‘Never a Dull Moment in Clovelly’. Blog by Ellie Jarvis

Living on a film set was quite an experience. There was 24 hour security, much interest from the press and a real air of excitement throughout the weeks that the film company were here. Clovelly Harbour was transported back to the 1940s. Vintage props were used and the quay was dressed beautifully. All hints of ‘modern’ life were removed — Window boxes and hanging baskets were put in storage and our white balconies were turned black. All white walls were painted to look dirty and aged, The Red Lion Hotel, Crazy Kate’s Cottage, Fish Street, Temple Bar and even Clovelly Lifeboat Station all got a war-time make-over.

Vital maintenance was being carried out in the harbour immediately prior to filming, rebuilding a wall and under-pinning the cliff, below Temple Bar. This work had to pause while the cameras were rolling, but has since resumed.

In recent weeks, more filming has taken place, this time for television. Though we can’t say too much about the programme just yet, we are able to say that Clovelly will feature in an up-coming Channel Four series, shining a spotlight not just on the picturesque village, but on our community.

With 80 cottages, our community of residents is small, but we like to think we have a much wider community of people who love Clovelly! For many generations Clovelly has welcomed visitors and we know many thousands of people around the world have a strong, nostalgic connection to our timeless village.

Judging for The RHS South West in Bloom competition takes place in July and though filming etc. has rather impacted on our preparations, the village remains beautiful thanks to the community who love it. The competition has inspired many exciting projects over the past few years with a real emphasis on pride and community spirit which is so strong in Clovelly.

Throughout the year, Clovelly Community Garden Group leads the ‘In Bloom’ horticultural project, ensuring not only beautiful floral displays throughout the village, but also incorporating the Clovelly Yarn Bomb*! Colourful woollen displays now adorn the courtyard of the Fisherman’s Cottage and Kingsley Museum at the heart of the village and will remain on display for the rest of the month.

Thanks to social media we were able to invite people who love Clovelly to donate knitting and crochet, to contribute to this unusual project. We have received pieces from all over the UK and even from abroad! We’re absolutely thrilled and amazed by the standard of the knitting and crochet we’ve received. A wide range of ages have been involved too, from toddlers and school children, craft groups, a local library, and even a couple of television presenters!

*Yarn Bombing is a type of street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre rather than paint or chalk. Yarn bombing is generally about reclaiming or personalising public places. Yarn installations can be easily removed if necessary”