Colin Barnes, Whale Watching

It was forty years in October since Colin Barnes moved from his native Sussex to West Cork, in search of fishing grounds that weren't being exploited. As a young man in his twenties, he had noticed that neighbouring countries were not fishing the English Channel in a sustainable way and could see no future for himself staying where the fishing communities were going to suffer. So, he did some research into where fishing was "still happening" and after looking in The Lady magazine for some cheap accommodation ("As you did in those days!") he made the unusual choice to move to Ireland, taking a basic cottage near Baltimore for £3 per week.

Life was difficult to start with so Colin utilised his fishing knowledge putting out long lines to catch pollock, then swapping the fish with locals for bags of potatoes, to live off the land. Those same locals would frequently ask him why at a time when most people were leaving Ireland, he had chosen to do the opposite. Even folk back in England queried his decision to go to Ireland, as it was a country with a name, that back in the seventies, conjured up more bad impressions (wrongly) than good.

For this son of a non-sea-connected family he used the seafaring skills that seemingly came naturally to him, and which had first enabled him to skipper fishing charters out of Newhaven whilst still only a teenager. It was only to be a matter of time before his whole life was once again centred around the sea, this time in West Cork. His skills found him work on local boats, eventually acquiring a boat of his own, where he realised there was more money to be made from selective fishing. He would catch hake, which commanded a good price in Spain, as well as potting for prawn. He successfully fished, with his crew, for many years, using gill nets or long line and had no desire to trawl, as many around him did. He knew the damage this indiscriminate fishing was (and still is) causing to fish stocks and the marine environment in general. Even now he admits to hating the mass, unnecessary killing involved with trawled fish, and would rather only take what is needed.

Over time, the Irish fishing industry was also starting to suffer and in 2000, grants became available for taking up alternative sea-based occupations, in an attempt to de-commission some of the fishing fleet. Colin, already being familiar with fishing charters, put in an application for running an angling and diving vessel out of West Cork, never once considering that ultimately it would be whales and dolphins that would become the main attraction. With the ideally suited thirty-six foot catamaran, the Holly Jo, he embarked on a new stage of his seafaring life.

During those fishing and diving trips, Colin, always being in tune with the sea, would watch everything around him. Sea bird activity would indicate fish shoals which in turn lead to cetacean encounters and it became clear that it was this that would be worthwhile focusing on. And so Colin Barnes established the very first whale and dolphin watching trips in the region, sailing out of Castlehaven in West Cork. Whale Watch with Colin Barnes

Now, over ten years later, Colin Barnes has become the name synonymous with whale and dolphin watching, and rightly so. His knowledge of the local seas, of habitat, nature and wildlife all combine to come through as a passion which he shares with each and every one of the passengers that step aboard the Holly Jo.

My first trip out with Colin was a family trip back in 2002 where I recall that due to the early time in the season, the whales didn't show. That came as a bit of a blow to me. As a poor sailor I suffered even on the light seas, but Colin was determined to ensure we went home having seen something of marine life in the waters of West Cork.

Subsequent trips have provided a similar determination (and I, a determination to be a better sailor!) culminating in the amazing encounter back on 7th April.

The fact that Colin Barnes is the skipper of choice when it comes to research and conservation organisations, including the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is testament to his care, passion and understanding. Along with the IWDG, Colin helps develop recommendations for responsible whale watching in marine eco-tourism and also developments in marine conservation, with particular reference to cetaceans. Such is his expertise, Colin is frequently involved with TV and film crews, including BBC Autumnwatch 2011 when he was joined by Iolo Williams, looking for fin whales off the coast of Ireland. Whilst most viewers will have had no idea how Iolo reached the whales, I was delighted to catch sight of Colin and the Holly Jo and, in my opinion, he deserved much more of a mention on air. Thankfully the BBC have now returned to Ireland this weekend, for more whale watching encounters with Colin for Seasons which should be aired in 2013. This helps to reinforce that the Republic of Ireland should be embraced as a nature-bountiful part of the British Isles, and not overlooked and left as a nameless blank space on weather maps.

Colin also featured in a wonderful programme produced by RTE, Living the Wildlife back in 2009 and he kindly let me borrow a copy of the programme to watch (as sadly it is no longer available on iPlayer) I will use a quote from the presenter to round off.

"(Colin is) One of the best whale guides you'll ever find. He really knows what he is doing. He doesn't disturb the animals and if anyone can find them, he can!"

Colin Stafford-Johnson

Bookings can be made by telephoning (00-353)028-36789 or (00-353) 086-327-3226.

