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Dawn of a New Era

2010-03-12 08:14:16

What a great start to the day. A phone call from John Lewis confirming our new freezer is on the way at 6:45, stunning skies as the sun rose and......The 2010 F1 season gets under way in Bahrain.

There are some strange sights this morning.

Bruno Senna in an Anteater car apparently slower than our BMW, another team with a natty colour scheme but apparently acting as a mobile chicane and running at 10 seconds a lap slower than most. Maybe Richard Branson's going to end up with egg on his face.

So here I am poised to see if my Fantasy F1 team can do the business, come on "Hunt The Shunt".

Stephen

It's nice out!

2010-03-12 00:08:48

Do you remember Eric Morecombe's gag?

It's nice out. I think I'll keep it out.

After too many days indoors I had a good time meeting various local architects and discussing new projects.

I think I need to get out more.

STEPHEN

Boom Industry

2010-03-09 18:16:16

God Bless the Government, they just can't stop tampering with society. In the last few days we have had news that Mobility Scooters may need to be insured, and now "Dogs".

I possess neither, but can't see the point.

All Gordon and his cronies seek to do is create a lot of noise to make it sound like they're doing something. It seems to us that whilst coving sales are growing, insurance costs are booming.

In 32 years of adult life I have made no claims on any insurance policy, but I have been forced to pay out thousands by law.

Where will it all end?

Fish insurance? Lawn Mower Insurance? No my favourite has got to be Golf Buggy insurance. The biggest premiums being incurred by Hotels in the South of Wales, noted for accommodating Welsh Rugby stars.

Stephen

Love on the Moor

2010-03-07 22:13:16

Yesterday I enjoyed a short walk near Natsworthy, Dartmoor. Apart from "The Chair" I came across this cheerful surprise on a fence post. There was no sign, except the heart.

A cheerful addition for Dartmoor National Park to ponder over and outlaw perhaps?

STEPHEN

Radio Devon

2010-02-23 19:42:59

Fed up with Michael Booblay on Radio 2, or abhorred by Radio4s choices on "A Good Read"?

Well I can suggest an alternative. Listen to Fitz on Radio Devon at lunch-time. Today a local Doctor was raising awareness about Prostrate Cancer.

OK, it doesn't sound promising does it? Well believe me the phone ins were hilarious. One guy was "right up there" with Ronnie Barker, as he described his experience at the hands of a camera operator.

Don't live in Devon? Well I was listening loud and clear in the bowels of Cornwall.

Boom, Boom!

Stephen

PS I thought you'd prefer not to have a photo on this blog entry.

Breaking the Rules?

2010-02-21 22:49:43

Once upon a time (not so long ago) I came to the conclusion that when it comes to buying "stuff" it doesn't pay to compromise.

As a youngster I bought the best binoculars I could afford. East German Ziess 10x50s. Do you know I kept them for over 20 years, and they did me proud. Being a tad more affluent I eventually upgraded to a modern waterproof Ziess binocular. They have withstood awful weather, being dropped and after 10 years still give a fantastic view.

My choice of cameras has been similar. I have tried not to compromise. Three Sony digital cameras in a row. All of which gave me good service, and were passed on to deserving causes.

These days digital SLRs are de riguer. My choice is Canon. First a 20D (still in active service at House Martin) and latterly a 30D. Yes, I know it's old hat now - but it still works well.

So why did I let the LCE talk me into a Tamron 10-20mm wide angle lense? First time out "in the field" I knew I'd made a bad choice. It just feels wrong. OK, so I can now take panoramic landscapes like the one above, but next time I'm not going to break my own rules.

Stephen

Topsham

2010-02-20 20:29:30

What a good day. I woke up to discover we have an Olympic Gold in Whistler, all I won when I was there was a wooden spoon.

Then we had a wonderful walk in bright sunshine at Topsham.

