English Rivera Magazine April/May 2014

Walks Local Food Ar ts Nature People Events Heritage

EnglishRiviera magazine April/May 2014

90

EVENTS TO ENJOY

BACK TO THE 1940s

Torquay’s Coastwatch Station

Keeping a Watchful Eye

With

BrixFest

BMAD

STRIKING A CHORD Dartmouth Orchestra

Bikes & Fun on Paignton Green

Delicious

Kayaking

Give it a Go!

TorqEat

Easter Baking & Pop-Up Suppers

IN KINGSWEAR

Heritage Sailing

PREPARE TO BE BOARDED

BABBACOMBE Cliff Railway

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English Riviera Magazine

@EngRivieraMag …to issue five as we celebrate the Easter holidays and the May Bank holidays. There’s such a lot going on in this edition so do make sure you get out and visit some of our wonderful events and festivals. The truth is that people come from far and wide to enjoy our flamboyant pirate festival, our heritage sailing, the spectacle of the BMAD bike festival, our foodie events like TorqEat and our spectacular scenery and we are lucky enough to have them right here on our doorstep.

When the sun comes out there are few places more beautiful and we feel really excited about all we have going on along the English Riviera in the next couple of months. We don’t know about you but when we see a big festival going on, we want to know who’s behind it, the pirate fans, the sailors, the musicians, the foodies busy organising and planning great events. How on earth do they do it and why are they so brilliantly motivated? It’s always very inspirational to see the wealth of talent and the characters we have here in the Bay, so this month we meet quite a few of them.

If you have guests coming down for Easter, we’ve got a couple of delicious recipes for you to try and a huge collection of events from Babbacombe to Dartmouth to delight you, your families and your friends.

Please keep sending your news, your photos and your feature ideas to editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

and do chat to us on Twitter and Facebook. We love receptions, parties, exhibitions and business events so don’t forget to invite us along if you’d like your event featured in a forthcoming issue.

Happy Easter and happy reading!

Don’t forget to visit the website, for more news, social events, competitions and features in between issues.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

About us...

Created and Published By Devon Magazine Company Ltd 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 Website englishrivieramagazine.co.uk facebook.com/ englishrivieramagazine ISSN (Print) 2052-8515 ISSN (Online) 2052-8523

Proudly Printed in Devon

Next issue 30 May

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.

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April/May 2014

3

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In this issue...

6

Openers

8

Coastwatch

10 15

Local news snippets COVER STORY

Find out about the Torbay NCI

Brixham Heritage Sailing Regatta Vintage sail rules the waves

COVER STORY

Brixfest

COVER STORY

BMAD in 2014

COVER STORY

20

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

COVER STORY

24

Avast Me Hearties!

COVER STORY

28

Walk

16

30 32 36

Contents

Brixham’s May festival

10th anniversary festival

16

BMAD in 2014

The ups and the downs...

Brace yourselves for a pirate landing A springtime riverside escape

Give it a Go!

COVER STORY

Dartmouth Orchestra

COVER STORY

What’s On

COVER STORY

Learn to kayak

Meet the musicians

8 Pages of Easter fun and springtime events

24 Brixham Pirate Festival

36 Easter and Spring Events 48

Theatre Round Up

50

Easter Baking

COVER STORY

TorqEat Festival

COVER STORY

55 56 58 65 66

Who’s treading the boards?

Hot Cross Buns on the menu Torquay’s foodie fest

Food and Drink Snippets Tasty recipes and food finds

Social Diary

Were you there?

Business Breaks

Local business news

The Briefing

Legal news from Wollen Michelmore

Cover image:

Grayhound at the Brixham Heritage Sailing Regatta © Peter Blanchard & Imogen Moody englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

April/May 2014

5

Openers...

Openers...

Kents Cavern Wows the Natural History Museum Nick Powe attended the launch of the Natural History Museum’s major new exhibition “Britain: One Million Years of the Human Story.” He said, “Walking around the exhibition you can’t get away from the fact that Kents Cavern has a remarkable place in Britain’s one million journey by road and sea.”

