CalvertStock, North Devon’s family friendly music festival, is back for its 5th consecutive year in aid of Calvert Trust Exmoor. The 2 day event takes place on the 24th and 25th June 2016, at The Old Station House Inn, Blackmoor Gate, (EX31 4NW), just 1/2 mile from Calvert Trust Exmoor.
CalvertStock is a fantastic music event in aid of Calvert Trust Exmoor, the South West’s premier outdoor activity destination for people with disabilities, and features two stages with an exciting line-up of bands, as well as stalls, fair rides, and food.
Tickets for this fantastic event are now on sale, with an ‘early bird’ special available until the end of May, offering 2 days entry a 2 days camping for just £10 per person. Tickets can be purchased online from www.calvert-trust.org.uk/tickets, or in person from Calvert Trust Exmoor or The Old Station House Inn.
The musical line-up features local, national and international artists covering a wide variety of musical genres, all gathered together to enjoy a relaxed family friendly atmosphere and support a fantastic cause. The array of acts includes;
Friday 24th Main Stage:-
Headline Act; The Bright Eyes – www.thebrighteyes.co.uk
Julian Langer – www.facebook.com/julianlangermusic
The Salvador Darlings – www.thesalvadordarlings.com
Saturday 25th Main Stage:-
Headline Act: Diamond Dogz (Bowie Tribute act) – www.lemonrock.com/diamonddogzband
Snakebyte – www.facebook.com/snakebyteofficial
Steel Threads – www.steelthreadsmusic.co.uk
The Vim Dicta (USA) – www.thevimdicta.com
Falling Apart – www.falling-apart.co.uk
Zamba – www.facebook.com/zambaband
The 5.15 – www.thefivefifteen.com
Audio Clash – www.facebook.com/ACNoise
Mobilizer – www.facebook.com/mobilizerband
Saturday 25th Acoustic Stage:-
Headline Act: Dave Sharp (Ex The Alarm) – www.davesharp.org/
Kiera Osment- www.kieraosmentmusic.com
Bicycle Repair Man – www.bicyclerepairmanmusic.co.uk
Tiger Lilly – www.tigerlillymusic.co.uk
Bache- www.facebook.com/andrewehcab
Charlie Charlesworth – www.facebook.com/charley.charlesworth
Karl Kiff- www.facebook.com/karl.kiff
Into The Autumn – www.facebook.com/intotheautumn
“We’re delighted that CalvertStock is back for its 5th consecutive year, and people are already supporting us by buying tickets from the website. All the money raised from CalvertStock goes straight into helping people with disabilities, and we really appreciate the support.
We would like to say a massive thank you to all the great musicians who have volunteered their talents to support us; it’s going to be great couple of days with some fantastic music, which last year raised £4,500. Huge thanks also to everyone who has already helped to make this a wonderful event, in particular First Steps Management, Lathwell Associates, Mr. Purchase for hosting the camping, and of course The Old Station House Inn for hosting the event.”
Rob Lott, Head of Communications at Calvert Trust Exmoor
To find out more about CalvertStock 2016 please go http://www.calvertstock.com/ or contact Calvert Trust Exmoor on 01598 763221.
Photo: Copyright Tim Lamerton Photography
We have been busy…
The Exmoor Food Fest preparations are gathering pace. We have just signed off a campaign on The Breeze starting on 4 January 2016 to shout out about a month long celebration of the best our region has to offer.
Participating restaurants will be offering two courses for £10.00/ three courses for £15.00, and we are finalising exciting events which include gin tasting, oyster and champagne feasts, evenings with local authors, dining experiences in unusual locations and so much more.
The Dunster Food Festival, which is taking over the whole of Dunster at the end of February, is going to be foodie heaven.
Fingers crossed we will be able to give you all the details about the Gourmet Trains which will be run by West Somerset Railway in February – all we can say at the moment is that award winning chefs will be cooking on these trains.
The website www.exmoorfoodfest.com will be updated regularly – please keep checking it out for the latest information.
The Exmoor Food Fest (or Exmoor4all for that matter) does not receive any official funding. Without the generous help from Arthur David – Food with Service we would not be able to run this food festival.
Thank you all for your ongoing support!
PS You can subscribe to our newsletter here – that way you will not miss out on any updates.
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Here are some of our upcoming events:
£30.00 per person (incl. two course dinner)
The Beatles and The Stones – The two bands that have defined popular music were often pitted against one another during the Sixties.
Richard Havers, who has written extensively about both bands and worked for them on various projects, delves into their enduring appeal and unravels some of the mystery as to what makes them so timeless. With music and photographs.