Colin strongly advises booking and of course, the reliability and predictability of both weather and wildlife cannot be guaranteed! (Although the 2012 Autumn whale season was spectacular!)

Unfortunately Colin doesn't yet have a reliable internet service where he lives, but hopes that he might be able to be contacted via email in the near future but please don't hold that against him! Ring him - he is the one for Whale and Dolphin watching in West Cork.

Bell X1, De Barras. 4.11.12

OK, so we already have tickets for Bell X1 at Bush Hall in January, so why fly all the way to Ireland to see them again?

"It's a very special place" said Paul Noonan, as he stood on the friendly little stage of this Irish bar.

I would have to agree, and Bell X1 are certainly a special enough band worth travelling to see, in this very special place.

De Barras in Clonakilty is a unique, intimate music venue, and although sporting the word 'folk' in its title, it actually embraces a far broader cross-section of the music world than you might imagine. When we are around in West Cork, we make a point of trying to get to one of, any variety of gigs at De Barras, and for you regular blog-readers out there, you will already know that I have done a couple of shoots before in their cosy, well worn bar on a Monday night as part of my photo-documentary series on West Cork life.

Last Sunday night was a little different however, as tucked away beyond the bar where the trad-sessions are held, is a secret gem of venue. Unlike some of the scruffy, stinking, beer-stained venues that might be found in London, this is an unusual jumble of linked 'rooms' with lovely mis-matched seating and even more eclectic decor. Some spots in the venue provide a clear view of the under-stairs stage, whilst others provide an opportunity to hear, rather than see.

Due to our late arrival, it was a seat in the 'hear' area of the venue that we wound up with when Bell X1 last visited De Barras in November 2010. This time though, we were determined to arrive early enough at the 'doors' so as to pick our spot in this (unusually) all-seated venue.

Snug does not fully describe the seating arrangement but let's just say that the stage was within touching distance this time. Primarily though, I was there to enjoy the acoustic set which Bell X1 were to play. However, this static location would provide a challenge for trying to capture a few shots with my little G12, just for the record (as we all like to).

The audience were quietly attentive as the band opened but all too soon, were joining in with their own favourites.
I'll See Your Heart and I'll Raise You Mine had a special connection with De Barras as it was the recording which was made at the gig two years ago, that features on their current live acoustic album Field Recordings

(We were also all made privy to a fact about another De Barras track on the album but, shhh!!!)

By the second half, everyone was well under Bell X1s spell - how can you fail not to with Paul Noonans smooth voice and songs like Eve, The Apple of My Eye?

As two years ago, we were also treated to some new songs, which, often in Belly style, pick up on current issues.
1000 Lickle Downers made reference to the unpopular Property Tax recently levied on Irish home owners.



All warmed up nicely from the second half, everyone was just ready for a third...

...but all good things have to come to an end. (Happily though, we can enjoy them all over again in January!)

And, on another note guys, one day you might just return to Cambridge? (Please?)

Thanks for a brilliant evening in Clon - as always!

(Such lovely, normal yet talented guys. Check out their music if you haven't already.)

Plane to See

Every year I take delight in the colours and patterns of the Autumnal leaf-fall.

The effect they have can vary from slippery nuisance to gloriously coloured carpets.

However, an interesting effect is the subtle and temporary decoration that they can add to our pavements.

Hunter's Moon

Monday 29th October was the night of the full moon - the Hunter's Moon or the Sanguine Moon.

Having presented the Harvest Moon to you back in September, I wanted to follow on with the full Hunter's Moon. Sadly, circumstances were not in my favour yesterday, so this evening, I grabbed the opportunity to take some shots of the marginally waning Hunter's Moon, rising over Audley End House.

The clear sky which was present as I left home soon changed to a slightly cloudy sky, which rendered a clear shot of the moon near on impossible. However, as October is drawing to a close, the cloud simply added to the atmosphere, as did the (not so obvious) mist which was rising off the river.

A Business Website Launch

Last night saw the culmination of a huge amount of determination and hard work, with the launch of the website

 www.designessentials.org.uk

 

Specialising in beautiful home accessories, hand picked and imported direct from Indonesia,

Design Essentials is a new on-line business run by Wendy Howell.

Last night, as a kind gesture to her Tweeting and Facebooking launch guests, Wendy also hand picked...

..one lucky guest who is soon to be the owner of a beautiful pumpkin lamp

(sadly, although 17 is 'my' number, last night it wasn't my ticket!)

So now, I must go and order my own pumpkin lamp.
Just one of the stunning items available for purchase online from the
Design Essentials range.

