While out walking the other day, and by some strange process, get around to discussing pasties. The whole issue of Cornish or not, types of fillings and of course, favourites. My favourite pasty would have to be a Devon pasty originating from my dockyard days and specifically "Ron Dewdney" pasties from the shop just outside the Plymouth Dockyard gates. Ron was one of two brothers, both operating in the same business and like with many things, there is a story to be told:

🥟 The Tale of Two Brothers: The Dewdney Pasty Rivalry

In the heart of Plymouth, long before chain bakeries and supermarket counters took over the high street, two brothers quietly shaped the city’s taste for a proper pasty. Their names were Ivor and Ron Dewdney — born into the same family, trained in the same craft, yet destined to build two very different pasty empires.

The Beginning

As young men, both brothers learned the rhythms of the bakery: the early‑morning dough, the careful chopping of beef and veg, the unmistakable smell of a pasty coming out of the oven. But as they grew older, their paths began to diverge.

Ivor, the elder, had a knack for consistency — every pasty the same size, same shape, same peppery kick. Ron, meanwhile, leaned into tradition — chunkier veg, softer pastry, a pasty that felt like it came straight from a family kitchen.

Both were talented. Both were ambitious. And both wanted to make their mark.

Two Shops, Two Styles

By the 1930s, Ivor Dewdney Ltd had become a Plymouth institution. His pasties were firm, structured, and unmistakably seasoned. Dockyard workers, students, families — everyone knew the taste.

A couple of decades later, Ron Dewdney Pasties emerged in Devonport. Ron’s pasties were different: softer, moister, more rustic. They were the kind of pasties that warmed cold hands on a winter shift at the yard. Locals swore by them.

And so, without ever planning it, the brothers created a rivalry.

A Friendly Divide

Ask anyone in Plymouth which Dewdney made the “proper” pasty, and you’d spark a debate that could last all afternoon.

• Team Ivor loved the peppery punch and the perfect crimp.
• Team Ron insisted nothing beat the old‑school Devonport style.

It wasn’t a bitter rivalry — more like two musical brothers who formed separate bands. Each had their own fans, their own flavour, their own place in the city’s story.

The Final Chapter

By 2021, the world had changed. Independent bakeries were struggling, and Ron’s business — once a staple of Devonport — was down to its final shop.

When the last Ron Dewdney pasty came out of the oven, it marked the end of an era. But it also marked something else: a reunion.

The business was sold to Ivor Dewdney Ltd, bringing the two brothers’ legacies together for the first time. After decades of friendly rivalry, the Dewdney name finally stood under one roof.

A Plymouth Legend

Today, only one Dewdney brand remains — but the story of the two brothers lives on in every conversation about pasties in Plymouth. It’s a tale of family, tradition, and the way food can shape a city’s identity.

And if you ever hear someone say, “A proper pasty? It’s got to be a Dewdney,” you’ll know they’re talking about more than just lunch. They’re talking about history.

My favourite will always be Ron's, in my opinion, the pastry was better and the pepper seasoning stronger.

Early Morning Walking on the Leas in South Shields

Entering down into the old quarry, I was presented with these two sparrows posing for their photos to be taken, so I duly obliged and captured them on my phone. I couldn't believe how patiently they waited while I got my phone out of my pocket and prepared to take the picture, they were so patient. I considered myself so lucky this morning as nature was opening my eyes to things that I hadn't previously noticed, even though I have walked this path many times. To my left in the old quarry walls, the swifts were making such a noise to get my attention as they squabbled around their nest holes. Never before had I noticed them, but here they are. 

A Sunny Walk and a Discussion About Lobster Pots

The other day, I went for a walk along the coastal path from Seaburn to Souter Lighthouse and back. It's a good walk, about 4 miles-ish all told and in the glorious sunshine that was that day, an absolute pleasure. As with any walk, the view changes with every day , as does the range of people that you are likely to meet along the way. On the outbound trip, there was a very noticeable lump of bright yellow metal, sitting proudly above the water line on Whitburn shore. Pondering on what it could be; there was a circular support on the underside with four flanges supporting some sort of deck-type arrangement above. About 8 feet in diameter, and with some shaping to the rear, as it presented. Was it the deck support for a small crane that had been ripped off a ship in heavy weather, or some type of navigation aid washed off a pier somewhere? It was very difficult to know for sure.  Pondering complete, on with the walk, there was a bacon bap with my name on it to be had at the Souter cafe.

Sadly, no bacon baps left at Souter, but a very welcome Cornish Pasty substitute did the job. Back to the coastal path for the return journey, being sure to check in on the cormorants and gulls nesting on the rocks just off the headlands. Such a calming view, watching nature at its best.

