Reserve your place for the 2012 Lundy Splash-IN photography competition on 7 July

Now a well-established event on any diver’s calendar, the fourth Lundy Splash-IN underwater photography competition will take place on Saturday 7 July. To take part divers can reserve a place in advance by completing a pre-registration form available from the Marine Warden (marine.warden@lundyisland.co.uk). Otherwise divers can enter on the day of the competition on arrival to Lundy, the total of 45 places will be allocated on a ‘first-come, first serve’ basis. A maximum of four underwater photographs can be entered, and must be taken that day. All photos will be judged on the evening of the 7 July, and prizes and presentation taking place during the evening barn dance.

Lundy is a granite outcrop roughly three and half a miles long, and around half a mile across, lying off the North Devon coast in the mouth of the Bristol Channel. The north-south orientation of the Island causes the different sides of it to have very contrasting features. The west coast is battered by the full force of the Atlantic Ocean, as that is all that stands between it and America. The east coast, in comparison is much more sheltered. Combined with its southerly location, this makes Lundy one of Britain’s natural wonders, with a huge diversity of wildlife in both its terrestrial and marine habitats.

Lundy’s marine habitat area is especially important, as well as the island location and orientation, it is an area where the cooler northern currents meet the warmer southern ones, leading to a mix of marine wildlife not seen elsewhere in British waters. Lundy leads the way in the conservation of marine habitats in the UK; in 1971 it was the first designated voluntary Marine Nature Reserve, leading to it being the first statutory one in 1986. Then in 2003 the first No Take Zone (NTZ) in the country was established in a 3.3km area off the east coast of the island, this is still only one of three that exist within all of the UK’s seas. It then became the country first designated Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in January 2010.

Donald Malone, Marine Warden on Lundy, said: “Lundy is a Mecca for divers, due to the unique variety of habitat and species found within such a small area. The clear waters surrounding Lundy, combined with the numerous shipwrecks and diverse marine life make it an ideal place for underwater photography”

The 2012 Lundy Splash-IN categories are:

• Mega to Macro: close-up portraits of marine species (both landscape and portrait orientation)

• Marine Ambience: showing Lundy’s spectacular underwater scenery at its best, and these can include other divers within the photograph

• Marine Abstract: Use your imagination!

The entry fee is £20.00, which includes free camping on Lundy on the Saturday night, and entry to the evening barn dance, where a slide show of all entered photographs will take place, and presentations to the winning photographers. A bar and food will also be available and all are invited along to the evening entertainment.

Donald Malone says: “There is a variety of fantastic prizes on offer, worth over £2,750, kindly donated for the event by Suunato, Olympus, A.P. Values, Scuba Travel, Mares, Scuba Travel, Sea&Sea and Cameras Underwater.

So the best judged photos will be well rewarded, and hopefully all competitors will enjoy the event and take home some great snaps and memories of the special underwater world that is to be found at Lundy”

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Building Excellence awards and nominations for local companies and Moorland Mousie Trust

Sir Gilbert Scott Court has scooped the Judges Award at a top ceremony to celebrate Building Excellence in the South West.

The company that originally started developing the listed former workhouse and associated development in Long Street, Williton, West Somerset, went into administration and residents were left on a half-derelict building site for more than two troubled years until SEC Properties Limited stepped in.

Now, the prestigious development has been completed in a manner that has exceeded all expectations and restored the reputation of the unique historic site.

Projects in the South West local authorities annual Building Excellence Awards were judged on a range of criteria including compliance with Building Regulations, accessibility and inclusive environment, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

The Judges Award, in recognition of the outstanding achievement at Sir Gilbert Scott Court, was presented to Graham Phippen of SEC Properties Ltd, its contractor, GL & MA Phippen Ltd, and its architect TFQ Architects, at the recent annual awards ceremony.

Hundreds of people gathered to witness the success at a prestigious black tie event at the Imperial Hotel in Torquay to celebrate building excellence across the region throughout 2011 and 2012.

Architects, builders and developers undertaking projects in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset were all eligible to take part in this highly respected annual Building Control Awards Scheme.

Mike Riley, of Michael Riley Associates which represents SEC Properties, said: “We have worked hard to overcome the unfortunate recent history of this site to ensure that its residents, now and in the future, can be assured that the site has been finished to the highest levels. We are delighted to have our work recognised by the special award.”

