The East Devon Guide Blognews

What's new on the East Devon Guide?

2006-06-14T12:26:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I posted but I've been busy building my site. There are loads of new pages that have been added.

For example

If you're looking for a fabulous bed and breakfast then why not try Barley Close Farm near Axminster? It's the perfect country retread. While you're there then you have a trip to
Seaton which is a gateway town for the Jurassic Coast and a quiet little seaside town with more than a mile of beach to enjoy.

If you prefer plants to promenades the have a look at the Nursery of Miniatures which is the latest addition to our Garden Centre directory. The Nursery of Miniatures is a small plant nursery, even by East Devon standards, situated just outside Honiton growing Bonsai trees and is a fascinating place to visit.

Honiton is only about 5 miles from Ottery St Mary and it's well worthwhile to visit the church and be sure to go inside to see the amazing Medieval astronomical clock

By the time that you've done that you are sure to be hungry, so walk down the hill from the church to Seasons Traditional Tearoom - you can browse the menu here.

The next day you can enjoy a low-cost and interesting day out at the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary

While you're visiting you may also like to try letterboxing an outdoor pursuit that was invented in Devon.

If you like cats then you'll enjoy reading about the
Devon Rex a breed that originated from near Buckfastleigh. And don't forget to read about the
Beasts of Devon in this entertaining article.

If you're thinking about a visit the no visit to Devon in August would be complete without going to the
Sidmouth Folkweek which will be held from 4th - 11th August 2006 so we've given you a quick preview of the events for this year's festival.

If you like to be beside the seaside then you and your children will enjoy a visit to Exmouth where there is 2 miles of wide sandy beaches to enjoy the summer sunshine on.

Last but not least, we've added a Devon News page with details about local events and news, which we update two or three times a week.

I'll be in touch soon,

Lesley in Devon

Spring is coming

2006-03-22T13:56:00.000Z

It's very cold and blustery in Devon at the moment, there's a very brisk north east wind blowing.

It hasn't stopped the signs of spring though. It was officially the first day of spring yesterday and there are plenty of snowdrops still to be seen in the lanes at the moment. There are plenty of primroses just coming out too and today I've seen some magnificent early rhododendrons.

One of the best places to see rhododendrons is in the American Garden at Bicton Gardens

Bicton is always worth a visit, whatever time of year it is but the spring is especially beautiful.

Why not see for yourself this weekend?

I look forward to seeing you,

Lesley in Devon

Seaton by the sea

2006-03-12T14:24:00.000Z

I've been pretty busy at work lately, so haven't had much time to write pages for the website.

However, the other day I had to go to Seaton for a meeting with some of my colleagues and whilst I was there I had some time to wander around.

Seaton is a lovely little town at the mouth of the River Axe. The Axe estuary is a wonderful place for bird watching at this time of year. It attracts lots of wading birds to the mud of the estuary.

I've just put up a page about Seaton and whilst I was at it I've just come across a wonderful bed and breakfast that would be really convenient if you want to visit Seaton. It's called Barley Close Farm and it's near Hawkchurch, a village just outside of Axminster.

The countryside here, as in the whole of East Devon, is stunning and it's worth coming just to enjoy the peace and quiet.

I do hope you'll be able to come here soon,

More soon

Lesley in Devon

More new pages on the East Devon Guide

2006-01-15T20:05:00.000Z

Hello again from Devon

It's been a while since I last posted but that's because I've been busy adding new pages.

The very latest are about the East Devon towns where you can get an overview of the eight very individual towns in the East Devon area.

One that you will have undoubtedly heard of is Axminster principally because of it's history of carpet making. Even if you don't know where Axminster is, I'm sure you've heard of an Axminster carpet.

The most central of the towns is Ottery St Mary famous for being the birthplace of the poet and philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge and where you will find a parish church that was modelled on Exeter Cathedral.

There is just so much to see and enjoy here, even in the winter.

There are also new pages about a couple of great places to eat out in Honiton

One, The Red Cow is right in the High Street and the other The Heathfield Inn is on the outskirts. Both represent good value for money and serve excellent food.

With the whole spring and summer to look forward to there's no time like the present to book a visit to East Devon.

