the editor but we do try to allow free speech.

To enquire about placing an advert, submitting an article of local interest or just to say Hi! email us at mineheadandexmoorchronicle@gmail.com

chronicle

noun. a factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence. synonyms: record, written account, history, annals, archive(s), register; log, diary, journal, calendar, chronology; narrative, description, story verb. record (a series of events) in a factual and detailed way. synonyms: record, put on record, write down, set down, document, register, report, enter; narrate, relate, recount, describe, tell about, retail “the events that followed have been chronicled by many of those who took part”

Why on earth I hear you ask do we need another newspaper - well our aim is to highlight the incredible area in which we live and the interesting facts, folklore, news stories, businesses, organisations and people that live and thrive here - and in this fast paced age where most things are presented instantly on a smart phone or computer screen we felt the need to slow things down and put it in printed form to give the articles and features a bit more longevity.

It is said that bad news sells - so it is our vision to reverse this trend and bring to light the positive aspects of life in the area and report the poignant news stories that affect us all (sometimes in a humorous way).

If you have an interesting story or are part of a local organisation or club and would like to be featured in future editions please contact us at mineheadandexmoorchronicle@gmail.com Before signing off I like to say a huge thank you to all our contributors, advertisers and supporters, we have managed to acquire enough cash to finance the printing of the first edition but future editions will rely on advertising to cover the cost of printing.

We very much hope that you enjoy this first issue...

The Editorial Team.

TH E MINEH EAD & EXMOOR C H RONICLE

view point... topically humorous & slightly tongue in cheek social commentary from our staff columnist J Hogarth Trusspot (Mr)

You can say what you like about Hinkley Point C but it’s certainly generated something already – loads of material for journalists to write and comment about.

Point when there are other natural sources of energy there just waiting to be tapped.

Accordingly I have instructed consultants Heath Robinson Associates to design a scheme to exploit these resources which The process is set to continue as the will be tapped and harnessed by an Government debates its future and works international consortium so that everyone out how not to upset the Americans by gets a slice of the cake. cutting the Chinese in on the deal, or upset the Chinese by cutting them out. Then there Key to the project will be to get the Chinese are the jobs: the jobs that have already to build a ten-mile wall (very good at walls, been created to carve out Europe’s biggest the Chinese) to enclose a tidal lagoon fitted building site and the jobs that will be created with two-way hydro-electric turbines. The if the scheme collapses and the whole area power these generate will be used to run an has to be restored to pristine farmland.

American-operated fracking plant to extract gas from the oil-bearing shales in the area, And don’t think that a ‘yes’ to the project with the gas burned to run British-built from the UK Government will be the last turbines which will pump extra sea water word. That rests with the French nuclear into the lagoon when the tide is ebbing so safety inspectorate which is due to report that it operates on an almost continuous in the New Year as to whether it’s safe to cycle. proceed with EDF’s Flamanville station in Normandy (Hinkley Point C’s precursor) There won’t be any spare power for the where weaknesses have been detected in national grid but it will create jobs in the the steel containment vessel. best tradition of Hinkley Point and - perhaps its greatest achievement – it will stop Unless EDF can convince the inspectorate Greenpeace constantly bitching about the that these pose no risk it faces the nightmare evils of nuclear power. scenario of being ordered to pull the whole thing down and starting again, which could As to the French, they have been offered leave it too short of cash to build at Hinkley the on-site catering concession though Point. since they are insisting that the canteen shuts for the traditional French two-hour I’ve always been puzzled by our insistence lunch break negotiations, I have to report, that nuclear is the only option for Hinkley are only making slow progress.

Stuart Lowen

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THE MIN EHEA D & EXMOOR CHRONICLE

N EWS & R ECI P E S

up to 3 hours a day travelling and 4 hours on the machine 3 days a week.

For up to 4 hours you are attached to a machine by two needles which are inserted into your arm. One takes out blood and fluids which is cleaned and returned through the 2nd needle. It is uncomfortable but not painful.

Why should we have dialysis in Minehead?

Simple there are 23 patients receiving treatment at the moment. All having basically 7 hours x 3 each week. There is without doubt due to the age of the local population more people who will require dialysis over the next few years. There are very few spaces available in Taunton and Exeter for treatment.

DIALYSIS IN MINEHEAD

By Dudley Seale

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical intervention when your kidneys are unable to disburse of waste products and fluid build up in your body.

dialysis. However there is a major shortage of kidney donors. Many people are unable for many reasons to be suitable for a transplant.