Adam Johnstone, Senior Aquarist at Living Coasts, explained: “They are leaving here to make room for the remaining rays to grow, to allow for new births and to balance the sex ratio of the group. We hope they will help form a new breeding group in France.”o livingcoasts.org.uk

Fan-Dabi-Dozi Fish & Chips year human story. I know how important Kents Cavern is, but here even I was bowled over by the dominance of Kents Cavern in the story. Kents Cavern is mentioned in just about every gallery in the exhibition. The exhibition brings together for the first time Britain’s prehistoric human story and amongst the relatively small number of prehistoric artifacts on display, items from Kents Cavern include carved stone age jewellery and bone harpoons.

But in its own display case, next to the ‘Red Lady of Paviland’ a male 40,000 year old Homo sapiens skeleton, is the Kents Cavern jawbone, which at 41,000 years is the oldest human fossil ever found in Britain.”

The exhibition runs until 28 September. The Kents Cavern jawbone is on loan from Torquay Museum.o

Romance with a Sting in the Tail Two Devon brothers have gone to Paris in search of love – but there’s a sting in the tail. The two are venomous stingrays from Living Coasts, Torquay’s coastal zoo. The boys, with the unpromising names of Spotty and Sheldon are now residing at the Aquarium de Paris located right next to the Eiffel Tower.

Clare Rugg, Living Coasts Operations Manager said: “We had to buy special polystyrene fish transport boxes, heavy duty water bags and heat pads. A bag was filled with water from the tank, the ray placed in the bag, which was then topped up with oxygen, sealed and triple bagged.

The bag was put in the polystyrene box with heat pads, sealed and bubble wrapped. They made the 500-mile 6

April/May 2014

The Krankies are appearing in new local radio advertisements for award-winning Hanbury’s Fish and Chips of Babbacombe.

The Krankies have been in show business for over 40 years and have starred in many high-profile TV and stage shows such as French & Saunders. Their catchphrase Fan-Dabi-Dozi was released as a single in 1981 reaching an impressive 46 in the UK singles charts.

David Hanbury said “I’m delighted with the ads. Ian and Janette have been very supportive of me and always come along to our June Music Festival on Babbacombe Downs and help entertain the crowds.”

Janette said “We’ve known David for years and were only too happy to feature in his new series of ads.”

The ads will appear throughout the year on Heart Radio and Palm FM and there’s a special extra one to promote the Music Festival which this year will be on Sunday 22 June and will again be raising money for local charity, Torbay Holiday Helpers Network.o

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

...

Openers... Openers...

They’re Leaving Home!

Paignton Zoo’s Asiatic lion cubs are all grown up and three of the four are going to new homes across Europe.

Neil Bemment, Paignton Zoo’s Curator of Mammals and Director of Operations says, “Paignton Zoo is involved in numerous international breeding programmes. Asiatic lions are classed as Endangered – there are fewer than 400 surviving in the wild. Every cub born into the breeding programme could be one step closer to survival.”

Two male cubs and one female, all born in May 2012, are going to collections in Belgium, Poland and Germany.

Mother Indu and their sister Maliya will be staying home at Paignton Zoo. Neil explains, “They are likely to be joined by a male from London Zoo in due course.”

Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) are threatened by hunting and habitat destruction. Fewer than 400 survive in the wild in the Gir National Park and Lion Sanctuary in India.o

Torquay Legends Charity Football Match

at the Sportsman’s Arms on Laburnum Street and on the door.o

May 1 sees a charity football match take place at Plainmoor to raise funds for Torbay Holiday Helpers Network.

The match, which kicks off at midday is being organized

by Adam and Michelle Carpenter as part of the Gail Bremridge Memorial Cup in memory of Adam’s aunt.

The Sportsman’s Arms will be playing the Torquay Legends, which includes Dean Edwards and Mark Loram. Dean played for Torquay in the late 1980s and early 1990s, scoring for the team in two different Wembley appearances. Mark made over 300 appearances for Torquay during the 1980s and 1990s, scoring over 60 goals for the team.

There will also be fun for the family with music, entertainment, face-painting, an auction and a raffle.

Tickets for the match are just £3 each and are available englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Follow us on Instagram!

englishrivieramagazine

April/May 2014

7

Keeping a watchful eye...