Watch this space for a review of some local bed and breakfast properties that you can use as a base to explore the area.

That's all for now,

See you soon,
Lesley in Devon

Special offer extended

2005-12-26T21:36:00.000Z

The special web business building offer that I mentioned the other day has been so popular that it's been extended for another week!

So, until January 3rd Buy one get one FREE and build your own web business.

Generate another income to pay for all the things that you can't afford now and give you freedom to choose when and where you want to work.

Best wishes,

Lesley in Devon

Last minute travel for winter sunshine

2005-12-23T19:23:00.000Z

Hello again

It's been a hectic few days at work to get everything ready for the Christmas break. I work for Social Services, so we have to make sure that people in need are taken care of while the office is closed.

My two daughters are going away for a week in the winter sunshine to make the most of the time that their workplace is closed.

Have a look at the suggestions on my Last Minute Travel page where a last minute travel expert offers you advice on finding the best deals.

With best wishes for an enjoyable winter break,

Lesley in Devon

PS. Don't forget the special web business building offer that's on until the stroke of midnight 25th December click here for full details

Tropical Beach - Sunset

Buy this Poster at AllPosters.com

Why I made my website

2005-12-17T21:36:00.000Z

If you've been reading this blog for a while you will know that I have my own website The East Devon Guide which I've been working on since February of this year.

I first got into website building through my work. The company I worked for used a website to give their customers easy access to the results they needed. It was my job to put the latest information onto the website.

This was a process that I found so fascinating that I did some research about making a website.

I'm not a very technical sort of person, so when I came across a company called SBI that offered to help me make my own website about a subject that I love without having to worry about all the technical bits I was very interested.

Although I do go out to work, I wanted to have the freedom of working for myself. As a parent I needed to be available for my children. My website will eventually give me the means to suit myself when I choose to work. It's not a "Get Rich Quick" scheme, it does require work BUT it does get results

Not only that they gave me two fantastic, informative books one about websites, one about selling on eBay and a really nifty little search tool absolutely FREE

Even if you're not interested in having a website, I can thoroughly recommend the resources that you will find on the pages that I've listed above.

Whether you have a hobby that you'd like to share or are desparate to be a stay at home mum. A husband tired of working for someone else or a teenager looking for extra pocket money. A business person with a shop you want to promote on the net or a retired person looking to supplement your income then SBI can help you to do it. Find out how you can be a "Work at home Mum too.

They have a great offer running at the moment.

They have an amazing support team too. People who really know what they are talking about and will stick with you to help you do what you need to. Nothing is too much trouble.

If you don't believe me then ask them a question about any aspect of Site Build It! Within a very short time you will get a reply from a real person, not just an autoresponder. If you want you can talk to them, at their expense, for as long as you wish. They will answer any and all of your questions.

Believe me, I am not an internet marketer, but I am very happy with the results that I get with my East Devon Guide and the enjoyment that it gives me.

Take advantage of the special offer and get a free site. You need to hurry though, the offer ends on Christmas Day!

Best wishes,

Lesley in Devon

Exeter Museum

2005-12-12T20:40:00.000Z

There are some fantastic special exhibitions on at Exeter Museum at the moment.

Check out my Exeter Museum page for more details.

Lesley in Devon

Honiton, lace making and the museum

2005-11-27T20:35:00.000Z

For the last few days it's been snowing and freezing cold down here in Devon.

What better way to get in out of the cold than to think about all the things there are to enjoy when the weather gets a little warmer.

Honiton is one of the main towns in East Devon. It's been a market town for a long, long time and has an interesting history.

Historically the most important industry has been lace making so I've been researching the history of this beautiful craft.

Between Easter and the end of October you can see an enormous display of Honiton lace at the Allhallows Museum as well as learning more about the history of the town.

Even more ancient than the hippopotamus and elephant bones that were discovered when the foundations for the Honiton by-pass were being excavated in the 1960s are the fossils that abound just along the coast near Charmouth. Read the mini-guide and then learn about fossil collecting in two new articles written by a fossil expert.

That's if for now,

Lesley in Devon

Can a cream tea be healthy eating?

