Woolacombe & mortehoe voice issue 10

FREE NOT FOR RESALE

Issue 10 June 2017

Woolacombe & Mortehoe Voice A magazine for all those who love this beautiful coastline.

GUIDE TO NORTH DEVON DINING The best places to eat out from Michelin restaurants to ice creams!

Andrew Cotton

Interview with the Big Wave Surfer t re abou o m n r a Le evon’s Nor th D eatures r C l a t s Coa Nor th with the NB O Devon A

Coastal Photography by Tony Twyman Visit the picture postcard Clovelly Village Local Author Sue Hill All the things she loves about the area 1

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CONTENTS 4 - 5

Coastal Photography

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News from North Devon AONB

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The Royal Hotel, Woolacombe

8 - 9

Clovelly

10 - 11

Looking after our coastline

12 - 13

Andrew Cotton, Surfer

14 - 16

Readers Gallery

If you have ever dreamt of taking stunning photographs of the

North Devon coast read Tony Twyman’s guide to taking the perfect photograph.

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From beach cleans to bats, we hear more about the work that is

going on in the North Devon AONB

The Royal Hotel is set to undergo a full refurbishment. Starting in January 2018 with plans to finish by Summer 2019.

The picture postcard village of Clovelly has much to offer. This

little changed village with its cobbled streets and whitewashed

cottages is certainly worth taking the time to visit.

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Looking after our beautiful coastline is essential for future

generations and the environment. With an increase in marine

litter it is important we all play our part in looking after our coastline.

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An interview with big wave surfer, Andrew Cotton.

Photographs from our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites.

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My Woolacombe, My Mortehoe

18 - 19

The People Behind the Names

Jenny Elvin shares with our readers why this area means so

much to her, as a place she grew up in and has fond memories of.

We continue our look into the names etched onto the Mortehoe War memorial with Edward Eustace Faull.

20 - 21

Ilfracombe Princess

22 - 25

North Devon Food

26 - 27

Sue Hill, Barricane Books

28 - 29

Making the most of things to do outdoors

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Join Ilfracombe’s passenger vessel to take in some of the sights and wildlife on this North Devon stretch of coastline.

From Michelin starred restaurants, local delis and cream teas, we take a look at what North Devon has to offer.

Local author, Sue Hill shares the things she loves about North Devon.

From gardens to geocaching North Devon has plenty to offer those wanting to enjoy the outdoors.

30 - 31

Miss Feas Cafe

32 - 33

Events

34 - 35

Local News

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Contact Details

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Smugglers Rest and Miss Feas Cafe of Mortehoe

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Canon 5d Camera 17mm F16 iso 100 1/40sec

Coastal Photography

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he North Devon coast has much to offer a budding photographer, whether you are a novice or a professional, the beauty of the coastline, the vast expanses of beach and headlands, offer enough subject matter to keep you busy clicking away for hours.

Fuji XT-1 Camera 18mm F8 iso 200 1/2000sec

by Tony Twyman

Tony Twyman has been concentrating on coastal photography for a year, he has had previous experience in wedding, portraits and event photography and shares his photographic experiences with Woolacombe & Mortehoe Voice: “I sell my imagery using stock libraries and it is amazing to sell pictures of the very beautiful Woolacombe beach to Mexico advert agencies and other agencies all around the world.

I also use Lee filters to help balance the bright skies against the often darker ground and beaches, I like to capture as much of the finished image in camera as possible. I also carry a sturdy tripod as some evening images (sunsets) can sometimes have a slightly longer exposure time.

The photographs “My soul always draws me shown opposite to the coast and especially include;

North Devon with the Woolacombe sunset, fabulous blue seas, dynamic Combesgate beach, coastal scenery, stunning Barricane beach beaches and sunsets that feel and Combe Martin like you have died and gone from the top of Little to heaven” Hangman.”

The equipment I use is a little Fujifilm XT-1 csc interchangeable lens camera (I do have a professional DSLR which is very heavy when carried over long distances/hills!!) but the little Fujifilm is producing professional quality images for a fraction of the weight.

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You can read more information about digital photography and taking the perfect coastal shot on our website: www.woolacombemortehoevoice.co.uk

Fuji XT-1 Camera 18mm F9 iso 200 1/400sec

Fuji XT-1 Camera 18mm F8 iso 200 1/640 sec

Fuji XT-1 Camera 18mm F9 iso 200 1/2000 sec

Fuji XT-1 Camera 18mm F10 iso 200 8 seconds (fitted a 10 stop Neutral density filter to extend the exposure)

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Seascapes and Sand

Fuji XT-1 Camera 18mm F16 iso 200 1/30sec

News from the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Coastal Creatures

Beach cleans and wildlife surveys have continued across North Devon under the AONB’s Heritage Lottery Funded project with fantastic input from our local volunteers. Year 3 students from Woolacombe School were one of four schools that attended the Bioblitz wildlife survey at Combe Martin beach in March. As well as surveying the beach, schoolchildren had to complete four learning activities on the school field and learn to use microscopes at Combe Martin Museum.

Our next Bioblitz on 22/23 September is at Lee Bay and will be held over 24 hours focussing on the beach, the sea and neighbouring habitats. Contact Cat Oliver for more information on 07768 214597 or to take part. See more @explorethecoast or on Facebook - North Devon Coast AONB

Name that Bat!

Brexit Challenges

Would you like to know what bats are in your garden, your field or on your favourite walk?

You can borrow a bat detector and help us log bats across North Devon. The Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat project has got the kit which you borrow for 4 days and record over 3 nights.

You get a copy of the findings so you know what types of bats are flying round your patch.

Full information and online booking is at http:// devonbatproject.org/devon-bat-survey/. Once booked, the detectors can be collected from Braunton Countryside Centre or Combe Martin Museum.

