English Riviera Magazine December 2017 Online

Walks • Local Food • Heritage • Nature • People • Events • Arts

EnglishRiviera

magazine

December/January 2017/18

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO TOWN!

ENJOY! Festive Food & Drink

nks y's Agatha Christie Li Ba e Th es at br le Ce Movie Premiere

Celebrate the Season

100 Fun Festivities

English Riviera Magazine for Residents by Residents DELIVERED FREE TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT THE BAY

T H E G RO S V E N O R H OT E L Th e H e a r t o f t h e E n g l i s h R i v i e r a

John Burton-Race at the Grosvenor The Grosvenor Hotel is home to one of the finest restaurants in Torquay, offering a culinary feast of fresh, local produce that few can rival.

John Burton-Race at the Grosvenor is known for elegant, classical dining and boasts 2 AA rosettes for its distinctive style and creative menus.

Located in the heart of the English Riviera, the Grosvenor is perfectly situated to explore Torquay’s beautiful coastline, stunning beaches and local attractions. Our on-site leisure facilities include heated indoor and outdoor pool, sauna and hot tub for those wishing to unwind.

To book a table call 0800 689 5409 The Grosvenor Hotel | Belgrave Road | Torquay | TQ2 5HG

www.grosvenorhoteltorquay.co.uk

To r q u a y ’ s H i s t o r i c J e w e l

Mark Brankin at Restaurant 1881

For old world grandeur and traditional British charm, the Grand has been Torquay’s landmark hotel for over 130 years. Overlooking one of the finest bays, this elegant Victorian hotel offers 132 individually styled bedrooms, The Grand Spa, AA rosette Restaurant 1881 and is surrounded by 22 miles of spectacular Devon coastline.

The Grand has a unique association with the much-loved author, Agatha Christie as the place where she spent her honeymoon in 1914. In recognition of that, The Grand Hotel has a bedroom suite named after her. The Agatha Christie suite.

To book a table call 0800 005 3905 The Grand Hotel | Seafront | Torquay | TQ2 6NT

www.grandtorquay.co.uk

About us...

Created and Published By Devon Magazine Company Limited Anita Newcombe anita@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01803 850886 Julian Rees julian@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone 01803 842893 Mobile: 07455 206470 Advertising sales sales@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Advertising Copy copy@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Editorial editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Website englishrivieramagazine.co.uk facebook.com/englishrivieramagazine twitter.com/EngRivieraMag ISSN (Print) 2052-8515 ISSN (Online) 2052-8523

Next issue 26 January Write to us at:

ENGLISH RIVIERA MAGAZINE 69 DAVIES AVENUE PAIGNTON DEVON TQ4 7AW © All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form without prior permission of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, Devon Magazine Company Ltd will not accept liability for loss or damage. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of our content but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any omissions, errors or alterations or for the consequences of any reliance on these details; neither can they vouch for the accuracy of claims made by any advertiser. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Welcome

..to our December-January issue!

Preparations for Christmas are now in full swing as the first frosts start to bite. Festive lights brighten the darker evenings and we can enjoy the warm scent of mulled wine and mince pies.

We’ve got every possible type of festive event for you in this issue plus some yummy recipes to try as we get together with family and friends. It’s not all about Christmas though. We meet local farmer Justin Cox and artist Deborah Treliving; we give snowboarding and windfoiling a go and take a look at winter gardens and caring for bees. Like to get away from it all? Read about the exploits of world-class adventurer and conservationist Duncan Murrell who’s giving an inspirational talk at Torquay Museum in January.

The launch of the new Twentieth Century Fox movie, Murder on the Orient Express with its all-star line up has caused a bit of a stir here in the birthplace of Agatha Christie. We bring you society photos from both the local and the London premieres where local people celebrated along with Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie’s grandson. You may also enjoy reading our theatre and arts roundup – this is a great time of year to see a show, panto or exhibition.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue and if you respond to any of our local advertisers do give us a mention – it helps us to bring your English Riviera magazine to you!

t @EngRivieraMag f englishriveramag O englishriveramagazine

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk If you would like to ADVERTISE your business in English Riviera Magazine Call 01803 850886 or email sales@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

3

THE COMPLETE SERVICE FOR YOUR

WOOD FLOORS

Virtually Dust Free Floor Sanding & Sealing Colouring and Staining • Domestic and Commercial

Hardwood Flooring Installation - Supply & Fit Service

Parquet

Engineered

Solid

Call today for a FREE, no obligation quote

01803 856666

www.woodfloorsolutions.com FOR ALL YOUR WOOD FLOOR SOLUTIONS

Sandalwood

In this issue

December 2017/January 2018 6 Openers

Local news snippets

12 Justin Cox

12 Meet Justin Cox

Local Farmer - Occombe Farm

16 Christmas at Cockington Court A delightful shopping Experience

22 Christmas at the National Trust A special time to visit

26 Heritage - Kenneth Wolstenholme They think it’s all over…it is now!

28 Adventurer - Duncan Murrell Kayaking Around New Caledonia

34 Festive Food and Drink

22 Coleton Fishacre

Recipes from some of the Bay’s best chefs

43 Food and Drink News News morsels for foodies

44 Give it a go - Windfoiling

Rod Boswijk sails above the water

46 Give it a go - Snowboarding

Anita tries Ollies, Nollies and Falling Leaves

48 What’s On

Our selection of seasonal events

60 Arts Roundup

28 Duncan Murrell

Creative Events around the Bay

64 Artist - Deborah Treliving The Artist Gardener

66 Theatre

Who’s treading the boards?

69 Gardening

With Lis Wallace

72 Wildlife Loving our Bees 74 Social Diary

Local people at local events

80 Business Breaks

Local business news in brief

82 The Briefing

Legal topics from Wollen Michelmore

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Kenneth Branagh in Murder on the Orient Express © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp.

December/January 2017/18

5

First Ever Ticket!

Babbacombe Cliff Railway has received a wonderful piece of memorabilia - the first ever ticket issued on the railway, back on opening day on 1 April 1926. It was presented by descendents of Mrs John Taylor, Lady Mayoress, who officially opened the railway that day.

Brothers David and Mark Taylor, great-grandsons of Mrs Taylor, gifted the ticket still in its silver frame, as presented to their great-grandmother all those years ago.

David first remembers the ticket, sitting in its frame on a coffee table at his grandfather’s home in Seaway Lane, Torquay, back in the 1950s. After his grandfather’s death, the ticket was left to David and Mark’s father and was in the family home in Oxfordshire for many years. Six years ago, their father passed away and David took charge of the ticket. David said, “We are delighted to present the ticket to the team at Babbacombe Cliff Railway. That ticket has been in our family for many years and, while there is an element of sadness that it will no longer be

with us, I feel that it is in its rightful place.” The ticket will be on display soon in a special cabinet so anyone having a browse around the Visitor Centre down on Oddicombe Beach will be able to view it. o

Bird’s Eye View at Living Coasts

Qualified rope access technicians were getting a view normally reserved for the birds when they carried out work on the vast aviary net at Living Coasts. The canopy is held aloft on 35 masts ranging in height from 2 to 22 metres. The surface area of the net is 5,500 square metres, which is 59,000 square feet or nearly 1.4 acres. The net creates a volume of 50,000m3 or 1.8 million cubic feet of free flight. The technicians climb the masts to de-tension and disconnect the top cleats. The new net panels are then hauled up on a pulley system and laid out across the 6

December/January 2017/18

existing net. They are attached to new steel cables for a rough fit and then secured with double stitching every 150mm. Once the new net has been fully stitched, the technicians climb along the cables to cut out the old net.

Clare Rugg, Living Coasts’ Operations Manager said, “Living Coasts is in a great spot right beside the sea, but it does mean we have to face storms head on! The net has stood up well to the elements - not just the rain, wind and cold but also the unseen threat of ultra violet rays from the sun which can weaken the netting fibres.” o englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Big Beverley Cake-Off

The Beverley Holidays Team took part in a charity cakeoff, which raised £378.60 for Macmillan Cancer Support as part of the charity’s annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Receptionists, entertainers and other members of the holiday park’s charitable team swapped their uniforms for aprons as they battled it out in the kitchen for the coveted title of Beverley’s Star Baker. Their delicious cakeoff creations were served up to a judging panel consisting of local Macmillan volunteer Fay Timblin, Simon Waugh from White Rock Festival of Learning and Beverley Entertainer Aaron Garner. The scrumptious spread of home-made cakes were quickly devoured by hungry coffee morning attendees who dug deep in their pockets to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event also saw students from White Rock Primary School take part in a cupcake decorating session in the company of Beverley Holidays’ very own mascot Beverley Bear. o beverley-holidays.co.uk

Do the Hand Jive!

A gorilla at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon has been spotted doing a complicated 1950s dance.

The 14-year-old male Western lowland gorilla named N’Dowe (pronounced Endovay) appears to be doing the hand-jive in these photos, taken by Zoo regular and keen photographer Miriam Haas. A gorilla hand is like a human hand, with four fingers and an opposable thumb. Opposable means the thumb can move to touch the other fingers, giving the ability to grasp things. Human thumbs are usually longer than those of other primates, and humans can move their thumbs further across their hand than any other primate. But the gorillas win, as they have opposable thumbs as well as opposable toes! Keepers have described N’Dowe as a great thinker and a gentle soul who will pretty much eat anything and everything that he’s given. He shares a complex of dens and a large island with fellow adult males Pertinax, Kiondo and Kivu. o

The Hotel Inspector The Hotel Inspector is back for its fourteenth series and is seeking hotel, guesthouse or B&B owners who’d like to make changes for higher occupancy, better reviews or bigger profits. It’s one of the most popular shows on Channel 5 with previous series attracting over two and a half million viewers. This time, Alex Polizzi is looking for a fresh challenge. Born from a long line of hoteliers and with 20 years experience under her belt. Alex expertly examines staffing, menus, décor and branding - breathing new life into Britain’s hostelries. To apply or for further information please call The Hotel Inspector Team on 020 7438 1802 or email Hotelinspector@twofour.co.uk o englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

7

Call the Midwife… a Toad

A breeding group has been set up at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park as part of Europe-wide efforts to save the Majorcan midwife toad. Its diminutive size, big eyes and shiny golden-green colouring make this toad extremely appealing. And it’s good to see the male pitching in to help care for the family; like all midwife toads, the male carries the eggs as they develop, wrapping the strings of eggs around its legs like pearl necklaces to keep them moist and protect them from predators. The Majorcan midwife toad is found only on the Mediterranean island of Majorca along isolated mountain rivers. Fossil remains were found before living specimens, so you might even say that this is an extinct animal that has returned from the dead.

Four male and six females, all around 10 years old, have arrived from ZSL London Zoo. They have come to Devon so Paignton Zoo can be part of a breeding program in collaboration with ZSL London Zoo and the Majorcan government. o

r ay i e

a

e

a e

months - but the presence of Volunteer Spirit means the Bay’s full search and rescue (SAR) capabilities remain unaffected. As usual, Torbay is also covered by the D Class inshore (inflatable) lifeboat Leslie & Mary Daws, used for close shoreline searches, to assist the all-weather lifeboat and for other work where the Severn Class would find it difficult to manoeuvre. o

Lights, Camera – Tiger!

Experts at Paignton Zoo got more than they bargained for when filming for a major science event - a very close encounter with a 110-kilo tiger. Male Sumatran tiger Fabi was being filmed for a starring role at New Scientist Live taking place at the ExCeL centre in London.

Specialist video and drone company Soundview Media, based in Plymouth, had placed virtual reality cameras at the top of a tall pole to film the charity Zoo’s tigers grabbing some meat. But male tiger Fabi decided to have a closer look at the tech, as these photos taken by Paignton Zoo regular Miriam Haas, show. Soundview camera captured his intense predator stare. Gareth Allen, of Soundview Media, said, “We go all-out to get the very best shots for our clients. But we’ve never had a tiger staring straight into the lens before!” o

Torbay’s all-weather lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes has travelled to the Isle of Wight for a refit. Torbay Coxswain Mark Criddle and volunteer crew Roger Good, Jason Stride, Gary Fletcher and Simon James brought Severn Class relief lifeboat Volunteer Spirit from Poole to Brixham in early October. Torbay’s own powerful Severn Class lifeboat Alec & Christina Dykes then crossed to the Isle of Wight in fine weather crewed

by Second Coxswain Richard Fowler with crewmembers Will Bower, Nigel Crang, Julian Blewitt, James Hoare and Ian Barnaby. Torbay’s lifeboat is now undergoing a complete refit - expected to take around three and a half

Follow us on Instagram! englishrivieramagazine 8

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

s a m t is r h C l a ic g A ma n o t g n i k c o C t a s n i be g

Pirates, Elf magic and Santa activities at Cockington Court!

Every weekend in December there will be pop-up family activities, music and craft workshops to enjoy.

Santa will be joined by Brixham Pirates who will be sharing their treasure with you. There’s also a visit from Buzzlewick’s Elf Emporium, where you can make magic, glittery reindeer food.

Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA Tel: 01803 607230 www.cockingtoncourt.org Cockington Court Craft Centre @CockingtonC

Learn to cook delicious dishes in the beautiful, rural setting of Occombe Farm, Paignton.

We offer lots of seasonal courses using expert local chefs and locally sourced ingredients where possible.

See our website for more information or pop in for a leaflet.

Occombe

www.countryside-trust.org.uk/occombe info@countryside-trust.org.uk 01803 520 022

English Riviera Magazine DEC17_JAN18.indd 1

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

t gif e iqu a!

Un ide 13/11/2017 12:10:09

December/January 2017/18

9

Torquay ÂŁ3,250,000 Freehold Capturing the essence of contemporary seaside living, the property offers a sensational home - a masterpiece of design - of impeccable style with innovative use of space, bespoke features and high technology. With sea and coastal views looking over its infinity pool, the principal accommodation is arranged over 2 floors, with the addition of a guest suite independently accessed and lower floor dedicated to an entertainment zone.

EPC Rating – B

Torquay

£585,000 Freehold The property offers a detached home of Victorian origin, the accommodation principally arranged over 2 floors with basement/ cellar offering additional accommodation or storage. The principal accommodation has open views, 3 reception rooms, kitchen/ breakfast, ground floor bedroom/shower room, utility, boiler room, 6 bedrooms, bathroom, cloakroom, shower room. 2 offices, garage, gardens. EPC Rating – E

Torquay

£450,000 Leasehold With breathtaking views of Tor Bay, Masts sits above the sea front promenade. The apartment is situated at ground floor level with the accommodation offering an open plan living area incorporating the kitchen, a balcony capturing the views, 3 bedrooms, en-suite, bathroom. Secure under cover parking. EPC Rating – E

01803 296500 • mail@johncouch.co.uk 43 Ilsham Road • Wellswood • Torquay • TQ1 2JG

johncouch.co.uk

Farmer Cox and the Big Balancing Act

Justin Cox is a farmer. It’s in his blood – so why does he care so much about local wildlife and people’s enjoyment of the land? Anita Newcombe dropped by to find out.

I’m meeting Justin Cox at Occombe Farm, the hub of Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s farming operations.

It’s a chance to hear about the real farming that is the cornerstone of the trust’s delicately balanced, 3-pronged approach to protecting some of our favourite Bay sites.

Justin explains, “In the past, much of the trust’s farmland across the Bay was let out on short-term tenancies, which meant investment into longer-term things like fertility of the land plus good quality gates, walls and fences was neglected.”

Since the trust took on a 60-year commercial lease from Torbay Council in 1999, taking full responsibility for Occombe and many other important countryside sites, things have improved dramatically. In farming, Justin tells me, “You should live each day as though it’s your last and farm as if it’s forever.”

Occombe Farm is the warm sun at the centre of Justin’s farming orbit but the trust has taken on the

12

December/January 2017/18

tenancies for a number of other smaller farms, linking them together and farming them organically. The farming operation that is based at Occombe now covers 650 acres and includes land at Maidencombe, Cockington, Berry Head and Sharkham. It’s like a galaxy of individual stars (about 12 in all) – each important – each depending on the sun – each giving pleasure to the people.

There are 240 head of cattle with 2 Ruby Red Devon bulls and 2 Aberdeen Angus bulls plus up to 400 sheep (dependent on lambing). The Aberdeen Angus bulls are used for cross breeding the cattle to provide the bigger animals that the supermarkets require. Occombe beef is sold as certified organic produce at Tesco and more recently Marks and Spencer (who gave them a ‘top of the class’ rating for their quality). This is real food, real farming and real farmers – made in Torbay!

The Occombe lands are not intensively farmed

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

although that could be more profitable; this is where the delicate balancing act comes in. Whilst Justin is very serious about good, profitable farming, the trust also takes full responsibility for protecting wildlife on its land and for ensuring well-maintained public access along a huge variety of paths and trails throughout the Bay. Altogether, including the farmed land, the trust looks after 1750 acres of glorious countryside across Torbay and we’ve probably all benefited in some way from the work they do. The Coast Path is legendary in Torbay. Have you enjoyed comfortable access along it?

That work is supported, at least in part, by the successful management of Occombe Farm.

“

This is real food, real farming and real farmers – made in Torbay! ”

It is true that the council provides some financial support to Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust but this has reduced hugely over the last 20 years and their contribution is now a mere 14% of the trust’s total turnover. So the trust is now tantalisingly close to self-sufficiency whilst still providing important leisure provision for everyone who lives in and visits the Bay – an impressive feat in these lean times!

I know that I love walking our family Springer spaniel Max at Berry Head National Nature Reserve; it’s one of the Trust’s most popular sites with huge conservation credentials. In spring and autumn it feels like like a busy ‘arrivals and departures lounge’

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Just in and Mia up on the 200ft cliffs; many species of migratory birds gratefully rest their weary wings here on their way to and from their far-flung breeding sites. It’s a site so protected that evening opening hours at the Guardhouse Café needed an assessment and permission to proceed from Natural England.

