One of my favourite bands, the Wildhearts, came to Torquay to make a right old racket in December 2025. Here's my review of the gig, supplemented by some great photos from AP Photography Somerset. Read the full article on the People's Republic of South Devon's website.
Music Review: Another Life
I've been a fan of Exeter's Pattern Pusher since I first saw them gig in a tiny upstairs bar at the Cove in Hope Cove, south Devon. Since then they have become an amazing festival band playing in front of tens of thousands of people every summer and touring the ski resorts in the winter. … Continue reading Music Review: Another Life
News: Inspirational conservationist calls for dolphin spotters
I enjoyed writing this short community article highlighting the work of Dolphin Zone, a new conservation organisation run by my former colleague Sarah Matthews. Sarah is still looking for people to support with dolphin sightings so if you're interested in this please go to the article and get in touch with her! Read the full … Continue reading News: Inspirational conservationist calls for dolphin spotters
Constantine Bay and Trevose Head
As someone who lives just 30 miles or so from the Tamar, you'd be amazed at how infrequently I visit Cornwall. We go to Dorset multiple times a year, but a trip out west is as rare as hen's teeth. Aside from a cricket tour, a bike ride and the obligatory geology field trip or … Continue reading Constantine Bay and Trevose Head
The Cavendish Cavaliers
Last night I was invited to the end-of-season awards night for the Cavendish Cavaliers, a very fine local cricket club that I ran and skippered for many happy years. To my surprise, the committee had an award for me and I was very proud to be offered the Presidency of the club. An absolute honour … Continue reading The Cavendish Cavaliers
Moonrakers and Sunseekers 2025
Beautiful dawn at Bournemouth It's 5.30am on a Saturday. The air is cold and crisp, bitingly sharp on the lungs. My fingers and toes are satisfyingly numb with the cold. Behind us, away to the east, the sky is starting to crimson below a thin line of grey clouds, and the warming air will soon … Continue reading Moonrakers and Sunseekers 2025
A Lovely Bunch of Trekkers
Machu Picchu seen from the Sun Gate at dawn, September 2000 Last weekend, I went away to Hay-on-Wye with a small but wonderful group of people. People who, I have realised over the last couple of weeks, are very special to me. Back in September 2000, I was part of a group of about 40 … Continue reading A Lovely Bunch of Trekkers
Green Lanes, Potholes and Punctures
Summer ended pretty sharpish, didn't it? One day I was sitting on the decking in the evening sunshine enjoying a pre-dinner pastis and a few olives, and the next I was sitting in my kitchen listening to the wind howl while looking up recipes for hearty stews. This country. My least favourite time of year. … Continue reading Green Lanes, Potholes and Punctures
Reflections on the Tour de France 2025
Dawn over the Rance For once I'm the first one awake. The open skylight lets in enough breeze to wake and cool me, the first light of the day creeping into the attic room, last night's beers gently fogging my brain. I quickly get myself organised, make just enough noise to say goodbye to Graeme … Continue reading Reflections on the Tour de France 2025
Following the Tour de France Day Two: Aucaleuc to Saint-Carreuc
65km, 683m climbing, 3h15min, average speed 19.8km/h Watching Geriant Thomas lead the breakaway through Saint-Carreuc Near the start of Friday's ride, recorded from Plancöet (1:05) The discussion about how to play Friday's stage started almost as soon as we got in the car, continued through dinner and drinks, and was only really concluded at breakfast. … Continue reading Following the Tour de France Day Two: Aucaleuc to Saint-Carreuc
Blaggers' Blog 