As I neared the strange, bright yellow structure again there was a man on his electric scooter who also stopped to look at it. "You know what that is, don't you?" he called with confidence. Feeling a little inadequate, "No idea" I replied, but at the same time feeling excited that I was about to find out. The man went on to explain that the sea had been extremely rough over the weekend prior, with waves over 8 feet tall beating the coast. That used to be the fixed marker buoy just off the Souter Lighthouse headland, and the storm seas had ripped it from its mounting and relocated it here.

I felt quite relieved I now knew what it was and why it was there; it was also a reminder of how powerful the weather can be.

Wondering why the man was there, on an electric scooter, which was probably not the most appropriate mode of transport for such a rough pathway. He replied that he normally places his lobster pots among the rocks in front of us, but the storms had washed them all away. He was touring the coastal path to see if he could locate them. Sadly for him, they were not to be found anywhere and he would need to replace them.

That got me thinking about what the requirements are for placing lobster pots on the coastal rocks so I have put together a guide for doing just that, see below.

Placing Lobster Pots on the Coast Under a Recreational Licence

Setting lobster pots along the North East coast is one of those simple pleasures that connects you directly with the sea. Whether you’re working the rocky ledges around Whitburn or the deeper ground off Seaham, recreational potting is a rewarding way to enjoy the coastline — as long as you follow the rules.

Below is a clear guide to the licence you need, the regulations you must follow, and how to set your pots safely and responsibly.

Getting Your Recreational Shellfish Permit

If you live in Sunderland or anywhere along this stretch of coast, you fall under the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA). Anyone using lobster or crab pots for non‑commercial purposes must hold a Recreational Shellfish Permit.

Cost: £10 per year Where to apply: Northumberland IFCA website What you receive:

• Your permit

• Official pot tags

• Guidance on local rules

The application is simple: fill in your details, pay the fee, and your tags arrive by post. Once your pots are tagged, you’re legally ready to fish.

Rules You Must Follow

Recreational fishers must follow the same conservation principles as commercial boats, just on a smaller scale. The key rules are:

Pot Limits

• Maximum of 5 pots per permit holder

• All pots must display official IFCA tags

Escape Gaps

Every pot must include at least one escape gap measuring: 84 mm wide × 46 mm high × 100 mm long This allows undersized lobsters and crabs to leave the pot unharmed.

Rot Cord

A biodegradable “weak link” made from cotton, sisal, or hemp must be fitted. If a pot is lost, the rot cord eventually breaks open, preventing ghost fishing.

Minimum Landing Size

The legal minimum size for lobsters in this region is: 88 mm carapace length (measured from the eye socket to the back of the shell)

Which Lobsters Must Be Returned — and Why

To protect breeding stocks, certain lobsters must always be returned to the sea:

1. Berried Females

These are females carrying eggs under their tail. Returning them ensures the next generation of lobsters.

2. V‑Notched Females

A small V‑shaped cut is made in the tail fan of a breeding female before release. This mark protects her for several moults, even when she isn’t carrying eggs.

3. Soft‑Shelled Lobsters

Recently moulted lobsters have soft shells and are vulnerable. They must be returned until their shell hardens.

These rules keep the population healthy and ensure recreational fishing remains sustainable.

How to Place a Lobster Pot Safely

Setting a pot is straightforward once you know the basics:

1. Choose good ground Rocky ledges and mixed seabeds are ideal. Avoid heavy kelp beds.

2. Attach an anchor weight Around 10–15 kg for a single pot keeps it stable on the seabed.

3. Use a buoy line with enough slack Rope length should be water depth + one‑third extra for tide and swell.

4. Mark your buoy clearly Your initials and permit number must be visible.

5. Drop pots at slack water This prevents them drifting as they settle.

6. Check regularly Retrieve pots before strong onshore winds to avoid losing gear.

Fishing Responsibly

Recreational potting is a privilege — and a tradition — along the Sunderland coast. By following the rules, returning protected lobsters, and using safe gear, you help keep the fishery healthy for everyone.

A First‑Class Football Saturday: Newcastle to Edinburgh

Saturday 16th May 2026 was one of those perfect football days — the kind you look forward to all week. Graham and I set off from Newcastle, ready for a first‑class trip with LNER and a big afternoon at Easter Road for Hibernian vs Motherwell.

The Coastal Journey North

We settled into our seats as the train pulled away, and the views quickly became the star of the morning. The stretch past Alnmouth was breathtaking — sunlight catching the curve of the bay, the village sitting quietly against the coastline, and the North Sea rolling in with that calm, endless rhythm. It’s a route we’ve both travelled before, but it never loses its magic.

Arrival in Edinburgh

Once we reached Waverley, we grabbed a taxi straight to Easter Road. Edinburgh was buzzing, and the closer we got to the stadium, the more the matchday atmosphere kicked in.

Matchday at Easter Road

Easter Road looked fantastic as always. The pitch was immaculate, the stands filling quickly, and the noise rising with every passing minute.