Around 50 trust cattle are grazed here for a number of surprising reasons. One is of course that it’s good grazing land, but the dung produced also helps to produce dung beetles, which is vital food for the highly protected colony of greater horseshoe bats.

So the lovely Devon Ruby Reds are doing a great job

December/January 2017/18

13

and let’s face it, they are gorgeous. But Justin explains that we need to do our bit too, across all the Trust sites, and that’s ensuring we keep to signed footpaths and pick up after our dogs. This is not solely to keep the place pleasant for others but also because the bacteria inside the ‘doggy doings’ harms the cattle and makes them infertile. Not only is this sad for the cattle, it also harms the profitability of the farm and that’s where the delicate balancing act of farming, wildlife care and keeping the countryside accessible starts to topple over.

In some places like Maidencombe and Cockington, a few people have ignored the lovely, well signposted paths carefully maintained for them and regularly break through farm gates and fences, to walk their dogs on farmland, causing damage and loss. What a shame for the rest of us this is when the Trust is such a successful and efficient way to manage our favourite local sites at little or no cost to ourselves.

But there’s lots of good news too. The farming operations are profitable and many of the processes used are cost-neutral. For example the trust’s sheep need to be sheared in April or May to keep them cool and bug-free during the summer. This is labourintensive and that costs money – so they’ve struck a deal with neighbouring farmers, the Palks of Blagdon who shear the sheep along with their own and keep the fleeces in payment.

The farming operation also includes 100 acres of organic arable land, mainly growing spring cereals (barley or oats) plus rye grass and clover. This means there is less need to buy expensive organic feed to cover the animals for the winter. The weedy winter stubble left after the harvest also provides a food source for the charismatic and very rare cirl buntings (known as hedgerow highwaymen due to their distinctive masklike markings). Restricting cutting back of hedgerows to minimum frequency also helps our local wildlife enormously, providing shelter plus berries to eat in autumn (even if some folk complain they look a bit unkempt). There is a good reason – think of all the happy birds and small furry mammals.

The harvest starts from early mid-summer onwards.

First there’s the grass harvest, which produces around 800 round bales. Later the cereal is harvested; machines cut the corn and about 120 tonnes of cereal are brought in. The whole harvest is used for organic winter fodder and bedding for the trust’s animals.

Although the fragmented nature of Occombe Farm and the fact that it’s all located close within a major urban area means that it is more expensive to move animals 14

December/January 2017/18

“ It gives me such a kick to run the farm in the right way, produce good quality food and, at the same time, know that our local countryside is protected and accessible for everyone’s enjoyment. ”

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Riviera People and equipment around, there are economies of scale too.

Justin assures me that it’s almost as quick to check on 100 sheep than 20 sheep and they do routine jobs like foot-trimming a few at a time, popping some purple spray on the heads of those that have been ‘done’. So now we know why they have purple blobs on their heads!

The farm has three rams, which are put with the ewes in the autumn and the lambing takes place in the spring.

The lambs are sold live at Exeter Livestock Market when they are 6-12 months old, although the best quality female lambs are retained to replenish the flock.

The sheep are out all year but the cattle come inside during the winter after a summer out grazing and most calve in the spring. Not only is the calving easier indoors but it also allows the grass to regrow for the next grazing season. There’s more work for Justin’s team in the winter as the cows need food, water and fresh bedding. The Ruby Reds’ accommodation has the sleeping quarters at the back and a hard standing and feeding area at the front so their ‘bedrooms’ can be cleaned out easily.

All this adds up to the long hours expected of the farming community; the team can be working till midnight during the harvest. They cover weekends on a rota. But Justin does get some time off to spend with his wife Tania and his two boys Sam and Joe. They love walking with their Springador (Labrador/Springer cross) Mia. They go camping in the summer, surfing at Bantham and North Cornwall and mountain biking at Haldon Forest, Bovey and in Wales.

But the farm is always calling and Justin explains, “We’re all real people with a massive amount of pride in what we do – the farm is here to produce high quality organic Devon produce.”

It really is quite a balancing act – running a profitable farm, protecting wildlife and maintaining safe public access – complex I’m sure but hugely worthwhile. I’m left feeling that Justin and his hard-working team are quite an inspiration.

Justin tells me, “I know I’m doing a good job when I walk out across our land and see well-cared-for, contented livestock, healthy crops, wildlife darting in and out of the hedgerows and families out enjoying the fresh air” If you were inspired by Justin’s story and want to get involved with Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, you can become a member (free parking at Trust sites and other benefits). Or you can volunteer, get a new interest, spend time outdoors and make some wonderful new friends. o englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

15

Christmas at

Cockington Court Cockington Court Craft Centre is a must-visit for a delightful Christmas shopping experience. Here you can browse the arts and crafts, meet the makers and come back loaded with the perfect festive gifts.

V

isiting the 17th century manor house, Cockington Court, you are in the very heart of Torquay, just a mile from the seafront. However with an idyllic, country atmosphere that’s all its own, you could be miles away in some remote part of the countryside. This is conservation at its best, a beautiful estate of 460 acres set in a village that appears unchanged by the mists of time. There are lots of fascinating craft studios here plus a Walled Art Garden, a Tudor rose garden, a contemporary art gallery, excellent tearooms and a popular children’s play area.

In the Sea Change Studios you’ll find Cathy Hilton with her stunningly beautiful hand painted homewares

and Debbie Macpherson at Freeload Accessories with stylish leather bags, purses and jewellery. Pop in to see

16

December/January 2017/18

ceramic artists Hugh Woods and Gail Trezise, Janet Ventre with her wonderful mosaics and Luke Ashby at Tree of Life Jewellery. There’s also Petra Turner, Textile Artist, Justin Roach at Gaff Interiors and Upholstery, Takahashi McGil who makes wooden chopping boards and furniture, Nicola Cox with her children’s clothing and Trish Woods with her contemporary works in pewter.

Tony Fagan and Simon Storey’s Cockington Chocolate Company is simply chocolate heaven. Festive treats include chocolate ski chalets, festive crackers with hand-made chocolates, chocolate baubles and reindeer lollies.

Many items can be personalized to make an extra-special gift.

Over in the Stable Yard Studios you’ll discover OurGlass, the traditional glassblowers. It’s always a big treat to watch things being made in the traditional way. You can watch the makers in action, heating, blowing and moulding the glass into an exciting range of shapes and colours that become stunning works of art. It’s always

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Riviera Christmas

warm here with the furnace roaring away. Here you can choose from stunning vases, fruit bowls and spun glass forms, paperweights and other wonderfully arty glass items in a myriad different shapes, sizes and colours. This year is the 20th anniversary of OurGlass, a 7-day-a-week attraction and a star turn at this fabulous craft centre that has grown into one of the very finest in England.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Also in the Stable Yard is Rex Latham, an awardwinning traditional blacksmith producing handcrafted wrought iron. Some beautifully made items you can

December/January 2017/18

17

Days Out and Home Support Enjoy a weekly, home-from-home, day out with a host carer or get friendly support in your own home, with the same carer visiting every week.

Call us for a friendly chat to find out more.

01803 226766

angie@ageuktorbay.org.uk www.ageuktorbay.org.uk

Helping you be happier at home Registered charity no: 1084684

Looking for a venue with breathtaking views, period charm and a dedicated events team?

The Paignton Club, established in 1885.

It’s perfectly placed to capture panoramic views across the bay and is open six days every week for wining, dining and relaxing.

Available for weddings and private functions.

ThePaigntonClub

www.thepaigntonclub.co.uk

Call 01803 559682 for further information or email paigntonclub@hotmail.com

1 The Esplanade Paignton TQ4 6ED Membership applications are always welcome - see website for details

18

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Riviera Christmas at Driftmoods with a huge collection of designer slate gifts and tableware including slate clocks, picture frames, mirrors and house signs. Page and Eaves have a mother and daughter team creating luxury soap, candles and perfumed wax melts and Sarah Hodge at Tulip Wood makes delightful wooden toys and gifts.

Another delight at Christmas is natural wreaths and festive flower arrangements and Flower La Vita’s studio at Sea Change is an inspiration. Here you can view and order Christmas table centerpieces, pretty table Christmas trees and festive wreaths. They come complete with orange slices, cinnamon and pine cones so they smell wonderful. Or why not attend one of Vita’s Christmas workshops running on selected dates in December? You’ll have lots of fun and come away with a beautiful festive creation.

find here include log carriers, candle holders, dinner gongs, chestnut roasters, boot scrapers, wellie stands, door knockers, proper old fashioned doorbells, bird feeders and baths, flowerpot holders, pokers, fire guards and lots of different hooks and handles.

Also in the Stable Yard Studios you’ll find Craig Daniels

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

19

®

Jewellers 128 UNION STREET TORQUAY TQ2 5QB . TEL: 01803 292950

Riviera Christmas Don’t miss a visit to the studios in Cockington’s traditional cob barn; here you can visit Ipplepen Interiors where Barry Gilbert specializes in restored and upcycled furniture from the 1770s to the 1970s. You can also view the work of expert gilder Phil Joyce using the fascinating techniques that result in a stunning antique finish. cockingtoncourt.org

A Yo Ho Ho! Christmas at Cockington Families will love the pirate-themed Christmas events taking place this year at Cockington. There will be pop-up family activities, a Christmas Pirate Nutcracker Trail, music and craft activities to enjoy during your visit to Cockington’s famous makers. It’ll be Christmas with a difference this year as Brixham Pirates will be joining Santa and sharing their treasure on the first three weekends of December

Festive Cream Teas – Go On and Indulge!

Why not book a very special cream tea in Cockington’s magical Christmas Grotto?

Choose from: Christmas Afternoon Tea at £20 per couple Orange and Cranberry Scones with clotted cream and jam Turkey, Ham and Stuffing Sandwiches (elegant but generous) Home made, Brandy Soaked Christmas Cake Lashings of Tea Add a glass of Prosecco each at £30 per couple Chocolate Christmas Tea at £25 per couple Chocolate Chip Scones Turkey, Ham and Stuffing Sandwiches Home made, Brandy Soaked Christmas Cake Mugs of Hot Chocolate with cream & marshmallows Festive teas must be prebooked - call Cockington Court Tea Rooms on 01803 607951.

Enjoy Christmas rides with Mrs Claus and her elf from K & H Cockington Carriages. Mondays - Saturdays weather permitting. Call 07912 992818 to book. o

The Pirate Santa Grotto and Pirate Nutcracker Trail will be open 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, & 17 December. It’s £2 per child with no bookings required and this includes the Pirate Nutcracker Trail plus chocolate treasure coins from the pirates’ chest. Pop back on 23 December to visit Buzzlewicks Elf Emporium and make magic glittery reindeer food ready for Santa to find at your house when he delivers your gifts on Christmas Eve (£2.50 per child).

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

21

Christmas

at the National Trust

The English Riviera has some very exciting National Trust properties and Christmas is a very special time to visit. We review what’s on in the festive season.

Agatha Christie’s Greenway

Settle in for a 1950s-style Screening This December, a pop-up 1950s Christmas cinema is coming to Greenway, the spectacular holiday home of Agatha Christie. A collection of classic Agatha Christie films will be screened in a cosy 1950s-style marquee in the Walled Garden on December Saturdays and Sundays till Christmas and from 27-31 December.

Step back in time to the glorious 1950s, the heydey of Agatha’s family holidays at Greenway and the golden age of cinema. In the foyer uniformed ushers will be selling popcorn, cold drinks and sweets, as well as souvenir programmes. At the box office you can get your vintage ticket punched and then you’ll be able to settle down in your red velvet cinema seat, or snuggle into a VIP Chesterfield sofa.

Agatha’s grandson, Mathew Prichard, has chosen all the classic Christie films that will be screened at the pop-up cinema. Each film is special to his family in some way.

Witness for the Prosecution Sat 2, Sun 3 and Wed 27 Dec

And Then There Were None Sat 9, Sun 10 and Thu 28 Dec

Endless Night

Sat 16, Sun 17 and Fri 29 Dec

Evil Under The Sun

Sat 23, Sun 24 and Sat 30 Dec

ystery lm

Sun 31 Dec Screenings are at 11am and 2pm. Standard seats: adult £14.50, child (3-15) £9.50, group (10+) £13.50. Premier seats: £19.50, child (3-15) £14.50. Normal admission prices to Greenway apply. Booking essential via website or phone.

22

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Riviera Christmas The vintage vibes continue in Greenway house, where you can step inside a 1950s family Christmas. The house will be filled with vintage decorations, the sound of Christmas songs will drift from the piano, and retro toys will be ready to be wrapped and played with. Father Christmas will be stopping by on his 1950s vintage bus on Saturdays 2, 9 and 16 December, to hear any gift requests and hand out toys from his sack.

Greenway will be open 11am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays in December and daily 27-31 December. Call to book a parking space.

Carols in the Courtyard Greenway, 17 December

Members of local choirs, the Greenway staff and volunteers, and the local community will be gathering in the courtyard to sing carols, followed by mince pies. Children and dogs on leads are welcome. Parking must be booked. Time: 3.30pm. Free event but normal admission charges apply.

nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway 01803 842382

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

23

Christmas Shopping

at Greenway and Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre

Get Into the Christmas Spirit with Coleton Aglow This Christmas you can see Coleton Fishacre in a new light, as the house and garden are lit for an opulent 1920s Christmas party. You can follow the trail of festive illuminations around the garden taking in the house, streams, trees and exotic features. Inside the house, preparations for the Christmas party will be in full swing. You’ll be able to try on your party outfit in the handling room and listen to toe-tapping party music from the Jazz Age.

The National Trust shops at Greenway and Coleton Fishacre have some gorgeous gifts on offer that friends and family might love. In addition to gifts, plants and local produce at both, Greenway has a collection of Agatha Christie books and memorabilia and Coleton Fishacre has a range of Art Deco items that reflect the wonderful character of the house. Combine your shopping with a tour of these stunning properties (admission applies to all visits) plus a light lunch or afternoon tea in their cosy cafes – Christmas shopping should always be fun!

Coleton Aglow time slots: 5-6.30pm or 5.30-7pm Fridays- Sundays from 1 - 17 December Wednesdays - Sundays from 20 - 31 December Normal admission prices apply.

Booking is essential.

Coleton Fishacre will also be open 11am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays in December and daily 27-31 December, for you to explore the house and garden by the light of day. nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre 01803 842382

24

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Did you Know?

• Agatha Christie spent many happy years at Greenway, her beloved holiday home. She and her family would retreat here once her latest book was complete.

• Agatha couldn’t resist buying Greenway, a place she had known about since childhood. In her autobiography she explained, “One day we saw that a house was up for sale that I had known when I was young... So we went over to Greenway, and very beautiful the house and grounds were. A white Georgian house of about 1780 or 90, with woods sweeping down to the Dart below, and a lot of fine shrubs and trees - the ideal house, a dream house.”

Riviera Christmas • Coleton Fishacre was built in 1926 for Rupert and Dorothy D’Oyly Carte, who loved the beautiful valley running down to the sea and decided it was the perfect spot to create an elegant home. From Lady Dorothy’s room enjoy views of the Rill Garden, where the pastel shades of the plants reflect her taste.

From the East Bedroom you can see the hot borders filled with the fiery colours that Rupert loved. o

• At Coleton Fishacre you can travel back in time to the Jazz Age echoing the Gilbert and Sullivan connections of the D’Oyly Cartes. This most evocative of country homes was built in the Arts & Crafts style, and is imbued with Art Deco elegance.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

25

he pitch... t n o e r a e l p o e p Some

over... l l a s ’ t i k n i h t they

! w o n s i it

Kenneth Wols tenholme

These were the legendary words of BBC Sports commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme at the World Cup Final in 1966. Ian Handford of Torbay Civic Society explores his life and links with Torbay.

K

enneth Wolstenholme was born at Worsley Manchester on 17 July 1920 to parents Thomas and Euphemia, who would jointly ensure his lifelong obsession with sport. Thomas took Kenneth to his first football match at Bolton Wanderers’ Burnden Park when aged four and his mother later introduced him to cricket at Old Trafford. Over the years, Kenneth would meet all the greats including Duleepsinghi, Hobbs, Sutcliffe, Verity and Woolley.

Educated at Cromwell Road council school during the deep recession, Kenneth went to Farnworth Grammar before commencing a career in journalism at Manchester News. From here he would undertake a formal course in shorthand at Pitmans College Manchester. By the late 1930s, he was a journalist who like many others, was beginning to appreciate that there was a real possibility of war with Germany. Wanting to fly, he joined the RAF Reservists spending every weekend at Barton Airport Eccles, where he studied the theory, engineering and air navigation of flight before finally learning the art of flying.

His time with the RAF Volunteers paid off; when mobilisation dawned on 1 September 1939, Kenneth became a pilot in the Second World War. He survived no less than 100 missions between 1942 and 1946 as a member of the RAF Pathfinder Force; their missions involved low level flying in daylight hours, as they marked out German targets for the bombers. Both the Pathfinder and Bomber crews had to contend with anti-aircraft fire by night, while also coping with German fighter aircraft.

26

December/January 2017/18

This made missions perilously dangerous. Decorated twice, Kenneth received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and later a bar to the DFC. It had been in 1944 that Kenneth married his childhood sweetheart Joan and they had two daughters. In returning to Manchester after the war, Kenneth resumed working as journalist. Now a second career dawned when he was asked to join BBC Radio as a broadcaster. Two years later, in 1948, he achieved another first when he joined television. This was a medium, which until then, he had never even viewed.