Tickets are available from The Culbone: Call 01643 862259
Exmoor on a Plate: Oysters & Champage
More details coming soon…. It will be a great opportunity to taste Porlock Oysters. Make sure you don’t miss out and book your place now.
Call 01643 862259 (The Culbone)
“Barn Food” with Claire’s Kitchen
An amazing meal in very unusual surroundings, that’s Claire’s Kitchen’s pop-up restaurant in one of the medieval barns at the Exmoor Owl & Hawk Centre in Allerford on 10 February. Tickets are selling fast – don’t leave it too late. Click here to book your place.
Photo of the Week
Early November morning. Photo by Bob Cowlard.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
This photo of Prayway Head near Simonsbath by Robert Hatton was the most popular image on our Facebook page last week. It had 1159 likes and was shared 146 times.
We are busy with signing up restaurants and updating the website with the latest information. I can confirm that Michelin starred chef Mark Dodson (Mason Arms, Knowstone) will be taking part again as will The Coach House by Michael Caines at Kentisbury Grange and Thomas Carr of the Olive Room in Ilfracombe. The latter has just been listed in the Michelin Guide. You can now book the “Barn Food” experience with Claire’s Kitchen at the Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre online – it will make a brilliant Christmas present! Don’t forget to put the Dunster Food Festival on 27/28 February into your diary. We have already got a fantastic offer of street food and local produce booked in. More details to be announced as soon as possible. Please get in touch if you have any ideas or would like to be involved in Exmoor4all and the Exmoor Food Fest.
Wishing you all a good week,
Join us for an evening with a difference, a one-off experience, which involves a stunning, albeit unusual location, an owl display and, of course, fabulous Mediterranean food prepared by Claire’s Kitchen. It will be a night to remember!
Menu:
Canapés
Roasted red peppers and anchovy salad on roasted garlic toasts
Chorizo tortilla with allioli
Sharing Starters
Pea soup with a crispy serrano ham crouton and basil oil
Gambas pil pil (sizzling gambas prawns)
Piquillo rellenos de queso de cabra (goats cheese stuffed piquillo peppers)
Sharing Mains
Suckling pig cooked whole on a spit with a mediterranean herb and garlic marinate
Red pepper and halloni paella on a rich Sofrito base
Chorizo with tomato butter beans, parsley and Claire’s Kitchen Lynch cider
Poor man’s potatoes cooked with the suckling pig with onions, rosemary and garlic
Dessert
Almond cake with Crema Catalina ice cream, custard caramel and a cherry compote
Tickets: £32.00
(Includes Owl Display and everything on menu – all dietary requirements are catered for, but please advise in advance)
Cash bar.
* Tickets will be posted at the beginning of December 2015 in time for Christmas
Would you like to be involved?
We have still space for street food traders and local producers.
Email us at exmoor4all@gmail.com
The Exmoor4all calendar costs £7.50 plus p&p.
You can order it online on our website – click here
Sponsor of the Exmoor Food Fest 2016
Only 45 sleeps….
Even though it is only the beginning of November, television commercials and displays in shops are beginning to remind us that – whether we like it or not – Christmas is coming.
If you are looking for unique presents which are not available on the Highstreet, then our limited edition Exmoor4all calendar might be something for you. We will also shortly be launching tickets for our celebrity charity ball in February as well as a number of “pop-up restaurant” events which will all take place during the Exmoor Food Festival in February 2016.
The Exmoor4all calendar costs £7.50 plus p&p.
You can order it online on our website – click here
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We are delighted that Thomas Carr from the Olive Room in Ilfracombe and Michelin starred Mark Dodson, Mason Arms Knowstone, are joining the Exmoor Food Fest again in February 2016.
A big thank you to our head sponsor Arthur David without whom the Exmoor Food Fest would not be possible.
All restaurants will be listed on the Exmoor Food Fest website.
Enjoy 2 courses for £10.00/ 3 courses for 15.00 at participating restaurants across Exmoor
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Coming up:
6 December 2015: Exmoor Christmas Market at Kentisbury Grange
February 2016: Exmoor Food Fest all over Exmoor
10 February 2016: Pop-up Restaurant at the Exmoor Owl Centre, Allerford
27/28 February 2016: Dunster Food Festival
We are waiting to confirm the dates for “Exmoor Stars”, our Celebrity Charity Ball, as well as a number of other pop-up restaurants at various barns on Exmoor which will all take place during the Exmoor Food Fest in February 2016.
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In 2016 we are launching Exmoor Markets – events at a number of locations across Exmoor featuring local produce and crafts. We are currently working on a website while finalising the dates and venues.