The normal process would be through urine.

In many cases this is either not possible or is very limited so dialysis is the only way to remove it. Left unattended it can cause many unpleasant symptoms that can be fatal.

Many people will if suitable look to a kidney transplant to solve the problem of using

In my case my renal failure was caused by cancer. The blood cancer I have killed off my kidneys and for that reason I an on dialysis for the rest of my life.

and now the

FISHING FORECAST

issued by James Wigglesworth at 04:00 on the 23rd August 2016.

As we look towards autumn here in the Bristol Channel we can expect to see a wide variety of fish inhabiting the rich waters here. The summer has proved fruitful, but as the water temperatures peak the main bulk of the summer species should take up residence. There are plenty of hard fighting smoothounds to target wether you’re a beach or boat angler. These hard fighting members of the shark family are pretty

The procedure of dialysis takes place up to 4 hours three days a week. The nearest units are In Taunton or Exeter. This means

We have a hospital which is under used in Seaward Way. There is an empty ward and many spaces within the hospital that could be used for dialysis. The League of Friends through their generosity are happy to help to bring treatment to the hospital.

A number of local people are over 70. And not in general good health. The journey to Taunton and back is both tiring and in many cases uncomfortable. There is also the cost of transport as you are not allowed to drive yourself. The cost is on the region of £100;000 a year plus trips to Exeter as Taunton has no renal facility.

It would without doubt make the whole experience far easier and give the patient a better standard of life if we could have dialysis in Minehead.

easy to find from local beaches. The Mackerel have been a bit late this year but from the beach at Bossington I have heard of some decent catches recently with the odd bass putting in an appearance too. How long these will hang around for is anyone’s guess but I would get down there quick if you want to stand a good chance of a few. If you fancy going for a ray in the coming months then the areas at low water between Minehead and Hurlstone Point will throw up small eyed, spotted and blonde rays which always provide good sport. Minehead Harbour is capable of throwing up anything all year round and is a nice easy spot to fish if you’re relatively new to the sport. There’s always the dogfish to keep you busy but rays, smoothounds, bullhuss, bass and a whole variety of other species are

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FISH RECIPE Poor old dogfish. Whoever gave it its name, they didn’t do it in the interests of making it a marketable commodity. Which is why fishmongers around the world have taken to rechristening it. In the UK it’s traditionally been sold in wet fish shops (and in chippies) as ‘rock salmon’ in the same way as the equally unattractive-sounding wolffish now goes under the pseudonym of ‘rock turbot’.The Italians have been even more creative: go to Venice and you’ll find dogfish served up as ‘vitello di mare’ (sea veal) while even the Australians are given to rebranding it, though not as anything quite so aspirational: ‘flake’ is the best they can come up with. But no-one should be throwing dogfish away.

In fact we ought to be catching and eating more of them because as a species they breed prolifically and predate heavily on the young of more valuable species. There are an awful lot out there and they are simply too good to waste. While their flesh may not have any wondrously delicate flavour, neither does it have any bones: dogfish make do with a cartilaginous skeleton. So once you have your fillets you know, as with monkfish, that there are no nasty surprises lurking. This makes them ideal eating for children, of course, bones being the one thing that puts them off. They’ll love these fish cakes, particularly with the slightly piquant sauce, and they should also enjoy the gentle spicing in the tagine.

Dogfishcakes With Caper Hollandaise Sauce Ingredients for four to six. Four large dogfish fillets, 500g floury potatoes (such as King Edward, Maris Piper or Desiree), tablespoon finely-chopped shallot, 25g butter, two tablespoons crème fraiche, very large handful of finely-chopped parsley, tablespoon fresh chopped tarragon, teaspoon sea salt, 15 grindings black pepper, one beaten egg, flour, six slices of white bread, crusts removed. For the Hollandaise: g butter, tablespoon white wine vinegar, two tablespoons lemon juice, three large egg yolks, pinch of salt, tablespoon chopped capers.

Method. Mince the dogfish fillets, boil the potatoes and allow to cool slightly. Mash the potatoes in a large bowl with the butter and crème fraiche, add the fish, herbs and seasonings, mix well and refrigerate for two hours. Place the bread slices in a food processor and whizz into crumbs, spread on a baking sheet in a moderate oven for eight minutes, or until lightly browned, then return to the processor and whizz to a very crumb. Form the fish mixture into 12 balls, flour lightly, roll in beaten egg and then in the breadcrumbs, flatten into cakes and fry in hot oil for three to four minutes each side. Meanwhile to make the sauce melt the butter in a small saucepan.

