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EXMOOR
THE COUNTRY MAGAZINE
www.theexmoormagazine.com
Winter Wonderland WINTER SHOPPING, EVENTS & MORE ACROSS WEST SOMERSET & EXMOOR
MAGICAL
LATE-NIGHT SHOPPING
LATE-NIGHT DATES ACROSS THE AREA Barnstaple Every Thursday from 25 November until 9pm Minehead Friday 26 November, 5-8pm
Friday 3 December 5-9pm & Saturday 4 December 4-9pm www.dunsterbycandlelight.co.uk (see website for all details of Park & Ride and West Somerset Railway who run special trains for the event.) Dunster By Candlelight has a truly packed schedule this year! Father Christmas’ grotto, lantern lighting procession led by stiltwalkers and Medieval tabourer, Minehead Handbell Ringers, Exmoor National Park Authority torchlit walk to Conygar Tower, samba drummers, glow artists, West Somerset Brass Band, balloon modelling; face painting, children’s trail (with prizes), knights’ battle, milling by candlelight; circus skills, Johnny Kingdom, Exmoor Zoo Creature Feature, bouncy castle, church services & charity stalls.
Ilfracombe With the turning on of the Christmas lights, Wednesday 1 December, until 9pm South Molton Friday 3 December, 5-9pm
Lynton Saturday 4 December, 5-9pm
Full details and timings can be found in the £1 programmes which are on sale throughout Dunster and also in Minehead and Taunton with all proceeds going to St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice.
With lots of Christmas special offers and plenty of mince pies and mulled wine to go round, come and watch the street entertainment and visit Santa too!
2011 is the 25th year of Candlelight, which always takes place on the first Friday and Saturday in December - 2nd and 3rd next year. Join in the celebrations to mark this special anniversary and help us raise a record sum for the Hospice.
Williton
Dulverton by Starlight Sunday 5 December... and all month!
Throughout December until Twelfth Night Dulverton is transformed into a twinkling delight of white lights and Christmas trees. Soak up the festive atmosphere in this unique Exmoor town, avoid the hustle and bustle and discover that Christmas shopping can still be magical. Brimblecombe, Dulverton Dulverton boasts a wealth of independent shops, restaurants and tearooms. If you haven’t visited before you have missed a treat! On 5 December Santa arrives on his reindeer sleigh at 2:30pm, followed by carols at 6pm and free fireworks at 6:30. www.dulvertonbystarlight.co.uk
Wednesday 8 December, 6pm Delight in the festivities in Williton as the children parade with their lanterns from Danesfield School to the village. Stalls and activities in West Somerset House and meet Santa and the Snow Queen who will be there as you catch up on your Christmas shopping.
Wiveliscombe With the Christmas lights switch on & Santa on his sleigh, Wednesday 8 December, 5-9pm
Porlock Saturday 11 December, 6-9pm Join in the merriment as the Snow Queen and Jack Frost make an appearance in Porlock. As the handbells ring in Christmas the illuminated stilt walkers, bands and carol singers all lead you to Santa’s grotto where the big man is waiting just for you!
Main photo of Dunster by Candlelight courtesy Exmoor National Park Authority
Dunster by Candlelight
Let There be Light!
To find out more about what’s happening...
Minehead lights switch-on Friday 26 November from 4pm
Winter Wonderland
Get into the festive spirit as Minehead switches on its Christmas lights at 6pm. With the Christmas tree in Wellington Square and twinkling street illuminations, it’s sure to be a magical sight. You can visit Santa from 6pm too at the Regal Theatre Bar, an unforgettable childhood experience and every visit includes a present! With an all-day farmers’ market on the Parade and late-night shopping, it’s a must for your Christmas list!
is just a taster of the amazing array of events going on around the area. For more information log on to these websites:
www.visit-exmoor.co.uk www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk And for foodies, Exmoor farmer’s markets are listed at: www.exmoor.com/markets
Light Up Lynton Wednesday 1 December 6pm Take time out in magical Lynton, watch out for Santa arriving on his very own comet and visit his grotto. He’ll take your letters with a promise to reply to all in time for Christmas!