With the prospect of leaving the European Union, the AONB Partnership wants to understand more about the impact of potential changes to funding, legislation and regulation on the Protected Landscape. As a first step, an open meeting was held on the ‘Future of Farming in the AONB’ with local farmers and landowners.

Mixed views on what might happen demonstrates the importance of the team engaging with local farmers to better understand potential impacts on the farmed and managed landscape of the AONB. Some felt farming could become more extensive like ‘ranching’ or ‘re-wilding’ with some grazing, whilst others felt they would have to become more intensive. Farmers clearly recognise the value of open access, rights of way, recreation, heritage and locally produced food to the economy of the AONB, particularly along the coast. A key priority from the discussion is for the AONB to work more closely with farmers and the tourism sector to strengthen the economy and secure the benefits for local people and visitors of maintaining a high quality, farmed landscape.

To keep up with news and events – check out our website – www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk

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The Royal Hotel, Woolacombe The Future

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f you are reading this magazine, you more than likely agree that Woolacombe is a very special place.

You may be discovering its delights for the first time, or a seasoned pro who has seen the town evolve considerably over the years.

Preserving Woolacombe’s charm for locals and visitors alike is perhaps the most important thing for new businesses to consider as they come to the area, and as a significant hotel refurbishment is about to take place, we wanted to share some of the vision and values behind it.

With demand for seaside accommodation increasing rapidly every year, and the UK experiencing something of a staycation boom, Devon must adapt to make sure that anyone who wants to visit can do so – and have a comfortable and memorable stay.

The Royal Hotel in Woolacombe will be completely refurbished, to become the Atlantic Bay Hotel in 2019.

The Royal Hotel has been a family favourite for many years, with a reputation for friendly staff and great food, as well as some of the best views over the bay. Those traditions will live on in its new incarnation as the Atlantic Bay Hotel, with the building receiving the thorough refresh it deserves – as well as a few exciting additions.

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he hotel will get its biggest makeover since the 1960s, both outside and in, to become a stunning four-star hotel and spa. All 96 rooms will be revamped and provided with all the latest mod-cons, while the refitted swimming pool will be complemented by a new spa and fitness centre. A fantastic restaurant and a relaxing lounge and cocktail bar will be created, while redundant buildings to the rear will make way for expanded parking.

The front of the hotel will be freshly landscaped to provide patio areas with seating to make the most of the magnificent views.

The sympathetic conversion is planned to begin in January 2018, and the hotel will be up and running by the summer of 2019. Trusted local tradespeople will be contracted to complete the building work with a strict timeframe of under a year in order to minimise disruption to the area.

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he incoming operator, Giant Hospitality, prides itself on safeguarding the things regular holidaymakers love about their favourite places. The family-owned group made its name in another classic holiday hotspot – Llandudno Bay in North Wales, where it runs the traditional, family-oriented Queen’s Hotel, and the more modern Llandudno Bay Hotel.

The business model of the developer is to take hotels in wonderful locations that are due a bit of a makeover and whose owners are ready to move on, bring them back to their former glory (in-keeping with visitors’ requirements and the tastes of the local market), and deliver exceptional service at a competitive price.

The hotel itself will be majority owned by people who care about the area and intend to use the hotel.

Anyone can invest in a room, earn a healthy share of profits, and stay at Atlantic Bay for two free weeks every year (taking care of the family holiday as well as trouncing interest rates in the bank).

For more information about the refurbishment, or to invest in a room from £75,000, contact Property Frontiers www.propertyfrontiers.com, or call 01865 700 202

North Devons Picture Postcard Village

CLOVELLY

Over 150 years ago, author Charles Kingsley, captured the essence of Clovelly:

“Suddenly a hot gleam of sunlight fell on the white cottages, with their grey steaming roofs and little scraps of garden courtyard, and lighting up the wings of the gorgeous butterflies which fluttered from the woodland down to the garden.�

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Undoubtedly one of the best known and unusual villages in North Devon, Clovelly is a picture postcard village, steeped with history, beautiful scenery and a lot of cobbled streets!

There are not many villages that are quite as special as Clovelly. On arriving to the village you will leave your car, and enter the Visitor Centre before starting the descent to the harbour side. For those less able a Landrover service can take you from the top of the village to the harbour.

The village was once owned by the Queen and has remained in private ownership since, currently owned by the Rous family, which has enabled it to preserve it’s character and atmosphere. The physical nature of the village means it is car free, residents have to use sledges to transport goods, prior to this they would have used donkeys, who are now only seen in the summer months to take children on rides.

Walking around the village, you will follow the main street lined with whitewashed cottages and alleyways to explore until you reach the pretty harbour, and the New Inn Public House.

Clovelly has a rich fishing heritage and was once a bustling fishing port and today it is known for its crab and lobster. To enjoy a flavour of this, why not visit in September when the village hosts its 10th annual lobster and crab festival. Clovelly celebrates its famous lobsters and crabs sustainably caught by its fishermen with a great day out for all the family.

Admission to the village helps maintain this beautiful place. www.clovelly.co.uk

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Looking after our Coastline W

oolacombe’s award winning three mile stretch of golden sands is one of the many reasons people visit this beautiful coastline.

Like a number of British beaches Woolacombe is privately owned.

Much of the land in and around Woolacombe was once owned by the Chichester family of Arlington Court, when the last in the family line, Lady Rosalie Chichester died in 1949 much of her land was gifted to the National Trust. However the beach, along with some of the surrounding land had previously been purchased from the Chichesters by the Parkin family.

The beach is now managed by ‘Parkin Estates’ a family owned company who take a responsible and conscientious approach to its service and how the land and beach are looked after. Considerable investment is made to provide high standards whilst being sympathetic to its environment. This work is reflected in the awards that Woolacombe Beach frequently receive not to mention the thousands of people that choose to visit this glorious place each year.

Parkin Estates do a fantastic job, maintaining the beach, we can also play our part in keeping our beautiful beach clean and tidy.

