2012 Tour of Exmoor cycling event 2-4 June

The Tour of Exmoor Cyclosportive takes place in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the British Isles. There are two ride distances to choose from 85 miles or 98 miles. Experience the wonderful sights on Exmoor: Valley of Rocks, Porlock Toll road, Blue Anchor Bay and Exmoor National Park are just some of the sights you will see en route. For those of you that have never ridden in Exmoor, you can only imagine what is in store. Cyclists that have will know any route in this area is not to be taken on lightly. The beauty of the area is breathtaking and charmingly diverse from glaciated upland moors to rugged sea cliffs.

The South West’s biggest cycling festival includes premier road racing and mass participation rides both on and off road. It is a great free day out for the family, as either spectators or participants. The event conforms to the highest standards which we aim to improve on every year. We want you to go away feeling that you have taken part in a uniquely challenging and rewarding event; the organisation of which is second to none.

Email: postmaster@pendragon-sports.com or call 01963 220137

 

Regency comedy of manners brought to life at Arlington Court

On Sunday 3 June Chapterhouse Theatre Company will be performing Emma against the stately Regency backdrop of Arlington Court.

Based on Jane Austen’s timeless tale of match-making, misunderstandings and the idiom ‘true love is blind’, the heart-warming romance will be brought to life by this Lincoln based group of players.

Kate Christmas, Visitor Services Officer at Arlington Court says, “The Regency setting of Arlington Court is perfect for the production. Many of the objects in the collection reflect the clean lines, elegance and romance of the period. With views over the stunning panorama of the parkland, you can almost imagine Mr Knightley striding across the landscape to pay a call.”

Chapterhouse Theatre Company has been touring for thirteen years, bringing a vast catalogue of tragedies, comedies and dramas to life some of the country’s most beautiful historic houses, castles and heritage sites.

Chelsey Collins from Chapterhouse Theatre Company says, “Filled with fun, this brand new adaptation of Jane Austen’s comedy of manners promises love and laughter aplenty. Open-air theatre presents a wonderful opportunity for friends and family to sit back and enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company whilst indulging in a glass of chilled summer wine and watching a wonderfully traditional evening of entertainment.”

Having experienced the vagaries of the English weather during past productions, Arlington Court will this year be providing a marquee to give shelter from whatever the elements chose to throw at us. Visitors should bring their own rugs or low backed chairs, and are welcome to arrive for picnics at 6pm. The performance will begin at 7pm. Hot and cold refreshments will be available during the interval.

Tickets must be booked in advance and cost £13.50 for adults, £9 for children and £40 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. For more information, or to book, please call 01271 850296.

Summer issue is out now

From moor to shore there is something to delight all the senses in the summer issue of Exmoor Magazine. While Georgie Grant extols the beautiful sights and sounds of the Secret Quantocks and Jane Mares seeks out ‘heather in bloom and honey from the hill’ on Exmoor, Tony James heads to the coast to find out about pilot gig rowing in North Devon.

On Wimbleball, members of the charity ‘South West Fishing for Life’ cast out to supply the delicious ingredients for five fishy favourites in our recipes section, all washed down with local wines described by Roger White at Yearlstone Vineyard and a range of locally-brewed ales sampled by Adrian Tierney-Jones.

The stunning images of James Ravilious feature prominently as this summer we are lucky enough to have the second of three exhibitions of Ravilious’ work in Barnstaple; so when we were kindly allowed to use his photographs in the magazine we did not hesitate. The images of his particular ‘corner of England’ will resonate with anyone who treasures the relatively untouched calm of some of our more remote havens on Exmoor.

The issue is bursting with flora too – from tips for growing the hardy fuchsia, an exploration of summer meadows with Uncle Willow and the finer points of the foxglove, to a visit to Binham Grange. For those with an interest in farming and horses, we go behind the scenes at Dunster Show and wander down memory lane to reminisce about haymaking on Exmoor in times gone by.

As ever, we would love to hear from you – this issue we have a number of competitions, including the chance to win a year’s supply of vitamins and other goodies from Toucan Wholefoods who are celebrating their 30th birthday and tickets to this summer’s Orchestra in a Field.

Happy reading and good luck to all entrants!

Naomi, Sue, Elaine and Heather

PS: Don’t forget – you can subscribe to the magazine as a gift so if you are stuck for presents you need look no further! An affordable gift which lasts all year round! Our phone number is 0845 224 1203.

Do you offer accommodation on Exmoor or the Quantocks? Special small ads available – limited numbers.

Well we have now delivered all of the summer magazines – phew!  And there is no rest for the wicked as as are already deep into planning for autumn issue!  All of the articles are commissioned and being written as we speak and advertising spaces are selling fast.  You can find out about how to advertise in the magazine by clicking on this link to our website.

