Clovelly Maritime Festival 2023

All smiles and a lot of Atlantic Spirit Gin, Crackington Cider and Rock Rum Down Along Clovelly Harbour for the maritime festival.

Live music, craft, food stalls with cream tea and cakes served by the ladies in the Lifeboat House. Well known author, Liz Shakespeare, whose books draw inspiration from the local history of the North Devon coast and countryside, was also book signing on the quay. Not forgetting Punch and Judy, Clovelly Soap, Devon Wildlife Trust, the RNLI and Coastguard teams. All credit to the stilt walkers "Higher Beings" traversing the bumpy cobbles on the Quay.

Spanning the generations. Bobbing boats and boatmen down below the Quay. Featuring Lugger Lilly, a new build to order by boatbuilder Chris Frisby, based on the lines of Bucks Ledge Lugger, Flying Foam, a small boat that once worked around the Bay in Bucks Mills.

Lugger Lilly in Clovelly Harbour. Photo copyright Pat Adams

Lugger Lilly with RNLI Boatman, Chris Braund, Chris Frisby and Stephen Perham in Clovelly Harbour. Photo copyright Pat Adams

Lily, was launched in May 2023, is planked in Sitka Spruce and Mahogany with #oak frames and fit out along with an Elm transom.  (www.cfrisbyboats.co.uk)

Watch the video, take a walk Down Along Clovelly to the shore

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Many thanks to Chris Braund for telling us all about the history of the old Bucks Ledge 

Shout out to the teams that respond to your shouts for help on the coast. 

Passing on their invaluable safety advice on the day with a smile.

bidefordct - rnliappledorewatersafety - clovellyrnli

Lugger, Flying Foam & Lily. All photos copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus

Visit Clovelly Village website for the latest information & events

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Autumn Highlights. Time to celebrate the "Silver Darlings" down Along Clovelly

Clovelly Herring Festival always falls in November. It's the time of year when our historic village celebrates the coming of the great "Silver Darlings", better known as Herring. We celebrate and promote this tasty, nutritious fish whilst supporting sustainable fishing.

The Maritime historian and writer, Mike Smylie, attends with his "Kipperland" exhibition, which is devoted to the history of all things herring. Mike also turns the herring into delicate-tasting kippers and bloaters in his smokehouse for sale.

Flaxland will provide their exhibitions and demonstrations.  An opportunity to discover how the flax plant is used to make a vast range of goods.

On the quay, kitchens serve a variety of delicious herring specialities along with beer, gin and cider tastings, local food and craft stalls. Throughout the day there will be live music, street entertainers, face-painting, art workshop, an exhibition of Clovelly herring fishing, tasters & recipes, and children's activities.

Herring, an oily fish, whether fresh or smoked, is an excellent source of some great health benefits, such as low mercury and high protein content.  Herring contains many key nutrients, such as Omega-3 fatty acids (apparently giving good effects on brain, eyes, heart and muscle function) and other nutritional benefits with so many vitamins, including Selenium, etc.

Ahoy there. Couple of brave old sea dogs aka Vertigo Stilts on the cobbles - Photo credit Pat Adams

Locally caugh Perham Herring at Clovelly Harbour - Photo credit Pat Adams

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Clovelly Herring Festival
Sunday, 21st November 2021, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Standard admission charges include all entertainment.

Clovelly Harbour
Contact: Tel: 01237 431781. www.clovelly.co.uk

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The Clovelly Herring Festival features in lots of publications 

and TV programmes and is one of the best five autumn food festivals

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Clovelly Herring Festival - All Photos credit Pat Adams North Devon Focus

VOTE FOR CLOVELLY'S BESSIE. Cockwells Nominated for Two Classic Boat Awards: Show Your Support and Vote

Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding could win not just one but two coveted industry awards if local people participate in a public vote between now and midnight on Monday 9th March 2020.

The latest model in Cockwells’ popular Duchy Motor Launch series – the Twin Cabin Duchy 35 – that was unveiled at the 2019 Southampton International Boat Show has been shortlisted in the Powered Vessels category of the 2020 Classic Boat Awards.

Historic Falmouth working boat, Bessie – which has been restored by Cockwells’ apprentices – has also been nominated in the Restoration of the Year (under 40ft) class.

The Classic Boat Awards celebrate the best newly-built boats and restorations in the ‘wonderful world of traditional vessels and the people who float them.’