If you are a local food producer or know of someone who makes arts and crafts or sells home made food products, please send us an email to exmoor4all@gmail.com.
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PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Robbers Bridge near Oare, Somerset
Photo by Stephen Ring
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If you would like to keep up-to-date with the latest Exmoor4all projects and events,
you can subscribe to the Exmoor4all newsletter.
NEWS FROM EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK
This year’s World Bolving Championship takes place on Saturday 17 October at Draydon Rails, Dulverton (TA22 9QE) in Exmoor National Park starting at 6 pm and everyone is welcome.
It’s an evening with a difference as National Park Ranger Richard Eales explains: “This is a competition to find out who can sound most like a rutting stag – can you get a real live deer to answer you across the wild deep valley?
“This year there is a beautiful, framed stag picture that has been kindly donated by www.mikesherwinphotography.co.uk as well as the Phil Ferris Shield that will go to the winner. Mike Sherwin has also kindly donated a picture that will be presented to the best junior bolver, so get practicing kids.”
Anyone that would like to join in and test their vocal chords can just turn up on the night and enter. Entries are a minimum donation of £2 per person and all the money raised will go to Devon Air Ambulance Trust.
People can either meet up with other competitors at The Rock House Inn, Dulverton at 5pm or just turn up at Draydon Rails at 6pm. After the competition it’s back to the pub for the results and winners’ presentation, beer, food and the prize draw.
For further details please contact Richard on 07772 989737 or the Rock House, Inn on 01398 323467.
Exmoor stag. Photo by Tony Piper
Talk on ‘Exmoor Ponies & Their Future’ – with a book signing for newly published ‘Wild Pony Whispering’ by Dawn Westcott
Date: Thursday, 8 October 2015, 7pm
Venue: Exmoor National Park’s Lynmouth Pavilion
Free entry, booking advised.
From crabbing to kayaking and walking to photography, the Exmoor Coast Festival celebrates all the wonderful things to do along our stunning coastline. The event is coordinated by Bryan Cath for Exmoor Tourism and there is something for everyone to enjoy, mostly free, from Ilfracombe in the west to Watchet in the east.
For those who have lots of energy there are some challenging activities to try their hand at with qualified trainers. Probably the most daring is coasteering at Hele Bay near Ilfracombe on Tuesday 26 May – this is rock climbing, but sideways with the sea always close by. For those who want to try out vertical rock climbing then the Valley of Rocks on Thursday 28 May is the place to go. There are two opportunities to try out kayaking, at Lee Bay near Lynton on Wednesday 27 May and Combe Martin on Thursday 28 May. For the bikers there’s a guided mountain bike ride around Horner near Porlock on Monday 25 May. And there’s an opportunity to try coarse fishing at Slade Reservoir on Wednesday 27 May with a South West Lakes ranger.
There are a variety of walks, one around Lee Abbey near Lynton on Saturday 23 May, takes in the grounds of the abbey, which are not normally open to the public. On Thursday 28 May there is a coastal walk around Porlock and at Combe Martin a walk find out about the trades and settlements heritage walk. For those who want to stretch their legs there’s a challenging walk along the rugged coast path on Selworthy Beacon with the Exmoor Society on Saturday 30 May.
Bryan Cath says: “The range of events on offer is astonishing and we do hope that people will come along and join in as many as possible.”
For those with smaller children there are several events taking place which will be perfect. On Saturday 23 May Combe Martin celebrates Hunting the Earl of Rone where children can join in the Junior Party Day and on Monday see the main parade through the length of the village. On Sunday 24 May there is a charity duck race at Porlock. On Monday 25 May there is a beach safari at Lynmouth with a National Park Ranger and a sandcastle competition at Combe Martin beach. On Thursday 28 May join in a free day with the National Park on their Big Adventure Day at Lynmouth. On Friday 29 May you can join the Devon Wildlife Trust in a Shoresearch looking for pond-life at Lynmouth. On Saturday 30 May why not join in the Exmoor World Championship Crabbing Competition at Porlock Weir. At Combe Martin Museum you can join in a fun afternoon at the Children’s Activity Workshop.
Running throughout the Coast Festival is an art exhibition at Contains Art at Watchet. This displays artists’ impressions of the geology of the impressive rock formations in that area, our own Jurassic coast. There will also be a barbecue with music and activities on Saturday 30 May at Watchet. Somerset Wildlife Trust are putting on an exhibition of coast art and marine wildlife at Porlock on Wednesday 27 May.
The National Park’s Lynmouth Pavilion is putting on various events throughout the Coast Festival. On Saturday 23 you can enjoy songs, stories and pictures celebrating the history of Exmoor. On Monday 25 May come and see the film about the amazing feat of endurance when the Louisa Lifeboat was hauled from Lynmouth to Porlock Weir to save a stricken ship. On Wednesday 27 May meet the Coastguards and discover the challenges they face on our dangerous coast. On Thursday 28 May in the evening come and enjoy some stunning photography taken around the National Park by Dr Nigel Stone from Exmoor National Park.
There are some more relaxing events taking place. On Monday 25 May in the afternoon enjoy the open gardens at Woolhanger near Parracombe with craft stalls and cream teas. We all love our cream teas and there are more at the Sail Loft at Combe Martin Museum on Tuesday 26 May in the morning. On Thursday 28 May at The Ship in Porlock Weir come and join in some sea shanties in the evening. On Friday 29 May go along to the Regal Theatre in Minehead for an enchanting puppet show about the Musicians of Bremen. On Saturday 30 May visit the Knitting Workshop in Combe Martin to brush up on your skills. Closing the festival on Sunday 31 May is an afternoon of music, readings and more cream teas at St Mary’s Church at Lynton.
The Coast Festival is supported by Exmoor Tourism, Exmoor National Park Partnership Fund and South West Water, for more details of the Coast Festival visit www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/coast-fest
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More information
To find out full details of each event please visit http://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/coast-fest or the full listings at http://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/types/coast-festival/map
A5 double-sided leaflets will be distributed throughout the area promoting the event.
The festival is co-ordinated by Bryan Cath for Exmoor Tourism. Contact Bryan at bryan@westcountrywalks.co.uk or 01271 883131.
Exmoor.– The first Exmoor Food Fest will come to Exmoor in February 2015, celebrating everything Exmoor has to offer.
For a whole month, outstanding restaurants across the region will be offering 2 courses for £10.00 and 3 courses for £15.00 to give locals and visitors alike the opportunity to sample dishes prepared with excellent local produce.
Customers will be able to pick up vouchers for the Exmoor Food Fest “Tenner Deal” at participating restaurants or download them online. As an extra incentive to visit as many of the restaurants as possible, customers will receive a passport which will be stamped every time they order an “Exmoor Food Fest Deal”. Once the passport is full it will be entered into a draw for a Taste of Exmoor hamper.
The Exmoor Food Fest will be launched on 28 January 2015 at The Combe, a training restaurant based at the Skills and Enterprise Centre in the grounds of West Somerset College Minehead. Local chefs Mark Dodson (Masons Arms Knowstone), Thomas Carr (The Olive Room, Ilfracombe), Andrew Dixon (The Cafe Porlock Weir) and former student Richard Boggie (now Chef de Partie at Bath Priory) will be cooking a five-course-menu with the hospitality students for invited guests.
The grand finale of the Exmoor Food Fest is taking place at Minehead Harbour on 28 February in conjunction with the first Family Angling Day. Street Food Traders will give the harbour a village feel, inviting people to stroll around the harbour, watch the anglers and taste delicious food. A local produce and craft fair will take place at The Beach Hotel in Minehead where chefs like Mark Dodson will do cooking demonstrations throughout the day. Other venues along the seafront will also join in the celebration. Street artists and entertainment complete the recipe for a great family day out.
Andrew Dixon, owner and Chef at The Café at Porlock Weir, came up with the idea of the Exmoor Food Fest to promote the many outstanding food venues across the region.
“Exmoor has so much to offer, but February tends to be a very quiet time for us. The ‘Tenner Deal’ is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase what we can do while making it affordable for our customers,” explained Andrew.
Kentisbury Grange is one of the Devon-based venues taking part in the Exmoor Food Fest, where renowned Chef Michael Caines MBE has recently become involved.
“We are delighted to join this promotion of local food and Exmoor as a region,” commented Peter Farquhar, General Manager. “Michael’s involvement is very exciting as it will enable us to move to a whole new level in all aspects of our hospitality offering.’
The Exmoor Food Fest is organised and run by Exmoor4all, an internet platform based on sharing photos and stories of Exmoor with people all over the world as well as providing a network for local businesses. Andrew Dixon, who now is also a tutor at The Combe, and Werner Hartholt, the Combe’s Chef Lecturer, are co-organisers and technical consultants for the Exmoor Food Fest.
A total of 15 restaurants will take part in the first Exmoor Food Fest. A list is available on www.exmoorfoodfest.com, complete with contact details and days when the special Exmoor Food Fest deal is available.
Exmoor 4 all 