Ernie at Princetown and a chimney fire at the Sandy Park Inn.

Apologies for not keeping the blog up to date these last couple of weeks, but we have had almighty problems with the website.
Elizabeth (daughter) is hell bent on installing a data base for me, because the site is so big, and it will make navigation even more easy for our visitors. This has meant that we needed to tidy up the coding on the html (all background stuff behind the pages) which has been up and running for about 12 years without much technical knowledge, me being non techy whatsoever. So.....
One of Elizabeth's bright young team has been trying to sort me out. Poor Nick has had the daunting task of trying to taking it all to pieces and updating the old style sheet.....
which would have been ok, save for the fact that there were 2 style sheets in there, and unbeknownst (is that how you spell that ?) to Nick the one that was lying quietly in the background was causing great problems to the one that we thought was in command.
Still with me ??????????
Anyway, all this conflict at the back of the pages came to light when Jane and I realised that we were duplicating correction work, and whatever we did didn't seem to be making much difference to the look of the website.
If anyone does know what I'm rattling on about, they will know the sheer frustration of it all.
And all this when I could be doing far more interesting and exciting stuff.
I had hoped by now to be out and about saying hello to all our accommodation providers, and updating the pages with all manner of interesting facts.

We did manage to get out to visit one of the new B&B's on our website this week though and that was to nip out to say a quick hello to Ernie at Duchy House at Princetown. That's Ernie in the picture at the top. What a cheerful guy he is. He showed us around his letting rooms and we took lots of photos that I will add to the website in a few days time, and before we knew it we were drinking tea in his kitchen chatting away like old pals. He is very easy to get on with, and I should imagine that visitors to the Prison who stay with him would feel at home in no time.
The other picture is of Chagford and Moreton fire crews attending a chimney fire at the Sandy Park Inn just outside Chagford on the 14th. I'm so glad that it didn't get out of hand. The firefighting lads were able to direct a hose down the chimney that seemed to do the trick and the pub was back to business as usual by lunch opening time.

I will get back to sensible blogs.... honest. There will be more hours in a day. Pigs will fly ! Cheers chaps

Managed to visit Penpark bed and breakfast at last..

What a joy this job is. Today I went down to Bickington on the South of the Moor to introduce myself to Madeleine Gregson who joined my website last year.
This is the first chance I have had to go along with my camera and I was very pleased with Maddy's excellent bed and breakfast. Do take a second to click on the photos to see what I mean. Quality house and impressive garden.
I'm hoping to get time over the next few days to write a full review with heaps of lovely photos.

But as it's past midnight, I will bid you all goodnight.....

Birthday treat at 22 Mill Street. Thank you George and Linda !

Just a quickie to say thank you to George and Linda for our Birthday Treat at 22 Mill Street in Chagford last night.

We had a lovely time and the food was great. As soon as I am over the installation of our database, I shall be adding a food review to our website.

OneSwitch.org.uk blog: Accessible Play Grounds

OneSwitch.org.uk blog: Accessible Play Grounds
The all ability playpark that I organise the website for have received a comment on this website.(above) ...
It is the most wonderful playpark for children of all ages and all disabilities. I have tried out most of the kit and it is accessible for anyone, wheelchair bound or not. If you live in Devon, then please go and have a look at it. Map on the website, which is http://www.theplaypark.co.uk/

60 years old. The sole benefit !

My 60th birthday loomed ahead like a trip to the dentist, but the day turned out to be one of the best.
Elizabeth came down from Norfolk for a few days and on THE day we took ourselves off with the kids to the Dartmoor Tearooms in Moreton for a top class feast, the highlight being the presentation of a raspberry, meringue and ice cream plateful of yum complete with candle.
When we finally turned out of the cafe with 2 bottles of wine taken, we headed off to take Nancy on the swings at the bottom of the street. She loved it.

Thanks to everyone who kindly sent me a card or greetings. These photos were all taken by Rob, who spoilt me rotten on the day. Tricky for people to spot though, as he is endlessly generous and giving to me. Maybe he fancies a share of my pension ! At least with my bus pass, we can travel around the county at half the cost..... Pass me that bus timetable chap !

Boldventure B&B or self catering well off the beaten track

If you really want to find a quiet away from it all bolthole on Dartmoor, then look no further than Boldventure about 3 miles out of Chagford close to the Mariner's Way and peaceful as can be. With far reaching views and soon to have a carpet of bluebells in their own private woods at the back of the plot.

I will give you the web address which is www.bvdartmoor.com but tell you that it just does not do the place justice, so I have talked Dennis and Wendy King the owners into letting me build them a website to be proud of.
Jane and I went up to take preliminary pictures last Friday and I reminded myself of just how out of the way it all is. The drive up is a bit uneven, but well worth the climb because of the stunning far reaching views. I will go back in the better weather to take a panoramic shot that take in the whole of Chagford, Meldon and Natterdon, Haytor in the distance and Castle Drogo easily spotted.

As we walked into the main living room it was easy to take photos of the deer in the adjacent field. Wendy and Dennis are nature fans so you will see all the local birds and meet their pet pony and horse. They invite you to bring your own horse if you wish at a tiny charge of £5 per day and they are the sort of folks that will feed them if you are out late in the day.
The visitors book is full of comments about their kindness. will let you know when I have their new website ready to look at.