Alan Humphries - The Place Where I Live
26th January 2024
In: Short Stories, News
Early in my life we moved to Exmouth where I have lived and worked as a Chartered Shipbroker ever since. That said there was period of many years when I split my time between Exmouth and Harlingen in the Netherlands.
Exmouth as the name suggests is situated at the mouth of the River Exe, in East Devon approximately 10 miles from Exeter, the county town. Like many Exmouth has expanded since WWII when the population was 14,500 to around 35/40,000 today. It is a dormitory for Exeter as well as being a popular retirement town.
Famous for its two and half mile long sandy beach and the start of the Jurassic coast, Exmouth is a popular year round holiday destination. The estuary is wide and is a nature reserve, providing a wonderful feeding ground for many species of birds, both resident and migratory.
For one hundred and twenty five years (1864-1989) Exmouth was busy port in the European coastal trades handling diverse commodities including those of the agricultural trade, timber, steel scrap. Following its closure as a port it was inevitably turned into a marina, but locals still refer to the area as the docks.
Having been an amateur photographer for many years, like many I had not taken too much notice of my home town, apart from the docks that is. Last year I came to realise that not many people print photos any more so leaving a gap in historical record. Therefore I started a project to photograph and print images of Exmouth. One can’t photograph everything hence I am concentrating on the town centre and its environs, the seafront and the lower estuary.
Exmouth has good communications which combined with a wealth oil social activities makes a good place to live.
Exmouth as the name suggests is situated at the mouth of the River Exe, in East Devon approximately 10 miles from Exeter, the county town. Like many Exmouth has expanded since WWII when the population was 14,500 to around 35/40,000 today. It is a dormitory for Exeter as well as being a popular retirement town.
Famous for its two and half mile long sandy beach and the start of the Jurassic coast, Exmouth is a popular year round holiday destination. The estuary is wide and is a nature reserve, providing a wonderful feeding ground for many species of birds, both resident and migratory.
For one hundred and twenty five years (1864-1989) Exmouth was busy port in the European coastal trades handling diverse commodities including those of the agricultural trade, timber, steel scrap. Following its closure as a port it was inevitably turned into a marina, but locals still refer to the area as the docks.
Having been an amateur photographer for many years, like many I had not taken too much notice of my home town, apart from the docks that is. Last year I came to realise that not many people print photos any more so leaving a gap in historical record. Therefore I started a project to photograph and print images of Exmouth. One can’t photograph everything hence I am concentrating on the town centre and its environs, the seafront and the lower estuary.
Exmouth has good communications which combined with a wealth oil social activities makes a good place to live.
Comments
By Cled Lewis: Fascinating, entrance to the marina, my first impression was somewhere in the Netherlands. Very strong colours catch attention. By Ken Davis: Two very well framed 'portraits' of Exmouth. You made the most of the light Alan, makes me want to visit. By David Askham: Given the historic trading links with European ports, perhaps we should not be too surprised to see Scandinavian-style architecture in Exmouth. I find it refreshing and attractive. By Kehidupan Kampus: After reading the article, I have several comments I’d like to share. The topic is thought-provoking and relevant. With a bit more clarification on some technical terms, the article could become even more accessible to a broader audience. By Alan Humphfries.: Hello Kehidupan, Thank you for your kind comments on The Place Where I Live.
It Wass written to encourage others to look closer to home when taking photographs, there are often hidden gems which a fresh look at the familiar might reveal.
If you wish to make any other comments/ask questions please do.