Bring the lemon juice and vinegar to the boil in another. Blend the eggs and salt in a food processor or blender. With the motor still running gradually add the hot lemon juice and vinegar then gradually trickle in the butter to thicken. Stir in the capers and allow to heat through for a minute, then serve.

a possibility. For those of you that feel a bit more adventurous then you could try the less accessible marks towards Lynmouth that can throw up some respectable bullhuss at this time of year. Make sure you do your homework or go with someone who has fished these places before though as they can catch you out. If you are planning a day afloat then give one of Mineheads many charter skippers a call. This time of year they tend to target the areas west of the town with Porlock bay being popular as again this holds an abundance of species.

Further west still on the rougher grounds you can expect to catch some nice pollock and wrasse and if you’re lucky you might stumble upon the beautifully tasty black bream. If you want to find out anymore information then pop down to the West Coast Tackle on the harbour at Minehead and have a chat with Craig who is always happy to point you in the right direction...Tight Lines!

Dogfish And Lemon Tagine Ingredients for four to six. Four dogfish fillets, cut into chunks, two large onions, thinly sliced, two medium carrots and two medium courgettes, cut into dice, tablespoon cooking oil, large tin of chickpeas, drained, one lemon, cut into quarters, or four preserved lemon quarters, large handful sultanas, two tablespoons tagine spice – look out for ras-elhanout, literally ‘top of the shop’, which offers the best combination – sea salt, water.

Method. Ideally this is prepared in a traditional conical tagine cooking pot but any sort of casserole will do. Sweat the onions gently in the cooking oil for four or five minutes then add the fish and allow to take on a little colour. Add the spice and cook for a minute or so then add the carrots, courgettes, chickpeas, lemon quarters and sultanas, together with a teaspoon of salt and just enough water to cover. Simmer, covered, for an hour, then remove the cover and allow to bubble for a further 15 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. Check seasoning and serve, perhaps with some steamed couscous. For a hotter version mix two tablespoons of the sauce with a teaspoon of harissa paste and stir through the mixture just before serving.

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TH E MINEH EAD & EXMOOR C H RONICLE

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THE MINEHEA D & EXMOOR CHRONICLE

MUSI NG’S, N EWS & FEAT U R E S

Pillars of light

On leaving the Rock hotel (Lynmouth) after having lunch in the garden, we all walked towards the bridge overlooking the West Lyn river.

We then looked at the river and the banks from the pathway on the bridge.

The sun was shining above and the jet of water from the cannon sprayed gently through the trees. The water cascaded into the river below.

As I watched the white water fall I considered carefully all that was before me. I concentrated deeply and absorbed my surroundings.

The trees of life became enhanced and the white water turned to brilliant yellow. The water now yellow poured gently into the river and the banks below.

‘It’, the sight had changed dramatically and I was now observing something special. Then suddenly from the coloured water came numerous columns of pure yellow light. They, the columns, became ‘pillars of light’. The energy they created was immense.

I marvelled as I watched.

Suddenly all returned to normal. The water was white again. Beautiful as it was it was clearly not the same.

I focused deeply and suddenly there was a burst of colour. Brilliant yellow was the sight and ‘the pillars of light’ returned.

I was overwhelmed.

When all returned to normal I concentrated and button pressed, I saw the vision again.

I continued to do this until at last ‘it’ stopped.

I then turned away and crossed the road arm in arm with my mother.

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D A E H E MIN

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monochrome photographers group...

The Group was set up in January 2015 by John Rock and Basil Helman. We meet every two months at Luccombe village Hall. We have twenty five active members both amateur and professional.

The inspiration for starting the group was the hope of offsetting, in some small way, the declining interest in monochrome photography and printing due to the dominance of colour

images viewed on digital devices.

Happily, we were not alone in our enthusiasm and quickly established a like-minded group.

The presentation and discussion of members prints comprises the core of our meetings.

However, this is supplemented by short technical and personal presentations. Members benefit from the wealth of experience within the group

which is readily shared and often leads to the exploration of areas of photography previously overlooked.

The ethos of the meetings is non competitive.

There are no competitions, no committees and no annual fees. There is a fee of £2 per visit to cover costs.

We are a friendly group and welcome anyone

who shares our interests.

Prior to each meeting we post a flyer which is published locally and emailed to members. We have a token presence on the web which can be located by searching for “West Somerset Monochrome Photographers Group”.

We do hope you will be able to join us at our next meeting at 10am on Wednesday 14th September at Luccombe Village hall.

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CR EAT I V E FEAT U R E

T H E MINEH EAD & EXMOOR C H RONICLE

Exmoor Driftwood Arts Ian Turnell

Exmoor Driftwood Arts started life as an extension of my passion for all that is the West Country from shore to heather and gorse clad moor, from cove to woodland.

I am fortunate to have shared in the delights of Exmoor in particular, since my early childhood in the 60s. Exploring the beaches and woodlands with a packed lunch and bottle of squash I would collect seashells and other interesting objects, take them home and with much childhood imagination, construct ever changing forms.

The beautiful oak woodlands that abound in the coombes and valleys, filled with a myriad of mystical shapes gave rise to the Elfin and Little People dwellings that I have now added to my Driftwood Collection. These sculptures hide secrets, glittering galleries and hallways, passages formed into the structure leading to ornate balconies, gravel paths and toadstools. Search for new shapes and images within the whole!

Driftwood………firstly my definition of driftwood is any type of wood whatever shape or size, that has been floating/

submerged in water. I have found over the years that some of my collecting expeditions have unearthed wood samples from around the world, carried by unseen currents and waves from one continent to the next. The colours of the wood vary enormously from completely white bleached to shades of brown and coppers and even blacks.

process can take up to a year in some cases depending on the density of the wood. Any pieces of wood where I can see a shape or form as I sort them, goes to one side ready for attention when dry. My work is not restricted to just bare wood, I use man treated and shaped pieces such as old pieces of boat and sea washed sawn timber. In addition, old harbour chains and My first job is to remove the water content some shells join the items I use. from the wood, this I do by air drying.

Spreading the pieces out on old pallets My inspiration for the driftwood pieces, so that air movement can pass through picture frames and mirrors. comes primarily and around all parts of the piece. This from the vessels around our coast; trawlers,

‘‘

THE MIN EHEA D & EXMOOR CHRONICLE

pleasure boats, fishing boats and sailing craft, In addition to the driftwood I use many other materials including leather, thread, beads, wire, linen, netting and paints, only using glue sparingly to seal knots etc.

I sew all my own sails and rigging and carve, shape and drill all the wood myself in a small studio on the edge of Exmoor.

The boats, whilst influenced by vessels either modern or old, have my own unique inspiration applied to them; a take on classic craft with my individuality applied to the shapes. Others are blatantly art forms with an obscure and individualistic interpretation, for example, ‘The TarpKat’ and ‘Atlantic Racer’ and ‘Rough Seas’ amongst others.

My other creations take many forms……. from the pipe collection, a series of driftwood roots in the form of traditional smoking pipes, to figures of mystical creatures.

CR EAT I V E FEAT U R E

The boats, whilst influenced by vessels either modern or old, have my own unique inspiration applied to them

‘‘

I use Cornish and Westmoorland slate as well as oak and cork bases to present each piece. The sculptures are mounted using nails, pieces of old iron found on the beaches, or just directly to the base, secured with screws. Little glue is used as I intend my work to stay secured for a long time. All bases/mounts are finished with non slip pads and signed EDA The Faeries towers, kingdoms and other ‘little people’s’ dwellings combine driftwood and lathe turned hardwood with natural articles collected from many locations. My recent find has been a type of seaweed, found on the Adriatic shoreline, tossed and turned in the ocean currents until it forms balls of fibre in varying sizes. When dried I am able to cut and form this natural product to enhance the Faerie works, with sun shades, balconies and terraces . Slate has increasingly become my material of choice for footpaths and trails leading up to the Faerie pieces. Wrapped in cloth

and crushed, it makes an ideal surface for miniature roads and trackways. Polished oak bases enhance the intricate Faerie works.

I try to avoid artificial add-ons and even the beads that feature readily on the trawler representations are wooden. Paints are applied sparingly; mainly to enhance small items and interiors of halls and windows.

My art work can be seen at several outlets: Treyarnon YHA in north Cornwall, The corner collection shop at Watchet and Echo beach cafe on the harbour at Minehead.

