The Boat Stories Series: Short Films Capture the Magic of North Devon's People and Environment

A gala screening event at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe on Friday 4 September 2015 celebrated the completion of Boat Stories, a series of short films about local people who live their lives connected to boats and fishing in North Devon. This was the first chance for the public to see the whole series of ten, five minute films on the big screen with the added bonus of hearing from and chatting with some of the characters in the films and the film makers themselves.

Boat Stories collaborated with the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon's Fishing for History Project to organise the Ilfracombe Event and Museum Development Manager, Alison Mills commented:

" the films have done a great job in capturing the way in which North Devon people interact with our landscape - which is such an important part of how this area has become the beautiful place it is."

"I would single out the salmon fishing (Salmon Netting on the Taw & Torridge) & Steve Perham (Fishing for Clovelly Herring) films as vital in capturing what may be the last few practitioners of traditional fishing methods, but I also greatly enjoyed the other films - and the obvious concern of the other fishermen about how they can protect as well as prosper from our maritime resources."

The production of these insightful and professionally produced films was made possible in large part by funding from Northern Devon FLAG. Steve Pitcher, Chair of Northern Devon FLAG and North Devon Coast AONB Partnership applauded the work of film producer Jo Stewart-Smith:

"The films are inspirational and are a great showcase for the beauty and activity that are found on the North Devon Coast. Above all it is the people talking about their lives and livelihoods that makes them so good. As the Northern Devon Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) we were very pleased to support the making of these films and to secure funding for them. Apart from the high quality of the films they are also an excellent record of the strong fishing heritage we have here in North Devon. Everyone should see them!"

This may the completion of the production phase of Boat Stories but it is by no means the end. Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of North Devon Moving Image (NDMI), says the objective of all NDMI's projects is to create, collect and share short films about life in North Devon. She says "The first eight films from Boat Stories are available now to view on the Boat Stories website. The complete series will be available online following our final free public screening event at Bideford Cinema on Friday 16 October 2015. Beyond this we are hoping to distribute compilation DVDs to libraries, museums and information centres so as many people as possible can get to see these valuable (and entertaining) local social documentary films."

Visit www.boatstories.co.uk to view the films, book seats at the Bideford screening event and read all about the making of Boat Stories.

Step up to the South West Coast Path Challenge

The countdown has begun with just one month to go before the South West Coast Path Challenge kicks off in October. The event, backed by TV adventurer Monty Halls, aims to set a new world record for the number of times the Coast Path can be covered in one month while raising funds to protect the coastline for future generations.

Monty said:

"My pledge as part of the South West Coast Path Challenge month is to sea kayak to Scabbacombe and run the 5 miles of Coast Path back to Dartmouth." 

“I am a huge fan of the South West Coast Path - some of my happiest memories have been running and walking it, and it snakes right past my house in Dartmouth. I feel it’s one of the most miraculous trails in Europe.”

Taking part in the South West Coast Path Challenge month is a great way of spending time with the family in the great outdoors, keeping fit and healthy, while getting a sense of achievement at the same time. Whether you want to tackle a short but demanding section, or take on the whole 630 miles, there’s a walk out there for all ages and levels of ability, and unlike the gym, you won’t have to pay a penny. Be warned, though – it is seriously addictive!

Create your own Challenge from 1 mile to 100 miles or take in the entire 630-mile route - every mile counts! For inspiration visit the website where you can find out what other people have pledged and choose from a tailor-made itinerary, or you can join one of four organised 10 mile Challenge events taking place throughout October including:

• 3rd October - Minehead to Porlock Weir, North Devon and Exmoor
• 10th October - Gunwalloe to Lizard Point, Cornwall
• 24th October - Admiral’s Hard to Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth
• 31st October - Durlston Country Park and Castle to South Haven Point, Dorset

All of the organised walking routes include parking at the finish and transportation to the start of the walk. Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge

The South West Coast Path Association is leading on the Challenge event in partnership with the National Trust as part of its coastal celebrations and to help raise much needed funds to maintain the coastal scenery enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. It costs at least £1,000 to look after just 1-mile of Coast Path and it needs your help.

Mark Harold, Regional Director of the National Trust says;

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Association on their flagship event as part of our coastal festival celebrations this year and look forward to seeing how many miles we can clock up in one month.”

 Photo copyright Richard Taylor (All rights reserved)

Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/swcp-challenge and share your challenge on social networks using #Challenge630

Fundraising tip: Aim to raise at least £10 through sponsorship. Walk 10 miles and get 10 friends to sponsor you 10p a mile!

WIN! - Entrants to the Challenge can take part in a competition to win a Go Pro Camera. All you have to do is pledge your support on social media using the event hashtag #Challenge630

For more chances to win, get creative by posting a short video of your pledge on Youtube, Twitter or Facebook and nominate three of your friends to step up to the challenge. To see what other challenges people have pledged and find out more about how to enter the competition, visit the Challenge event registrationpage.

Click here to check out Monty's video pledge on Youtube 

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For more information about the South West Coast Path Association visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

To be inspired to step out on the Coast Path, take a moment and enjoy the National Trust South West Coast film: http://bit.ly/coastfilm

"Britain’s Best Holiday Park". August Bank Holiday celebrations at Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks

Join Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks in Devon this August Bank Holiday when it celebrates scooping the title of Britain’s Best Holiday Park.

Its flagship Park, Golden Coast, beat off stiff competition to achieve this prestigious award and a wealth of celebrations will be taking place at August Bank Holiday when the trophy is presented by the organisers of the contest, Towergate Insurance.

A party atmosphere will prevail and guests will enjoy live music, an award ceremony, fun entertainment - including a bouncy castle and games and activities for the children - along with an evening firework extravaganza.

To mark the achievement, the company is highlighting two-night bank holiday breaks - starting on 29 August - at the extra special on-line price of just £199 for a party of up to six people - equating to less than £34 each - staying in a Bronze villa or apartment.

In addition to enjoying the above celebratory activities, guests can also enjoy 40 free facilities including heated indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor water play areas, tennis, fishing, a cinema, plus children’s clubs and nightly entertainment. Other facilities, payable, include a surfing simulator, a high ropes course, 10-pin bowling and a 3D cinema.

 0843 208 0368, www.woolacombe.co.uk