Minehead Beach

February 8, 20142 Comments

A few weeks ago at Minehead Beach. Photo by Stuart Warstat

** HELP FOR SOMERSET LEVELS FLOOD VICTIMS *

February 7, 2014February 7, 20142 Comments

Exmoor might be soggy and rather damp at the moment, but on the whole we can count ourselves lucky and open for business, despite the awful weather which has hit the UK in the past weeks.

However, only about 30 miles from here the story is completely different. Acres and acres of land are under water in the Somerset levels, homes and businesses are flooded out. Farmers have worked relentlessly day and night to save their farms from flooding. However, they have lost the fight. But while many have found shelter for their animals, they desperately need fodder, straw and silage.

Whole villages have been evacuated, and it might be weeks before people can return to their homes.

*** The Somerset Levels flood victims need all our help ***

You can donate feed, forage or animal bedding through Sedgemoor Auction Centre, at J24 of the M5. Please call 01278 410 278 first to arrange a delivery time.

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Well-wishers without fodder who still want to help can make donations via the Farming Community Network webpage at Just Giving. Donations should be marked “For Somerset Farmers”. The web address to donate is www.justgiving.com/fcn/donate .

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You can also donate via the Somerset Emergency Flood Relief Fund which has been set up by the CLA:

SOMERSET EMERGENCY FLOOD RELIEF FUND

Communities on the Somerset Levels have reached a crisis point as they cope with extensive and long-term flooding. For many it is the second time in two years they have been affected, and whole communities have been cut off for weeks.The response within the communities themselves has been magnificent but there is only so much they can do for themselves. As part of our Surviving Winter campaign Somerset Community Foundation is urgently appealing for donations to relieve the immediate hardship people are facing and support their recovery over the coming weeks and months. With your help, we will help families and communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

Donations can be made in the following ways:

You can donate online

http://www.justgiving.com/Somerset-Community-Found-Flood-Appeal

You can donate by calling us on 01749 344949.
You can donate by sending a cheque made payable to Somerset Community Foundation and write Flood Relief on the back of the cheque. Please send it to us at Yeoman House, Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN.

If you are a UK Taxpayer, please also use this gift aid form to add 25% to your donation.

Our target is to raise £150,000.

We will use funds raised to:

Provide emergency relief grants to people whose homes have been flooded to meet the immediate financial burdens of moving out, pumping and drying, and emergency repairs. These are £250 and usually awarded within 48 hours of receipt of an eligible application.
Help those who face additional financial burdens as a result of the flooding, for example though loss of earnings, extended daily commutes and school runs.
Support local micro-businesses to ensure their survival and swift recovery as an essential part of the local community and economy through grants and, where applicable, loans.
Support counselling and other support services to help people cope with the emotional stress caused by the flooding in the short and medium term.

If donations exceed the immediate need outlined above we will use donations to help communities on the Levels increase their resilience, or retain for future episodes of flooding. As far as possible the cost of administering the fund will be taken from gift aid receipts, and no more than 10% will be taken from non-gift aided donations for administration.

Telephone: 01749 344949

Email: info@somersetcf.org.uk

Somerset Community Foundation, Yeoman House, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN

West Somerset Railway could be sold after decision by Somerset County Council

February 7, 2014

#36 ~ 365 My 1st Photograph Workshop on Exmoor “April 5th 2014 with Exmoor 4 All ” How to be inspired in Photography ”

February 6, 2014

Looking forward to working with Clayton Jane!

Clayton Jane Photography

I will hosting the 1st Photo meet Up with Exmoor 4 All at Streamcombe Farm , Dulverton on 5th April 2014. It will be a interesting day for anybody who is interested in knowing their Camera to a higher level; Getting Passionate about Photography. https://www.facebook.com/events/1458532914365847/

Getting off Auto ; Know between Aperture & your ISO ?; Can you Photograph in Manual ? Do you always check your Histogram ? ; Can you trick your camera regarding Light ? ; Can you photograph in Low Light – Do you want to know about Filters ? How to push yourself in other areas of Photography ?

Tips and Guidance for any level ..If you want the Dummies level or more advanced I will be there to help. But more importantly think about your Photography , how to improve in simple stages. Round Table discussions as well. So Bring your Questions …

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Knightshayes Court and Gardens

February 6, 2014February 1, 2014

Exmoor Memories: …. the air of Exmoor is like a dry champagne…

February 5, 2014

Excerpt from Cecil Aldin, Exmoor. The Riding Playground of England

( first published in 1935)

The air of Exmoor is like a dry champagne; to breathe it makes old men and women young and gives sparkle and “life” to all young people. No one can be listless or suffer from a liver on the high altitudes of Exmoor in summer. When we descend to the villages and coombes we may feel the heat, but after wading the cool stream and once again arriving on the tops our spirits rise with Exmoor’s life-giving qualities.

Here, on a fine day, at a moorland meet or hacking party, everyone has that party spirit, which nowadays we are so fond of talking about; not a party spirit gained by drinking numerous cocktails but by healthy exercise and an invigorating atmosphere.

In winter time travel on the hill-tops may by an overrated amusement, for the north and east winds come across the Bristol Channel from Wales in a way that makes anyone journeying over the moor at that season long to reach the shelter of Exford or Porlock.

When it rains here it does it well and truly, … One can get wetter on Exmoor on a rainy day, or when a cold, drenching fog covers the hills, than in any other place in England.

(from Chapter II Some of its villages and folk)

Exmoor Vistas

February 4, 2014

Exmoor’s most popular views: The Ice Cream Man. Out there in all weathers – and a most welcome sight. (Photo Peter French)

A visit to Exmoor

February 3, 2014

“Nearly cancelled w/e in @ExmoorNP @Exmoor4all cos of rain, so glad we went. Showers, rainbows & Snowdrop Valley – wow!”
Tweeted by Janette Noyes @Ginjan Sunday afternoon