Dave's Blog

Hi and welcome to my Personal Blog. Let us begin with an apology for the missing couple of day's posts, but these days were taken up with hospital visits and also our Wedding Anniversary (Sept.28th) 47 years ago I married Alison, the love of my life!   We were married by Rev'd John Flory in the Parish Church of St.Chad, Patchway, Bristol and then we had the reception at Stanshawes Court Hotel, Yate, Bristol. It was a brilliant day celebrating with family and good friends and then it was followed by a Honeymoon in Paignton. Life then rambled on quite happily although there were a few ups and downs, there were  some fantastic moments plus a few horrendous ones, some comedy and some tragedy.  We have been blessed with 2 brilliant daughters who make us so proud and a little boy who didn't actually make a successful transition from womb to world but he is still and always will be our son. Eventually after navigating the twists and turns of life's journey we ended up livin...

The Story Continues… We are now coming more up-to-date – as I said at the end of the last part I had set up CauldronFM   The station was created to provide a resource for those who followed a Pagan path both nationally and internationally, and also to be the platform for music created by Pagan artists. The shows also contained articles and discussions that were of interest to a Pagan audience. The establishing of this service proved popular, and soon it had att racted enquiries from fellow Pagans with regard to them joining the station as presenters. One of the potential candidates was a lady from America who goes by the name of Raven Moonshadow. At the time she was co-presenting a podcast called Pagan Moonbeams which was a service designed to introduce young people to the Pagan tradition The podcast had been running for some time and Raven was seeking a new challenge.  I auditioned her (merely a formality) and she joined the team. Raven and I worked together and she is a hig...

Petrol Shortage - what? Yesterday I was preparing to write this post and I had the framework of what I was going to say within the post committed to draft form.   I was going to talk about EU drivers being unable to return to the UK because of Brexit and rule changes - all very plausible I thought! However, something (I don’t know what!) stopped me from committing that piece to the annals of time for all to see! This morning I was leafing through friends posts and comments and my eye was suddenly caught by a comment made by a local businesswoman - in that comment she posed the question “what changed?” I read through the rest of her article and what she said made perfect sense, so I will paraphrase it here…. Petrol supplies are delivered to garages in special vehicles called “fuel tankers”.  These vehicles are classed as “Heavy Goods Vehicles” and to be allowed to drive them a person must be in possession of an HGV 1 drivers licence together with an ADR licence (see below). “If...

So having completed our fact-finding mission Dave and I submitted our findings to the Council, but (to cut a long story short) the project was curtailed because Dave had accepted a promotion and that meant he had to move to another local authority. This effectively brought an end to the plans as far as we were concerned and I returned to working with music and musicians, and dreaming of someday having a radio presence. Eventually I moved to Devon  (where I still live) - a move that proved to be very worthwhile. I retrained and reskilled and became qualified as a life coach but I also set up an artist management business and predominantly began working with bands.  For one particular band I put together a major 6 week tour (something that they had never done before) and took them to have 3 tracks recorded in a professional studio (owned at the time by 10cc's touring keyboard player Steve)  During this tour I became acquainted with a number of local radio presenters that re...

Hi and thank you for joining me on today's blog post coming from a very dull and overcast top of the hill here in Ilfracombe.   The sky all around is grey and there is a modest breeze blowing.  I cannot see the Bristol Channel today - something that is normally visible from my office window. Last night I had a wonderful "catch up" with Marc over a couple of drinks at The Thatched Inn - it seemed very odd going to a pub to have a drink for the first time in many, many months.  It also seemed weird having to sit outside and order the drinks through a serving hatch. But, I detract from the main topic of today's post - the controversial subject of a lady called "Verity" "Verity" is a sculpture created by the artist Damien Hirst and this piece has been on loan to the town but that loan period is sadly* coming to an end. During this time she has been a major talking point and whether or not you like her, she has brought a large number of visitors to Ilfr...

Hi today is a crisp late summer day here in North Devon and I have been out and about – it feels like autumn is just around the corner. My car has now been serviced and MOT need and the bill will arrive with me soon. So today I feel that I want to give you just a little insight regarding some of the work I do…… One of my earliest productions (Musical Director) I am a therapist, life coach and musician on my own account  But professionally.... . For many years I have been involved in the entertainment industry – playing in bands, broadcasting, and for the past 20 years or so I have been a senior member of a team in a company that provides theatrical drapes and backdrops plus lighting effects to the World’s entertainment industry Working with this company has enabled me to experience places that I could only dream off as a child and meeting people that I have only been able to admire from afar. However I still remember the words that my Dad said to me when I was a teenager and I had ...