Birds seen today;

Coot, Shoveler, Wigeon, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Shelduck,Teal, Canada Geese, Redshank, Avocet, Dunlin, Cormorant, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Blackbird, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Black Headed Gull, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Buzzard, Crow, Curlew. Not much really, but good fun all the same.

It's easy to take common birds for granted, but this Blackbird looked splendid.

STEPHEN

Sunday Sunshine

2010-02-14 20:56:58

Chudleigh from the Mantelpiece

Today whilst some of the nation was once more experiencing snowfall we got this. Glorious sunshine.

Chudliegh is a wonderful place to be.

Stephen

Winter Walk

2010-01-30 22:31:16

A visit to the Gym, or a stroll in the country? Well with snow on the ground and the sun shining our first choice was a pleasant walk.

We were rewarded with beautiful bright colours, and the joys of seeing two male bullfinches at Hams Barton, and aerobatic display by two ravens beside Lower Upcott.

Marvelous. Oh, and the scales at the gym said I'd lost 5lbs. A pretty good day all in all.

Stephen

bumping into people

2010-01-27 23:59:34

Chudleigh from on high

Today I bumped into 3 local business guild members, a 98 year old out with her trolley shopping, our original local plumber (who then popped into our home and fixed a problem), a wise friend from nearby and generally had a wonderful time connecting with folk.

Chudleigh. It's a special place.

Stephen

Good News

2010-01-26 21:10:31

Good News - Saab have been saved!

The new 95 and the old 93 will carry on being made, and local dealers like St.David's will at least have something to stick on the forecourt.

I wonder if the Cadillac BLS will ever re-enter production, or do I now possess "a collectors car"?

Stephen

Ooh er, mind your step!

2010-01-06 18:21:22

Wow, it sure is cold 'round here. The walk home took nearer 10 minutes rather than 5, as I didn't fancy a quick slip on the snow.

Church Path in Snow

The main road was clear, but driving? No thanks.

Seat SNOW Co-op

It may have been a day to take it easy, but there was plenty of stuff that needed doing.

Snow Good in Chudleigh?

Who knows what tomorrow might bring?

Stephen

Time

2009-12-03 23:02:51

Times Square Seoul at Night

Sitting in a customer waiting room today I had two choices. Firstly I could have reflected on my last visit where a 90 minute appointment took 150 minutes, or not dwell on such things and just relax and enjoy myself.

A quick look on my bookshelf at 8:00am unearthed a neglected trilogy which has been on my list of reading material for about 10 years. Today I actually made a start, and investigated the writings of Francis A. Schaeffer.

I was not disappointed, indeed after a few minutes my curiosity was such that I decided to go on line and see if I could also track down one of his famous lectures on a DVD. It looks like I may be able to add something profitable to my short Christmas/Birthday list.

But back to the book. The well researched material stimulated my mind, and alerted me to different ways of thinking. Early on the reader gets a chance to ponder Soren Kierkegaard's 19th century suggestion that anything of real importance in life is established via a Leap of Faith.

I feel as though my mind is being awakened and refreshed. As avid reader of "information" which can simply be digested and stored away for a rainy day I find this whole experience akin to physical sensation of a good wash after spending a whole day driving in a sticky car.

So my planned 90 minute confinement at Westerly turned out to be a thoughtful and enriching TIME.

Stephen

Contrasts

2009-11-23 22:04:15

Biggs and Kim clan Teignmouth Nov 09

Today was the last day that our newly extended Anglo/Korean family could be together, and together we traversed Dartmoor lanes and sights, popped into "The Cathedral in The Moor", various shops, and two eateries.

As a group of 9 one would imagine we'd be warmly received as worthwhile customers.

Our hosts at the first stop were the staff of "The Three Crowns" at Chagford. Two men were serving at the bar, and made us feel most welcome. Just how far would one expect bar staff to go in making their customers feel comfortable?

Well these people actually went beyond the call of duty, as they not only served fine cuisine but also fed us with fascinating historical information about the building and nearby church. When it became apparent that parsnips were not a known Korean delicacy we were even brought an uncooked parsnip from the kitchen.