2005-11-16T10:15:00.000Z

When you think about clotted cream healthy eating isn't exactly the thing that springs to mind.

On the other hand, if you're trying to eat a healthy and balanced diet it is possible to include a cream tea now and again. Read how a friend of mine managed to enjoy no less than on the 8 cream teas in a week new page that I've just added to the East Devon Guide

Now that winter's coming on you might not think that it's really the weather to sit outside and eat a cream tea.

However, because the weather's not so good people are beginning to look through their photos that they took during the summer. Why not send us your pictures and tell us about the cream tea that you ate this summer? Use the contact page to tell us about it.

Watch this space for ideas for winter cream teas too!

That's all for now,

Lesley in Devon

Flaming tar barrels in Ottery St Mary

2005-11-06T08:10:00.000Z

The tar barrels of Ottery St Mary are a world famous spectacle. On the Saturday closest to 5th November the residents of Ottery St Mary celebrate Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night with a HUGE bonfire. The day starts with the firing of rock cannon, the traditional, hand held pieces of piping, filled with gunpowder and ignited. This results in a big flash and a really loud bang, which can be heard for miles around. It’s repeated throughout the day, culminating in a massive bonfire and firework display.

The idea is to make a much noise and smoke as you possibly can!

Adding to the atmosphere are the flaming tar barrels that are carried through the streets at intervals. The central pubs in Ottery sponsor the barrels and it’s considered a great honour to carry a barrel on tar barrel night. It’s a practice that’s been carried on for many hundreds of years and was originally connected with the ritual burning of witches. The most likely explanation is that the fire pouring from the burning tar barrels originates from a pagen ceremony to cleanse the streets of evil spirits so the town will be safe for the coming year.

The barrel bearers vary in both experience and agility. As you only get one go in a year and you have to jostle with others who are trying to get control of the barrel as well as a crowd of up to 30,000 people in a narrow street it's not that easy!

Starting at around 4pm are the boy’s barrels. These are followed at intervals by the women’s and finally around midnight the largest of the men’s barrels [as the evening progresses the barrels get heavier]. The bearers vie with one another to carry the flaming barrels as far as they can before they get either too hot to handle or disintegrate in a burning heap in the street. The idea is to carry them as close to the town bonfire as possible.

This bonfire is prepared for about a month before 5th November and is one of the largest in the whole of the south-west. Local people get rid of all the scrap wood and trees and hedges that they've cut down in order to make a really good blaze.

With this massive bonfire on one side of the River Otter and the fun fair on the other there's plenty to keep you entertained, even if you don't want to watch the barrels.The evening ends in a massive firework display.

If you are planning on joining the fun then it is important to remember that the tar barrels are on fire and there is a very real risk of injury to both the barrel carriers and the spectators, so caution is advised. There are very large crowds of people in very narrow streets, so it's not advisable to take small children either.

The bonfire and fireworks commemorate the uncovering of the so-called Gunpowder Plot of 1605 in which Guy Fawkes was discovered in a cellar under the House of Lords. The cellar had been packed with gunpowder and the purpose of the plot was to murder King James I and most of the Protestant aristocracy all in one go.

People in general knew only that the King had been saved from a plot to kill him and so they lit bonfires as a means of expressing their joy. November 5th has become associated with Guy Fawkes, although he was not the instigator of the plot, merely the “fall guy” who was sent to light the fuse and today he is remembered with the burning of bonfires and letting off fireworks.

Meanwhile, back in 21st Century Ottery the bonfire burns and the tar barrels are paraded through the streets in an admixture of the secular, religious and pagan origins that have been lost in the mists of time. People have forgotton and are just there to have a great evening out.

For pictures and more information visit Tar barrel night on my website.

Lesley in Devon

Devon remembers the Battle of Trafalgar

2005-09-09T06:29:00.000+01:00

During the third week of August 2005 the Trafalgar Way was officially inaugurated in Devon to commemorate the bi-centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Lorna Doone, an original North Devon stagecoach visited inns and hostels along the full length of what is now know as the Trafalgar Way in Devon.