Julian Rees meets Adrian Cunningham MBE, watchkeeper and PR officer, to find out more about the National Coastwatch Institution at Daddyhole Plain in Torquay.

T

he National Coastwatch Organisation was set in any search and rescue incident. up in 1994 to restore a visual watch around the Torquay’s station was completed in March 2010 costing shores of the UK after the closure of many smaller over £50,000 to build, all which was raised from voluntary Coastguard stations. The first station was set up at Bass Point contributions. On completion of the building, a National on the Lizard in Cornwall after two local fishermen lost their Lottery Grant was secured to equip the station with the lives within sight of a recently closed Coastguard lookout. latest equipment. In order to keep track of all the comings Torquay’s station, situated on the site of a disused Coastguard and goings off Torbay’s 22 miles of coastline, the station is weather station at Daddyhole Plain equipped with high power telescopes, in Torquay is one of 50 plu stations Despite improvements in vessel identification radar, chart around the coast of England and plotters and a bank of VHF radios marine safety there’s no that monitor several marine operating Wales stretching from Rossall Point in substitute for a watchful channels.

Lancashire, through Wales and all the way up to Sunderland in the NorthThe station also operates a digital pair of eyes East of England. weather station and a webcam so Although fantastic improvements in maritime and coastal yachtsmen and other marine users can call ahead on VHF safety have been achieved in recent years due to sophisticated channel 60 or direct to the watchtower via telephone for radar systems and improvements in telecommunications, weather advice or check the webcam for a more direct view there’s no substitute for a watchful pair of eyes - computers of the prevailing weather. can’t spot upturned dinghies, distress flares or people cut off The station provides a daylight watch for 365 days by the tide. Sitting at one of Torbay’s highest points, 250 feet a year. During the winter there are two watch shifts above sea level with a 275° view of the Bay, the watch keepers between 10am and 6pm and during the summer this is can be called into action at any time to assist the coastguard extended to 9pm. There are currently 63 watch keepers

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April/May 2014

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

who come from all walks of life and offer a wide range of skills and experience. All are fully trained to Maritime Coastguard Agency standards and regular updates are given to ensure watch keepers are kept up to date with latest legislation and improved operating procedures. During the watch all marine observations are logged and other coastal activities such as swimming, walking and climbing are also monitored where possible.

There are six watchtowers across South Devon - Torbay, Exmouth, Teignmouth, Froward Point (Dartmouth), Prawle Point (Salcombe), and Rame Head (Plymouth) so anyone journeying in local waters can rest assured that their progress is being watched and logged.

I met Adrian Cunningham, Torbay NCI’s PR officer, at The Headland Hotel along with the hotel’s owner Steve Furness, a keen supporter of the local watch. As an experienced sailor who regularly sails his Ancaster 50 singlehanded, Steve says ‘the NCI is a service that’s not important until it’s important. However when it steps into action it’s invaluable and regularly saves those in peril in coastal waters’.

Adrian, who gained an MBE for services to health and safety, is now retired and as well as doing a regular watch shift, works tirelessly to maintain the NCI’s public profile and help raise the £5000 annual running cost for the Torbay station.

Anyone can apply to become a watch keeper and no former maritime experience is necessary. Torbay’s team ranges from teenagers to pensioners and because there is a large team it’s possible to fit in a watch shift around a full time job. To get in touch with the local team email membershipsecretary@torbaynci.org.uk o torbaynci.org.uk

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Volunteering

April/May 2014

9

Brixham Heritage Sailing Regatta Anita Newcombe met Peter Blanchard, Chairman of the Brixham Heritage Sailing Regatta, to find out more about this year’s centenary celebrations taking place 23 and 24 May. 10

April/May 2014

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

100 Years

I

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

PHOTOS: PETER BLANCHARD & IMOGEN MOODY

The King George V Cup

n 1914 King George V, a keen sailor, was invited

by Lord Churston to present a special award for the annual Brixham-registered sailing trawler races (which had been sailed since the 1800s) and this was the origin of the Perpetual Challenge Cup, known locally as the King George V Cup or the King’s Cup. However, due to the commencement of the First World War, the Cup was not presented until 1919 when Sunny Isle became the first winner. Lord Churston sent his thanks and good wishes to the king on this splendid gift, giving his word that the King George V Cup would forever be held as a very special link between the Port of Brixham and the throne. Lord Churston’s son, who inherited his father’s title in 1930, subsequently became Brixham Yacht Club’s Commodore from 1957-60 and its President from 1961-62.

