Fea ture Writ ing
Dudley
He comes from a town that is known to be ‘twinned with Narnia’. Dudley the Devon born chap lives in a town called Totnes– commonly recognised for it’s laid back vibe and array of dreadlocked men. If you’re into health food and incense then you should really take a trip to Totnes. Dudley has always lived in and around Totnes and admires it as he says it is “full of hippies” – he is not wrong there. As a dedicated Totnesian he even owns a top that quotes, “Totnes – Twinned with Narnia”. However, someday he aims to venture far from the trees of totnes and nestle into the Barbados life of sandy beaches and sun.The temptation of Barbados stems from a previous trip to visit family - Dudley fell in love with a particular beach called, “Silver
Sand Beach”. As Dudley spoke wonders of this beach his face lit up with nostalgia.
Dudley is a vibrant character with a passion for dancing – he was once a
“Maverick tendencies”
dance teacher. But dancing isn’t his only hobby. Dudley is a keen long-boarder and dreams that one day he’ll be able to make them for a career. Until then Dudley has decided to challenge
himself and indulge on a Journalism course - where he hopes to be constantly intrigued and on the road to a content career path. Maverick is the only word I can find to describe Dudley to a T. He is an independent thinker with an abundant wealth of information. A perfect example of his maverick tendencies is his unique tattoo. Personally designed with a very intricate meaning – he explains it as the first circle signifying when he was in a delicate place, the line being his pathway to finding his equilibrium which is displayed with the yingyang symbol. One of the happiest moments in Dudley’s life is when he went on holiday to Venice with his grandparents. Right in the centre of St Marco a storm hit, lightening
began to fork across the sky and the rain drove everyone to the sides, this is where Dudley began to dance. “I was just Improvising with ballet and contemporary fusion, I slid along the marble patterns that adorned the square… the crowds clapped and made me feel on top of the world.” As an avid film watcher Dudley is keen to discover the endless ins and outs of conspiracy theories. His pet hates are violence and money – both of which society are obsessed by. The key word there being “society” as this is something Dudley doesn’t feel the need to conform to. Such a refreshing outlook in comparison to the rest of our generation.
At the age of 7 years old Dudley was put into care, he describes this process as a learning curve and claims “when I went into care, School became a place for socialising because it was the only place I could do it, learning became secondary”. His dad has been a huge inspiration to him over the years, being described as “a rock for everyone he knows” and “doesn’t expect anything in return.” He quietly murmured “He’s the hero of my story”. Dudley describes his life so far as “a long turbulent, traumatic learning curve.” He displays a mature and wondrous outlook on life – something you have to discover through struggling. Now a fully independent student with
his own flat he notes that “it’s nice to have freedom.” A keen family man ready to start his own family at 30 with the idyllic – two kids a dog and a sturdy mortgage.
Bigbury-On-Sea – Burgh Island
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PLACES IN DEVON TO BOOST YOUR GRATITUDE January is said to be the Monday of all months. The weather is shoddy and we’re all stuck in the remains of the festive fog, looking for a bit of inspiration. Let’s face it we could all do with a nudge in the gratitude department; so how about combining what we’ve got in order to boost our mood and an excuse for a bit of a day out. Here are some of my favourite little Devon gems that will help to keep your spirits high.
Gara Rock The ideal location for a sunny day – with epic landscapes and quirky facilities this beach is simply breath taking. Gara rock is set a mile from East Portlemouth which is also a stone’s throw away from Kingsbridge. At the top of the beach sits a recently renovated contemporary restaurant/ cafe, with sophisticatedly simple decor it’s verging on paradise. The gradual coastal path to the beach provides a vast outlook onto the elegant cliffs. You couldn’t possibly visit this spot without feeling positively grateful.
Wistman’s Woods An enchanted woodland located within the west of the moors near Princetown. Dartmoor is notorious for its mystical wisdoms and frightful tales. Enough to intrigue any curious child. This particular woods has inspired many writers and has been described as “the most haunted place on Dartmoor”. The suspicious fungus that encases the woods – bearded lichen – portrays a sense of the unique unknown as it droops from the trees. Sometimes an intriguing walk in the woods and some fresh air is enough to trigger inspiration and positive thoughts and personally this enigmatic woodland is ideal for it.
Musician and keen surfer, Ben Howard has even written a song named Burgh Island. He uses the concept of ‘Burgh Island’ to describe his love for a woman as the island is well known for being pure and peaceful.
Bigbury is a sandy beach set alongside the outskirts of Kingsbridge. Situated beside the popular surfing beach – Bantham. With outstanding views out to the sea, Bigbury is also profound for its accessibil- “With brown eyes shining, shoreity to Burgh Island. The island line on a way to go, can be reached by foot when And the sun tries you’re feeling the tide is low, however, during home, I guess you’re broke high tide you can access it via And we lost sight of it, and breath a beach tractor. If a day trip isn’t long enough for you then tied up in summer’s hold, you’re spoilt for choice with a Your eyes screamed it, Burgh range of B&B’s or a perfectly Island, in sepia tones.” located campsite that sits on Burgh Island – Ben Howard top of the hill with direct views above and beyond the island.