Hi and welcome to the third part of this series of insights into my life that was leading to:- how I became and still am a broadcaster (and more) It has been an interesting journey for me and filled with WoW moments all along the way. So when we left the story last time I promised a bit of a wow moment so here goes….. Dave Wycherley and I were tasked by Halton Borough Council to investigate how they could help the up-and-coming musicians of Widnes and Runcorn.  After some research we identified that around the county several local authorities had provided Rehearsal space (the old church/the citadel) but others had gone a stage further and had provided recording facilities. So we just had to go and investigate! The first place we went to was a “studio“ near Ormskirk – sadly this was a great example of how not to build a recording studio – it was basically a rehearsal space – and even that was definitely lacking. It was located in the heart of an industrial estate without any form of...

Welcome to today’s post I have 1st to apologise for missing yesterday’s (thanks to a rather upset tummy) Because of this we were unable to go to the caravan and sadly had to disappoint the friends we were supposed to be meeting there. That said today I feel a lot more like my normal self and have just come back from a walk around the pier and harbour in the sunshine. It is surprising that there is a high number of people around – the car parks are full, boats appear to be fully laden as they make their way out into the open ocean (or channel) The water is really calm and a beautiful shade of blue. The shops and restaurants along the harbour side appear to be doing a brisk trade as are the gift shops and all along the harbour you lungs are filled with the heady mix of sea air and the aroma of Fish and Chips.      oooOOOooo Thanks for being there and thank you for reading this post! Please check back again on Monday for the next update Have a great day, be safe be careful a...

Good Morning and Merrie Meet Welcome to today's blog! "Flat Calm - next stop America"  It is a beautiful, blue sky day and as you can see in the photo the sea is a wonderful Flat Calm. It is at times like this when living in North Devon has significant plus points that come into play. The crowds have diminished, the roads are much quieter and safer and we are able to enjoy the late Summer Sunshine in comfort. This weekend is #3 with friends and the caravans, it is also "hopefully" the last one we will spend with a leaking shower unit. If I am lucky, I might get some time to write a few forward posts for the blogs, get some lyrics on paper for the latest album I want to record PLUS get some more photographs up on the Moor. BUT THEN AGAIN -  I may do none of those things and just CHILL! We will have to see. Anyway - whatever you choose to do with your weekend make it a great one and enjoy oooOOOooo Thanks for being there and thank you for reading this post! Please...

Hi and welcome to the second part of this insight into my life as a radio presenter.  Runcorn Town Hall (unknown photographer) When we left the story at the end of Part 1 we had reached the point where I had been approached by Dave Wycherly (Halton Borough Council's Arts Development Officer) with a view to me joining his team based at Runcorn Town Hall (pictured above).  Although this was a voluntary post it brought the strength of the team to the grand total of 2! Between us we were charged with the development of, and the raising awareness of, The Arts in the Borough of Halton.  This was by no means an easy task but it was one that we felt we could bring to justice! One of the first things that was accomplished was the addition of a live music tent at the up and coming Spike Island Festival.  This event was actually sited on Spike Island which was very close to a major chemical plant.  The event included all of the usual fair type attractions plus a superb ski...

Hi and welcome to my Personal Blog At 7.30am this morning I was on a mission!   Image - ©2021 wytchwynd photography We had run out of black rubbish bags and the alarming way we generate rubbish chez nous means that this was a far from satisfactory situation. So whilst I was wandering the streets making my way to the local Premier store that proudly proclaims that it is open at 7.30am every morning, there we the normal people exercising both themselves and their pampered pooches BUT there were NO BLACK BAGS anywhere because the early morning shop was CLOSED! But, what I did come across was the stunning sight of the Landmark Theatre bathed in the most beautiful morning sunlight and standing against a stunning backdrop of grey clouds interspersed with patches of blue sky.   I was so in awe of the sight I just had to take the photograph for this blog. ......and what of the black bags? A friendly neighbour just happened to have a spare one and saved the day! oooOOOooo Tha...