On track for Christmas Carol Trains, West Somerset Railway Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 December The ever popular Carol Trains are hauled by heritage steam locomotives to recreate the era of Christmas gone by, travelling from Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. Along the way the train will stop at the intervening stations so that carols may be sung, accompanied by the band. £8.50 adults £6.00 children.
The Santa Express & Traditional Santa Steam Specials
Steam train at Crowcombe courtesy West Somerset Railway
4 & 5, 11 & 12, 18 & 19, 22, 23 & 24 December The traditional Santa Specials go from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Heathfield and Minehead to Blue Anchor to meet Santa in his grotto. There are gifts for the children and mince pies and refreshments for parents and grandparents. There is also a buffet coach. Meanwhile, the Santa Express, from Bishops Lydeard to Williton, sees Santa on board the train itself, again with gifts and refreshments. For all Santa Trains and Carol Trains see: ival t s e www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk mF
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A theatrical taster... 3-31 December BREWHOUSE – TAUNTON: The Lion,The Witch & The Wardrobe 10 December (7.30pm) MINEHEAD – REGAL THEATRE: The No.1 Christmas Show. 10 December - 3 January 2011 BARNSTAPLE– QUEENS THEATRE: Aladdin 11 December (10.30am) MINEHEAD – REGAL THEATRE: Free Christmas film show for children. 12 December (10.30am) MINEHEAD – REGAL THEATRE: The Chronicles of Christmas 13 and 16 December (7.30pm) WATCHET & MINEHEAD: Watchet Choral Society present local carols at Watchet Methodist Church and St Andrews, Minehead.
Catch up with the Exmoor carolers out & about
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Meanwhile, at Woody Bay...
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Santa Special Trains, Lynton & Barnstaple Railway 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24 December Enjoy an exciting half-hour journey from Woody Bay Station to Killington Lane and back by steam train. At Woody Bay you can get into the real festive spirit and enjoy the magic of Christmas with the chance to meet Santa himself! 11-12 December: adult £8.50, child £8.50, under one £2.50; 18-24 December: adult £9.50, child £9.50, under 1 £3.00. The ticket price also includes a Punch and Judy and Magic Show. Booking essential. www.lynton-rail.co.uk
The Exmoor Carolers will be singing at St John’s Church, Countisbury (26 Nov. 6pm), Bratton Fleming (27 Nov. 7.30pm), St Mary’s Church, Mortehoe (3 Dec. 8pm), Dunster Castle (5 Dec. 2.30pm), Lynton United Reformed Church (10 Dec. 8pm), St Paul’s Church Filleigh (17 Dec. 8pm) and Holy Trinity Church Challacombe (19 Dec. 3pm).
wrap up warm... Snowdrop Valley
Carhampton Wassailing
5-27 February Photo courtesy Carhampton Archive
Join this tradition revived by Bill Tarr, the landlord of the Butchers Arms, back in the 1920s. Villagers gather around the largest apple tree and cider-soaked toast is placed in the branches to placate the good spirits in the shape of robins. Shotguns are discharged through the branches to drive away the evil spirits with the hope of a good crop of apples in the coming year and then the trees are serenaded with the Carhampton wassail song. Community Orchard 6.30pm (01643 821620). The Butchers Arms 7.30pm (01643 821333).
Main snopdrop photo by Brian Pearce courtesy of Elaine Pearce
Monday 17 January
Snowdrop Valley explodes with snowdrops and mystical feeling each spring. You can either use the park and ride from the village of Wheddon Cross or walk down. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for winter walking and allow at least 1½ hours for return trip. www.wheddoncross.org.uk and 07531 680445.