His third career for the BBC would last for twenty-three years as a sports commentator on both radio and television covering every Cup Final and every televised World Cup match. In 1950, BBC broadcaster Peter Dimmock, a horseracing enthusiast became Head of BBC Outside Broadcasting. He now ensured Kenneth worked exclusively for the BBC even though he had no formal contract. By 1964 Kenneth had become the first commentator of TV’s Match of the Day and although Dimmock had recognised the potential of football on TV, he could not have foreseen that its audiences would top ten million.

Although now covering most BBC football events, Kenneth also helped with commentaries at international matches. He was commentating both when the Hungarians thrashed England 6-3 at Wembley and on the return match when England were thrashed 7 - 1 in 1954. Yet in spite of the disappointments as well as huge technical problems, sport was obviously becoming a englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Heritage But Ken was given a Baird Silver Medal for his services permanent feature on television. On 10 September 1955, to television by Mrs James Logie Baird the inventor’s the BBC Sports Special finally went live. widow. Later, in his autobiography, he recalled that of all With no permanent contract, Kenneth always operated his commentaries, it was always the 1966 Football World on a ‘need-to-do’ basis, which caused much bitterness Final that was the most memorable. Geoff Hurst had just over the years. He also worked for the Summerfield scored to put England in the lead as Ken commented, Organisation, which gave him the opportunity to report “Some people are on the pitch… they think it’s all over... the Grand Prix and the 1960 Olympics, the latter shared it is now.” with another star of commentary - Peter West. He even After the BBC debacle, Ken worked with British found time to be Chairman of the Scottish Sunday United Airways and British Caledonian, hosting AngloExpress Sports Panel.

American Sporting Club boxing-dinner evenings. In His ever-expanding workload was of course 1955 he became a member of the Royal Automobile demanding. Having discovered motorsport Ken found Golf and Country Club at Epsom and in 1974 he joined this very different to working with physical sports like its committee. This gave him access to their prestigious football, cricket or boxing, where everything is seen from Pall Mall facility. a central position.

In 1998 he moved to Torbay to be near his youngest However, his Motosport, with speeding cars daughter Lena and soon was writing a regular column in distinctive voice was still heard on often out of sight our local Herald Express BBC Channel and where drivers Four after they might race for 24 employed him to hours (2 drivers comment on Italy’s per car) as at Le First Division Mans was not easy. football matches.

Having never been His eldest a fan of the sport daughter had died Ken saw it as noisy early at age 14 and hard-to-follow. and when living He remarked that in Surrey in 1997 it was, “difficult he lost his wife. In to know who was 1998 he moved in the lead”. He to Torbay to be learned about team near his youngest sport; the ‘loggers’ daughter Lena of incoming cars and soon was saw little of the writing a regular column in our local Herald Express race while the ‘watchers’ saw everything as they recorded from his Galmpton home. By 1999 he had completed his lap numbers and names of drivers. However, as with autobiography 50 Sporting Years and It’s Still Not Over. cricket, Ken was privileged to meet most of stars of that He confirmed, “I was often asked why I had never written era, including Brabham, Hawthorne, Hill, Moss and my autobiography and I always said that I didn’t think Jackie Stewart. enough people would want to read it”.

In 1971, Ken was called to the BBC Television His final appearance on television came during a Centre to be informed by its Directors that his colleague BBC Football special of The Weakest Link and in David Coleman would be the main commentator in remaining a popular resident at Galmpton he even the next Cup Final; this was a bitter moment. Later he involved himself fundraising for a sports pavilion. He confirmed that his career at the BBC had ended in that loved playing golf and supported Torquay United when moment even though they offered him a ‘journeyman games were at Plainmoor. He died at a private Torquay commentator contract’. He knew instantly he had been hospital on 25 March 2002 aged 81, with his youngest lured into a pre-arranged assassination with the only daughter at his side.o survivor to be Coleman. He returned home incensed and humiliated. torbaycivicsociety.co.uk

“

”

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

27

World-Class Adventurer and Conservationist

Duncan Murrell at Torquay Museum

Duncan Murrell – Conservation Photographer and Environmental Educator is giving a talk on Kayaking Around New Caledonia at Torquay Museum on 24 January. We tracked him down to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia to find out more about his fascinating life. Duncan tells it in his own words.

A feeding humpback whale in Alaska

I

have been a compulsive traveller since my teens when I was either hitchhiking or inter-railing around Europe, and always on a shoestring budget even up until now nearly 50 years later. On my 20th birthday, after forsaking a place at one of the best art colleges in the country, I set off on the hippie trail overland to India and Nepal, and returned nearly six months later a physical wreck but hooked for life on adventure travel.

I did a variety of jobs to keep me on the road and a

28

December/January 2017/18

few years later I set off to travel overland from New York to Patagonia. After hitchhiking across Canada I turned northwards to take a detour to Alaska, and found employment in different salmon canneries and working on the tenders. I continued on my long journey but caught hepatitis in Mexico so I returned to England to recuperate.

I then flew back to San Francisco and hopped the freight trains north to Seattle to get back to Alaska englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On

“

After being a footloose wanderer for a few years I had found my true purpose and mission in life ”

to earn some more money for my planned trip down to Patagonia. I settled in a small fishing town called Petersburg in Southeast Alaska after meeting a local woman, and buying a small wooden sailboat with her to explore the spectacular islands and waterways of Southeast Alaska. After having my first close encounter with a humpback whale, I bought an old folding kayak so that I could follow them with minimal disturbance. I started camping out in the Alaskan wilderness alone for englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

months at a time so that I could find and remain with the whales, and I became addicted to the adrenaline rush of experiencing and photographing their dramatic ‘bubble net feeding’ from a kayak.

From the close intimacy of a kayak I was able to capture unique photos that were published all around the world. They were also used by all of the major conservation organisations in their publications for their Save the Whales campaigns. I established poster contracts December/January 2017/18

29

A Victorian Christmas From 1st December, Bygones is transformed with traditional decorations and a festive atmosphere with a real 12ft Christmas tree as the centre piece.

Why not also visit our Café for Christmas High Teas and Mulled Wine!

Normal entry prices apply

We are taking bookings NOW for the special event on 22nd,23rd and 24th December.

This event is not only access to the 3 levels but includes a selection of festive food and drinks for adults and children for breakfast and lunch sittings.

You will then have the chance to meet the ORIGINAL Santa Claus in his Grotto with traditional gifts given to the children! A truly memorable, traditional experience!

Please see our website www.bygones.co.uk, call us on 01803 326108 or email at bookings@ bygones.co.uk for more details and booking!

Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4PR

NEW YEAR JOHANN STRAUSS GALA An uplifting selection of music by the King of Waltz

Die Fledermaus Overture Musetta’s Waltz from La Bohème Tritsch-Tratsch Polka Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus Emperor Waltz On the Blue Danube and more Victor Aviat conductor Rhian Lois soprano

Exeter, Great Hall Tuesday 2 January 3pm 01392 726363 30

December/January 2017/18

Torquay, Riviera International Centre Sunday 7 January 3pm 01803 206333

live.com englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

A feeding humpback whale in Alaska

with big international poster companies like Athena and Verkerke. After being a footloose wanderer for a few years I had found my true purpose and mission in life.

I had always been concerned about the environment and how the human race was inexorably destroying and becoming alienated from the natural world. I started doing some investigative work for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society first in Turkey and then Sri Lanka, where I serendipitously got involved in elephant conservation as well, and have returned there several times. I then had an opportunity to take my conservation message and amazing experiences into schools. I was invited to visit a school in Eugene, Oregon, which was received so enthusiastically that I ended up staying there for six months and visiting many schools. On my return to England I was able to secure funding from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society to continue my schoolwork all across the SW of England. I was able to captivate the children with a combination of storytelling about my wild Alaskan experiences, photos and my artistic talents with art projects that I devised for them.

I wanted to add other habitats to my environmental englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

awareness presentations in schools, and in 2002 I applied for and was awarded a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship to become the first person to kayak around Madagascar. This enabled me to teach the children about rain forests and coral reefs. That year was also the culmination of my 20-year infatuation with the ‘bubble net feeding’ humpback whales in Southeast Alaska. One of my photos won the mammal behaviour category of the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and another one was highly commended. I was then commissioned to write an article for the BBC Wildlife Magazine, and a photo of me kayaking with the whales appeared on the cover.

I continued along my new direction in the tropics when I first went to Palawan in the Philippines in 2007 to do a sea kayaking trip, and it has become my regular base outside of England for the last ten years. Palawan is an important biodiversity hotspot and the last remaining wild frontier in the Philippines with nearly half of its rain forest still intact. By chance I went on the first boat trip swimming with whale sharks out of the provincial capital, Puerto Princesa. A photo that I captured was published December/January 2017/18

31

YOUR LOCAL COLLEGE SOUTHDEVON.AC.UK EXETER

EXMOUTH BOVEY TRACEY TAVISTOCK

DAWLISH

KINGSTEIGNTON TEIGNMOUTH ASHBURTON

SOUTH BRENT

NEWTON ABBOT

TOTNES

TORQUAY PAIGNTON

SALTASH PLYMOUTH

BRIXHAM IVYBRIDGE DARTMOUTH KINGSBRIDGE

Take control of your future with South Devon College southdevon.ac.uk

08000 380 123

South Devon College, Long Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EJ

Living with the locals in Puerto Princesa

Spinetail devil rays, Honda Bay

OUTH

H

Whale Shark, Honda Bay

on the front page of the Sunday Enquirer, the largest circulation English newspaper in the country, with an article declaring that Palawan has whale sharks too. I have continued to photograph the whale sharks of Honda Bay and assisted in getting identification photos for research and conservation purposes.

In 2015 I was honoured to be invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen as she is the patron of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, and a reception for the trust was held there to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Churchill’s death. A few months later I kayaked 200 miles around the southern half of New Caledonia, which has the world’s largest natural lagoon, the second longest barrier reef and no less than three marine Unesco World Heritage Sites. New Caledonia also has the highest rate of plant endemism in the world and I explored a lot of the remaining tropical rain forests and dry forests across that uniquely fascinating island.

It has always been my desire to get involved with indigenous people to promote their cause as the best custodians of the rapidly disappearing rain forests, and I was able to start doing that last year when I volunteered for a local NGO in Palawan called the Centre for Sustainability. I have assisted them in englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

their two flagship projects: to protect the livelihood of the indigenous Batak tribe through a replanting programme of a resin-producing tree that they depend upon, and also to have their traditional forest homeland of Cleopatra’s Needle declared as the largest protected critical habitat in the Philippines.

I am not merely satisfied with doing conservation work in Palawan and have grown increasingly concerned about the deforestation in SE Asia resulting from the expansion of oil palm plantations across the region so I’m currently on my way to Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo to help the Borneo Nature Foundation on their Orangutan Tropical Peatland Project in the Sabangau Forest, the largest area of lowland rainforest remaining in Borneo and home to the world’s largest population of orangutans.

Apart from taking photos of the flora and fauna, and the conservation activities, I will also be involved in educational outreach activities because it’s imperative for me to get back into environmental education to make the next generation more aware of the increasing destruction of our once beautiful planet.

Duncan’s talk will be held at Torquay Museum on 24 January 10.45am-12 noon. o torquaymuseum.org December/January 2017/18

33

Festive Entertaining

Although the Christmas meal is always the centrepiece of the festive season, there’s so much more to entertaining visiting family and friends. We bring you a selection of ideas from our own family favourites to recipes from some of the Bay’s best chefs. Make sure everyone helps and remember the chef never does the washing up!

Chicken Supreme with Sauté Potato, Kale and a Blackberry Sauce This delicious recipe from the Berry Head Hotel is the perfect festive winter warmer to impress your guests. It comes from Head Chef Noor Alam – he’s prepared this for one person so you’ll need to multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you have.

Chicken Ingredients 1 Chicken Supreme with skin & bone on (ask your butcher to prepare with French trim or you can just use a normal chicken breast) 1 clove of garlic 2 sprigs rosemary 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp salt & pepper How to Cook the Chicken ëPreheat your oven to 200 degrees. Marinate the chicken with garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Heat a frying pan with some oil. Try to give a nice colour on the skin on both sides of the chicken and place in the oven for 20 minutes. Optional: can be garnished with cherry tomato and micro herbs. o Blackberry Sauce Ingredients 400ml beef stock 100g blackberries 3 tsp redcurrant jelly 100ml chicken stock 200ml red wine How to Prepare the Blackberry Sauce ëPlace beef stock, redcurrant jelly, chicken stock and red wine in a pan and bring to boil. Then, let it simmer until reduced by two thirds. Add blackberries leaving a few for garnish. Boil and try to crush berries until lovely and glossy.

Sauté Potatoes Ingredients 6 even sized cooked new potatoes 2 tbsp rapeseed oil 1 tsp chopped thyme 2 tsp butter Salt & pepper for seasoning How to Cook the Potatoes ëCut the potatoes into two. Place them (skin facing up) on a heated non-stick pan and cook until a nice golden colour. Add the butter and thyme and seasoning to your liking.

Kale Ingredients 225g of young kale with stem chopped 1½ tbsp olive oil 1 clove of finely sliced garlic ¼ cup of vegetable stock 1 tbsp red wine vinegar Salt & pepper How to Cook the Kale ëBlanch the kale, then toss in the pan with the hot garlic olive oil.

Use your artistic skills to plate the dishes and serve!

Festive Food & Drink

Baked Spaghetti and Clams

By Mitch Tonks

No festive English Riviera entertaining would be complete without some amazing seafood on the menu. We have the finest seafood in the country based around the famous fish market in Brixham and our area is now renowned as England’s Seafood Coast. This simple, delicious and stylish recipe comes from local seafood champion, author and restaurateur Mitch Tonks. The photo is by Chris Terry and taken from Fish Easy by Mitch Tonks, published by Pavilion. Pasta cooked this way is delicious, as it really soaks up all the juices.

You’ll Need: (serves 1 – multiply as needed): 75g or 2½ oz spaghetti 20 clams 1 dried chilli 2 garlic cloves 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley Method ëPreheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/gas mark 7. Half-cook the spaghetti and toss with 20 clams (discard any whose shells are broken or open and fail to close when tapped sharply), the crumbled dried chilli (chile), the garlic cloves and the parsley. Place them on to parchment and foil to make a loose parcel and seal securely. Place on a baking tray and cook for 8–10 minutes. Open the parcels and discard any clams that remain closed. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of finely chopped fresh parsley. This also works well with a few skinned tomatoes and some whole roasted garlic cloves thrown in. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

35

Winter Warmer – Apple Chops From Cockington’s Jo Barnard

This is the perfect winter warmer dish to feed hungry visitors over the festive season – delicious served with some crispy roast potatoes and wholegrain mustard.

You’ll Need: 3-4 pork chops 2 medium apples of your choice (I like to use a firmer type) cored and sliced 4 cloves of garlic 1 carrot thinly sliced 1 medium onion, sliced 1 pint good cider 200-300ml vegetable stock For the dumplings: 120g self raising flour 60g suet bunch of fresh sage, chopped cold water

36

December/January 2017/18

Method ë Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. In a frying pan gently fry the onions and carrot until starting to soften, then place in large ovenproof dish. Turn up the heat and fry the chops; you just want to colour them at this stage, add garlic and sliced apples to the pan. Place browned chops in the dish with the fattier ends pointing up, they will then crisp in the oven. Add the cider to the pan and reduce by half; pour over the chops and add stock to just cover the eye of the meat, leaving the fat exposed. Season to taste. Next make the dumplings, add the flour, suet, chopped sage and seasoning to a bowl, mix together and stir in cold water until you have a soft dough, split into four and ball them. Place the dumplings into the spaces around the chops and cover with foil.

Bake in a pre-heated oven for 30 minutes, removing the foil half way through. Serve and enjoy!

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Festive Food & Drink

Christmas Spiced Meat Pies

By Richard Newcombe

These delicious spiced meat pies have always been a family favourite at Christmas time, and with family members now across Europe and America, their fame is spreading.

The early mince pie or Christmas pie was indeed made of minced meat so their festive credentials are assured.

You’ll Need: (to make 12 pies) 230g minced beef 1-2 fresh red chilies 1 red pepper 2 tomatoes 1 tsp chopped capers 3 cloves of garlic crushed 2 tsp ground cinnamon 400g puff or shortcrust pastry

Method ëFry the garlic, chopped chilies and cinnamon, add the chopped red pepper and chopped skinned tomatoes. After 3 minutes on a high heat add the meat and capers and cook until the juices from the meat and tomatoes has evaporated, season and allow to cool. Line the patty tins with pastry and fill to the top with meat mixture, put the lids on and cook in the oven for 15 minutes at 220C. Serve hot as a lunch dish with salad – our American family members like them for breakfast! For a very popular variation try substituting the cinnamon for a teaspoon of either chili powder or curry powder and add to the meat mixture.

Festive Gingerbread Biscuits From reader Grace Jeyes

Get the children and grandchildren helping with these delightful gingerbread biscuits. Even quite young children can have a go at supervised cookie cutting, decorating and, of course, the all-important tasting – yummy!

You’ll need: 300g plain flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp ground nutmeg 125g slightly salted butter 100g soft brown sugar 85g golden syrup (about 3tbsp) festive shape cookie cutters

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

37

the chocolate cafĂŠ

All welcome for the ultimate chocolate experience Drinks

Cakes

Afternoon Tea

Chocolates

Party Bookings

Luxurious Chocolate Gifts & Celebration Cakes 34a Middle Street, Brixham, TQ5 8ER

01803 431055/07866392461

www.chocella.co.uk ft

Stock up for Christmas!

