Category Archives: Sophie loves Brixham

Word of the Week: Play

One of the loveliest things about the stage Arthur is at at the moment is how completely he is embracing play. He will often wake up in the morning and, once he’s orientated himself and had his milk and cuddles declare his desire to ‘walk, play!’ repeatedly until we help him down from the bed.

He calls out from the highchair too, and sometimes from the sling: ‘walk, play! Walk, play! Walk, play!’

I love that he is articulating that need to move and explore, to actively engage in the serious business of playing that is going to be so important in the next few years of his development. It gives me a real thrill to watch the beginnings of make believe, to watch him creating his own world out of the things that are around him.

Of course if there are other children around to play with that’s even better. Grown ups are good sometimes too, but Arthur is beginning to make a distinction between the worlds we inhabit and more often than not is drawn to the vitality and creativity of those who have not yet felt the straightjacket of adulthood.

At the festival we were at last weekend it was wonderful to see him running around with my cousin’s kids and their neighbours. He was a little forlorn without them when we got home, but the arrival of his cousins from London soon distracted him!

He has spent the week playing in the garden, determined to ride his new dumper truck and keep up with the pace of his older playmates.

There’s been pool and beach fun too – we literally couldn’t have picked a better week to share the joys of living on the English Riviera!

Arthur’s back on his own again now, and whilst I’ve caught him looking around for his absent playmates he hasn’t let it get to him too much. He constantly amazes me with his ability to entertain himself, to enter into the spirit of play whatever his circumstances and surroundings.

I guess that’s what makes childhood so special, really. And it is my pledge to you, Arthur, to give you as many opportunities to play as I can possibly muster.

Sunset on the breakwater

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Leigh successfully completed his third year at medical school this week – no mean feat as the father of a toddler with fifteen years on most of his fellow students. So to celebrate we went out for dinner at Breakwater Bistro, a fantastic local restaurant with great food, friendly service and spectacular views. We sat outside, soaking up the evening sun and making plans for the summer.

Whilst Leigh and I were happy to sit back and admire the view, it was pretty clear that Arthur would rather be in it. So once we’d eaten our fill we decided to walk it off with an after dinner stroll. These light evenings won’t last forever right?

We wandered in past the marina first. The sun was still high in the sky and the air was so warm it was hard to believe we were in the UK. The boats were gently bobbing against the pontoons, eager to get out on the open sea. The evening light projected their reflections amongst the clouds scattered on the mirror of the water.

Though it was beginning to get late, Arthur seemed to be energised by the novelty and beauty of it all, eagerly chasing seagulls along the harbour wall.

As as the sun dropped lower in the sky, bathing everything in an orange light, we meandered back towards the breakwater itself and its path stretching half a mile into the bay.

It was the first time Arthur had actually walked the breakwater rather than being carried, and he loved it. He wanted to stop and examine everything we passed, playing the bench like a drum and reluctantly holding hands as we made sure he didn’t wander too close to the edge.

The sunset was stunning as they all seem to be at the moment. We watched its colours spill across the horizon behind the silhouette of the lighthouse, and as the glowing ball finally disappeared we took our cue and headed home to bed.

Hello summer!

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It’s been coming for a while, in the gloriously light evenings and the no need to take a jacket when we leave the house, but today summer finally arrived. In scorching sunshine we finally made our way to Shoalstone Pool for the first dip of the season.

Arthur was so excited: we barely had time to get him into his swimmers before he was running towards the water. He definitely found it cold at first, but each time we lifted him out he was desperate to get back in again.

Before long we had both got used to the cold – after the initial shock it really wasn’t that bad, and now that I’ve broken the ice (so to speak) I’m determined to fit some regular swims into our routine.

Arthur being Arthur there was quite a lot of splashing – hence the somewhat blurry photos where I forgot to wipe the lens… But it was brilliant to see him having so much fun!

I think he would happily have stayed in the water for hours, but we figured we’d better not let him get too cold. He protested a bit at first but then was happy to entertain himself with my hat for a while.

We went for a wander to get some ice-creams (it’s summer right?) which gave us a chance to look back at the pool in all it’s glory. It was so great to see so many people enjoying the water and the spectacular setting – unbelievable to think it almost didn’t open at all this year!

It wasn’t long before Arthur was desperate to get back in again, this time splashing around in the shallow end with the kids who’d started piling in at the end of their day at school.

Eventually though he did begin to shiver, and was grateful to be wrapped up warm with raisins and take a moment to relax out of the sun in his little ‘house’.

Which gave Leigh and I a chance to look out over the bay and take in the view. And what a view it was.

It’s lovely to see you summer! Very much looking forward to getting acquainted again over the next couple of months.

