One Man (Martin) and his Campervan

We've mentioned our friend Martin Dorey and his excellent book 'The Campervan Cookbook' before, several times. It's been out for some time now, having been very well received by critics, foodies and surf shop managers along the way. Copies of the book made up about 40% of my entire Christmas shopping list, and were a hit with those who received it. And about 40% of them know (knew) nothing about camper vans, which proves how versatile and enjoyable the book itself is.
Which is why you want to make sure you're in with the telly this Monday.
Because this Monday evening, Martin's TV series, 'One Man and his Campervan' begins on BBC2, at 6.30pm. It's then showing every weekday night at the same time for 2 whole weeks. Jamie, Rick, Hugh... yesterdays roaming television cooks: We like ours in a dapper check shirt and carrying a surfboard that isn't just a prop.
Here's a few links to whet your appetite...

www.hattrick.co.uk/hattrick-international/int_shows/show-detail/?show_id=70

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00yndpc

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00yltdc

The Gul Bude Surf Jumble & Board Swap

The Big Question was... what if nobody turns up?
As are the inherent anxieties of putting on any public event - we needed jumblers, and we needed jumblees.
Most Jumblers had put down a deposit but many were coming from out of town so we were reliant on their word and their cars and the weather etc etc.
But our brief thaw lasted and came they all did, as did the public, in droves early on.
There was an eclectic mix of jumble - from old shop stock to used wetsuits to (possibly used) pants. There were fins, there was art, there was jewellery, there were cakes. Great, delicious cakes (carrot and courgette cake - I was cynical - it was amazing.)
The vibe was a constant satisfaction. Old friends met, new friends talked about new projects, people met people.
The Board Swap was more a board sale (and often board dominoes - 3 times they all rolled left and crashed onto the stage floor.) We're unsure if any actually got swapped but we've learnt some lessons from that, for the next one.
And there will be a next one, certainly.
A massive thankyou to everyone who participated and helped out. Off the back of it, what with sales of tea and coffee, and with the very kind donation made by our friend Martin Dorey from sales on the day of his 'Campervan Cookbook', we've managed to make £119.79 for the Bude Childrens Toy Library. All good.
C
(Most of the photos below are courtesy of Lee Robertson. The bad ones are mine.)

The Hustle and Bustle of a happy Jumble (above)

Gavin Joules of 'Finshack'

Our very own Tom 'Barnyard' Barnett

Nuff said.

The Board Swap. Popular. Not very swappy.

Martin Dorey the Campervan Man. And soon to be on your telly.

Rob Royal of Royal Surfboards

Chloe and Lemony. Purveyors of very inventive baked delights.