Sunday Carvery Lunch 12-3pm Coaches welcome-booking essential
SNOWDROP OPENING HOURS Eric, Caroline and Staff will be pleased to welcome you 7 days a week 10am – 5pm for coffees, lunches & cream teas
Rest & Be Thankful Inn Wheddon Cross, Minehead, Somerset TA24 7DR Tel: 01643 841222 Email: stay@restandbethankful.co.uk www.restandbethankful.co.uk
Photo: David Williams
SANTA SPECIAL TRAINS WILL RUN BETWEEN MINEHEAD AND BLUE ANCHOR ON DECEMBER 12TH, 19TH & 24TH. (pre-booking for Santa Trains is strongly advised) AFTER CHRISTMAS STEAM TRAINS WILL RUN BETWEEN MINEHEAD AND BISHOPS LYDEARD EVERY DAY DECEMBER 27TH to JANUARY 3RD INCLUDING THE
Your
Santa Special
awaits at Woody Bay Station on the A39 between Lynton and Blackmoor Gate
December 11-12th and 18-24th Bookings: 01598 763683
WINTER STEAM FESTIVAL DECEMBER 29TH & 30TH
01643 704996 or see www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk Details:
The Wardrobe 18a High Street, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9HB
Open 10-5 Mon-Sat 11-4 Sun
THURSDAY LATE NIGHT OPENING THROUGH DECEMBER - TIL 7pm Great Christmas gifts for women Gift Vouchers available 01643 822204 www.raftofdunster.co.uk
Exciting new collections to suit all occasions, from casual wear to weddings, also a wide range of accessories. If you are looking for something different please call in and feel free to browse.
10% off any purchase with this advert
Tel: 01398 324288
Daisy Treat yourself to something special at Daisy Nail and Beauty in Minehead, Somerset.
We offer a variety of treatments including facials, manicures, pedicures, tanning, massage, waxing and more. Whether you are shopping in Minehead and fancy popping in, or you’ve got a special occasion coming up or if you just fancy spoiling yourself, visit our salon to discuss the treatments we have on offer.
4 & 6 Friday Street • Minehead • Somerset • TA24 5UA Tel: 01643 704760 Email: daisynailandbeauty@yahoo.co.uk www.daisynailandbeauty.co.uk
Barle Valley Safaris Explore Secret Exmoor Take a journey in our 8-seat Land Rover on tracks and ancient byways through deep wooded valleys, green pastures and wild moorland. Admire the scenery; see the red deer; Exmoor ponies and other wildlife in their natural environment.
SAFARIS OPERATE ALL YEAR ROUND FROM DULVERTON AND DUNSTER Gift vouchers available For bookings or more information telephone or call in at
The Tantivy, Fore Street, Dulverton. Tel: 01398 323465 Jacobs, High Street, Dunster. Tel: 01643 822041 Alternatively contact
Alison and Duncan: Tel: 01643 851386 Email: info@exmoorwildlifesafaris.co.uk www.exmoorwildlifesafaris.co.uk
Exmoor gift ideas for
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Christmas
Heather Holt’s round-up of local shopping ideas
The Exmoor Mag team have been hot on the heels of some local ideas for Christmas presents – and we’ve had such fun! You don’t have to go very far to find some unusual and beautifully created items to suit all the family. Exmoor’s late night shopping events make it easier for those with packed schedules and there is also plenty of scope to make the online Christmas shopping experience truly Exmoor. Each of us were given a member of the family to shop for and here’s a small selection of what we found. And don’t forget your Exmoor Producers Association for even more: www.exmoor-producers.co.uk (or see page 39 of the winter magazine).
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Mum’s the word
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irst to cross off the list was Mums – so our Editorial Ambassador Elaine set off in her usual intrepid way and, of course, ended up chatting... and finding lots of stories along the way! Her first stop was in Lynton with The Exmoor Florist (Peddars; 01598 753322; www.exmoorflowers.co.uk) where she found not only the most exquisite real flowers and plants, but beautiful silk and waxed flowers – all ready to be made up into personalised Christmas arrangements and ranging from single stem carnations (80p) to calla lillies (£4) and accessories such as bunches of twisted hazel with lights on (£29.99) or elegant peacock feathers (99p).
She also loved the flamboyant mushroom and black feather dusters (£10), but with no hints of doing housework with them I hope! Just around the corner recently opened Gallery@500ft (01598 752560; www.gallery500feet.com) offers many hitherto unseen depictions (in various media) of Exmoor, alongside locally inspired and made mosaics and crafts. And in Minehead (and now also Porlock) Courtyard Framing and Gallery (01643 705648; www.courtyardframing.co.uk) do a great line in printing photos onto canvas. At Raft of Dunster (01643 822204; www.raftofdunster.co.uk) Elaine admired
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& FOR DADS!...