AT OUR BREWERY SHOP IN ASPEN WAY, PAIGNTON

Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri

f baysbrewery t @baysbrewery As well as being available in good establishments throughout Torbay and Devon you can also buy online or by phone.

Call us now to place your order 01803 555004 or buy online at www.baysbrewery.co.uk 38

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Festive Food & Drink Method: Preheat the oven to 180ÂşC (gas mark 4) and line two baking trays with baking parchment. Sieve the flour, bicarbonate of soda and spices into a bowl. Melt the butter, sugar and syrup in a pan over a low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Stir into the dry ingredients until it forms a stiff dough.

Transfer the paper from the baking sheets to a work surface and place a portion of the dough on each. Roll to about 5mm thick, then cut out the shapes pre-dipping the cookie cutters into flour.

Place the festive shapes onto your lined baking trays and bake for about 12 minutes until light golden brown. Leave to cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then move to a wire rack. Ice the shapes and then decorate with sprinkles, silver balls and other small festive decorations obtainable from most kitchen shops.

Cinnamon & Orange Baked Cheesecake From Zibi Klapsia Head Chef, Imperial Hotel

This is a simple but elegant dessert that your festive visitors will love.

You’ll Need: 150g crushed digestive biscuits 75g soft salted butter 900g cream cheese 200g caster sugar 200g sour cream 4 medium eggs 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 whole orange (zest & juice) 1 tsp ground cinnamon & 1tsp of icing sugar for decoration Method ÍPreheat the oven to 180 degrees. Melt the butter and mix in the crushed digestive biscuits. Put the biscuit base into a circular baking tin. Whisk together the cream cheese and sour cream. Add the sugar to the mix. Add in the whisked eggs one at a time. Put 2 tsp of ground cinnamon into the mix and the zest and juice of the whole orange. Pour the mixture on top of the biscuit base. Place the circular baking tin into a Bain-marie (pan) of boiling water. Place the Bain-marie into the middle of the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven after 45 minutes, take the tin out of the Bainmarie and place it on a metal rack to cool for a further 45 minutes. Once cooled, lightly dust with icing sugar & ground cinnamon. Store it in the fridge until ready to serve. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

39

Tea & Coffee Shop

A Fine Selection of Teas and Coffees Delicious Gluten-Free Cakes Sandwiches, Paninis and Light Bites All served in finest bone china

Open 8.00am - 5pm Monday - Saturday 4 Bolton Sreet • Brixham TQ5 9DE • f

CAFÉ CULTURE BY DAY AND AN INTIMATE RESTAURANT BY NIGHT

Miss Jones

GREAT FOOD GREAT DRINKS GREAT VIEWS GREAT FUN

winter opening:

Mon - Thurs 10am - 4pm last orders Friday 10am - 9pm last orders Saturday 9am - 9pm last orders Sunday 9am - 4pm last orders

call to book: 01803 856738

We’re not aiming to be the ‘Worlds Best’ restaurant… ‘Just Yours’!

Consistently named one of the best independent food retailers in Devon, we’re more than just a fantastic farm shop...

There’s also a fully stocked garden centre and restaurant serving great locally produced meals - we’re famous for our farmhouse breakfasts!

Open 7 days a week with ample free parking Hand car wash on site - have your car washed while you shop!

Give yourself a break over the festive season and try our SUPER SUNDAY ROAST or Famous Full ENGLISH BREAKFAST

FIND US just before the Go Karts Dartmouth Road, nr Brixham TQ5 0LL FIND OUT MORE 01803 845837 churstontraditionalfarmshop.org.uk

40

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Festive Food & Drink Bays Jingle Ale

Look out for Bays all singing, all dancing Christmas bitter in local pubs throughout December.

Deep amber in colour with a subtle sweetness throughout, it’s easy drinking with a festive hoppy finish! You can buy Jingle Ale in boxes direct from the brewery shop in Aspen Way, Paignton.

Festive Mulled Cider

The West Country is noted for its wonderful apple harvests so why not make some delicious, festive mulled cider this year?

Locally brewed Hunt’s Wobbler Devon Cider is perfect for this recipe. It has also just been awarded Gold from Devon Food and Drink and achieved the National Trust Fine Farm Produce Award. You can easily make a variation with apple juice for the youngsters and nondrinkers so everyone will be able to join in the fun.

Sooo delicious!

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

You’ll need: I litre cider 6 cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 4 star anise A little nutmeg 2 sliced oranges Sugar or honey to taste

Elfs Tipple and Pixie Juice Or why not try Hunt’s Elfs Tipple mulled cider? You can just warm it up or try their festive Pixie Juice, which is cider with blackcurrant – what a treat!

Method: Warm the cider gently in a large pan for a few minutes. Add all the spices and orange and turn up the heat until boiling.

Then simmer for around 10 minutes. Add sugar or honey to taste. Ladle into glasses or glass mugs.

You can add a dash of sloe gin, apple brandy or dark rum if you’re feeling adventurous and serve with a cinnamon stick and a slice of orange. Wonderful served with the festive gingerbread biscuits.

December/January 2017/18

41

EST D 1904

R EDCLIFFE H OTEL PAIGNTON

«««

Three Degrees West

Redcliffe Hotel

Occombe Farm Café

Nestled down on Oddicombe Beach, Three Degrees West offers a fantastic range of food and drink with the most spectacular views in the bay.

You can either soak up some rays on the terrace or, if it’s too chilly then tuck in behind the floor to ceiling glass windows and enjoy some al fresco coffee and cakes from the inside!

Full details of the menus, opening hours and gallery of images from this amazing new venue’s first two years in business are available on their website.

From light bites to a main meal, the Redcliffe Hotel offers everything you need for a perfect luncheon treat.

Enjoy the superb views from our sea view terrace overlooking the beach and choose from our extensive lunch time bar menu. On Sundays a 3 course traditional sunday lunch is available in our Paris Singer Restaurant, which again enjoys panoramic sea views.

The Redcliffe is also an ideal venue for all types of functions.

Family-friendly café set on an organic working farm. Famous for farmhouse breakfasts, hearty lunches and seasonal specials. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor adventure play area and why not explore the farm and walk the 2km nature trail after lunch?

All profits from the café go to local charity Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. Open daily from 9am – 4:30pm.

Oddicombe Beach Torquay TQ1 3LB 01803 311202 www.oddicombebeach.co.uk

The Redcliffe Hotel 4 Marine Drive Paignton TQ3 2NL 01803 526397 www.redcliffehotel.co.uk

Occombe Farm Preston Down Road PaigntonTQ3 1RN 01803 696 255 farmcafe@occombe.org.uk www.countryside-trust.org.uk/ occombe/cafe

Holiday apartments by tHe sea

Looking for the right marketing solution to take your business to the next level?

Considered to be the best example of regency-style architecture in

Considered be the regency-style the Southto West andbest withexample stunningofsea views, The architecture Osborne Club in the south West and with stunning sea views, The Osborne Club houses some of the most beautiful holiday apartments in Devon. houses some of the most beautiful holiday apartments in Devon.

A stones-throw Meadfoot Beach, minutes a stones-throw fromfrom Meadfoot beach, and and minutes awayaway fromfrom Torquay’sbustling bustlingharbour, harbour,your yourstay stay can lively leisurely Torquay’s can bebe asas lively oror leisurely asas you also have the benefit ofof indoor youdesire. desire.you You also have the benefit indoorand andoutdoor outdoorpools, pools, tennis courts, and dining options at the adjacent hotel. tennis courts, and dining options at the adjacent hotel.

TheseThese much much soughtsought after holiday apartments are available for holiday after holiday apartments are available bookings, and also for shared ownership which is becoming an for holiday bookings, and also for shared ownership which is increasingly popular choice.

becoming an increasingly popular choice.

The OsbOrne Club heskeTh CresCenT TOrquay DeVOn Tq1 2lJ

HESKETH CRESCENT • TORQUAY • DEVON TQ1 2LJ +44 (0) 1803 209600 holidays@osborneclub.co.uk +44 (0)1803 209600 • holidays@osborneclub.co.uk www.osborneclub.co.uk www.osborneclub.co.uk f t

42

December/January 2017/18

For design, print, web, publishing, advertisement, e-newsletter, copy writing, photography, press release and promotional services...

...talk to our friendly team today 01803 850886/842893 info@englishrivieramarketing.co.uk englishrivieramarketing.co.uk

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Festive Treats

Food & Drink News

The English Riviera has become a real foodie haven we’ve rounded up some delicious local produce to tempt your tastebuds.

Top Accolade for Devon Dumpling Torbay-based Bays Brewery toasted its 10th anniversary in style with the news that it had been awarded a top accolade for one of its multiple award-winning ales.

Its popular Devon Dumpling beer has been voted CAMRA South West Winner 2017, with the tasty tipple now set to compete for the title of Champion Beer of Britain 2018.

Among the most prestigious beer competitions in the world, Bays is set to go head to head with regional winners from across the country for the ultimate beer accolade. Bays Brewery Director, Peter Salmon said, “We are hugely proud to be toasting 10 years and our success at the CAMRA South West Awards is confirmation that we continue to be as passionate as ever at brewing the best beers in the South West.” Family members Will Freeland, Mark Salmon and Peter Salmon launched the family-run brewery in 2007 with a 20-barrel brew plant in Aspen Way, Paignton.

Sharpham Wine & Cheese is the Tops A “deliciously clever” artisan soft cheese produced by Sharpham Partnership has been crowned Champion Cheese and Supreme Champion at the Taste of the West Awards 2017.

Sharpham Cremet fought off stiff competition from over 1000 products in 23 categories to take the prestigious top spot. The soft mould-ripened goats’ cheese is enriched with cows’ cream to create a unique combination of flavour and texture. Taste of the West’s panel of anonymous expert judges called it, “a deliciously clever outstanding example of the perfect cheese!” They added that, “it beautifully combines the sweet/salty richness of ‘cow’ with the tang of ‘goat’. Without doubt a unanimous and clear winner of our Supreme Champion Product Award 2017. We urge you to go out and hunt down this cheese!” Sharpham Partnership also received top praise from the judges for their wine, with Sharpham Barrel Fermented 2014 named Champion in the Wines, Spirits & Liqueurs category. This newly released white wine is one of only a few English whites to be barrel fermented in new oak barriques.

Seasonal Mussels As the seasons start to change with cooler temperatures and shorter days, so does the best seasonal food. As the local crab menu comes to an end at the local Rockfish restaurants in Torquay, Brixham and Dartmouth, there’s a real autumn treat with a new seasonal mussels menu.

Rockfish is offering 3 fantastic ways to try its juicy local mussels: mussels with cider, leeks and thyme, mussels with a fragrant Thai green curry sauce and the classic moules marinere. The mussels, as you’d expect, are all locally sourced, the ingredients all fresh, so not only will you get a winter warming dish but it’ll pack a punch when it comes to flavours, none so strong they’ll dominate this wonderful local seafood, but delicate aromatics which are a joy to eat. All of the mussel dishes are served with unlimited fresh hand cut chips. therockfish.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

43

WINDFOILING

the silent revolution?

Whilst it’s not uncommon to see the brightly coloured sails of windsurfers speeding across the Bay, some of the boards are now sailing above the water, rather than on it. A technological revolution in board and sail sports has hit Tor Bay, and it’s called windfoiling.

Rod Boswijk gives it a go!

E

ast-facing Tor Bay is perfect for sea swimming and standup paddle boarding, but it’s a frustrating place to sail a modern windsurfing board. Back in the 70s and 80s, so the story goes, Torbay was full of windsurfers. Admittedly it was the boom time for the sport and everyone, it seemed, had one strapped to the roof rack. These early, slow windsurf boards were long and thin to cut through the water; they had a retractable centreboard, similar to a small dinghy, so they could sail into and out of the beach with ease.

However, the newer designs, which make modern windsurfers so exciting to sail, are incompatible with the typical offshore wind conditions found in the Bay. So unless you’re retired, or can drop everything and get out when the wind conditions are just perfect, there’s not much windsurfing going on. If you don’t fancy lots of waiting around and weather watching at the beach, you could make a decision to do something else, rather than go windsurfing.

However there may be a solution that can make the Bay a popular destination for windsurfers once again. Recent developments in carbon fibre construction and computeraided design have resulted in the creation of hydrofoils

44

December/January 2017/18

designed for sailing vessels similar to these seen on high-speed passenger ferries. First seen on multi-million dollar America’s Cup racing catamarans, and small racing dinghies called Moths (a class that regularly competes in the Bay), foils have now been designed for windsurfing boards, with the resulting combination becoming known as a windfoil.

The hydrofoil for the board replaces the conventional fin, with a small underwater aeroplane-shaped, carbon fibre creation. It has two wings with a long strut attached to the top of the fuselage, which attaches to the rear of the board. The idea is that this assembly under the water lifts the sail, you and the board out of the water, so essentially you fly above the surface. This uses exactly the same theory as an aeroplane except that, rather than air passing more slowly over the curved top of the wing causing turbulence and lift, it’s the passage of water over the hydrofoil’s surface that does the job. As the board you use is big and buoyant, and the sail really small, it allows you to windsurf anywhere, even in very little wind. Sounds perfect, but will it work for the conditions in Tor Bay? I head down to my local beach at Broadsands to try it out; this is normally a difficult location to sail in a englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Give It A Go - Windfoiling pressure through my front foot, so I’ve created too much westerly offshore breeze. As always, I assemble my board lift. The foil wings leave the water, release their grip, and and sail on the car park grass. Lifting it down over the I crash back down from 1 metre up in the air. I grip onto wall onto the beach, I then attach the 85cm long carbon the boom as instructed, resurface, and start counting the foil mast into the fin slot of my board. Then I walk the number of fingers and toes. All present - so that wasn’t too equipment, upside down, into chest deep water, flip it bad was it? over, pull up the sail and head off downwind, out to sea.

This cycle of windsurfing, acceleration, and crashing So far so good! continues, until I unlearn my standard windsurfing skills.

It feels very odd. It’s a bit like sailing a beginners’ When you go fast, you have to lean forward to control windsurfing set up. Really slow, very stable and with a the lift from the foil, rather than leaning back to drive small sail that would usually only be used on the very sideways pressure through the conventional fin. windiest of days. With all the helpful information gained Going towards the wind is easy, and reassuringly when from my internet research running through my head, I you crash, you remain off the side of the board, away from turn the board so that it is moving more across the wind the knife-like foil. and start heading towards Goodrington.

I decide to try sailing away from the wind - I force the Rule 1: When you first start foiling, don’t be afraid of board off the wind and head it (the foil). That’s easy to say! It feels like being in a The hydrofoil for the board replaces out to sea towards Brixham.

It’s at this point of sailing Ben Hur film with whirling the conventional fin, with a small that things become rather knives sticking out either underwater aeroplane-shaped, carbon unnerving. As you’re standing side of the chariot. fibre creation. on top of the board rather than Rule 2: When you want to on the side edge, if you crash, ‘go up’, make sure you don’t you’ll catapult and go over the front. go too slow; get up good speed. It works Then if you’ve let go, you’ll be waiting for like an aeroplane - once you get a good the board to hit you. Well, if I thought amount of speed, the foil will activate and that the board went fast before, it seems start to lift you slowly. to have found another 2 gears. In fact, Rule 3: Once it’s activated, it’s then it’s now travelling so fast that the wind is time to move your bodyweight around the coming from in front of me rather than board to make it fly. behind.

Rule 4: Don’t hit anything - just in I later look up the speeds on my watch case the whole foil rips out of your GPS and I realise that at that point, I was board; they’re very expensive and don’t moving at double the wind speed. What float. is remarkable is that the forces involved to And finally the golden rule; when you make this happen feel no more strenuous crash, and yes, crash is the right word, than sitting in a chair, or maybe walking a don’t ever let go of the boom otherwise small dog, who’s a bit ‘pully’ on the lead. the foil could run into you and cause After 90 minutes, I make my way upwind to the beach serious injury. No pressure then! on my foil board, which is now in low riding beginner I start to pull on the boom and sail, to make the board mode. I pull it out of the water and start to de-rig. It’s move a little quicker. Once moving I find that I can now that the questions come from interested onlookers push down on my back foot to create lift from the foil; curious about the odd looking structure. immediately the board starts to accelerate and to rise.

Well does it tick the boxes? Stable enough to get me in There’s the usual noise of the board skimming across the water, then all of a sudden it goes quiet. The board has left and out of the Bay? Tick. Can I use it in light or windy weather? Tick. Is it fast and fun? Double tick. Do I want the water and it starts to accelerate even though I’ve got a to do it again? Tick. Please can I go back out now? It’s really small sail. seriously addictive.

There’s no real noise, just a faint whistle from the foil The downside is I now have lots of windsurfing and you can really feel the speed building. It starts to go equipment that I need to sell, as it’s redundant. Did I quicker with no apparent top speed, as though it’s on ice. mention it’s seriously addictive? o Then the inevitable occurs. I’ve not put enough

“

”

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

45

Ollies, Nollies & Falling Leaves After being developed in the United States in the 1960s, snowboarding became a Winter Olympics sport in 1998 and featured in the Winter Paralympics in 2014.

Anita Newcombe went along to Torquay Alpine Ski Club to give it a go!

O

ver 50 years ago in 1963, Torquay pioneered the very first permanent dry ski slope in Britain after a prolonged period of snow here in Devon had triggered interest in the sport. More recently snowboarding has been added to the sports on offer here.

Mark Cleary is the Chief Snowsports Instructor and he has kindly invited me along to have a snowboarding lesson on a Thursday evening. I’m quite interested to see if it’s just for youngsters but when I arrive in a welcome pause in today’s heavy rain showers I see that the other students are all adults.