Spendid! My scampi & chips were excellent, and a nibble from So Young's venison was equally pleasing.

Later we splashed our way through to the coast and afternoon tea at Teignmouth. What a contrast, one of the staff in the establishment we ate in seemed to be more interested in going home than serving, and American visitors who called after us were virtually rebuked for requesting food a few moments later.

Hospitality. A long word, and a difficult concept for some.

Stephen

Wedding Blessing

2009-11-21 23:18:14

Today we enjoyed driving rain and a wonderful Wedding Blessing, as Sam & So Young met up with friends and family at Chudleigh Parish Church, and then afterwards at The Devon & Exeter Racecourse.

Paul Wimsett with Sam and So Young Biggs

Our British guests were able to enjoy a brief insight into Korean culture, and meet So Young for the first time. As the official wedding was 3 weeks back the occasion was suitably relaxed.

Justina, Sam, So Young dad and Mum Biggs

After the celebration we are able to enjoy the newly extended function room at The Devon & Exeter racecourse. Just for a few moments the rained eased of and a few outside pictures were possible.

Control Tower Haldon with Sam & So Young

I wonder how long it will be before traditional Korean costumes grace the racecourse?

Close Family Devon and Exeter Racecourse

We were sorry to see everyone leave, but they say "all good things come to an end".

One wonders what we can expect in 2010. One thing is for sure, there'll be no more sons to marry off.

Dad Biggs

My Favourite Airline

2009-11-12 18:11:14

Since my youth I have had a passion for going fast. In fact my first memory is losing a pedal from my tricycle at the age of 3. I was mortified.

By the time I was 13 I was breaking the local speed limits on a Carlton 5 speed bike, and incurring our headmaster's wrath for bringing the school into disrepute.

At the age of 18 I was a new driver, bent on wringing ever last ounce of power from a 45 bhp Fiat 127. I wince at the speeds I used to achieve, as I now realise they were excessive.

So you might imagine I'd be a big fan of flying. Except I'm not. Put me in an airborne tin can for more than two hours, and I just can't wait to get out.

Aviation for the domestic punter is usually so dull. My most enjoyable domestic flight was from British Columbia and in a DHC3 Otter, that did a Stuka Bomber type approach to the Vancouver airport waterstrip. I mean how often do you get to see the "runway" on a 45 degree approach through the pilots windscreen?

I once even took the controls of a twin engine" Mooney", which was the real deal in its day, but sadly all it did was make me feel ill.

Mooney Twin Engined Plane

So after trying EasyJet (always reasonable), BA (awful), Ryanair (double yuk), KLM (pretty good), Czech Airlines (excellent) and sundry others I am delighted to announce I have a new favourite airline.

There's a clue on the fuselage of this jet.

Jeju Airlines at Gimpo airport

On our recent short hop from Seoul Gimpo International airport across to Jeju we were warmly greeted as we boarded, and settled in for our short one hour trip. After about twenty minutes I pointed out to Roz that a guy in a red sequined jacket had just walked passed my aisle seat, and somehow he looked like one of the stewards.

Now my grasp of the Korean language is very poor, but I soon sussed out that we the passengers were all invited to take part in a game which promised the lucky winner a "Star Prize", of a large bottle of shampoo.

Wow. So over half the cabin became engrossed in a large scale game of Paper, Stone and Scissors. The air stewardesses ensured fair play, as the steward announced the commencement of each round. The winner was just across the aisle and was thrilled with her prize.

Next up our sparkling red entertainer did all sorts of miraculous things with balloons and silly hats. Here's the result. Mr Biggs turns in Dr.Suess. Goodness knows what Roz is wearing and Nancy looks gorgeous too.

Dr Zeuss at 20,000 feet

Did sixty minutes ever pass more quickly on a plane? No way. Jeju airlines are bringing true joy to a tedious form of transport, and win the "My Favourite Airline 2009" award.