E is for evening

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I absolutely love this time of year. In the midst of winter I forget, I think, just how long and light the evenings are in June: the contrast with the dark and the cold of only a couple of months ago, especially down here, is hard to fathom. A couple of evenings ago we went for a walk after dinner. Just the usual round-the-block stroll, past the pool as the sun was lowering itself down towards the horizon, the streaks of clouds providing the perfect canvas for its rays. The sea was calm, gently lapping against the rocks as the scent of seaweed wafted up through the warm air, and the pool itself was like a mirror. We were the only ones there, apart from a man walking his dog and humming to himself. It felt more than a little bit like heaven.

Joining in with The Alphabet Photography Project over at PODcast.

Hanging about in the hood

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After a couple of hectic and exciting weeks away in Cornwall and entertaining visitors here we’ve actually quite enjoyed being at home on our own this week. I’ve had lots of writing and admin to catch up on, and it’s been nice having Brixham to ourselves again now that everyone’s gone home after half term.

On Monday afternoon, as the sun broke through the clouds and Arthur’s patience began to wane after I’d spent far too long at the computer, I thought we’d better get outside.

We didn’t go far – just to the little park on the other side of the coastguard cottages at first, where Arthur was very happy to run around in the grass and enjoy the view. He was looking particularly cute in his new summer cap and I couldn’t help but get a bit snap happy…

He found some daisies, and as usual had to check out how they tasted.

Even more exciting was when he came across a stick: he tried to dress it with his hat, though in the end decided it looked better on his head.

This is my favourite shot I think – contented and a little pensive in the shelter overlooking the pool.

Of course it wasn’t long before he persuaded me to take him down the steps to be a bit closer to the water. The pool was being cleaned (which made me feel better about not having made the effort to get our kit together for an inaugural dip), but as always Arthur loved taking a stroll alongside the mural.

He was inching closer and closer to the sea though, and I soon gave in and took him down to the little beach at the end of the rocks. I don’t think I’ve actually been down there with Arthur before. There’s only really a beach at low tide, and if the wind’s been blowing in the wrong direction it can be a bit of a magnet for rubbish. But Monday afternoon was perfect – lots of sand and gently lapping water. Arthur was in his element.

We didn’t last that long, as once he’d dipped his toes in the water he couldn’t resist sitting down – my reflexes were not quite quick enough so he ended up with a very damp bottom! As we’d been just nipping out I was of course completely unprepared.

There was a bit of protestation as I whipped him up into the sling, but once he was there he was happy just to snuggle up as we strolled back home for supper. A perfect little jaunt, and one which I’m sure we’ll repeat many many times over the summer: just hanging about in the hood.

Shoalstone Pool

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Some of you might remember a couple of months back I wrote about Brixham’s amazing seawater lido. It’s a stone’s throw from our house, and I’ve been looking forward to spending summer days there with Arthur splashing in the water and looking out over the bay. And now it’s open! And looking even more beautiful than ever before.

We were there for the official opening last weekend when the pool was decked out with bunting and stripy deckchairs and the committee who have worked tirelessly to get the pool ready for the season were celebrating with local residents and our local MP Sarah Woollaston who cut the ribbon to declare it officially open.

It looked fantastic, and it was so lovely to see the local community coming together – a community without whom it’s likely the pool wouldn’t have opened at all. It was a shame that the weather wasn’t quite as glorious as it had been the week before, though the looming clouds made for a very dramatic scene and there were still a handful of people who braved the chill to welcome in the pool’s new season with a dip in the turquoise water.

I have to admit we haven’t yet made it in. I’ve been telling myself it’s because it would be irresponsible to take Arthur into the cold water without at least some sunshine to warm him up, but to be honest he’d be in there like a flash if I let him! In fact it’s been all we can do to hold him back…

So I don’t think it’ll be long before we take the plunge: I know full well that once the initial shock of the cold has passed the pure exhilaration of swimming in such an iconic pool and glorious location will soon take over. For now though we’re just admiring it from dry land, full of gratitude for the people who’ve worked so hard to restore it for another year and full of anticipation for that all important first swim of the summer!

To find out more about the pool and how you can help support it go to www.shoalstonepool.com.

All aboard!

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It’s been a decidedly grey and drizzly week here in Devon, making getting out and about that little bit more challenging. However it did give us the excuse to revisit one of our favourite local attractions: the steam train that runs between Kingswear and Paignton.

This train will always have a special significance for our family. It was on a day out just after Christmas in 2012 that my waters broke and I began to go into labour with Arthur. We began what I’m sure will be an annual tradition with a trip on the steam train for his first birthday, but haven’t actually been back since. This time round he was much more aware of what was going on: he responded excitedly with ‘choo choo!’ when I told him about our plans in the morning, and his excitement increased tenfold once we were actually on the train.

We travelled in the Devon Belle observation carriage for the first time – it’s one of only two left in operation in the whole world, and gave us a fantastic panoramic view of the countryside as we chugged along. We were right up by the engine for the first leg of the trip, so the steam enveloped us whenever we passed under bridges giving everything an otherworldly aura that just added to the sense of travelling back in time.

The stations decked out with their vintage signs added to that too, as did the engines in the sidings and the trains that passed us on the other track.