Lunch in the Pioneer Lounge

Before taking our seats, we headed into the Pioneer Lounge for lunch. The place was alive — fans chatting, laughing, predicting the scoreline. The food hit the spot, but it was the atmosphere that really made it. You could feel the anticipation building.

The match itself was tight and tense. Hibs pushed hard, but Motherwell held their shape and took their chance when it came. The final whistle blew at 0–1, leaving the away fans celebrating and the home crowd shaking their heads in frustration. Still, it was a great game to watch live — full of energy, commitment, and that raw edge Scottish football does so well.

Heading Home

After the match, we made our way back through the city, chatting about the key moments and the atmosphere inside the ground. The return journey felt slower, calmer — the kind of tired satisfaction that comes from a day well spent.

A first‑class trip, a great matchday experience, and top company. Hard to beat.

2026 - Afternoon Tea for Ladies of the Cleadon Craft Group

I am privileged to know the ladies from the Cleadon Craft Group, who meet once a week, on a Monday afternoon, for their knit and natter session. They have been doing this for some considerable years, and during their meetings, they discuss all sorts of things and talk about their past life experiences, from which I get snippets from my wife, Maureen. I find the ladies, who are of a mature age, very interesting, and the stories they tell are quite amazing. During their meetings, they also plot their next venture in helping others, such as knitting blankets for those in need, raising cash for local food banks and maybe even having a "shoutout" for specific items in support of certain groups such as young families, disabled persons and charities that support others in need. They do amazing work.

In recognition of their work, my wife and I treat them to the delights of afternoon tea, which they enjoy immensely.

Here are a few photos of the afternoon tea that we shared last Monday, 11th May 2026.

2026 - New Challenge Time - Pier to Pier walk between the Roker Pier and South Shields Pier - The day after.

Yesterday, I, along with many others completed the Pier2Pier walk from Roker Pier in Sunderland to South Shields Pier. Although I am waiting for the numbers to be confirmed, I think just over a hundred of us took on the challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK.

It was a challenge of two halves, beautiful weather to start, scenic coastal pathways and sunshine to boot. The assisting wind was a very welcome addition. Moods were high and attitudes positive as we set out in a jolly old string along the pathways.

As we passed Souter Lighthouse, it seemed as though someone had flicked the "weather switch", a blistering turn in the wind direction, now in your face and carrying an arsenal of mini hailstones and freezing rain. The mood dampened a bit, and the conversation changed, but fortunately, the determination just grew stronger, heads down and boots to the floor.

The water was in our boots, tying our trousers to our legs and dripping constantly off our faces.

Everyone, cold and wet as we were, still achieved the goal from pier to pier and supported the Cancer Research UK charity until the end.

Well done everyone.

2026 - New Challenge Time - Pier to Pier walk between the Roker Pier and South Shields Pier - Today

Today's the day of the challenge. I have so been looking forward to this. Having just got up and the first thing was to look at the weather outside, perfect! A little grey, cool and cloudy, hopefully the rain will hold off. So far, my granddaughter's boyfriend Jimmy, has cried off, but otherwise the team of Lisa, Aimee and me will be completing this walk for Cancer Research UK.

Our sponsor total, so far, is £146, which isn't bad but I know others wish to support us and who will be donating over the next few days. If you wish to donate, it's never too late so use the link below:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/colinling-1765265722490?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_transactional_--_page_launched_--_campaign

I have still to prep my bag to make sure that I have everything I need for the walk, get my layered clothing together, walking boots, water bottle and of course .... chocolate for the energy reserves.

I will add some pictures of the day tomorrow and let you know how we get on.

2026 - New Challenge Time - Pier to Pier walk between the Roker Pier and South Shields Pier

It is now only a week away from starting the walk, and the excitement is beginning to build. My team, has grown again with the addition of my other daughter Rachel. So we now have Lisa, Rachel, Aimee, Jimmy and me, collectively we are The Cleadon Crew. Hopefully we can raise a great deal of money for Cancer Research UK in the process; Colin Ling is fundraising for Cancer Research UK so please, if you are able, hit the linkk and donate whatever you can afford. Thankyou. 

2026 - New Challenge Time - Pier to Pier walk between the Roker Pier and South Shields Pier

On Sunday 29th March 2026 I will be walking the Pier to Pier walk in aid of Cancer Research UK.  I am really looking forward to it, although I haven't done hardly any training. I keep telling myself, "go for that practice walk, just a couple of miles even" and failing to get off the starting blocks.  I am sure that I will complete the walk regardless, but I should prepare better. Around 8.5 miles in all, depending on the exact path that I take.

Please head to my Justgiving page at: Colin Ling is fundraising for Cancer Research UK and donate whatever you can, remember every pound helps save a life. It is such a great cause. Thankyou in advance for your support.