If you fancy a treat after then you might as well visit the Two Bridges hotel while you’re there. A juxtaposition from your enchanted experience. Two Bridges hotel provides an eloquent note to your day out – with a pot of tea and cake what better way to encourage contentment. Gratitude and contentment are vital in order to ensure a peaceful mentality; without them we have clouded and dull minds. So instead of relying on materialistic possessions to curb your blues, go outside it’s cheaper and more rewarding in the long run.
EXPLORATION An insight into a handful of Devon’s hidden agendas
Instead of sticking to the same old themed family days out, why not spread your wings
along the quaint land we live in.
Devon is said to be an undertone in the UK. Whilst it may not behold city like opportunities; it is certainly perfectly formed. It is not praised enough for its endearing qualities. The land of retirement and caravan holidays some might say? But I prefer the land of exploration. Within Devon you’ll find the sea; forests; caves and coastal paths. Yes our climate may be dull but don’t be disheartened. Two people far from disheartened by the wind and rain are; Daryl and Rachel from Torquay. Earlier this year they made a pack to walk along every single coastal path in Devon – that’s 630 miles in total! Daryl quoted that, “walking the coasts has become a little addictive… We feel more in touch with nature, have more energy and meet lots of great people too”. Having completed over 250 miles of their admirable journey the couple say that “walking improves your fitness and general well-being” and what better reason for doing it.
Hidden Agenda #1 Feeling inspired by this couples aspirations and earthly energy I asked what their favourite walk has been so far – Brixham to Kingswear – a five mile walk along the stretch of moor like terrain accompanied by ‘rugged cliff tops’. It seems this is one of Devon’s hidden agendas as it’s buried between the buzz of busy roads but yet seems so detached from the towns. What better people to have recommend a place in Devon to explore.
Jay’s grave has been a poignant mystery since the 18th Century as since then flowers have appeared on her grave everyday with no sighting of who puts them there. Her raised grave sits on the side of a road beneath two trees near where Jay is said to have hanged herself. But why is her grave raised? Well in the 18th century suicide was seen as an ungodly and deemed as a sin so suicide victims were not to be buried underground with everyone else.
Hidden Agenda #2 Within the depths of the moors lay many intriguing stories or legends should I say. Amongst the hills of Dartmoor you’ll find a raised grave – but not just any old grave. There’s a story behind it, the story of ‘Kitty Jay’s Grave’. A young girl who took her own life; now notoriously known for the sightings of her ‘ghost’. It is said that she worked on a farm near by as an apprentice and became pregnant not long after starting there. Some say she hanged herself due to the shame of being pregnant out of wedlock.
Devon moors are stretched over 950 kilometres long – amongst the hills you’ll find a handful of proper pubs with cheap beer and hearty grub. A distinctive smell of the countryside and freedom surround the endless land where the wildlife roam freely. If you’re on the hunt for adventure or just some plain old fresh air I cannot recommend the moors enough.
Challenge
Why not make it your mission to visit 3 places in Devon as a positive reminder of the nature that surrounds us. As a token of my gratitude to you I have picked three locations to help lift your cloud of doom that I call reality. Haytor
Haytor Rocks are situated along the eastern edge of the Moor. The tor stands 457 metres in height and is surrounded by 7.5 miles of hilly land. Though this may seem like a vague attraction to visit – there is much more than meets the eye. For Haytor is profoundly known for its flawless snow gliding hills; if you haven’t slid down the hills on a dust pan lid when it snows you should probably add that to your list too. But let’s not get carried away. For those of you which enjoy life it’s time to get your coat and take a trip to Haytor in the sunrise – there is no location quite like it. The breath guaranteed to brighten up your week and blow the cob webs of away.
the finer things in the morning to watch taking colours are last week’s worries
Spitchwick
For the sunnier occasions – Spitchwick has it all. Located outside Ashburton on the cusp of the moors. An ideal location for everyone during picnic season. Swimming; sun and 280 metres of land for activities. Encased in nature and nothing but tranquillity – besides the children enjoying the wild waters – this spot is the epitome of exploration.
Fishcombe Cove
A juxtaposition to Dartmoor this buried spot is a stone’s throw away from Brixham, a seaside town in Torbay. This hidden cove is placed delicately between Churston and Brixham and can be easily accessed by car or foot. A pebble beach that sits at the end of an enchanting woods filled with man-made art that compliments the nature it lives in. Open all year and welcomes our four legged friends – that means no excuses.