Additionally my work can be seen on my website;

www.exmoordriftwoodarts@weebly.com I have a page on FB, exmoordriftwoodarts/ and Twitter, @exmoordriftwoodarts

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T H E R EGA L

TH E MINEH EAD & EXMOOR C H RONICLE

Regal listings Sept - Oct 2016 Friday September 2 at 8.00pm TICKETS: Adults £8.00, Friends £7.50, ES40’s/ Students £5.00 DARKTOWN STRUTTERS & THE EXMOOR DO DAH BAND. Friday September 9 at 7.30pm TICKETS: Adults £10.00, Friends £9.50, ES40’s/ Students £7.00. Award winning Purple Dreams present THE EMPTY STAGE By Tobias Nicholls.

WHAT’S ON? AT THE REGAL THEATRE After a hectic August when the Regal Theatre hosted the Minehead and Exmoor Festival and presented its Annual Summer Show, there is plenty on in the theatre to interest audiences of all ages and interests during the Autumn. To keep up with what is on, go to www.regaltheatre.co.uk where you can download the current brochure from the home page and book your tickets on-line. Friend us on Facebook to get the latest news and information or email us from the web-site to request monthly updates to our programme.

Gents, Fed up with queuing for a haircut?

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Tuesday September 13 at 7.30pm TICKETS: Members £3.00, Guests £5.00 Regal Film Society with the start of the new season’s programme. Open To Members And Guests LEARNING TO DRIVE Dir Isabel Coixet UK/USA 2015 89 mins.

Wednesday September 14 at 7.30pm TICKETS: Adults £18.00, Friends £17.50, , ES40’s/ Students £10.00 Pop-Up Opera Rossini’s IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA (The Barber of Seville).

Friday September 16 at 7.30pm TICKETS: Adults £16.00, Friends £15.50, , ES40’s/ Students £8.00 Grant Koper presents SOME ENCHANTED EVENING. Saturday September 17 at 2.30pm TICKETS :Adults £8.00, Friends £7.50, Children £5.00, Family Ticket: (2 adults + 2 children) £20.00 The MakeShift Ensemble FOX AND RABBIT’S IDIOT’S GUIDE TO THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT. Friday September 23 at 7.30pm TICKETS: Adults £16.00, Friends £15.50, ES40’s/ Students £8.00 GA GA - QUEEN TRIBUTE. Thursday September 29 at 7.30pm TICKETS: Adults £16.50, Friends £16.00, ES40’s/ Students £8.50 THE NEW JERSEY BOYS - OH WHAT A NIGHT!

Wednesday October 5 at 7.30pm TICKETS: : Adults £12.00, Friends £11.50, ES40’s/ Students £6.00 PantaloonS ROMEO & JULIET. Tuesday October 11 at 7.30pm TICKETS: Members £3.00, Guests £5.00 The Regal Film Society OUR LITTLE SISTER Dir Hirokazu Koreeda Japan 2016 128 mins.

Wednesday October 12 at 7.30pm TICKETS: Adults £12.00, Friends £11.50, ES40’s/ Students £6.00 Baroque Theatre Company VERONICA’S ROOM By Ira Levin Age guidance 16+. Contains adult themes Friday 21 & Saturday 22 October at 7.30pm TICKETS: Adults £8.00, Friends £7.50, ES40’s/ Students £4. The Waterfront Theatre Company COMEDY TONIGHT. Sunday October 23 at 8:00 pm Tickets: in advance – Adults £12.00, Friends £11.50, Students and ES40s £10.00. On the night, all tickets £14.00 FINDINGS Ange Hardy & Lukas Drinkwater.

Tuesday October 25 at 7.30pm TICKETS: Members £3.00, Guests £5.00 The Regal Film Society Public film screening - Title to be announced. For up-to-date information about all film screenings at the Regal visit the website www. regalfilmsociety.org or sign up for the Film News mailing list by contacting Victoria Thomas on 01643 831343 or email admin@filmsociety.org Friday 28 & Saturday 29 October at 7.30pm TICKETS: Adults £5.50, Friends £5.00, ES40s/ Students £2.50 Oasis Theatre SLEEPING BEAUTY A panto adapted by Ann Eary.

Sunday October 30 at 7.30pm TICKETS: Adults £20.00, Friends £19.50, ES40s/ Students £10.00 PAUL CARROLLS MUSIC HALL TAVERN SHOW.

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THE MIN EHEA D & EXMOOR CHRONICLE

FEAT U R ED W R I T ER

page 9

Short story & poems

by Dot Lupo

Jo. A short story Jo cautiously sat down beside the swimming pool and slowly removed his socks, then slipped his feet in to the water.

(Bliss!)