Hi and welcome to my Personal Blog  Now I am the first to admit that I am not a full on eco-warrior but I do feel that trees being under an unnecessary threat (in my personal opinion) is not only bad for the trees in question, it will ultimately have an effect upon the environment (which may not be so good for us either!)* ©2021 wytchwynd photography To elaborate:- This tree has stood happily (to the bes t of my knowledge) and has been doing no harm to anyone for the past 20+ years. But now all of a sudden and "in the name of progress" it is in danger! I know that during the past 18 months, whilst being a necessary part of the eco system, it has also provided a home for a family of Magpies, something that had not been seen in any quantity on this section of the industrial estate prior to the Covid situation. So although it may be too late to stop the tree being removed and the verge being ripped up to make way for a footpath that will possibly never be used, I urge you to thi...

Hi and welcome to the first part in a series of posts about my life as the presenter of radio shows and the twists and turns along the way...... I thought that this way I could provide a small insight into another aspect of my life  - that of "The Merlin" - presenter on  Cauldron FM (The Sound Of Magick)   and  Capstone Radio - the sound of the North Devon Coast I began my radio "career" over 20 years ago when I was invited to be a guest on a radio station that was broadcasting under a Restricted Service Licence (meaning it was allowed to broadcast on FM for 4 weeks.  It was designed to provide a community based broadcast. The one I joined was HaltonFM and it was broadcasting to Runcorn / Widnes and part way towards Warrington. The presenter of the show I was on was a man called Dave Pichilingi (a name that was destined to become quite well known).  He went on to be a significant player within the local community - becoming a senior member of the staff at P...

Hi and welcome to this personal blog page of a self confessed hippie child of the 60's.  I was no stranger to the sounds of the "Underground" (and not the ones referred to in that famous pop song by Girls Aloud - a song that I did actually like) music scene. However, this photograph is the nearest thing I got to the cult movie  "Easy Rider" as I personally cannot be doing with motor bikes.  Unfortunately, I cannot credit the photographer because I have no idea who it was - but if it was you and you can tell me exactly when and where it was taken I will happily add a credit to your image. So moving on, the reason for this post being called "Waterlogged" and the attending image is the fact that some days I feel like that and the weekend just gone contained one of them. We had a lovely day on Saturday - went shopping (maybe spent a little more than we should have done), then we went for a lovely meal in Exeter (thank you Tina) and then took a steady and e...

Hi and welcome to today’s blog page. We are back home after a couple of nights in the caravan.  It has been a lovely weekend but sadly 2 nights are not really long enough.   ©️2021 wytchwynd photography Yesterday after a slow start in the morning we had to do battle with a problematic water system before heading off to Exeter for the afternoon.  That proved to be a tad expensive as I happened to say that I liked a wicker-style patio set that was on Special Offer in The Range.  Oh boy!   Guess who left the shop £140 poorer? On the plus side we had a lovely meal at Toby Carvery, Rydon Lane, Exeter (not a sponsored mention - but always happy to discuss) that was, as always, great value for money in an establishment that is clean, friendly and welcoming. After the meal we took a steady drive back to the caravan. This morning was a little fraught because I was feeling a wee bit tetchy over this on-going water issue but hopefully I will get something resolved this wee...

Hi it's Dave Welcome to Friday's post from "Yours Truly" After bending you ear yesterday about "stuff" I decided that today I would write a lighter post.  Later today we are heading off to cause madness and mayhem at our caravan - we being Alison, Tina and I. ©2010 wytchwynd photography  ©2010 wytchwynd photography However the adventure really began last night (Thursday) when Alison and I had to go to our friends and  fellow caravan owners - The Stewart Family to pick up something affectionately known as "The Twatting Hammer" (I hope I have the strength to wield it). This remarkable piece of kit is ideal for knocking the pegs into the hard standing area (which almost has the strength of concrete) so we will be able to put the awning up. But first we have an important funeral to attend tomorrow morning and then back to the local golf club for a buffet.   Then mid afternoon I will be heading off to pick up the girls and away we go for our mad weekend...