Looking after our coastline is extremley important. One of the big issues that we can help reduce on a personal level is the increase in marine litter.

“Over 100,000 marine mammals and over 1 million seabirds die every year from ingestion of entanglement in marine litter.”

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So, what can we do to help? Of course we can be more aware of what plastics we are throwing away, do we really need to use as many plastic bags, can we reuse plastic bottles? We all need to be more mindful of what we are using and the impact that it has on an environment that we all love.

arine litter describes the litter that is left on our beaches or washed up on our shores. The environmental charity ‘Surfers against Sewage’ work to protect the UK’s oceans, waves and beaches for all to enjoy. The SAS have projects that target coastal environmental issues including marine litter, sewage pollution, climate change, toxic chemicals, shipping, industry and coastal development.

Marine litter is the collection of discarded objects that do not occur naturally in a marine environment.

The amount of this type of litter that can be found along the UK’s coastlines has almost doubled in the last 15 years. The majority of which comes from plastic waste which never truly breaks down and can impact our environment for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

The rise in plastic can also be very harmful to the marine food chain.

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n 2013 the #2minutebeachclean was started. The campaign encourages people to spend a couple of minutes when they are on the beach clearing some of the litter away that has been left by the tide or people using the beach. Working together we can help keep our beautiful coastline a place that future generations will love to visit, and marine wildlife can safely enjoy. The National Trust for Woolacombe conduct a series of Beach Cleans that you can join, please visit their website for more information: www.sas.org.uk www.beachclean.net www.parkinestates.co.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Andrew Cotton Surfer

www.andrewcotton.co.uk Twitter.com/andrew_cotton Facebook.com/andrewcottonsurfer

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Andrew is a Plymouth born married father of 2 who grew up on the North Devon Coast where he started surfing at the age of seven. Ever since then, catching waves and being in and around the ocean has been his life. When he left school he worked in a local surfboard factory until the age of twenty-five. He then re-trained as a plumber, but along the way began to realise that his real passion lay in big wave surfing. Initially Andrew focussed on helping to pioneer big wave sports in Ireland, and more recently he turned his attention to Nazare, Portugal. Numerous Billabong XXL entries followed and he came to wider attention in 2012 when he towed American surfer Garrett McNamara into what the Guinness Book of World Records confirmed as the biggest wave ever surfed.

Since then Andrew has a number of indisputably big waves under his belt, one or two of which have caused debate in the press as to whether they are even bigger than Garret’s record. With the national and global media coverage that followed, it might be said that he has been helping to push the boundaries as to what was thought possible and put Great Britain firmly on the surfing map. But it definitely hasn’t come easy, particularly as home in North Devon is not exactly famed for its big waves. So it’s meant making a lot of sacrifices to get to where he is today, working hard all summer in order to chase down waves all over Europe in the winter as well as spending as much time as possible with his wife Katie and their two children.

Can you remember when you first went on a board and tried surfing?

Yes. Easter holidays at Saunton Sands when I was about 7. Hired a suit and board, freezing cold, raining and windy. Loved every second!

Surfing is often considered a spiritual as well as a physical pursuit, does it feel that way to you?

Yes. I think surfers have a natural connection with the ocean and at times feel I’m physically performing my best when I connect and get in a really good flow with the ocean. So I guess that is spiritual in a way.

When you have surfed that ultimate big wave, which to many people is the ultimate achievement in surfing. What ambitions do you have beyond?

I’ve got loads of goals and ambitions as well as that ultimate wave. Obviously the biggest wave is the dream but my surfing is constantly evolving and I’m always looking to improve. My small wave surfing always needs to be worked on so maybe I’d focus on that!

Where and when was the best wave you ever rode?

I still haven’t ridden my dream wave yet, hopefully that is still to come.

What is the appeal of surfing, how would you explain what surfing means to you to someone who knew nothing about surfing?

It might sound cliche but I suppose it’s a full on lifestyle maybe even a life commitment. Everything evolves around the wind, tide and long range forecast which can make planning things really hard. But it has always been like that my whole life.

How good is the surfing in Devon?

Devon has great wave with a good variety in most conditions, on the whole it’s pretty consistent and if your keen you can probably surf most days in some form or another.

What other interests do you have apart from surfing?

What made you want to surf the ‘big wave’ what is it that appeals?

Swimming, cycling, training and hanging with the family.

It was never a conscious decision I suppose it just evolved. I truly enjoyed surfing way more the bigger it got.

Your friend Skelly is quoted as saying nothing scares you, is that true?

No that’s not true , I get scared all the time. But challenging fear is healthy and something we should do more from time to time .

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The

Readers Gallery

We love to share your photographs of Woolacombe and Mortehoe. If you would like to have your photographs included, please email to woolacombemortehoevoice@gmail.com or use #wmvphoto on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Alice Woodcock Michelle Moody

Jennie Hodgetts

Jayne Williams. Bennetts Mouth

Paul Grundy 14

Nick Snell, Bull Point Lighthouse

Michelle Garrett-Martin 15

Boss Faulkner keeping an eye on his beach!

Pat Sowa My dad and sister - family been coming to Woolacombe for 4 generations now!

www.alicemaud.co.uk twitter @alicemauddolls Facebook @alicemaud.co.uk 16

My Woolacome, My Mortehoe Jenny Elvin

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orn in Mortehoe, I moved to Arlington Place in Woolacombe in 1954.

The photograph of me holding a cuddly toy below was taken just prior to this in 1953, I was taking part in the Coronation Parade from Morte to Woolacombe.

My father, Len James, helped found the Woolacombe Life Saving club and we are pictured below with some of the life saving teams. One of these photographs includes two Australians who came to work with us for the summer. As I grew up, I lived and breathed ponies and spent much of my time at the stables in South Street, Woolacombe. The Bay Hotel also had ponies and donkeys on the beach, my grandfather, mum and dad worked them, it would be here that my parents meet.