During the Regatta’s heyday in the 1920s and 30s, the racing provided an incredible spectacle with a large fleet of big ketches and a large number of classic yachts, including King George’s own yacht Britannia plus several of the famous J-Class yachts creating a right royal occasion. In 1927, the winning trawler Valerian averaged an impressive 12 knots in high winds around the course.

I met current Chairman, Peter Blanchard at Brixham Yacht Club where the Cup still stands proudly on display. Peter became Regatta Chairman three years ago after many years of photographing the Regatta with his professional action photographs taken of the boats from the water.

Peter captured the shots from his own Shetland 570 Motor Cruiser driven by Barrie Jones and the two-man team also photographed the powerboat racing, the waterskiing and the dinghy and yacht championships for many years.

But professional photography wasn’t Peter’s first career.

He was an Air Traffic Controller for 23 years working at both Heathrow and Gatwick airports. He then also worked as a Volunteer Manager for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund helping to organize the International Air Tattoo at Fairford. When he arrived in Brixham with his wife Joy in 1996, his main focus changed from the skies to the seas.

Peter explained that the regatta makes a fun and terrific value weekend for sailors with a sixth class now included for yachts of any construction or rig that are over 30 years old. Entry fees are very modest and the free berthing, complimentary fish supper, entry pennants and commemorative mugs offered to skippers and crews make it a positive steal.

April/May 2014

11

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April/May 2014

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100 Years

Tips for Spectators The best views of the Regatta are from Brixham Breakwater on Saturday from 1045 to approximately 1630.

An alternative viewing point is Brixham’s Battery Gardens

The Regatta spent the post WW2 years in the wilderness with sailing trawlers becoming gradually outdated and the fleet slowly disappeared. However a turning point came in 1997 when several traditional vessels returned to Brixham and these eventually included Vigilance, Leader, Pilgrim, Provident and Golden Vanity.

The re-emergence of the Brixham Heritage Regatta was englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

due to the efforts of Toni Knights, classic boat owner and local artist, together with the involvement of the Devon Gaffers, the Vigilance Preservation Society, Trinity Sailing Foundation and the Pilgrim Trust.

Over the years, the organisers have had to modernise the event and include new classes to supplement those of the classic boats. The modern event now has 6 classes allowing all types, shapes and sizes of traditional sailing vessels to take part.

The Regatta is tremendously weather-dependent with boats sometimes prevented from arriving from other ports if conditions are bad. However, up to 30-35 boats are expected in 2014 and good weather would be great news for the centenary year.

Peter revealed that 2012 had been a fairly hair-raising year with a vicious easterly wind causing a 2.5-3.00 metre swell with a corkscrew effect in the Bay. In the interests of safety, the sailing had to be called off after the first round of buoys. Seasickness, gear failure and common sense called for an orderly retreat to the bar!

However, the Brixham Heritage Sailing Regatta is a wonderful highlight of the English Riviera’s sailing calendar so let’s hope sailing conditions are optimal for the centenary of the King George V Cup! o brixhamheritagesailing.org.uk Who’s Who at Brixham Heritage Sailing Regatta Peter Blanchard – Regatta Chairman Christine Hodgetts – Treasurer Chris Coote – Regatta Operations Officer Richard Spreckley – Assistant Operations Officer Dave Bartlett – Deputy Harbour Master April/May 2014

13

KiNg Zoos

EXPLORE THE BIG WILD WORLD

Brix

Festivals

Fest

The Heritage Sailing Regatta is just one of the many highlights taking place in Brixham from 24 – 28 May.

B

rixFest is a 1940s themed weekend that celebrates the best of Brixham past and present with vintage planes, delicious seafood, live music and spectacular fireworks. An annual event that is free to attend, this year promises to be bigger and better than ever as the town commemorates the 70th anniversary of D-Day 1944.