Instructor Steve Marsland is assigned to look after me and I meet him in the Clubhouse where I’m kitted out with snowboard boots and a board. For those who ski, the snowboard boots are much softer than ski boots but

46

December/January 2017/18

still quite chunky. The fitting team want to know if I am Goofy or Regular – hmm – not sure what to say to that.

Turns out that Goofy means that you lead with your right foot (say if riding a scooter) and Regular is when you lead with your left foot. In truth, I haven’t a clue so I opt for Regular, which seems to work.

“ The fitting team want to know if I am

Goofy or Regular – hmm – not sure what to say to that. ” As it has been raining, the slopes are well lubricated which increases the speed our snowboards will travel.

Great news for some! Newcomers get all the training and induction they need plus a safety briefing. Complete englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Anita kitted out regular and ready to go!

beginners will normally start on a flat part of the slope to learn the basic skills of moving on the snowboard, how to descend, control speed and most importantly, how to stop. Of course falling over will usually do it but there are other better methods to learn!

The rest of the snowboarding group are on lesson three and looking very proficient so Steve takes me off to a quiet, flattish part of the slope on my own. First we learn to attach and take off the board – both boots are simply strapped on to the bindings, which feel a bit awkward at first. Steve shows me how to ‘scoot’ across the slope with one foot attached and one foot free. It’s just like riding a simple scooter really. Then he teaches me how to get up from a sitting position with the board attached to both feet. We then practise falling down safely – forwards and englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Give it a Go! Snowboarding backwards – it feels less scary than I thought and I start to feel a bit safer although still very wobbly.

Now we learn to hop about using an Ollie and a Nollie – terms that describe lifting the board at one end to create a spring to hop along with both feet still attached – it saves taking your board off when you need to cross a bit of flat ground. That’s if you can’t get someone to just give you a tow of course!

Now we are ready to attack the slope. Steve explains that when you point your board straight down the slope you’ll pick up speed. Speed control comes from positioning the board horizontally across the slope and tilting it forwards or backwards with either your toes or your heels.

First I try a straight run down a small slope with Steve standing by to hold my hand as needed. This goes fairly well, so we now learn to sideslip the board to gain the necessary speed control needed for steeper slopes. The board is turned sideways to the slope to start. Now, by edging with your toes or heels, the edge of your snowboard bites into the slope. We practise toe and heel edge sideslipping – one for when you are facing down the hill and one for when you are facing up the hill. This changes which side of your snowboard is biting into the slope and gives you a lot of control over what the board does.

Once we’ve practised this, we progress to the ‘falling leaf ’ where we start with the board across the fall line facing downhill. I shift my weight across the nose of the snowboard and miraculously I start veering towards the left. Then I return my weight to the middle and slow down. Next I shift my weight to the right and head right and so on. This creates a sort of falling leaf movement down the hill, ensuring you don’t go too fast and plough into the squashy, protective tyres at the bottom.

Now we are ready to progress to the J-turn; yes it’s a turn shaped like a letter J. I start by pointing my snowboard straight down the hill then I shift my weight to the front foot, which initiates a turn to the left. It’s important to look where you are going – not easy when the temptation is to stare at the ground. Once you’ve turned fully round to the left, you sink down a bit on your board and come to a natural stop – brilliant!

Well that’s as far as I got in my lesson and will need a few more before I can tackle the white stuff. It was great fun though and I can’t wait to have another go.

So if you and your family would like to experience the joys of a snowboarding (or skiing) holiday in the near future or just enjoy some active fun in the fresh air, Torquay Alpine Ski Club is a brilliant place to start! o skitorquay.com December/January 2017/18

47

December & January Around the Bay

Winter Wonderland Grotto, Torquay On till 24 December

Rotary’s grotto welcomes visitors of all ages to Fleet Walk Shopping Centre for a spectacular sparkling festive wonderland.

Fleet Walk Shopping Centre, Torquay TQ2 5EA

YMCA Charity Quiz Night 1 December

Elf in the Window, Preston On till 17 December

Grab a team and your thinking caps for a quiz evening with mince pies and mulled wine. Time: 7pm to 10pm, cost: £6 per ticket - 6 people per team.

YMCA, Dartmouth Road, Paignton TQ4 6NX 01803 551578 ymcasouthdevon.org.uk

Cheeky knitted elves are hiding in some shop windows around Preston – can you find them? Entry forms are £2 – a fun way to support older people in Torbay.

Torbay Age UK, 216 Torquay Road, Manor Corner, Preston TQ3 2HP 01803 226766 ageuk.org.uk/torbay

The Death of a Party, Torquay 1, 7, 8, 9,14 December

A fiendishly fun murder mystery escape room.

Wealthy businessman Frank Lyman has been found dead at the table of his own house.

There is evidence all around, but with a cast of unscrupulous characters surrounding him, only the very best detectives in town will have the skills to uncover the truth. £60 per group (up to 8 people).

Torre Abbey, Kings Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE.

Explorer Talk - The Mariners’ Way, Torquay 2 December John Risdon will give a fascinating talk about the mariners of the past who from Tudor times had often, when paying off ship at Bideford, walked cross county to Dartmouth.

John walked in the footsteps of those men 400 years on.

Time: 11am – 12 noon, cost: £5.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

01803 293593 torre-abbey.org.uk

Victorian Christmas, St Marychurch On till 31 December

Torre Abbey Winter Fest – Torre Abbey, Torquay 2 & 3 December

Join Bygones for Christmas in 1897 with decorations, 12-foot tree and festive hunt. Normal entry applies, members free. Enjoy breakfast or lunch/brunch with Santa on 22, 23 or 24 December – visit the toy workshop where children will meet Father Christmas and receive a gift.

Cost: £9.50 (adults and children), booking essential.

Bygones, Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4PR 01803 326108 bygones.co.uk

This Christmas, Torre Abbey will be hosting their first ever Winter Fest in the historic setting of the museum. Arts, crafts and food stalls will be selling some truly unique Christmas gifts and there will be live seasonal music, a children’s Christmas trail around the house and some indulgent nibbles and beverages on sale. This promises to be a charming event in the heart of Torquay and the perfect opportunity to dig out those Christmas jumpers and hats and get into the Winter Fest spirit. The festival will run from 10am till 5pm on both days. Cost: adult £2, kids free.

Torre Abbey, Kings Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE. 01803 293593 torre-abbey.org.uk

48

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Agatha Christie & Collins’ Exhibition – Greenway, Brixham 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23-31 December An exhibition of Christie’s ‘secret’ letters to her longstanding publisher HarperCollins is on display in the Walled Garden, created to celebrate HarperCollins’ 200th anniversary. Booking not needed, free event (admission applies).

Greenway House, Kingswear TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

Fabio Lepore Jazz Quintet, Torquay 3 December Currently one of the most interesting of Italian jazz singers, celebrating his passion for the golden age of jazz vocals, appealing not only to jazz enthusiasts but music lovers generally who have a love of that era of song.

Cost: £10 (advance), £12 (door), time: 8.30pm.

Speakeasy at The Toorak Hotel, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5JS 01803 898570 speakeasytorquay.com

Santa Express, Paignton 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 21-24 December Enjoy a return journey to Kingswear on the Santa Express Steam Train. During the trip there will be a two-part mini pantomime with the beautiful Princess Aurora, her three Fairy Godmothers, Prince Philippe and the wicked Maleficent. Father Christmas will visit children (up to 14 years) in their seats with his sleigh and merry helpers.

Adults will receive a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.

Booking essential. Wheelchair specific carriage is available.

Only guide dogs allowed. Cost: adult (15+) £10, child (19 months to 14 years) £12.50.

Queen’s Park Station, Paignton , TQ4 6AF 01803 555872 dartmouthrailriver.co.uk

Santa in the Caves, Torquay 3-24 December

Jane Austen Bicentennial Tribute, Torquay 5 December Penny Townsend, author of Stepping Westwards with Jane Austen, discusses the enduring popularity of Jane’s wise and witty observations on human nature. Penny is fascinated by “the scientific and artistic achievements of the 18th Century, in particular Jane Austen, Gilbert White, and flirting with folded fans.”

Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: £5.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Christmas Traditions around the World, Torquay 6 December Adrienne Hesketh describes the surprisingly varied ways that Christmas is celebrated around the globe, accompanying her talk with a lively selection of recorded and live music. Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: £5.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Exeter Chorale and Players : Veni sponsa Christi – Torre Abbey 6 December Exeter Chorale & Players present a thrilling concert of seasonal Renaissance music in the beautiful setting of Torre Abbey’s Cary Chapel. Music from Spain, Italy and Germany by composers such as Guerrero, Victoria, Palestrina and Lassus, as well as Gregorian chant and instrumental interludes will be featured. Pre-concert and interval drinks will help to create a serene start to Advent.Tickets: £8, time: 7pm.

Torre Abbey, Kings Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE. 01803 293593 torre-abbey.org.uk

Join Santa and his friends in a magical, hour-long panto style adventure around the caves, with some of the best Christmas characters. Your ticket includes; an hourlong promenade performance, a personal visit with Santa, fantastic Christmas presents, mulled wine and mince pies. Each child (2-12) meets Santa and receives a wrapped quality present. Cost: Adults £10, children (2-12) £12.50, presents for under 2s are £3.50, times: 10am-3pm, booking essential.

Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

49

Visit

Santa Caves in the

Call us today on Torquay: 01803 215136 for more information

Book Online

50

www.kents-cavern.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On YMCA Christmas Bazaar 6 December Enjoy table top stalls, a raffle, Santa’s grotto, tombola, hot food, mulled wine and more.Time: 4.15- 6.30pm, Free entry.

YMCA, Dartmouth Road, Paignton TQ4 6NX 01803 551578 ymcasouthdevon.org.uk

Indian Night, Brixham 7 December Enjoy an all-you-can-eat Indian buffet for £13.95 per person.

Berry Head Hotel, Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AJ 01803 853225 berryheadhotel.com

Festive Weekend – Living Coasts, Torquay 9 – 10 December Join Living Coasts for a weekend full of festivities. Meet Batman and Captain America or Anna and Elsa from Frozen.

Watch Santa’s elves feed the penguins daily at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm. Plus face painting, carol singing and animal enrichment displays. Elf trail available (£2.50) with prize subject to availability. Normal admission applies.

Beacon Quay, Torquay TQ1 2BG 01803 202470 livingcoasts.org.uk

Santa Sunday Lunch – The Grand Hotel, Torquay 10 & 17 December Although he’s very busy indeed preparing for a very important day, The Grand Hotel has managed to book a very special guest in December. The Grand Hotel’s Santa Sunday lunch is a perfect way for families to get together. Children can meet Santa after lunch. 4-course festive Sunday lunch costs: £19.95 adult, £9.95 child.

The Grand Hotel, Sea Front, Torquay TQ2 6NT 01803 296677 grandhotel.co.uk

Christmas Violin & Piano Concert, Lupton House 10 December Performed by graduates of Russia’s Music Colleges. Violin and Piano Masterpieces including favourites by Vivaldi, Kreisler, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and more. Time: 5pm, englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

tickets: £10.

Lupton House, Churston Ferrers TQ5 0LD 01803 845800 discoverlupton. com

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust – Broadsands Winter Bird Walk 10 December Brush up on your gull, diver and grebe identification skills at Broadsands with renowned wildlife artist and birdwatcher Mike Langman. Mike will take you through the identification of several gull species of various ages and any grebes or divers that should be present. The marsh is a great place for wintering chiffchaffs often of two subspecies; being sure of a positive identification is not easy but with help you’ll have a much clearer idea. You’ll also visit the winter Cirl bunting feeding station, which Mike started 18 years ago. Cost: £8, time:10.00am-12.30pm, suitable: adults.

Broadsands Beach Car Park, Broadsands Road, Paignton, TQ4 6HX. 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Gingerbread House Workshop 10 December Decorate your own edible Gingerbread House for Christmas in this fun family workshop led by Lori Reich. Lori will provide you with a gingerbread house, delicious decorations and ideas to help you assemble and decorate your own house to take home. You’ll need a couple of pairs of hands to complete your house – bring an older brother, sister or other family member to help you. Cost: £22.50, times: 10.30am1pm or 2-4.30pm, suitable: all ages – an adult must accompany children.

Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Driftwood Xmas Tree Workshop and Crafts, Occombe 10 December Come along to Occombe for a day of Christmas crafts. Create your very own Devon driftwood tree, willow star & tree garland, festive willow heart, and other handmade decorations for December/January 2017/18

51

THE

E PERIENCE EX T TO DELIVER

Whether you’re selling or buying, Imperial have the experience to deliver.

We provide a first class service which is dedicated to finding you the right buyer or the right boat.

If you’d like to test the water with a valuation, or find out more about our large and varied selection of pre-owned or new motor and sailing yachts, speak to Dave Whitehouse on 07775 978087.

Dave Whitehouse Branch Director - South West

+44 (0) 7775 978087 david@imperial-yachtbrokers.com

WE ARE UK AGENTS FOR:

52

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On a rustic Christmas at home. Cost: £60 including lunch, time:10.00am - 4.00pm, suitable for: adults.

Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Christmas Music & Song, Lupton House 11 & 12 December Get into the festive spirit with a joyful programme of traditional songs with Quay Harmony and guests, plus some seasonal surprises. Tickets: £7, concessions: £5, time: 7.30pm.

Lupton House, Churston Ferrers TQ5 0LD 01803 845800 discoverlupton.com

Christmas at the Model Village, Torquay 16 December, 1 January (except 25 December) Enjoy some miniature Christmas scenes plus lots of festive fun at Babbacombe Model Village.

There will be Santa visits and roaming panto characters from 16-24 December only – from 12noon to 4pm (arrive by latest 3.30pm to see Santa & panto).

Hampton Ave, Torquay TQ1 3LA 01803 315315 model-village.co.uk

Santa Claws Christmas Special – Dinosaur World, Torquay 16 – 31 December (except 24, 25, 26 December)

Tots Club Xmas, Occombe 11,15 December Tots come along to Occombe for a very Christmassy morning.

Children will start off with some festive storytelling, warm by the fire, enjoy a glittering Christmas trail and then finish off with some Christmas crafts. Cost: £5.00, time: 9.30-11.00am, suitable for: toddlers to 5 year olds (babies can come free). An adult must accompany children.

Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Vigilance Carols on the Quay, Brixham 12 December Enjoy Vigilance of Brixham’s carol concert featuring Brixham town Band. Time: 7pm.

The Old Fish Market, Brixham TQ5 8AW brixhamtownband.org.uk

Carols in the Caves – Kents Cavern, Torquay 14 December Join Yours in Harmony, in the labyrinth of amazing caverns. This festival experience takes place over two hours. Initially seated, listening to the amazing acoustics and then take a walk around the caves, singing carols by candlelight. Finish with mulled wine or hot chocolate plus festive treats in the Great Chamber. Cost: £16, time: 6-8pm, booking essential.

Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Visit the dinosaurs in their winter homeland, get up close and personal with these amazing creatures, discover incredible fossils, and take the Santa Claws Christmas Quiz to win your present – a free bag of 160-million-year-old fossils.

3 Victoria Parade, Torquay TQ1 2BB 01803 298779 torquaysdinosaurworld.co.uk

Christmas at Paignton Zoo 16-24 December Treat the family to a magical Christmas experience at Paignton Zoo with a chance to meet Santa in his magical cabin, ride the Christmas train and have fun at the snowball throwing challenge in the Jungle Fun play area.

Booking essential to meet Santa.

Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU 01803 697500 paigntonzoo.org.uk

Christmas Party and Concert, Brixham 17 December Celebrate the festive season by attending a live concert at the elegant Berry Head Hotel. Vocalist Maria Nicol, accompanied by pianists Ekaterina and Lee Shetliffe, will present a selection of light jazz compositions, easy listening classics and Christmas songs. There will be a complimentary welcome drink. Meals are available to order and drinks may be purchased at the hotel bar.

Enjoy the moonlit sea views while listening to the soft and soulful vocal performance. Tickets: £15 (advance) or £16 (door). Time: 6.00pm (Mulberry Room), dress code: cocktail attire.

Berry Head Hotel, Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AJ 01803 853225 berryheadhotel.com December/January 2017/18

53

Top Myths of Cosmetic Surgery Katerina Anesti, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Mount Stuart Hospital in Torquay, debunks some myths about cosmetic surgery.

Myth #1: Plastic surgery is a solution for weight loss Plastic surgery can remove excess fat and tissue that might be weighing you down, but it is not a solution for weight loss. A tummy tuck and body lift can remove excess skin and fat after a dramatic weight loss or following pregnancy, but should only be done when you are within your ideal weight range.

Myth #2: Plastic surgery is only about vanity People have long believed that vanity was the primary motivator for undergoing plastic surgery. However, many surgeries are also performed for medical reasons.

Some people choose reconstructive surgery as a result of complications from accidents or diseases and there are many other reasons why people choose plastic surgery that have nothing to do with vanity.

Myth #3: Do I need to change my breast implants every 10 years?

The short answer is probably not. After 10 years of an initial breast augmentation, 1 out of 5 patients need some sort of revision procedure. That means 80% of patients need no further surgery.

So if you’re having an issue, sure, you may need to change out your implants. But with proper monitoring (self-exams, physician exams), you don’t need to automatically replace your implants every 10 years.

More advanced implants have been introduced since 2011 but obviously data on those isn’t available yet.

We may find that these newer implants will show a less frequent need for revision. The statistics above reference data for cosmetic breast augmentation.

Implants used for breast reconstruction differ.

Because of radiation and thinner breast skin after mastectomy, implants for breast reconstruction tend to have a higher percentage that require exchanging every 10 years.

Myth #4: The results last forever Many patients expect their procedures to last forever.

Although most procedures provide life-changing, longlasting results, the changes do not typically last forever.