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have so many memories of my school and teenage years. I recall pictures of my Nana and Grampy, who would tell stories of the first and second world wars. My Grampy saw service in both. They lived for two years on Lundy Island, but my Nana did not like it. My Grampy was Burt Baker he built Corium, Rosemary and the little bungalow at the top of Sandy Lane.

rade tion Pa Corona

Enjoying Woolacombe Beach

South Stre et, Woolco mb

e

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The People Behind The Name Eustace Edward Faull

ustace Edward Faull was born in Glamorgan, Wales his was the son of Joseph and Eleanor Faull.

Eustace’s father Joseph would die when Eustace was just six years old, he would then go on to lose a brother and two sisters before he turned twenty six.

In 1904 in Barnstaple, Eustace would marry Lois Eunice Pugsley from Mortehoe. Eustace’s wife Lois and her family lived at Landscape House, Mortehoe, the family worked at the train station which at the time was a short walk away. Lois’s parents Richard and Grace lived at Netthercott before moving to Georgeham and then to Mortehoe.

Eustace left for Queensland on the 23rd January 1913 with his brother in law John Pugsley. They sailed to Sydney, Australia on-board the P&O’s Ballarat ship. The Ballarat was a steamer that left Tilbury with 1137 passengers onboard it would arrive at Sydney’s Miller’s Point at 8 o’clock on the 15th March 1913.

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he voyage was marked by some trying incidents. At the outset the vessel had to contend with severe head winds as far as Las Palmas, where it stopped on January 29 for provisions. Following this enroute to the Cape, an epidemic of measles broke out amongst the children on board causing chaos and distress.

After leaving Capetown, where 1400 tons of coal, malts, and passengers were taken on board, still further trouble occurred. At dawn on February 27, a steward named W. F. Sankowski, 19, a GermanAustralian, jumped overboard.

Dear

Madam Despite this when arriving in Australia, Captain Hanson spoke We very much regret to inform you of evidence well of the class of passengers he regarding your husband – No. 357 Pte. E. E. Fa ull given by Lieut. Healy of had brought out, stating they were the same unit, to whose bro ther he was batman. mostly of the agricultural, artisan and domestic classes.

Lieut , Healy states that Pte. Faull was killed with his brother at Flers on No vember 14th 1916 and he has seen his grave on the field. He describes you r husband who was a sig nwriter as 5’9” in heigh t, about 40 years of age wi th a slight grey moustach e.

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ustace would sign up for war service in Brisbane, his records describe him at the time of enlistment as being occupied as a painter. He was 35 years, 11 months old, with blue eyes and having a fair complexion.

Eustace saw active service in many countries. During his time at war his records show that he was given punishment for being “absent without leave for 2 days” in 1915.

Later that same year he was admitted to St David’s Hospital in Malta where he was suffering with dysentry, he survived and was later moved to a home for convalescence.

We are also informed tha t your husband is buried 1 mile East of Le Sars an d 2.5 miles south west of Bapanme and we are applying to the graves registration bureau for a photograph of his grave which will be sent to you as soon as circumstance s allow, although it may be some time before the application can be noted .

Should we obtain furthe r information about him we shall gladly advise you and trust that it will be some consolation to you to know that his grave is registered.

Assuring you of our sincer

The Australian Red Cross Society records document that Private 357 Eustace Edward Faull was part of the 25th Battalion, he was declared Killed in Action on the 14th November 1916 after previously being reported Wounded and Missing.

Lois wrote many letters enquiring about her husbands where abouts, aware that he was missing she would receive the news of his death in 1917.

Some of these letters are shown opposite.

e sympathy in your lose.

January 26 1917

I am asking if yo u will kindly enqu ire as to my husband Pt e Eustace E Fau ll 357 who was wound ed on the 14th N ovember 1918.

I was informed fr om headquarters that he was wounded in France by no ot her particulars. I am most anxious as I think its quite time I he ard something an d should be so grat eful if you will lo ok into this for me.

Yours faithfully Wife of E. E Fau

ll

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Ilfracombe Princess Cruises

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Enjoy the spectacular North Devon coastline onboard one of the Ilfracombe Princess Wildlife Cruises with cruises starting from Easter and running through to October there is plenty of opportunity to head off on either the Seal or Exmoor Cruise that they offer.

The one and a half hour seal cruise sets sail from Ilfracombe heading past Lee Bay, Bull Point Lighthouse and then passes into Woolacombe Bay. This trip regularly has sightings of seals and porpoises as well as offering a different view point across to Baggy Point, Croyde and Lundy Island.

On the Seal Cruise you maybe lucky enough to see the local porpoise. Porpoise have been enjoying the waters around the coastline for many years. The Government has approved plans to make the stretch from Cornwall to Wales as a Special Area of Conservation. The local SAC includes Hartland and the entire area around Lundy Island.

The area was identified following 18 years of analysis and data found on the harbour porpoise distribution.

For those who love bird watching, the Exmoor Cruise is for you. Lasting an hour and a half, the trip passes Hele Bay, Watermouth Harbour and Castle as well as Sherracombe Waterfall. Make sure you take some binoculars!

The Exmoor Bird Cruise goes as close as possible to the bays and isolated beaches so you can see the wonderful wildlife as close as it is safe to do so.

The Ilfracombe Princess is a large, comfortable passenger vessel, which has three viewing decks including an upper deck and undercover shelter. The boat is licensed for up to 100 people. It can also be booked for private hire or charter.

If you would like further information about the cruises and how you can book a trip, please visit their website: www.ilfracombeprincess.co.uk or call 01271 879727 / 07837 569667

the coast from a different perspective 21

d o o F s u o i r o l Food! G e a comprehensive guide to the area get we hav

ud Whatever your b

with friends and enjoy all it has to offer.