Stephen

Sinking to new Depths?

2009-11-10 22:22:30

You might be surprised. I am not using this "Headline" to pontificate about our glorious government, but rather to report on the fulfilment of a long held dream.

Russian Sub

After flying out to Jeju (a volcanic island south of mainland Korea) the new improved Biggs Family was given a guided tour of this honeymoon paradise.

Most of us only get a chance to have one honeymoon, but we actually had a few days with Sam and our new daughter in law. We really felt honored, and together climbed aboard a Russian submarine and fufilled a lifelong ambition.

Marine Boy? Jeju island paradise

Maybe it was Jacques Cousteau who first aroused my ambition to dive neath the ocean waves, or was it the cartoon character Marine Boy? All I know is that at £25 a head this was one trip too good to miss.

Captain Nemo pilots the Jiha

The whole event was wonderfully managed with typical Korean courtesy, and efficiency.

Captain Nemo

Basic Photography - Lesson 2 - Timing

2009-10-20 22:48:01

At the end of another day I sit here contemplating all the things I might share with you, and it seems that I might actually have "Writer's Block".

What words do I wish to disseminate?

Perhaps none.

As I type something has indeed come to mind, other than just leaving you with a big white space.

Perspective and Timing. Do you know whatever you're looking at (even your computer screen) at different times, and from different view points it will look totally different. Sadly too often we take hold of a certain standpoint, "position" and stick to it and maybe miss out.

Nothing could illustrate this better than using a camera. Look at today's Autumnal Photo. It is my favourite out of around 20 shots taken last Sunday. I'd have to say it portrays the current season reasonably well, but then I'm biased.

So it would be easy to sit back and be content.

However just walking back from "The Bishop" last night I saw a far more glorious sight.Red leaves illuminated by a street light, it was the same scene (more or less) but almost Narnia like in beauty.

Dog Poo Alley by Streetlight

Yes, I know the composition is poor, but this blog programme only lifts my uncropped picture. My point is that at a different time the same place takes on a whole new aura. The sighting was quite accidental but I was there and enjoyed the moment.

Maybe in life we can look back at something from a different angle, or at another time and realise just what we have gained, enjoyed, or tackled. Or on a purely photographic level, maybe try to tackle the shots at odd time and surprise yourself.

Stephen

Basic Photography Tips No.1

2009-10-17 17:11:26

Regular readers will of course realise that I'm quite a keen photographer. I often notice young children are generally very keen to have a go at taking pictures.

As a consequence I recently gave a talk to a bunch of youngsters, on a few basic rules of photograpy.

So on today's blog I'll take a chance to cover a key topic. EXPOSURE.

Take a look at the first photo. Notice anything?

Over Exposure - EXETER

As is so often the case a good photo has been spoilt as the exposure level has been set frighteningly high. So what could be done to overcome the problem? Well ideally, set things a few stops lower, or alternatively do not expose at all until it gets a good bit darker.

Of course some will argue getting the right exposure is a purely subjective matter, if in doubt get advice from an older more experienced person, who can help out.

Contrast the above with the picture below, whilst it a good few stops under exposed it isn't as bad as the over exposed picture.

under exposed skyline

Contrast both of the above with the photo below. Here is a very happy chap perfectly illuminated by the evening sun. Nothing is shouting out at us, the picture tells a story and doesn't leave us guessing.

Brearley Grandad

Watch out for other tips soon!

Stephen

Would you fork out for a new Porsche?

2009-10-17 13:39:34

Somebody locally did!

Fork Out for a 924

As this a 924S, it was worth "digging deep"!

The Observer

Home Cooking

2009-10-15 07:51:18

After a busy day at work there is nothing nicer than coming home to a beautifully prepared meal.

After a l o n g day at work there is nothing more frightening than a DIY meal SJB style. Go the freezer rustle around a few boxes and look for something easy.