You can still gain weight even if you’ve had liposuction or a tummy tuck. Your skin can still age and wrinkle after a facelift. Therefore, you should expect to have to do some work to maintain your appearance, and you may also need touch-up surgery in the future.

54

December/January 2017/18

Myth #5: Plastic surgery is only for women Plastic surgery has long been associated with women, however, the number of men choosing to have plastic surgery has risen dramatically in the past few years.

Although women account for a higher percentage of clients, the percentage of men getting laser treatments, Botox, dermal fillers, liposuction, and other procedures has increased. These men may choose cosmetic surgery to attain the appearance they want and get an edge in the workplace.

Myth #6: You have to travel to London to get the best plastic surgery Luckily this is not true either. Of course there are many fine surgeons in London, but techniques and equipment are similar across the UK and dedicated surgeons who practice in Cosmetic Surgery will continually educate themselves and update their skills. Plastic surgeons operate all over the country: find your nearest one by looking on the BAPRAS or BAAPS websites. Having surgery closer to home has many advantages. As well top surgeons and sheer convenience, you also have the peace of mind of being close to the hospital for follow-up appointments, or should you have any queries following your surgery. And of course, you’ll save money on travelling and overnight stays out-of-county.

Open Events

We offer regular free open events where you can have a short one-to-one discussion with a consultant about the cosmetic procedure you are considering.

Book online or call 01803 229714.

Katerina Anesti Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mount Stuart Hospital

www.mountstuarthospital.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Festive Winter Crafts – Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust 17 December Come along and make your own willow wreath using natural materials from the Country Park. Other children’s craft activities and refreshments will be available. Time: 11am - 3pm, no booking, just drop in. Price: Free entry, wreath making £4, donation for other crafts, suitable for: all ages; an adult must accompany children.

Cockington Visitor Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Christmas Kids Cookery, Occombe Farm, Paignton 18 & 19 December Join Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust for a Christmas Special day at Occombe’s Kids Cookery School. The youngsters will be making Rudolph’s snowball carrot muffins, coconut bauble truffles, jolly marshmallow snowmen, polar bear peppermint creams and chocolate log. All ingredients are provided and there’ll be goodies to take home and share at Christmas time. Cost: £32, time: 10am-4.00pm, suitable for: children aged 7-12, booking essential.

Children can be left unattended, paperwork must be returned prior to event.

Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Diva on your Doorstep – Torre Abbey, Torquay 21 December

International Soprano Claudia Alvarex Calderon and

pianist Simon Dunbavand add a Christmas twist to their entertaining show, Diva on your Doorstep: Access All Arias! Claudia, originally from Peru, sings glorious and memorable music in a wide variety of styles. Simon accompanies Claudia in operatic and light operetta excerpts from difference music periods and countries, from Baroque

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

to Bernstein. Tickets £10, time: 7 for 7.30pm.

Torre Abbey, Kings Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE. 01803 293593 torre-abbey.org.uk

The Holly Ball – Grand Hotel, Torquay 22 December The Holly Ball is the largest social evening on the rowing calendar with over a thousand people enjoying live music and dancing to celebrate Christmas. Strictly black tie. Tickets: £25.

The Grand Hotel, Sea Front, Torquay TQ2 6NT 07955310123 torquayrowingclub.co.uk

Trust10 Run – Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear 24 December & 28 January A free monthly 10k trail run along the rugged South West Coast Path and through Coleton Fishacre garden.

It’s fun, informal and for everyone. 5k route also available. Register at 8.30am in the carpark, run starts 9am. Dogs on leads welcome. Parking charges apply to non-National Trust members.

Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

Christmas Day Lunch, Berry Head Hotel 25 December Treat yourself to a delicious 7-course Christmas Day lunch for £82.00 per person. Carvery luncheon is also available on Christmas Eve with Bar Party and carols at the piano in the evening.

Berry Head Hotel, Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AJ 01803 853225 berryheadhotel.com

Christmas Day Lunch, Imperial Hotel 25 December Enjoy an exquisite 6-course Christmas meal with a glass of Champagne on arrival at £75 per person.

Park Hill Road, Torquay TQ1 2DG 01803 294301 theimperialtorquay.co.uk

Paignton Lions Club Walk into the Sea, Paignton 26 December The Lions Club of Paignton Boxing Day ‘Walk in to the Sea’ started in 1976 and has been popular ever since.

Numerous charities benefit from the annual event, December/January 2017/18

55

Get fit, have fun...

Fantastic range of classes in our air-conditioned fitness studio.

Whatever your level of fitness you’ll find a class to suit you.

Zumba – Yoga – Body Blitz – Pilates – Insanity Live – Fitsteps and more...

01803 400300

www.tlh.co.uk/aztec-studio We’re social, join us on

56

December/January 2017/18

#TLHhotels

#AztecStudioFit

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On which has only been cancelled once due to weather warnings and concerns from the Coastguards. Judging of the fancy-dress takes place 15 minutes before the walk in the sea at 12noon. Cost: £5.00 under 18s, £10.00 adult.

You are also encouraged to raise sponsorship for your own nominated charity, and Paignton Lions, who use money raised to support local people.

Paignton Sands, Esplanade Road, Paignton TQ4 6BW 01803 606966 or 01803 554864

Boxing Day Dip, Torquay 26 December The Boxing Day Dip is an annual event organized by No. 200 (Torquay & Brixham) Squadron Air Training Corps and is enjoyed by both members and the general public to raise funds for the unit as well as an additional chosen charity, this year Tormohun Rotary Charities. Tasteful fancy dress is encouraged and changing facilities will be provided in the Grand Hotel after the event. Time: 10.30am for an 11am start.

Corbyn Head Beach, Corbyn Head, Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2 6RH 200sqn.co.uk/main/boxing-day-dip

New Years Eve Party – Brixham Yacht Club 31 December There will be live music from Don’t Fret Duo and a first class buffet for only £30 a head. Contact the club for more details, non-members welcome!

Overgang, Brixham TQ5 8AR 01803 853332 brixhamyachtclub.com

New Year Johann Strauss Gala, Torquay 7 January Celebrate the New Year with an uplifting selection of waltzes, marches, polkas and arias by the King of Waltz, Johann Strauss and his contemporaries. The full symphonic forces of the BSO will be joined by outstanding soprano Rhian Lois to bring you an evening of swirling melodies to carry you away into the glamour and sparkle of Viennese dance halls. Pieces include the Fledermaus Overture, Waltzes from Der Rosenkavalier, Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Emperor Waltz and, of course, The Blue Danube. Tickets via BSO website, time: 3pm (doors open 2.15pm).

Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ. bsolive.com

Agatha Christie’s Potent Plants, Torquay 9 January

Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, Imperial Hotel 31 December See in 2018 in style at this fantastic celebration dinner dance. Enjoy a drinks reception before sitting down to a delicious six-course meal. Afterwards, the party really gets going, as you enjoy music from a live band and see in the New Year. Cost: £85 per person to include a glass of Champagne, dinner, music and dancing.

Park Hill Road, Torquay TQ1 2DG 01803 294301 theimperialtorquay.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Ali Marshall, Head Gardener at Torre Abbey, discusses the garden she created to commemorate Torquay’s most famous daughter. The garden makes intriguing connections between Agatha’s interest in poisonous plants and the medicinal plants that the medieval canons of Torre Abbey might have used. Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: £5.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

How to Drive an Aircraft Carrier, Torquay 10 January Jonathan Tod spent 38 years in the Royal Navy, rising to the rank of Vice Admiral and serving as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet. In this talk he explains what he did when he commanded that ultimate boy’s toy, HMS Illustrious. Time: 10.45amnoon, cost: £5.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org December/January 2017/18

57

E ’T H Y N T R O T A !

D E U E RG JAN LIN FO ST AD 31 DE

Enhance your home this winter with a woodburning stove...

We install and maintain Woodburning Stoves Gas Fires Fire Surrounds Flues and Chimney Lining

07912 871546 01803 845640

www.bancroftsfiresandflues.co.uk | info@bancroftsfiresandflues.co.uk 58

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On The Lost City of Z - Film Screening, Torquay 13 January

Tots Go Wild, Occombe 22 January

Part of Torquay Museum’s Explorer Season. Enjoy a special afternoon film screening of acclaimed Hollywood film The Lost City of Z starring Charlie Hunnam as Torquay born explorer Col. Percy Harrison Fawcett on his quest to find an ancient lost city in the Amazon jungle. Also enjoy the Grade 2 listed museum setting and a visit on the Explorers Gallery to view props used in the film. Time: 2pm, cost: £5.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Come and discover Occombe on a cold winter morning and join in lots of muddy fun and games.

Cost: £5, time: 9.30-11am, suitable for: toddlers-5 yrs, babies can come free). An adult must accompany children.

Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

The Unnatural Death of Dr Kelly, Torquay 16 January David Kelly had been a United Nations weapons inspector in Iraq. The weapons of mass destruction controversy led to his appearance before a Parliamentary Select Committee.

Two days later, Dr Kelly was dead. David Halpin explores the story. Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: £5.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Shipwrecks of Torbay, Torquay 17 January Nick Pannell, discusses the numerous shipwrecks that Torbay has witnessed, from the wreck of HMS Savage on Roundham Head in 1762 to the Santa Anna, the Panamanian tanker that ran aground on Thatcher Rock in 1998. 10.45am-noon, cost: £5.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

A Taste of Devon Cookery, Occombe 21 January You will make some simple dishes such as smoked Brixham mackerel pate and Beenleigh Blue cheese & leek tart, plus traditional dishes such as Squab Pie (made with lamb or mutton), Exeter pudding (a rich ‘trifle-like’ pudding especially created for a 19th century royal visit to Exeter) and Devon Apple Dappy. Cost: £75, suitable for adults.

Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Mary Shelley’s Lost Torquay Novel 23 January This work by Frankenstein creator, Mary Shelley, lay unpublished and forgotten for 175 years. Emma Seaman, a Gothic Literature specialist and award-winning author of adult short fiction, tells the remarkable story of this long-lost text.

10.45am-noon, cost: £5.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

19th & 20th Century Mining in the Bovey Basin 30 December Darrin Hewings, manager of the Sebelco Clay mine at Bovey Tracey, traces the history of mining in the Bovey Valley from the backbreaking manual labour of the 19th century to the mechanised methods of the 20th century.

10.45am-noon, cost: £5.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

The Extraordinary Trees of South Devon 31 December Silvicultural surveyor, Pip Howard, takes us on a visually stunning tour of the extremely rare and internationally important trees of South Devon.

10.45am-noon, cost: £5.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Holding an event in February or March?

E-mail us at editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk and we’ll list it in the next issue

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

59

ArtsRoundUp

We bring you a roundup of arts events and workshops happening locally.

Torquay’s Artizan Gallery & Café Exhibitions:

January Opening Show 6-26 January

Artizan Gallery Exhibition at Torre Abbey On till 6 January Plus Winter Fest Weekend 1 & 2 December

Artizan kicks off its 2018 calendar of exhibitions with an opening show with a wealth of local and national exhibitors featuring Veronica Charlesworth, Michael Wood, Jane Villaweaver, The Raw Art Forum, Sue Luxton, and Douglas Bardrick.

Artizan Gallery will be curating a modest open, unstewarded exhibition of their works at Torre Abbey. The Artizan team will be on-site with an additional stall for the Winter Fest weekend.

Miscellenea – Artizan’s Winter Open Exhibition 28 November – 23 December Plus! Meet the Artists Private View on 3 December from 6-8pm.

Artizan’s annual winter exhibition will feature works from over 50 artists. The gallery will be full to bursting with an abundance of original wall art sculptures and ceramics to tempt and delight.

Mark Wallis 60

December/January 2017/18

Cocktails & Conversation 1 December 6.30-8.30pm Artizan Gallery welcomes you to their monthly Cocktails and Conversation, where the conversation and the drinks are sure to sparkle! You will be able to exclusively preview their monthly exhibitions before they open to the public with bespoke cocktails and canapés prepared by the legendary team from The Beach Box. There will also be an exciting line up of speakers to deliver inspiring talks on local cultural developments. The evening will close with a cocktail demonstration from talented mixologist, Hugo. Tickets include a welcome ‘Bubbles’ cocktail and drinks token for a second drink from the menu. Every month, there will be a new menu of four cocktails. Non-alcoholic options will also be available.

Tickets £15 Booking Essential. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

New! The Garden Gallery Salon New for 2018 Artizan will be running a monthly open exhibition in their Garden Gallery bringing together multiple artists into this dedicated space. You will see some familiar faces but new and emerging artists will also be featured. Work will be varied and keep an eye out for some themed based ‘opens’ too as the year progresses.

An Introduction to Creative Writing with Harula Ladd 4 December & 8 January 7.30-9pm Join Artizan for a monthly evening of creative writing with poet, writer and workshop facilitator Harula Ladd.

The group will be nurturing the flame of creativity to ‘cook up’ some soul food. The workshop offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the power of artistic expression across different forms, and is open to all. You do not have to be a writer or artist to attend.

Tickets £7. Contact harulaladd@yahoo.com

Stanza Extravaganza 18 December & 29 January Drop into one of Artizan’s evenings of wisdom and whimsy with host Robert Garnham and some of the South West’s finest poets.

Doors Open 7.15 pm Performance 7.45pm, tickets: £5 advance, £6 on the door, performers £2.

Interested performers should contact Robert Garnham robertgarnham@gmail.com englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Acoustic Nights 11 December & 22 January Curated by talented musician Robert Spence, these are unplugged, open-mic evenings of laid back music featuring local performers. Guest set on 11 January from Silvington.

Doors open 7pm, performance 7.30pm. Tickets: £4 advance, £5 door, performers £2. Interested performers should contact Robert Spence rutybobs@tesco.net

All at: 7 Lucius Street, Torquay, TQ2 5NZ 01803 428626/07522 509642 artizangallery.co.uk f artizangallery Other Great Arts Events: Crafted - Life Drawing Course, Dartington Tuesdays & Thursdays 8 January to 8 February This new series of art courses run in 5-week blocks.

The class presents a contemporary feel to life drawing.

Through imaginative styling, composition and December/January 2017/18

61

The Artizan Winter Open Exhibition 28th Nov - 23rd Dec Artist Preview Nights 1st & 2nd December // 18:00-20:00

And launching our 2018 calendar January 6th 18:00-20:00 Artizan Gallery, 7 Lucius Street, Torquay, TQ2 5UW (01803) 428626 / www.artizangallery.co.uk

OPEN Monday - Saturday 10-4.30

Your creative adventure starts here!

CHRISTMAS FABRICS IN - SPRING FABRICS NOW ARRIVING

Font: James Fajardo Colours: Blue - C46 M16 Y22 K22 Red - C24 M100 Y100 K23

The Nautical & Seaside Fabric Specialist Come and see our wide range of wonderful fabrics and trimmings Patchwork & Quilting • Dressmaking & Repairs Knitting • Machine & Hand Sewing • Haberdashery

85 Middle Street Brixham TQ5 8EJ 01803 883342 www.brixhamsewingbox.co.uk

We run a range of courses and workshops for those just starting out and for the more experienced - check our website for details 62

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Arts consideration, surreal scenes are created for the figure. The aim of the class is to develop individual style and personal expression.

Contact: Isabel Coulton or email crafted@dartington.org Shippon Artists Studios, Dartington Hall Estate TQ9 6EA

Crafted – Woodworking – Make a Side Table 27 & 28 January Over this weekend course you will learn fundamental woodworking techniques using timeless tools as you make a beautiful and contemporary side table to adorn your home. Your table will be made of locally sourced ash and have decorative wedged tenons. You’ll be using draw knives and shave horses, rotary and scrub planes and other essential tools required to make the table, designed by your tutor, as you learn, step-by-step, all the necessary construction processes. By the end of the weekend you will have worked hard and have a gorgeous piece of furniture that you’ll treasure for years to come to show for your efforts. Your instructor, Ambrose Vevers was voted Best Maker in the South West at the Contemporary Craft Festival this year. Cost: £180 to include materials.

Book online.

Chicken Shed Studios, Schumacher College, Dartington TQ9 6EA 01803 847070 dartington.org

Crafted: Build a Custom Wooden Surfboard Over 3 weekends: 20-21 January, 17-18 February, 17-18 March Over six days you will learn about the components, shapes, profiles and contours of surfboards and how they work together to give you a great ride. You will walk away with a beautiful hollow wooden surfboard designed just for you and worthy of being displayed as a piece of art.

The boards will be crafted from sustainably sourced English cedar. Over three or four sessions you will assemble the components englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

of the boards. By the fourth or fifth session you will start sanding, readying the board for glassing. Here you can decide whether you would like to attempt to glass and polish your board, or pay an additional £300 for instructors Alen and Harry to do this for you in their workshop. Cost: £1,200 to include materials. Book online.

Chicken Shed Studios, Schumacher College, Dartington TQ9 6EA 01803 847070 dartington.org

A Christmas Lecture, Torquay 9 December Dr Geri Parlby returns to Torquay (she was at school here) for an Arts Society Torbay lecture entitled: The History and Art of the Nativity Crib. Discover the art form of the crib from the carved masterpieces of the medieval era to modern South American variations. Time 2.15pm, cost: visitors £8.00.

The Peter Larkin Hall, St. Matthias’ Church Centre, Babbacombe Rd. Torquay TQ1 1HW 01803 298440 & 01803 311648 torbay dfas.org.uk

A Photographic Odyssey 11 January Enjoy a fascinating talk by Mark Cottle entitled: Shackleton’s Endurance Expedition Captured on Camera.

This is a complimentary lecture to relaunch the Arts Society, Torbay. Time 2.15pm, cost: free.