It was still very early and the hotel was quiet, nobody would notice him. From inside he could hear the clinking of bottles and the rattling of crockery – yes he would be ok! Here. Jo wriggled his toes and looked at his feet what a disgrace how did he come to this he felt like a vagrant, how he used to despise those people, how many times had he passed the pavement dwellers and never once gave them a charitable thought, let alone a couple of bob. How times change – but what had changed? He couldn’t quite remember!

“Oh well had better get on” he said, “ a long way to go yet” but where am I going – Oh yes, Cornwall. Actually a certain cliff top in Cornwall. He wished he wasn’t so absent minded. Some mornings lately he had woken up wondering exactly where and what his journey was all about. It all felt a bit surreal at times!

Jo reached in to his pocket and his fingers curled around his grandfathers watch, a constant reminder of happier days when he was never alone. Oh! Best get on, he said again this time a bit louder.

His socks felt damp, and he had trouble getting them on. Jo wondered if all this was worth the effort, worth what? He thought again, Oh yes Cornwall – to find some cliff, for the life of him he couldn’t recall why, he only knew he had to get there.

The sun was high in the sky now, and Jo could feel the heat, he was so tired perhaps he’d just have forty winks before he continued his journey. Slowly his head began to droop and he found it impossible to keep his eyes open. With the hum of the insects heralding another hot day Jo could feel himself getting drowsier and drowsier.

Noise! What’s that noise? It sounded like a whistle, the noise got nearer. “Here he is, I’ve found him” Shouted a voice. Suddenly people were around and he felt even more confused than ever. “Come along granddad Jo” – “time to go home”. But isn’t that what he was doing anyway?

Ruthie, his Ruthie always loved Cornwall, especially when the kids were small. He had always promised to take her back again – just the two of them, and that was precisely what he was doing wasn’t it?

“Come on now Dad” said a deeper voice, we’ll do Cornwall another day but for now lets just go home. We’ll wait until Autumn, when the holiday makers have gone, and we’ll go together and scatter Mums ashes…

Poems The Good Old days I miss the good old gentle days, my father said to me Even the bread don’t taste the same and as for instant tea.

Oh how I miss the gentle days, My father quietly said, Jack Warner and black leaded grates And a great big feather bed.

But now is now and then was then, My Dad he said to me But what I’d give to show you love Gentle days and proper tea.

The Shed Its not a holiday cottage More of a wooden shed Its been just my secret a long long time Its even got a bed.

I brush the cobwebs and oil the lock And shooosh! the spiders out.

Time for a meditaion, Or maybe I’ll have a SHOUT! I can sleep til nearly noonGoodness what a sin Not wear shoes, or comb my hair Eat spaghetti from a tin.

I know I cant stay very long.

I must be upo and away.

Back to the norm, whatever that is.

But I can come back any day.

When people ask where do you go?

To country or the sea.

Oh! Its just my holiday cottage, Or what ever I want it to be.

The Meal Its called the ‘Shalimar’, he said, It’s the latest meeting palce, I couldn’t show my ignorance So agreed with a smile on my face.

My social life was Wimpy & chips, A babycham or two, So this would be an adventure – One I hoped I wouldn’t rue.

Down and down we descended, Way down under the street, It was dark and very smoky, But the obvious place to meet.

I tried to cool my body down With lager by the pint.

And when I finally staggered out, Oh Lord I looked a sight.

I tottered home a gibbering wreck, My dad thought I had ‘flu’.

“Don’t worry mum, I’ll be alright, Its just a vindaloo!”.

‘‘

Ruthie, his Ruthie always loved Cornwall, especially when the kids were small.

‘‘

Dot first came to live in Somerset many years ago. Both her children were born and grew up here, and although a proud Brummie at heart she felt her boys would benefit from the sheer beauty surrounding them. Since being very young she has kept journals and written poetry, usually thoughts very personal to herself. She has limited mobility so writing has filled a great gap in her life – Dot belongs to a small writers group with like minded friends and enjoys putting her thoughts in to words.

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FEAT U R E

The Accidental Photographer Gary was born and raised in the North West of England. After visiting West Somerset, some 24 years ago, he made the decision to move, and has lived and worked in Minehead ever since.

A chance encounter (14years ago) with a keen hobbyist photographer in the back of a car whilst travelling to Taplow Nr Maidenhead garnered Garys interest in photography. He Says “I had no interest in taking photos prior to that fateful day”.

