The Plymouth Magazine issue 99

plymouth magazine the

Issue 99 September 2012

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FREE to over 40,000 homes in plymouth

inside this month city prepares for marine festival plymouth albion appeal to fans sonia’s doing favours what’s on in the city win a choclate hamper worth £300

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PLYMOUTH MAGAZINE 190x275 NF150812AW.indd 1 the plymouth magazine

15/08/2012 16:45

marine festival will help put city on the map On the national scene we’ve all enjoyed the London Olympics and more recently the Paralympics.

Locally we’ve had plenty to celebrate too with the everpopular Flavour Fest, the amazing Megaride and the National Fireworks Championships – even though the weather conspired to disrupt the second night of proceedings.

All of these events have brought tens of thousands to the city – some people for the first time – and it is to be hoped that they will have seen enough to want to return again soon.

In September we have a brand new event to celebrate – the Marine City Festival, which runs from September 8 to 16 at various venues and locations across the city.

It is the first time that Plymouth has hosted such a wide-ranging event, embracing all aspect of the marine world from business expo’s to conferences and symposiums, from seafood festivals to outdoor screenings of films with a marine theme.

It is one of the very positive moves being made by Destination Plymouth, the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Council to put the city firmly on the map, not just locally and regionally, but nationally and internationally too.

It will be a great showcase for the city and we’re sure thousands of people will enjoy the seafood festival, not least because we have such fantastic fresh seafood right on our doorsteps.

Lots of restaurants will be taking part in a seafood trail where each will feature a special fish dish for the duration of the festival. As a lover of fish myself, personally I can’t wait.

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As you can see from the cover, we’ve recruited Dave Robinson of The Platters Restaurant to show off more of the tasty treats available. There’s lots more news about the Marine City Festival in this issue, so make sure you get down to the Barbican in September!

Hope you enjoy the latest issue!

Publishers: Chris Girdler and Ian Pilkington Editor: Debbie Girdler Designers: Lawrence Bird and Sven Lauch Photography: Roy Perring Contributors: Anthony Goord; Lesley Shorrocks; Tracey Barton; Charlie Waters; Fiona Newton and Derek Anderson.

Listings: Matthew Girdler Advertising sales: Naomi Shearer, Sarah Simpson, Lisette Hicklin Stefanie Clifton-Sprigg and Shakira Floyd Distribution: John Kowalski Finance: Michelle Ghillyer and Kim Craig Cover Shot: Dave Robinson, chef of the popular Platters Restaurant on the Barbican getting in the mood for the Seafood Festival which will be taking place as part of the Marine City Festival this month. Photo by Roy Perring.

Contacts: Editorial Tel: 01752 268635 e-mail: chris@cornerstonevision.com Advertising Tel: 01752 225623 e-mail: ian@cornerstonevision.com The views expressed in the plymouth magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this magazine. However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in the magazine. the plymouth magazine is distributed free to 40,000 homes across Plymouth each month, with a further 5,000 copies strategically placed in leisure and retail outlets in Plymouth, Saltash and Tavistock.

Published by Cornerstone Vision, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY Tel 01752 225623 Fax 01752 673441 e-mail info@cornerstonevision.com web: www.plymouthliving.co.uk the plymouth magazine

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the plymouth magazine

september 2012 edition

6

10

32

8

albion fighting back

stephanie’s wedding joy

21

Stephanie Bradbudy married the man of her dreams last month – but there was one special person who made the special day a success. Find out who on page 10.

what’s on in plymouth

marine city festival

48

estate agents under fire

anne’s the tops

Anne Anderson left Scotland six years ago to take over the the run down Sea Breezes bed & breakfast in West Hoe. Now it’s the No 1 establishment on Trip Advisor.

A week-long programme of events planned for September which will highlight Plymouth’s marine heritage. See the centre pages for details of the festival programme.

Plymouth Albion chairman Graham Stirling is cautiously optimistic about the club’s prospects on and off the field this season. He wants the fans to come flooding back.

Birmingham Royal Ballet are in Plymouth to perform Swan Lake in October. Our big What’s On section has details of this and other exciting events in the city in coming weeks.

Darren Lawson of leading estate agents Mansbridge & Balment has launched a broadside against irresponsible estate agents who over-price properties.

the plymouth magazine

5

women at work

anne tops guest house charts in plymouth After 30 years working as a tax specialist in Scotland, Anne Anderson decided on a complete change of lifestyle and location.

At the age of 51, single mum Anne took the bold decision in December 2006 to relocate to Plymouth and take over an ailing guest house which was in need of a total makeover. With no experience of running her own business, let alone a guest house, it was a high-risk strategy - but one that has paid off handsomely.

Five years after re-opening the Sea Breezes Guest House in Grand Parade, West Hoe, it has been voted the top bed and breakfast out of 57 in Plymouth on the popular website Trip Advisor. She recently received a Certificate of Excellence from the website for her achievement.

But success has not come easy for Anne. An extensive refurbishment project took six months to totally transform the property – with Anne doing all the decorating herself. “I found a wonderful local builder called Bob who has been fantastic, but there was still a huge amount of work for me to do. There were nine bedrooms originally but I knew I wanted to reduce that to six, all with en-suite.

“There was a massive amount of structural work needed and then we discovered that not only the central heating system had to be replaced, but also the electrics and fire alarms.”

Anne knew Plymouth reasonably well, thanks to regular stays with her brother who

Anne Anderson, proprietor of Sea Breezes Guest House

lived in the city at the time. He helped Anne find the Sea Breezes. “Even though the property was pretty run down, I just fell in love with the location of Sea Breezes and could see it had great potential.”

She re-opened Sea Breezes in May 2007 - with no experience and no customers.

“It was a pretty daunting prospect and I opened the doors with some trepidation,” said Anne. But her approach to the business was simple. “My benchmark has always been that I would be happy to stay here myself.”

She started to get referrals from other guest houses and regular bookings from Plymouth University. A year after opening, the Sea Breezes website was launched with an online booking facility and the business started to take off.

“I ran the place single-handedly for the first few years which meant no holidays, little time off and 18 hour days on a regular basis,” said Anne. She now affords herself the luxury of a cleaner who does what Anne describes as ‘the hard graft.’

Anne suffered a major setback in April 2010 when she was involved in an horrific accident on the A38. Returning to Plymouth from Exeter Airport she was in the outside lane of the dual carriageway following a white van.

“The van suddenly veered to the inside lane and to my horror I saw a car coming straight at me. It was being driven the wrong way up the A38 by a 79-year-old woman.”

The two vehicles collided at over 120 mph, but Anne’s quick reactions, her seat belt and airbags saved her from serious injury. But the shock of the accident left deep emotional and psychological scars. Anne suffered nightmares and flashbacks and was diagnosed with post traumatic stress.

“I needed counselling to help me come to terms with what had happened and ultimately it has given me a lot more confidence and made me a stronger person,” she said.

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the plymouth magazine

“I never ask my guests to review Sea Breezes, but I have received some wonderful endorsements,” said Anne. “It’s great being voted as the best guest house in Plymouth, but it has taken a lot of hard work to get there. I have a wonderful clientele with lots of regulars, including many walkers who are referred to me by Encounter Walking, who organise walking holidays along the South West Coast Path.

“I love my business, I love Plymouth and feel really quite privileged to live here,” she added.

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the plymouth magazine

7

albion matters

albion looking to build for the after surviving financial Plymouth Albion launch their new Championship rugby season at the beginning of September cautiously optimistic about the club’s prospects after nearly going out of business at the start of this year.

The club, founded nearly 140 years ago, was only saved after fans, businesses and members of the public raised over £200,000 after an appeal in January.

Since those dark days chairman Graham Stirling, his board colleagues and head coach Nat Saumi have worked tirelessly on and off the field to put the club back on a firmer footing.

Off the field, the board of directors has been strengthened, tighter financial controls introduced and a viable business plan for 2012-2013 put together.

On the field, the Albion squad has been strengthened by a number of key signings including Canadian international Brett Beukeboom, former Cornish Pirate Rhodri McAtee and youngster Tom Bowen who has Premiership experience with Harlequins and Leicester.

The promise of free-flowing rugby was demonstrated in Albion’s opening pre-season friendlies when they ran in a total of over 200 points in the games against the Cornish All Blacks, Taunton and Redruth.

Graham paid tribute to Nat Saumi and conditioning coach James Owen for getting the squad into excellent

shape for the Championship campaign. “The work that has gone on since preseason training began on June 1 has been fantastic. The boys are fit and raring to go and the spirit in the dressing room is second to none.”

Graham is hopeful that good performances on the pitch will bring the crowds back to Brickfields. “People want to watch a winning side and the signs are promising although we are keeping our feet firmly on the ground because the Championship will be a tough challenge this season.”

With the likes of Newcastle, Bristol, Leeds and Cornish Pirates lining up against Albion, a top four play-off place may be just beyond their grasp.

Plymouth Albion’s 2012-2013 Home fixtures:

Sat Sep 1 Albion v Doncaster 3pm Sat Sep 15 Albion v Leeds 3pm Fri Sept 28 Albion v Rotherham 7.45pm Sat Oct 13 Albion v Munster 3pm B & I Cup Sat Oct 27 Albion v Nottingham 3pm Fri Nov 9 Albion v London Scottish 7.45pm Sat Nov 24 Albion v Bristol 3pm Fri Dec 14 Albion v Aberavon 7.45pm B & I Cup Wed Dec 26 Albion v Cornish Pirates 3pm Sat Jan 12 Albion v Rotherham B & I Cup 3pm Sat Jan 26 Albion v Moseley 3pm Sat Feb 16 Albion v Bedford 3pm Sat Mar 9 Albion v Jersey 3pm Sat April 13 Albion v Newcastle 3pm

Graham: “We will be happy with a top eight finish, but who knows might what happen as the season unfolds.”

He said that the club had suffered a 20 per cent drop in attendances last season which, coupled with a fall in commercial income and sponsorship, led to the financial crisis.

“We want to get the fans coming back through the turnstiles to support their local team. Our attendances averaged 1,700 last season and we want to see that back to well over 2,000 and beyond this season.

“The more revenue we generate on and off the field, the more we can invest in our squad and make Albion a force to be reckoned with in the

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future crisis Championship,” added Graham. Season ticket sales had started slowly, partly affected by the Olympics, but have now picked up well.

He said that while Premiership rugby remained the ultimate goal, in the short term the emphasis was on financial consolidation.

“Clubs such as Exeter Chiefs have demonstrated the potential to attract big crowds in the South West and there is no reason why Albion cannot emulate that if we continue to build from solid foundations.”

He appealed for people in Plymouth to go along and savour the matchday experience.

He said that there were plans for special activities and and match day themes to attract families to a great day out in a safe environment. “Give it a try, we guarantee you will enjoy it.

“Plymouth Albion is a great place for business networking as we regularly have over 200 local business people and their customers enjoying the unique setting of the Diamond Business Club at Albion.

“It’s also a great place for youngsters and families because of the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.”

He said that with 14 home fixtures this season, including three British & Irish Cup games, the emphasis would be on maximising revenues not only on matchdays but also on every other day of the week.

Albion chairman Graham Stirling – hoping for success on and off the field this season

There are extensive facilities for conferences, meetings and special events at Albion catering for groups from 20 to 250. The Kier Marquee, home of the Diamond Business Club, can accommodate 250 people, the Seddon Suite 100, Acronym Suite up to 70 and the Club House Blue Room up to 20.

“We are an ideal location for all sorts of private and corporate functions and have always been popular as a venue for family occasions such as wedding receptions and parties - and even school proms.”

For more information on hospitality and conference facilities at Plymouth Albion call 01752 565064 or visit www.plymouthalbion.com

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wedding planner michelle helps make it a day to remember for bride-to-be stephanie Planning a wedding can be a stressful time for the bride and groom as they prepare for the biggest day of their lives.

Every single detail has to be given so much careful thought, from the choice of wedding venue through to the guest list, seating plan and honeymoon destination.

Copthorne Hotel’s all-inclusive wedding package with a budget price tag of £2012.

Stephanie said: “We had looked at other venues but decided to visit The Copthorne Hotel to find out more about what they had to offer.”

The recession proof package included the civil ceremony room hire, professionally presented table plan and place cards, a full red carpet, three course wedding meal for 50 people, sparkling wine for the toasts, an evening buffet for 80 people complete with DJ, plus complimentary accommodation for the bride and groom.

And, of course, there is the budget to think about.

With the average cost of a wedding estimated at over £15,000, many couples face a real challenge in planning for their special day.

The hotel package also included accommodation for the wedding guests at specially discounted rates.

For one Plymouth couple the task was made much easier thanks to their decision to choose The Copthorne Hotel for their wedding venue.

Bride to be Stephanie Bradbury and ‘the man of her dreams’ Richard Rouse had been considering different locations for their wedding when Richard’s mum spotted an article in the Plymouth Magazine earlier this year.

The January edition featured a story on The

But Stephanie discovered that The Copthorne had one extra special feature - the hotel’s wedding co-ordinator Michelle Brady.

Stephanie Bradbury (left) and the Copthorne Hotel’s wedding co-ordinator Michelle Brady discuss the seating plan

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“Michelle has been fantastic - nothing has been too much trouble for her,” said 27-year-old Stephanie, who is a teaching assistant.

“Ever since we booked our August 17 wedding date

wedding matters

Bride to be Stephanie Bradbury (left) with the Copthorne Hotel’s wedding co-ordinator Michelle Brady

in January Michelle has been amazing. We have had several meetings to discuss all the details and I have called or texted her literally dozens of times.

“Obviously I have never organised a wedding before and I wanted everything to be perfect on the day for Richard and I. “No matter how small the detail or insignificant the question, Michelle was always available at the end of the phone with an answer.

“I know I would never have been able to think about everything without Michelle’s help. It was comforting to know that there was someone who I could totally rely on.

The service from The Copthorne has been absolutely fantastic.”

Michelle has been The Copthorne’s wedding co-ordinator for just under a year, having previously been a food and beverage supervisor at the city centre hotel.

Michelle said: “It has been a real pleasure helping and advising Stephanie. She is so excited about her wedding and obviously wants everything to go well on the day.”