For the first time, in autumn issue,  we will be including an accommodation section of small ads for those who would like to advertise but do not want to opt for a larger display advertisement. Prices are competitive at just £35 plus VAT for inclusion on the page in a single space measuring 62mm wide by 42mm high.  So if you provide any kind of accommodation on Exmoor or the Quantocks and would like to find out more please call the magazine’s advertising agency and ask to speak to Grant Harison on 01392 201227. There are only 15 spaces initially available so it will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. This is for the autumn issue which is launched at Dunster Show in the third week of August and stays on the shelves until mid November.

Hunting of the Earl of Rone

If you’re looking for alternative ways to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, the Hunting of the Earl of Rone (1-4 June) in Combe Martin is a spectacle not to be missed. Once banned for ‘licentiousness and drunken behaviour’, village maidens, hobby horse, fool and band hunt the earl all weekend. When they finally find him, they march him the length of the high street (stretching two miles, it’s reputedly the longest in the country), regularly shooting and reviving him until he is cast into the sea! Heading into Exmoor’s heartland, the Dulverton Folk Festival (1-5 June) has a host of impressive free acts to entertain in an extended Jubilee Special – you can book a pitch at a local campsite or enjoy the hospitality of hotels, B&Bs and pubs in this most charming Exmoor town.

Seafaring Day at Rosemoor this weekend

As part of the Quentin Blake Exhibition, RHS Rosemoor has recreated Quentin Blake’s Green Ship in the garden for children (and adults!) of all ages to play on. Children can clamber all over the ship, recreating the exciting story of the two bored children who climb over the wall into the enormous garden of the ‘big house’ to discover the eccentric Mrs Tredegar and her life-size green ship sculpted from trees and bushes.

On Saturday 26 May they will be launching the ship with a Seafaring Party. Go in fancy dress, or let our free facepainter get you in the mood for an afternoon of games, songs, circus skills, and music. Mr Magnolia will telling stories in a truly interactive way throughout the afternoon.

Free cupcakes and cordial will be available to quench the thirst of those high sea adventures!

Details of the day:

Costume Competition – sea-themed, i.e. mermaid, sailor, sea creature, pirate. With prizes awarded on the day.

Becky Woolridge of North Devon Face Painting from 11am – 4pm

Storytelling. Rob Pudner, sea folklore stories and games.

1.30pm – Circus skills at the Green Ship

2.00pm – An interactive telling of Mr Magnolia (Roald Dahl book)

2.20pm – Learn the Horn Pipe

2.40pm – Circus Skills

3.10pm – Songs and Stories

3.25pm – Parachute Games

3.40pm till 4.00pm – Another interactive telling of Mr Magnolia

Green Ship cupcakes and lime drinks for free.

Ice Cream Bike with ice cream for sale.

Tea Room open selling afternoon tea.

Find out more here: RHS Rosemoor website.

New Chairman for West Somerset Council

The Annual Meeting of Full Council took place at West Somerset Council on 16 May. At the meeting, a new Chairman was elected. The Leader and Cabinet were also confirmed along with roles and responsibilities for all councillors.

Cllr Doug Ross was elected Chairman of West Somerset Council and Cllr Stuart Dowding was appointed Vice Chairman.

The Leader of the Council is Cllr Tim Taylor, who is also Lead Member for Performance and Corporate Support, and the Deputy Leader is Cllr Chris Morgan, Lead Member for Environment.

Other Cabinet posts are:

• Cllr Kate Kravis, Lead member for Resources and Central Support
• Cllr David Sanders, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth
• Cllr Keith Turner, Lead Member for Housing, Environmental Health and Licensing
• Cllr Steven Pugsley, Lead Member for Executive Support and Democracy
• Cllr Dave Westcott, Lead Member for Community and Customer

The Chairmen and Vice Chairs of other committees are:

• Scrutiny: Chairman Cllr K Ross, Vice Chairman Cllr S Dowding
• Planning: Chairman Cllr Tony Knight, Vice Chairman Cllr I Melhuish
• Licensing: Chairman Cllr Hugh Davies, Vice Chairman Cllr D Westcott
• Audit: Chairman Cllr A Trollop-Bellew, Vice Chairman Cllr E May
• Local Development Panel: Chairman Cllr K Turner, Vice Chairman Cllr C Morgan

Standards: The committee is chaired by an independent member

Representatives were also appointed to outside bodies.

West Somerset Council has 28 councillors and the council’s political representation is Conservative Group 19 members, and Independent Democratic Alliance 9 members.