The festival kicks off from 11am on the Saturday when you can sample the wares from an array of food and drink stalls from local producers, watch local chefs battle it out in a ‘cook-off’ and relax to live music from the main stage on the Old Fish Quay. There will also be demonstrations of traditional skills including crab & lobster pot weaving, knot tying and withy pot making. Music continues all evening until the grand fireworks display at 9.50pm.

On Sunday, a 1940s themed street party is planned for Fore Street from 12 noon where tables and chairs will be laid out. Visitors are invited to dress in period costume and bring their own food and drink or try specials from local traders. A vintage plane fly-by from two 1940s Vintage Aeronca Chief high wing monoplanes and a 1946 Aeronca Champ, all flying just 600 feet above the harbour is expected around 2.30 – 3.00pm (listen out for the World War Two air raid siren). In the evening at 8pm the traditional blessing of the fishing fleet on the Old Fish Market will include a performance from Brixham Town Band.

On Monday from noon, 1940s celebrations include vintage vehicles from Brixham Battery, live music, themed acts including Sandy Sparkle and Brixham Operatic & Dramatic Society plus a vintage tea tent with authentic 1940s recipes. Monday is also Kids Day on Breakwater Beach with crabbing, magicians, live music, puppet shows, face painting and lots of beachside fun.o Events are subject to change and there are further events later in the week so please visit brixfest.org

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

April/May 2014

15

GEARING UP FOR GIVING

Bikers Make A Difference, or BMAD, as everyone knows them, are getting ready for their 2014 season and 10th anniversary festival. Julian Rees finds out more from John Clewer.

K

elvin and Jane Halloran started Bikers Make A Difference (BMAD) back in 2002 wanting to make some money for charity whilst having fun and indulging in their passion for motorbikes. Twelve years later, having raised £330,000 for Torbay and Devon charities, the organisation is looking forward to its 10th Anniversary BMAD Paignton Bike Festival on the first weekend in May. Last year a total of £33,000 was raised from the festival and the season’s bike nights which was a new record, and one they hope to beat this year.

BMAD held their first Paignton bike night in 2003 and this has now become the longest running and largest gathering of motorcyclists in the South West of England.

The regular nights attract riders from as far afield as Gloucestershire and Hampshire. The selection of bikes, trikes, mopeds and scooters ranges from the very latest to classic restorations, from the lovingly polished and prepared to the downright ugly, reminiscent of a Mad Max film, but to the very last they’re all loved by their owners. BMAD are adamant that all ‘denominations’ are welcome ‘as long as it’s got handlebars!’

This year’s first bike night is Wednesday 4 June running all the way through to Wednesday 24 September and every biker who attends makes a donation that allows BMAD to keep up their invaluable work.

Due to the success of the bike nights it was decided to stage a weekend event and in 2005 the BMAD Paignton Bike Festival was born. The first year proved a big success not just for charitable donations but also the sponsors and traders at the event, enabling the festival to become a regular occurrence.

2014 is the tenth anniversary year of the festival and preparations have been underway since June last year.

BMAD chairman and winner of the Herald Express ‘People’s Champion Award’, Andy Hobbs says “I think we start seriously thinking about the festival perhaps 6 weeks after finishing the previous one, it’s always on your mind, all the time we’re thinking, could we have done this better, would that stand have been better over there and if only the sun would keep shining could we fit some more people on the green?”

16

April/May 2014

This year’s festival promises to be the most exciting and entertaining yet with several favourite acts from previous years to appear in the display arena plus some new local talent. Recently confirmed for 2014 are the amazing bike control skills of trials rider Steve Colley plus aerial thrills and spills from the freestyle moto-cross team fronted by extreme sports champion Jamie Squibb. New for this year is Paignton’s own world record breaking flatland BMX star, Lee Musselwhite, who trains at the nearby Parkfield Centre.

As well as the arena displays, there will be at least sixteen live bands (turn over for the line up), over 60 trade stands, various club parades, a bike show plus the usual spectacle of a ‘mile of bikes’ lined up from one end of Paignton Green to the other.