Stephanie and Richard tied the knot at a civil ceremony in the hotel’s unique and stunning Bentley Suite and then adjourned to the spacious Buckland Suite where the newly-weds and 50 family members and friends enjoyed their wedding meal, followed by a buffet for 80 people in the evening, complete with DJ. Michelle said: “It was a really busy time for The Copthorne as we had three weddings booked that weekend. Our all-inclusive package has proved really popular with couples, particularly in these difficult economic times.

“We have seen a big increase in the number of weddings at The Copthorne and will be extending the offer with some small amendments in 2013 at a price of £2013.

“We had 26 weddings in the whole of 2011 but have already had 36 this year and 15 more confirmed for next year,” added Michelle.

She said that The Copthorne Hotel is staging its own Wedding Fayre on September 23 when there will free tea or coffee and cookies for everyone.

For more information on the recession proof wedding packages for 2012 and 2013 please call one of the events team to arrange a coffee to discuss your day at The Copthorne Hotel on 01752 224161 or email events.plymouth@millenniumhotels.co.uk. the plymouth magazine

11

plymouth matters

I think it would be nice if we all took time out now, as the summer months draw to a close, to bask in the sunlight of those people whose commitment, effort and hard work has been highlighted to us over the last few months.

For the first time in a very long time in this country, we can look back on the last few months and see evidence of events to really be proud of such as the Diamond Jubilee and London 2012, when we forgot about the economic challenges we continue to face and all enjoyed recognising and celebrating good things.

In our region we are celebrating the achievements of medal winning athletes, as well as Plymouth’s own Tom Daley, a most impressive example of a young man succeeding in his goals, whilst dealing with the kind of pressure which would break most of us.

How fantastic is it to see on a large scale that dedication, passion, enthusiasm and hard graft are winning combinations? How marvellous to have athletes as role models, whose ambitions have been backed up by ‘true grit’ rather than relying on your cult of being a ‘celebrity’?

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In our businesses, we know that we too have to have that same determination, true grit and hard graft, but how uplifting it is to see the rest of the country recognise this as a winning formula.

When you are running a business we all understand that we will get nowhere without dogged determination and the ability to pick oneself up after a setback and I really do hope that the much talked about legacy of London 2012 and the current Paralympics will turn out to inspire people starting their own careers and businesses.

In Plymouth in September, we have our own achievements to maximise, not least because we are starting out on the journey of establishing something new – the Marine City Festival. On the business side there is much to be achieved if the Business Expo, to be held on the Hoe on September 12, is as successful as it should be.

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visit Plymouth to support the inaugural Marine City Festival and Business Expo and highlight the importance of international trade.

Lord Green will visit some of the city’s most successful businesses and will be addressing visitors and exhibitors at the Expo.

The Expo is a central part of the Marine City Festival and organisers say that up to 70 businesses are expected to exhibit to over 1,000 visitors from across the South West.

Plymouth Federation of Small Businesses pledged its support to Alison Seabeck for this kind of event way back in April, so it would be good to see our members take an interest, exhibit or attend the event and support the hard work which has gone into getting such a showcase off the ground.

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literary matters

international writers head to for first-ever book festival An exciting array of international writers and home grown talent have been unveiled as the star turns at the first Plymouth International Book Festival.

including workshops run by celebrated illustrators.

One of the high profile events will be the Moby Dick Big Read, a 21st Century audio and visual rendition of Herman Melville’s 19th Century classic novel Moby-Dick featuring some of the UK’s biggest stars, including Stephen Fry, Tilda Swinton and Simon Callow.

A week-long programme of literary events will be taking place across the city from September 15 to 23, with writers, illustrators and speakers already signed up.

It will open a new chapter in the city’s cultural offering and put it firmly on the literary map alongside other established festivals such as Cheltenham and Edinburgh.

More famous names from the literary world are still signing up to the project, which will be launched at a special event during the festival.

The festival is being promoted through a partnership of Plymouth City Council’s Arts Unit, Plymouth University and Cyprus Well, the South West’s literature development agency.

Audrey Niffenegger Other highlights include a Writer’s Fair and Open Mic on September 21 when there will be a chance to meet some of the groups and organisations that make up Plymouth’s vibrant writing scene.

Tracey Guiry, CEO of Cyprus Well, said: “We are very excited about creating this new book festival for Plymouth.

The festival will bring world-class authors and high-quality events to the city and will offer something for everyone.

“We want this festival to have something special for the many different communities in Plymouth so we are hosting a wide range of writers, poets and illustrators so that we truly have something for everyone to enjoy.”

A special screening of the fantasy The Dark Crystal will include a talk by the film’s puppet-makers Wendy and Brian Froud.

The big names signed up for the event so far include Chicago-based Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveller’s Wife, Norwegian crime writer and police detective Jorn Lier Horst and British writers Helen Dunmore, Babette Cole and Patrick Gale.

A special event Celebrating Young People’s Writing will Jorn Lier Horst be held in the Plymouth University Marquee overlooking The Hoe on Sunday September 16 between 4.30pm and 6pm.

The festival will also feature events with an artistic, musical and film theme over the course of the week. There will also be a wide range of events for young people,

The event is a rip-roaring celebration for young and old children. The Etherington Brothers will keep seven to 12 year olds busily enthralled with a comic-making

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plymouth workshop based around their critically acclaimed book ‘Baggage!’, Babette Cole will help to crown the new Young City Laureate and there will be a few surprise guests and book launches along the way.

Robin and Lorenzo Etherington will be sharing the six secret steps to making The Etherington Brothers incredible adventures in words and pictures, with ingenious ideas guaranteed to get young imaginations soaring.

They will also provide a free copy of the Etherington Brothers ‘Go Nuts’ activity book to every child who attends the show. This is a twelve page masterclass in comics and story creation and is packed with exercises for all abilities.

The Etherington Brothers are the creators of Monkey Nuts, Baggage, Yore! and Long Gone Don. They have produced comics for Transformers, The Dandy, Star Wars, Wallace and Gromit, Dreamworks’ Monsters Vs Aliens, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar . They’ve worked with Lucasarts, Random House, The Guardian, The Times, DreamWorks, and the BBC. There will also be stalls for visitors to browse and explore and for youngsters to discover the fun side of Plymouth’s arts and cultural scene.

The event on September 16 is free but booking is essential. For bookings call 01752 585050 and for more information about the whole programme visit www. plymouthinternationalbookfestival.com

broadway and west end star ruthie henshall sings songs from films and musicals Ruthie Henshall

Ruthie Henshall, star of Broadway and London’s West End, headlines a spectacular concert on Plymouth Hoe in September linked to the Plymouth International Book Festival.

The programme called Stage & Screen Film Scores and Songs features blockbuster film scores including Gladiator, James Bond and Pirates of the Caribbean and popular show tunes from Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera & Carousel – plus popular classics featured in great movie classics.

The concert is on Sunday September 23 in the Plymouth University Graduation Marquee on The Hoe starting at 7pm.

For tickets and more information contact the Box Office on 01752 585050 The event is promoted in partnership with Plymouth International Book Festival which takes place between September 15 and 23.

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food matters

dave cooks up for plymouth Platters chef Dave Robinson knows pretty much all there is to know about fish.

For the past 15 years he has been demonstrating his culinary skills at the popular Barbican restaurant, where diners regularly include celebrities from the world of stage, screen and sport.

Made famous by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much-publicised praise of Dave’s scallops provencale, Platters is a favourite of the stars. Jools Holland, Chris Moyles, David Suchet, Rula Lenska, Russ Abbot and June Whitfield are among the Platters past diners.

Now Dave is going to be a star of the stage himself – as part of Plymouth’s first-ever Seafood Festival on Saturday and Sunday September 8 and 9. He will be lining up with other top chefs from the city and beyond to demonstrate their skills at the Food Theatre on Commercial Wharf.

Dave said: “I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve never been involved in something like this and I will be going to see the food theatre at the Flavour Fest to see if I can pick up any tips.”

Dave said that he plans to prepare five or six simple fish dishes, mainly Chinese style hors d’oeuvres. “There’s no point creating something complicated – I want people to see just how easy it is to prepare mouth-watering fish dishes at home.

“We have a fantastic range of fish and seafood available in Plymouth and I want to encourage people to go to the Fish Market and buy fresh fish. Members of the public probably don’t realise that they can buy fish on the docks from any of the wholesalers there.

“It’s fantastic buying such fresh fish and there are so many choices available,” said Dave.

The new annual Plymouth Seafood Festival is organised by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and will provide quayside stalls, live music, street entertainment and the food theatre, which takes place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and 10.15am and 3.45pm on Sunday.

A Seafood Trail is also being launched with restaurants and cafés across the Waterfront and Plymouth city centre signing up to be part of a nine-day food evening highlighting the best in sustainable and locally caught seafood.

Platters and other restaurants will feature a special dish for the Seafood Trail – Dave has chosen Scampi Moulin Rouge, a delicious langoustine meat cooked in pernod sauce.

Dave, who was recently awarded a certificate of excellence by Trip Advisor for the quality of his food, said that he was delighted with the introduction of the seafood festival.

“The Flavour Fest has shown just how much Plymouth has to offer in terms of food and hospitality and the Plymouth Seafood Festival will hopefully become a landmark event in the city’s calendar.”

When he’s not busy readying himself for the Seafood Festival, Dave and his team will be dishing up fishy delights at Platters.

The restaurant is open seven days a week from 11.30am to 10.30pm. The only days it is closed are Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

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call us on 01752 790703 or visit www.riverford.co.uk 16

the plymouth magazine

The restaurant provides a special lunch menu which, alongside the famous fish and

some tasty treats seafood festival chips, also includes dishes such as grilled sardines or gurnard served with chips and salad, fish soup, seafood risotto or fresh crab sandwiches.

The evening menu not only includes the now famous scallops provencale, but also the day’s fish specials, which might be black bream, sea bass, monk fish, lobster or ling, depending what has been landed at Plymouth’s fish market that day.

Starters include the french speciality soup bouillabaise, calamari or crab claws, with mains to choose from (among others) such as the seafood grill – which contains five different fish, for those with a large appetite – king prawns in garlic butter served with rice or cold seafood platter with salad.

The Platters Restaurant and Take Away, 12, The Barbican, Plymouth Tel 01752 227262 web www.platters-restauant.co.uk Chef Dave Robinson preparing one of seafood specialities at The Platters Restaurant on the Barbican

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food matters

recipe of the month sponsored by riverford organic

blackcurrant mess Ingredients: 300g blackcurrants 3 tbsp caster sugar 1 tbsp crème de cassis or brandy 400ml whipping cream 4 ready-made meringue nests 200ml cold custard (optional)

This delicious dish

by Jane Baxter, the original chef of the Riverford Field Kitchen, is perfect for summer and serves 4 people, from Everyday and Sunday Recipes from Riverford Farm

Mix half the blackcurrants with half the sugar and all the cassis or brandy and leave to macerate.

Cook the other half of the blackcurrants with the remaining sugar and 100ml water until syrupy.

Cool. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. In a large bowl, break the meringue nests and fold through the cream.

Drizzle the custard over (if using). Combine the two blackcurrant mixes together and pour over the meringues and cream. Fold together roughly, leaving a ripple effect. Transfer to a serving bowl.

for more information and recipes visit www.riverford.co.uk

call ian + emma on 01752 790703

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the plymouth magazine

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the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

theatres & shows Theatre Royal

Royal Parade Plymouth Box Office 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com

Until Sept 8 Oliver!

Brian Conley stars as Fagin in Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Lionel Bart’s smash-hit musical.

The sensational score brings Dickens’ timeless characters vividly to life and is full of irresistible songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and As Long As He Needs Me. Sep 14 to 22 The Ladykillers

The writer of Father Ted, Graham Linehan, has written a hilarious and thrilling new adaptation of the celebrated comedy The Ladykillers.

Starring Michele Dotrice (Some Mothers Do Ave Em), Shaun Williamson (EastEnders, Extras) and Clive Mantle Michele Dotrice stars in The (Casualty, Ladykillers The Vicar of Dibley), this is a classic black comedy, where a sweet little old lady all alone in her house is pitted against a gang of criminal misfits who will stop at nothing…

Sep 24 to Sep 29 Blood Brothers

West End star and Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow stars as the Narrator in this critically acclaimed production, alongside X-Factor star Niki Evans as Mrs Johnston. This captivating and moving musical tells the tale of twins who are separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks and meet up again with fateful consequences.

Oct 3 to Oct 6 Beautiful Burnout

This thrilling piece of highly physical theatre immerses the audience in the explosive world of boxing. This award winning collaboration between Frantic Assembly and National Theatre of Scotland will assault your senses and challenge your preconceptions about the most controversial sport of our time.

Birmingham Royal Ballet present Swan Lake during their visit to the Theatre Royal in October

Oct 9 to 10 Birmingham Royal Ballet: Autumn Celebration

Autumn Celebration is a trio of short ballets in one evening which gives a taste of Shakespeare, Noel Coward and Olympic Dreams.

Oct 11 to 13 Birmingham Royal Ballet: Swan Lake

A timeless story of good, evil and the all conquering power of love, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is without doubt the most famous of all classical ballets.

Oct 15 to 20 The Mousetrap

The Mousetrap is the world’s longest running stage production, and is celebrating its 60th year in 2012. To celebrate, it will begin its first ever UK tour including a week at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Oct 22 The Vagina Monologues

Based on author Eve Ensler’s Vagina Interviews this hilariously witty and moving collection of tales give voice to a chorus of lusty, outrageous, poignant, brave and thoroughly human stories.

Nov 5 to 10 Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty

Matthew Bourne’s haunting new production is a Gothic Romance for all ages; a supernatural love story that even the passage of time cannot hinder.

Nov 11 That’ll be the Day

This hugely entertaining rock ‘n’ roll spectacular features an all new line up of knock-out hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, mixed with loads of new zany

comedy routines to produce a show with a real feel good party atmosphere.

Drum Theatre Royal Parade Plymouth Box Office 01752 267222

Until Sep 1 Blood Tie

This explosive new production by the Theatre Royal Young Company explores what happens when those who challenge conformity have to face the hardest choice: between a desire for control and a need to release their darkest impulses.

Free Airport Parking when you book your holiday at Peter Goord Travel.