During this time an actor playing the part of Lieutenant John Richard Lapenotiere delivered a New Trafalgar Dispatch. Each town in Devon that he passed through has unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Lapenotiere, captain of HMS Pickle, travelled by post chaise, the equivalent of a taxi 200 years ago and the fastest means of public transport available at the time.

It took about six weeks from 21st October 1805 for the full news of the victory and the death of Admiral Horatio Nelson to filter through to London and the people of England.

Nelson and his fleet defeated the combined armies of France and Spain off the Spanish coast near Cape Trafalgar. Amongst the men in the English fleet were 1,115 men from Devon, more than from any other county.

Lapenotiere was the first messenger to reach Falmouth with the news. He passed quickly through Cornwall and entered Devon at Lifton. Pausing only to change horses at Okehampton, Crockernwell, Exeter, Honiton and Axminster he travelled on to London.

Each messenger who followed had more details of the Battle of Trafalgar in the dispatches they carried. Following in the steps of Lieutenant Lapenotiere hundreds of horses were used to carry the news.

Trewman’s Exeter Flying Post, the local newspaper, contains full details of the contents of the dispatches as they became available. Microfilm copies are available at the Devon Record Office or online at their website.

This article may be freely reproduced with the following resource box and must include a live link:

Lesley Pinkett lives and works in East Devon and is the owner of http://www.east-devon-guide.com/ which is packed with information about this beautiful corner of England.

Cream tea country

2005-08-13T21:32:00.000+01:00

Hello from Devon

It's been a bit wet here this afternoon, so instead of doing my garden as I intended I've put up a new page on the site.

Devon is rightly famous for it's clotted cream and there's no better way to enjoy it than eating a cream tea

The new page has complete instructions for making scones and a "proper" English cup of tea.

As they say in these parts "Proper job!"

I'd love to know how you get on, please let me know.

Thanks,

Lesley in Devon

Cider Ice Cream

2005-08-10T11:20:00.000+01:00

Hello from sunny Devon

I've just found a fantastic recipe for cider ice cream, perfect for those lazy afternoons in the garden.

Check it out at Cider Recipes

Be sure to let me know what you think

Lesley in Devon

The Salston Manor Hotel

2005-06-29T22:45:00.000+01:00

Hello again

It's been a while since I last wrote because I've been busy with other projects.

The weather has been pretty unpredictable over the last week too. We had tremendous thunderstorms and heavy rain at the end of last week.

I've just put up a new page on the website which tells you about the Salston Manor Hotel. It's just outside Ottery St Mary and is home to the Ottery St Mary Heritage Society exhibition as well as many other events and displays.

Recently they hosted a classic car rally and they have regular concerts and musical evenings

More soon,

Lesley in Devon

Water Water everywhere, yet not a drop to drink!

2005-06-08T21:29:00.000+01:00

No, it's not been raining here, in actual fact it's been a lovely day.

I've been visiting the Ottery St Mary Heritage Society
and there's quite a bit there about the poet and philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge

He is the most famous son of Ottery, born here in 1772. You can find out more about his connection with Ottery St Mary on the new pages I've just put up.

See you soon,

Lesley in Devon

A nation of gardeners

2005-06-07T07:31:00.000+01:00

Hello again

It's been extremely wet and humid here for the last couple of days and the garden is just exploding with growth.

Gardening is a great way of relaxing, there's something about getting your hands dirty and messing about with plants. I love seeing things grow.

If you're not a very experienced gardener or are just starting then a visit to a Garden Centre could be just what you need. The staff there are always glad to advise you on the best plants to grow in your garden.

As I've found to my cost, not everything will grow in the soil that I have in my garden, some things just sulk. Others give up and die!

There are several terrific Garden Centres near my home as well as Plant Nurseries growing more specialised plants. What is the difference anyway? Find out here

My favourite Garden Centre is Otter Nurseries they are the nearest to my home and have a fantastic choice of plants. Sometimes I just go without any money as it's difficult to resist otherwise. Have a look and see what you think, then let me know.

More soon,

Lesley in Devon

The Sidmouth International Folk Festival

2005-06-03T21:36:00.000+01:00

Hello again,

Once a year Sidmouth is transformed from a moderately sized seaside town into an international arena.

Thousands of people descend on the town to soak up the unique atmosphere of the International Folk Festival.