Located on the Esplanade, The Boardwalk offers a perfect view of Woolacombe’s golden sands, this family run business serves a variety of food including their Thai Curry evenings and traditional Sunday roasts.

Jacks Eatery is a hidden gem tucked away in the garden of Captain Jacks in Woolacombe. Good quality food and cakes using locally sourced and organic ingredients where possible.

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orth Devon has a lot to offer the food and drink scene from Michelin starred and fine dining restaurants, to Delis and farmers markets and we really can’t forget the traditional and wonderful Devon Cream tea’s, Fish & Chips and good old fashioned ice cream, North Devon certainly has it all in abundance.

North Devon and the surrounding Exmoor produce some of the finest ingredients, from Exmoor’s beef, to local lobsters, fresh fruit and vegetables to the locally made farm fresh clotted cream.

If you are in Mortehoe, The Chichester Arms, has been serving guests since 1820. The traditional, friendly and cosy pub serves home cooked food, along with a good selection of ales.

It also offers a traditional Sunday lunch.

Alternatively, The Ship Aground is a welcoming family pub set in the heart of the village.

Serving a large range of draught beers, ciders, real ales and wines they also serve food to suit every taste and a large selection of blackboard specials which include local fish specialities.

Further afield in Georgeham, The Kings Arms is a firm favourite locally. Re-opened and revived from imminent extinction in 2010, they are all about quality of food, drinks and most importantly hospitality.

If you are looking for Family friendly dining there are plenty of places to visit.

The iconic Red Barn (pictured above) is known by many who visit Woolacombe, this family friendly pub is perfect for enjoying a meal after a day on the beach or a drink with friends whilst watching the sunset over Lundy Island in the distance. At weekends they frequently host local bands, making it a great place to catch up 22

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f you want to sit back and relax in one of the many local cafes in the area, Miss Fea’s in Mortehoe, previously the Smugglers Rest is a perfect place to enjoy delcious snacks and scrumptious homemade cakes, you can either enjoy them in the newly renovated cafe or their sheltered garden area.

The Beachcomber Cafe (pictured below) on the Esplanade in Woolacombe has unreilved views over the golden sands, open 7 days a week serving main meals, snacks, cakes and cream teas it really is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view!

The Town Farmhouse, dating back to the 1820s, serves cream teas and light meals in their gardens overlooking the church, right in the heart of the village. (pictured opposite)

Sea Breeze in Woolacombe offer the finest selection of scooped and soft ice creams as well as serving cakes, sweet treats, Cream Tea’s and a wonderful selection of hot snacks including Jacket Potatoes and Panini’s.

Both The Ship Aground and Chichester Arms offer a traditional Devon Cream Tea, along with Crescent Foods all in the heart of Mortehoe.

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When In Devon .... you have to enjoy a real Devon Cream Tea! With so many fantastic places to choose from you really will be spoilt for choice. Dockton Mill Gardens are a family run business, the award winning tea rooms supply freshly made cakes and and cream teas in a beautiful setting.

The Bay Brasserie at The Woolacombe Bay Hotel is the perfect place to stop for a classic Devon Cream Tea. Enjoy a fairtrade brew, handmade cakes, scones and clotted cream.

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ou can’t go to the seaside without enjoying fish and chips or a scrumptious ice cream and North Devon has both in abundance.

Since 1969, Squires Fish and Chip restaurant in the heart of Braunton has been serving customers this tasty British Classic. Considered by many to be the No 1 premier fish restaurant in North Devon Squires have received many accolades, awards and reviews not to mention the odd visit from our own Prime Minister, Rick Stein and Damien Hirst.

The Pelican, Barnstaple have been serving up delicious fish and chips for years, and in recent years have added some other excellent seafood dishes.

All the food served is sourced from local farmers and fishmongers, so eating here will truly give you a taste of Devon!

For those who love an ice cream cone whilst strolling along the beach, there is nothing more iconic that the Hockings Ice Cream van. There is something extra special about North Devon’s Hocking’s ice cream. Established by a local family in 1936 and still using the same recipe today, the award winning dairy ice cream is famous amongst locals and miles are travelled by visitors for he delicious and creamy treat which is only sold in North Devon.

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Whilst The Watersmeet Hotel offer Devon Cream Teas, served in the gardens overlooking the stunning Combesgate Beach, a perfect view on a nice warm summer afternoon.

The Sandleigh Tea Gardens are located in Croyde, offering beautiful cakes, lunches and Devon Cream Teas. The tea room is set in lovely gardens that have been divided into allotments.

The Hele Corn Mill is an award winning tea room set in a 16th century watermill serving both a traditional and a savoury cream tea.

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Gold award winning chef, Noel Corston (opposite) brings something new, to Woolacombe with his NC@EX34 restaurant recommend in the 2017 Michelin guide.

Nestled in South Street the restaurant offers diners a relaxed, and with only 16 covers, an intimate setting.

For those who wish to get even closer to the culinary experience you are able to reserve a seat at the chefs counter, where Noel guides you through the courses as he prepares them.

Fine dining is coming to North Devon, the last few years have seen an increase in some amazing restaurants and local chefs.

Ilfracombe has plenty of excellent restaurants and is becoming known as they place to dine. In 2016 Thomas Carr of the Olive Rooms, was proud to receive a Michelin Star. (pictured opposite) “A simple, homely restaurant beneath a B&B, run by an experienced local chef who trained under Nathan Outlaw.

Ultra-fresh seafood is the focus, with dishes only confirmed once the day boat deliveries come in.

Cooking is skilled”

Further afield, The Coach House by Michael Caines, at Kentisbury Grange (pictured below), is a culinary experience that will change the way you think about restaurant dining. A masterpiece of contemporary rustic design and innovative yet classic cuisine, the celebrated restaurant was awarded two AA Rosettes in 2016 and Gold for Restaurant of the Year in the South West Tourism Awards 2016 for the second year running.