Valid on all Thomas Cook Holidays departing 2012 & 2013 Visit us in person at our West Park Office or call 01752 364186

Oct 24 to 26 Rambert Dance Company: Labyrinth of Love

Rambert Dance Company, the national company for contemporary dance, presents the powerful, heart-breaking, and humourous Labyrinth of Love.

Oct 27 Seth Lakeman

Folk-inspired, multi-award winning singer/songwriter, Seth Lakeman has announced a 16 date UK tour in October with his band at venues and theatres around the UK including a date at the Theatre Royal.

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21

what’s on?

guitar wizard steve james at the b-bar Plymouth’s B-Bar will be providing a double dose of Americana over the next few weeks.

Guitar wizard Steve James is a well-known name for devotees of American folk and blues and he has a lifetime’s experience of playing gigs alongside such luminaries as John Hammond, Bo Diddley and Buddy Guy. Described by the Houston Chronicle as an ‘underground legend,’ Steve James and his finger-picking and slide guitar-playing (coupled with his exuberant stage persona) have won over audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

He will be appearing on September 13, within the new Marine City Festival.

Steve’s gig is followed on October 2 by leading double act Carrie Elkin and Danny Schmidt.

Danny is best known for his riveting poetic lyrics, which have drawn favourable comparisons to Leonard Cohen and Townes Van Zandt for their depth and complexity.

Gypsy spirit Carrie Elkin is best known for her incredibly soulful and dynamic vocals, which have drawn favourable comparisons to Patty Griffin at her most powerful, and Nanci Griffith at her most intimate.

For more information visit www.b-bar.co.uk or call 01752 242021.

theatres & shows Sep 11 to Sep 15 Monkey Bars

Chris Goode, the award-winning writer of Keep Breathing, Henry & Elizabeth and Hippo World Guestbook asked 30 eight to ten-year-olds to talk about their lives. Their words are spoken by adults, playing adults in adult situations.

This is a revelatory verbatim show that’s funny, touching and endlessly surprising.

Sep 20 to Oct 6 The Astronaut’s Chair

Directed by Theatre Royal artistic director Simon Stokes and written

by Rona Munro, The Astronaut’s Chair is specially commissioned by the Drum Theatre. It follows a gritty, glamorous female aviator who’s the fastest, highest, and bravest woman in the world with one last race to go – to go into space. But only if NASA and Congress will let her.

Oct 16 to 20 The Mysterious Vanishment of Pobby and Dingan

Based on Ben Rice’s acclaimed debut novel about how one boy’s mission to save his family unites an Australian outback opal-mining community, this is a funny and heartbreaking story about

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love, loyalty and the enduring power of the imagination.

Oct 23 to 27 Total Football

As sports world bigwigs prepared to descend on London for this year’s games and bureaucratic busybodies tried to figure out how best to exploit the national fervour, Ridiculusmus comes to Plymouth with its very own satirical take on it all.

Oct 30 to Nov 3 1 Beach Road

1 Beach Road is the new play from the award winning RedCape Theatre. It is a tale of friendship, defiance, a shrinking island, synchronized swimming and trying to turn back the tide.

B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Castle Street, Plymouth 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk

Sep 5 and Oct 3 Comedy Night

Some light relief with the best stand-ups on the UK circuit.

Sep 6 Denise & Marcel

Denise Marie and Marcel Koster from the Netherlands perform harmony vocals including blues, swing, gypsy, jazz and country.

Sep 7 Tango Sonoro

Join the South West’s new exciting five piece tango band for an evening of tango music and dance.

top stand up comedians set for plymouth dates Two top TV stand up comics will be appearing in Plymouth in October and November, courtesy of the B-Bar. The B-Bar is home to the longestrunning comedy night in the South West and hosts packed stand-up sessions on the first Wednesday of every month.

Now they have lined up two hit TV comics Chris Ramsey and Ava Vidal for a pair of stand-out, stand-up sessions.

Because of demand, the shows will be be moved up to the Barbican Theatre.

Sep 12, Sep 26, Oct 10, Oct 24 Café Acoustica

Fortnightly showcase of unplugged talent, hosted by singer-songwriter Jessie Mullen.

Sep 13 Steve James

A rare opportunity to hear a genuine guitar wizard. (See panel).

Sep 14 2Tonic

A highly entertaining and unique duo who appeal to young and old alike, providing a unique sonic experience that will get your foot tapping from the

Both are doing their acclaimed one-person-shows, with Chris Ramsey performing his show Feeling Lucky on Saturday October 6 and Ava Vidal performing her show Ava Vidal Goes Dutch on Saturday November 17.

Foster’s Comedy Award nominee Chris Ramsey brings his hugely-anticipated new show to venues nationwide on his biggest ever live tour, following his complete sell-out 2012 spring tour.

Following a sell-out West End run earlier in the year, the star of Ava Vidal returns with a brand new show that questions

start. Audience participation is actively encouraged!

this harp-playing, hard blues singing solo performer.

Sep 20 Tom Anfield

Sep 28 and Oct 26 Soulful Gospel Blues

Jazz and swing stylings from this fingerpicking guitar man who makes them as good as he plays them!

Sep 21 Hamer & Isaacs

Five-piece gypsy jazz band with vocals, violin, two guitars and double bass.

Sep 27 and Oct 18 Thomas Ford

Electrifying blues talent in the form of

Mama Tokus hosts a night of soul and blues.

Oct 2 Carrie Elkin and Danny Schmidt

the ideas of community and responsibility.

Tickets for both shows are on sale at £10 from the B-Bar’s box office on 01752 242021, over the counter at The B-Bar or online at www.b-bar.co.uk Oct 6 Chris Ramsey

Following two consecutive sell-out Edinburgh shows and a sell-out UK tour, Foster’s Comedy Award nominee Chris Ramsey returns to the Fringe with his new stand-up show.

Plymouth Pavilions

Danny Schmidt is best known for his riveting poetic lyrics, while gypsy spirit Carrie Elkin is best known for her incredibly soulful and dynamic vocals (see panel on facing page).

Millbay Road, Plymouth Box Office: 0845 146 1460.

Sep 18 & 19 John Bishop

After bringing Sunshine to Plymouth with two sold out shows last year, John Bishop announced his return to the city

She’s the gritty, glamorous aviator; the fastest, highest, bravest woman in the world, but with one last race to go: to dream the impossible dream, to reach the unreachable stars.

If NASA will let her – and Congress plays ball.

THU 20 SEP > SAT 06 OCT

BOX OFFICE 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com/astronaut

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what’s on?

pop legends squeeze back on the road and still packing them in after 35 years theatres & shows for two brand new shows this September.

It’s your chance to see John live on stage before he takes his new ‘Rollercoaster’ tour to arenas across the UK. Oct 6 Jake and Elwood & The Black Rhino Band

Singing all the timeless classics associated with The Blues Brothers, Jake and Elwood will transport you to Chicago with all the moves, and all the attitude!

Oct 20 Kevin Bloody Wilson

Kev returns to the UK for his Cop-ULater tour in 2012, making a welcome return to Plymouth Pavilions! Hailed by Billy Connelly as the world’s funniest Australian, with humour as tough and dry as his outback heritage, his songs shoot down society’s sacred cows with pin point accuracy, while successfully leapfrogging political correctness.

Oct 21 Deacon Blue

2012 marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Deacon Blue’s debut album ‘Raintown.’ To celebrate, the band are reuniting to record a new studio album and head out on a full UK tour in October.

Oct 26 Vampires Rock

Steve Steinman plays the supremely evil Baron Von Rockula in this Classic Rock Spectacular. Owner of the Live and Let Die club, and in search of a new bride, the Baron must convince the unsuspecting Pandora who auditions for the new singing position, to cross over to the dark side and live forever in Rock N Roll Hell.

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the plymouth magazine

Nov 4 David Essex

Legendary singer, actor and composer David Essex is back on the road in an eagerly awaited concert tour; The Rock Tour.

Nov 7 Jason Byrne

The biggest selling comedian at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, Jason Byrne’s inspired, original brand of highenergy intelligent lunacy ensures that there is no other comedian like him.

Nov 9 Festival of Remembrance

Remembrance 2012 is back with a supporting cast of HM Royal Marines Band and the Military Wives Choir.

Nov 20 Squeeze

Following their incredibly popular 2010 ‘Spot The Difference’ tour, British legends Squeeze return with an extensive tour of the UK this November and December.

Nov 24 Jimmy Carr - Gagging Order

Gagging Order promises to be an hilarious night out! The show will be packed with one-liners, stories and jokes. Some clever, some rude and a few totally unacceptable.

Nov 27 Ross Noble

Famed for his fiery and fluid freewheeling style, Ross Noble creates comedy gold from tiny particles of random nonsense.

This is your chance to see one of the world’s most critically acclaimed stand ups in a hysterical night with the Mindblender!

Dec 4 Madness

The legendary Madness will embark on their biggest UK arena tour to date this autumn, taking in thirteen cities including Plymouth.

Following their incredibly popular 2010 ‘Spot The Difference’ tour, British legends Squeeze return to Plymouth Pavilions in November.

Former Housemartin and Beautiful South front man Paul Heaton has just been announced as a special guest at the Plymouth event on November 20. Heaton and his band will be performing a selection of old and new songs from his extensive back catalogue.

It’s been over 35 years since Squeeze burst onto the music scene and they are still as vital as they’ve ever been. As befits one of the UK’s much-loved acts, there is no end of Squeeze fans currently wearing their influences firmly on their sleeve, whether it be Mark Ronson, Kasabian, Lily Allen or The Feeling.

With their fingerprints keenly felt throughout the fabric of popular music, it is only right that these songs, with their evergreen and popular sound, continue to be played and enjoyed live.

And so since 2007, the newly reformed Squeeze have been slowly finding time to play a series of gigs and festival dates, and this coming winter they are about to embark on a 20+ show tour across the UK. Since founders Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook reformed the band with Squeeze veteran John Bentley and Tilbrook’s Fluffers cohorts Stephen Large and Simon Hanson the band has become an instant favourite on the festival circuit with appearances at V, Oxegen, T in the Park and Latitude – and this year take to the stage at the seminal US Festival Coachella.

Squeeze’s contribution to music has been noted in 2010 with the site of their first gig being awarded a prestigious PRS For Music Heritage Plaque, which has so far commemorated the debuts of Blur and Dire Straits.

It joins an ever-increasing list of Squeeze accolades alongside their recent Ivor Novello for Outstanding Contribution to British Music and their Nordoff-Robbins Icon Award, as well as the Mojo Magazine Icon Award.

This new tour will remind fans just why they have left such an indelible impression on the UK’s music scene.

To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit the website at www.plymouthpavilions.com with ‘print at home’ ticketing

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what’s on?

Following their acclaimed sold-out tour and fresh from their appearance in front of 250,000 people at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert, The Overtones are returning as headliners to Plymouth Pavilions on December 20.

Last seen in Plymouth supporting Peter Andre, The Overtones will end their 24 date tour in Plymouth.

The Overtones have dazzled audiences on their current tour with their flawless performance, winning charm and impeccable style. The five singers, who have learned their craft through years of performing together, stage a pitch perfect show that is, arguably, the most entertaining and enjoyable concert of the year.

The amazing audience reaction every night also provided the band with many personal highlights including the tangible frisson of anticipation in the opening sequence, hearing a packed house sing along to their own songs, seeing the aisles of a concert hall become a dance floor, returning to the stage in Glasgow wearing kilts, and even dodging a shower of bras!

Having originally formed in 2006, The Overtones have created a unique sound, blending the essence of vocal groups of yesteryear with the best of classic, presentday British pop.

One of the biggest success stories of 2011, Mark Franks, Mike Crawshaw, Darren

katie tunstall guests Boogie-woogie piano master Jools Holland brings his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra to Plymouth Pavilions in December as part of what has now become one of the UK’s most popular annual tours!

The 34 date tour brings Jools’ famous ‘big-band’ sound and the ultimate party experience to the city on December 14, with a very special guest to accompany him. jools holland

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the plymouth magazine

plymouth tour finale for the overtones Celebrating 25 years of hospitality

A TRULY

MAGICAL PACKAGE foR YoUR MAGICAL dAY

Everest, Timmy Matley and Lachie Chapman have seen their debut album ‘Good Ol’ Fashioned Love’ sell more than 400,000 copies with a peak chart position of No.4.

Their second album ‘Higher’ is due for release at the beginning of October, along with a single from the album ‘Loving the Sound.’

‘Loving The Sound’ was produced by pop curators Future Cut (Olly Murs, Lily Allen) and written by The Overtones with Phil Thornally (Pixie Lott) and Jon Green. The single has an upbeat soul vibe, but it’s about picking yourself up and moving on, says Overtone Darren Everest.

Featuring a selection of their own self-written material, the album finds the boys pushing the boundaries of their music with a collection that blends a variety of contemporary pop influences into the uplifting, soulful sounds of the defining male vocal groups of the 50s and 60s.

It captures the essence of everything people loved about The Overtones the first time around, but it also finds the group brimming with confidence as they explore new territory. ‘Higher’ includes collaborations with some of the world’s leading producers such as Walter Afanasieff (Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Boyz II Men), Trevor Horn and Future Cut. Contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com where it is cheaper to book online rather than over the phone.

at jools holland gig Folk-pop sensation KT Tunstall will be making a guest appearance in Plymouth.

The BRIT-award winning Scottish singersongwriter boasts an impressive catalogue of hit singles including ‘Suddenly I See,’ ‘Black Horse And The Cherry Tree’ and ‘Other Side Of The World’.

She originally broke into the music scene in 2004 when she performed live on ‘Later With Jools Holland’ and appeared on Jools’ 2006 album Moving Out To The Country on the track ‘Darkness On The Face Of The Earth.’

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Also featuring the astounding vocals kt tunstall of Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and acclaimed trombonist Rico Rodriguez, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra tour will provide audiences with a foot-stomping show-stopping performance that never ever fails to leave the audience wanting more.

To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com where it is cheaper to book online. the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

theatres & shows Sep 2 Plymouth Jazz Club

The Matchroom Suite, Plympton John Hallam & John Wurr with the Craig Milverton Trio. Contact 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk Sep 15 Choral Concert

St Nicholas’ Church, Saltash Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir with Saltash Ladies’ Choir. Concert in aid of church restoration fund.

Sep 16 Plymouth Jazz Club

The Matchroom Suite, Plympton New Orleans Heat. Contact 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk Sep 27 Jubilee Concert

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C

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Elburton Methodist Church Featuring Laira Youth Band, musical director Tony Hollick and compere Jean Davies. Also featuring guest young musicians including Laura Deignan and Oliver Bredemeyer. Tickets £7 (under 16s £3) from Jean Davies on 01752 404239, through the band or church members. Proceeds to charity including Action for Children Sep 29 Cathedral Visit

Plymouth & District Organists’ Association visit to Exeter Cathedral for a talk and demonstration by David Davies, a chance to play the organ and then Evensong at 3pm. For details contact 01822 854884 Oct 6 HMS Pinafore

St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth Plymouth Gilbert and Sullivan Fellowship present a concert performance of HMS Pinafore in aid of the RNLI. Tickets £9 from 01752 829176 or online at www.plymouthgilbertandsullivan.com Oct 7 Plymouth Jazz Club

The Matchroom Suite, Plympton Mark Nightingale with the Craig Milverton Trio. Contact 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

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St. Andrew’s Church, Plymouth Featuring the Brent Singers with a programme which includes Handel’s Zadok the Priest and other Coronation Anthems. Tickets £10 from Jill Barber, on 01752 892703.

Sep 28 and Sep 29 Anniversary Concert

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chance to learn more if you’re interested in art If you are interested in art history, art lectures, fine arts or learning new skills, the South Devon Decorative and Fine Arts Society could be just what you are looking for.

The Society was established more than 30 years ago and has over 250 members. Its activities include three visits a year to houses, gardens or places of particular interest, study days with two or three related lectures and a programme of monthly lectures from September to May. These lectures are held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Post Graduate Centre, Derriford Hospital at 7.30pm.

The Society is keen to attract more members and is holding an introductory meeting at the Royal Western Yacht Club at Queen Anne’s Battery on Friday September 7, starting at 10.30am (not 7.30pm as printed in our last edition.)

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. There will be a short talk by a lecturer from the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Society as well as the opportunity to meet committee members. There will also be free coffee and free parking.

The South Devon Decorative and Fine Arts Society is for anybody interested in the arts or architecture, icons or Impressionists, music or mosaics, vases or Vermeer.

For more information about the Society or the introductory meeting in September contact membership secretary Mike Inman on 01822 852672.

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Looking for something different this Christmas?

We have something for everyone at The Copthorne Hotel!

Comedy Night

Thursday nights throughout December £22.00 per person includes a hot fork buffet & DJ

Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber will be performing at the International Concert Series on October 11

Oct 11 International Concert Series

City Museum & Art Gallery, Plymouth Featuring Julian Lloyd Webber - cello, John Lenehan - piano and Peter Cigleris - clarinet. Works to include John Ireland’s Cello Sonata and Fantasy Sonata and Brahms Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano, Op. 114.

Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £25 to include wine or soft drink, from Museum Shop (Tues - Sat) and at the door. Supported by the John Ireland Trust.

Oct 13 Masquerade Ball

The Guildhall, Plymouth Celebrating 30 years of St. Luke’s Hospice Care.

With AJ’s Big Band and Tango Sonoro Latin and tango music.

For tickets call 01752 345552 Oct 20 Beethoven Concert

St. Andrew’s Church, Plymouth Featuring Peninsula Doctors Orchestra and Choir, conductor Simon Ible with soprano Hye-Youn Lee, mezzo-soprano Juliette Pochin, tenor James Edwards and baritone Simon Thorpe performing Beethoven’s Symphony no 9 ‘Choral’.

Box Office 01752 58 50 50.

Oct 21 Plymouth Jazz Club

The Matchroom Suite, Plympton Steve Graham’s New Orleans Band For details or tickets call 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Festive Fridays

Oct 27 150 with Plymouth University CD launch and Concert

Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University The musical finale of the 150th anniversary is celebrated at this special event that sees the release of a commemorative CD and live concert performed Ten Tors Orchestra conducted by Simon Ible with Will McNicol, Mike and Kate Westbrook, John Matthias, Andrew Prior and Adrian Corker plus music by Eduardo Reck Miranda, Nick Ryan and Alexis Kirke. The evening will begin with a prestige lecture by BAFTA award winning composer Nick Ryan who will introduce his work So above, as below.

Box Office 01752 58 50 50.

Nov 2 Cullin Sound

Sherwell Centre, Plymouth University Traditional Scottish melodies in new evocative settings Box Office 01752 58 50 50.

Nov 4 Plymouth Jazz Club

The Matchroom Suite, Plympton Louise Parker with the Craig Milverton Trio For details or tickets call 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Nov 10 Ten Tors Orchestra

St. Andrew’s Church, Plymouth Conducted by Simon Ible with prize winning pianist Florian Mitrea Box Office 01752 58 50 50.

£19.95 per person 2 course dinner, drink voucher & DJ

Saturday Night Dinner & Dance £28.50 per person 3 course dinner, coffee, mints & DJ

Michael Buble Tribute 19th December

£22 per person Hot fork buffet & DJ

Back in Time 11th & 18th December

£16.50 per person 3 course dinner with sounds from the 50’s & 60’s

Schools Out 17th December

£16.50 per person Hot fork buffet, classic tunes, party games & DJ

New Years Eve £49.00 per person 5 course Gala dinner and dance

For further information please contact our Christmas Coordinator on: Tel: 01752 224161 or Email: events.plymouth@millenniumhotels.co.uk the plymouth magazine

29

what’s on?

celebration concert will raise funds for lifeboats The award-winning Plymouth Gilbert and Sullivan Fellowship have celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by presenting performances of HMS Pinafore at various venues during the year.

As part of the Fellowship’s touring concert season they are presenting a semistaged production of HMS Pinafore Gilbert & Sullivan’s famous operetta at St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth on October 6. The concert will be in aid of the RNLI. The semi-staged production will feature the principal cast members in costume, with narration holding the drama to the finale.

829176 or online at www.plymouthgilbertandsullivan.com or by post to RNLI, West Rock, The Cleave, Kingsand, Torpoint PL10 1NF (please send cheque payable to RNLI and sae) or at the RNLI shop, 18 Southside Street, Plymouth PL1 2LB Pictured on board the Plymouth lifeboat are cast members Gill Regan, Ray Gilley, Kim Willcocks and Stuart Whitehead.

The Plymouth fellowship is the UK’s oldest performing company dedicated to the works of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.

Tickets at £9 are available from a number of sources: from the Box Office on 01752

theatres & shows

CORNISH WRITER

BARBARA COOK

is pleased to announce that the second in the series of her DCI BEV SMITH CORNISH MURDER MYSTERIES is now available for Kindle, iBooks & at waterstones.com & whsmith.co.uk

Nov 15 Fournier Piano Trio

Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery Tickets available at the museum shop or on the door.

Nov 17 Plymouth Area Police Choir

Visit WWW.BARBARACOOKBOOKS.COM for the links to upload the original DCI BEV SMITH MYSTERY THE BODY IN THE MIST

Methodist Central Hall, Plymouth Tickets available on the door.

Nov 18 Plymouth Jazz Club

The Matchroom Suite, Plympton Dave Martin’s Jabbo Five

HOMEFRAME ORIGINALS, PRINTS & PHOTOGRAPHY

BY LOCAL ARTISTS

For over 30 years Drake Tutors have successfully offered one to one private tutoring service in the following areas: Primary - SATS - 11+ Secondary - GSCE - AS Level - A Level Weekly lessons are recommended For further confidential information call

Drake Tutors - (01752) 776622

Email: info@draketutors.co.uk 30

the plymouth magazine

www.draketutors.co.uk

NEW RANGE OF BRIAN POLLARD PRINTS Cross Stitch, Memorabilia, Sports Shirts & Medal Framing.

Over 30 years Experience VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES

For details or tickets call 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Nov 24 West Devon Chorale

Church of St. Mary and St. Boniface, Plymouth. For tickets call 01752 776479.

Nov 28 The Big Squeeze

Sherwell Centre, Plymouth University Strictly Come Dancing band accordionist, Karen Street, is holding a national series of concerts to boost funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Free event.

Nov 28 Plymouth Symphony Orchestra

Plymouth Guildhall Conducted by Anne Kimber For information call 01752 603563

Join in the fun with the Ecover Blue Mile

Advertorial

Festival highlights...

• The Ecover • Outdoor Ci • Just Add H

Blue Mile nema (sponso

O STEMFest

red by Sharps

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2

• Seafood Fe stival • Shipwrecks and at Mt Edgcum Seashanties be • Fish Music

by Ten Tors Orchestra in City Centre

Family-friendly fun at the Marine City Festival This September, Plymouth will host its first ever Marine City Festival, bringing together arts, entertainment, food and drink, sport, science, and education for nine days of fun for all the family.

Whether you want to tickle your taste buds with fresh fish on the Barbican or dive into the fascinating world of marine science at the National Marine Aquarium, there’s certain to be something for everyone to enjoy.

FOOD On Saturday 15 and Sunday 16, the Barbican will come alive for the Plymouth Seafood Festival, with quayside stalls selling everything from Goan fish curries to locally caught crab. There will also be live music, street entertainment and a cookery theatre with demonstrations from top local chefs.

There will be plenty for kids to do with Plymouth University and National Marine Aquarium taking science out onto the street with the Family STEM Fest with live, fun experiments and interactive game shows ideal for kids while grown-ups enjoy the food and drink on offer.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT A spectacle not to be missed, Fish Music will see the Ten Tors Orchestra taking to the Piazza to play a unique freestyle performance, composed by the fish at the National Marine Aquarium, whose movements will be projected onto a musical score on the Big Screen.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, classic sea terror movie Jaws will be showing on the Marine Screen at the Royal

William Yard as part of the outdoor cinema programme, which will also feature Whiskey Galore, The Life Aquatic and short films from local filmmakers.

Families can also head over to Mount Edgcumbe for Shipwrecks and Seashanties; with tales of swashbuckling adventures, traditional sea shanty singers, cream teas and cake on Sunday 9.

Venues will be hosting outstanding music throughout the week, headlined

by Jazz impresario Joe Stilgoe in the unique surroundings of the National Marine Aquarium.

PARTICIPATION There are plenty of events for the whole family to join in with, including the mass participation Ecover Blue Mile charity event which will launch the festival on Saturday 8 September.

Adults who are up for a challenge can sign up to swim, kayak or stand up paddleboard for a mile, getting out on the water to raise money for the WWF. Children are invited to join the Marine City Festival Parade, which will see hundreds of local school children dressed as fish taking part in a samba parade from the Barbican to the Hoe alongside the Blue Mile. There will also be a workshop at the Barbican Theatre to get your costumes ready beforehand.

Seafood Festiva

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Pirate Fun at Mount Edgcumbe

JustAddH2O S TE Fest marine science foM r fun!

Find out more marinecityfestival.co.uk whatsonplymouth visitplymouth the plymouth magazine advertorial PLYM MAG MCF Aug12 artwork.indd 1

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celebrating

maritime

heritage Plymouth’s rich maritime heritage will be celebrated with the first ever Marine City Festival from September 8 to 16.

The festival aims to attract thousands of visitors to Plymouth historic quayside areas and to highlight nationally and internationally the city’s standing as a leading European marine city for research, leisure, heritage and food.

Hosted at a variety of venues, including The Barbican, Sutton Harbour, The Hoe and the Royal William Yard, the event includes the first Plymouth Seafood Festival and the return of the Ecover Blue Mile.

The South Devon Decorative and Fine Arts Society... ...are holding a special introductory meeting in

The Royal Western Yacht Club

Queen Ann’s Battery Marina, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0TW

on Friday 7th September 2012 from 10.30 – 12 noon.

This meeting has been financed by a grant from the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies www.nadfas.org.uk

All will be welcome, no charge Please call Mike on 01822 852672 or email mike@inman.force9.co.uk for more information

The wide-ranging Plymouth Marine City Festival, organised by Destination Plymouth, brings together visitor events, business exhibitions and the world leading Oceans of Potential marine science conference on the Hoe, an initiative of Plymouth’s marine science organisations and coordinated by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML).

The marine science in Plymouth is world-renowned with one of its organisations, PML, listed 8th of the world in a recent study by Reuters. The conference includes a public debate on the future of our seas chaired by BBC broadcaster Monty Halls and a public lecture by a previous Chief Scientific Advisor of the UK Environment Agency. Highlights of the Marine City Festival are: Blue Mile Parade Sat Sept 8

The Marine City Festival officially opens with a rich and vibrant parade celebrating the city’s strong relationship with the sea. After being launched by the Lord Mayor, hundreds of local schoolchildren dressed in elaborate carnival costumes will depart Southside Street to head up to the Hoe, led by two lively Samba bands, before returning along the same route. Children from Yealmpstone Farm and Stuart Road Primary have been working with local company Stiltskin on their costumes and will be at the front of 3 Hungr the parade.

Hundreds of other children will have the chance to attend a costume workshop in the morning at the Barbican Theatre to create their own costumes before joining the parade at 12.30. Children who want to come in their own dress just show up at 12.30pm at Southside Street where the parade will depart, with adults welcome to join in too.

Ecover Blue Mile Sat and Sun Sept 8 and 9

This year Plymouth will be hosting the flagship event for the Ecover Blue Mile, a charity event encouraging people to get out on the water and swim or paddle a mile to raise money for the World Wildlife Foundation and help protect our blue environment.

Participants can sign up to complete the mile either as a challenging open water swim,

For all the latest information vis 32

the plymouth magazine

what’s on?

by kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, and if you fancy a real challenge you can enter the Aqua Triathlon which includes all three.

If getting wet isn’t your thing, there’s also a one mile Walk for Water, a lively carnival of music and costume full of kids in fishy costume accompanied by Samba bands so you can do your bit to support WWF’s work to protect our rivers and seas. Every participant in Plymouth’s Ecover Blue Mile will be given a complementary ticket to the National Marine Aquarium and will be able to take a boat tour with Plymouth Boat Trips to visit some of the historical places that are tucked away on Plymouth’s amazing Waterfront.

Mount Edgcumbe...

Plymouth Seafood Festival Sat and Sun Sept 15 and 16

Plymouth has some of the best, freshest, locally caught seafood in the country right on its doorstep and The Barbican will come alive for the festival with quayside stalls selling everything from Goan fish curries to locally caught crab, live music, street entertainment and a cookery theatre with demonstrations from top local chefs.

Chefs taking part include Chris and James Tanner, Peter Gorton and the Three Hungry Boys from the TV series Catch It Cook It. There will be plenty for youngsters to do with Plymouth University and the National Marine Aquarium taking science out onto the street with their JustAddH2O Family STEM Festival designed to make the story of seafood and marine science come alive, and hosting a barbecue at the Aquarium.

ry Boys from Catch It, Cook It

Seafood Restaurant Trail Saturday Sept 8 to Sunday Sept 16

Plymouth’s top restaurants, cafés and takeaways will be joining in the fun by participating in the Seafood Restaurant Trail. Throughout the festival, 30 of Plymouth’s finest eateries will have a special seafood signature dish on offer, with everything from locally caught Devon chilli crab claws to Looe John Dory fillets – you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Marine Screen Outdoor Cinema Programme Frid Sept 14 to Sun Sept 16

An outdoor cinema screen at the Royal William Yard will be showing three nights of marine-themed classic films, with Whiskey Galore on Friday 14, Jaws on Saturday 15 and the Life Aquatic on Sunday 16, all starting at 7.30pm, preceded by contemporary and historical films made in Plymouth or about Plymouth.

sit www.marinecityfestival.co.uk

...where dreams come true With three licensed rooms and an outdoor summer house for civil ceremonies plus two stunning reception venues, the choice is yours Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park Tel: 01752 822236 email: mt.edgcumbe@plymouth.gov.uk www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk the plymouth magazine

33

Plymouth

HOST FAMILIES WANTED Earn £91 per week for hosting young people learning English with us for 1-2 weeks.

Other host categories wanted include: Executive and Business (£280, £140 per week respectively) We also provide work experience programmes for adults and would like to hear from businesses interested in hosting a graduate.

Contact David Lindsay or Jill Darton on:

0845 6733007

Tellus Group Ltd Swarthmore Centre, Mutley Plain, Plymouth, PL4 6LF Email: info@tellusgroup.co.uk

major events League 2 Football

Sep 1 Sep 15 Sep 29 Oct 6 Oct 20

Argyle v Northampton Town Argyle v Port Vale Argyle v Southend Argyle v Wimbledon Argyle v Rochdale

British League Speedway

Sept 1 Devils v Somerset Sep 14 Devils v Berwick Championship Rugby

Sep 1 Sep 15 Sep 28 Oct 27

Albion v Doncaster Albion v Leeds Albion v Rotherham Albion v Nottingham

British Basketball League

Sep 30 Oct 7 Oct 13 Oct 19 Oct 28 Nov 17 Nov 18

Raiders v Milton Keynes Raiders v Manchester Raiders v East London Raiders v Cheshire Raiders v Guildford Raiders v Glasgow Raiders v Milton Keynes

Sept 2 Good Food Market

The market showcases some of the best local food and drink in the South West. The market takes place between 10am and 3pm on The Green, Royal William Yard, Plymouth and is on the first Sunday of the month.

Sept 6 and Oct 4 Plymouth Bike Night

Plymouth Hoe All types of motorcycles, trikes and quads bikes can be seen along with various trade stands, fast food outlets and a live band playing on the big stage. Everyone is welcome. All public donations raised during the evening will support Help for Heroes and Afghan Heroes charities as the city of Plymouth has such strong historical, local and family connections with HM services.

Sep 8 to 16 Marine City Festival

Plymouth Waterfront From 8th to 16th September 2012 Plymouth will celebrate its unique marine culture with an exciting programme of events to entice residents, visitors, scientists and adventurers alike to explore Plymouth and discover all it has to offer. See special feature on centre pages.

For more details visit www.marinecityfestival.co.uk Sep 8 and 9 The Blue Mile

The Barbican The summer’s biggest fundraising event for the environment will take place next to the Mayflower Steps at the heart of the Barbican as part of the first-ever Marine City Festival. Join thousands of people across the UK raising vital funds to protect our rivers and seas by swimming, kayaking, paddling or simply walking alongside Plymouth’s fabulous waterfront.

Sep 7 Heritage Open Days

Various locations Enjoy free admission to Elizabethan House and Merchant’s House – two of the city’s most historic houses – to mark Heritage Open Days 2012. Last entries 30 minutes before closing (11.30am and 4.30pm).

Sep 8 Last Night of the Proms

City Centre Piazza Watch the stirring finale of the Proms on the Big Screen.

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Sep 14 Joe Stilgoe

National Marine Aquarium Hilarious piano virtuoso Joe Stilgoe (above) goes sub-aqua in an unusual gig on the Barbican, thanks to a partnership between The B-Bar and the National Marine Aquarium.

what’s on?

Plymouth Mela – a celebration of South Asian arts takes place on September 23

Sep 15 to 23 Plymouth International Book Festival

The Plymouth International Book Festival is a brand new literature festival, and the first large scale celebration of international and UK writers that Plymouth has ever seen.

With a programme of readings, talks, poetry, workshops, demonstrations.

See special feature on pages 14 and 15. For more information visit www.plymouthinternationalbookfestival. com Sep 15 and 16 Plymouth Seafood Festival

The Barbican Organised by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP), will provide Barbican quayside stalls, live music, street entertainment and food theatre with top local chefs through both days. PWP is also launching a Seafood Trail with restaurants and cafés across the Waterfront and Plymouth City Centre signing up to be part of a nine-day food event highlighting the very best in sustainable and locally caught seafood cooked to perfection.

Sep 23 Plymouth Mela

The Piazza, City Centre Plymouth Mela is back and is even bigger, and if possible, even better!

After a hugely successful inaugural year in 2010, Plymouth Mela 2012 will take place between 11am and 4pm in Plymouth City Centre Piazza and promises to be an explosion of colour and culture that will have the people of Plymouth dancing in the streets. Mela is a free festival of theatre, music and dance showcasing the best of South Asian arts and features a vibrant palette of cross cultural sound, colour and performance for all the family.

Sep 29 Vintage Fair

Plymouth Guildhall Over 60 Vintage inspired stalls including clothes, home wares, furniture and lots more. Live music by ‘Just Misbehavin’. Spectacular Vintage catwalk, demos, tearoom and lots more.

Charity raffle in aid of Help the Heroes.

Call 01803 213837 for more details.

Oct 14 St Luke’s Tour de Moor

Coypool Park & Ride St Luke’s Hospice fund-raiser with a cycling course to suit all abilities from a gentle seven-mile route through Plym Valley Nature Reserve to a 35 mile off road mountain biking challenge. Visit www.stlukesevents.org.uk/tdm Oct 28 WOW Sailing

Plymouth Sound The inaugural offshore race for women sailors leaves Plymouth heading for Falmouth, Antigua. Eight boats have so far signed up for the challenge.

For details visit www.wowsailing2012. com Nov 5 Bonfire Night

Plymouth Hoe Head to the Hoe for a spectacular evening of music, lighting and fireworks display. Smeaton’s Tower, the Citadel and the War Memorial will again be ‘colourwashed’ with coloured floodlighting to complement the glow of the bonfire.

Nov 15 Reindeer Rally

Central Park, Plymouth This sponsored festive fun run is a great event to enter as a team with friends and family to remember a loved, one or simply to set yourself a challenge. the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

to book. Create a bat-shaped booklet inspired by the natural history collection and Halloween.

family stuff Events at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus Wild About Plymouth

Sep 15: Wild Foods 10am to 1pm at Batten Bay, Mount Batten, Plymouth. Get back to nature!

Sample some wild foods on the beach whilst exploring the rock pools for local marine life. This event is held in partnership with the Blue Sound Project, which is launching a series of beach guides about Plymouth Sound in a range of languages including Kurdish, Mandarin, Arabic, Farsi, French and English. On-street parking and a series of small car parks are available around the Mount Batten area. Meet us at the bottom of the beach steps.

Oct 30: Wild Gardens 10am to 12 noon at Cookworthy Green, North Prospect

Join the ‘Wild About Plymouth’ team for a ramble through the wild gardens of North Prospect – an area of Plymouth that is currently undergoing massive redevelopment. Discover what plants, mammals and insects you can find as you wander through some of the city’s wildest gardens! Booking is essential.

Please contact the Museum and Art Gallery for a booking form which must be returned with payment by 23 October £2 per adult, £1 per child, under 5s go free.

Holiday Activities

Family fun sessions for the holidays.

Aimed at children aged 4 to 11, but wrigglers and siblings are welcome.

Admission is free and there is no need to book. All children must be

accompanied by a responsible adult.

Drop in for as little or as long as you like. These sessions can get busy. All sessions are from 10.30am to 1pm unless stated.

Camera Obscura Tues October 30 -10.30am, 11am, 11.30am. Admission free. When is a camera a room? When our Learning Centre is magically transformed into a ‘Camera Obscura’!

Why not come along to one of our sessions and experience one of the inventions that led to photography for yourself? The results of your work will vary depending on the light levels and weather conditions but will be fascinating.

Batty Books Wed October 31 - 10.30am to 1pm (last entries at 12.30pm). Admission free - no need

Portraits in Landscapes Thurs November 1 -10.30am to 1pm (last entries at 12.30pm). Admission free - no need to book. Take inspiration from the City Museum and Art Gallery’s ‘Women in Art’ and ‘In Pursuit of Art: Charles Eastlake’s Journey from Plymouth to the National Gallery’ exhibitions, and use oil pastels, pencils and collage to create your very own portrait in a landscape.

Family Events

Heritage Open Day: Tales From the Sea Sept 8: 1.30pm to 2.15pm and 2.30pm to 3.15pm. As Plymouth holds its first-ever Marine City Festival, join Heathfield the Sailor as he sets sail on an amazing voyage across the high seas and meets a Pirate Captain, a Mermaid and an Island King. Why not dress up as a pirate or a mermaid for these fun storytelling sessions?

Heathfield will be judging the best outfits at each and giving out prizes. All stories are suitable for children aged four years and up. Wrigglers and siblings are welcome too. All children

Celebrating 125 Years Buying and Selling since 1887

• Specialists in Antique, Modern & Second hand jewellery • Stockists of Rotary, Dreyfuss, Accurist , Cannibal watches • Lladro • Large selection of Trollbeads in our Kingsbridge branch • Gold & Silver repairs in our own workshop • On site valuations for Insurance & Probate • Best prices paid for your old Gold & Silver

102, New George Street Plymouth PL1 1RZ 01752-661651 51, Fore Street Kingsbridge TQ7 1PG 01548-857577 36

the plymouth magazine

must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No need to book.

Beach Outreach: Wembury Beach Wed Sept 12 - 10am to 2pm.

Beach Outreach: The Hoe Frid Sept 14 - 10am to 2pm. Hoe Esplanade.

Admission free - no need to book. Take a closer look at objects from Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’s marine handling collections and be inspired to do your own collecting around one of the local beach environments. Spend some time around the rock pools or foreshore then come and chat to the friendly Education Officer. Why not show him what you’ve discovered? We may add some of the most interesting items to our handling collection for other people to look at in the future. This event is part of the Marine City Festival.

The Big Draw 2012: Seashore Art Sat Oct 6 - 12 noon to 4pm. Oh we do like to be beside the seaside...Enjoy a range of fun seashore-themed activities as we celebrate the annual Big Draw.

Our guest artist will be on hand to help bring out your creative talents. Draw specimens from our natural history collections or create your own to help

us make a giant aquarium, and more!

Admission free - no need to book.

Make and Take

Make something then take it home with our seasonal creative sessions aimed at children aged five to 11 (all of whom must be accompanied by a responsible adult). Sessions run from 11am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Admission is free. Advance booking is essential on 01752 304774. Call on the day to see if any last-minute places are available although there is no cannot guarantee any will remain.

Happy Halloween Oct 27 Spiders, cats, ghosts and bats…come in and enjoy a range of Halloween-themed crafts before the witching hour begins!

Bedfordshire

Viking Victorious Nov 17 The Norsemen are coming! Make your own paper Viking, shield and helmet in our fun sessions which last for up to 60 minutes.

Various dates Contemporary Craft Workshops

Develop your creative skills with these sessions, which are suitable for all abilities and run from 10.30am to 3.30pm. All materials are supplied unless otherwise stated, but please bring your own lunch and an apron if you have one. Booking and payment in advance essential. Call 01752 304774.

Sep 8: Colour and Collage Explore shape and colour inspired by the Museum’s collections to create

mixed media pieces using a variety of materials and techniques. Please bring along art materials such as pastels if you have them. Using collage cut outs, paint, pastel, ink and recycled materials we will play with shape and colour. This is a workshop for all abilities….perfect for those who ‘think’ they can’t draw!

Worskhop £30 per person.

Oct 13: Fabulous Felted Fibres Discover the magical art of making felt. In this workshop you will have the opportunity to experiment with a colourful array of natural fleece to produce 2D felt pieces perfect for using as wall hangings. Learn how to make pre-felt cut outs, to add image and text to your design, and work with natural fibres to create texture. £18 per person Nov 13: Alternative Eco Wrapping Originating from Japanese culture where it promotes caring for the environment and reducing waste; Furoshiki is the eco-friendly wrapping cloth. Combine simple textile printing and dyeing techniques to decorate the fabric and finish with sashiko hand stitching to create a unique furoshiko perfect for wrapping even the most awkwardly shaped present! £18 per person.

Buckinghamshire

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what’s on?

family stuff Saltram Plympton 01752 333503

Sep 3 Bats About Saltram

Detect bats at Saltram with the National Trust wardens and learn about the habits and calls of each species on a bat watch around the grounds. Booking essential.

Sep 8 Heritage Open Day

Free entry to the house and garden for everyone. See the house brought to life with costumed guides, explore the garden, find out more about what the National Trust has to offer.

Sep 16 Fun Run & Family Fair

A fun day for all the family organised by the British Heart Foundation, Plymouth YMCA and the National Trust. Take part

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in the 5k fun run around Saltram Park and raise money for heart research and patient rehabilitation or enjoy the family fair with all sorts of stalls and activities.

themed suggestions for your artwork to take away, or add to the display.

Buckland Abbey

Oct 13 Fungi Foray

Sep 22 Family Bat Walk and Twilight Ramble

Go along and hunt for mushrooms and toadstools. Join Paul Lunt, University Plymouth ecologist, on an excursion into the fascinating world of mycology on the Saltram Estate.

Sep 18 Woodland Walk

Go along to make a jam-jar lantern and bat-related crafts before joining the wardens and hunt for bats around the estate. Take a torch and dress warmly.

Booking essential. Sorry no dogs.

Sep 30 Michaelmas Cider Making and Feast

Celebrate Michaelmas by helping to collect apples from the Saltram orchard and then having a go at making cider.

Enjoy other rural skills demonstrations and entertainment from the Dartington Morris Men with traditional food and drink. Booking essential.

Oct 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 The Big Draw

Part of the Campaign for Real Drawing.

Get out and about and take your wellies for a wander and be inspired by the beautiful surroundings. Get creative with

Oct 13 Boys’ Toys: Vintage Vehicles

Discover a range of vintage machines and accessories in the park with Ivybridge Vintage Club.

Oct 27 to 31 Halloween Trail

Follow the spooky trail around the garden to earn a special Halloween treat. Creepy craft workshops for youngsters on the same dates.

Nov 24 and 25 Yuletide Craft and Food Fair

Local arts, crafts and delicious seasonal food for sale. Admission includes entry to the garden and Chapel Gallery.

Yelverton 01822 853607

Join the warden on this guided walk through the woodland and learn about woodland management and wildlife.

Keep your eyes peeled and you might even see some deer.

Sep 22 Armadadrama

Through rousing choruses, catchy melodies and moving ballads Armadadrama recounts the events of 1587/88 in a quirky cantata by awardwinning composer David Haines.

Sep 23 50 Things in a Day!

Find out just how many things you can do on the Buckland estate. Join in for den building, campfires and much more!

Sep 29 Buckland After Dark

Explore the Buckland Estate after dark on this led walk. Join us as we walk through the woodland at night to see what comes out to play.

Tour the House in the dark and listen to scary stories.

Oct 29 to Nov 2 Spooky Family Fun

Buckland Abbey

Explore the Buckland Estate after dark

in Tudor costume? The whole family can try on some today with the help of Buckland volunteers who made them.

Oct 27 to Nov 4 Walking Festival

Oct 31 Once Upon a Time

Sep 29 Buckland After Dark

Join the team at Buckland Abbery during half term for guided walks, trails and expeditions planned to get you on your feet and outside!

Oct 28 and Nov 3 Family Walk

The whole family can enjoy a walk through the woodlands learning about the wildlife and history of the estate.

Oct 30 Costume Day

Do you know what you might look like

Discover the hidden stories of Buckland Abbey and Estate. Join storyteller Steve Manning as he weaves his magical tales around the Abbey and estate.

Nov 17 and 18 Christmas Craft and Food Fair

Sample great produce from local suppliers and find inspiration for unusual gifts at this annual festive fair!

Cotehele Saltash 01579 351346

Sep 8 Heritage Open Day

Go along for the free entry day and learn about how an estate is cared for

by Cotehele’s enthusiastic staff and volunteers.

Sep 15 Apple Weekend

A weekend of all things apples, including tastings, trails and family fun.

Oct 6 Nature’s Autumn Larder

Go and get spooked in Cotehele House.

Tour the House in the dark and listen to scary stories.

Oct 27 Spooky Night

Go and get spooked in Cotehele House.

Spooky fun this half term. with monster making on Monday, pumpkin carving on Tuesday and Friday, potion making on Wednesday and broom making on Thursday. Go and get spooked in Cotehele House.

Nov 9 to Nov 23 Making the Famous Garland

Go and join the gardening team whilst they make this famous 60 foot garland running the length of the Hall in Cotehele House.

Nov 10 to Dec 31 The Christmas Gallery

Masses of unique gifts of art for all pockets.

PLEASE CHECK We do our best to carry accurate information but please check with organisers to avoid disappointment.

National Trust events can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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what’s on?

exhbitions & other events Events at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus Various dates Art Bite Tours

Fancy spending your lunchtime taking a bite-sized look at the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’s collections and changing exhibitions? Then why not join members of staff or ‘Young Explainers’ at 1pm on the dates below for a 30-minute tour? Admission is free but places are limited. Collect a ticket from the Museum’s Welcome Desk or contact the museum and they will post or put one aside for you.

Sep 26: Art in Endless Summer Oct 10: Eastlake’s Scholarly and Artistic Achievements Oct 31: Eastlake and Napoleon Until Sept 8 Beetlemania

See different methods of how beetles

are imaged and how the order known as ‘coleoptera’ has been portrayed in popular culture, science and myth in this exhibition produced by the Collections Team at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, in partnership with Plymouth University.

Until Oct 6 Endless Summer: The Evolution of Surfing

Surfing and its influences are part of everyday life for many people and the evolution of this extreme sport in our region will be explored in this exhibition produced by the Programmes Team at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.

A timeline, interactives, paintings by artist Kurt Jackson, boards from private collectors and the Museum of British Surfing plus images and vintage magazine covers from renowned surf photographer, Alex Williams will show how different elements of the sport have evolved since the early 1900s.

Sep 22 to Dec 15 In Pursuit of Art

Charles Eastlake’s Journey from Plymouth to the National Gallery.

Charles Eastlake (1793-1865), painter, scholar and arts administrator, was born

in Plymouth and went on to become President of the Royal Academy and the first Director of the National Gallery, London. See panel opposite.

Oct 22 to Jan 12 New Light on Newlyn

This exhibition will explore the art that has been created in and around the Cornish fishing port of Newlyn, both past and present. New artworks produced by selected members of the Newlyn Society of Artists will be displayed alongside historic paintings from our collection by artists such as Stanhope Forbes, Henry Scott Tuke and Norman Garstin.

Unti l November 2013 Women in Art

See an impressive selection of works from the gallery’s permanent art collections that either portray or were created by women. From Renaissance times to the modern day, from muses and models to portraits and 20th century ceramics, this exhibition is dedicated to the memory of the museum’s late Keeper of Art Maureen Attrill, who sadly passed away in February 2011.

exhibition explores artistic legacy of sir charles eastlake Until Sep 30 The Childhood Toy Collection Exhibition

Mount Edgcumbe House Head for Mount Edgcumbe House and see Mike Cavanagh’s delightful collection of childhood toys from times gone by which is currently on loan to the Museum.

To stay up-to-date with Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’s exhibition and event programmes visit www.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk or call 01752 304774.

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Bathrooms & Kitchens

One of the old masters on display: Jacopo Bassano, The Good Samaritan, about 1562-3 © The National Gallery, London

London’s National Gallery is collaborating with Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery to explore the life and legacy of Sir Charles Eastlake in a special exhibition this autumn.

Painter, scholar and arts administrator, Eastlake (1793-1865) was born in Devon and the exhibition investigates Eastlake’s artistic development in Plymouth and subsequent activities as a central figure of the Victorian art world. He is best remembered for being President of the Royal Academy and the first director of the National Gallery.

The show, which opens on September 22 and runs until December 15 will bring together a selection of paintings associated with some of Eastlake’s distinguished art teachers, as well as by his friend J.M.W. Turner, from the collections of Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery.

A selection of the Old Master paintings that Eastlake acquired for the nation will be on display, along with rarely seen documents from the National Gallery’s archive, which demonstrate the extraordinary lengths to which he went to acquire these masterpieces.

Eastlake received his art education initially from two Plymouth-born painters, Samuel Prout and Benjamin Haydon, and learned much from the teachings of a third Devonian, Sir Joshua Reynolds, the first president of the Royal Academy.

He also met Turner, who made several sketching tours in Devon, sketching in Eastlake’s company in 1813.

Eastlake had been Keeper (curator) and then a trustee of the National Gallery.

Through the influence of men such as Sir Robert Peel and Prince Albert, who admired him greatly, he became the Gallery’s first Director, after its reconstitution in 1855.

Eastlake’s notebooks (one of which will be shown) are preserved in the National Gallery’s archive, and reveal his thoughts about the authenticity, technique, state of preservation and fairness of the asking price of the pictures he saw.

By the time he died in 1865, Eastlake had ensured that his nation possessed a picture collection of remarkable range and quality that was displayed in appropriate frames, in historical sequence and in well-lit and sympathetically decorated rooms – a legacy which continues to influence Gallery policy today.

Selection of Charles Eastlake’s notebooks © The National Gallery, London the plymouth magazine

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Quality properties needed for our professional clients.

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from niagara falls to moscow and the bulbfields of holland....all from our local airports Finding holidays which offer departures from our local airports is always a priority for travellers from the West Country.

Whether people are looking for a short-haul city break or longer holidays to destinations further afield, the availability of flights from Exeter or Bristol is generally the first question posed by the majority of our clients.

This month I have included some details of holidays with a difference for 2013, which are all based on departures from our local airports. This is just a small selection of ideas from a surprisingly wide choice of holidays to show you the diversity that is indeed available to us direct from our South West airports.

Our first holiday idea takes in New England (USA) and Niagara Falls (Canada) from just £999 per person.

Flights depart from Exeter to Toronto on June 19 or October 9 2013 for a six-night tour. The holiday has an overall seven night duration including the overnight flight home. Tour highlights include a tour around Lake Ontario and overnight at a hotel in Niagara Falls followed by three nights in the Boston area.

This provides the base for sightseeing in Boston, including the famous Quincy Market, and an optional excursion to Cape Cod where you can follow in the footsteps of the Pilgrim Fathers. In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to visit the other Plymouth and see the fascinating Plymouth Plantation.

Travellers can then enjoy the breathtaking scenery

By Travel as of New Hampshire and Vermont calling en route at Expert Woodstock, a quintessential New England town. Next Anthony Goord is the spectacular Quechee Gorge and then overnight in the Stratton Mountain area in the heart of the Green Mountains before returning to Niagara Falls via Albany, the capital of New York State. There is free time at Niagara Falls before returning to Toronto Airport for the direct flight back to Exeter in the evening.

For those who would prefer to take in some of the principal North American cities, there is also a tour available with departures from Exeter on May 15, June 12 or September 18. Prices for seven nights start from £989 per person and highlights include full-day visits to Manhattan and Washington DC, two nights at Niagara Falls and a fully guided city tour of Philadelphia.

As you can see, the direct flight from Exeter to Toronto offers travellers from Plymouth a great deal of choice and many opportunities to visit North America that would normally only be available from Birmingham or London Airports.

If you would rather tour or stay in Canada, there is also a seven-night ‘Four Star Maple Leaf Trail Tour’ departing from Exeter on May 29 or September 11 from £999 per person. Highlights include six nights room-only accommodation in a selection of good standard hotels, visits to Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal and a full-day excursions to Niagara Falls and Quebec City.

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My next holiday suggestion features a destination much closer to home: Holland and the Dutch bulbfields. With flights again available from Exeter, there is a choice between a four-day or six-day spectacular cruise incorporating Amsterdam and the bulbfields. Prices start from £519 per person and a range of departures are on offer throughout the month of April, which is undoubtedly the best time to appreciate the bulbfields. Highlights of the itinerary include flights from Exeter to Amsterdam, the plymouth magazine

Niagara Falls and below (right) the famous Keukenhof Gardens in Holland

transfers between the airport and MS Olympia with accommodation in a standard lower cabin, although cabin upgrades are available.

The package includes full board meals, afternoon tea, coffee and cake and late night snacks as well as on board entertainment and English commentary. The Olympia calls at Volendam and Zaandam and there is also a half-day excursion to the renowned Keukenhof Gardens.

These mini-cruises are a highly recommended way to experience the beauty of the bulbfields and offer excellent value for money. Local departures by air also enable travellers from our region to avoid the long, tiring coach and ferry journeys from Devon.

travel matters

Staying with mainland Europe, Italy has always been a popular destination with British tourists but it has never been easily accessible from the South West due to a lack of direct air links. This is changing however with holidays now available to Lake Garda in 2013 based on direct flights from Exeter.

I was also particularly interested to note another rather special holiday available from Exeter next summer to join up with a ‘Seven Cities Italian Tour.’ Departure

• continued on next page

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travel matters

make it moscow...

• continued from previous page dates are May 12, June 2 and September 1 and 15 with prices from £829 per person.

This includes flights and transfers, half-board accommodation at three-star hotels in Riva del Garda (three nights) and Chianciano Terme (four nights). The holiday includes escorted visits to Verona, Venice, Assisi, Rome, Florence, Siena and San Gimignano.

If you have always wanted to experience the beauty of some of Italy’s amazing cities, this is a wonderful opportunity to overdose on Italian culture and history. This tour offers real diversity based on a relaxed itinerary and the added bonus of flights from Exeter.

We have an exclusive offer to Plymouth Magazine readers: anyone booking any of the holidays featured above will be issued with a free entrance pass to the Executive Lounge at Exeter Airport so don’t forget to mention where you saw the details!

I think it only fair to also mention some of the opportunities available from Bristol Airport. Once again, travelling to some of these destinations from local airports was never viable (if at all possible) until the advent of low-cost airlines.

Taking in the three capital cities of Prague, Budapest and Vienna is a superb way of spending a seven-night holiday if you are looking for culture, history and stunning architecture. With numerous departures from Bristol between March and October 2013 from £549 per person, there is really no better way to visit this fascinating part of Europe.

Finally, one destination that I have longed to visit is Russia, in particular Moscow and St Petersburg. Fortunately, a range of departures are now available incorporating city tours and flights from Bristol. My suggestion would be a five-night holiday with two nights in Moscow, two nights in St Petersburg and one night spent on a first class sleeper train between the two!

Full tours are included in both cities and this is a really fantastic opportunity to experience two of the world’s most fascinating, intriguing and exciting cities. Flights are based on using KLM’s services to and from Moscow and St Petersburg (via Amsterdam) with departures available between May and October from £829 per person. Please note that you will also need a visa to enter Russia, which costs £80 per person. Again, as an exclusive to Plymouth Magazine readers, if you book any of the tours listed above you will receive free car parking at Bristol Airport.

Having read this, I hope you will agree that we now have a surprisingly wide choice of departures to a diverse selection of destinations direct from our local airports here in the South West. Please remember however that we need to support these departures from Exeter and Bristol if they are to remain and develop... it is up to us to ensure their success!

Finally, Peter Goord Travel have a stand at the Plymouth Wedding Show at Plymouth Pavilions on September 23. Do come along to meet the team and let us give you ideas on where to honeymoon, get married or even celebrate a special occasion! We can even help you with a Kuoni holiday gift list to help send you or a member of your family on the trip always dreamed of!

Happy holidays!

Peter Goord Travel Tel 01752 364186 www.petergoordtravel.co.uk the plymouth magazine

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legal matters

By Tracey Barton of Wolferstans

It used to be the case that if you needed the services of a solicitor that you would pick up the Yellow Pages or ask a friend or family member to recommend someone.

When it comes to suffering an accident, serious injury or being diagnosed with a work related disease, the process for finding a solicitor has changed dramatically.

We are now bombarded with television adverts asking us if we’ve had an accident

approach your local firm direct if you need a solicitor after an accident in the last three years and offering to put us in touch with a specialist on the telephone at no expense. If you have a road traffic accident your insurer will usually instruct a solicitor to deal with your claim.

You could however just as easily contact your local high street practice and be given the same ‘no win no fee, no obligation’ advice that is offered on the TV and through your insurer.

The main difference is that you can meet your potential solicitor face to face, check their qualifications and specialism and establish whether you feel comfortable with them representing you in what can be a very sensitive and difficult time for you or a member of your family.

It is important to realise that you can instruct the solicitor of your own choice.

Whoever you choose you should ensure that they have the experience and expertise to run your claim effectively.

An injury or work related disease, particularly a serious injury or diagnosis, can have a profound effect on your life, either temporarily or permanently.

Often, the process of making a personal injury claim is not a chance to make a quick bit of money, but a necessity to try and rebuild a life for the victim or the victim’s family. Choosing the right solicitor is crucial.

At Wolferstans we can put you in touch with other agencies or rehabilitative care providers to provide aids or equipment to help make life easier after an accident or diagnosis. The benefit of a local solicitor is that you can also have face to face discussions when there are key milestones in your case or if you just want some reassurance.

Wolferstans has a team of experienced lawyers who are experts in dealing with all types of injuries.

Our experienced team can ensure that the most appropriate person deals with your claim. For instance, we have a serious injuries team that handle claims for brain injured clients, those with spinal injuries or who have lost a limb.

We also have specialists in road traffic accident claims, workplace claims and claims for industrial disease such as mesothelioma.

If you have had an accident in the last three years and would like advice from Wolferstans, a local firm with a dedicated team of knowledgeable and approachable lawyers please contact Tracey Barton on 01752 292311.

Wolferstans Solicitors 60/66 North Hill, Plymouth Tel: (01752) 663295 www.wolferstans.com

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Annual Residential

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& Meet the Ex perts Event PLYMOUTH GUILDHALL Royal Parade Plymouth PL1 2AD 25th Oct 2012

An essential event for landlords In partnership with

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Darren Lawson of Mansbridge & Balment

‘it’s time to get

irresponsible Estate agents who irresponsibly inflate property valuations should be held to account for their actions.

That’s the view of the director of one of the city’s leading independent estate agents who called for tighter controls to prevent unrealistic valuations.

Darren Lawson of Mansbridge & Balment said: “Unfortunately, the estate agency industry in this country is flawed in that it allows unscrupulous agents to give an inflated valuation just to get the property on their books.

“The homeowner is seduced by the promise of a higher sale price - but is then invariably left disappointed because the property doesn’t sell and the price has to be reduced.

“Many weeks and months may be wasted because of this and potential property transactions fall through as vendors suddenly find they haven’t got as much to spend on their next home as they first thought,” said Darren.

“The homeowner is left out of pocket, often can’t move after all and has no means of redress against the estate agent.”

He urged homeowners to get three or four separate valuations for their property and then choose the average or middle price.

“Too many homeowners inevitably appoint the agent who has given the highest valuation - but then end up disappointed when they can’t find a buyer at that price.”

He acknowledged that property valuation was not an exact science and variations between estate agents were inevitable. “But market conditions are difficult enough as it is without the waters being muddied by this sort of activity.

“Customers need to look at the experience of the estate agent and their understanding of the local market. It’s also worth remembering that a lot of estate agents belong to national groups. The customer may think they are getting three or four independent valuations without realising that the agents involved all belong to the same organisation.”

Darren’s comments come at the end of a relatively stable time in the local property market. The latest house price index for Plymouth shows that property prices rose by 1% between June 2011 and June this year.

“The market has remained resilient and there has been no evidence of prices falling sharply - as predicted by some sections of the media. At the start of the year I forecast that prices would remain stable, or possibly move slightly upwards, and my

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property matters

tough with estate agents’ predictions have been borne out by the latest figures.”

He said that Mansbridge & Balment had enjoyed a positive first half to the year, with July also being extremely buoyant. “It has gone a little quiet in August, but we believe this is down to a combination of holiday season and the Olympics.

“We are fully expecting market activity to pick up again in September and continue its buoyancy in the months leading up to Christmas.”

Darren said that there was a shortage of quality properties coming onto the market in the £200,000 to £400,000 price range. “These properties are selling extremely quickly at the moment - as are even more expensive homes.”

He said that an exclusive Sunnybanks Homes development of luxury four bedroom bungalows in Woolwell priced at £450,000 or more had all been sold recently.

“A similar exclusive development by Sunnybanks at Botus Fleming last year also sold quickly with price tags of over half a million pounds.

“It underlines the fact that at the top end of the market there are buyers out there.”

Darren said that at the other end of the market more lower-priced property was becoming available partly due to repossessions and also some owners were taking advantage of new build developers offering part exchange deals.

However, he said that first time buyers were still finding it difficult to secure finance.

“The lending criteria is still very challenging. Despite all the efforts by the Government to encourage banks to make funds available, there are still very few new mortgage products available.”

He said that there will still plenty of investors in the buy-to-let market. “With interest rates at a low level and equity markets remaining volatile, investors still see real benefits in property with yields of 8% to 10% being commonplace.

“Rental levels remain strong and are significantly higher than they were three years ago,” he added.

Mansbridge & Balment Estate Agents, 6 Mannamead Road, Plymouth Tel: 01752 229292 Offices in Plymouth City, Woolwell, Torpoint, Derriford, Yelverton, Tavistock, Bere Alston, Okehampton, Launceston & Kingsbridge. the plymouth magazine

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David and Sally Hosking have lived in their five-bedroomed detached home for 16 years and have extended and improved it over that period.

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“Having checked prices from national kitchen companies we decided to use local suppliers, so we started looking for two good quality Plymouth companies with a proven reputation in the market so that we could compare them,” said David.

“We had seen KF Kitchens advertisements and were impressed by the customer testimonials on their website. We frequently drive past their showrooms in Faraday Mill, so decided to visit them and discuss our needs.

07826 529088 www.handywomenservices.co.uk

“Right from the first moment we met Nathan Damarell and the team at KF Kitchens we were impressed with their professionalism and responsiveness.

“Within a few minutes of looking at our old kitchen, Nathan had already formed a clear idea of what he wanted to propose.

He was imaginative and innovative in his proposals and he delivered his first outline designs within 72 hours as promised.

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“We had no hesitation in appointing KF Kitchens, particularly as their payment terms simply required a £500 deposit to secure the order. We paid the balances as the units and appliances were delivered and as the fitters and other trades people finished their part of the work,” added David.

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the plymouth magazine

“He explained that his estimate was based on a mid-range price that would vary no more than 10 per cent up or down, depending on the kitchen appliances we chose,” said David. “And that was how it turned out.

SAL E

The Hosking’s kitchen and neighbouring utility room have been totally transformed as a result of the five-week project. Ceilings and walls were re-plastered, new electrics and low energy lighting installed and plumbing adjusted.

“We now have twice as much work surface than before and 50 per cent more storage space, all within the same kitchen,” said Sally.

They chose coral gold granite worksurfaces supplied by local company Mayflower Stone, while the matching Karndean vinyl flooring was supplied and fitted by Richard Harding of Plymouth-based Furnishing Collections.

The Alabaster kitchen units extend along three of the kitchen walls, and include a peninsular feature with

is a sheer delight for

property matters

David and Sally Hosking enjoying the new kitchen installed by KF Kitchens

storage space, wine rack and room for kitchen stools.

Similar matching storage units have been installed in the utility room which included boxing in the gas boiler and also creating more larder and broom space.

Every inch of space possible has been utilised thanks to KF Kitchens’ manufacture of bespoke units to exactly fit the space available.

A range of built-in Neff appliances have been installed including an Aqua Assist oven, steam oven, combination oven, warming drawer and coffee machine, plus Neff hob and stylish extractor.

A bold lime green and red colour scheme sets off the new kitchen, creating a fresh and contemporary feel.

“One of the great things about KF Kitchens is that they are entirely bespoke – they make the units fit the space available, not the other way round,” said David.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the finished result and would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending KF Kitchens,” added David.

KF Kitchens, 66 Faraday Mill, Cattedown, Plymouth Tel 01752 255022 web www.kfkitchens.co.uk Opening hours Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm Closed Sunday

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property matters

businessman john’s fired up with the success of ◆ Tree removal ◆ Tree & hedge reduction. ◆ Stump grinding ◆ Hedge Trimming ◆ Grass cutting ◆ Clearances ◆ Turfing ◆ All aspects of fencing ◆ Tarmacing & Block paving ◆ Landscaping ◆ Decking ◆ Retaining walls ◆ Construction

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Businessman John Webb knows plenty about fires and stoves. For eight years he ran a business in the Midlands which manufactured fires for some of the top brands.

Now he is bringing his experience and contacts to his new retail operation in Plymouth called Southpoint Fireplaces, which is located in Devonport Road, Stoke Village.

John had been working abroad for a number of years when he decided he wanted to move to the West Country and start his own retail business. Having bought a home in Cornwall he needed to find a suitable location for his new venture.

“Plymouth is right on my doorstep and is big enough to provide me with plenty of customers,” said John.

He launched Southpoint Fireplaces in October last year and despite the difficult economic situation he is pleased with the way the business has taken off.

“We are in line with our business projections and have done well to establish ourselves in a competitive market,” said John.

Southpoint are stockists for major brands such as Valor and Dimplex as well as a number of independent manufacturers.

“We pride ourselves on quality and price and offer customers a one-stop service, from supply to installation,” said John. “And we can offer prices that are more competitive than the major DIY chains.”

The showroom in Stoke has more than 30 different stoves, fires and fireplace suites

An extensive range of stoves, fires and fireplace suites is available at Southpoint Fireplaces in Stoke Village

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the plymouth magazine

John Webb of Southpoint Fireplaces

on display and John plans to extend the showroom later in the year.

“Customers want plenty of choice and we are able to offer that here. We have a full range of modern, classic and antique fireplaces. We can offer bespoke fireplaces to match the precise needs of the customer in the materials of their choice,” he added.

“Special sizes and one-off requirements are no problem for us.”

Southpoint Fireplaces stock gas, electric and solid fuel fires and stoves , with mantels available in solid wood, marble, granite or limestone. An extensive range of electric suites and hole in the wall gas fires are available.

“Unlike the big retail outlets we offer a free delivery service in the Plymouth area and can arrange installation through our associate company Southpoint Home Services, whose fitters are registered to install gas, oil fired and solid fuel stoves.”

John said that solid fuel fires and stoves remained as popular as ever with homeowners becoming more environmentally conscious.

As an approved Valor retailer, Southpoint Fireplaces are able to offer Valor’s full three year guarantee on their products.

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John said that among the best-selling products at the moment are Valor’s award-winning electric fuel effect fires.

“They offer a very realistic effect and can be simply plugged into a 13 amp socket. Set into a fireplace surround they provide an attractive focal point for a room, particularly in flats or apartments where space may be limited.

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effect electric fire “With most properties having central heating these days, the Valor fuel effect electric fires can be used solely for decorative purposes and cost as little as 1p an hour to run without the heat option on.”

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compton couple counted their space-making loft Loft conversions remain a popular and cost-effective solution for homeowners who need more space.

Ewan said: “Barry’s vast experience and knowledge meant it was a relatively easy decision to appoint Abacus.”

When Compton couple Ewan and Kerry Melling Flavell’s third child came along 18 months ago they knew they would eventually need more than three bedrooms in their 1930s semi-detached home.

The loft conversion cost the couple £35,000, a sum which they regard as extremely well spent. “Buying and moving to a bigger property would have meant a much bigger outlay, so the loft conversion was the perfect answer for us.

“When we looked at the cost of four-bedroom properties and then took into account the cost and hassle of moving, a loft conversion seemed the best way forward,” said teacher Ewan. “We like the area where we live and our loft offered the added potential of elevated views across the Moors and South Hams.”

“We are confident that we can comfortably recoup the money spent on the loft conversion should we ever decide to sell the property in the future.”

The couple employed Plympton-based Abacus Lofts to carry out the work after seeing one of their projects under construction and visiting a neighbouring property which had benefited from an Abacus conversion.

Abacus Lofts are one of the leading loft conversion companies in the area.

Established nearly 30 years ago it is run

by Barry Cummings and his son John.

They have carried out loft conversions to hundreds of properties, not only in Plymouth, but also across Devon and Two members of the Abacus Loft Conversions at work on one of their Cornwall. latest projects in Hooe

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The couple now have a spacious 320 sq ft master bedroom, complete with en-suite bathroom - and breathtaking views across Exmoor, Dartmoor and the South Hams.

“We’re delighted with the conversion,” said Ewan. “Inevitably there were one or two teething problems during the construction work but Barry and his team were always extremely responsive.”

Barry said that Abacus Lofts have been providing high quality loft conversions since 1985 and take great pride in customer satisfaction.

“We specialise exclusively in loft conversions and work only in Devon

on abacus for conversion

property matters

and Cornwall, striving to offer the finest service in the South West.

“All our employees are time-served craftsmen with many years of experience and all materials are of the highest quality. Many features are hand built and designed expressly for the customer’s loft conversion, including stairs, specialised windows and so on,” said Barry.

The company, which employs around a dozen staff, are firm believers in the value of apprenticeships and take on two new apprentices every two years.

Barry said: “We are happy to give advice and answer any questions homeowners may have at any stage. As a company we pride ourselves that a large proportion of our annual workload is generated though the recommendations of previous satisfied customers.”

Abacus provide sketch designs and a fully comprehensive fixed price quotation, inclusive of all plans, structural engineer’s calculations, craftsmanship, materials, plumbing, lighting, sockets and smoke alarms.

Ewan in the spacious new loft conversion

Barry added: “Once our quotation is accepted we carry out a fully comprehensive measured survey by a qualified architect and have detailed plans drawn up for approval, incorporating all design features and specific requirements.

“The approved plans will then be submitted for planning permission if required – although not always necessary – and building regulation approval. He added that all Abacus loft conversions are covered by a full peace of mind five year guarantee.

“For the DIY enthusiast, we can carry out the main structural work, including the staircase, saving money and allowing the homeowner to complete the rest of the work in their own time,” said Barry.

For more information contact Abacus Loft Conversions on 01752 335811 or visit www.abacus-lofts.co.uk

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55

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SORRY, WRONG NUMBER! The contact details on our website for Councillor Paul Jarvis were wrong.

We have changed them, but we’re sorry if you’ve had issues in May or June trying to get in touch with Councillor Jarvis, who represents Eggbuckland Ward.

His correct phone number is 01752 266570 His email address is: paul.jarvis@plymouth.gov.uk Contact details for all councillors can be found on www.plymouth.gov.uk

pilot scheme

for glass

recycling at 15,000 city homes People living in around 15,000 Plymouth homes are being encouraged to take part in a trial which involves putting their glass bottles and jars in with their recycling bins or bags.

The trial covers one round and is a cross-section of different neighbourhoods and starts in September. It aims to identify and iron out any potential issues before a city-wide collection roll out takes place.

Councillor Brian Vincent, cabinet member for the Environment said: “We’ve tried to keep this as simple as possible to encourage people to get involved.

“No extra containers are needed. All we’re asking people to do is to put empty, clean glass bottles and jars into their existing recycling bin or bag, which will be collected on their usual day every fortnight.”

Residents on the scheme will shortly be receiving a leaflet and a letter, giving them a clear idea of what can and can’t go in their recycling bin or container. It also gives details about what to do with specialist glass such as Pyrex or broken glass.

People will also be able to double-check whether they are part of the scheme by clicking onto the council’s ‘whichdaybinday’ web pages, which have been updated to include all the homes on the scheme. The website also includes a list of frequently asked questions.

Councillor Vincent added: “We need to increase recycling rates as part of our commitment to a greener Plymouth and this new trial is a step in the right direction.

“We would urge those who are not part of the scheme to continue with their efforts to recycle their glass by using the city’s existing facilities.”

Across the city there are 117 bottle banks and in the last year 3,156 tonnes of green, brown and clear bottles have been collected.

Some of the bottle banks are emptied several times a week with the busiest bottle banks in the supermarket car parks at Morrison’s at Plymstock and Outland Road, and Sainsbury’s at Marsh Mills.

There are now also collection points for recycling low-energy light bulbs in some libraries, both household waste and recycling centres and at Sainsbury’s in Marsh Mills. For further information visit http://recolight.cobrascheme.com The council is also encouraging people to consider the reuse of glass they no longer use. Spectacles, Pyrex cookware, mirrors and drinking glasses are useable and can be donated to local charity shops.

More information is available at www.plymouth.gov.uk/recycling Recycling Factfile

Making new glass from recycled glass uses much less energy and reduces C02 emissions. The energy saving from recycling one bottle will power: • a 60 watt bulb for 100 minutes • a computer for 25 minutes • a colour TV for 20 minutes • a washing machine for 10 minutes The average UK household gets through an average of 331 bottles and jars each year. If all these were recycled, the energy saving from one household would power a 60 watt bulb for 20 days or a colour TV for nearly 4.5 days.

As well as being made back into glass bottles and jars, recycled glass can also be used to make fibre-glass.

56

the plymouth magazine

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the plymouth magazine

57

training matters

how redundancy opened for ruth to step out into When people first walk through the doors at Pitman Training they are very often at a big turning point in their lives.

Some people are driven to make changes and look to the future, others simply wish to add new skills to their CV. But everyone has the same aim – to do the best they can and make positive changes.

When she received her redundancy package in 2011, Ruth decided the time had come to upgrade her secretarial skills while she had the time and the money. She went online and was put in touch with us here at Pitman Training in Plymouth. She had decided that as she had started out with Pitman’s, she would like to continue there.

Ruth came in for a free consultation and explained her situation to us regarding her responsibilities as a carer, and how she would like to upgrade her skills whilst at home nursing her mother.

One such person is Ruth Graham. At the age of 52, the company Ruth had been employed by for 10 years made her redundant as the company was relocating to a another town.

At the time, Ruth’s confidence was at a low ebb having applied and registered with endless agencies and not even been offered an interview.

This was the third move in the 10 years since she had started working there and the distance was now not viable for Ruth to travel.

Ruth said: “I had thought wrongly on leaving my last job that with 10 years administrative skills in the HR and accounts department of a large call centre I would be snapped up.

On top of this, Ruth was nursing her elderly mother who had been diagnosed with cancer. So Ruth was offered redundancy and decided that it was really the only option she had at the time.

As with many people who are made redundant it was a huge shock for Ruth to be out of work for the first time in 30 years.

“Unfortunately with the recession and age against me there were very few jobs available and those that were, were usually offered to girls who were younger and more capable than me.

Ruth first discovered Pitman when she left school in 1976 and went to secretarial college in Oxford. While getting used to life as a boarder, Ruth learnt how to touch type using a manual typewriter which she said was an absolute godsend.

“Not to be put off, I made an appointment at Pitman where they listened carefully to my requirements and made some good suggestions. I enrolled there and then and it is the best thing I have ever done.”

58

the plymouth magazine

By Charlie Waters of Pitman Training

up the way a new career “I had a bit of Microsoft Word and Excel experience but was a gibbering heap the minute exams were mentioned. My first typing test got me the silver award which boosted my ego immediately! My Excel exam result was a distinction and when I was told this I nearly burst into tears. I felt like an 11 year old having just passed their Sat’s exams!”

As Ruth’s confidence grew she began applying for jobs again in the administrative sector, much to her amazement she was offered several interviews.

Ruth was then offered a permanent job working in the hospitality trade as an administrator. It was only part time but was the first real job she had been offered in nine months so she grabbed the opportunity.

Ruth then proceeded to juggle her caring responsibilities, a new job and continue her studies which at times became overwhelming. Ruth discussed this with us and we transferred her to our blended learning method which allowed her to study from home when she couldn’t get into Plymouth.

Ruth Graham... returned to study at Pitman Training

Ruth said: “I am determined to get my Executive PA Diploma and hang it on the wall next to my children’s degrees. But on doing so I will be sad not to go in to the college and see the team who have been a huge part of my life over the last year.

Pitman Training 58 New George Street Plymouth 01752 638552 www.pitmantraining.com

“I have struggled in places trying to get to grips with formulas; even trying to get into Plymouth against all odds at times but the Pitman team have always been there for encouragement.

“The biggest achievement that anyone can make is to know they are making a difference to their lives by trying to reach an obtainable goal.”

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Tel: 01752 771820 the plymouth magazine

59

bee good in the garden As I write this, the sun has finally come out and it’s been here for two days!

Generally, it’s been a rotten season, but I was encouraged and inspired when I went along to Mainstone Community Centre to hand out prizes to the Estover & District Allotment and Gardens Association (Blunts Lane Allotments) for their annual growing and by produce show.

It was really great to see how people had managed to grow a fantastic range of fruit, vegetables and flowers. Despite poor weather conditions and the slugs having a munch on everything, the members had produced a good range and put on a fine show.

Fiona Newton and Derek Anderson of Plymouth Garden Centre

Of course, there were some experienced gardeners who brought out their prize potatoes and onions, but also it was a real family event for young and old alike, beginners and experienced and I loved meeting everyone – so thank you for inviting me! Well done everyone for a lot of hard work in a very difficult year! Check out the pictures.

I was invited to hand out the prizes by Tim Payne, chairman of Blunts Lane Allotments who some of you may know as the founder of City Bees, a not-for-profit initiative set up to help look after all types of bee.

During the evening I spoke at length with Tim and his wife Rosalind who along with their son dedicate a lot of time to rescuing bees in Plymouth and educating children and adults on how bee colonies start and function and also in bee welfare.

From talking with Rosalind I discovered bees are really quite complicated and extremely fascinating. They have about 25 hives which they have set up or rescued including a couple in their back garden which have up to 60,000 bees in each hive.

Magnificent exhibits at Estover show

We have been friends with City Bees for the last couple of years and we always recommend Tim if people have a bee problem in their gardens or at home. No-one wants to kill bees as they are declining at alarming rates.

What I really didn’t appreciate was just how much it costs to rescue a swarm of bees and re-home them in a hive. Each hive costs about £250 and City Bees have set up some projects to help generate funds including the Adopt a Hive project and they also have Beekeeping Experience Days.

But I know that in the past due to lack of funds they have unfortunately had to turn down some rescues. If anyone is interested in this project then please have a look at their website www.citybees.org.uk .

I really feel that as keen gardeners who love wildlife in the garden it’s something we should all be trying to learn more about and support because if bees were to die out by 2018, as some have predicted, we would have to pollinate our flowers by hand.

Periodically we invite Tim and his family into the garden centre with his live hive for customers to see, so look out for the next event. And don’t forget if you fancy a different type of Christmas present for the person who has everything then why not try a Beekeeping Experience Day. So are we hoping for an Indian summer or looking forward to Christmas? We gave up on the season and started getting Christmas out: I know, I know, I can hear the groans but our customers love to pick up their Christmas cards early and it takes such a long time to set up that we may as well say goodbye to a bad gardening year Beekeeping experience day and look forward to something else!

I am out picking Christmas trees this month too. I love being able to go and handpick the trees, I chose 900 last year and I can’t begin to tell you how long that took.

Fortunately the grower was very patient with me despite it raining the whole time.

So here are Derek’s thoughts on September gardening and what to look out for, some of my real favourites are in here – colourful borders! Lovely!

September - jobs to do September is the month where we can relax a little, because the garden should be in full growth and bloom. It gives us a chance to take a step back and enjoy all our hard work. However there are a few jobs we should still be doing to keep everything in check and looking good.

Hanging baskets and planted pots will start to look tired and drab, now is the prefect time to re-do them for autumn and winter displays. Try planting a few spring flowering bulbs in pots, topped with Cyclamen, Pansies, Violas and Heathers for a bright and colourful long lasting display.

60

the plymouth magazine

gardening matters

this september Remember to stake and support large annuals and herbaceous perennials such as Dahlias, Asters and Delphiniums when they are in flower, because the wind and rain can easily bend, break and snap their large flower heads.

They are incredibly easy to grow and flower right through to the frosts: bees and butterflies just love the nectar rich flowers. The flowers are available in shades of purple, pink, blue and white. Many of the modern varieties, (particularly among the dwarves) have sterile flowers, so self seeding will not become a problem.

Asters are fantastic plants that become the stars of the garden in September, they become smothered in daisy like flowers in shades of white, pink, blue and purple.

They can flower for up to three months and help to attract bees and butterflies into the garden. They are available in a range of sizes, ranging from 30 cm (12”) to 1.2m (4’) in height and 30-60cm (12-24”) in spread. They grow well in most soil types but prefer a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.

To extend the flowering season into late autumn, get out now and plant autumn flowering Cyclamen, Crocus and Colchicums bulbs.

They will naturalise and bulk up very quickly under trees and shrubs and burst into flower just as everything else is coming to an end, providing colour and cheer.

A trouble free climber for the garden or large patio pots is Trachelospermum Jasminoides, this is a reliable flower that can grow up to 3-9m (12’-29’) in height and is perfect for climbing up a trellis, scrambling through shrubs and trees or for screening fences and walls.

As well as autumn flowering bulbs, A garden swarm of bees it is also time to start thinking about spring flowering bulbs. Planning your display and getting the bulbs in the ground early will help them get settled and establish quicker before winter sets in. This will guarantee a fantastic show of colour in the following spring.

It produces large clusters of highly scented, five petalled star shaped white flowers from mid summer freely into autumn. It will continue to flower into early autumn. It prefers a position in full sun in free draining soil.

Verbena Bonariensis is a great perennial to use for intermingling throughout other plants and linking areas together. It can grow to 2m (6’) in height and produces clusters of purple flowers on long thin stems.

Now is the time to give Wisterias their summer prune. Cut all of this year’s growth back to 5 buds or 15cm (6”) from the main stems and branches and feed with a high potash fertiliser. This allows the dormant buds to swell and help encourage it to flower well the following spring.

It doesn’t require staking and is ideal for planting in airy drifts, softening displays and creating movement throughout the border. It is a great late season source of nectar for the bees and butterflies.

Looking good

Happy gardening!

Don’t forget to check out the discount vouchers in our advert!

So far the summer has been a washout, but there is no need to despair or give up on our gardens. There are a few plants that can be relied upon to flourish and flower well despite the weather.

A good shrub to add colour and large exotic blooms to our borders is Hibiscus Syriacus. This is a hardy deciduous shrub that will thrive in full sun to partial shade in most soil types. Grows to approximately 3m (10’) in height, but can be kept smaller by pruning. It produces large, saucer shaped flowers from mid summer to autumn. The flowers are available in blue, white or pink.

A good perennial for a shady spot are the Japanese Anemones (Anemone Huphensis). They grow between 60cm-1m (2-3’) in height and can be used as ground cover. They like most soil types and are suitable for Anemone Huphensis both sun and shade. They produce and abundance of flowers from August right the way through to the frosts. Flowers are available in many shades of pink and white.

Anemones can also be used in wildlife gardens to attract bees and butterflies.

Buddleja

To attract bees and butterflies into the garden, the best and most reliable plant by far has to be Buddleja. There many different varieties now ranging from 1-3m (3’12’) in height, so there is a Buddleja for just about any suitable spot in the garden.

Plymouth Garden Centre in Fort Austin Avenue, Crownhill is open from 9am to 5.30pm weekdays and 10.30am to 4.30pm Sundays Tel: 01752 771820. www.plymouthgardencentre. co.uk

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