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the sea glass earrings (£15) which are individually crafted by Sue Harris who hand picks the glass from local beaches for her necklaces, pendants and earrings. Here she also found scarves (from £8) and a great selection of Moroccan leather handbags. Finally Elaine visited Daisy Nail and Beauty in Minehead (01643 704760; www.daisynailandbeauty.co.uk) where she highly recommends the hot stone massage (from £32) and a whole host of other pampering body and facial treatments. This is another gift you can buy through ordering gift vouchers (over the phone). They even do eyelash extensions for those special occasions... ssshhh... another secret... Mum’s the word!
aking time out from looking after her beloved Exmoor ponies to find something for dads, Val’s first stop was the West Somerset Steam Railway in Minehead (01643 704996; www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk) where she found the Steam Engineman’s Taster Course, a half-day practical introduction to the mysteries of the steam engine (£195). Also included in this price is a free year’s membership of the WSR Association and two rover tickets so that Dad can enjoy a free day’s travel on the railway. The railway also holds many events and stocks no end of memorabilia in their shop and online.
Over at Exebridge Val found Nick Hart (01398 323008; www.hartflyshop.com), local expert in fly fishing offering personalised gift voucher packages, tuition, courses (starting at £65), father and son or family fly fishing, and guided fly fishing for salmon, wild brown trout or sea bass. Nick’s book The Essential Guide to Fly Fishing and a huge range of fishing gear can also be found on his new website. Staying with the water, how about a very cool ‘Fatyak’ from Ocean Mouldings in Williton (01984 632026; www.fatyak-kayaks.co.uk). The Fatyak (£209) is an easy, stable and affordable way into the world of paddling; perfect for exploring our coastline or our rivers – if you don’t want it for surfing the waves that is!
BOYS’ STUFF One of the more unusual presents that our administrator Jane came up with was ‘Shadowing a Zoo Keeper for a Day’ (£65) at Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park (01271 882486; www.dinosaur-park.com). What a brilliant idea for the animal lover and a real insight into how to look after animals and birds – thankfully the dinosaurs need little attention at the moment! For some exotic creatures, drop into Tropiquaria Zoo near Watchet (01984 640688; www. tropiquaria.co.uk)
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Photo (& left) courtesy Tropiquaria
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Christmas
and pick up a season ticket (£21: 3-16 year olds) for annual admission. They’ve built magnificent pirate ships for youngsters to play on and run a year-round puppet theatre. Jane suggests The Buffer Stop Shop in Minehead (01643 704996; www.westsomerset-railway.co.uk) for railway memorabilia such as books, DVDs and magazines and the proverbial railway sets
by Hornby or Bachmann... Dad might also get engrossed in this one! For the younger son there is a huge selection of Thomas the Tank and Friends including the new Take-along Thomas range, toys, books and playsets. For the more active youngster (girls as well as boys!), take a look at Exmoor Adventures (07976 208279; www.exmooradventures.co.uk) where you’ll find activities such as kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, coasteering, rock climbing and abseiling courses (prices range between £30-£95). One-to-one coaching starts from £80 and group activities from £25. You may of course wish to join them. Photo courtesy Exmoor Adventures
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Exmoor gift ideas for
Treats for Daughters
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ordic prints are very If your daughter is a in this winter and budding starlet and Wipeout in Minehead takes great pleasure (01643 709559; www. in dressing up we wipeoutonline.co.uk) have Snazaroo have a great range of in Minehead knitwear and accessories from popular (01643 707659; label Animal who also, incidentally, do a www.snazaroo. great range of girly wellies. The popular com) who make a Wipeout shop has a great online surf, snow colourful range of and skate store for a huge range of the face paints, including coolest labels, including Billabong, ones that shimmer (prices start under £5). Converse, O’Neill and Reef. You can order direct or buy Snazaroo from a range of local outlets. For an extra special present for the younger ones, why not surprise them with Brimblecombe in Dulverton (01398 a beautiful wooden rocking horse from 324181; www.brimblecombeonline.com) Billy Fry (07899 675191; billy.fry@ is just the place to shop for presents for btinternet.com) or a unique Noah’s Ark the girls in your life. In this lovely relaxed from Barry Hooper (01363 866 227; shop, which smells heavenly, you will find www.thearkman.co.uk). something utterly scrumptious and spoiling. These individually created Ranges include Ren, Creed, Dr Hauschka, items range from Hush, Bonsoir, Johnstons, Sophie Conran £30 up to £750 and True Grace. for the ultimate Countryside Ark to Why not abandon the computer (after purchasing your gift!) and buy your be passed down daughter a ticket for a day out enjoying a from generation to shared experience? Day Out With the generation! Kids (www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk)
provides a central hub for a mind-boggling range of activities that include making pottery/crafts, theatre trips, zip-lining, hot air ballooning (includes a glass of champagne for you of course!), theme parks... the list is huge.
