Torbay is home to some beatiful gardens and homes, one of the best being that found at Coleton Fishacre. It's an odd name, but the gardens are anything but.
Coleton Fishacre also known as "a garden by the sea" is a National Trust property which was built in the 1920s for the famous D'Oyley Carte family who built the Savoy Theatre and hotel and also well known for their theatrical connections.
It was the D'Oyley Cartes who developed these stunning gardens, which also boast breath-taking views of the coastline. The gardens descend to Pudcombe Cove and the coast path. The house and gardens can be found on the road between Churston (midway between Paignton and Brixham) and Kingswear, nestled in the hills.
For more information, visit the house's National Trust page here
Tuesday 26 May 2009
Friday 22 May 2009
Players cheered from the bus tops
As followers of top-class football will already know, Torquay United recently won promotion back into the Football League and last night marked the occasion with an open-top bus parade through the streets of the town, finishing with a civic reception at town hall.
As reported in the Herald Express newspaper, 'Thousands of Gulls fans lined Torquay's seafront and town centre pavements to hail their heroes, who were marking the historic Wembley victory over Blue Square Premier League rivals Cambridge United.
Last Sunday's 2-0 playoff win elevated Torquay United into the League, two years after they were relegated.
The players' bus, filled by everyone associated with the running of Torquay United, left Plainmoor at 6pm.
Fans cheered the bus and sang celebratory songs as it drove sedately off to Westhill Road before heading to Hele Road.
Paul Buckle, United's manager, said: "It's fabulous to see the people turn out in such numbers. Right up to the end of the season and beyond they never let us down.
"We're now building for our first season back in the league. This is where we start work."
The bus then turned into Newton Road, went on to Torre Station and then turned right into Avenue Road.
The noise from fans was incredible, with children running alongside the bus, waving their blue-and-yellow flags, while drivers honked their car horns.'
Truly it was a night to remember, let's just hope the coming season brings as much joy and happiness. And at least we won't have to play at Barrow again for a while...
As reported in the Herald Express newspaper, 'Thousands of Gulls fans lined Torquay's seafront and town centre pavements to hail their heroes, who were marking the historic Wembley victory over Blue Square Premier League rivals Cambridge United.
Last Sunday's 2-0 playoff win elevated Torquay United into the League, two years after they were relegated.
The players' bus, filled by everyone associated with the running of Torquay United, left Plainmoor at 6pm.
Fans cheered the bus and sang celebratory songs as it drove sedately off to Westhill Road before heading to Hele Road.
Paul Buckle, United's manager, said: "It's fabulous to see the people turn out in such numbers. Right up to the end of the season and beyond they never let us down.
"We're now building for our first season back in the league. This is where we start work."
The bus then turned into Newton Road, went on to Torre Station and then turned right into Avenue Road.
The noise from fans was incredible, with children running alongside the bus, waving their blue-and-yellow flags, while drivers honked their car horns.'
Truly it was a night to remember, let's just hope the coming season brings as much joy and happiness. And at least we won't have to play at Barrow again for a while...
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Living life with colour
Torquay has really changed very little over the years. From the very first Victorian holidaymakers who coined the phrase English Riviera, to the modern sun, sand and sea-seekers of today, the traditional attractions still hold true.
But don't take our word for it, check out this vintage footage from the 1920s, when times were simpler and the devastation of the second world war was still years away.
According to the notes on YouTube, this extract comes from Claude Friese-Greene's 'The Open Road' - originally filmed in 1925/6 and now re-edited and digitally restored by the BFI National Archive. Britain seen in colour for the first time was heralded as a great technical advance for the cinema audience - now we can view a much improved image, but one which still stays true to the principles of the colour process.
We hope you enjoy it.
But don't take our word for it, check out this vintage footage from the 1920s, when times were simpler and the devastation of the second world war was still years away.
According to the notes on YouTube, this extract comes from Claude Friese-Greene's 'The Open Road' - originally filmed in 1925/6 and now re-edited and digitally restored by the BFI National Archive. Britain seen in colour for the first time was heralded as a great technical advance for the cinema audience - now we can view a much improved image, but one which still stays true to the principles of the colour process.
We hope you enjoy it.
Sunday 10 May 2009
Not messing about in boats
Who says you don't get anything for free anymore? Well, if you find yourself in Torquay over the second May Bank Holiday weekend then you are in for a real treat.
The weekend of May 23 and 24 sees Torbay play host to the first ORDA event of the year with the Torbay Classic Powerboat Race.