The Twin Cabin Duchy 35, designed by Andrew Wolstenholme and built by Cockwells, has been described by the judges as possessing the ‘good harbour launch looks of her sisters’, the Duchy 21 and Duchy 27.

Duchy Motor Launches are classically-designed, handcrafted, semi-production vessels that are built from low maintenance composites and defined by the seemingly infinite number of optional extras that can be incorporated – from teak decks and leather seating to custom glassware in tailor-made stowage.

The Twin Cabin Duchy 35 demonstrates an even greater level of customisation to revolutionise layout as well as ease of use.

“The Duchy 35 is for cruising and relaxing, and offers unrivalled seakeeping with style,” explains Founder and Managing Director, Dave Cockwell. “The twin cabin layout transforms the boat into a comfortable family cruiser with a galley located in the spacious saloon and two double berths below,” he adds. “The shower compartment offers generous headroom and a full-width electric sunroof enables you to take in panoramic sea views from all-round windows. Your choice of hardwood joinery, electronics and upholstery complete the picture.”

At the traditional end of the spectrum, Bessie was built in Looe in 1904 to work the oyster beds of the Helford River. Later, she raced in Falmouth. Now, she is all set to sail visitors across Bideford Bay in the summer months.

This restoration involved much work to her hull as apprentice, Jack Sullivan, explains: “We had to re-plank, which involved learning how to ‘spile’, or take a pattern from an old plank and create a new one, as well as re-fasten old planks and replace frames. I really enjoyed putting my hands to something with a bit of heritage and learning the techniques of proper, traditional boatbuilding as part of my real-time work experience through Cockwells’ Apprenticeships.”

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted twice in this prestigious industry awards scheme and hope that the public will support us by voting for the Twin Cabin Duchy 35 as well as Bessie,” concludes Dave Cockwell. “These vessels showcase the breadth of our expertise from the artisan skills of the traditional shipwright to the style, seakeeping and technical innovation that we are renowned for at the luxury end of the market.”

Winners of the Classic Boat Awards 2020 will be announced in the May issue of Classic Boat magazine, which is published on 3rd April 2020.

TAP HERE TO VOTE FOR TWIN CABIN DUCHY 35 
TAP HERE TO VOTE FOR BESSIE

Bessie Restored. Photo credit Ellie Jarvis - VOTE BESSIE

Bessie Pre-restoration. Photo credit Cockwells

Cockwells' Duchy 35. Photo credit Andrew Wright  VOTE DUCHY 35

Cockwells' Duchy 35 Twin Cabin Master Cabin. Photo credit Emily Harris

 Cockwells' Apprentice, Jack Sullivan who worked on the restoration of Bessie. Photo credit Cockwells

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FOLLOW COCKWELLS

Tap here for further information about the Twin Cabin Duchy 35.

Tap here for further information about Cockwells’ Apprenticeships

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cockwells.co.uk | twitter.com/cockwells | facebook.com/cockwells | instagram.com/cockwells

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Read previous blogpost about Bessie - Clovelly Welcomes their new Oyster Boat "Bessie"

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About Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding
Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding is based in Mylor Creek Boatyard near Falmouth in Cornwall, at the westerly edge of the UK. We build bespoke superyacht tenders, motor launches and sailing yachts in any material to your precise requirements and our exacting standards. We are also the proud creators of the Duchy Motor Launch brand – a prestigious semi-production launch with a range of 21ft to 60ft. Our Mylor Creek Boatyard is also fully equipped to offer refits, restorations and engineering services for local yachts, and superyacht tenders from all over the world.

About The Cockwells Academy

The Cockwells Academy is aimed primarily at post-GCSE students who are enrolled on a full-time course at Falmouth Marine School. It offers specific work experience days and masterclasses at the company’s Mylor Creek Boatyard for one academic year. Up to ten applicants are selected each year to benefit from real-time work experience as well as access to Cockwells’ highly-skilled craftsmen and elements of the boatbuilding process that it may not be possible for them to encounter during their studies at college. Through this process, students hone the practical skills they need in order to become professional boatbuilders.Following assessment at the end of the year, a number of students from The Cockwells Academy are selected to continue their training at the company as paid apprentices for three years, after which, they become fully-qualified boatbuilders. To apply for The Cockwells Academy, please contact Falmouth Marine School on 0330 123 4783 or email falenquiries@cornwall.ac.uk.