Attending the event, one might imagine that there’s a team of well paid event management professionals involved but that is not not the case. The weekend is run entirely by unpaid volunteers from the BMAD organisation and in testament to their efforts, they picked up bronze awards in the ‘Best Event’ category of both the Devon and Torbay Tourism Awards earlier this year.

The return of the massive Harley Davidson truck and trailer display for a second year shows that the major manufacturers are taking the show very seriously, which is a huge boost for the organisers.

The festival is also highly regarded by local tourism chiefs who recognise its importance to the May bank holiday and promote it nationally as an event for bikers and non-bikers to come purely for the spectacle.

BMAD donates to a variety of local charities including Devon Air Ambulance Trust, St John Ambulance, Devon Freewheelers (Blood Bikes) and Torbay Young Carers.

In addition BMAD are able to donate equipment, toys, electrical goods and other items to improve the quality of life of sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people up to the age of nineteen within the Torbay and South Devon area.

Recently, they have broadened their scope by making donations, for the first time, to two young local sportsmen. The two youngsters in question are Newton Abbot basketball player Warren Lethbridge and Paignton englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Local Charity badminton player Luke Cullum.

Warren, a 14 year-old pupil of King Edward VI Community College in Totnes, who suffers with neuromuscular progressive disorder, was provided with a new RGK Quattro sports wheelchair to help him extend and improve his sporting prowess. Paignton teenager Luke Cullum last year received funding to allow him to continue his assault on the Four Nations Badminton Series.o bmad.co.uk

Andy Hobbs (Chairman) Kelvin Halloran (Co-founder)

Who’s Who at BMAD Andy Hobbs – Chairman Carol Nesbitt – Secretary Stef Hobbs – Charities and Asst Treasurer Chris Hitchcock – Traders Chris Staples – Festival Events John Clewer – Public Relations Terry Butcher – Health & Safety Martin Reid – Head Marshall

Bikes of all shapes and sizes make the regular Wednesday night pilgrimage

Warren Lethbridge

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

April/May 2014

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4 Untitled-1 1

February/March 2014

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk 08/11/2013 14:58

Friday May 2 MAIN STAGE 7.00pm - 7.45pm

BARE FOOT LIARZ

P 20 a 1 T ig 4 h e F nt BM e o st n A iv B D a ik l e

MAIN STAGE 8.15pm - 9.15pm

THE STONE ANGELS MAIN STAGE 9.45pm - 11.00pm

DARKSIDE OF PINK FLOYD

Saturday May 3 ARENA

STEVE COLLEY - ARENA TRIALS JAMIE SQUIBB - FREESTYLE MOTO-CROSS LEE MUSSELWHITE - FLATLAND BMX MAIN STAGE 12.45pm - 1.30pm

STANDBYS MAIN STAGE 2.00pm - 2.45pm

VANITY MAIN STAGE 3.15pm - 4.00pm

The ZZ Tops

ESTRALLA MAIN STAGE 4.30pm - 5.15pm

GRAVITY STORM

Jamie Squibb

MAIN STAGE 5.45pm - 6.30pm

JUNKYARD PREACHERS MAIN STAGE 7.00pm - 7.45pm

TO BE CONFIRMED MAIN STAGE 8.15pm - 9.15pm

EMPIRE OF FOOLS MAIN STAGE 9.45pm - 11.00pm

THE ZZ TOPS

Sunday May 4 ARENA STEVE COLLEY - ARENA TRIALS JAMIE SQUIBB - FREESTYLE MOTO-CROSS LEE MUSSELWHITE - FLATLAND BMX MAIN STAGE 12.15pm - 1.00pm

FUBAR MAIN STAGE 1.30pm - 2.15pm

MIGHTY SASQUATCH MAIN STAGE 2.45pm - 3.45pm

QUO MOTION MAIN STAGE 4.15pm - 5.15pm

HIGH VOLTAGE MAIN STAGE 5.45pm - 7.00pm

BLUES BROTHERS COLLECTIVE

Plus...