Jayne Hall, West Somerset Council’s Building Control Manager who hosted the event in her role as Chairman of LABC South West, commented: “I am thrilled that Sir Gilbert Scott Court has received the recognition it rightly deserves. The developers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the previous issues with the site were resolved and have ensured that this project is finished to very high standards indeed. This shows what can be achieved with a positive attitude, co-operation, determination and motivation.”

Cllr Chris Morgan, West Somerset Council’s Lead member for Environment, said: “I am really pleased to see so many finalists from West Somerset in this year’s awards. Naturally, I commend the outstanding work completed on Sir Gilbert Scott Court but I would also like to praise all those whose dedication, flair and skills have earned them places and recognition in this hotly contested final.”

Other finalists from West Somerset, and the categories in which they were nominated, are:

• Best Domestic Alteration or Extension – 8 Robert Street, Williton – Client: Mr & Mrs Gliddon; Contractor: A. Raucki & Sons; Architect: Mr Wilkinson
• Best conversion to create a dwelling – Long Acre, Burton; Client & Contractor: Mr M Stacey; Architect/Designer: Shattock Associates; Engineer: Mr B Jones
• Best Individual Dwelling – Stile Cottage Wootton Courtenay Client: Mrs Campbell; Contractor: Mr M Freeman; Architect/Designer: Welsh Oak Frame
• Best Large Housing Development – Sir Gilbert Scott Court, Williton; Client : SEC Properties Ltd; Contractor: GL & MA Phippen Ltd; Architect: TFQ Architects
• Best Community Building, Best Education Development & Best Vernacular Building – The Music Room, Ashwick; Client : The Moorland Mousie Trust; Contractor: Nick Eaves Carpentry; Architect: Mr R. Campbell
• Best Small Commercial Building – Cutcombe Livestock Market; Client & Contractor: Summerfield Developments; Architect: Reed Holland Associates

The guests at the glittering ceremony enjoyed a drinks reception, a delicious three-course meal, entertainment and a charity raffle for the Alzheimer’s Society, the chosen charity of LABC President Mike Sansom. The event was sponsored by national sponsors, the Roger Bullivant Group, LABC New Homes Warranty, LABC Acoustics, Travis Perkins Sustainable Building Solutions and Polypipe Terrain.

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A call for exhibitors as Foodfest returns to Barnstaple for fifth year

On Thursday 21 June 2012 North Devon’s finest food and drink will be on show at Barnstaple’s Historic Pannier Market when Foodfest returns for a fifth successful year on Sunday 21 October.

Foodfest never fails to deliver a real treat for local foodies with over 70 local food and drink producer stands, chef demonstrations, free tastings and live music.

FoodFest organisers are confident that they will top last years 8000 visitors with the event growing in popularity year on year. Michael Caines MBE of Gidleigh Park is one of top chefs that will be in action on the demonstration stage for the second year running.

North Devon+, which organises the annual event, is advising food and drink businesses who want to exhibit at FoodFest 2012 to book early to avoid disappointment. Spokesperson Laura Holt said: “It’s the biggest food event in North Devon and always draws a huge crowd, exhibitor spaces get booked up extremely quickly and last year we actually had a waiting list.”

The exhibitor booking line opens on 2 July. For more information, or to request an exhibitor form email Kristy Webbe at kwebbe@northdevonplus.co.uk or call North Devon+ on 01237 426426.

FoodFest takes place on Sunday 21 October 2012 10am – 4pm at Barnstaple’s Historic Pannier Market.

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Hobby Horse, Experience Exmoor, Rest & Be and Nutcombe support Exmoor Mag charity raffle for air ambulances

Exmoor Magazine is holding a charity raffle at Dunster Show in aid of the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance and Devon Air Ambulance. Enter the raffle at Dunster Show and you could win of a range of lovely prizes including:

The Hobby Horse Hotel, Minehead – a meal for two up to the value of £35

The Rest & Be Thankful Inn – carvery meal for two

Nutcombe Chocolates – a cream tea for two and a box of chocolates

Elecric bike hire for two for one day with Experience Exmoor

Exmoor Magazine would like to thank all of the above-mentioned businesses very much for donating prizes. Raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the day at Dunster Show on our stand. If you too would like to donate a voucher of some kind as a prize (and we can put your flyers in our goody bags as a small thank you) please contact Naomi on email naomi@lighthousecommunications.co.uk

All proceeds go to the two charities.

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Appledore Pilot Gig Club Annual Regatta: North Devon Clubs battle it out at the season’s first local regatta.