Presentation of the Cyril Webber Cup to Sadie Davies at Clovelly

The formal presentation of the engraved Cyril Webber Cup to Sadie Davies took place on Clovelly's Apple Day at the Red Lion Harbour Bar on 23rd October. 

Sadie was the first lady and only the fourth person to have achieved the formidable feat of completing the 15 mile swim from Hartland Point to Lundy last August. She raised more than £6000 for her chosen charities. 

The Cup was presented to Sadie by John Webber (son of Cyril Webber), attended by Gary Readman (who swam to Lundy from Hartland Point with Steve Maclure in September 2017); Simon De Burgh, her trainer; Quinton Davies, her husband, The Hon. John Rous, owner of Clovelly and others.

Sadie's challenge next summer is to explore the coastline around North Devon and swim from Clovelly to Westward Ho!

Presentation of the Cyril Webber Cup to Sadie Davies at Clovelly.

L-R. Front: Quinton Davies, Sadie Davies, Simon De Burgh
L-R Behind: John Webber, Gary Readman, The Hon. John Rous

Photo Ellie Jarvis 

Clovelly welcomes their new Oyster boat, 'BESSIE'

This 1904 classic, maritime heritage, Oyster boat, "BESSIE", has arrived at Clovelly. She has been restored by Cockwells Boats, Mylor, for Clovelly Estates. On completion of the main works at Mylor, she was then sent by road to Instow to have her finished off and launched before she could be sailed to Clovelly on 23rd August last.

It is the ultimate intention that 'Bessie' be sailed around Bideford Bay under competent skippers during the months from April to October each year. Working from her new home, Clovelly harbour, it is hoped that many will enjoy the spectacle of her under sail.

She is referred to in the 'Falmouth Working Boat', a book by Alun Davies, as an original Looe (Cornwall) built boat of 19'6" in length. She was then later named 'Vivian' when she moved early in her life to new owners in Falmouth to work commercially on the Helford Oyster beds.

In retirement, she regularly raced with other boats of her class at Falmouth on the weekly summer evenings. At some point before she was moved to her penultimate owner in Mousehole, near Penzance, she was reverted to her original name, "BESSIE"'.

There was much effort in Cockwells' work: After the ballast, garboards and other hull planking were removed, new frames, floors and other timbers were replaced or beefed up. Further side planking was replaced and re-caulking was done throughout.

The hull was then placed in the sea for a few days to take up. She was then re-ballasted and placed back in the water to take up further before being painted and anti-fouled. The later work done at Instow when the temporary rig was assembled to sail her round to Clovelly.

This winter her full rig will be installed ready for a full new season of enjoyment for all to view or go sailing.

October Highlights. Clovelly Lectures "Smart People have too much Power" - Understanding Political disaffection in the West'' with speaker David Goodhart

Clovelly Lectures have been held annually since 2011 both in Clovelly and in London. These Lectures have become an established event in the calendar for individuals wishing to hear first-hand from those who influence our lives and world affairs.

The next Clovelly Lecture will be on the theme "Smart People have too much Power"- "Democracy in Crisis - Understanding Political disaffection in the West'' with Speaker, David Goodhart on the 12th October

David Goodhart is a journalist. He founded Prospect, a British current affairs magazine in 1995 and was the editor until 2010, when he became editor-at-large. In December 2011, he was appointed Director of the London-based think tank Demos. As of 2017, he is Head of the Demography, Immigration and Integration Unit at the think tank Policy Exchange. He was a correspondent for the Financial Times for 12 years; for part of the period he was stationed in Germany. He has written for The Times, The Independent and The Guardian, he has presented documentaries for BBC Radio 4's Analysis programme on immigration and on Blue Labour. He has written of the influence on his thinking of people like Maurice Glasman, who coined the term "Blue Labour."

Publications:
The Road to Somewhere: The Populist Revolt and the Future of Politics (2017). Goodhart identifies the value divisions in British society that help to explain the Brexit vote and the rise of populism.
The British Dream: Successes and Failures of Post-war Immigration (2013). Runner up for the Orwell book prize.

Goodhart is one of seven children born to Valerie Forbes Winant (the niece of John Gilbert Winant) and Conservative MP Sir Philip Goodhart. He is a great-great-grandson of Mayer Lehman, co-founder of Lehman Brothers. He was educated at Eton College, and the University of York, where he gained a degree in History and Politics. He has written of being an "old Etonian Marxist" in his late teens and early twenties.