The Peter Larkin Hall, St. Matthias’ Church, Babbacombe Rd. Torquay TQ1 1HW 01803 298440 & 01803 311648 torbay dfas.org.uk

December/January 2017/18

63

Deborah Treliving The Artist Gardener

Deborah Treliving is a successful Torquay-based artist who simply loves gardens and the countryside. This passion is reflected in the gloriously rich colours and textures in her paintings and hand made prints. Anita Newcombe dropped by for a chat.

D

Photo: Richard Newcombe

eborah lives atop a hill overlooking Lyme Bay and she met her husband Malcolm Law who is a ceramicist.

They both worked for many years as art teachers at South works in a large and airy studio with oodles of Devon College before becoming full-time artists. natural light. Although it looks absolutely perfect In 1999 Deborah exhibited with other West Country and superbly organised with a huge half-finished canvas artists at the Nagi Moca Museum of Contemporary Art standing proudly on an easel and many more on orderly in Japan. It was an experience racks, she has only just moved she enjoyed tremendously and her artist’s lair here. For 11 years it has had a strong influence on she was one of the best-known her work over the years. It also artists at Cockington Court Craft led to exhibitions at the Daiwa Centre working in the public eye Foundation in London and and letting visitors see how her galleries across Devon during the painting and printing evolved into Japan 2001 festival. the finished product.

Deborah shows me her Deborah tells me, “Art is sketchbooks where she captures a calling – it’s about the love ideas and records moments of of colour and texture and the beauty in mixed media. She excitement of juxtaposing one explains, “I prepare each page with against another. It’s good to let background colour, then I use people learn about what you do. watercolours and pencils, finishing Cockington is one of the very best off the detailing with a pen.” For craft spaces that is open to the a project at Cockington, Deborah public now.” drifted around the country park There are some types of work, each day and sketched paths however that need complete and bridleways. Having finished concentration so setting up a more with the pathways, she started on private studio feels like the right Cockington’s flowers and gardens. thing to do at this point. Home It’s a charming collection of It’s a charming collection of is not without its distractions however. She reveals, “My sketches with the ideas triggered sketches with the ideas triggered temptations are always between here germinating into works of all here germinating into works of all sizes and types. gardening and painting.” sizes and types.

She doesn’t work to commissions Her love of colour and and focuses entirely on what interests her at the time; this interesting textures is very evident and the oil painting means her work is continually evolving. Her most recent currently standing on the easel is a riot of stunning jewel exhibition was of her original monotype prints at the colours that evoke the sights, scents and lazy sounds of a Devon Guild of Craftsmen at Bovey Tracey. The monotype summer garden. technique is a process of putting colour on a printing plate Deborah trained at Bath Academy of Art in the 1970s that gives scope for freehand drawing. This was a process where she studied fine art, painting and printmaking. Here

“

”

64

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Arts

used by Degas in some of his famous drawings of ballet dancers and produces stunning results.

Deborah tells me that she is a member of the highly regarded Devon Guild of Craftsmen and also on the selection committee for printmaking. She is now working towards the guild’s Summer Exhibition, which shows the very best of the members’ work; she expects to submit between 1 and 3 pieces. The artworks have to be something entirely fresh – they won’t accept anything at all similar to what an artist has previously produced.

On her schedule for early next year is an exhibition that is taking place at Teignmouth Poetry Festival. Its theme is ‘Journeys’ (in this case Deborah’s garden) and she will be uploading a number of her garden-inspired artworks to Facebook and poets will then be invited to write poetry inspired by the images.

In the meantime, she has her latest paintings and prints stored on her drying racks and in specially designed drawers.

Her work is sold at the Devon Guild, at Cockington Court and at The Brook Gallery in Budleigh Salterton. Deborah regularly takes out portfolios of her work to show the galleries and once chosen, they are supplied backed with card and acid-free tissue and covered with protective film. A photographer comes in to take photos of her artwork to go on the galleries’ websites and on her own website.

Chatting with Deborah it becomes apparent that she is very much driven by her evolving ideas rather than any commercial considerations of what might sell the best. She tells me, “It’s always more difficult to sell abstract pieces but englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

that’s what interests me the most.”

It’s not all about painting and printmaking though. She is also the founder of POETSfriday at Cockington; it’s a quarterly event that has now been running at Cockington for 10 years. She tells me, “I do love afternoon tea and I make all the cakes and buns for the poetry crowd.”

Indeed she has served a delicious home baked banana cake this very afternoon.

Walking the South West Coast Path and drawing along the way is a favourite pastime. She is hoping to get some travelling in very soon using the family campervan (at the moment it’s mainly used for carrying the artwork around). Interesting parts of the UK, France and further afield are calling and she is considering visiting relatives in Australia and New Zealand.

Here at home she has two children and five grandchildren so I’m guessing she won’t be away for too long.

If you’ve been inspired by Deborah’s story, you can have a go yourself by signing up to one of her courses. These include: Printmaking Without a Press, Relief printing: Lino Cutting & Printing and a Carborundum and Collagraph workshop.

To see Deborah’s work you can visit Cockington Court, the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, The Brook Gallery in Budleigh Salterton or her own website. o deborahtreliving.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

65

Treading the boards Babbacombe Theatre Box Office 01803 328385 Editor’s pick Christmas is...Magical On till 13 December plus 26, 28 December & 1 January This wonderful family variety show features spellbinding illusions, comedic classics, hits of yesteryear and today, dance routines and plenty of glitz and glamour. The professional cast of eleven will leave you bubbling with Christmas cheer.

Princess Theatre, Torquay Box Office 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick Aladdin 8 – 31 December Sam Callahan (X Factor) plays Aladdin. He falls in love with the princess, Anne Hegerty, (ITV’s The Chase) and must prove himself a worthy suitor. Aladdin, finding a lamp, becomes master of the Genie inside but the Wicked Sorcerer, Evil Abanazar also wants the lamp. Can Aladdin outwit the baddie, keep the lamp, marry the princess and live happilyever after?

Also worth seeing…

ABBA Mania 19 January Totally Tina 24 January Brixham Theatre Box Office 01803 882717 Editor’s pick Mr Charles Dickens Presents A Christmas Carol 9 December The European Arts Company celebrates what was the first public performance Charles Dickens gave of his own work. He enacted it over 150 times and the effect on the public was phenomenal. This Christmas you can experience what it must have been like to be in the audience.

The performance is in support of Barnardos.

Also worth seeing…

St Agnes Foundation – The Christmas Concert 7 December 66

December/January 2017/18

John O’Connor at Brixham Theatre A Christmas Carol

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Palace Theatre, Paignton Box Office 01803 665800 Editor’s pick Cinderella 21 December – 3 January Take the family to this delightful festive pantomime as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother decides she shall go to the ball, transformed with a beautiful gown, tiny glass slippers and transported by a magical coach. Will she get home in time for midnight? A cast of 40 with a great cast and a five-piece band promise a wonderful evening.

Also worth seeing…

Dick Whittington 7 January Santa’s Christmas Wish 10 December

Flavel Arts Centre Dartmouth Box Office 01803 839530 Editor’s pick ROH live Rigoletto 16 January The corruption of innocence is at the heart of Verdi’s potent tragedy in David McVicar’s production for The Royal Opera.

Rigoletto, court jester to the libertine Duke of Mantua, is cursed by the father of one of the Duke’s victims for his irreverent laughter. When the Duke seduces Rigoletto’s daughter Gilda, it seems the curse is taking effect…

Also worth seeing…

NTLIVE Young Marx 7 December BRNC Big Band – Swing Britannia 19 January Little Theatre, Torquay Box Office 01803 299330 Editor’s pick Coward At Sea 21 January Coward at Sea is a nautical musical comedy featuring, for the first time on stage, Noel Coward’s P&O 1930, his magical evocation of the historic P&O route home to Britain from the Far East.

Also worth seeing…

The Perfect Murder 15-20 January Little Women 11-16 December englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

67

honest on time ABSOLUTELY THRILLED

competitive RESPECTFUL

tidy

HARD WORKING

PROFESSIONAL pleased LISTENED TRANSFORMED a real credit recommended friendly

within budget

NO HIDDEN COSTS

...just a few words from our customers*

DIGGE R DUMP & ER HIRE Call fo r quotat a ion

Call today to discuss your project 07782 413671/01803 906513 Email churstonbuilders@gmail.com at ChurstonBuildersTorbay *visit churstonbuilders.co.uk to read our testimonials and to see what we can do.

SHORT BREAKS

Fri 16th-Sun 18th March LONDON CULTURAL EXCHANGES TOUR 4* central London Hotel (Park Plaza Riverbank) Cabinet War Rooms, Tour of Parliament & Afternoon Tea, Thames Cruise, Tower of London

Thurs 14th-Monday 18th June CAMBRIDGE INC COLLEGES, CHAPELS, CATHEDRALS & SPITFIRES Mon 10th-Fri 14th Sept BOURNEMOUTH INC NEW FOREST & ISLE OF WIGHT

£295pp based on 2 sharing*

£390pp based on 2 sharing*

£345pp based on 2 sharing*

greycarscoaches RELAX, SIT BACK & ENJOY! Airport & Hotel Transfers Short Breaks & Day Trips Private Hire for Groups Conferences Weddings

* SINGLE SUPPLEMENT APPLIES

DAY TRIPS

Weds 6th December CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT KILLERTON £46 INC LUNCH & HOUSE ENTRY (NT MEMBERS £30) Thurs 7th December BATH CHRISTMAS MARKET £25 Fri 15th December COTEHELE CHRISTMAS GARLAND £28 inc (NT Members £19)

www.greycars.com

Daneheath Business Park, Heathfield, Newton Abbot TQ12 6TL

01626 833038 bookings@greycars.com

Weds 20th December BLACKDOWN GARDEN CENTRE & TAUNTON £21 Fri 29th December TWIXTMAS MYSTERY DRIVE £21

68

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Celebrating Winter

Lis Wallace of Dobies of Devon helps us to enjoy winter gardening, indoors and out.

“From December to March, there are for many of us three gardens, the garden outdoors, the garden of pots and bowls in the house, and the garden of the mind’s eye.”

Katherine S. White Now is the time to celebrate the arrival of winter, along with the frosty mornings and log fires. Most gardens will be looking bare although perhaps beech hedges will still be providing bronze colour and evergreens will be giving structure and interest. Chill, bright days are perfect for the few gardening jobs that need doing this month. As the days are so short you’ll soon be back inside by the warmth of the fire.

Winter Houseplants Short days, wet and cold mean that most gardens are out of bounds making vibrant indoor plants that much more desirable. And of course, winter houseplants give those temporarily off-duty gardeners something to nurture.

Winter Gardening Jobs If your garden is looking a little drab now is the time to decide and to plan where to add colour and interest for next year. Some suggestions are: Skimmia, hellebores, pansies, bellis and primula.

Give your seed trays and pots a good clean ready for seed sowing. Not ordered your seed yet? Browse online or request a free copy of our 2018 Seed Catalogue.

Chit your early and second early potatoes. Put them in a cool, frost-free place, with plenty of light and

Central heating, radiators and log fires make our homes a pretty hostile environment for festive houseplants. So, read on for some advice as to the care and positioning needed for popular plants: Amaryllis – Whilst growing, keep warm in filtered light and turn the pot often to keep the stalk growing straight.

Water sparingly until the flower spike is well above the bulb and then water weekly. When the flower opens move to a cool position of about 15-18C. Azalea – Indoor azaleas flower in colours of white through pink and different shades of red. Cared for correctly they will bloom for several weeks and then flower in spring for several years to come. Keep them in a cool, well-lit spot and water 2 to 3 times a week, ensuring that the compost never dries out.

they’ll form nice strong chits.

If you want to force your rhubarb and enjoy an early crop then pop an upturned bucket over the crown. You’ll be enjoying the forced stalks within 6 to 8 weeks.

Wisteria benefits from being pruned twice a year and now is time for its winter prune. Cut all side shoots back to 2 or 3 buds, unless of course you wish to extend the area covered. Don’t already have a wisteria?

Now is the perfect time to buy and plant one.

Lis’s garden includes a wide range of flowering plants but it is the veg patch and greenhouse that receive the most attention. Lis will share some of the knowledge she has gained from her father (a professional gardener) from working at Dobies and also from her own trial and error. Storm, the Jack Russell is bound to chip in now and then. That’s what terriers do! englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

69

including Viburnum Anne Russell and Escallonia Iveyi, are strongly scented.

CALL FOR OUR 2018 BROCHURE TODAY

Summer holidays European holidays Short breaks London breaks River cruises Days out and about 7 Station Yard, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 1ES Call us on 01548 854067 Email holidays@tallyhocoaches.co.uk

Find out more at www.tallyhoholidays.co.uk

70

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Jasmine - Myriads of scented white flowers will fill your home with exquisite perfume. Jasmine will flower for several weeks provided it is kept in a cool room such as an unheated conservatory or porch. Water once a week.

Christmas Cactus - This tropical cactus will bloom prolifically well into the New Year and possibly again at Easter. Keep in a well-lit position out of direct sunlight at 16-21C. Water when the surface of the soil has dried out.

Stephanotis - Originating in Madagascar this is a twining vine with pretty star-shaped flowers giving off a beautiful perfume. Being a tropical plant Stephanotis likes a humid atmosphere so will appreciate being misted regularly.

Filtered light and a cool temperature of around 13C will keep the blooms coming for several weeks.

Once your winter houseplants have stopped flowering

gradually reduce watering. The faded lovelies will enjoy spending the summer outside before being brought back indoors during October, in readiness for another glorious winter display.

Diar y Dates

On those dank dreary days when you can’t summon the motivation to go out into the garden just remember, “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant.”

Anne Bradstreet

Torquay & District Horticultural Society All talks are held at 7.30pm at the Livermead House Hotel.

21 February Paul Rendell, a Dartmoor National Park guide will be giving a talk entitled, Plants of Dartmoor & the West Country at the Livermead House Hotel, Torquay. Time: 7.30pm, cost: £5 to visitors.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

To contact Dobies please call 0844 967 0303 or email gardening@dobies.co.uk

December/January 71 December/January 2017/18 2017/18

71

Loving our Bees Solitary bees are the great pollinators of the bee world so encouraging them to take residence in our gardens is a smart move. Honeybees produce delicious yummy honey so why not go the whole hog and take a beekeeping course?

Make a Bee Hotel Our first stop is Paignton Zoo where a research student has been studying the benefits of building hotels for bees. Emily Tyack has been observing solitary bees, which lay eggs in cavities. She provided bee hotels, each with a range of materials then watched to see which bees would nest in which materials.

There are 250 species of solitary bee, emerging and nesting at slightly different times and with slightly different nesting preferences. She noted holes blocked with mud (by mason bees) and carefully cut circles of leaf (by leafcutter bees).

Emily, an Environmental Biology student at the University of Nottingham, was on a year-long placement with the Field Conservation & Research Department of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, the charity that runs Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts in Torquay as well as Newquay Zoo in Cornwall.

Emily explains, “The leafcutter bees block the cells around each egg in the hole using perfectly cut circles from rose leaves. It’s mesmerising to watch them come back and forth with bits of leaf half the size of themselves! You can happily watch them from quite close; they aren’t bothered by your presence.”

The leaf cutter bees favoured the bamboo tube, slot boxes and drilled logs, with some species even enlarging the holes to suit; mason bees preferred the bamboo tube, cob brick, reed tube and drilled logs. Overall, the most popular materials were the reed tube, the cob brick and the drilled logs.

Emily said, “Solitary bees will use artificial nest sites provided by humans and by providing a range of materials and holes you will support the species of solitary bee in your garden.”

72

December/January 2017/18

Emily has advice on making your first bee hotel, “We can all make a bee hotel for the garden. Include 20cm lengths of bamboo canes, either in a tube or tied into a bundle. Bamboo is good for all species as the holes vary in size naturally. Also include a cob brick (great fun to make, tutorials can be found online, children will love it) and a log drilled with various sized holes. Make sure to place your hotel in a spot that gets lots of sun in the morning and is sheltered from the rain, and you should have happy little bees in your garden in no time!”

Building a bee hotel makes a great winter DIY project for the gardener in his or her shed so let’s start creating a buzz in the world of bee hospitality!

Bees are threatened by habit loss and increased agricultural practices. By providing artificial nesting sites, we can create more viable areas in which British bee species can nest and survive. paigntonzoo.org.uk

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Wildlife Go on a Beekeeping Course!

If you are interested in nature and the natural world and are fascinated by how species adapt and cope with the modern world, why not become a beekeeper? It’s great fun, sociable and physically active – not to mention the yummy honey harvest!

ending on April 23rd. Thereafter, beginner beekeepers will be invited to the club apiary where you will be introduced to live bees and taught how to handle them and inspect a hive. You will receive help and advice on how to obtain bees, where to site them and guidance through your first year of beekeeping.

Torbay Bee Keepers Association will be starting: An Introduction to Beekeeping Course Monday, 15th January 2018 19 Locarno Avenue TQ3 2DH 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm

The cost of the course is £120, which includes one year’s membership of the British Bee Keepers Association; this also includes membership to the Devon and Torbay Associations.

A warm welcome is promised to all newcomers!

The course will be held fortnightly with eight sessions

Contact Liz Westcott, lizwestcott@me.com 01803 855420

Did You Know?

• Solitary bees in the garden are safe around children & pets • Solitary bees do not live in colonies, produce honey or have a queen • Honey bees are the only insect that makes food that people can eat • Honey contains all of the substances needed to sustain life • A colony of bees can contain between 20,000 and 60,000 bees • There’s only ever one queen bee • One bee will only make 1/12 of a teaspoon on honey in its entire life.