Within 24 hours he had purchased his first point and shoot camera. Gary has always enjoyed taking long walks, taking in the beautiful scenery that Exmoor has to offer, and before long he was producing wildlife and landscape images, which he gave as gifts to friends & family. Gary considers himself to be a keen hobbyist and continually strives to improve his technical skills, but most importantly! To thoroughly enjoy his chosen medium.

tree, which provided me with some much needed shade, once again I sat down and waited. I’d barely managed to set up my equipment when a vixen fox appeared. Our eyes met and for what seemed like an eternity, the fox stood motionless, her gaze fixed on me. I quickly fired off a few shots and within seconds she was gone. It was a delight to capture this beautiful creature For my first foray, as it were, I headed off to one framed by the emerging foxgloves and ferns. A of my favourite locations – Horner wood. A very huge thank you, Mrs Fox! good friend had provided me with the exact location of a pair of nesting, greater spotted wood- The end of July, so I headed off to Dunster peckers. It wasn’t long before I found the precise Beach. Another great location for photographtree that my friend had described. About 3 me- ing wildlife. The Nature Reserve at the rear of tres above ground, a neatly drilled hole roughly the holiday chalets provides numerous opportunities to encounter kingfishers; egrets; herons; 7 cm’s in diameter was clearly visible.

Having found a good place to conceal myself, I Canada geese and umpteen other species of birds. I crossed the footbridge spanning the settled down……and waited.

Within twenty minutes the male bird arrived with narrowest part of the lake and carried on along his beak crammed full of invertebrates and other the well maintained and easily accessible path morsels. He announced his arrival by bobbing with its splendid views of the lake. As usual the around the nest entrance until the female bird place was teeming with Canada geese, ducks popped her head out and flew off to find more and various gulls. I was after something a little more interesting……..and it wasn’t long before I food the their young. spotted a regular visitor to the area.

This continued throughout the afternoon and into the early evening, providing me with wonderful One of my favourite birds to photograph landed shots of their to-ing and fro-ing. A truly memo- high up in the tree canopy: a pure white egret.

Being fully aware of the shy nature of these rable May Bank Holiday! birds, stealth was of maximum importance. I Next stop, Bratton Woods. A short walk down slowly raised my camera, took a deep breath ‘smelly lane’, through the last gateway, then left and released the shutter. One click was enough along the path towards Hindon Farm. It was a to startle this beautiful bird and, with a guttural blistering hot day, so having found a large oak squawk, off it flew.

As Summer draws to a close and Autumn descends upon Exmoor, bringing with it the most photogenic time of the year. It seemed like a great opportunity to share with our readers some of my memorable moments of late spring and early Summer.

T H E MINEH EAD & EXMOOR C H RONICLE

By Gary Morris

I made my way further along the path that skirts around the lake to an area that would, hopefully, provide me with an opportunity to photograph the grey heron that appears during the spring and summer months.

Lo and behold it wasn’t long before I spotted this magnificent bird perched on a branch overhanging the lake. It was scanning the lake below in search of food. Yet again I came away with plenty of decent images of this beautiful creature.

Of all the species that Exmoor is home to, the Red Deer are every photographers delight. Living as I do, in the Alcombe area, a short late afternoon stroll along Staunton Lane heading along the rear of the wooded area that some know as Callins Wood, offers me spectacular opportunities to study and photograph these magnificent animals.

It’s late August, the hinds have given birth to their calves (in mid May), easily recognisable with their contrasting and vivid white spots. I have spent many a happy hour observing newly born calves frolicking in the fields above Alcombe. July and August see the stags appearing in groups, with the antlers clothed in velvet. It seems strange that they are able to tolerate each others company, yet, come early October, the start of the breeding season (known locally as The Rut), there is fierce competition between the dominant and mature stags to fulfil the almost manic urge to mate with the hinds.

I hope to be able to share some stunning images of this special time in the next edition of the newspaper.

Meanwhile, positioned as I was on the edge of the woods, bathed in the late afternoon sunshine, a nice stag appeared, shaking his head in annoyance at the numerous flies buzzing around his head and antlers - a common occurrence for these poor creatures during the summer months.

To my surprise, out of the cover came a young pricket. The interaction between the two was amazing. I took my fill, then quietly left them in peace, arriving home filled with a deep sense of appreciation for this wonderful area I call home……

‘‘

Of all the species that Exmoor is home to, the Red Deer are every photographers delight

THE MIN EHEA D & EXMOOR CHRONICLE

FEAT U R E

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PORLOCK BAY OYSTERS BEST OYSTERS IN ENGLAND?

