Summer Turns to Autumn

With heavy heart the nights draw in and I look back to those long summer days when the foliage was so green and plentiful...(and cash flow was more fluid). So, my friends herewith a couple of images of the lanes that lead to our idyllic woodland home.

Today I received a little parcel - printed off pages of the new Cotswold Book. Not yet bound but wow, what excitement!

Today is also my dear sister, Julia's 60th birthday. Happy Birthday, sweet, kind Julia, and all our love!

Breakfast at Sandleigh

Well hi folks....sorry I have been too busy to blogg all my doings and goings these past few days. I managed to be up with the larks to photograph some North Devon fields but was a little disappointed with my results so ecided to drown my sorrows in some strong espresso at the Sandleigh. I am becoming fascinated with clouds. Herewith a simple offering.....next time I am on I'll show you some Snowdonia images Flora has been scanning for me. I forgot how stunning that landscape can be (if you rise at 4.00 am)....so enjoy...

Aches and Pains of Boffins Cricket Tour are past

Bowling quick is not easy at my age. When Oh when will I learn that I am no longer Michael Holding (careful Geoffrey....the corridor of uncertainty etc etc)....Sidmouth was as pretty as a picture, and a pleasure just to stand on the boundary or in the outfield and watch the play. I did manage one wicket off a beautiful late swinging delivery...and about thirty runs. The Boffins just fell short by 38 runs of the 338 required. No mean task. We had the usual run of Celebs turning up, and some who could not make it, or were injured. The Faulks lads came as one again. Sebastian sadly came alone without Edward who had an injured pelvis. Apparently he fell off the Woolsack and tripped up on his Ermin. Now that he's in the House of Lords must be more careful. Seb failed for the first time at Chardstock (usually scores a ton), and young Robson appeared in a blaze of glory from an enormous black machine with blond in tow and yappy dog.....muttering Mourinho's no longer his friend....blah blah....its all gone to his head (or bank account).....and not forgetting our budding new author, Monsignor Mathieu, whose splendid account of The Masters of Manton I see is out of stock on Amazon. Push harder Paul.

A Touch of Glamour

Yes. I thought it apposite to add a touch of glamour to my Blogg, and to introduce my darling wife, Caroline. She has just launched her website: www.carolinefricker.com which illustrates her stunning bridal wear collection. So, herewith a taster for all those aspiring brides.....I must confess some false modesty, too, for it was I that had the good fortune (and fun) to photograph the delightful Rachael, our Prima Ballerina friend from Croyde. And, of course, thanks must also go to Ben (pictured below admiring the model) and Sarah for providing the stunning location.

Sandleigh's Civilities

Tasty eats to be had in Croyde (at long last) just to the top right of the picture .... so bon appetit!

At last somewhere to eat in North Devon that combines wholesome, home-baked food with a difference. You either enter this charming cafe via their over populated vegetable garden, or directly off the road opposite the beach entrance. The cafe is cosy, a little cramped for space for some, for others, its intimate. Crusty chunks of bread accompanies the home-made soups, the sandwiches are cut from doorstops, the coffee is as strong as a Croyde surf break.....and service with a pretty smile....you can bet I'll be going back there.

We need more places to eat like this in North Devon....yum...yum....it has always amazed me that the eateries rarely match the landscape they feature in. Here Baggy Point may have met his match! Oh yes, when I visit Baggy and see the plaque commemorating Henry Williamson whose prose was inspired by this headland, I am always reminded that it was his book The Pathway that drew me first to Croyde, Crow Point and the Land of the Two Rivers....it was also my grandmother's tales of Henry who she knew as a neighbour in Kent that first drew me to this corner of Devon...Thanks Henry...

Family Fun on a Sunday

Should I surf or go for a family walk......walking's a lot easier....surfing, nigh almost impossible for my stiff body after a day in the garden...you may be able to recognise the girls but can you see me amidst all the foam?

Mermaids and Champagne on Baggy

The plan was to take advantage of the strong evening light. Unfortunately, the light soon disappeared and whilst waiting for the sunlight to appear I nodded off....it may have been the mushrooms for lunch, or the girl I spied on the cliff top but I was soon joined by an unlikely sight, a mermaid rising from the depths below holding a chilled bucket of champagne and two glasses. Who cares if the light disappears? Returning home the skies were just amazing....I hope you agree!

A New Day, A New Book off to be printed!

We have had a few hiccups with production (who doesn't?) but are now going to press.....so herewith some sample double-page spreads (just four out of 110) to whet your appetite...

The Cotswold Collection

This is our big project for Christmas. A Big Book of 224 pages to be published on the 1st November. A photographic book of landscapes, gardens, churches, rivers and valleys....a book that has taken me half-a-lifetime to compile and put together. So Bravo! Get your orders in now....