Frozen battered fish "steaks". Read instructions, dial up some heat and insert the items into the oven. Watch smoke. Insert frozen waffles, temporarily loose vision. Open doors and windows.

Pre-heat posh plate in the warmer (why haven't we got boring plates that can take the heat in the oven?). Add mini corn on the cobs to plate.

Wait a further 10 minutes. Listen to Radio 2 Radcliffe & Marconi. Remember pot of tea, which has now over brewed. Struggle to consume beverage.

Try to release captive fish from inferno. Actually end up pushing them around the grill, before scooping onto a bloomin hot plate. Extract rather hard waffles, being careful not to break plate.

Smother with Salad Cream. Walk to dining room. Wonder why the hype on carton does not match the true flavour.

Spray hallway and kitchen with air freshner. Listen to "The Chain" on Radcliffe & Marconi.

Roz comes home. Appalled at the state of the oven.

Go to bed. Can't sleep, fish feels heavy inside. Get up, drink water. Try to go to sleep. Remember the last time you were sick. Drink more water. Just about survive, fall asleep.

Stephen

A Gorgeous Afternoon

2009-10-10 23:20:25

Lydford Gorge and Tactile Handrail

Our eldest son came home yesterday, and has quickly re-aligned to Greenwich Mean Time. Today we played Boggle in the morning, and took a trip to Lydford Gorge in the afternoon.

My photography skills were severely tested, but there is no doubt that this is well worth a visit. Looking through the viewfinder I was scarcely able to do justice to this National Trust site of outstanding beauty.

Mind you we didn't escape the unwelcome attention of zealous National Trust sales staff. They just won't take no for answer, even when Joe explained he lived overseas the lady still wanted him to become a member. Aaaghh, it's the worst aspect of National Trust sites.

The White Lady waterfall is shown below, and whilst it might not be Niagara it certainly looks impressive.

White Lady Waterfall LYDFORD Gorge

The frothy waters deep within The Devil's Cauldron were equally spectacular, and a still greater challenge for my Canon 30D. Rather than present a feeble effort I have picked a shot of the waters that tumble out just below this dramatic pool.

Devil's Cauldron overspill

Further up the gorge, and nearer the village centre the valley opens out and the late afternoon sunlight speared through the beech trees onto the rolling water below. Here the author models his Flanders Fields T Shirt whilst trying to look intellectual in his cheap Boots glasses.

Biggs in Lydford Gorge

Stephen

Lest We Forget

2009-09-30 21:11:48

On my way back from a trip to Orac in Belgium I took time out to honour those who fought for their country in Flanders during World War 1.

It is so difficult to appreciate just what happened between 1914- 1917 in flatlands of Flanders and the environs of Ypres.

Tyne Cot graves FLANDERS

The magnitude of this tragedy was spelt out by the sheer volume of grave stones carefully looked after by The Commonwealth War Grave Commission at Tyne Cot, but even a trip to the famous Ypres Flanders Fields Museum really couldn't begin to shed more than a faint light on the dreadful war of attrition.

I spent some time looking around the Menin Gate Memorial, wondering if an obscure surname such as Biggs would be enscribed amongst those who died without a burial. There was a lump in my throat, as I did indeed find someone who must surely have been a Great, Great, Great uncle or distant cousin.

Private Biggs

My thoughts went out the myriad Canadians who also joined forces against the Axis powers. Goodness knows they must have questioned their sanity, so far from home and the safety of North American shores.

...but known unto God

The various books of memorial were available for visitors to sign, but what comment can you leave which hasn't been rendered thousands of times before?

Stephen BIGGS

Silver Sprouts in Brussels

2009-09-06 00:50:52

Reflections from 31st August 2009

When I was little my folks always insisted that I should eat my Brussels. Well these miniature cabbages only appeared at Christmas, so I didn't suffer too much.

I wonder why they they are called "Brussel Sprouts" anyway? The only spheres we could find sprouting out of the ground during our day in Bruxelle were rather silvery, and metallic.