Hi and welcome to today's blog post called "Getting Back To Normal" After the midsummer madness that takes over North Devon dies down, life returns to its' calmer, relaxed, chilled out state of being.  The beaches become much less populated, the litter mountains disappear, the roads return to being roads instead of pedestrian walkways interspersed with the inconvenient things called cars....... and generally life becomes much better! ©2021 wytchwynd photography Now please don't get me wrong   because I really do appreciate the fact that visitors bring a lot of revenue into the North Devon cash registers - holiday camps, shops, bars, transportation etc.  And this year, more than ever, their return has brought that much welcomed revenue in spades!   But that said, there is always a flip side....... .... this year it has been more noticeable than ever (because of the restrictions placed on travel to foreign parts) - that these increased visitor numbers bring with the...

Hi everyone it's DAve Thank you for joining me on today's blog post.   Today is Wednesday and I really hope that it is less hectic than yesterday.  After a full day at the office and with Alison confined to bed after a very disturbed night I had to go to Barnstaple after work and collect a replacement fridge, because the other one "bit the dust" Photo: "Three Suns"  ©2021 wytchphotog The photograph featured above almost got me into trouble........ I spotted the reflection of the sun in three different places at the same time and because it was an unusual sight I decided to capture the image - well people thought I was "casing the joint" and they threatened to "call the Police" until I explained what I was doing and showed them the image. Because of the water situation at the caravan we checked with Tina about her impending visit at the weekend and her response was a very definite "of course I am coming to our caravan, why wouldn'...

Hi and thank you for joining me on't blog today.  One which I am sorry to say is about venting off steam following recent events and a potentially ruined weekend away. Recently I had my caravan serviced and when I collected it I was told that they had discovered a small water leak - despite this "leak" not having manifest itself at any time prior to this service.  I was also told that they had managed to sort it out and that everything should be fine going forwards. Having parted with over £350 for said service, we took the caravan back to site and were really looking forwards to a nice, relaxing weekend with our friends. We arrived on site during Friday afternoon and went through all the set up processes and then with that done, we decided to make a drink.   I connected the water and when I went back out to get some more things from the car, the person next door told me that he had tightened the connection fitting because it was leaking. I thanked him and went back ...

Hi and welcome I hope that you have had a wonderful weekend - I know that I have!   So I thought having had such a great time I would devise a list of things that make up my ideal day! I wake up naturally and take my time preparing to greet the day ahead. I visit the bathroom, wash and clean teeth and spend 5 minutes in contemplation I dress and make a cup of coffee then  I write both my journal and my gratitude list  I visit my to do list and start working towards completing the things I have to do I clean my cameras ready for the photo shoot(s) that are booked I write any emails that I need to send    and read over my blog notes / planner    and having done this I start writing the new post After I am happy with that it is time to have lunch and then say bye to Alison if she is not coming with me. I (or We) leave the house and choose which vehicle we will use - if it is a country shoot we will probably take the Range Rover but if it is a town / city ...

Hi it is Dave and thank you for joining me on today's blog post The full title of this post is  "Unhappy people want what they want to make them happy!  Happy people want what they want Just For The Hell Of It!" ©wytchwynd photograpy How often have you come across a fellow like the one above?  He is most definitely one of the first group of people.   A number of years ago I worked with someone just like that - every day we worked together he would look in the mirror and say "I don't look well do I Dave?" I often passed a comment about him being "miserable" and he would always say "leave me alone, I'm happy!" On the other hand............. seeing this guy always makes me happy!   I met up with him during a special celebration of Aardman Animations in Bristol.  He was only too happy to oblige with a photograph. ©wytchwynd photography So thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Have a great day, be safe, be careful and rememb...

Hi, it’s Dave and thank you for joining me for today’s blog. Image by Wytchwynd Photography For the past few weeks Ilfracombe has been hosting “a Fair”  although the people who used it appeared to enjoy the 4 rides. By my standards “the fair” left plenty to be desired! However the people who visited seemed to enjoy the experience. Image by Wytchwynd Photography Admittedly I have been spoiled because I grew up in Stockton Heath where we had an annual fair that probably had some 15 large rides, plus roundabouts, swing boats and plenty of "slideshows" where you could win "Kiss Me Quick" hats, £10 notes, watches and many other items of treasure all for less than 50p.   Call me nostalgic for the "the days of my youth" if you will, but a Fair really was a fun experience with thrills, excitement and Candy Floss! Thank You for taking the time to read this, I will be back again soon. Have a fantastic day, live a life of Passion and Power, and above all remember Don...