Club Parades Bike Show Presentations 3pm Sunday The Big Harley Davidson Truck Over 60 Trade Stands (All timings subject to change)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Steve Colley

April/May 2014

19

Babbacombe Cliff Railway successfully weathered the freak waves that smashed in the doors of their beachfront Visitor Centre this February.

Nicky Allen reflects on the long history of this much-loved ‘grand old lady’ of transport.

S

urrounded by stunning scenery and with breathtaking views, Babbacombe Cliff Railway has shuttled hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers to and from Oddicombe Beach over the years.

In 1923, the Torquay Tramway Company announced plans to build a cliff railway in Babbacombe and the Babbacombe Cliff Light Railway Order was raised in Parliament. Building work started in December 1924 and the railway, which cost £15,648 to construct, was opened on 1 April 1926. It was closed in 1941 due to wartime restrictions, not opening again until 1951 after a £10,000 refurbishment.

The railway then ran a fairly uninterrupted service for many years but after a major breakdown in 2003 Torbay Council sought advice as to what was required to modernise the railway. Expert David Cooper prepared a report, which stated that a sum of around £500,000 would be needed to bring the railway up to date. The railway continued to run throughout 2003 and 2004 with rumours of closure getting more widespread.

In March 2005, the Friends of Babbacombe Cliff Railway was set up with the aim of running events to encourage more people to use the railway and to resist closure. Happily, the same year, Torbay Council decided to use the funds received from the sale of St Marychurch Town Hall to get the necessary work done to refurbish the railway. The railway re-opened in 2006 and in 2009 the Council transferred its operation to the Babbacombe Cliff Railway Community Interest Company (CIC).

The CIC is made up of a voluntary Board of 20

April/May 2014

Directors, some of whom have specific responsibilities.

There is a small group of paid staff to run the railway including an office manager, an administrator and four operators responsible for the safe use of the railway on a day-to-day basis.

In 2012, thanks to support from the Lottery Heritage Fund, a small Visitor Centre was opened down on Oddicombe Beach. Staffed by volunteers, it contained displays and information about the history and engineering of the Cliff Railway.

However, in February 2014, the destructive storms that hit the south coast of England produced freak waves that smashed in the doors of the Visitor Centre.

A group consisting of some of the Directors and other local people managed to get together in the early hours of the morning during low tide to empty as many of the contents as possible before retreating to let high tide do its worst. At present, the Visitor Centre is empty, other than the rocks and boulders that were hurled in by the waves, and it is awaiting the start of a refurbishment programme to get it open again as soon as possible.

Since it first opened the Visitor Centre has proved a real draw. Free admission has meant lots of people wandered around and were able to gain an understanding of the history and working of the Cliff Railway and its importance locally. It housed a cosy, Christmas event for children and was home to a close-knit network of volunteers to greet visitors and answer questions.

The CIC and volunteers are very active and always looking to keep up-to-date and ensure that as many englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Heritage

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Heritage local people and holidaymakers as possible know about, and enjoying using, Babbacombe Cliff Railway.

There is a Twitter account @BabbCliffRail, a Facebook page, facebook.com/babbcliffrail and the website, babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk has just undergone a modernisation of its own and is now a mobile friendly, updateable site providing up-to-the minute information.

Babbacombe Cliff Railway remains an important historical attraction on the English Riviera and is a real draw for railway, funicular and engineering enthusiasts as well as holidaymakers and locals looking for a comfortable trip up and down the cliffs of Babbacombe, to and from Oddicombe Beach.o babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk

DID YOU

KNOW?

Babbacomb transports 1 e Cliff Railway 00,000 peo ple each year up and down the cl iffs E The track is 720 feet lo The cars trav el at 500ft p ng. er minute The purpose E o Cliff Railway f the Babbacombe Community Intere Company is to preserve st , protect and promote th e Babbacomb e Cliff Railw ay E Babbacomb e Cliff Railw ay is now an Approved P remises for weddings E The railway runs daily Februar y to from 9.30am October Special Events this year include: Sunday 20 April Easter Fun on Babbacombe Cliff Railway and down on Oddicombe Beach Sunday 15 June Father’s Day Live Music on Oddicombe Beach Saturday 2 August Babbacombe Cliff Railway CIC 5th Anniversary Party Saturday 20 September “Flight of the Babbacombe Smuggler” A fleeing smuggler makes their escape on the last carriage of the day.