• It takes 1,100 bees and 4 million flowers to make 1kg of honey

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

73

MURDER ON THE

ORIENT

E X P R ES S

Vue Torbay hosted a VIP gala screening of 20th Century Fox’s new movie Murder on the Orient Express to celebrate Agatha Christie’s lifelong connections with the Bay. The cast includes greats such as Kenneth Branagh, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Josh Gad, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley, Derek Jacobi and Willem Dafoe.

Sir Kenneth Branagh directed the new screenplay based on Christie’s 1934 novel of the same name. To mark the occasion, Vue hosted a champagne reception with a number of special guests, including Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie’s grandson. The new production sees Branagh himself direct and lead as the world famous detective, Hercule Poirot.

The world premiere of Murder on the Orient Express was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London the previous evening with a big line-up of stars. Chris and Liz Hart from Wollen Michelmore were there and shared photos of the occasion.

74

December/January 2017/18

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Social Diary

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

75

YOUR FAVOURITE LEATHER ITEMS BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE! Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

• Cleaning Service for all leather finishes, Pigmented, Aniline, Nubuck, etc...

• Repair Service for cuts, scratches, & tears, colour matched using our sophisticated colour reader.

• Restoration Service.

• Full recolouring service available.

• Leather Protection Treatment.

• Mould removal.

Furniture, Car Seats, Handbags, Jackets and more...

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT

01803 844664 07795 836386 DEVON LEATHER CARE Whatever the leather! www.devonleathercare.co.uk

enquiries@devonleathercare.co.uk

Percy Fawcett Exhibition Opening

Social Diary

Torquay Museum invited guests to a preview evening of its new exhibition The Lost City of Z, showcasing the secrets of the Fawcett archive.

Linda Hill (Torbay Tourism Association), Ian Doggett (Vice Chairman Torbay Council) and Gordon Oliver (Mayor).

Anna Gilroy (Torre Abbey), Sarah Hemmingway (Torquay Museum), Basil Greenwood (Museum Director) and Simon Raphael (Torquay Museum Volunteers Officer) Mike Holgate, Pat & Ian Handford (Torbay Civic Society) and Rachel Rees (English Riviera Magazine).

John Tomkins (Emberlense Productions), Nicole Amil (Torbay Council), and Judith Read (Chair of Trustees).

Michael Rhodes (Former Head of Museums), Richard Maddock (Torbay Culture Board) and Brian Maddock

Helen & Adrian Harle.

Stephen Criddle (Principal SDC) and Cllr John MIlls (Dep. Mayor Torbay)

Cllr Tim Golder (Chmn Teignbridge DC), Graham Allan (Hd of Apprenticeships & Employer Engagement SDC) and Laurence Frewin (Vice Principal SDC)

College Launch South Devon College held a reception and plaque unveiling to mark the launch of its brand new Centre for Health and Care Professions on Newton Road in Torquay. Sir Richard Ibbotson Chairman of Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust unveiled the plaque.

Sir Richard Ibbotson (Chairman Torbay & SD NHS Foundation Trust)

Graham Fice (Governor SDC), Matthew Harbour (Vice Principal SDC), Dr Matt Halkes and John Bryant (both Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

77

See things in a new light at Add some colour to Coleton Aglow

your weekend this autumn at Gibside

Friday Saturday and Sunday from 1 - 17 December and Wednesday to Sunday from 20 31 December. 5-6.30pm or 5.30-7pm.

At Coleton Fishacre this December, the house and garden will be lit for an opulent 1920s Christmas party. You can follow the trail of festive illuminations Go crunching through fallen leaves andpreparations discover a forest around the exotic garden, and see for teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking the party in full swing in the house. Normal admission routes for all ages and abilities. prices apply. Booking essential.

all 01 03 23 2 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk coleton-fis acre W enyou youvisit, isitdonate, donate olunteer t e National When volunteer or joinor theoin National Trust, yourrust your support usafter to look after special places in <like t e nglis support helps us elps to look special places <in the region> i iera suc as oleton Fis acreZ>for e ever, er for eryone. property X, property Y and Proeprty in for foreeveryone. © National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Photography © National Trust Images\Tony Cobley.

Images.

nationaltrust #nationaltrust

Pick Up A Copy!

Our distribution teams deliver 15,000 copies of English Riviera Magazine to homes & businesses. If you don’t receive one in your area pick one up at one of the following outlets:

Hoopers

Churston Traditional Farm Shop

5-6 The Strand, Torquay TQ1 2DF

Dartmouth Road, nr Brixham TQ1 2AF

Kingswear Post Office

Stoke Gabriel Stores

3 The Square (Lower Ferry Slipway), Kingswear TQ6 0AA

Paignton Road, Stoke Gabriel TQ6 6RD

Haddon Galleries

Broadpark Post Office

6/7 Victoria Parade,Torquay TQ1 2BB

18 Roundhill Road, Livermead TQ2 6TH

& New Rowcroft CEO

Chelston Post Office & Newsagents

Marldon Hill Post Office

24 Walnut Road, Torquay TQ2 6HS

133 Marldon Road, Paignton TQ3 3NL

Preston Post Office

Cherrybrook News

337 Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2EP

Cherrybrook Square, Hookhills, Paignton TQ4 7LY

Preston Down Road Post Office

Torquay Library

111 Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1DS

Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT

Marldon Newsagents & Post Office

Paignton Library

Marldon Cross Hill, Marldon TQ3 1NE

Station Lane, Paignton TQ4 5AR

Market Street, Brixham TQ5 8EU

Galmpton Post Office

Artizan Gallery

Stoke Gabriel Road, Galmpton TQ5 0NH

Lucius Street, Torquay TQ2 5UW

100 Fun Festivities

English Riviera Magazine for Residents

by Residents DELIVERED FREE TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES

Walks • Local Food • Heritage

EnglishRiviera • Nature • People • Events • Arts

August/September 2017

116

magazine

Meet

Salty Sheep

Super Summer Events

Give It A Go!

PARKRUN Snuggle up with a

Illustrator Extraordinaire

Paul Barclay

Riviera Heritage Dr Herbert Chilcote Brixham Battery New! Heritage Trail

Sailing Special

TORBAY ROYAL REGATTA PORT OF DARTMOUTH ROYAL REGATTA JOIN THE TILLER GIRLS AMERICA'S CUP WINNERS MEET COMMODORE KATE BROWN

Face Your Fears at Virtual Jet Centre

CHEERS TO 10 YEARS OF BEERS!

We visit Bays Brewery

English Riviera Magazine for Residents

by Residents DELIVERED DIRECT TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES

78

December/January 2017/18

THROUGHOUT THE BAY

EE

Brixham Library

Fore Street, St Marychurch TQ1 4PR

Celebrate the Season

FR

St Marychurch Post Office

Festive Food & Drink

Movie Premiere Celebrates The Bay's Agatha Christie Links

125 Newton Road, Torquay TQ2 7AJ

Broadsands Road, Paignton TQ4 6LL

ENJOY!

William Scoresby

19/20 The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW

Ilsham Rd, Torquay TQ1 2JG

magazine

HOLLYWO OD

COMES TO TOWN! Meet Abbey School's

Lowes Bridge Post Office

Churston Library

• Nature • People • Events • Arts

December/January 2017/18

Hobb Nobs

Wellswood Place Post Office

Walks • Local Food • Heritage

EnglishRiviera

THROUGHOUT THE BAY

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Fish Market Tours The final Brixham Fish Market Tour of the season was not only an exciting opportunity to see the famous fish auction and enjoy a fish breakfast at Rockfish. Tourgoers also saw Matt Skinner, Brixham Superintendent of The Fishermen’s Mission receive 3 donations. The first was from Fish Market Tours organiser Christine Hodgetts who presented a cheque for £4,000. This impressive sum was raised from the 18 tours in 2017 hosting over 500 people. Rockfish’s Mitch Tonks sponsored the fish breakfast for the whole season adding substantially to the sum raised. There were also two extra events this year – a day trip on Pilgrim and a Bay trip on Funfish and funds raised were presented by Sally Gibson for Pilgrim and Ross Gritton for Funfish.

Sally Gibson (Pilgrim) and Matt Skinner (Fishermen’s Mission)

Office Celebration

Ed Moorhouse (OCP) and Suki Singh

Matt Skinner (Fishermen’s Mission) and Christine Hodgetts (Brixham Fish Market Tours)

Ross Gritton (Funfish) and Matt Skinner (Fishermen’s Mission)

Local film production company Original Concept Productions invited clients and guests to celebrate the opening of their new office at The White House in Torquay.

Rebecca Heal (OCP) and Duncan White (Nash & Co)

Charlie Freeman (OCP), Mike Berkofsky and David Taylor

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Social Diary

Johnny Bradburn (OCP) and Julian Rees

Mike Berkofsky, Caroline Yearsley, Nina Bowden, Sarah Hughes and James Bowden

December/January 2017/18

79

BusinessBreaks...

New Dawlish Health Hub Barton Surgery in Dawlish has opened a new Health Hub, acting as a centre of excellence, which provides additional services for patients, directly next to the practice. The Health Hub is a collaboration of hearing specialists Chime, an established NHS partner and private audiometrist, optometrist’s Barton Eyecare and Exeter Physio. The three organisations will provide patients with expert medical advice and a service to people in the local area, as well as a multi-discipline approach to improve patient outcomes, working closely with the doctors of Barton Surgery.

Chime Hearing is a NHS partner and social enterprise, which helps hearing-impaired patients in the local area.

The not-for-profit organisation provides leading assistive devices designed to work seamlessly with state-of-the-art technology, to help people with hearing difficulties. They are also part of the Veteran’s Hearing Fund – providing government funded support to veterans who acquired hearing loss during service and offer audiology services at 15 other locations across Devon. o

the Private Client team and know how much it means to everyone across the firm.” The judges commended the Wollen Michelmore Private Client Team for their “unique approach in trying to understand the conditions of their clients in order to deliver the best service possible. To have such knowledge promotes greater understanding, caring, stand-out and forward thinking.”

President of the Law Society Joe Egan said, “This year we received a record number of nominations for the awards.” In May, Wollen Michelmore’s Family team were recognised as among the best in the legal profession at the national Solicitors Journal Awards held in London. o

Opening the Door to a Better Kind of Estate Agency The Saunders & Lingard team launched their rebranded estate agency in August. With 5 star reviews, Sue Saunders, Sara Fiddes and Rob Lingard are delighted how well Saunders & Lingard has been received.

Available 7 days a week, evenings and weekends, Sue Saunders, Sara Fiddes & Rob Lingard

Devon Solicitors Shine at Law Society Awards Wollen Michelmore Solicitors have won a major national award for the second time this year. The Law Society’s prestigious Excellence Awards took place at the Hilton, Park Lane in London and the firm’s Private Client team were awarded the Excellence in Private Client Practice award, recognising the team as England and Wales’s best.

Katrina Vollentine, Head of the Private Client team said, “I am so very proud to receive this award on behalf of 80

December/January 2017/18

providing the highest level of service has resulted in super-satisfactory, speedy sales and return customers.

The website is informative, easy to use, and the FAQ section is a hit with vendors and buyers. Mr Mitchell, englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

BusinessBreaks...

...

Torquay said, “Over the years we have dealt with several estate agents but none has been as professional and helpful as Sue, Sara and the team at Saunders and Lingard. We have been extremely impressed with the straightforward honest approach of the whole team. It has been very refreshing to find an agent that actually responds to your queries in a timely manner- usually by return – whatever time of day including weekends.

We would have no hesitation in recommending Saunders and Lingard to anyone looking to buy or sell a property.” For a free valuation, contact: 01803 611420 or visit saundersandlingard.co.uk. o

New MD for Cavanna Cavanna Homes, has appointed Keith Miller as its Managing Director to lead the family-owned company as it heads towards its 100th anniversary. Following in the footsteps of his own father and other family members, Keith’s first job as a bricklayer paved the way for subsequent roles as an estimator and then as a surveyor with building firms in the North West of England before first joining Redrow Homes in 1998 and climbing the ranks to become a Commercial Director and Regional Director in the South West. Although swapping his hard hat and boots for a suit and tie some time ago, Keith has recently built his own family home in Weston Super Mare, where he lives with his wife and two youngest children.

He said, “There’s nothing like undertaking your own home building project to fully appreciate the detail and all the hard work that goes into developing a new home. Not that I’d forgotten my days as a bricklayer!” o

Networking Directory

Get involved with Torbay business!

Torbay Business Forum First Tuesday of every month 7.30am RICC Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ Contact: Angela George 07717 316641 info@torbaybusinessforum.org.uk torbaybusinessforum.org.uk @TorbayBusiness Torbay Business Network Last Friday of every month 7.30am Pierpoint Restaurant Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5HA Contact: Anthony Blackaby 01803 299935 events@torbaybusinessnetwork.co.uk @TorbayBizNet SOS Club Second Tuesday of every month 7.30am Livings Coasts Harbourside, Torquay TQ1 2BG Contact: Jenny Paton 01803 697509 Jenny.Paton@paigntonzoo.org.uk Breakfast Networking Club Torbay Every other Tuesday 7.15am The Grand Hotel The Sea Front, Torquay TQ2 6NT Contact: Andy Coleman 07830 150615 andy@deatorbay.co.uk @BNC_torbay

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2017/18

81

the briefing straightforward and honest legal advice to take the stress out of tough situations

Taking professional advice is the best advice

A

t some point in your life, you may be asked by a relative or to undertake. There are duties on professional executors friend to act as their executor. It is an honour to be asked to disclose their likely administration costs to the person and a mark of respect and trust. It can also be hard work, time making the will, as well as to the final beneficiaries of the consuming and a great responsibility and, for that reason, many estate after the person has died. Costs may not always be as people choose to appoint a firm of solicitors to take on the role. first expected, if, for example, there are beneficiaries who So I was disappointed to read a recent article in the Times by make repeated enquiries of the executors or there is a dispute.

Laura Whateley, who warned clients to “think carefully before Cases of solicitors overcharging are actually few and far appointing a solicitor or ‘professional will-writer’ as executor”. between although the ones that do go wrong generate a lot The article went on to give accounts of unhappy beneficiaries of publicity and foster mistrust due to one-sided reporting accusing professional executors of charging exorbitant sums to and sensationalising these rare cases. The solicitor is always administer an estate. I do not know the circumstances of that penalised, financially, sometimes criminally and, unless it particular estate, and I agree that whilst the sums quoted do was a genuine mistake, prevented from continuing to act as a appear to be exorbitant, there is no detail about the circumstances solicitor – thus preventing that solicitor from doing it again leading to those costs. I do know that in the future. there are any number of factors and As solicitors, we work to serve your As solicitors, we work to serve reasons that can cause administration your best interests and we do so best interests and we do so within a costs to escalate; the prime one fully regulated industry. being disputes between beneficiaries within a fully regulated industry.

Our Private Client team includes or disappointed beneficiaries – a number of solicitors who are those whose expectation of an inheritance did not materialise. members of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Whether or not a professional executor is appointed in those (STEP), and Solicitors for the Elderly and our continued circumstances, solicitors are likely to be engaged to resolve such commitment to client service has just been recognised by the disputes, and large costs are inevitable. Such costs can often be award of the ‘Excellence in Private Client Practice’ at the Law disproportionate to the value of the estate.

Society Excellence Awards 2017.

As solicitors, our role is to listen to our clients and advise When you meet with one of our team to discuss your will, them of their options. Clients can appoint whomsoever they they will help you understand all of your options. You can then wish to act as their executor and will make the right decision decide what is best for you, and our team can ensure your wishes for themselves once they understand all of the options. are put into effect. Please do not let headlines like these put you They may decide that a professional appointment is best off taking good profession advice. because they can foresee a potential dispute between family members or beneficiaries in the future, or the need to appoint If you would like to discuss this article further please a professional administrator to minimise disputes between contact our Partner, Marinella Hollies at: beneficiaries who simply could not work together if they were Marinella.Hollies@wmlegal.co.uk or call 01803 832191. appointed as executors.

Solicitors have clear moral and ethical guidance from the Solicitors Regulation Authority as to how they should fulfil their role as an executor. Those who fail to follow the rules of best practice may be subject to professional sanctions and a requirement to make financial compensation to the estate.

Marinella Hollies It is true that all solicitors will charge fees to administer an Partner estate – whether acting as executors themselves, or advising lay executors. Some solicitors will charge large fees. This @wmlegal may be entirely appropriate and proportionate to the size Wollenmichelmore and complexity of the estate, and the work they have had

Wollen Michelmore SOLICITORS TORQUAY NEWTON ABBOT 01803 213251 01626 332266

Regional Law Firm of the year South West

DARTMOUTH 01803 832191

Excellence in Private Client Practice

BARNSTAPLE 01271 342268

www.wollenmichelmore.co.uk This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (No.565599)

Fe W Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December s, t our happy elve e e m to s n g si e Follow th receive a prize* d an ' ie lf e S ie lf take an 'E lus ca and Batman p ri e m A in ta ap C t Mee om Frozen!

Anna and Elsa fr d our penguins e fe s e lv e â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ta an Watch S special animal ch at w , d te n ai p Get your face more! enrichment and and enjoy festive g in g n si l o ar C Listen to our Terrace CafĂŠ food and drink in ks last. ilable whilst stoc va A l. ai tr r pe 50 *ÂŁ2. applies.

Coasts admission Standard Living Kindly sponsored by:

www.livingcoasts.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1099076

at 16 th - 24 th December Tickets:

ÂŁ9.50 per child*

l a c i g a M A

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL

i r h C

! e c n e i er p x sE a m t s

Meet Santa in his magical cabin Hop aboard the Christmas train Take the snowball throwing challenge

Indulge in festive food & drink**

*Normal Zoo admission prices apply **Not included in ÂŁ9.50 price Registered Charity Number 300923.

Kindly Sponsored by:

paigntonzoo.org.uk