CLOVELLY LECTURES
Chairman: Sir Michael Burton K.C.V.O., C.M.G.
Director: The Honourable Mrs. Rous
RECEPTION-LECTURE-DEBATE-DINNER
Saturday 12th October 2019

Speaker:  David Goodhart

For tickets and further information please contact:
Clovellylectures11@gmail.com
or
Tel: 01237 431200
www.clovellylectures.com
Clovelly Visitor Centre, near Bideford, Devon
EX39 5TA

SUNDAY HIGHLIGHT. CLOVELLY SEAWEED FESTIVAL

Head Down Along Clovelly for the annual Seaweed Festival which promotes seaweed for its immense health & nutritional benefits. As it is hugely versatile, quay kitchens will have a surprising variety of dishes and stalls will be selling a range of seaweed products.

There will also be plenty of entertainment for both adults and children to enjoy, such as "Know your Seaweed" talks by Emma Gunn, craft activities and workshops, street entertainment and live music throughout the day. The Seaweed Health Foundation will provide information on the benefits of seaweed for food and health, Adam Reeve will be doing a seaweed demonstration and talk, who forages local seaweed.

You will be amazed at the world of seaweed. Bring your own and ask the experts what is the best use for your particular selection.

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Clovelly Seaweed Festival

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xBuN9toQms

Admission charges include all entertainment.

Date: Sunday 26th May
Location: Clovelly Harbour
Time: 10 am to 5 pm
Contact: Tel: 01237 431781.

Clovelly Updates. "Traditional with a modern twist"

The further major renovations of the Red Lion Hotel, situated on the harbour wall at the historic village of Clovelly, looking across Bideford Bay, was completed at the end March 2019.

The reception area was refurbished using our much loved local Delabole slate as the flooring (admittedly Cornish – but we cannot have everything in Devon). The reception desk picks up on our maritime tradition, and behind, there is an enlarged map of Devon dating back to the 16th century, from the owning family's archives.

There is comfortable seating in both the reception area and the Residents Lounge where there is oak flooring and rugs to replace the carpet.

An oak staircase with an oar handrail leads down to the Harbour Bar and Snug Bar. Both Bars have been beautifully refurbished, whilst not losing their original character.

The design criteria has been "traditional with a modern twist", and follows the brief of extensive renovation of the Restaurant in 2017 and the Sail Loft accommodation in 2011.

 Refurbished Harbour Bar at the Red Lion Hotel  - "Traditional with a modern twist"

Refurbished Reception Area, Residents Lounge and Snug Bar at the Red Lion Hotel - "Traditional with a modern twist"

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www.clovelly.co.uk Tel: 01237 431237.

Clovelly features in BBC 2 series Britain in Bloom.

Episode two of the popular BBC 2 series "Britain in Bloom" focuses on residents of the picturesque fishing village of Clovelly, North Devon.

World-famous for its steep cobbled street where no traffic is allowed - instead, residents rely upon sledges to transport goods to their cottages. This programme will explore the particular challenges of gardening in Clovelly and the often creative ways that residents approach ‘Bloom’. Imagine the effort involved in getting materials such as gravel, decking, compost etc. to the cottages!

Presenter Chris Bavin spent time in the village, filming members of the Clovelly Community Gardening Group in the months leading up to and including the judging day - when esteemed RHS Judges visited to assess the groups efforts. Will the group be awarded gold?

Su Maddocks leads the Clovelly in Bloom project:

“With over 1600 communities entering Britain in Bloom each year, we were both surprised and thrilled to be chosen to be one of the 15 communities to be filmed for the 2nd series of the programme. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase our beautiful village and the culmination of our year-round efforts.”

“Personally I am really excited to see if we have managed to share with the wider audience, the amazing impact Britain in Bloom has had on both our community and the proactive initiatives we are taking to care for our environment. I also hope it shows what great fun we had doing it!”

“In a busy tourist destination like ours it is all too easy to forget, when the place is full of tourists, that there is a community of people, who live here all year round and call it home. Britain in Bloom has encouraged us to want to make our village both look special and to look after our wildlife and environment, for us and not just for those who visit.”