This Sunday, 1 July,  sees North Devon’s first local gig regatta of the season hosted by Appledore Gig Club.

Appledore, along with the other clubs from North Devon, such as, Barnstaple, Torridge, Bideford and Ilfracombe will battle it out alongside Boscastle, Bristol, Port Isaac and Clevedon for the top spot.

The North Devon teams will be aiming to get back at Ilfracombe after the success they had last season and, if the World Championships held on the Scillies in May is anything to go by, it looks likely to be a hotly contested competition. Races will include Mens A, Mens B, Ladies A, Ladies B, Under 16s, Veterans and mixed teams.

This year, alongside the racing, there some major prizes available in the club’s raffle including;

A Kaafu Kayak, donated by Fatyak Kayaks,

A pair of day-return tickets to Lundy

A three-night break for two off peak on Exmoor at Little Quarme Cottages

Tickets to the Museum of British Surfing in Braunton

1½ hour stand-up paddle surfing taster session for two with Active Exmoor & Active Adventure South West at Wimbleball Reservoir

An MOT voucher for New Road Garage

A meal for two at Yarde Orchard cafe

And much more besides

All proceeds will go to the club.

The racing starts at 3.15pm, and will be hosted at the slipway, Churchfields Car Park, Appledore. Spectators are welcome for free and will get a great view of the racing, there’s also hot food and refreshments served all day.

You can view pictures of lat year’s event here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsphotography/sets/72157628099729119/

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Blundell’s Prep School celebrate Olympic honour

Blundell’s Preparatory School have been chosen as one of the schools to form the Guard of Honour lining the route for athletes making their way to the Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Eight children from the school will join 249 other schools from across the UK to make up the 2000 student Guard of Honour on 27 July. Each school is supporting one of the 204 competing teams, with the Blundell’s contingent supporting St Kitts and Nevis. For many of the 10,500 athletes the Guard of Honour will be their first experience of the London 2012 Games.

The pupils at the school have been busy learning about St Kitts and Nevis and will be making a banner to support the country’s athletes as they walk along the athletes’ parade. The school has also exchanged gifts and letters with its twin school, Beach Allen Primary School on St Kitts and Nevis.

Blundell’s Prep School was selected to be part of the Guard of Honour because of their commitment to living the Olympic and Paralympic values and incorporating them into their school lives and curriculum. To celebrate their involvement, the school is holding an Olympic Day when all aspects of the school day, including singing, dancing, food technology, English and of course sport, will be based around an Olympic theme.

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10Radio offering careers advice

Are you stuck in a rut? Looking for advice as to how to kick start your career? Wanting to return to work? Just been made redundant? Many people have to look at new ways of getting into or back to work, or they have friends and family who are looking for advice.

10Radio are running a series of programmes with Careers South West focusing on all issues surrounding jobs and training. Just tune in to 10Radio on 29 June 10am 105.3fm or via the website www.10radio.org

Phil Shepherd, of Somerset Film, hosts the show and says: “We really want to make the show relevant to all the listeners of 10Radio- near and far! Whether they listen on 105.3fm or listen via the internet. So with this in mind we are looking for people to get in touch with their concerns and issues before the programme airs. There is help out there but we need to make people aware of what resources are available to them.”

Tom Banks, of Careers South West, adds “CareersSW have relaunched the National Careers Service website with a great new look and lots of tools and information: from a skills checker through to job descriptions and how to build your CV. There’s loads you can do online but we also offer access via the phone and with a face to face advisor with bases in Bridgwater and Taunton – as well as each Job Centre Plus office and anyone at any stage in their career can access these services.”

10Radio are looking for people to get in touch before the show so that they can give as much information and help during the hour long show on Friday 29 June. Contact 10Radio on 01984 624 137 and leave a brief message or via confidential email to rachel@10Radio.org and the 10Radio Business Manager, Rachel Kelly, will submit to the team. Rachel assures, “All case studies sent in can be treated confidentially if you so wish and you do not have to speak on air if you do not want to. You can also listen to the first show of the series from 18 May on the website as a podcast – http://www.10radio.org and click on podcasts.”

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New research reveals what non-visitors think of Exmoor

A new research report based on a survey undertaken to try and find out why more people do not choose Exmoor for a break has been conducted by the University of Exeter on behalf of Exmoor National Park Authority and provides an insight into the holiday habits, preferences and perceptions of non-visitors to Exmoor.