Antonium on Heysel Plains of Brussels

My desire to visit the Antonium stems from an article in MotorSport magazine. The journalists in question were given a BMW 3.0 CS and set about touring each of the major continental capitals in a relatively short time span. There was a lovely photo of the trendy yellowy/green grand tourer parked beneath the metallic globes.

Silver Sphere and G-Wiz

Nowadays the GT has been replaced the the hideous Reva G-Wiz electric car. Our trip around this World Expo marvel brought me even more satisfaction when I realised it was opened only a few weeks before I was born, way back in 1958.

Zip Wire BRUSSELS

The construction was the centre piece of a master plan to pup Belgium back on the map, and stimulate the economy in the dark post war years. I have to say they did a pretty good job. If you are planning a trip to Brussels you might well enjoy a few hours at this famous landmark, and whilst you're at it why not jump off the top on an amazing zip wire. I would have loved to try it, but spotted it too late in the day.

Antonium Restaurant Brussels

Whilst we were wandering around I paid a quick visit to the posh restaurant, although we only had a drink in the ordinary cafe. If I ever go back I'll make sure I grab a window seat in the restaurant pictured.

Heysel Disaster Scene BRUSSELS

Football fans might recognise the famous Heysel Stadium where 39 people died in a clash between Liverpool and Juventus football supporters. Another shot shows a major fire over near Brussels airport.

In summary, fork out your 9 euros a head and prepare for a good value tour.

Stephen

Things that go bump in the night...

2009-08-24 14:10:44

Yesterday we had a whole host of reasons to be cheerful.

1. England won The Ashes.

2. A big Sunday Roast, with amazing lamb.

3. Playing "I Spy" with our nephew and niece whilst driving up the A38.

And then Uncle and Auntie had to put these wee bairns to bed. By 10:30 everyone was fast asleep.

BUMP

Sounds like someone fell out of bed.

I scurry into the room. Young lad fast asleep, young lass sitting bolt upright in the middle of the bed, but thankfully no tears. I tucked her back in and return to my bed.

An hour and half pass.

BUMP and CRASH

I tell myself, ah that's someone next door. And try to drift back into the land of nod. But as any caring uncle would I can't so venture to the next room.

Young niece is again sitting bolt upright on the bed. "I overbalanced", is the first thing I hear. Now quite how you can "overbalance" when asleep I am not sure, but I scooped up the sleeping bag and went to walk out.

I hear dripping. I return to find a broken mug and water everywhere. So off come the bedclothes, and on goes my quilt. Just as I was about to walk out there is a small, "Thank You".

I go to sleep.

BUMP. Then silence. Then, "Knock, Knock". Can you tuck me in?

Ah, the joys of having little ones to stay.

Uncle Stephen

The most important thing on earth is....

2009-02-08 19:21:52

....found at airports.

Having two sons who live in far flung corners of the globe I often find myself standing in the arrivals hall at Heathrow or Gatwick. These are wonderful places for observation as one awaits a re-union.

Today's collection was at a surprisingly quiet Terminal 1, where I had navigate passed numerous Jews with their black hats & dangling locks of hair.

Why do they dress like that I pondered? But then why do we dress like we do? It all adds to vibrancy of life, and makes these moments more fascinating.

Many years ago as a young lad I went with my Dad and sister to collect Mum back from the States. We noticed a lively and flamboyant Lulu connecting with a girlfriend smiling and expressing her delight.

Today I witnessed a girl in her mid-twenties being welcomed home by (presumably) her Dad. The girl was overcome with emotion, and frantically tried to paw away her tears as she gasped for breath.

And amidst all the little collection signs written in felt tip, and soberly dressed gents with their taxis outside the irony of the situation dawned on me.

Relationships are the most important thing on earth, but it is flight that brings all the pent up emotion to the fore. What a wonderful picture to see a parent welcoming home a child.

Stephen Luke 15:10-24