No matter what sort of Folk Music you enjoy you will find it in Sidmouth from Friday 29th July through to Friday 5th August 2005. Everything from ceilidhs to dancing, live music to hands on workshops, to say nothing of the wonderful array of stalls in the grounds of The Knowle.

Have a look for yourself by visiting The Sidmouth Festival where you will find information about what's on and where to stay.

Or, if you can't wait that long then sample the music now.

More soon,

Lesley in Devon

A great little cottage industry!

2005-05-30T12:27:00.000+01:00

Looking for something to do this Bank Holiday?

The Ark Pottery just outside of Ottery St Mary is a great place for an afternoon out. Everything you see has been handmade on the premises by the owners, who live there too.

Set in a wonderful little village called Wiggaton you get a real sense of tranquility.

Vaughan and Angela Glanville make and design their own ceramics and pottery. It's all available for you to see in the Gallery. You can also enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, in the garden today or in the gallery if it's not so nice.

Don't see what you want? Ask about commisioning your own exclusive piece.

Click on the link to Ark Pottery for more information

More soon,
Lesley in Devon
The East Devon Guide

Bluebells in Devon

2005-05-18T15:48:00.000+01:00

Hello again,

I hope all is well with you. It's still pretty chilly here in East Devon but the trees are all coming into full leaf. They look absolutely magnificent!

Of course, they are complemented by a wonderful show of bluebells, pouring down the hillsides through the trees.

Why not take a walk in the woods near you and refresh your soul?

More soon

Lesley

Visit East Devon Guide for more information.

Museums

2005-05-15T17:05:00.000+01:00

The weather is still a little on the chilly side, so it's a good time to find something to do indoors.

Personally I find local history fascinating and there are some really good museums here in East Devon.

One of the best is the Royal Albert Museum in Exeter. Not only is it jam packed with things to look at there are plenty of staff to ask questions. Get a guide book from the shop and read the very informative display boards on your way round.

When you've finished looking round there's a nice little cafe with an excellent range to choose from at reasonable prices.

But do you know what's the best thing? It's FREE! That's a fantastic bonus, especially if you've got a family. It means that you don't have to stay for ages to get value for money, you can visit again and again for as many times as you wish.

Have a look at Exeter Museum for more information.

More soon,
Lesley in Devon

Last minute travel in East Devon

2005-05-13T23:13:00.000+01:00

Hello again

If you have been working your socks off lately and fancy a break why not read these fantastic tips for Last Minute Travel

I've also been looking for a supplier for clotted cream to order by post, watch this space.

More soon,

Lesley in Devon

New pages on my site

2005-05-10T16:24:00.000+01:00

Well, it's freezing here today, there's a fierce north wind blowing. Spring's on its way though and the swallows are back.

I've been busy adding new pages to my www.east-devon-guide.com site over the last couple of days.

I mentioned last time that I'd been to the Lyme Bay Winery, so there's a page about them. The fact that they make cider sparked off an idea about recipes that use cider too, so I wrote a page of them with a little help from my friends. You can view the results at
Lyme Bay Winery and Cider recipes

Feel free to send me your own recipes too, I'd love to hear from you.

More soon
Lesley in Devon

What's the weather like?

2005-05-02T17:49:00.000+01:00

It's been a day of sunshine and showers here in East Devon

My neighbours have been putting washing out on the line, only to have to rush out and get it in again 20 minutes later. The rain has not really lasted a long time but when it does come then it really pours down.

We've been out and about as it's a Bank Holiday. First off we went and had a look at Lyme Bay Cider and Winery, near Shute. They make all their own ciders and wines and have some lovely choices. If you like you can buy gift packs to take home as a present. I'm going to be making a page on my website within the next couple of days, so watch this space.

Next we went a mile or so up the road to have a look at Shute Barton. This is a National Trust property, sadly closed on Mondays, so all I was able to do was take some photos of the outside. I'm going to be visiting again and also researching a bit of the story behind the house. When I've done so, this will also be a page on my Days Out section.

For now you can look at Bicton Park, a fabulous day out for everyone.

Let me know what you enjoyed most.

That's all for now,

Lesley in Devon