We travelled along the river and through verdant woodland, though the best views were reserved for the stretch of track alongside Torbay: even with clouds shrouding the headlands it looked pretty spectacular.

When we pulled into Paignton we watched as the engine refilled with water before being moved to the other end of the train to pull us back towards Dartmouth.

As well as being pretty awesome to watch in itself this left us with an unobstructed view for our return trip – just the line disappearing behind us as train made its way back along the coast.

Arthur was keen to make the most of the view from every possible angle, enjoying the freedom of travelling without being confined to a car seat!

I’m not sure there are many more perfect ways to appreciate the beautiful place we live in than by trundling along in a steam train. It gives me a little thrill every time I see the plume of steam rising up across the bay, or hear the whistle echoing in the wind. I’m very glad that Arthur seems to share my enthusiasm, and I’m already looking forward to our next trip!

Word of the Week: Oddparents

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Today the word that sums up the week that was is:

We had two very special visits this week, from two of my very best friends. Two out of the three people in fact who we chose to be oddparents to Arthur.

You may ask what an oddparent is, exactly. We were keen to have significant adults in Arthur’s life from outside his extended family, but as we’re not religious godparents didn’t seem quite right. He has guardians, but they are separate – much more of a legal, worst case scenario role. Rather his oddparents, Bez, Sue and Ryan, will hopefully imbue his life with some of the passion, creativity and uniqueness that has made them our friends for so long.

I think it was that spirit that has made this week so much fun. When Bez arrived with Huw, we threw ourselves into BrixFest – the 1940s themed festival that took over the town for the second May bank holiday weekend.

It was awesome to see them both, but fab to have an extra pair of hands too: someone Arthur enjoys hanging out with so Leigh and I could remember what it’s like to hang out with each other!

No sooner were they gone than Sue turned up. Arthur was very excited to see her and to show off his ukulele skills…

Unfortunately our earlier visitors seemed to take the sun away with them, but that just made us even more determined to make the most of her stay. We took the ferry over to Torquay, which as it always does made me wonder why I don’t do it more often. Beautiful as the bay is from the land I always get a bit of a thrill from actually being on the water.

We went to see the penguins at Living Coasts, and ended up getting mesmerised by the fish in the aquarium. I’m not sure who enjoyed the underwater bubble more to be honest!

We even managed to squeeze in a trip on the steam train, travelling in the observation car which was pretty exciting for all of us.

So all in all a brilliant week, though it was sad to say goodbye. Hopefully it won’t be too long before more oddparent adventures!

B is for beach

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More specifically, Breakwater beach in beautiful Brixham. There might be better beaches out there but this one is mine and I love it. From the gently rounded pebbles that on certain days appear to be almost entirely uniform to the slightly too sleep slope that builds anticipation as you stumble down towards the sea, from the water that glows turquoise in the sunshine to the panoramic views across the bay. B is for beach.

Joining in with The Alphabet Photography Project over at PODcast.

A playground by the sea

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Another day, another playground. This time we went to the Geoplay Park in Paignton which I’ve been meaning to check out for ages. It’d been a busy day already – in the morning we’d had baby gym and mummy trampolining, followed by lunch with friends and a swim. But then in the afternoon the sun came out and, impatiently waiting for a bus to take us back to Brixham, I figured it’d be a shame not to make the most of it.

We started with a snack, Arthur perusing the playground whilst he munched on a banana overlooked by a caveman and a woolly mammoth. The park is inspired by the English Riviera’s geological history, with separate areas from toddlers to teens representing different periods in time. There were lots of new things to explore, and it wasn’t long before Arthur went diving in.

The slide was of course familiar, and Arthur enjoyed climbing through the little house to get to it. Well, the first time anyway – after that he decided walking back up the slide itself would be much more efficient!

He toyed with the idea of going through the tunnel to the massive geodesic climbing frames on the other side but decided against it. I was quite glad actually as I’m not sure I’d’ve been able to follow…

Instead he went over to the trampoline. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of it when I lifted him on, and was soon holding his hands out to be saved. I resisted though, pretty sure he’d manage to clamber off himself. He’s really into climbing at the moment and very nearly made it, but I did have to help him out at the final hurdle.

Then he noticed the sand and water play area and got properly excited. He was a little bit little to make the most of it really, beyond the obvious attraction of getting covered in both. But I think as he gets older the dams and balances and diggers will be fantastic for teaching him all sorts of physics in action as well as being good, messy fun.

As if the day hadn’t been exciting enough, just as Arthur was beginning to get tired his dada turned up having stopped by to pick us up on his way home from work. He was over the moon to see him, and settled in for some serious daddy cuddles whilst we took a stroll along the seafront and had a drink overlooking the bay before heading home.

It’s days like this that make me love where we live, and I love our new playground too. We will definitely be heading back soon – and we might even make it onto the beach next time!

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Sophie is…

on a journey of (re)discovery in a brave new world.