Episode 2 was broadcast on 26th March 2019 - Catch up here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003mx9

BBC Bloom: Su Maddocks, Dolly, Ann Jarvis, Chris Bavin, Ellie Jarvis - Children: Wilfie (5yrs), Sonny (9yrs). Photo copyright Ellie Jarvis (All Rights Reserved)

BBC Bloom Presenter Chris Bavin in Clovelly Harbour. Photo copyright Ellie Jarvis (All Rights Reserved)

 

BBC Bloom Presenter Chris Bavin and Su Maddocks who leads the Clovelly in Bloom Project. Photo copyright BBC (All Rights Reserved)

BBC Bloom Presenter Chris Bavin chats to Dolly. Photo copyright Ellie Jarvis (All Rights Reserved)

BBC Bloom Presenter Chris Bavin on a Clovelly fishing boat. Photo copyright BBC (All Rights Reserved)

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ABOUT BRITAIN IN BLOOM – The second series of BBC Two’s Britain in Bloom focuses on fifteen different communities as they prepare to enter the Royal Horticultural Society’s prestigious annual floral competition. Presented by Chris Bavin, each episode follows the journey of one community as they come together to prepare for Britain in Bloom right through to the all-important judging day itself.

Clovelly Updates. Key changes down the cobbles.

The Red Lion Hotel situated on the harbour wall at the historic village of Clovelly, and looking across Bideford Bay will be undertaking further major renovations, starting in January and to be completed in March 2019.

The reception area will be refurbished using their much loved local Delabole slate (admittedly Cornish – but you cannot have everything in Devon) as the flooring. A reception desk picks up on our maritime tradition, and behind, as wallpaper, an enlarged map of Devon dating back to the 16th century, from the owning family's archives.

There will be comfortable seating in both the reception area, and the Lounge where oak flooring and rugs will replace the carpet.

An oak staircase will lead down to the Harbour Bar and Snug Bar. Both Bars will be refurbished, whilst not losing their original character.

The design criteria has been "traditional with a modern twist", and follows the brief of extensive renovation of the Restaurant in 2017 and the Sail Loft accommodation in 2011.

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Tap here for Clovelly Website

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Red Lion Hotel, The Quay, Clovelly, Devon, EX39 5TF
Tel:: 01237 431237
Email: stay@clovelly.co.uk

Clovelly celebrates the "Silver Darlings" for another year.

Clovelly Herring Festival always falls in November. It's the time of year when the historic village celebrates the coming of the great "Silver Darlings", better known as Herring. Clovelly celebrates and promotes this tasty, nutritious fish whilst supporting sustainable fishing.

The village always depended on the harvest of herring, caught in superb condition for a short season off this coast. Records go back over 400 years and in 1749 there were about a hundred herring boats in the port. When fishing was good, 9000 herring could be landed at one time. Those days of massive catches are long gone and these days there are just two herring fishermen, both employing sustainable fishing methods using only drift nets and long lines.

The Maritime historian and writer, Mike Smylie, will be attending with his "Kipperland" exhibition, which is devoted to the history of all things herring. Mike also turns the herring into delicate-tasting kippers and bloaters in his smokehouse for sale.

Flaxland joins the event with their exhibitions and demonstrations - an opportunity to discover how the flax plant is used to make a vast range of goods.

The quay kitchens will be serving a variety of delicious herring specialities along with beer tastings, local food and craft stalls.

Throughout the day there will be live music, street entertainers, face-painting and an exhibition of Clovelly herring fishing.

You can also learn how to handcraft bowls from sea debris at the 'Beach clean' bowl workshops. This is due to Clovelly's beach clean efforts to keep them free from ropes and nets that are harmful to wildlife and sea creatures. Washhouse Studio has been fully supplied with equipment from Beach Care and Keep Britain Tidy and hold organised beach cleans with the local general public. All the debris is collected and taken back to the studio so it can be re-used to make beautiful bowls.

This year The Marine Pioneers and the Blue Marine Pioneer Foundation will be showcasing their herring project and also offer an event-themed activity.

Another new addition this year will be the North Devon Hospice 3k Fun Run along Hobby Drive for the North Devon Hospice. To take part, please sign up online at www.northdevonhospice.org.uk or contact them on 01271 347232.

Clovelly Picarooner 2011. Photo credit Pat Adams
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Clovelly Herring Festival - Photos Pat Adams North Devon Focus

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CLOVELLY HERRING FESTIVAL,
 Sunday, 18 November 2018
From 10 am until 4 pm
Clovelly Harbour
Contact: Tel: 01237 431781. www.clovelly.co.uk