Each year these incredibly fast craft spread out across the Bay locked in battle. The racing is fast and furious and the organisers ensure that those watching the racing from the harbour side or shore know what is going on at all times.
Just make your way round to the marina in Torquay and enjoy the views.
The weekend of May 23 and 24 sees Torbay play host to the first ORDA event of the year with the Torbay Classic Powerboat Race.
Each year these incredibly fast craft spread out across the Bay locked in battle. The racing is fast and furious and the organisers ensure that those watching the racing from the harbour side or shore know what is going on at all times.
Just make your way round to the marina in Torquay and enjoy the views.
Friday 1 May 2009
Setting the facts straight
The world's media came to Torbay this week with the news that 12-year-old Amy Whitehouse from Paignton had contracted swine flu. It sent the area into something approaching blind panic and as always happens in these cases the facts got lost in the fog.
So, just for accuracy's sake, here is the government advice on what to do avoid getting the flu, and what to do if you get it.
To reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus you should:
cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a tissue
throw the tissue away quickly and carefully
wash your hands regularly with soap and water clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product
You can prepare now for a possible pandemic by:
always carrying tissues - catching the germs in a tissue could help limit the spread of the virus
know your NHS number (this will be in NHS letters or prescriptions)
keep up to date with the latest help and advice available through radio, TV and the internet
confirming your ‘flu friends’ - these are friends and neighbours who can help you if you become ill; they could get your medication or food for you so that you don’t have to leave the house - this will help stop the virus from spreading
have a two-week stock of food and other supplies in case you and your family are ill
If you have the flu
Catching swine flu will feel like seasonal flu, so:
stay at home and rest
take medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol (following the instructions – children under 16 should not be given aspirin or ready made flu remedies)
drink plenty of fluids
If you are still concerned, you can call:
NHS Direct on 0845 4647 in England
NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 in Scotland
NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 in Wales
0800 0514 142 in Northern Ireland
They will give you advice on your symptoms and the next steps you should take.
Contact your doctor if you develop complications, like a shortness of breath - but don't go to the surgery yourself, ask your ‘flu friend’ to go for you.
Medication
Vaccines are used to help fight seasonal flu but a vaccine for this strain of swine flu will take time to create.
Antiviral drugs
Antiviral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing - to be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. This means the illness may be shortened by a day and reduce the risk of complications. Read the section above, ‘if you have the flu’ before contacting your doctor about antiviral drugs.
Face masks
Although face masks have been given out in Mexico, there is no actual evidence that proves wearing a face mask will stop you getting the virus. It’s more effective to use tissues when sneezing and coughing and wash your hands regularly.
So, just for accuracy's sake, here is the government advice on what to do avoid getting the flu, and what to do if you get it.
To reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus you should:
cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, using a tissue
throw the tissue away quickly and carefully
wash your hands regularly with soap and water clean hard surfaces (like door handles and remote controls) frequently with a normal cleaning product
You can prepare now for a possible pandemic by:
always carrying tissues - catching the germs in a tissue could help limit the spread of the virus
know your NHS number (this will be in NHS letters or prescriptions)
keep up to date with the latest help and advice available through radio, TV and the internet
confirming your ‘flu friends’ - these are friends and neighbours who can help you if you become ill; they could get your medication or food for you so that you don’t have to leave the house - this will help stop the virus from spreading
have a two-week stock of food and other supplies in case you and your family are ill
If you have the flu
Catching swine flu will feel like seasonal flu, so:
stay at home and rest
take medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol (following the instructions – children under 16 should not be given aspirin or ready made flu remedies)
drink plenty of fluids
If you are still concerned, you can call:
NHS Direct on 0845 4647 in England
NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 in Scotland
NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 in Wales
0800 0514 142 in Northern Ireland
They will give you advice on your symptoms and the next steps you should take.
Contact your doctor if you develop complications, like a shortness of breath - but don't go to the surgery yourself, ask your ‘flu friend’ to go for you.
Medication
Vaccines are used to help fight seasonal flu but a vaccine for this strain of swine flu will take time to create.
Antiviral drugs
Antiviral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing - to be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. This means the illness may be shortened by a day and reduce the risk of complications. Read the section above, ‘if you have the flu’ before contacting your doctor about antiviral drugs.
Face masks
Although face masks have been given out in Mexico, there is no actual evidence that proves wearing a face mask will stop you getting the virus. It’s more effective to use tissues when sneezing and coughing and wash your hands regularly.
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