Chillly

Apologies for the inexcusable delay in writing, I don’t know where time has been going lately. Things are progressing rapidly in Braunton and I’m now in the midst of writing scripts for the multimedia tours (one of the Great Field, to incorporate Velator Quay and what was the railway and one at Saunton). The first draft was tricky but it’s good to have something on paper, to form a basis for the script, which can be chopped and changed until it’s perfect. I am delighted to have a local celebrity on board to narrate the Great Field tour – you’ll have to wait to find out who it is if you don’t know already!

Progress is also being made with the web-site. Our newly-appointed web-designer Pete Urwin visited at the weekend, with his lovely wife Sarah, and we took a tour of Braunton to show them the highlights. We were very fortunate to have beautiful weather and that always helps to make Braunton look it’s most attractive. We’ve also made a final decision about the Explore Braunton logo and Elke has done a really fantastic job with the artwork. All being well I can start showing it off very soon! In other areas of the project, the feasibility study for the Handy Gas site in Sandy Lane has now been completed and anyone who wants a copy should get in touch with me or my colleagues at the AONB office in Bideford. It brings together a great deal of research by consultant Ian Parkin and we’re grateful to him for all the work he put in. In addition, the wonderful Fiona at Bideford has produced some information boards that will go up in Braunton soon, one at Broadsands, one at Sandy Lane and one at Saunton Sands – I’m looking forward to seeing them.

I spent yesterday at the pannier market in Barnstaple, for the In Our Hands environmental expo. Despite what felt like sub-zero temperatures the turn out was good and my little ‘treasure hunt’ seemed to go down very well with the children who were numerous thanks to it being half term. It was a useful practice for the next event, which is the Discovery Day at the Milky Way (near Clovelly) on 16th March. The rest of this week will be spent refining my script, digging about at the Museum and arranging interviews to take place as soon as possible. I hope this weather holds as the sunshine really does help to get everything done more easily. I can bear the cold as long as there’s a hot chocolate close to hand!

I will write again soon; sooner than previously. In the meantime perhaps you’d allow me a little personal plug? My partner David is running in the London Marathon on 13th April to raise money for cancer research. It’s a cause that’s close to his heart and we’re hoping to raise as much as possible. Anything you’re able to donate, no matter how small, would be very much appreciated. There’s a link to the left or see www.justgiving.com/davidbourn to donate online or see me for the proper old-fashioned sponsorship form. There is, incidentally, a very funny video on David’s page that shows just what those crazy runners go through in the name of charity – it’s worth a watch.

Until next time, keep warm!