The research was conducted to build on previous work commissioned by the National Park Authority which provided a strong overview of why current visitors are attracted to the area and how visitor dynamics have changed over the years.

Overall perceptions of Exmoor are encouraging. 89% of respondents had heard of the area and nearly 50% of non-visitors had no particular reason for not visiting before. Several of Exmoor’s selling points were rated as ‘strongly desirable’ or ‘desirable’ by over 70% of respondents (such as being a ‘haven for wildlife’; offering ‘plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind’; hosting the ‘highest coastal cliffs in the country’; being Europe’s first ever ‘International Dark Sky Reserve’ and containing a ‘wealth of history and heritage’).

Other key findings were as follows:

· In terms of the holiday activity preferences shown by non visitors, Exmoor’s tourism product matches these well in terms of offering short and long walks, opportunities to visit towns and villages, wildlife watching and general sightseeing.

· Some aspects of the area which non-visitors stated as unappealing are beyond human control such as the weather. However, other negative perceptions such as ‘distance’, isolation’ and ‘transport’ could be challenged and overcome in marketing campaigns and through future product development.

· 21% of non visitors felt they didn’t know enough about what Exmoor had to offer, but just 5% stated that the area had no appeal to them.

· The internet and personal recommendations are the strongest communication channels to reach non-visitors, particularly for those aged under 45 and this places a growing emphasis on social media (combing personal recommendations with web technologies) and the need to maintain a quality experience for current visitors.

· The types of images that were most appealing to respondents as a holiday destination were those featuring the coast, moorlands and wildlife rather than those of historic settlements or more urban offers.

· Of those questioned 24% of had visited Exmoor within the last 5 years. Of those that hadn’t been, or had visited over 5 years ago 93% stated they are interested in taking countryside holidays, and 66% had visited another UK National Park.

Previous research has shown very strong satisfaction levels with 99% of visitors staging that their overall holiday experience was ‘good’ or ‘very good’ and this has resulted in a higher than average level of repeat visits to the area. However, since the 1980s a dramatic decline in those aged under 45 visiting the area has been seen. The new research will allow those involved in supporting and promoting tourism in the Exmoor area to have a greater understanding of the non-visitor market and to focus efforts on attracting new visitors to the area.

“The research has highlighted once more that Exmoor has a strong tourism offer and that there is clearly a large market that Exmoor can benefit from” said Dan James, Exmoor National Park Authority’s Sustainable Economy Officer.

“Whilst this in itself is of little surprise we now have some very useful intelligence to help us maximise the potential of Exmoor’s visitor economy. Working with our partners, particularly through the Exmoor Tourism Partnership, we are already putting the findings of this survey to good use when planning marketing campaigns. The Exmoor Tourism Partnership is currently working on a number of campaigns including a proposed TV advert which will specifically seek to attract those that are aged under-45 and haven’t necessarily considered a visit to the area before.”

The research was conducted by Tim Wilkinson, a PhD student at the University of Exeter who is undertaking a three year study into the perceptions people have of Exmoor and how these impact the visitor economy. He was able to undertake a business placement with the National Park Authority to conduct this non-visitor survey with funding awarded by the University’s Centre for Sports, Leisure and Tourism Research from the Economic and Social Research Council’s ‘Capacity Building Clusters Award’.

Commenting on his work Tim Wilkinson said: “This survey has helped us to develop a more nuanced appreciation of how people interact with the landscape in general, as well as enhancing our understanding how the distinctive landscapes of Exmoor might be promoted to new users.”

The full report can be downloaded here or from the National Park Authority’s website

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With a little help from our friends…

At an awards ceremony following the recent ENPA meeting, members and staff from Exmoor National Park Authority took the opportunity to thank the organisations that have worked with them towards achieving so much towards the conservation and enhancement of the National Park as laid out in the previous National Park Management Plan 2007-2012.

Chief executive of the Authority, Dr Nigel Stone, said: “We were delighted that so many of the organisations that help look after Exmoor were able to come to receive their awards so that we were able to thank them in person for helping us achieve so much in the past five years.

“We have always known that we can’t do it all on our own which is why we have called the next plan a Partnership Plan for Exmoor National Park 2012-2017. The organisations involved in the previous plan, plus residents, visitors and people who responded via the website and community newspaper Park Life have all helped to develop the new Partnership Plan and we look forward to continue working together to continue to enhance Exmoor’s special qualities.”