With everything carefully sourced, and where possible, locally, Noel creates each dish on the menu with attention to detail and using a variety of methods to bring out the flavours of some of the simplest of ingredients.

MICHELIN guide inspectors

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If you want to enjoy an informal dining experience served with a cocktail or two, you should head to Habit, Ilfracombe. A great place to unwind, the restaurant offers a great range of food, either from the sea or from the land, the food is local and can be perfectly paired up with a glass wine, pint of beer or a special house cocktail.

In Barnstaple, you can try 62 The Bank, located at the end of Barnstaple’s High Street this amazing building, with Tudor ceiling and oak panelled walls, is always buzzing.

They offer something for everyone from a delicious meal, or some fantastic

Perhaps you prefer to make you own dinners, picnics or just pick up a scrumptious locally sourced ingredient?

John’s of Instow are a passionate deli focusing on local, quality food which is served in their delicatessens in Appledore and Instow. You can either enjoy a light lunch in their cafe or take away something from their deli counter to make your own culinery wonder. Crescent Foods in Mortehoe are a delicatessen, cafe and off license, selling local pasties, cheeses and ice creams as well as serving home made cream teas.

Lower Campscott Farm (opposite) in Lee Bay sell home made produce, they also have a small onsite farm shop selling own farm reared pedigree beef, pork, eggs and more.

The Real Food Market in Barnstaple has become a popular attraction hosted within the Barnstaple Pannier Market every second Sunday of the month, with more than 30 stalls and street food vendors it is a great place to buy local produce.

For something a little different Barricane Beaches Cafe (below opposite) is a perfect place in the evening to enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan curry!

During the day the cafe serves light lunches, cakes and refreshments. However by evening why not bring a bottle of wine and sit and watch the sunset!

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The cafe serve rice and curry on a plate of rice with poppadoms and sambol. It really is a stunning place to sit and watch the sunset on this unique little beach with a lovely meal.

If you are looking for some lovely home cooked food.

Rockleigh Take Away in Mortehoe offer a wonderful menu of home cooked classics, the perfect option for those camping locally, or not wanting to cook themselves.

My personal favourite is the scrumptious Sticky fudge pudding served with clotted cream- heavenly�!

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Sue Hill Barricane Books

What living in Devon means to Sue

S

ue Hill and her family came to live in North Devon nearly 29 years ago, having known Mortehoe and Woolacombe from childhood holidays. A love of old local books and postcards, and seashells from Barricane Beach, led her to set up a little publishing enterprise, Barricane Books, four years ago, starting with ‘Woolacombe and Mortehoe in Old Postcards’.

Sue has shared with Woolacombe & Mortehoe Voice some of the things that she loves about this beautiful area: Concorde memories. When we first moved down to Devon in 1988 Concorde was still flying, and at about 17:40 each evening we would see it coming in, like a thrown javelin soaring up behind Lundy and then coming straight overhead, and then you heard the sonic boom! If you heard the boom first then you’d know you’d missed it flying over!

Combesgate. At low tide huge expanses of firm sand, wonderful rockpools, with the grace of the Watersmeet Hotel above it.

Mortehoe drive to Woolacombe.

Coming into Woolacombe from Mortehoe from the top of the hill, if it’s hot and sunny the sea is dancing with light, sparkling and glinting. On the same kind of days coming down Beach Road into the village, with the shining sea in front of you.

I love seeing a hare, there is a particular stretch of narrow road between Bye Cross Pool and No Man’s Land where they are abound.

Watching Roly’s Fudge being made, being poured out onto the marble slab in the little shop in Barnstaple Pannier Market.

Baggy Point on a sunny morning when you can see the features of cliff face all along its length.

Barricane. A love of Barricane and its shells, wonderful in Winter to be down there alone! Unusual finds on Barricane - a tiny green sea urchin, a bonnet limpet and a tropical goldeneye cowrie.

Henry Williamson. His nature writing like ‘The Lone Swallows’, if you can find a copy, his spirit is in all the lanes around Georgeham where I live.

I love going down to Lee, seeing so much wild scarlet fuchsia, and lots of other wild flowers.

The linhays, on Velator marshes, lots of different styles, lovely little buildings.

Coming down Challacombe Hill into Woolacombe: Morte Point in front, and at some points on the hill only seeing natural things, how it has been for centuries, since the beginning of 27

I love coming home from Braunton along the coast road and seeing the sea, the view along the road past the Saunton Sands Hotel, where people stop to drink in the view; and then a little further on, to round Down End and have Croyde Bay in view; I love the gorse covered headlands and hills from here to Morte Point and past onto Bull Point and beyond.

Wildflowers, particularly primroses, wood sorrel, white stichwort and violets, and later on, toadflax, miniature snapdragons! Pale yellow, apricot and white.

Hockings Ice Cream!

When we came down to Devon in my childhood we loved the red soil, the wisps of sheep’s wool caught on barbed wire fencing, the tiny green plant like pondweed that was called ‘Mind Your Own Business’. The first thing we would buy at Mortehoe Post Office would be a sixpenny box of Tuckers fudge.

“We.....are ...... in..............DEVON!” Sue is currently working on four seasonal magazines, Spring Tales, Summer Tales, Autumn Tales and Winter Tales.

They are a mix of extracts from some lovely old books about the ‘top corner of North Devon’, plus some of Sue’s local crossword puzzles and some lovely photographs - a mix of seashore and nature shots with a bit of local history too.

The magazines cost just £2.50 each and are available from the usual stockists in the two villages or email suehill@barricane.books.co.uk

Making the most of the outdoors in North Devon Gorgeous Gardens North Devon has some of the prettiest gardens in the area to visit.

Marwood Hill Gardens, 4 miles from Barnstaple is a magical and very special 20 acre private garden with three lakes. The RHS Rosemoor Gardens are nestled within encircling woodlands, it’s a garden whose varied character reflects the history of the site If you want to try something a little different, head along to Broomhill Sculpture Gardens, surrounded by hundreds of acres of woodland, this garden has one of the largest permanent collections of contemporary sculptures in the South West of England.

