Author: Richard Vobes

Richard Vobes is traveling Great Britain seeking out its history, customs and traditions, presenting them in a fun filled informative series called the Bald Explorer. Richard is an award winning podcaster, videographer and actor based in Worthing, England. Follow +RichardVobes on Google+

Bald Explorer goes to a Ploughing Match – STEAM POWER

Posted on by Richard Vobes


The West Grinstead & District Ploughing and Agricultural Society, established in 1871, has been holding shows for over 125 years and is very pro active in promoting the interests of the local farming community.

Today I meet up with Richard Verrall, farmer and woodland owner, who takes me around the ploughing match and explains the old fashion methods of farming with steam.

My videos are funded 100% by people like you. If you enjoy them, please help me make more:

https://www.paypal.me/RichardVobes

The Bald Explorer Meet Up – 22nd September 2018

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My thanks to Tony Neal for filming and editing the official video of the Bald Explorer Meet Up which took place on 22nd September 2018 at the Spread Eagle Pub in Liss, Hampshire.

Also a huge thank you to Wendy and Lloyd Wakelin, and Jack and Harry, their sons, for bringing the fabulous Victoria Traction Engine along for everyone to enjoy rides on.

Finally a huge thank you to all the supporters and fans of the videos that turned up – you are all lovely people.

My videos are funded 100% by people like you. If you enjoy them, please help me make more: https://www.paypal.me/RichardVobes

The Little Houses of Limpsfield Common

Posted on by Richard Vobes


It’s a bit of a fun outing today. The lovely Julia Hartley and her son meet up with Matthew Holdsworth and his son, and me, to visit Limpsfield Common in Surrey. In the woods are little houses built of sticks and branches by volunteers of the National Trust which children love to explore.

Join us as we race around in search of these fabulous little dwellings.

My videos are funded 100% by people like you. If you enjoy them, please help me make more: https://www.paypal.me/RichardVobes

We are Growing More Trees

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The UK doesn’t have enough trees. It may seem that it does while driving around or peering out of train windows, but it really doesn’t.

Therefore a new challenge for Julia and I is to grow our own trees, oak trees in this case, and, when a suitable sized sapling, plant them out in the real world. We need more trees, for they are the lungs of the world, and we encourage others to do the same. It’s all very easy as the video demonstrates.

We would love to know if you are doing the same and where you plant them. What are your experiences?

Exploring Shipley Church in West Sussex

Posted on by Richard Vobes


The Knights Templar built Shipley Church before leaving to protect pilgrims wishing to visit Jerusalem. This somewhat austere-looking place of worship was built close to the river Adur, though barely a trickle remains of the waterway now. An old piece of iron stone, thought to be a mooring bollard, rests in the south porch.

Peter Sanderson, the church’s organist, is my guide today as I explore this important rural church. Join us as we rummage around. Interestingly, though not mentioned in the video, the churchyard of St. Mary the Virgin is the burial place of composer John Ireland.

My videos are funded 100% by people like you. If you enjoy them, please help me make more:

https://www.paypal.me/RichardVobes