All in Media

Halloween in the West Country

Discover the eerie lore of West Penwith and the haunting celebrations of Punky Night, the Somerset term for Halloween, where the rural traditions of the West Country come alive. This intriguing article delves into the spectral figures that roam the moors, like the notorious Spriggans, the Black Dogs, and other phantoms that are part of the region's spooky folklore. Once marked by the simple carving of mangel-wurzels into lanterns, Halloween in Somerset has evolved from a low-key event overshadowed by non-conformist beliefs to a night of revelry for local children. Uncover the Celtic origins of the festival, Samhain, when the veil between the living and the dead was believed to thin, leading to ghostly troubles and valuable prophecies. Learn how the Romans and later Christianity shaped the celebration, morphing pagan rituals into All Saints' and All Souls' Days. Explore the quirky West Country customs involving apples, a symbol of the mystical and romantic, and reflect on how these traditions compare to the grand commercialisation of Halloween in the United States. This article is a nostalgic toast to the authentic Halloween, a testament to the region's rich cultural tapestry.

Wonders of Watchet

This is an article I wrote about Watchet in the year 2000. Watchet, a town boasting a history as rich as its sea-shanty heritage. Perched on Somerset's cliffs, it seems like a northern town displaced to the West Country coast. Known for its eccentricities, from its official swine-herd to the ancient Court Leet that convenes over rum punch, Watchet is a community of paradoxes. Home to Yankee Jack, a mariner who enriched maritime culture with iconic shanties, and a museum housing an extensive collection of flat-bottomed boats, the town's character is irrefutable. Historical influences, from Welsh miners to a significant paper mill, leave their indelible marks, contributing to Watchet's identity—a town that beckons visitors to explore its unique oddities and lingering mysteries.

Newspaper column: Thoughts on Being in a Developing Country

In this thought-provoking article, the author reflects on the state of their own country and their experiences in a developing nation. They highlight how many citizens in developed countries often take their good fortune for granted, assuming entitlement to wealth and financial superiority. The author cautions against this complacency, warning that influential status can slip away due to poor decisions and leadership. They contrast the challenges faced by people in the developing country, where there are no safety nets, no state pensions, and limited access to healthcare. Despite the difficulties, the article showcases the indomitable spirit of human nature and the stark contrast in lifestyles. The chaotic and anarchic nature of life in the developing nation, especially the driving habits, is described vividly. The author concludes by emphasizing the value of observing such contrasting experiences, acknowledging the mysteries they hold, and expressing the importance of maintaining a stable, thoughtful government in their homeland.

The Story of The Deer Park - A Modern Fairy Tale

There’s a new book called The Deer park launched this week - and it’s immediately proving to be very popular. Martin Hesp explains how the story came about… The Deer Park - a children's fairytale inspired by the magical woodlands above Dunster and includes references to local history and legends, intertwined with the author's personal experiences and family stories