Enjoy the surf North Devon has surfing in abundance from Woolacombe to Croyde Bay. For the inexperienced surfer why not learn to surf with one of the many local surf schools? Many offer surf lessons and courses for complete beginners, supplying all the equipement you should need to get up and surfing. North Devon provides many surfing hotspots.

Rock Pooling One of the best ways to discover more about the stunning North Devon coastline and the wildlife is to go rockpooling. Both plants and animals that live in this habitat can be interesting and fun to find. Due to it’s location along the Atlantic Coast, Woolacombe and the surrounding areas are fully exposed to the weather following storms an abundance of marine life is bought to the coves, and shores of this area. Barricane, Combesgate and further afield at Lee Bay all benefit from this, and as a result are home to many wonderful rockpools.

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Cycling If you enjoy cycling then try the 32 mile stretch of the Tarka Trail, it takes you through beautiful towns, villages and coastal paths. The Tarka Trail website details different routes for all levels of experience from days out with the family to more challenging cycle routes.With many places to hire a bicycle you really can make the most of the stunning scenery and all that North Devon has to offer. Exmoor has a network of bridleways and lanes that offer perfect tracks for cyclists, routes are coded by colour for easy routes through to very challenging.

Beaches and Burrows The North Devon coast has many picturesque beaches and coves. Broadsands near Watermouth Valley is accessed by 200 steps is virtually undiscovered whilst Woody Bay on the road to Lynton is well worth a visit, however it is advised to check the tide times before heading there as much of the beach disappears at high tide! Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton give visitors the best of the beautiful long stretches of golden sands, of course we can’t forget the unique Barricane Beach, better known as the shell beach with its abundance of pretty shells from the Carribean.

National Trust Walks North Devon has some magnificent walks, either enjoying a coastal path or enjoying routes such as the Tarka Trail. The two mile walk to Morte Point from Mortehoe gives great views towards Woolacombe Beach anad Baggy Point. For an easy access walk, try the walk from Croyde to Baggy Point, perfect for spotting local wildlife along this short walk or perhaps for those wanting more of a challenge why not walk some of the South West Coast Path or 32 mile Tarka Trail. We have a selection of guided walks available in the Woolacombe & Mortehoe Voice magazine. Please visit woolacombemortehoevoice.co.uk for more information.

Geocaching Geocaching is a real world high tech treasure hunting game that uses GPS to navigate set cordinates By following the coordinates you will atempt to find the geocache (a container) hidden at a specific location. It is a great way to see an area, whilst addding a bit of fun that the whole family can enjoy. Be warned, however, it can become quite addictive!

Mortehoe has a number of caches hidden. One of theses being a ‘multi cache’, meaning one location gives a clue to the next, with the final point being where the cache can be found along Morte Point.

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THE SMUGGLERS REST & MISS FEA’S CAF

On a recent trip to Mortehoe I had a chance to pop in to the Smugglers Rest and speak to the new owners a Have you always wanted to run a bed and breakfast?

Stacey has worked on the superyachts for years so her experience makes her well suited to the role, where as I was a marine biologist so I’ve been doing a bit more learning on the job/ making it up as I go along! But yes, it was Stacey’s idea to start a BnB and I just jumped at the chance, I’ve always known I’d like to work for myself. We both love working with people and providing good service so it seemed like a good idea.

Do you enjoy it?

Yeah! We both love it. It is a lot of work especially with the refit but its a lot of fun we’ve met so many awesome people already.

How did you end up buying the Smugglers Rest?

Stacey and I have always loved being by the sea, I’ve been coming to North Devon on holiday since I was a child.

When we found The Smugglers Rest online I knew we had to see it. I hadn’t been to Mortehoe before and immediately loved the place. The building needed a bit of attention but it was just what we were looking for, I don’t think either of us knew how much effort it would take but we’re getting there now.

What does The Smugglers Rest now offer as a BnB? We have just finished our winter refurbishment so we now have 8 refurbished ensuite guest bedrooms all with their own style. Two of our rooms have been completely renovated and offer a more luxury stay with all the others offering clean stylish comfortable accommodation.

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So have you finished the refurbishment now?

We’ve completed the cafe and guest rooms for now, there will always be little things to do but for now we are happy with the rooms.

FE, MORTEHOE

about what they’re up to?

Did you always intend to create Miss Feas?

The short answer is no! But once we decided to buy The Smugglers Rest we knew it would make a great cafe and we were in love with Olfactory coffee roasters in Falmouth so we decided to create a coffee shop using their coffee. Then we decided to specialise in high quality home made cakes and this year we’ve started a new savoury menu.

Is everything home made?

We get asked that question a lot (smiles) yeah we make everything onsite. We have a great local baker called Lee who started almost as soon as we opened. Lee has been invaluable as part of the team with Lee and Stacey both pushing each other to make ever more awesome treats!

Do you open in the evenings?

We’ve just started! We did a few evenings last year, a pizza night and gin tasting. This year we would like to open more regularly. Maybe twice a week through the summer.

Whats on offer in the evening We wanted to keep it simple, try and offer something different in the village. So we do a selection of cheese and meat boards with homemade focaccia bread. We also love gin, so we have over forty bottles of gin as well as wine and local beer.

Where do you see your businesses going?

We’re only just finding our feet at the moment but I think we’ll focus on our passions such as great personable service, quality food, and gin! Lets not forget about the gin.

The Smugglers Rest and Miss Fea’s Cafe, North Morte Road, Mortehoe, Devon, EX34 7DR 01271 870891

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Whats On

10-18 June

Grand Victorian & Steampunk Festival Many townspeople don Victorian costume for the week, while a full programme of activities is hosted from parades to concerts and shows.

