Budleigh Past and Present

  Doing my bit for a museum in cyberspace We used to be told that the computer would lead to a paperless society. I wish…! Heading our Fairlynch Local History Group as I agreed to do some weeks ago, I now find extra paperwork in my mailbox at the museum. Some of this consists of green forms completed by visitors who seek information or indeed offer information which could help in updating our records. The Museum has in the past provided photocopies of photographs requested by visitors who complete the form leaving their address a fee with a steward. Noting that two of the recent forms included an email address I thought I’d save a bit of time and some trees by suggesting to the people concerned that they might prefer a photo – a jpeg or ‘cybersnap’ as I call it. “ Hi Michael” came back the reply within a few minutes.  “That would be perfect. Thanks.  Best wishes  B. Sent from my iPad.”  A hour or so later, after some rummaging in the arc...

The Otter Valley Association and Fairlynch Museum are jointly presenting talks on Saturday 7 February in Budleigh Salterton’s Peter Hall by two distinguished experts who are noted for their stunning images of wildlife. Photographer David Spears' talk is entitled 'Tiny Lives in Rivers and Estuaries.' David filmed with David Bellamy and David Attenborough on a number of projects before later setting up his own production company, Science Pictures.     He uses various imaging tools including high-powered electron microscopes to illustrate the range of organisms that he finds interesting.  Two of his pictures are shown here. He will include brief descriptions of the methodology he uses, but more importantly, show images of organisms which form critical stages in the food chain that sustains the larger and more accessible and familiar animals living in the Otter. Mike Langman, a full-time wildlife illustrator with a passion for birds will presen...

In line with a growing tendency by UK museums to allow the use of cameras on their premises Fairlynch has decided that photography by visitors will be permitted under certain circumstances.   For many years there has been a ban on any kind of filming in galleries and museums but with the growing use of technology such as smartphones many institutions have abandoned the attempt to impose an absolute rule. The Tate galleries, the National Museum of Wales and the National Maritime Museum are among institutions which permit non-flash photography without the use of a tripod for personal use only. Others, like Cambridge 's Scott Polar Research Institute, rule that photographs taken by visitors must not be reproduced or published in any form, including on the internet, without permission.   Nearer home, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter is even more liberal in permitting flash and tripods, although consideration for other visitors...