Lundy
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The number of ships using Bideford as a port has much reduced over the years. Ships queuing up to cross the bar and double moored on the quays to discharge cargoes are just memories. Of course, it didn’t just stop overnight there were a series of changes which impacted port operations. Improvements to roads and…
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The Appledore Book Festival has long provided a showcase for local history and this year’s exciting programme is no exception. What is exceptional is the quality and variety of the new research which has been brought together, and what are sure to be some compelling stories of north Devon folk who inhabited these shores in…
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As mentioned in an earlier column, Lundy was the first place in England to instal a standalone wind generator. The effect on island life and economy was unprecedented. Prior to wind power, electricity generation was limited to small generators based in the village, Old Light and the Castle. All the machines were controlled by time…
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Sole, Lundy, Fastnet, Irish Sea, Shannon Southwest 6 to gale 8, increasing severe gale 9 at times, occasionally storm 10 later in Shannon. Rough or very rough in Lundy and Irish Sea, otherwise very rough or high, occasionally very high in Shannon. Occasional rain. Moderate or good, occasionally poor. If you are an insomniac then…
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Continuing the story of the MS Oldenburg’s arrival in Bideford. The year is 1985; the ship has just arrived at Poole from Wilhelmshaven, in Germany. She had been having problems with her fuel filters, so on arrival, the crew cleaned out the fuel tanks. One foot of sludge was found, and it was evil smelling,…
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The MS Oldenburg is a regular sight in Bideford, but how much is known about her history? She started out in 1958 as a Friesian Island cargo/passenger ferry operated by the German Railway Company Deutz Bundesbahn. She was very strongly built to withstand winter ice and able to carry an amazing 370 passengers. Her next role was…
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Lundy Island commands an important strategic position in the sea lanes between south Wales, the north coasts of Devon and Cornwall and the Western Approaches. Its history includes occupation by pirates, contested ownership and poor governance and it was only formally recognised as part of Devon in 1974. In 1986 the seas around Lundy were…
Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour 