The Plymouth Magazine issue 114

plymouth magazine the

Issue 114 December 2013

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it’s a texas treat for thousands at the pavilions It’s so easy to take for granted the brilliant entertainment, leisure, shopping and other attractions which Plymouth has to offer.

Not only do we have in the Theatre Royal – one of the top regional theatres in the country – but also the Plymouth Pavilions which attracts some of the biggest names from the music, comedy and entertainment scene.

I had the pleasure this month of being in the audience at the Pavilions for the performance by Texas and the rock band’s amazingly talented singer Sharleen Spiteri. I have always loved Sharleen’s music, but have never seen Texas live before. What a treat! It’s incredible to think that she is celebrating 25 years in the music business, but her performance was stunning - the audience were on their feet from the first song and literally raised the roof during the 90 minute set.

Texas arrived from performing the night before at the iconic Hammersmith Apollo in London, but you could tell that she was really moved by the adulation and earbusting appreciation of the Pavilions audience in Plymouth.

The Texas gig came just 24 hours after Plymouth’s Winter Festival burst into life in the city centre with the big Christmas lights switch on. Hundreds of thousands of people are set to visit the city centre, Barbican and Waterfront in the coming weeks as Plymouth once again delivers a great shopping experience for locals and visitors alike.

You can read about the key events coming up in our feature starting on page 18.

Not only do we have great attractions in Plymouth, we also have great people too.

I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the Good Samaritan who came to the rescue of my 83-year-old father when the card machine at a well-known local supermarket repeatedly refused his card - through no fault of his.

As he became increasingly concerned and confused, the lady behind him in the lengthening queue stepped in and offered to pay the bill, trusting my dad to send her a cheque in the post. Needless to say he did that as soon as he got home.

It’s so gratifying to know that in this increasingly pressured life we lead, there are kind people around prepared to offer help in a moment of need. Thank you Helen!!!

Hoping all our readers have a truly blessed Christmas and look forward to a fruitful and peace-filled 2014.

Publishers: Chris Girdler and Ian Pilkington Editor: Debbie Girdler Designers: Sven Lauch and Sam Francis Photography: Roy Perring Contributors: Jon Morcom; Walter Combstock; Anthony Goord; Kerry Cole; Fiona Newton and Derek Anderson Advertising sales: Naomi Shearer, Sarah Simpson, Dave Simpson; Tendai Chetse Distribution: Tony Hodges and Sharon Hodges Finance: Karen Pilkington and Kim Craig Front cover: Plymouth City Centre bursts into festive life with a spectacular Christmas lights display. 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

Living in on the coast is a far cry from my previous high pressure corporate roles. Now I trade Forex and have a richer, more fulfilling life. I can help you do the same.

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“This is my daddy. He lives in the city and comes home at weekends.” This shocking but honest introduction by my then 3 year-old daughter was the start of my journey to find a better way to live my life. A life of freedom and abundance.

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family fortunes

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A mother and daughter are celebrating the first anniversary of their new crafts and gifts business, appropriately called Hope and Glory Gifts

apprenticeships booming

24

Mark Boulting of Plymouth-based training provider Skills Group highlights the continued success of the company and the many apprenticeship opportunities available

dream come true

46

A young Plymouth couple have achieved their business dream by launching their own restaurant on the Barbican.

Read all about Mo and Zuzi’s new venture.

ite ents s eb l Ev w e a Se peci rS

SE A MARIIN NG PARK

Plymouth Albion chairman Graham Stirling has urged supporters to turn out in numbers to get behind the team after a promising start to the season

what’s on in plymouth

Our comprehensive What’s On section has details of all the events coming up in the Plymouth area over the next few weeks, including shows, music, sport and family activities

art matters

Kerry Cole meets Isabell Peirson of the Artmill Gallery and finds out more about an exciting festive exhibition at the Hyde Park Gallery

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women at work

business flourishes for mum and daughter A mother and daughter are celebrating a successful first year for their crafts and gifts business.

Sandra Seaman and her daughter Ayesha Cross started Hope and Glory Gifts in November last year with the vision to bring beautiful and affordable handmade gifts and home decorations to their customers without compromising on quality.

Ayesha, who lives in Crownhill, explained what makes them different: “We are passionate about beautifully designed and crafted home decorations but when visiting shops locally or holidaying in the south west, we often found them to be very expensive or mass produced.

“Either the quality wasn’t there or the overheads of the shops meant that the customers were paying a premium for what they liked.”

Sandra and Ayesha with a selection of gifts

With that in mind Sandra and Ayshea decided to focus on how to create a different shopping experience and decided to go direct to their customers. Since then Hope and Glory Gifts has continued to grow from strength to strength.

also some of our firm favourites. This has proved to be hugely successful and popular and we have at least one party booked every week in the lead up to Christmas as well as Christmas events.

Ayesha said: “We recognise that many people prefer to shop from the comfort of their own home or workplace so we decided to bring our gifts to them! We run home parties for groups of six or more and bring a selection of seasonal gifts throughout the year and

A unique gallery, now open 7 years, selling jewellery, glass, ceramics and other gift items; all hand made in the UK; all exclusive to Plymouth and now available to buy online at www.nicolahurst.co.uk Nicola makes jewellery on the premises.

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Regular exhibitions showcasing new jewellers - visit Nicola's shop today!

Lots of Christmas gifts, decorations and cards now in stock!

Wishing all my Customers a Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year.

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“People are so busy juggling work and home life so enjoy the chance to have a group of friends round for a relaxed and fun evening. There is no hard sell, as our gorgeous gifts sell themselves.”

Sandra, from Saltash, said: “We really enjoy the social side of what we do.

The home parties are a great place for friends, family and neighbours to come together to enjoy a chat and a cup and take away some beautiful gifts too.”

With prices from £1 and many items under £5, there is something for every budget. The hostess receives a 10 per cent discount off anything she (or he) buys on the night too.

Ayesha said: “Everything we sell has either been made by hand by ourselves, local crafters or bought from companies that meet our high standard for ethical production and fair trade. We have a selection of gifts in our current range from charities such as Traidcraft too. We have a very simple ethos, if we can’t be sure where or how it was made, we won’t stock it.”

Sandra and Ayesha also donate 10 per cent of their annual profits to a charity chosen by their customers. This year they are supporting Christians against Poverty (CAP). Sandra said: “We are very grateful for the support we have received whilst starting up and it is important to us that we give something back. CAP is an amazing charity that supports people with serious debt related issues.”

Whilst hosting home parties Sandra and Ayesha have met a variety of people who have admitted that they enjoy ‘making’ and craft activities but never have time to do it or may find it quite lonely to do on their own.

In response to this they have started a ‘Crafternoon Tea’ group at Crownhill Methodist Church. They welcome anyone who enjoys being creative to join them each Friday from January 17 between 1pm and 3pm for a relaxed afternoon of ‘making’ and meeting new people over a cup of tea and piece of cake. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Sandra added: “We hope to use this group to encourage and recognise more talented people who may like to sell what they make. Sometimes people don’t have the confidence to sell the beautiful things that they make and that is where we can help if they want. Plymouth is packed with many skilled and talented artist and we want to promote them wherever possible!”

For more details about Crafternoon Tea, to book a home party or to learn more about Hope and Glory Gifts please contact hopeandglorygifts@gmail.com or 07582 895942 and take a look at the website: www.hopeandglorygifts.co.uk

Advertorial

Singing the praises of Foot Solutions

Husband and wife Tony and Wendy Smith have good reason to sing the praises of Foot Solutions in Plymouth.

my legs and hips.

“I can now stand for long periods without any discomfort and am looking forward to my next performance with the choir.”

The couple, who live near Launceston, have enjoyed life-changing benefits since visiting the footwear specialist in Royal Parade.

Wendy leads a busy social life as an active member of the local Women’s Institute and also sings with the Plymouth Philharmonic Choir.

After Foot Solutions had successfully helped treat her husband’s foot problems – caused by a deformity from birth – Wendy decided to pay a visit as well.

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Kay of Foot Solutions pictured with delighted customers Tony and Wendy Smith

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young writers reveal their literary talent in new anthology A group of young writers from Plymouth enjoyed a launch of their work at a special presentation in Plymouth’s Guildhall.

Known as the Young Writers Squad Plymouth, they were at the Guildhall as a part of the Plymouth International Book Festival during which an anthology of their work was published.

After opening words from award-winning author Babs Horton, during which she spoke of her own introduction to writing after reading ‘Under Milk Wood’ by Dylan Thomas, members of the Squad spoke about themselves and read some of their work to the invited audience, which included family and friends.

The young writers attend a project launched in September last year by Plymouth City Council Libraries and Literature Works. They meet every other Saturday at Plymstock Library from 11am to 1pm.

By the spring of this year members of the Squad, aged 12 to 15, had produced an array of poems, short stories and plays, a selection of which are published in the anthology.

Writing in the introduction to the anthology, she said of the Squad’s commitment: “There has been a great deal of hard work, lengthy discussions and much laughter.

“I know how hard, and sometimes lonely, the road is in the early days of wanting to be a writer and it has been a privilege to teach them some of the things I have learned.”

Deputy Council leader Peter Smith said: “The Young Writers Squad shows young people that writing doesn’t have to be work and inspires them to find creative and original ways of expressing their ideas in words.

“The group has had a really successful first year and I’d like to congratulate everyone on producing some brilliant work.”

The anthology has been published as a 32-page full colour brochure and presents the young writers’ works with strong photography and design.

The Young Writers Squad network is a project of Literature Works, the South West literature development agency and part of the Read/Write project funded by the Big Lottery.

Babs Horton, the writer in residence on the project, is an award winning writer of novels and short stories. She is a former Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow at the University of Plymouth and has taught in many of the city’s secondary schools.

The Western Morning News will soon be featuring excerpts from the anthology and Hospital Radio will be broadcasting poems and short stories on the airwaves in December.

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writing matters

Pictured (rear) with members of the Young Writers Squad are Emma Sherriff of Plymouth Libraries (left) and award-winning author Babs Horton, writer in residence and project leader.

Writers featured in the photograph are (back row) Anna Roden, Elsie Tate, Jago Bruce and James Garbett. Front row: Sam Ferguson, Tabitha Parks, Amy Morton and Danny Williams

To find out more about the Young Writers Squad telephone 01752 305900 for more information or visit www.literatureworks.org.uk

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training matters

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apprentice

business is booming for

skills group Scores of apprenticeships are available right now for youngsters in Plymouth and hundreds more are likely to come on stream in the New Year.

That’s the positive message from Mark Boulting, managing director of the Plymouthbased Skills Group, which is one of the leading and largest independent training and skills providers in the country.

Mark said: “There is a perception that opportunities for apprenticeships are few and far between. That could not be further from the truth. At any one time we have well over 100 apprenticeship places available across a wide range of industry sectors.

“The other myth is that apprenticeships are only available at the start of the academic year in September. Again, that is not the case. Employers want to hire apprentices right through the year and we anticipate increased demand in January, particularly from the construction sector.”

Mark said that the raising of the school leaving age to 17 in September meant that many youngsters had to make quick decisions about whether to stay on at school or college or possibly sign up for an apprenticeship.

“The encouraging news is that if youngsters are not happy with staying on at school or college it’s not too late to change your mind and consider an apprenticeship starting in January.

“There is plenty of demand for apprentices in the Plymouth area - unlike some other locations such as Torbay and Exeter.

“The general mood of industry is definitely more optimistic and we are seeing increased demand for apprentices here at Skills Group.”

His comments come against a background of continued growth and success for Skills Group. During 2013 they saw the number of apprentices trained by the company increase by a staggering 50 per cent to around 1,500.

To cope with the increased demand they have increased the number of people employed by Skills Group by a quarter to 125 and that number is expected to rise still further in the spring of 2014.

And in another major expansion, the company has acquired the former Orange building in Langage Business Park, investing over £1.25 million in a new 35,000 sq feet construction training centre.

Their existing premises in Langage Business Park will focus on engineering and autumotive trades training.

The company has also expanded its hairdressing and beauty training facilities at the HQ Building in Union Street, opening two more training rooms to make Skills Group one of the largest providers of training in this sector in the region.

Further investment and expansion of the company’s childcare training services are planned for 2014.

Skills Group offers apprenticeships and training in a total of six sectors: construction, care and early years, business, flooring, hairdressing and beauty, engineering and automotive.

Earlier this year Skills Group launched a sport and leisure apprenticeship scheme in conjunction with Plymouth YMCA. Mark said that this had proved particularly successful with 40 young people now involved in sport and leisure apprenticeships and six specialist training staff recruited.

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the plymouth magazine

Links with leading local hotels such as The Elfordleigh, Boringdon Hall and Holiday Inn had been expanded in recent months to include Plymouth Argyle and the Plymouth Life Centre.

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Skills Group works closely with around 500 employers, the vast majority of which are small to medium sized companies employing less than 10 people or sole traders.

“Apprenticeship grants of £1500 are still available and Skills Group can help smaller businesses by taking all the bureaucracy and red tape out of the process,” said Mark.

Skills Group not only works closely with employers but also schools and colleges to help students make the right career decisions.

The company staged a highly successful Apprenticeship Awareness Day at St Boniface’s Catholic College in Plymouth recently, with 20 staff attending to advise students on the various options available.

“We set up hairdressing stations and other displays highlighting the variety and range of opportunities available,” said Mark. “Every student at the college visited the event and the feedback we have received from the College has been extremely positive. We would be very happy to provide similar functions for other schools and colleges in the city.”

Alongside its apprenticeship programmes, Skills Group has developed a highly successful pre-apprenticeship scheme which has involved around 600 youngsters between the ages of 16 to 18 in 2013.

The course lasts six months during which youngsters are given practical and employability skills training as well as a period of work experience in the relevant industry sector.

“We’ve created this programme for young people who are perhaps a little undecided about apprenticeships in general or the specific type of apprenticeship they are best suited to,” said Mark.

“We also give them training in interview techniques and CV preparation and even pay travel expenses for interviews and provide the youngsters not only with appropriate workwear but also the tools they need to do the job.

“It means when they are seen by the potential employer they are literally ready to start work there and then,” added Mark.

The success achieved by Skills Group is mirrored by its rating as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted - one of only handful of training providers to achieve such a distinction and joining the ranks of blue chip companies such as Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems in terms of Ofsted recognition.

“The good news is that since the last Ofsted report our grades and standards of achievement have raised even further,” added Mark.

For more information about apprenticeship opportunities contact Skills Group on 0845 319 4343 or visit www.skillsgroupuk.co.uk or www. apprenticeships4me.com

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plymouth matters

fairness commission report highlights key concerns in city The Plymouth Federation of Small Businesses’ annual meeting held in November saw me rounding up the year’s activities and after two years in the Chair commenting on the number and variety of activities we’ve been involved with.

After the annual meeting this year, we held a small business showcase and over some superb homebaked rolls and quiches (wonderfully baked by the baker at Devonport Guildhall), we had a bit of a ‘mingle’ and learnt about each other’s businesses.

I was amazed at the diversity and ingenuity on show; we really do have some very special niche traders. From a brewery to natural beauty products, a publishing house to a high-tech locksmith, a convenience shopkeeper to a wool shop, and all kinds of businesses in between.

Another event held earlier this year highlighted this same bold entrepreneurship.

Our free business advice evening held last April at Endsleigh had over 100 businesses visit us looking for expert advice from a host of exhibitors and SME support agencies.

Each year, some of the issues the FSB branch committee discusses crop up as ‘old regulars’ it has to be said, and I think it is true to say, we cannot help but get a bit disheartened about that.

However, we’re a persistent bunch so I expect we shall keep on trying.

By LESLEY SHORROCKS Chair of the Plymouth Branch of the Federation of Small Businesses and Director of Sigma Marketing & Advertising

As a branch committee we have lots of SME expertise, lots of experience in very different sectors and the clear will to contribute to city debate, so I am sure that eventually we’ll be made the most of.

Fortunately, as a result of the annual meeting, the committee is in a position to become even more useful with two more members stepping forward, making us nine-strong and able to represent even wider views.

Looking back at 2013, the highlight of my year as Chair has to have been the inclusion of the Federation of Small Businesses on the independent body, the Plymouth Fairness Commission (PFC).

The Fairness Commiission has been engaged in drilling down into issues of unfairness and inequality in the city with the intention of formally reporting back to Plymouth City Council and the city at large next spring.

The Commission held a ‘Summer of Listening’ between July and September collating ideas, views and evidence from individuals, groups and organisations, based on three key themes: helping individuals and families, creating stronger communities and growing the local economy.

Information and input was collected in a variety of ways, giving everyone in the city an opportunity to share their views and ideas. This included walkabouts, satellite meetings and other events, calls for evidence, interviews with panels of experts and academics, street surveys and an e-survey.

This has been one of the most timeconsuming, but memorable and thought-provoking activities I have ever participated in during the 20-odd years I have been in Plymouth and the Interim Report (just published in November), in the words of the chair Dame Suzi Leather, makes for ‘a pretty sobering read’.

If you are a small business in Plymouth you may very well have committed everything you own and all your energies to making your business a success, so what happens in this city is relevant to you.

This Interim Report deserves business attention and is available on www. plymouthfairnesscommission.co.uk The 24 Commissioners have spent a great deal of time listening to local people and have uncovered a myriad of issues which affect us all.

We are now concentrating on devising recommendations for our final report in Spring 2014 to help improve lives in the city, so do have a read and get in touch if you want to.

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If you would like information on joining the Federation of Small Businesses, call the Regional Office on 01803 322 499 for details. the plymouth magazine

Advertorial

When dementia is diagnosed....

caring matters

Waypoints care home manager Tessa Marriott explains what happens when tests for dementia have been completed and an appointment is made with your GP to discuss the results. This is one of a series of articles to advise and reassure Plymouth Magazine readers about a health condition which year on year is touching more lives.

If dementia is diagnosed your doctor should explain what type of dementia you have and what it may mean for you and your health.

Dementia does have similar symptoms to other medical conditions so it is not easy to diagnose.

If unclear as to whether it is dementia, your doctor may arrange for more tests or arrange for you to come back for a reassessment after a period of time.

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food matters

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squash and herby harissa dip Serves four Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking 35 mins 1 squash, approx 700-800g, peeled & diced juice 1 lemon good olive oil 1 tsp Riverford herby harissa, more if you like it very hot 3 tbsp plain yoghurt small handful chopped coriander small handful chopped mint 1 clove garlic, crushed 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds Preheat the oven to 190°C. Put the squash in a baking dish and toss in just enough olive oil to coat. Roast for 35 mins or so, until tender. Mash coarsely with a potato masher. Stir in the harissa and just enough lemon juice, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Mix the yoghurt with the chopped herbs and garlic. Transfer the squash to a serving dish and swirl the yoghurt through. Drizzle with a little more oil and scatter over the toasted pumpkin seeds.

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zuzimo launch is a dream come true for mo and zuzi A young Plymouth couple have achieved their dream of running their own business after launching a new restaurant and tapas bar in the city.

Iranian-born Mo Vassif and his partner Zuzi Fancovicova, originally from Slovakia, opened the aptly-named Zuzimo eatery and bar in the middle of October.

The couple took over the premises – previously an Indian restaurant – in Vauxhall Street in the Barbican just a few weeks before. They worked round the clock to redecorate and refurbish the restaurant and also re-equipped the kitchens.

They both have extensive experience in the hospitality sector having worked in

food matters

management positions in a number of the city’s restaurants and hotels for nearly 10 years.

The couple met in 2004 while living and working in Exeter, with both then set on building their future in the hospitality sector. After being together for only three months an opportunity arose to jointly run their employer’s Moroccan-themed restaurant in Sutton Harbour.

While running the busy establishment, each learnt what they could about every element of the hospitality industry, from front-of house to kitchens, to brand building to securing repeat customers.

It was also an opportunity to live and work in an increasingly multi-cultural city and

• Continued on next page

the plymouth magazine

15

• Continued from previous page to see what styles of cuisine were popular with the locals and the growing student population.

A chance remark from the employer that the couple were ‘doing twice as well as they needed to’ was the foundation of their joint ambition to one day run their own restaurant. After undertaking further research, including working for an international hotel and conference centre, the couple moved forward with their plans in 2010.

Their first attempts to acquire premises were thwarted because the owners were in a hurry and Mo and Zuzi were not fully prepared.

They were then put in contact with an advisor from Outset Plymouth who, in turn referred them to Rob Guy from Outset Finance.

Mo said: “Outset Plymouth and Outset Finance have been fantastic - we could not have achieved our dream without their help on the financial aspects of our business plan.”

Rob Guy said: “Mo and Zuzi’s tenacity in staying upbeat was admirable. They stayed focused on perfecting their ideas, with real attention to detail, and when the

new business is a success from the outset venue in Vauxhall Street became available it was a pleasure to see them move quickly and confidently to secure the lease.”

Mo and Zuzi were quick to return the compliment. “Rob was a huge help to us, advising us well, helping us to stay on track and preparing us for successful funding applications to organisations such as the South West Investment Group and Fredericks Foundation,” said Mo. “Without the help and support of Outset Finance we would never have secured this valuable financial backing.”

Mo said that during their time working in the hospitality sector in Plymouth they had made lots of friends - many of whom have already sampled the culinary delights of Zuzimo. The couple’s ethos is to use the best of locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that have a truly international flavour served in comfortable surroundings.

Zuzi said: “We want our customers to enjoy a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, just as if they were eating with friends or family.”

The eatery has something to offer all tastes and budgets and is open from 12 noon until late from Monday to Saturday.

Zuzimo offers a tapas bar and fine dining all under one roof. The cosy bar area is an ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine or soft drink and sample tapas dishes from around the world for as little as £3.95 each.

Diners can also enjoy a two course meal in the elegant 60-seater restaurant for just £7.95 or £9.95 for a three course meal until 6pm each day.

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the plymouth magazine

The evening menu offers a good choice of starters priced from as little as £3.95 and main meals from just £9.95. The mains include dishes such as blackberry duck breast with sweet potato pureé and bacon fried brussel sprouts (£13.95), lamb and apricot tagine on jewelled cous cous (£11.95) and New York strip sirloin steak, mushroom and tarragon sauce with baby vegetables and fries.

There is also a choice of pasta and risotto dishes - such as chicken and chorizo linguini and shrimp and mascarpone risotto – for just £8.95.

The couple are delighted with the way the business has taken off since the October launch.

Mo said: “To be honest we did not expect many customers at the start, but as soon as we opened the doors people started coming in. We have lots of friends and contacts in Plymouth and we are so pleased so many of them have come to dine with us at Zuzimo.

“We already have a growing number of regulars who come to see us as often as they can.”

While both Mo and Zuzi can turn their hands to most things in the restaurant they have recruited two chefs - Michael Standish and Michael Rushton – and also a waitress to help with the workload.

Chef Michael Rushton and (below) the elegant dining area

food matters

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Zuzimo is family friendly with a special children’s menu, high chairs and colouring materials and is also fully accessible to wheelchair users.

They are busy taking bookings for Christmas and offer festive lunches for £18.95 per head and dinner at £23.95 per head.

Christmas customers will be greeted with a glass of bubbly and bruschetta followed by a choice of four starters, lemon sorbet and then a selection of four mains – no turkey or beef to be seen – and three freshly made desserts, all followed by coffee.

Zuzimo will also be open on Christmas Day for lunch offering guests a festive treat at just £34.95 per person.

“We are very pleased with the number of Christmas bookings we have already taken and we are still able to accommodate family groups and parties right until Christmas Day,” said Zuzi.

Customer reviews from Trip Advisor “This new restaurant opening is a welcome addition to this part of town, convenient for waterfront, Sutton Harbour and shoppers. I was in for a mid week lunch with my husband and baby daughter. We were well looked after by front of house host Mo. Nibbles and complimentary bread preceded our light lunch. Tasted great and lots of it, so we left full. Prices very reasonable. Highly recommended and I wish the owners every success.”

“The service throughout was excellent with the staff being warm and friendly but not inappropriately so and they were efficient and effective.

The food itself was beautifully presented, very tasty and contained a nice mixture of textures and flavours. The range of vegetarian options was excellent. Overall a great evening and we will go again.”

Zuzimo, 153 Vauxhall Street, The Barbican, Plymouth Tel 01752 651300 web www.zuzimo.co.uk the plymouth magazine

17

festive celebrations under way after the big switch on Christmas has arrived early in Plymouth following the launch of the city’s Winter Festival in November.

Thousands of people crammed into the city centre on November 14 for the Festival of Lights with its Lantern Parade and official switch-on of the Christmas lights in the city centre.

The City Centre Company and Waterfront Partnership have joined forces to put together a spectacular celebration.

The opening of the popular ice rink on the Piazza in October provided an appropriate scene-setter for the Festival of Lights.

Local company Ice Angel Events, will be running their Winter Wonderland for 19 weeks until early March, offering ice skating for children and adults, ice skating

18

the plymouth magazine

festive matters

lessons for individuals and small groups and also offering festive treats at the Ice Café.

The Festival of Light Lantern Parade saw over 200 Plymouth schoolchildren and their families join together with Stiltskin Creative Arts and Theatre Company to create a beautiful trail of lights through the City Centre.

There was a chance to meet some donkeys on Frankfort Gate and the big switch on of the City Centre’s Christmas Lights featured entertainment from the Military Wives Choir, Music of the Night Choir, Salvation Army Band and much more.

The fantastic Christmas Market in the city centre opened on the same night with scores of traders offering everything from home made arts and crafts to festive food and drinks.

Late night Christmas shopping continues with the Christmas Market in Armada

• continued on next page

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19

• continued from previous page Way and hundreds of city centre shops open until late every Thursday evening until December 19.

festive matters

From now until Christmas Eve, families can visit Santa and his elves in his Grotto on the Piazza next to the Ice Rink. Every child visiting Santa will receive a gift and the chance to have their photo taken to capture the special moment.

For more information, go to www.iceangelevents.co.uk or visit the booking office on the Piazza. Prices start from as little as £3.

Opening their doors on the last shopping weekend before Christmas, Plymouth City Market is also hosting a Christmas Extravaganza weekend on December 21 and 22.

With entertainment from a choir and jazz band, Wishy Washy the magician and cooking demonstrations from Plymouth Flavour Fest’s Jacques Marchal, there’s plenty to see and do. Go along, join in with the festive activities and pick up those last minute Christmas essentials all at Plymouth City Market. Plymouth City Market will be opening on Sundays from December 1 as part of the extended Christmas Shopping hours.

Meanwhile businesses in the historic Barbican and Waterfront played their part in

making it a Christmas to remember. Santa switched on the Barbican Christmas lights on November 28, following a Thanksgiving Celebration on the Mayflower Steps.

There will be late night shopping in the Barbican on December 4 and 11 and Royal William Yard will host a Christmas Weekend on December 7 and 8.

For more information visit www.visitplymouth.co.uk

santa’s grotto at drake circus Santa and his elves have launched the first-ever Christmas Grotto at Drake Circus.

Families who would like to visit Santa, as they enjoy one of the West Country’s leading shopping malls with over 70 shops, will be able to book online at www. drakecircus.com.

Children visiting the Grotto will receive a present from Santa and also be able to climb inside a special Christmas Bauble to create perfect festive photo opportunities.

A visit to Santa costs £5 per child, with 50 pence of each visit going to the Children’s Happy Hospital Fund at Derriford Hospital to help buy much needed lighting and equipment for the new sensory room currently being built.

Greg Lumley, Drake Circus centre director, said: “Christmas is the perfect time to visit Drake Circus for shopping with the family - but this year we thought we’d make it extra special for the kids and get Santa to come along.”

Apointments can be booked ahead online, or families can use the new Drake Centre free WiFi to book while they are shopping.

Greg added: “We’re also delighted to be able support the Children’s Happy Hospital Fund by giving some of the proceeds from each visit to this worthy local cause.”

Christmas at Drake Circus is set to be better than ever for family shopping - as well as its usual line-up of top retail names, it is now home to The Entertainer toy shop, Fat Face fashion and men’s casual fashion wear, Old Guys Rule which have all opened in time for Christmas.

To book visits to Santa go to www.drakecircus.com.

20

the plymouth magazine

Christmas Exhibition 2013 Inspiring jewellery from 6 new designers:

Cindy Ashbridge Chie Mannami Jane Dzisiewski Jo McAllister Lynsey Brooks Sandra Austin

Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery 39 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth Phone: 01752 220011

For more Jewellery, Online Shop and Jewellery Workshops (Including “Make Your Own Wedding Rings�) visit us at: www.victoriasewart.com

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Festive Family Fun saturday 21st & sunday 22nd l Free Face Painting l live music l Choir

www.plymouthcitymarket.co.uk

the plymouth magazine

21

bumper christmas present for city shoppers Shoppers heading for Plymouth look set to enjoy a bumper Christmas present with free parking in some of the city’s West End car parks.

Plymouth City Council is waiving the charges for shoppers on a Thursday night – the traditional late night shopping night.

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Three car parks will be free from 4pm and the council is deliberately targeting those in the West End to encourage people to pop in and visit the independent retailers of the city centre. They are: • Western Approach with 1,094 spaces • Woolworth East 45 spaces • Plymouth City Market 36 spaces The council has also installed seven extra car parking bays around the City Market that have been created by moving street furniture.

The council has been working closely with the City Centre Company to make sure Christmas 2013 will be a cracker.

The Christmas package also includes a free 15-minute ‘park and pop-in’ deal in the West End and a voucher discount system for shoppers, which will be unveiled shortly.

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the plymouth magazine

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “This is the biggest package of free offers that the Council has given.

“We are doing this because we want to support the traders where we can and to send out the signal come to Plymouth for your Christmas shopping.

“We are all living and working in tough times and want to help where we are able to. While we have thousands of spaces in our city centre car parks, we want to make it that bit easier for

festive matters

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West End traders to get a slice of the shopping action. If shoppers park nearby, they are more likely to be drawn to their stores.”

City Centre manager Stefan Krause said: “The City Centre Company and retailers really appreciate this support from the council and look forward to some busy evenings in the build-up to the festive season.”

Seasons Eatings

Festive Christmas Lunch Menu £16.00 Three course, £14.00 Two Course, £11.00 Main Course (20% members discount) Available from Monday 2nd December 2013. 12 noon to 3.00pm. Booking essential.

Menu

Starter Freshly baked homemade Roll and Butter with Spiced Parsnip and Honey soup (v) Stilton and Pear terrine with melba toast and spicy plum chutney (v) Sweet Melon pearls with Parma Ham and light mustard dressing

Plymouth Snow Globe in the heart of Plymouth Christmas Market gives visitors the opportunity to create the perfect Christmas card.

The Snow Globe is open from now until Christmas Eve with opening hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (until 9pm Thursdays) and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Desserts Traditional Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce Peach and Sherry trifle topped with double cream White Chocolate Profiteroles with fresh Raspberries and clotted cream

Mains Roast breast of Farmhouse Turkey served with festive Yorkshire Pudding, sage and onion stuffing, bacon wrapped chipolata, and roast gravy

Pan fried Pork Chop with apricot and pecan nut stuffing and leek cream sauce Salmon, Cod and Button Mushrooms bound in white wine cream served in crisp potato skins Vegetable and Nut bake in puff pastry lattice (v) with tomato passata Served with roast potatoes, glazed Carrots and Brussels sprouts

Entrance to the globe is £10 for up to for four people. The globe can hold up to six people and entry is £2.50 per additional person.

Included in entry price is a free souvenir photograph for participants to take away and perhaps use as the centrepiece of a family Christmas card.

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23

what’s on?

theatres & shows

disney’s lion king set for theatre royal run

stand-up show for 2013. The style is observational, the subject matter is life itself, and the default expression is one of utter disbelief!

Dec 4 to 7 Glyndebourne Tour

Theatre Royal – The Lyric

The ever-popular tour this year features three different productions - Hansel und Gretel, L’Elisir D’Amore and the Rape of Lucretia.

Nov 30 Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings

Dec 10 and 11 Hofesh Shechter: Sun

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

Rock and roll icon, author, restaurateur – legendary former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman has seen it all and continues to live life to the full. His latest musical rebirth as the driving force behind the fabulous Rhythm Kings sees him return to his musical roots.

A show imbued with absolute quality.

The Rhythm Kings will be joined by very special guest Maria Muldaur, best known for the hit single ‘Midnight at the Oasis’.

Dec 1 Ardal O’Hanlon

Father Ted star, Ardal O’Hanlon is delighted to present his latest

With an expanded company of 14 world-class dancers and an eclectic soundtrack featuring original music

by Shechter this new work follows the phenomenal success of Political Mother.

Dec 12 to 14 Inside Wagner’s Head

Simon Callow portrays the controversial German composer in his new one-man show.

Dec 20 to Jan 25 Robin Hood

The spectacular family pantomime Robin Hood is packed full of action, adventure, and an abundance of

comedy as well as heroes and villains aplenty! Star cast includes Lee Mead as Robin Hood, Bobby Davro (Will Scarlet), Nigel Havers (Sheriff of Nottingham) and Jeffrey Holland as the panto Dame.

Jan 31 to Mar 15 The Lion King

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s The Lion King is a worldwide theatrical phenomenon. It has been seen by almost 70 million people worldwide and is still drawing sell-out crowds at London’s Lyceum Theatre in its 14th year. In January 2014 this award winning production will begin its long anticipated run at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. A spectacular visual feast, this adaptation of Disney’s classic film transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

Drum Theatre Royal Parade Plymouth Box Office 01752 267222

Dec 3 to Jan 18 The Little Red Hen

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the plymouth magazine

Making bread is hard work, but it would be a lot easier if the lazy farm yard animals lent a hand! An adaptation of the nursery favourite, featuring a host of animal puppets, sing-along songs and comic routines. It’s a treat for the whole family with no scary bits! From the company who charmed you with The Hare and the Tortoise, The Elves and the Shoemaker and The Enormous Turnip. An early learning classic for everyone aged 2+ and their families.

Dec 4 to Dec 23 Barbershopera

A festive feast of wit and excitement from the six-time award-winning close harmony comedy group, Barbershopera. Highly lauded for their innovative lyrics, wildly delightful storytelling and phenomenal close harmony singing, audiences are left cheering, holding their sides with laughter and calling out for more.

Jan 22 to Jan 25 Advice for the Young at Heart

The riots of 2011 provoked comment on the morality of youth and the codes by which young people live. Advice for the Young at Heart asks whether this is a new phenomenon, or one that young people have struggled with for generations.

Barbican Theatre Castle Street, Plymouth Box Office: 01752 267131

Dec 7 to Dec 23 A Christmas Carol

Join Le Navet Bête as they take you through the streets of Victorian London, re-telling this classic Dickensian Christmas tale in a physical comedy fun-fest for all the family.

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

Dec 4 and Jan 8 Comedy Night

Light relief with the best stand-ups on the UK circuit.

Dec 5 and Jan 2 Ladykillaz

A strand of programming with a women-only theme, featuring Holly Ebony.at the December event.

Dec 11 Café Acoustica

Dec 10 Status Quo - Bula Quo

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

Britain’s best-loved rockers Status Quo undertake the Bula Quo! UK winter tour, named for the band’s forthcoming debut feature film and soundtrack album. The tour also features very special guests, the mighty 10CC, on all UK dates – two truly classic bands on one bill.

Dec 18 Andy Quick

The entertaining and personable frontman of popular local band Land of the Giants performs a solo acoustic slot.

Dec 19 Thomas Ford

Electrifying blues talent in the form of this harp-playing, hard blues singing solo performer with a festive special.

Dec 20 Out to Grass

Entertaining bluegrass covers band.

Plymouth Pavilions

Dec 6 Lost in Space

A stomping seven-piece party band, with raunchy female vocals, a full brass section, funky bass, rocking guitar and more percussion than you can shake a stick at, playing funky ska and retro grooves, all with an edge of jazz and soul.

Millbay Road, Plymouth Box Office: 0845 146 1460

Dec 7 One Night of Queen

Performed by Gary Mullen and The Works. An unmissable live concert for fans of Queen, classic rock, live music or just a great night out!

Dec 13 The Magic of Motown

Five-star performances authentically reviving the style and sophistication of all the Detroit legends - the Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and more.

Dec 18 Union J

Since their time on X Factor it has been non-stop for the boys and they have got off to an impressive start. With a top five single, almost a million twitter followers, nine million views on Youtube and a book deal in the bag, it would seem Union J’s limits are endless.

Dec 20 Jools Holland

Musical master of ceremonies Jools

Holland and his much loved Rhythm & Blues Orchestra returns to the city.

Spice Girl Melanie C will join the party in Plymouth, following in a long line of brilliant female special guests.

Dec 21 Royal Marines Christmas Spectacular

The Band will perform Christmas music, military marches, big band hits and popular showstoppers – to name but a few. See panel on next page.

Jan 17 James Arthur

X Factor 2012 winner James Arthur arrives in Plymouth on his debut UK and European headline tour.

Jan 22 Paul Carrack

The voice of pop classics such as How Long, Tempted, The Living Years, Over My Shoulder and many more, returns to familiar-ground. Fresh from a worldwide tour as featured artiste with old friend, Eric Clapton, Paul will link up with his own amazing Sheffield-based band, to perform songs from his vast catalogue.

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the plymouth magazine

25

what’s on?

Festive military splendour will return to Plymouth Pavilions when the world famous Royal Marines Christmas Spectacular heads back to the arena on Saturday December 21.

This popular event will feature some of the finest seasonal music from the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, Plymouth.

During this annual event, the Band will perform Christmas music, military marches, big band hits and popular showstoppers – to name but a few.

In addition, their world-renowned Corps of Drums will demonstrate the precision, accuracy and musical skills for which they are famous across the globe.

The Royal Marines Band, based at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall undertake a wide variety of ceremonial work of national importance, as well as fulfilling its main role of providing music for the ships and military establishments.

Whether you prefer the colourful splendour and musical skills of the concert band, the rhythmic sounds of the big band or the sheer speed of drumming of the Corps of

christmas spectacular at the pavilions with royal marines Drums, there is something for everyone at this spectacular festive concert.

Tickets are on sale now and cost from £17 to £21 plus a £2.50 booking fee per ticket. Concessions available.

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

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the plymouth magazine

The Plymouth Pavilions Figure Skating Club is presenting an ice show spectacular in December.

The extravaganza Musicality On Ice is being performed in the Pavilions Ice Rink on Sunday December 1 and Monday December 2 at 7pm.

Back due to popular demand, and following in the footsteps of the greatly successful 2011 show Maritime Mayhem, Musicality on Ice will be performed by talented local skaters of all ages from 6 to 60!

The show will include both solo and group choreographed performances to some of the most recognized and popular musicals such as Hairspray, Oliver, Les Miserables, High School Musical, Footloose and many more!

This year, a percentage of all ticket sales will be donated to Gables Farm Cats and Dogs Home, the Pavilions’ nominated Charity of the Year 2013.

This local charity cares for over 1500 cats and dogs every year, either re-homing them or re-uniting them with their owners and provide constant veterinary care and attention to all of them during their stay at the centre.

They enforce a strict non-euthanasia policy, which means no healthy animal in their care will be put to sleep.

Tickets cost £8 for adults, concessions £5 and family (2 adults and 2 children) £24.

Due to the nature of the Ice Rink spectators area tickets are limited, book tickets early to avoid missing out on what is sure to be another sensational and captivating show.

Tickets for Musicality on Ice can be purchased in person from the Pavilions Ice Rink reception during opening hours with cash or cheque, or by credit/ debit card from www.imattination.co.uk/boxoffice.

the plymouth magazine

27

Global singing sensation Susan Boyle is returning to the stag in her very first nationwide live tour, ‘Susan Boyle In Concert and heads to Plymouth Pavilions on April 12 next year.

Susan will be on stage performing a sensational and contemporary repertoire of iconic album and never heard before classics that will captivate and enthrall audiences spanning the genera

The show will comprise of songs including the now legendary I Dreamed A Dream, Wild Horse Somewhere Over the Rainbow as well as River Deep, Mountain High‚ one of her all time favou plus a host of spectacular surprises on the night.

2013 has been an epic year for Susan with a career that has continued to go from strength to strength. Her first movie role in The Christmas Candle sees her take to the silver screen. She’ releasing her fifth album in four years, Home For Christmas as well as becoming the first Brit t allowed to duet with Elvis posthumously.

She has joined forces with Save the Children to release a Christmas charity single and comple hugely successful Scottish tour that sold out and received rave reviews.

The exclusive nineteen-night tour in England and Wales heralds a new era in her successful c Susan’s show is set to be the hot ticket of the spring, showcasing the voice the world fell in love w

Known best for her element of surprise and a powerful and heart stopping voice, Susan is still global top selling artist. The phenomenal record sales, record breaking achievements and mul platinum chart domination - Susan has come a long way from the Britain’s Got Talent stage in

To date over 20 million records have been sold and stormed to the top of the charts in over 30 countries.

To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.c where you can select your own seats.

big nam for the pa october date in city for paul potts Paul Potts, is embarking on a UK tour in Autumn 2014 and he will be stopping off at the Pavilions on Wednesday October 29, reminding audiences of his inspiring charm and rich, mellifluous classical prowess.

Paul, the winner of Britain’s Got Talent Season One in 2007, has found global success with his albums, live shows and tours, impressing audiences worldwide with his powerful yet emotive operatic performances.

Five years later, and his feet are yet to touch the ground. Paul has already performed more live shows than any other contestant from a talent search programme, whilst in recognition of Paul’s meteoric ‘rags to riches’ rise to fame, his life story has been turned into a film also entitled ‘One Chance’ and stars award-winning comedian James Corden.

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the plymouth magazine

To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com where you can select your own seats.

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peter andre will perform in september Peter Andre has announced his first major UK tour in two years including a stop at Plymouth Pavilions on September 30 next year.

Currently on our screens with a new series of his ever-popular reality show ‘Peter Andre: My Life’ on ITV2, he will also appear as co-presenter on Sunday Scoop and as of next week host of new programme ‘Peter Andre’s 60 Minute Makeover’.

December Films include Philomena, The Selfish Giant, Gravity, The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Hobbit 2.

The 24 date tour follows a busy 2013 with two new TV projects and launching his charity The Peter

evious three UK tours, including a 2010 and 2012 arena tour, which all sold out instantly and m being named Britain’s Hardest Working Singer’ by PRS.

ear is proving to be yet another huge year for Peter Andre with his continuing promotion for his enty album ‘Angels & Demons’ at the beginning of the year, performing at a number summer , filming two series of his hit reality show as well as launching his two brand new fragrances men entitled Forever and Forever Young.

Andre just recently launched Pete’s Champions, an initiative asking his massive fan base him in raising money for the Peter Andre Foundation supporting Cancer Research UK. The ation was put together after the Andre family lost Pete’s brother, Andrew, to kidney cancer.

ng about the 2014 tour, Peter said: I cannot wait to get back out on the road again. Everyone that touring is my absolute favourite thing and I am so lucky that I get to do it all over again in You guys better get ready because this tour is going to be the best yet.”

ok tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com you can select your own seats.

Distinctive contempory art and cinema, good food and a warm welcome Plymouth Arts Centre 38 Looe Street Plymouth PL4 0EB 01752 206114 www.plymouthartscentre.org Follow us on Twitter @PlymArtsCentre Like us on Facebook.com/plymouth.artscentre the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

The Divertimento Flute Trio featuring Judy Hall, flute, Vicky Evans, cello, Margaret Lynn, keyboard are performing at the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery on December 1

Dec 19 Christmas Charity Concert

music Dec 1 Plymouth Philharmonic Choir

The Guildhall, Royal Parade, Plymouth Featuring Bach’s Magnificat and Handel’s Messiah Part 1 Dec 1 Plymouth Jazz Club

Charlie Hearnshaw’s Munjenta Café. A great Latin Jazz quintet led by superb saxophonist Charlie Hearnshaw. Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Call 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Dec 5 Divertimento Flute Trio

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery Latest in the Lunchtime International Concert Series. Featuring Judy Hall, flute, Vicky Evans, cello, Margaret Lynn, keyboard. Tickets from www. wegottickets.com or from the Museum shop.

Pilgrim United Reformed Church, St Levan Road, Plymouth Featuring Tamar Concert Choir with a concert of carols and festive songs.

Dec 7 Chamber Music Series

Sherwell Centre, Plymouth University Featuring Leoš Cepický - violin and Michael Dussek - piano. Performing works for violin and piano by Mozart, Schumann and Beethoven. Tickets from Peninsula Arts Box Office 01752 585050 www.peninsula-arts.co.uk Dec 7 Plymouth Phoenix Chorale

St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square A Nativity Through Song. Tickets on the door and from choir members.

Dec 10 Plymouth University Student Choir

St Andrew’s Minster Church, Plymouth

Call Peninsula Arts Box Office, 01752 585050 www.peninsula-arts.co.uk Dec 12 University of Plymouth Choral Society

St Matthias Church, North Hill Road, Plymouth Carols by Candlelight, including the premiere of Jaemus Downing’s Christmas Carol ‘Most Highly Favoured Lady’, with Morag Thomson Findlay - soprano.

Free admission. Parting collection in aid of Shekinah Mission Dec 13 Christmas Concert

Central Methodist Hall Plymouth Plymouth Area Police Choir with children from Montpelier School.

Tickets from 01752 510934 .

Dec 14 and Dec 15 Christmas Concert

Dec 20 Christmas Concert

Riverford Farm Shop, Yealmpton Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir Dec 21 Music of the Night Choral Foundation

St Andrew’s Minster Church, Royal Parade, Plymouth Christmas concert with a selection of traditional and non-traditional Christmas music. Tickets £10 (£8 concessions) from the shop in St Andrew’s Minster, 07961 726481 and from choir members.

Dec 31 Plymouth Jazz Club

New Year’s Eve Party with John Shillito’s Select 6. Plymouth Jazz Club’s annual New Year’s Eve Party at Derriford United Reform Church Hall, Powisland Drive, Derriford, Plymouth.

Call 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Harewood House, Plympton Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir, directed

by Jenny George with their annual sell-out festive event. Advance booking advisable. Tickets £7.50 to include seasonal refreshments. Contact Edward Gigg on 01752 405429 or Jenny George on 01752 880730 Dec 14 University of Plymouth Choral Society

St Andrew’s Minster Church, Plymouth Christmas Concert featuring Simon Ible - conductor, Jennifer France soprano, Sarah Pring - mezzo, Mark Chaundy - tenor and James Oldfield baritoneJaemus Downing: ‘Most Highly Favoured Lady’, with Morag Thomson Findlay - soprano. Schubert: Mass in C major; Saint-Saens: Christmas Oratorio.

Traditional carols with audience participation. Tickets from Peninsula Arts Box Office 01752 585050 www.peninsula-arts.co.uk Dec 15 Plymouth Jazz Club

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Christmas Party with the Pennyroyal Jazz Band. Entertaining, lively traditional jazz for dancing & listening in party mood.Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Call 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk the plymouth magazine

Jan 19 Plymouth Jazz Club

The Sussex Jazz Kings. Quality traditional jazz with a touch of fun from a popular long-established band. Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Call 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Jan 26 Around the World in 80 Minutes

The Hall for Cornwall, Truro Plymouth Gilbert and Sullivan Fellowship with the Band of the Royal Marines, Plymouth. Ticket details 01872 262466. Concert in aid of the RNLI. Please check details to avoid disappointment.

For more information on these and other musical events visit www.plyclassical.co.uk

The most commonly used words at Town & Country!

Call Town & Country today on 01752 20 10 10 or visit www.townandcountryproperty.com 52-54 North Hill Plymouth PL4 8EU T 01752 20 10 10

E info@townandcountryproperty.com W www.townandcountryproperty.com @tandc_property EstateAgentsPlymouth the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

major events League 2 Football

Nov 30 Dec 21 Jan 1 Jan 11 Jan 25

Argyle v Burton Albion Argyle v Bury Argyle v Torquay Argyle v Southend Argyle v Cheltenham

Championship Rugby

Nov 29 Dec 6 Jan 4 Jan 10 Feb 1 Feb 15

Albion v Rotherham Albion v Munster (cup) Albion v Leeds Albion v Stirling (cup) Albion v London Welsh Albion v Jersey

British Basketball League

Nov 29 Nov 30 Dec 8 Dec 22 Dec 29 Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 18

Raiders v Cheshire Phoenix Raiders v Surrey Heat Raiders v Sheffield Sharks Raiders v Leicester Riders Raiders v Manchester Giants Raiders v Glasgow Rocks Raiders v Cheshire Phoenix Raiders v Durham Wildcats

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the plymouth magazine

Until Feb 28 Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

The Piazza Plymouth City Centre Piazza is once again transformed into the annual Winter Wonderland Ice Rink. This hugely popular event, organised by Ice Angel Events, has returned for the third year, with skating events and activities for all the family. Visitors can also experience the Ice Café to enjoy the festive treats on offer. So whether it’s a romantic date, an after work catch up with friends or a family treat, wrap up warm, and book your tickets to one of the city’s must-do winter experiences Until Dec 24 Christmas Market

City Centre the ever popular Plymouth Christmas Market transforms Armada Way into a bustling Winter Wonderland offering a variety of traditional Christmas treats and gifts. From homemade arts and crafts to festive food and drink, the Christmas Market is a great place for shoppers looking for something different to give to their loved ones this year. And if that wasn’t enough, late

night Christmas Shopping is available every Thursday until December 19.

Dec 1 Good Food Market

Royal William Yard The market showcases some of the best local food and drink in the South West. Visit www.royalwilliamyardnews. wordpress.com Dec 1 Christmas Market

To get you in the Christmas spirit visit Crocadon Mill’s Christmas market.

Enjoy some seasonal produce, pick up some stocking fillers from craft producers and try a mince pie from the cafe.

Dec 4 and 11 Barbican Late Night Shopping

Barbican retailers are opening for two evenings of late night shopping until 8pm. Experience Plymouth’s rich artistic heritage with speciality shops and art galleries and a host of independent shops or if you’re a little peckish, pop into many of the lovely quayside restaurants or cafes for everything from a snack to fine dining.

Dec 8 Waterfront Arts and Crafts Market

Visit the Hoe to view a beautiful array of locally made arts and crafts. The market is held on the second Sunday of each month.

Dec 7 and 8 All Things Vintage and Festive

The popular Ice Angels rink is back in the city centre until February

Dec 7 and 8 Christmas Weekend

Royal William Yard Christmas comes to the Royal William Yard. Supported by Urban Splash, the Grade 1 listed Melville building will be home to an indoor Christmas

market full of festive gifts and local food producers outside River Cottage, there’s lots for you and your loved ones.

With live entertainment, face painting, huskies and a visit from Santa, there’s something for every member of the family and plenty to see and do.

KF

Plymouth Guildhall All things Vintage & Festive is back for a two day Christmas fair from 10.30am to 4.30pm each day. After the amazing response from Plymouth to the vintage events throughout 2013, organisers Miss Ivy Events have decided to extend it to a two day festive fair. There will be over 70 vintage, antique and good quality handcrafted stalls. These have all been picked with Christmas gift buying in mind. There will be lots of festive entertainment which the fair is becoming renowned for. Just Misbehavin’ will be there on Saturday and the Gershwin Gang on Sunday.

There will be an ‘Oh So Christmas’ catwalk at 1.30pm on Saturday. There will also be Dan Brazier performing magic and illusions with fire, JoJo’s tearoom, beauty parlour and a raffle in aid of St Luke’s Hospice. Entry is £2 for one day or £3 for both days. For more details see www.missivy.co.uk or call Jo on 07739033476.

Dec 7 and 8 Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fayre

Mount Edgcumbe House Join the Christmas festivities at Mount Edgcumbe for the 10th Christmas Fayre! The fayre will run from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. There will be plenty of stalls to find the perfect christmas gift.

Dec 21 and 22 Plymouth City Market Christmas Extravaganza

Opening their doors on the last shopping weekend before Christmas, Plymouth City Market is also hosting a Christmas Extravaganza weekend. With entertainment from a choir and jazz band, Wishy Washy the magician and cooking demonstrations from Plymouth Flavour Fest’s Jacques Marchal, there’s plenty to see and do. Go along, join in with the festive activities and pick up those last minute Christmas essentials all at Plymouth City Market. Plymouth City Market will be opening on Sundays from December 1 as part of the extended Christmas Shopping hours.

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33

what’s on?

family events Events at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus The Imaginators

Admission free. Booking essential. Free, fun creative learning sessions for preschool children and their parents/carers.

10.30am to 11.30am or 1pm to 2pm on Wednesdays (term time only). Advance booking is essential. Call 01752 304665 to reserve your place.

Wild About Plymouth

What’s Your Bug? Dec 7 10am to 12noon Davy Building, Plymouth University, Come along to our popular event where we use the University’s microscopes to examine the smaller animals that we share the world with. Look at the key features Scientists use to identify different mini-beasts. Try and name the

animals on display and bring some minibeasts of your own to look at. There will be prizes for the best drawings!

Download a booking form from www. plymouthmuseum.gov.uk £2.50 per adult £1.50 per child under 3s go free A Cold World Jan 18 11am to 4pm (last entries at 3.30pm) Plymouth City Museum and Art GalleryAdmission free, no need to bookBrrrrrrrr! Come and discover some of the strange creatures that live in the coldest places on the planet. From giant sea spiders to woolly rhinoceros teeth fossils - there will be plenty to see! You can also enjoy a range of fun activities in the warmth of the Museum such as creating your own woolly mammoth and making a giant sea spider of your own!

Admission is free and there is no need to book. Drop in for as little or as long as you like.

Bugs on the Move Feb 15 11am to 1pm. Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University, Drake Circus Admission £2.50 per adult/£1.50 per child/under 3s go free. Experience firsthand how and why different mini-beasts move! From millipedes with a hundred

legs to springtails pushing their tails, this unique event will make you look at insects in a completely new way!

We will also be working with dancers from the Barbican Theatre to develop some dance movements inspired by these incredible creatures.Meet at the reception desk in the Roland Levinsky Building. Tickets are available from the Museum Welcome Desk.

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 guarantee any will remain.

Santa Stops Here Dec 14 11am to 1.30pm and 3pm. Make a variety of festive keepsakes to take home as we get ready for Christmas.

Decorate a spiral hat, make candy cones and pom pom decorations for your tree and more.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Dec 24 11am and 1.30pm . Come along and enjoy a fun 60-minute yuletide craft session.

Chinese New Year 2014: Happy Horses Jan 25 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm Help us prepare for the start of the Chinese New Year (the Year of the

Plymouth City Centre Dental Practice wish you all a Merry Christmas!

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the plymouth magazine

MSS1783 Plymouth City Centre Dental advert 11-13.indd 1

13/11/2013 09:40

Nice Warm Socks and Other Songs with Wren Music Jan 31 Come and have fun and join in with this concert led by two of the finest folk music performers and song leaders in the South West. Sarah and Paul from Wren Music will bring songs from projects they have been involved with

alternative present show at carnglaze caverns It’s the Carnglaze Caverns annual Alternative Christmas Present Show on December 7 and 8.

Open from 10am till 5pm the show is a culmination of months of planning with the stalls ranging from fantasy fairy fun to chutney and cheeses!

So whether you are looking for family Christmas treats to presents for everyone do go along. Oxfam, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, The Monkey Sanctuary and the Woodland Trust will all be in attendance for an alternative present that keeps giving to their causes long after the crackers have been pulled.

Entry is still £2 with children under 12 free. Keep an eye on the Carnglaze website at www.carnglaze.com for details or call 01579 320251. They hope you can join them... children in fancy dress always welcome!

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Adventures in Music

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery Join in for more of the fascinating world of folk music events for the under 5s and their grown-ups! These 45-minute events feature live music and participation in a child-friendly atmosphere, providing fun introductions to different types of music, instruments and cultures as we listen and learn together. This series is supported by PRS for Music Foundation.

- from the hugely popular Nice Warm Socks to the more recent Songbox - as well as new tunes for you to enjoy.

There will be audience participation including singing and a chance to make an instant band! Wren Music will provide some instruments, but please bring along your own as well if you have them. Anything from shhooshhing shakers, tinkling tambourines or strummed stringy things are welcome!

Voices will be accompanied by a variety of instruments including guitar, piano accordion and fiddle. This one-off performance will also feature songs from the traditional Westcountry archive made by Sabine Baring-Gould as well as newly written pieces - we’ll probably even make up a new song or two at the event! Online ticket sales available on the www.wegottickets.co.uk website.

Tickets will also be available to purchase from the Museum Welcome Desk. 11am to 11.45 am Adults £4.50,

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Horse), which begins on 31 January, with some fun arty activities including masks, lanterns and decorations.

Moorland View

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www.hpeplymouth.com

Have you had your Gas or Electric heating serviced for the winter months?

We offer repair or replacement of Gas and Electric appliances including LPG, 7 year warranty on selected boilers, Landlord Checks, Domestic Electric Repairs, Upgrades, Industry approved plumbing, Heating and Electrical engineers.

Phone: 01752 782890 Mobile: 07789373208

Carnglaze Caverns consists of three man-made caverns formed as part of a slate quarry in the Loveny Valley, near the village of St Neot, Liskeard the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

family events Children £3. Booking essential.

Special Events for all the Family

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery Larger than Life Dec 7 10.30am to 1pm (last entries at 12.30pm). Admission free and no need to book. Create some art on a grandscale taking your lead from the Gilbert and George painting featured in the ‘Artists Make Faces’ exhibition. Drop in for as little or as long as you like. Why not have lunch in our café afterwards?

Children’s food is now available.

National Storytelling Week 2014: Tales from the Wild Wild West Feb 1 1.30pm to 2.15pm and 2.30pm to 3.15pm. Admission free and no need to book. Join our professional storyteller for fun tales about the wild occupants and wilder landscapes of the ancient Westcounty kingdom, as we mark National Storytelling Week and the

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opening of our new exhibition of work

by Devon-based artist and sculptor, Peter Randall Page. Sessions are suitable for children aged 4+ although wrigglers and siblings are welcome.

Donations welcomed.

Mount Edgcumbe Cremyll 01 752 822236

Dec 7 and Dec 8

Christmas Fayre It’s the tenth anniversary of Mount Edgcumbe’s Christmas Fayre and this year it promises to be better than ever!

The fayre will run from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

Inspirational cookery demonstrations from leading west country chefs. Local produce will be available for your culinary delight. There will be a wide variety of crafts and gifts to choose from.

Admission: Adults £3 each, children £1

Saltram House Plympton 01752 333500 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ saltram

Dec 6 and Dec 7 A Home Made Christmas

Go along to the Park Cafe for a

beginners Christmas craft workshop making a covered diary or journal and a gift bag with tag, to take home. All materials and assistance included.

Refreshments available but not included in workshop price. Booking essential.

Dec 21 Carols in the Courtyard

Join the Saltram choir for a good old-fashioned festive sing along in the beautiful surroundings of the historic stables courtyard. Mulled wine, hot drinks and mince pies available from Park Cafe.

Jan 18 Wassail!

Bring whistles, pan lids and wellies for the annual ritual. Visit the Saltram Orchard to scare away the spirits and bless the crop for 2014 in the ancient custom of wassailing. Spend the rest of your evening with us in the Cafe to sample the fruits of last year’s crop with apple cakes, juice and ciders whilst watching or joining in with the Dartington Morris Men. Sorry no dogs.

Booking essential.

Buckland Abbey Yelverton 01822 853607 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ buckland-abbey

Dec 3 Carols in the Barn

Get your wellies on and challenge yourself! Can you tackle Buckland’s welly obstacle course? See how well you perform against your fellow visitors - extra points to those who go three-legged!

Dec 8 Family Felt

Join Claire Packer for a drop in family workshop where families will be making felt items. No need to book.

Dec 14 Illuminate!

Discover the ancient art of illumination and make decorations or a Christmas card to take home with you. There is no need to book.

Dec 14 Mummers Play

Watch this popular festive entertainment performed by Dartmoor Border Morris. No need to book.

Plymouth Magazine Ad.pdf

reindeer run with festive friends The St Luke’s Reindeer Rally sponsored by Mercury Construction returns to Central Park, Plymouth on Sunday December 1 and this year Rudolph is joined by some very special Festive Friends!

Take the whole family and join in the festive celebrations on the 1.5km fun run, 5km and 10km routes and help raise money for St Luke’s Hospice.

Now in its third year, St Luke’s are adding a little twist to the event this year and are giving runners the option to dress as some of Rudolph’s Festive Friends as well. A Christmas tree, Santa, fairy or Christmas pudding, so many possibilities!

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All the runners will be rewarded with a medal, hot drink and for the children St Luke’s will make sure it’s an action packed family trip out with activities and the chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto.

Event Organiser, Emma Winter from St Luke’s said: “This is a fantastic fun event to get us all in the festive mood. We hope our supporters will like the wider choice of fancy dress options.

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Emma Winter, complete in reindeer outfit and Rachel Turner as a Christmas tree get in festive mood for the from St Luke’s Hospice Reindeer Run

“In addition to the 5km &10km for the keen runners, we hope our 1.5km fun run will bring a great family feel to the event, especially with the chance for the children to meet Father Christmas in our grotto.” Entry costs £12 for adults and £5 for children.

For more information on the Reindeer Rally and to register call 01752 492626 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk

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what’s on?

exhbitions & other events Events at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus Until Dec 7 Artists Make Faces

In 1983, Monika Kinley and her partner Victor Musgrave invited their artist friends to lend works for a small show in their new London home. The show was called ‘Artists Make Faces’ and 30 years on this exhibition is a realisation of a long held idea to create a show on this theme in a public gallery. It will feature a distinctive and personal selection of works from public art galleries and collections, including Arts Council England, Tate and the Whitworth. So many artists both past and present are concerned with the face. It gives us our identity and acts as a mirror for our feelings. In this show, the selected artists use it as a canvas, playing with it or agonising over it rather

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than creating a straightforward image of a recognisable person.

Until Jan 11 Hidden In Plain Sight

The term ‘abstract’ can mean many things – to remove, to summarise, to be difficult to understand, to be impersonal – all of which can apply to abstraction in art. It can refer to art that has an object or landscape as its subject or starting point, or it can use forms that have no source from the visible world. This exhibition will focus on abstraction from our collection, including work by Patrick Heron, Ian Davenport, and Justin Knowles. It will also include previously unseen footage of Patrick Heron in his studio from the late 1950s.

Dec 14 to Feb 2 Looe Street Detectives

Plymouth Arts Centre Sara Bowler employs research techniques to gather information and stories about particular places as a precursor to making work about them. For the Looe Street Detectives project she has worked with a team of collaborators to unearth historical facts and anecdotes about 38 Looe Street and the immediate neighbourhood. The Detectives’ investigations into personal connections and specific interests in the area have led to a new understanding

Jan 11 to Feb 13 Plymouth Society of Artists

Get a glimpse of the diversity of the art world in Devon and Cornwall with this new selection of works by members of the Plymouth Society of Artists. The content on show is always varied and includes works on paper, oil paintings, landscapes, portraits and more. The majority of works on display will be for sale.

An archive image from the Plymouth Arts Centre Festival of Britain exhibition in 1951

of Looe Street and the vicinity. For this exhibition, Bowler has drawn together the Detectives’ findings and created an installation that reflects them. You can gain an insight into the centuries of history contained within this small area of Plymouth whilst navigating the work in the Window Gallery. For the development of the exhibition, the artist was also influenced by the post-war era of Looe Street; the activities on offer at the Virginia House Settlement and an archival image of Plymouth Arts Centre’s 1951 exhibition, marking the Festival of Britain. She will also extract evidence from the Arts Centre archive to present in Restaurant Gallery. The Looe Street Detectives are a group of Plymouth residents, aged from 9 to over 70, including local residents and those who have recently moved to the city.

The project is the Plymouth strand of Engagement Network - a partnership programme between engage, the National Association for Gallery Education and Visual Arts South West. This pilot project placed artists at the centre of research around how the visual arts sector addresses key issues in audience development and engagement.

new year, new start college opens its doors for part-time courses Artist Patrick Brill

City College Plymouth is opening its doors to members of the public on Tuesday January 7 at its Kings Road site in Devonport between 4pm and 7pm.

The annual ‘New Start Open Evening’ is aimed at people who are looking to enrol on a part-time course starting in the New Year.

popular contemporary artist’s exhibition at plymouth arts centre Plymouth Arts Centre has featured the work of Bob and Roberta Smith – the pseudonym for contemporary artist Patrick Brill – in recent weeks.

An exhibition of the artist’s work will end on December 1 and has also included a live music performance by the artist himself in October.

Bob and Roberta Smith is recognised for his trademark, text-based paintings. These colourful signs are hand painted onto scraps of wood and roughly nailed together.

The shapes and misshapes of letters are as important as the message they spell out. These fields of colour ask questions, make statements and instigate debate.

Letters swim before the eyes as the onlooker attempts to decipher a text, which could be an announcement of an event or provocative call for action.

The College is offering a whole host of courses for people looking to make a new start, begin a new hobby or improve their employment prospects.

Courses on offer range from make-up and eyelashes and database design to Italian cookery and first aid.

All of the College’s departments will be taking part in the open evening, with staff on-hand to answer any queries regarding part-time courses, and provide free impartial careers advice and guidance.

For many mature students funding a further education course is a worry and can quite often be the deciding factor as to whether they choose to study or not – there will also be staff on-hand to talk through the new 24+ Advanced Learning Loan.

The new loan enables those aged 24, or over to apply for a loan to cover their course fees if they are studying a level 3 or above course, in further education.

For further information or to register your attendance at the open evening, please contact the College on 01752 305300 or visit www.cityplym.ac.uk/events.

Bob and Roberta Smith’s work explores the relationship between humour, politics and society and questions established values and authorities.

Many works take the form of succinct witty slogans whilst others, such as the Cuts to the Arts and Letter to Michael Gove, are longer diatribes that expose a frustration with political decision-making. The messages almost always advocate for creativity, culture and freedom.

These paintings use the visual language of folk and punk; the use of drop shadow text and a mixture of different fonts and letter sizes evokes the aesthetics of protest and is reminiscent of makeshift public notices and temporary shop signs from an era before the computer.

The tone of the larger text work is akin to angry letters published in newspapers, the artist says “I’ve always liked the idea of the green ink letter, the person in the suburbs throwing brick bats at the people in power.”

The process of producing these musings on art, politics and culture seems to be cathartic one for Bob and Roberta Smith, which is perhaps why the artist advises ‘Make Your Own Damn Art’.

ART BITE TOURS Fancy spending your lunchtime taking a bitesized look at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’s collections and changing exhibitions?

Then why not join their team at 1pm on the following dates for a 30-minute tour? Unless stated otherwise, no two tours are the same - so even if you’ve been before there is always a reason to come back! Admission is free but places are limited.

Please collect a ticket from the Welcome Desk or contact the museum and they will post or put one aside for you. Everyone who attends receives a voucher for a 20 per cent discount in our café afterwards, so you can grab yourself a quick bite to eat too!

Painting as ‘Object’ – December 4 Oils in the Cottonian Collection – December 11 The Plymouth Society of Artists – January 22 The China Connection – January 29 Peter Randall Page Exhibition – February 12 The Atrium Gallery – February 26 the plymouth magazine

39

rugby matters

Plymouth Albion chairman Graham Stirling...calling supporters to turn out in force

albion in a mood - on Exciting rugby on the pitch and increasingly profitable activities off the pitch are proving a successful formula for Plymouth Albion this season.

Following a turbulent 2012 when the club faced many difficult financial issues, changes to the management team on and off the pitch were made and Albion finished the 2012-13 season in a relatively respectable ninth place in the Championship.

Under new head coach James Shanahan Albion have made a positive start to the 2013-14 season with three wins and a draw from their seven league Championship games to date.

Encouragingly Albion also top their pool in the British & Irish Cup with two wins in two matches - and two crunch games to come in December.

Albion chairman Graham Stirling said: “The Board are more than delighted with the good start to the season, both in the Championship and British & Irish Cup. “After seven games in the Championship, Albion sit in seventh position and with a slightly better rub of the green could easily be in one of the top four promotion play-off positions.

“Our new coach James Shanahan promised to deliver an exciting style of rugby and he has certainly done that, producing some of the most scintillating rugby we have seen for years.

“One of our goals this season was to get supporters back to Brickfields and it is encouraging to see match-day gates and associated ground spend moving in the right direction.

“Our supporters want to see winning rugby, but the way in which it is achieved is also massively important and we believe the key to rebuilding our support base.”

He said that finances continued to be a challenge, but the club was keeping its head above water, despite increased investment in the depth of the playing and coaching staff.

“We have seen attendances rising and associated spend on hospitality moving in the right direction, which is encouraging,” he added.

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Albion’s form away from home has been impressive with three wins out of four matches, while at home Albion lost narrowly to London Scottish and drew with Moseley - games they could and should have won – before giving and former Premiership team Bristol a real scare, losing 31-38 after leading 25-5 after just 30 minutes.

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positive and off pitch Two wins in the British & Irish Cup have put Albion in top spot in their pool - but they face a big challenge at Brickfields on December 6 when they face top Irish club Munster.

This is one of eight Friday night games at Brickfields this season and the club is carefully monitoring the response from supporters.

“We chose to play five of our Championship matches on Fridays and six on Saturdays to assess what works best for us. We are also playing all our cup games on Friday evenings.

“We often face competition from England internationals and Argyle home games on Saturdays, so the Friday night experiment is important for us.

“We have been pleased with the response so far, but we recognise that there are lots of factors to take into account as far as the supporters are concerned.

“For Albion supporters who live outside Plymouth, Friday nights can be more difficult from a transport point of view. On the other hand Saturday fixtures can suffer because of competition from other sporting events.

“We really want to hear what supporters think and would welcome any and all feedback so that we can assess the best way forward next season.”

In the meantime he called on supporters to get behind the team for all the upcoming home games, particularly the Championship game against Rotherham and the cup match against Munster.

“The vocal backing of our supporters is so important to the players - so I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and support your team Plymouth Albion.”

Albion’s next home games are:

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41

EXMINSTER CARPETS

travel matters

Spectacular views at the Lion Sands Game Reserve

I have always been fascinated by what South Africa has to offer as a holiday destination and, to use a very current phrase, it has been on my ‘bucket list’ for some time.

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We left London Heathrow on an overnight flight to Johannesburg with South African Airways, which took approximately twelve hours before connecting on to a domestic flight from Johannesburg to Kruger for the National Park.

The main airport serving Kruger is currently a two hour transfer from the National Park itself, but next year the airport in the park will be open to larger aircraft which will cut the transfer time down to just 15 minutes.

In Kruger, we were accommodated at Lion Sands Game Reserve, one of the Park’s premier hotels, but there is a range of accommodation available to suit all travellers’ tastes and budgets.

From the moment we arrived at Lion Sands, it was easy to see why it was a favourite with tour operator Kuoni.

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before

I was therefore delighted when our agency was recently offered an opportunity to participate in a short educational trip to South Africa with Kuoni. Needless to say, I accepted immediately.

A delicious breakfast is served every morning on the spacious wooded-decked area overlooking the bush. The service is friendly and discreetly attentive.

Rooms are very well equipped, kept cool and feature floor to ceiling windows so it is possible to see passing game.

During our two-night stay at Lion Sands, we were fortunate enough to have three separate game drives arranged for us: one starting at 6am, another during the afternoon at 4pm and a night drive at 6pm.

Our transport was a large but surprisingly comfortable jeep driven by Dunay and accompanied by our spotter, Kruger (yes, he really was called Kruger!) who sat right in the front of the vehicle searching for game.

On all three drives we were lucky enough to encounter different animals; an elephant drinking from a waterhole right in front of us during the morning, lions quietly dozing beneath a tree at twilight and a leopard in the woods at night.

However, one of the highlights was surely when we spotted some rhino. ‘Would you like to approach on foot?’ our safari guide asked casually. A rhino? On foot? Absolutely! In order not to startle the young male, we made our way out of the jeep and through the bush very slowly and quietly.

after

call neil on: 01752 205696 or 07813 214007 neil.thurston@ovenrescue.co.uk www.ovenrescue.co.uk/plymouth

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the plymouth magazine

By Travel Expert Anthony Goord

With his experience, Dunay may have been aware that the rhino was unlikely to charge, but it didn’t stop our hearts from pounding especially when our horned friend turned and spotted us!

On safari with our experienced guide Kruger

These beautiful endangered beasts are a joy to observe in their natural habitat and we didn’t

south africa more than lived up to expectations imagine for one moment that we would have the opportunity to see one so closely.

In Kruger, the other most memorable moment for me, surprisingly, didn’t involve any animals at all. As our night drive drew to a close, Dunay stopped the jeep, turned off all the lights and pointed up at the stars with the aid of his laser pen.

This was a truly amazing experience, even for those without a keen interest in astronomy.

With no artificial light to interfere with the clarity, Dunay was able to clearly identify star formations, planets and the Milky Way. His knowledge of our solar system

made this a truly fascinating end to what had already been an amazing safari experience.

One of the most magical places to stay anywhere in the world has to be the Kingston tree house at Lion Sands, where we stopped for a glass of champagne at sunset.

Reached by a wooden walkway lit with twinkling gaslights, the spacious tree house is about five minutes’ drive from the main lodge. Anyone staying here gets dropped

• continued on next page

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43

so many lasting memories from the trip to south africa

travel matters

• continued from previous page off by a ranger with a luxury hamper of food and drink for the evening, oh, and an emergency call button for those who can get frightened in the dark!

A trip on the Table Top Mountain cable car was one of the highlights of the trip to South Africa

It’s a no WiFi zone and your experience here will make you feel completely at one with the blissful tranquility of the African bushland with only noises from the animals to break the peace.

Our next stop was Cape Point, a section of the Table Mountain National Park and the most south-westerly tip of Africa.

With its four-poster bed and open walls, it’s a nighttime experience like no other.

From Kruger, our group moved to Cape Town where The Bay Hotel was to be our base for two nights. Opposite a stunning beach, this is a comfortable, relaxed place to stay with a holiday feel. From here, we managed to pack in a whirlwind sightseeing trip of the city and its surrounding areas.

We did, of course, enjoy the wonder of Cape Town’s most famous excursion and take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, which was voted one of the world’ s new seven wonders of nature as recently as last year.

At the top, the landscape slightly resembles the Yorkshire Moors, with wild, cold windy weather and pathways – so make sure you wrap up warm! However, this similarity ends when you look down to enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the sweeping city beneath, which are truly spectacular.

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The drive is jaw-dropping. For anyone who has been to California and driven up Highway 1 to Big Sur, think of this on a greater scale - cliff-top views, crystal clear ocean and golden beaches.

We obviously couldn’t resist a Kodak moment next to the sign saying: ‘Cape of Good Hope, the most South-Western Point on the African Continent’ partly because remarkably, despite a combined 220 years of service in the travel industry, not a single travel agent on this educational trip had visited this amazing place before.

If travelling here, lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant is a must as the food and the view is simply awesome. The menu is also surprisingly good value for such a notable tourist attraction.

For the first time ever, I sampled ostrich meat in the form of an ostrich burger.

Delicious it was too and I challenge all you carnivores out there to come to South Africa and resist tasting ostrich at some stage of your journey.

Later that same day whilst dining at The Taj Hotel in Cape Town, I experienced ostrich for the second time only this time in the form of ‘ostrich neck’ as a main course. I had never heard of such a dish before let alone tasted it. On reflection, I suppose it was a little bit like the Greek dish Kleftiko although the ostrich meat has a much stronger flavour. If presented with the choice, would I eat it again? I think the answer would be a resounding no.

On our final day of the trip we were taken to The Stellenbosch, an important wine region only an hour’s drive from Cape Town. We were treated to a ‘wine and chocolate’ tasting session, again, a first time experience for me and one that certainly tests the taste buds. With a A ‘Kodak moment’ at the Cape of Good local red wine, we were given Hope a ‘dark malted cherry plum’ piece of chocolate. With the dry white wine it was a ‘white cardamom and passion fruit’ and with the local sparkling white, a ‘white peppered plum,’ all locally produced.

I’m sure that this sounds like sacrilege to some wine connoisseurs but a ‘wine and chocolate evening’ might be a great theme for one of your dinner parties!

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the plymouth magazine

Although our stay in South Africa was short, it was enough to leave us all wanting more. Along with New York and San Francisco, Cape Town is right up there now as one of my favourite world cities. I hadn’t anticipated the views of the spectacular Table Mountain, which literally dominates the entire area.

So, to summarise – two rhino, six elephants, one leopard, six lions, eight hippos, a couple of cheeky baboons and hundreds of ostrich and deer were among the highlights of the amazing trip to South Africa.

There was certainly enough wildlife, scenery, shopping, wine tasting and shellcollecting on the beach to convince me that I’ll be back!

Happy Christmas and a travelling New Year!

Peter Goord Travel Tel 01752 364186 www.petergoordtravel.co.uk

the plymouth magazine

45

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plymouth magazine the

festive invitation Artmill Gallery is an innovative art gallery in Hyde Park.

Hosting a stable of local and international painters, potters, sculptors and jewellers, the gallery is always fresh and alive. Artmill has strong links with the region’s art faculties and is in a great position to be at the forefront of developments within the art scene. They also like to promote all that is good and local.

The gallery has a warm and friendly atmosphere and is full of little nooks and crannies. A few stairs lead you down to a back room displaying a host of unique pieces.

It overlooks ‘the Sculpture Courtyard’ which is a special feature of the gallery. This small intimate courtyard creates a perfect atmosphere to sit and engage with pieces from some of the south west’s leading sculptors. It also provides a very attractive backdrop while you view items in the lower room.

The Framing Centre has over two decades of experience framing everything from treasures to fine art. The team at Artmill are proud of their in-house bespoke conservation and restoration framing service. The techniques employed ensure the best possible environment for storing and displaying your chosen pieces.

I enjoyed talking to Isabell Peirson who has run Artmill at Hyde Park for eight years.

This local Plymouth lady was born down by the Tamar in St Budeaux and told me that her parents met in Plymouth after the war. Isabell was schooled in Plymouth and realised, at a young age that she had a passion for art and especially photography.

She attended Plymouth Art College during the 60s, doing a diploma in graphics and photography.

She then went to work for Tom Holland, an established Plymouth photographer who specialised in commercial and portrait work.

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the plymouth magazine

James Edgar in the Framing Centre

Isabell told me: “I got married in 1967 and went to live in a village in Somerset. I worked for a photographer in Taunton where I ran the

Isabell Peirson of Artmill Gallery

Christmas Specials

from artmill gallery studio and was taught about retouching negatives. “I then spent nine years living in Northampton bringing up my family. I was able to run a little antique business, which was housed alongside my cottage.

“I came back to Plymouth in 1982 and bought a franchise in Old Town Street, called Fast Frame. I love the art scene in Plymouth. It truly is thriving and with our beautiful new theatre now launched, there really is a great regeneration going on.”

Isabell and her team welcome you to this year’s Christmas Show which is running now, right the way through to the end of January.

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One of the special features of the show is the work of Vincent Wilson, who is celebrating his 80th birthday this December. ] An impressive body of work by painter Katrina Solano is exhibited alongside exciting new work by artist Adela Powell.

Speaking of her inspiration Adela says, ‘The shoreline has always been a source of delight, wonder and meditation to me, so it naturally follows that this would be celebrated in my artistic practice. Clay is my preferred medium and my new work continues, I hope, to evoke the feeling of the maritime edge.’ by

Kerry Cole

There are first time showings from textile artist Beryl Coles along with work by Helen Billinghurst and Natalie Jayne Outhwaite, both of whom have had the joy of being Artist in Residence at High Cross House, Dartington. Also with new pieces at the exhibition are Rita Smith, Michael Hill and Connor McIntyre.

Isabell and the team at Artmill Gallery look forward to seeing you and hope you will find this year’s show a particularly exciting one.

The opening hours at the Artmill Gallery are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.

Artmill Gallery & The Framing Centre 83 Hyde Park Road Plymouth 01752 255020 www.artmillgalleries.co.uk

Kerry Cole is author of an arts style book called The Purple Veil. For more information visit www.thepurpleveil.com

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47

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another busy ahead for the cornwall With the Duke of Cornwall Hotel’s 150th anniversary year coming to an end, owners Walter Combstock and Jon Morcom are already making plans for 2014.

• Circulation 40,000 homes plus 5,000 tourism and leisure outlets • From £3.70* per 1,000 homes reached

It has been an especially busy year for everyone at the city’s iconic Victorian hotel with a number of fund-raising events in aid of three local charities - Friends and Families of Special Children, Jeremiah’s Journey and St Luke’s Hospice.

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Jon Morcom said: “We have all enjoyed arranging such a variety of events and have welcomed literally hundreds of friends old and new into the hotel.”

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Walter Combstock added: “It has been especially pleasing to discover just how much the people of Plymouth and beyond value the history and tradition of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel.”

The success of the themed anniversary events was such that Jon and Walter and their team are planning a programme of regular activities in 2014.

Jon said: “The ‘Tea at the Top’ experience - with guests enjoying afternoon tea in our distinctive tower - was so popular that we will be running it again between May and September next year.

“The tribute band ‘Not the Beatles’ who performed at the hotel in October will also be back next year and we hope to arrange events with other tribute bands.”

One of the events in 2013 was a special talk organised by the Devon and Cornwall Polar Society, honouring the fact that the famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton stayed at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel in 1914 before departing on the Endurance for the famous polar exploration.

The Shackleton 100 Centenary Celebration will be held at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel in August 2014 with a two-day event including a celebratory dinner, lectures, music, films, displays and plays and a re-enactment of the departure of the Endurance with a tall ship from Millbay Dock and the unveiling of a plaque to mark the occasion.

The Shackleton Celebration will take place on August 7 and 8 and the Hon Alexandra Shackleton, granddaughter of Sir Ernest, will be guest of honour at the black tie dinner on Thursday August 7.

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Meanwhile the finishing touches are being made to a special 150th anniversary brochure which will be published early in the New Year, again with proceeds going to charity.

The anniversary publication will contain photographs and images recording the remarkable history of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel with commentary by leading local historian Chris Robinson.

While the anniversary celebrations have dominated the hotel’s public-facing activities in 2013, behind the scenes it has been business as usual with the continued investment in the upgrading of the hotel’s 72 rooms and the refurbishment of the hotel’s Whiteford Room.

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the plymouth magazine

The newly-refurnished Whiteford Room at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel

year duke of hotel team

plymouth matters

It has been completely refurbished to create a top quality boardroom for meetings of up to 12 people. State of the art interactive flat screen TV and whiteboard have been installed to provide the ideal setting to top level meetings.

“The Whiteford Room is now available on a day-to-day basis for a whole range of meetings and can be booked by local companies and organisations at extremely short notice if necessary,” said Jon Morcom.

In his role as chair of Conference Plymouth Jon said that 2014 would see a number of conferences and conventions being held in the city, which will benefit the local economy.

One of these is the Nursing in Practice exhibition and seminar at Plymouth Pavilions in March which is expected to attract around 600 delegates.

Before then, the international Christian media organisation God TV will be consecrating its new Revival Prayer Centre at the former Millennium building in Union Street.

The event at the end of January is expected to attract several hundred supporters of God TV from all over the world.

Jon said: “God TV have already set up an online reservation service for people coming to the event and it will be a big boost for Plymouth’s leisure and hospitality sector at a time of the year which is traditionally quiet in the industry.”

For more information about events at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel visit www.thedukeofcornwall.co.uk Tel 01752 275850.

Jon Morcom and Walter Combstock, owners of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, pictured last year having been made Fellows of the Institute of Hospitality

the plymouth magazine

49

festive fairies at hyde park clinic this christmas At Hyde Park Clinic you will find an aesthetics beauty clinic full of real women leading real lives, trying to juggle it all and embracing the beauty of aesthetics.

With the busy Christmas Season almost upon us, I like most other women have the mammoth task of preparing for the day, whilst maintaining the facade of a graceful domestic goddess.

Every household has i-pads, i-phones and i-pods but where, oh where, is the ‘i’ time for us mere mortals at this insane time of year?

How many of us would like Flora Fauna and Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty to wave their magic wands in our directions right now?

At Hyde Park Clinic we like to think that we can wave a bit of festive magic for the stressed Mrs Christmas’s out there, without excluding the Mr Christmas!

In this article I have chosen to highlight just two treatments from the myriad that we offer that can be easily fitted into the busy schedule of a woman navigating, career, children, chores, the gym and for a man negotiating his world of ....well who knows what his world negotiates?

The wrinkle free forehead is readily achievable in time for your Christmas Feast and though a bead or two of perspiration may cross your weary brow a stressed frown certainly wont!

The well known term for this wrinkle diminishing treatment is Botox, which can lift your spirits as well as your frown lines.

Administered by the clinic’s GP Dr Graham Johnson or our nurse practitioner

Wendy BeresfordWard this is an ‘on the go’ treatment. There is no downtime to speak of and results are evident within a few days.

by Carolyne Merren of Hyde Park Clinic

As always call us and come in for a free consultation to see if this treatment is for you, relax in our friendly environment join us for a cuppa and have that piece of ‘i’ time.

We are also delighted to offer the eight point face lift showcased by Dr Mauricio de Maio from Brazil this year.

Wendy, director and nurse practitioner at the clinic, was one of the 100 people personally invited to his masterclass.

The eight point lift is a new technique using derma fillers. I cannot speak more highly of this treatment, as ever tried and tested is the way for testimonials to be talked about!

Yet again, praise be to the fairies this treatment has little downtime too so it can be done before Christmas to give the hostess the confidence of looking her very best for the endless round of festive hospitality to come.

However, don’t just book in, Wendy would love to meet and consult with you, no two

SIGN YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS IN 2014 WITH PLYMOUTH DEAF ASSOCIATION One of the city’s oldest societies, Plymouth Deaf Association can trace its roots back to 1897. It is now marking a new chapter in its history, having recently been appointed a teaching and examination centre for British Sign Language courses. It will be the only organisation in Plymouth to offer both Level 1 and 2 courses - and hold them within the heart of the Deaf Community.

People learn sign language for many reasons.

For those with a Deaf friend or relative, it can open up a valuable way of interacting. For others, acquiring a specialist skill like this can lead to career opportunities. Learning any new language can be daunting at first, but with good tuition, effective course materials and plenty of practice in and outside of the classroom, it is entirely achievable.

BSL is a ‘visual-gestural’ language, where expressions, gestures and body movements all carry meaning. It has its own grammar and principles that differ from the structure of everyday English. Consequently, those wishing to master it benefit greatly from professional instruction.

The BSL qualifications run by Plymouth Deaf Association will provide a high level of support.

Courses will be run by the Blake Lodge Centre, so named after the stunning Blake Lodge premises in Mannamead that is home to the Plymouth Deaf Association. The Level 1 qualification will allow learners to communicate with Deaf people in BSL on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language. Level 2 progresses to enable learners to have more open-ended exchanges, developing

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their ability to communicate about a range of real life and routine experiences.

The Level 1 course starts on 14th January and runs for 22 weeks. It will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 9pm. The qualification is accredited by Signature and the fee of £350 is inclusive of all exams, registration and tuition. There are still places and should there be a high level of applicants, additional classes may be added.

Course tutor, Alison Kevern, has been teaching Levels 1 and 2 for many years and her students have an extremely high pass rate. BSL is Alison’s first language, which ensures her students experience BSL in its most natural, fluent form. She already runs a Level 2 class at the Blake Lodge Centre for a small group of students that joined when their previous teaching facility closed.

Andy Atkinson, Trustee at Plymouth Deaf Association commented: “Our mission is to promote the welfare of Deaf and hearing impaired people

living in Plymouth. As part of that, embracing and encouraging the use of BSL is crucial. For the first time in our history, we have become a registered teaching and examination centre – and we are delighted to be able to introduce BSL to new learners and welcome new faces to Blake Lodge.”

Aside from this new service provided by Plymouth Deaf Association, Blake Lodge offers a vast amount more; organising life-enhancing activities for members and their families. There is a licenced bar, open on Wednesday and Saturday evenings; an OAP group meeting on Wednesday afternoons; and a Deaf Church Service on the 3rd Sunday of the month.

In addition, it also provides services such as technology tuition. Texting has been a tremendous benefit as has the evolution of phones and tablets – Skype and FaceTime services mean Deaf people can have virtual face-to-face conversation with friends and other BSL users. It is through fundraising efforts and donations that this tuition and ongoing support for the local Deaf Community is made possible.

For more information on the BSL courses or the Plymouth Deaf Association in general, please contact 07922 40822 / 07771 514313. Visit the website at www.blakelodge.co.uk Blake Lodge is located on Seymour Road, Mannamead, Plymouth, PL3 5AS.

Plymouth Deaf Association is a registered charity number 204626.

beauty matters

Carolyne Merren of Hyde Park Clinic

faces are the same, and you will benefit greatly from her wisdom, skill and expertise in this area.

Men, women, relatives, friends, partners of the person who makes your Christmas special, give them a little ‘i’ time for Christmas, book them in with our friendly team of real therapists: we have a host of treatments and procedures that can be carried out, and vouchers when you’re not quite sure what would be best.

There is a detailed description of these on our website www.hydeparkclinic.co.uk to suit all needs, wants and pockets.

Sleeping Beauty had Flora, Fauna and Merryweather to wave their magic wands for her let the lovely ladies at Hyde Park Clinic wave theirs for you this Christmas!

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New Coffee Shop now open.

Christmas lunches available

Fort Austin Avenue, Crownhill, Plymouth PL6 5NU www.plymouthgardencentre.co.uk Telephone: 01752 771820 the plymouth magazine

51

we’re all looking forward to a Christmas seems to have come around so quickly this year, probably because we have had so much going on with the new coffee shop extension, time just seemed to fly by! Or perhaps it’s because I am getting older!

by Fiona Newton and Derek Anderson

of Plymouth Garden Centre

Generally it has not been a bad year for gardening with some good weather: May, June, July and August were definitely better this year! It’s always a time to reflect and think about next year before the main rush of trees starts!

Talking of trees, you will find me and the staff buried in needles over the next few weeks and if anyone wants to know what the weather will be doing I guarantee rain it always rains when the trees arrive!

We will have the usual Norway Spruce and Needlefast Trees – Nordman and Fraser all coming from Scotland, Dartmoor , Taunton and new for this year we are using a supplier from the Midlands. So wrap up, put your gloves on, grab an umbrella and I hope to see you in the yard and help you find the perfect tree.

Here are Derek’s Tips for December December in the garden needn’t be all empty soil and bare lifeless twigs, there are a whole host of colourful evergreen shrubs that will inject a bit of life into beds, borders and pots in the depth of winter.

A shrub that has intense colourful foliage with an elegant form is Coprosma. It is a beautiful and classy plant that is suitable to use in pots and well as a splash of colour in borders. There are several varieties available with different coloured leaves, so there is one to suit every style.

The best colour varieties are the cocktail collection, Pina Colada has distinctive glossy leaves that are slightly crinkled with a distinct yellow-gold colour with deep red-orange edges and with enhanced orange to red coloration in the cooler weather of winter.

Midnight Martini has a deep purple-brown glossy leaf that is tinged with flecks of

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plymouth magazine the

The new coffee shop extension is now complete at the Plymouth Garden Centre

green and orange. The purple colouration intensifies in winter. Lemon and Lime is probably the most subdued of the coprosmas, with glossy lime coloured leaves that is heavily splashed with streaks of yellow, the leaves also take on orange-red tips in winter.

Finally Tequila Sunrise is probably the most colourful of the Coprosmas. This plant features a vibrant variety of foliage colours ranging from lime green to yellow during spring to sunset orange which deepens to volcanic burgundy during winter.

Coprosmas are great plants to use in coastal areas, as the thick, glossy leaves are extremely tolerant of salt laden winds.

They like an area in full sun with a free draining soil to perform at their best.

They can also be slightly Tequila Sunrise Coprosma tender as they are hardy down to -5C, so any lower than that and they will need to be protected. Coprosmas will grow to a height of approximately 1.5m (5 feet) with a spread of 1m (3ft 3ins).

To brighten up a difficult shady area, try Fatsia Japonica Spider’s Web. It is a new variety with large, leathery, deeply lobed, hand shaped leaves. with a distinctive white variegation than can be speckled or with blotches which are dotted around the leaf margins or through to the centre of the leaf, creating the illusion of a spider’s web.

It produces clusters of white flowers in late autumn/winter, followed by black berries, that are great for the birds.

It is an extremely low maintenance shrubs and highly tolerant of dry shade once it is established. It is a highly architectural plant that looks great in large pots on its own, or as part of a Fatsia Japonica Spider’s Web

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busy christmas mixed border or woodland garden. It will grow to a height and spread of 2.5m (10 feet), but is slow growing and can easily be kept trimmed to size. Plant in a moist, fertile soil for best results.

Lophomyrtus Magic Dragon is an attractive compact evergreen shrub, with small colourful foliage. The small oval leaves have a variegation of burgundy, cream and pink, so they offer a good contrast to shrubs with green or golden foliage. It likes an open sunny position with free draining soil. It does well in a large pot surrounded by white or pink cyclamen or is equally good in sheltered shrub or mixed border. As the plant matures it produces small white flowers with a delicate scent appear from early summer. It grows to a height and spread of 1.2m (4 feet).

There is a low maintenance shrub that improves with beauty throughout the winter as it gets colder. The colours on Leucothoe intensifies as the temperature drops, enhancing the copper colour of its evergreen foliage in to a bright crimson. It keeps this colour over the winter into the spring when it brightens with the new red shoots that last through the summer.

Leucothoe Royal Ruby is an excellent variety, which can be used very well to suppress weeds.

It can produce small white flowers in late spring similar to that of Pieris. They are very easy to grow, and will grow in most conditions from full sun to heavy shade and free drained Leucothoe Royal Ruby to moist soil, but not waterlogged. It can grow to a height and spread of 1.2m (4 feet).

If you would like to try something a bit more unusual, we have a great selection of miniature citrus trees that produce edible fruit. These will need protection when the temperature drops below 5C. A cool conservatory, porch, greenhouse or window sill is the perfect spot for them when it is cold, but as soon as the temperature starts to rise again they can be placed back outside in a warm, sunny position.

Everyone in the Plymouth Garden Centre team would like to wish all the readers and our customers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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An unusual variety is Leucothoe Curly Red, curled lime green foliage turning bright red in winter. It grows a little shorter to 1m (3 feet 3ins) in height and spread. A new variety is Leucothoe Little Flames, this is a dwarf variety growing to only 45cm (18ins) in height and 30cm (12ins) in spread. It has small upright leaves that turn red in winter, but new foliage in spring and summer is orange, giving the appearance of flames.

To brighten up a sunny spot, try Choisya Aztec Gold. It is a new variety of Mexican Orange Blossom. The foliage is golden yellow in spring, maturing to lime green in winter. It produces white flowers in spring, early summer, and occasionally in autumn, that are almond scented, attracting bees. It is beautiful if planted with other darker coloured foliage plants or with plants with contrasting blues and purple flowers. It likes well drained soil in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for a pot or garden. Choisya Aztec Gold grows to a height and spread of 1.2m (4 feet).

For a great Christmas gift, we have a full range of outdoor planted pots ready to go in a range of styles in festive colours. If you would like something a bit special or more personalised, then we are happy to plant up a pot that you can select from one of our collections with plants that you can hand pick from. We also have a great range of miniature Bay and Olive trees, that look lovely when planted in a nice pot by the front door. These are fully hardy and will look great all year round.

Plenty of gift ideas for Christmas at the garden centre

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 the plymouth magazine

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