Whether you live locally or are visiting beautiful North Devon, you are invited to join in our Ilfracombe Victorian Celebration. You are welcome to dress as a Victorian.

18 June Fathers Day

Visit the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway at Woody bay for a fathers day treat.

Just for Dad - come and try your hand at driving a diesel loco for FREE. PLEASE NOTE: train times are as normal www.lynton-rail.co.uk

www.ilfracombevictoriancelebration.co.uk

16-18 June Oceanfest

11 June

Woolacombe 10K Beach Run

The race starts at 11am. Check-in opens at 9.30am (please arrive early if you need to register). The run is over mixed terrain; firm sand, tarmac and sandy paths. All money raised from this event will be donated to local charities supported by our Rotary club. www.woolacombebeachrun.co.uk

If you have an event you would like to list on our calendar and in our magazine, please get in touch: woolacombemortehoevoice@gmail.com

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If you could bottle a beachside festival and pour it out each year against the backdrop of a sun drenched Atlantic, then the multi award winning GoldCoast Oceanfest might be just the brew to choose.

It’s big enough to create a great party atmosphere, yet small enough to not be overwhelming.

Oceanfest blends a potentially intoxicating, eclectic and laid-back mix of quality music, exhilarating surf and action packed sports. www.goldcoastoceanfest.co.uk

25 June

2August

North Devon AONB Marathon The North Devon AONB Marathon and Half Marathon has quickly established itself as one of the most challenging and visually stunning events in the UK. The coastal route is tough, taking you through the breath-taking North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The marathon starts in Woolacombe, more information can be found on the marathon website. www.northdevonhospice.org.uk

North Devon Show

16 July Clovelly Maritime

The day will be full of fun and packed with a programme of all sorts of activities and entertainment for all ages.

This year there will be a second Clovelly Cup Race with the North Devon Yacht Club! Throughout the day there will be music, street entertainment, activities and games for the whole family. It is definitely a day to remember! www.clovelly.co.uk

Each day of the weekend has a major event and there will also be other themed events taking place around the town. www.visitilfracombe.co.uk

www.northdevonshow.com

28August Mini Madness

Mini cars, all different, create an amazing spectacle at the end of the Annual Grand Tour.

8All Things - 9 Morris July This is the fifth annual Ilfracombe All Things Morris event and there will be plenty of Morris Activity to see and do over the weekend.

The annual event is a celebration of North Devon’s agricultural roots.

A host of livestock classes occupy the arenas throughout the day with Alpacas, Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Show Jumping and Open Dog Show.

Attractions, displays, demonstrations and trade stands for all.

29 July

South West Birdman The South West Birdman Competition sees crazy aviators hurl themselves off Ilfracombe Pier into the icy waters below - all hoping to “fly” the furthest.

Organised by Ilfracombe Round Table, the day raises money for local worthy causes. The South West Birdman Competition will also play host to a day long music festival, food stalls, an ale and cider festival, artisan market and children’s entertainment. www.visitilfracombe.co.uk 33

The Grand Tour brings the locals out in their thousands into the streets to watch the Minis go by. It takes about 15/20 minutes for all the Minis to clear an area, one after the other.

The event takes in some fantastic countryside and has some breathtaking stopping points. The final resting place is Ilfracombe and what a sight to behold, not to be missed. www.visitilfracombe.co.uk

Local news

We are pleased to announce the launch of our sister twitter account @WMVhour.

Join us, every Sunday 20:00-21:00 to share everything Woolacombe and Mortehoe related. If you are a local business wanting to promote your latest offer or service then this is the place to be!

Equally if you want to share your favourite photographs of the area, holiday memories, or just engage with other people who love this area then please do join us. All you need to do is use #WMVHour during this time, and we will do the rest!

Mortehoe Scarecrow Festival Returns The popular Scarecrow Festival will be making a return to Mortehoe this year. The festival will be held on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th August. The theme will be Roald Dahl book titles and characters. If you want any further information please contact the Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre.

The Scarecrow Festival is great fun, the local residents and businesses create scarecrows to be put on display throughout the village. www.woolacombetourism.co.uk

Barnstaple Museum have an appeal for ÂŁ1.88 million to build a new wing for the Museum. They are 95% there!! The Long Bridge Wing will provide a high quality exhibition space, an archaeology store, upgraded marine gallery and visitor facilities. On Tuesday 2nd May they launced their appeal to fill the last 5% needed to get this building off the ground.

If you would like to donate please visit their crowdfunder website: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/barnstaple-museum-long-bridge-wing 34

Can you help find more information about The Rockham Bay Hotel and Rosemary Laing?

My grandmother named Rosemary Laing, worked at Rockham Bay Hotel as an Assistant Housemaid for the summer season of 1968, leaving in September before returning to Swindon, Wiltshire to marry Jeffrey Warner. She remembers the hotel being situated on a hill in Mortehoe and the manageress at the time was a lady called Rena Charlesworth. This photograph of my grandmother is in her hotel uniform, sadly I have been unable to find any photos or indeed information on what became of the hotel, If any of your readers could be of any assistance in terms of providing information/ or memories of the hotel that would be so so appreciated as my grandmother looks back on this time very fondly.

Please contact: katey.cook@hotmail.com

STRANDED SAILORS Small blue jelly fish that go by the name of “By The Wind Sailors” were discovered on the tideline at Woolacombe in March. By the Wind Sailors have a single sail which carries them across the sea, with tentacles which dangle in the sea water for plankton.

OWN A SLICE OF NORTH DEVON

North Devon Hospice launch new Monopoly edition North Devon Hospice has produced the game with all proceeds going back into the charity. This limited edition monopoly board allows you to buy some of your favourite North Devon landmarks from Woolacombe Beach, Lundy Island to Ilfracombe’s Verity.

You can also purchase North Devon Monopoly online at www.northdevonmonopoly.co.uk

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Sadly as they are unable to survive out of water these pretty creatures had died

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