The awards were presented by John Dyke and Andrea Davis chairman and deputy chairman of Exmoor National Park Authority – details as follows:

Exmoor Landscape Awards went to: The National Trust for enhancement of open landscape at Countisbury on either side of the A39; Western Power for the removal of overhead power lines at Hawkcombe Head; Exmoor Society for highlighting the importance of landscape and the highly innovative ‘Tracks and Traces’ travelling play.

Exmoor’s Wildlife Awards went to: South West Water for the MIRE restoration project and Upstream Thinking programme in the Wimbleball catchment; Butterfly Conservation for their programme of habitat restoration that has led to increased numbers of rare fritillary butterflies in the National Park; Exmoor & District Deer Management Society for ongoing work to monitor the number and condition of Red Deer in ther National Park; Environment Agency for leading the Exmoor Knotweed Control Partnership; Forestry Commission for support towards the control and removal of Rhododendron from woodlands in the National Park; Royal Society for the Protection of Birds for monitoring of breeding bird populations; Exmoor Natural History Society for work to map the distribution of plant species across the National Park.

Exmoor’s Historic Environment Awards went to: the Dunster Working Group for undertaking a programme of enhancement work in Dunster ; Devon County Council for enhancing the streetscape in the Old Village area of Lynton.

Exmoor’s Natural Resources Awards went to: Forum 21 for their contribution towards the target to reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases; Climate Action West for the Carbon Neutral National Park programme; Exmoor Trust for a renewable energy symposium in 2008 and for taking forward the Low Carbon Communities Challenge project by setting up a Carbon Neutral Exmoor Fund and contributing £10,000.

Farming and Land Management Awards went to: Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auction Ltd, Somerset County Council and Summerfield Developments for delivering the Livestock Market and providing housing and business units; South West Uplands Federation for raising the profile of the challenges facing farming on Exmoor and for effective campaigning on farming issues; Exmoor Hill Farm Project for support and training to help improve the profitability of farming in the National Park; Exmoor Horn Sheepbreeders Society for their ongoing work to promote the well-being of the breed.

Understanding and Enjoyment Awards went to: Exmoor Tourism Partnership for coordinating marketing effort and partnership working; Campaign for National Parks for their pioneering Mosaic Champions work raising awareness of Exmoor National Park; Calvert Trust for their work in supporting disabled people and their carers to enjoy the National Park; Countryside Mobility South West for introducing Trampers at strategic locations in the National Park; Heart of Exmoor for their outreach programme; Porlock Visitor Centre for their work in providing information and innovative events in support of National Park purposes; Exmoor Conservation Volunteers Partnership for its work in promoting opportunities for volunteers.

Exmoor’s People and Communities Awards went to: Magna Housing Group, Falcon Rural Housing; Rural Housing Project and parishes in Cutcombe, Dulverton, Exford and Porlock for helping to deliver the affordable housing to meet local need; West Somerset Community College for their apprenticeship schemes.

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SUP is on the UP in Somerset: fancy a go?

Stand up paddle surfing (SUP), or in the Hawaiian language Hoe he’e nalu, is an emerging global sport with a Hawaiian heritage. The sport is an ancient form of surfing but is also a fantastic way to explore the rivers, lakes and coastal waters of the South West. The sport is expanding quickly due to its appeal to a wide audience, you can head out in large swells or go for a gentle paddle on a flat water lake.

And now thanks to funding from the Local Access Rural Community fund it is now available to try in Somerset. Active Adventure South West have secured funding to help establish SUP in the West Somerset area.

SUP is not only a water experience, but provides a serious core work out to tone abs, legs and arms. There is also a SUP exercise phenomenon sweeping the world of combining yoga and Pilates on a SUP to experience the natural surrounding and exercise at the same time.

Dave Jackson, owner of Active Adventure South West, said:  ”I, like many, have discovered a whole new view of the area. Standing on wide, stable boards with our feet facing forward, paddling on either side to propel ourselves, we aren’t cramped in kayaks or tipping in canoes. We’re gliding across the water, able to see a different perspective while also getting a great workout.”  He went on to say: “Now, with the help of the LARC funding, we can offer this to other people to try and discover a very different way to explore the area.”

Active Adventure South West will be offering taster sessions at Wimbleball Lake over the summer holidays for mature adults, adults and families. The project is supported by Western Somerset LARC (Local Action for Rural Communities), part of the Rural Development Programme for England.

Email info@activeadventuresw.co.uk for more details.

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