Racing against the incoming tide - photo by Maureen Harvey

Maintenance on the site - picture by Maureen Harvey

With an ‘A’ classification from the Food Standards Agency, the ONLY site to achieve this for our Pacific Oysters in the whole of England and Wales. And described by top local chef, Andrew Dixon of The Café Porlock Weir, as ‘the best flavoured oysters he has ever tasted’, we may well have the finest oysters in England and Wales.

We had to set up a trial to ensure that the oysters would grow, be fit for human consumption and were commercially viable. But to do this we needed money and so we started to apply for grants. The first one we obtained was from the Fishmongers Company, one of the ancient liveried companies in London, who described us as the first sustainable, community shellfish project in the country. That gave us credibility But how did Porlock Bay Oysters start? What and was followed by a generous grant from the follows is a heart-warming story of community Exmoor National Parks Authority partnership spirit and enterprise, coupled with the fascinating fund, together with another grant from Porlock process of growing oysters.

Parish Council.

Porlock is an idyllic village nestling between romantic Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. But like many villages it is struggling to survive. An hour’s journey from Taunton or Bridgewater, it is geographically remote with poor infrastructure.

These days there is little employment aside from tourism and farming. As a consequence less than a third of school leavers stay in the area compared with average for England.

So what was to be done? Back in 2012, Porlock Parish Council, set up a group of people with business experience who called themselves ‘The Porlock Futures Group’. Their remit was to, ‘Identify and deliver projects of benefit to the local community, which are in line with our heritage and environment’. Specifically we look at projects that will create jobs, help the local economy and generate profit. This profit will be used to develop more community projects.

One of the first ideas was to farm mussels. That led us to contact Tony Kenyon, who a couple of years before had produced a proposal to set up an oyster business. So with Tony joining our group, oysters and mussels became our first project.

We also had the wholehearted support from Mark Blathwayt, the owner of Porlock Manor Estates who own Porlock Weir and the foreshore.

We had metal trestles made up and installed

by Allerford Forge. Oysters were placed in open meshed plastic sacks and strapped to the trestles using rubber bands made from lorry tyre inner tubes. These were placed at the Mean Low Water Level. And then we let nature take its course. All that this method of oyster farming requires is for the sea water to cover them and then they open their shells and feed off the nutrients in the seawater – completely natural.

Unfortunately nature did take its course rather too much with the mussels in that the seagulls ate them!! So we have given up mussels for the time being.

Our trial was a spectacular success. Our oysters grew well. We obtained an A classification from the Food Standards Agency. Monthly samples of oysters are sent to the government testing station at Porton Down. Our ‘A’ classification is the best there is showing the least amount of E.coli.

The end product - photo by Maureen Harvey

We now had to set up a commercial business.

We registered as Porlock Futures C.I.C. This is a Community Interest Company which means that all profit will be for the community. Six of us are volunteer, unpaid directors.

After a year of intensive work we obtained a £75,000 grant from ‘The Power To Change Fund’. We then invited the people of Porlock Bay (about 850 households) to grant us loans for 5 or 7 years of no more than £1000 each. To date they have loaned us £107,000!!! We have to pay it all back but this gives us excellent financial security for the first years of the business.

Throughout the venture we have been overwhelmed by the interest of the press. We have been on BBC Countryfile, BBC TV Points West, radio, local and national newspapers and magazines. Indeed as I write this article we are preparing for an ITV Countrywise filming session with Ben Fogle and an article for the Weekend Telegraph Best of Britain series.

And so we have started. At last we had the money to buy our stock. We have bought over 800,000 oysters, mainly baby seed and some part grown. 80,000 of those were assorted sized part grown oysters. They came by lorry all the way from Scotland and were delivered to Minehead harbour. They weighed 3 tons. One of our local skippers David James had to use three boats. Heavily laden they struggled round the headland, past Hurlestone Point and dropped them on the exposed beach at Redsands. We had just 4 days to build 70 trestles by Allerford Forge on the beach, transfer the oysters into our mesh bags and strap them to the trestle. We did it – just. We have employed 4 part time workers.

We have built a Depuration (purification) and

packaging plant and our biggest oysters are nearly big enough to harvest. And then, 12 of our best local restaurants, hotels and retail outlets have signed up with us.

Like all good things, Porlock Bay Oysters will be worth waiting for.

Roger Hall – Porlock Bay Oysters http://www.porlockbayoysters.co.uk/

3 tonnes of seed oysters on they’re way to Porlock bay.

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A DV ERT

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