AFC Moreton Hall 2012

Unbeaten Tangerines! 

After a run of six unbeaten matches, these lads had a day off from competition today, but not from training. I was at their training session to capture the individuals and the official team photos.

Just before they got going on the serious stuff, I wanted to capture them during a moment of fun.
It seems that following their run of success, they had already gained the nickname, the (unbeaten) 'Tangerines' so, they were presented with...
a celebratory tangerine!

Lets hope their success continues!

I wish them luck.

AFC Moreton Hall are a new, Under 18 football team playing in the Ipswich & Suffolk Youth League Division 2 in the forthcoming 2012/13 season.
The team photos will go online very soon and can be followed:

@AFCMoretonHall

Website 

View individual pictures

End of one Era at One Myddylton Place

(This is a rework of a posting I made via social media back in 2010)

On Tuesday 5th September 2010 we booked to stay in Saffron Walden Youth Hostel, at One Myddylton Place.
This was to:
1. Have a look inside this wonderful old building.
2. Just to stay there for the fun of it, as we wouldn't have done it otherwise.
3. Because it will soon be closing for good.
4. We just wanted the hostel stamp in our books!

The warden was very friendly and confirmed, with and amazed smile, that we (as Saffron Walden residents) were the guests who had travelled the shortest distance to stay there (probably ever). To his joy, he was pleased to see that we had even brought our slippers.

To long established Youth Hostellers, the stamp in the book is an important part of the overnight stay, just as it had been important for our girls to collect the stamps during their many Youth Hostel stays they enjoyed whilst growing up. You don't have this much excitement staying in a Travel Lodge!

The self catering kitchen (aka the members kitchen) with the usual array of equipment and spare food. Remember all those steamy hours of cooking up boil in the bag rice after a long days walking?
Oh to have been able to afford the meals cooked up by the warden.

The cosy dining room in Saffron Walden Youth Hostel, sadly no longer serving up home produced meals. Vital repairs to the main kitchen had not been carried out during the 'winding down' process so it was self catering only.

Where else can you find accommodation in such fantastic architectural surroundings for fourteen quid a night? The YHA are closing these type of hostels due to maintenance costs and because 21st century hostellers don't want this type of unique experience. In are coming the sanitised en suite boxes such as those at Manchester YH.

When we selected hostels to have a family holiday we chose them often because of their character.
Saffron Walden certainly has that. These secret stairs went out of our dorm. 'Elf 'n safety is puttin' pay to all this fun for sure.

The building is crammed full of history. We explored and took a peek in the dorm named Sackhoist.

It is possible to sleep right beneath the remains of the old sack hoist. This reveals the previous heritage of the building, when it was used as one of the many maltings buildings in the town.

The Sackhoist Dormitory.
Dorms are no longer popular with hostellers and as it would be difficult to bring the required sophistication of en suite rooms to the building, it has been decided, amongst other reasons, to sell off the building.

Actually, we were very naughty as the Sackhoist dorm was for men only. Sadly we found not one man in there!

She always chose the top bunk and this night was to be no different.

Happily showing she had wrestled with putting the clean duvet cover on (no more taking your own sheet sleeping bag). Mind you, making your own bed was all part of feeling you got value for money. With the ready-made beds in hostels today you know you have paid for it somewhere.

I know I am past scrambling up into bunks or scraping my back crawling under a bunk, so I chose an ordinary bed from the dozen in the dorm. We had the room all to ourselves.

 
Or did we? Saffron Walden Youth Hostel is apparently full of ghosts. From dogs, cats and horses in the garden to priests who push visitors over and a grumpy old man who sits in the corner of our dorm.

 

 
Thought I'd left the grumpy old man at home?!!

No ghostly horse in the quaint little garden.

Don't expect we will ever see Bridge Street from this perspective again

 
Wakey, Wakey! Did the grumpy old man keep you awake all night?

 
Early morning adds sense of place to this medieval building.

The town of Saffron Walden is going to lose a facility that brought visitors from all over the world to this special little corner of Essex. The town has already lost the Bell School which also brought in world visitors.
How much more will we lose?
(September 2010)

Post Script

Now begins a new era at One Myddylton Place

The wonderful work that has been carried out since this piece was written, is a testament to understanding the importance of the heritage of such buildings. With this now being a family home, it is also a facility that is available for selective events.
Saffron Walden has some of the finest timber framed buildings in the area.



(In memory of a good friend of mine, KMN 1963-2011
 An assistant warden at Safffron Walden for sometime)