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Finally, for boys and girls alike with a love of animals, you could consider adopting a pony. At The Exmoor Pony Centre (01398 323093; www.moorlandmousietrust.org.uk) you make a day of it a where your child can actually choose the pony that they’d like to adopt... aahhh! And there’s no age limit – I did this for my own daughter who’s 29 (!); she loved it... Photo by Jane Lillis
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EXMOOR SMALLHOLDER
Yarn Market Hotel Dunster
Right beside the Yarn Market in the Village centre. 2 rooms available for late bookings for Candlelight. Three Restaurants serving a variety of food throughout the Festivities. Ring or email for further details.
01643 821425 hotel@yarnmarkethotel.co.uk www.yarnmarkethotel.co.uk
Price £295
Price £285
Chicken Houses • Floating Duck Houses Dovecotes • Stables
Call 01643 862413 for colour brochure
KEN HILDREW Exmoor Artist
Pop in for Homemade Breads Frozen ready meals Celebration cakes Our famous pies
Original art at affordable prices Paintings and Prints by acclaimed artist Ken Hildrew.
Sponge cakes Sandwiches Christmas Cakes And Puds now ready
TARR STEPS
Paintings make lasting gifts.
The Barn Gallery Malt House, Fore Street, North Molton EX 36 3HL 41 Northmoor Road Dulverton, 01398 324131
Phone: 01598 740373 Website: www.kenhildrew.co.uk
DUNKERY SKYLINE
Treat yourself or a fellow lover of Exmoor to a truly local gift that lasts all year! Exmoor The Country Magazine is now owned and produced by a group of friends on Exmoor who are dedicated to promoting & celebrating the area. Join us by subscribing today, from just £13.95. There are three ways to pay: online (www.theexmoormagazine.com), by post using the form below or by phone: 0845 224 1203. If subscribing by post please send this form to: Hoar Oak Publishing Ltd Subs, Exmoor Pony Centre, Ashwick, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9QE.
Your details
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starting from issue no. (Winter 2010 is issue No. 53) I would like magazine binders at £9.25 each
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Background photo by Brian Pearce courtesy of Elaine Pearce
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Exmoor gift ideas for
Christmas
for TOTS
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don’t believe our editor Naomi has been working much these past few weeks – she’s been like a child in a sweet shop rediscovering her early years and has come up with some inspiring and lovable ideas, most of which are also environmentally friendly as well. Bedtime couldn’t be more cosy than when curling up to this gorgeous Steiff Teddy Bear (£19.95) from Minehead-based Exmoor Teddy Bears (01643 702333; www.exmoorteddybears.com) and listening to a story. ‘Number 7’ (01398 324457; www.numbersevendulverton.co.uk) in Dulverton have some very special children’s books perfect for the job. Minehead’s Toy Ahoy (01643 703865; www.toyahoy.co.uk) is a family-run business specialising in natural and traditional toys, games and books – a diverse and enchanting stock built up through their ‘love of art, design, storytelling and a true belief that all learning comes through play’. Brilliant value is a travel-sized pirate noughts & crosses game for a stocking filler (£6.50) and the white bear walker all round activity toy (£47) comes with a first-hand seal of approval from Naomi’s nephew Freddie (Exmoor Mag’s latest, highly-paid model!) After anything tractor-shaped it’s top favourite from last Christmas! For the travelling tot, this year’s ‘must-haves’ are the Fishy Backpacks (£19.50) from Bramblings Toys in South Molton (01598 740214; www.bramblingstoys.co.uk) made from 100% tough handwoven cotton and in bright colours that won’t run or fade.
Winter Wonderland is a collaborative project to promote local commerce, with support from Exmoor Tourism Partnership and funding contributions from:
EXMOOR
THE COUNTRY MAGAZINE
www.theexmoormagazine.com