But which of the emerging passengers at the Top Station is the culprit? Your detecting skills are needed. This event will be great fun for all the family and is part of the Agatha Christie Festival.

October Babbacombe Cliff Railway Halloween Happenings December Babbacombe Cliff Railway Christmas Sparkle

Salty Sea Dogs head for

Brixham

Pirates will once again be massing in Brixham on the May Bank Holiday weekend as the historic ďŹ shing port celebrates its colourful past with the 6th Brixham Pirate Festival. Anita Newcombe chatted to its current chairman Brian Pearce.

B

rixham Pirate Festival sees the whole of the picturesque harbourside gripped with pirate mania.

Visitors can join in the swashbuckling atmosphere full of pirate characters with swords clashing, cannons blasting, muskets firing and the largest collection of pirates seen ashore outside Tortuga! Families will enjoy live music, games, re-enactments and skirmishes on the full sized replica of the Golden Hind and there could be a sea battle in the inner harbour. Last year, the event attracted about 20,000 visitors over the two days and organisers hope to attract record numbers again in 2014. Over 2,000 pirates are expected to take part in the Pirate Hornpipe Record Attempt around the town on Sunday 4th May.

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Brixham Pirate Festival will explode with piratical shenanigans over three days (3 – 5 May), the Monday having been added this year due to the huge popularity of the event, which draws visitors from all over the world.

The Festival gives an important boost to retail traders in Brixham and Brian Pearce told me he is very confident that the substantial planning which involves setting up two main stages with more than 20 bands will ensure three very successful days. In addition to a large number of fun-loving visitors who throw themselves in to the spirit of the event, dressing up as pirates, the Festival attracts a large number of serious pirate-fans. They arrive in spectacular style having spent thousands of pounds on authentic costumes and kit, buying replica cutlasses, muskets and leather coats, often from the United States.

When Brian Pearce became Festival Chair 18 months ago, taking over from Nigel James who had driven the festival over a number of years, he felt that the previous committee had created something very special, which couldn’t be allowed to disappear and it was time for some new volunteers to take up the mantle.

All members of the current committee have now worked on at least two Pirate Festivals and are keen to sustain and develop the popular event. Brian Pearce was keen to praise the dedication of the committee, all but one of whom are considered ‘senior citizens’. “They are dedicated to the task and their enthusiasm in planning and organising such a major event for Brixham’s benefit, is outstanding,” he said.

Local businesses have been hugely supportive with festivities extending further into the town each year and a detailed programme of events planned for each day.

The success of last year’s festival has gained much interest from our community, local government, national and international groups. A Dutch reenactment group from Tilburg plans to establish a sizeable pirate festival of its own, and will participate in Brixham’s to gain inspiration. There’s also a German pirate contingent that revisits each year. u

brixhampiratefestival.co.uk

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Pirate Festival

What to Wear for the Pirate Hornpipe Record Attempt (Sunday, 3pm) If you are taking part in the record attempt you must clearly resemble a pirate, with at least 4 items of pirate garb such as: A pirate style hat (or bandana/kerchief) An eye patch An accessory: sword, hook, musket, skull and crossbones flag, or parrot.

Appropriate shirt: striped shirt, white t-shirt or shirt.

Appropriate trousers: pantaloons, tatty trousers or rolled-up trousers.

Pirate style dresses/skirts for the ladies are fine too.

April/May 2014

25

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Who’s Who at the Brixham Pirate Festival Brian Pearce, Chairman

He is a British-Australian and was a construction project director for many years before becoming a cattle farmer in Zimbabwe. He now works with his wife Juliet who owns Smiles Fun Shop in Brixham.

Theresa Fazey, Entertainment Manager

She has a background working with children for many years, followed by work in animal welfare. Now retired, she is an international traveller, chorister and occasional belly dancer.

Shirley Thrift, Business Development Manager

A Yorkshire lass, most of her working life has been to do with horses, instructing riding and breeding

Phil Lambley, Business Advisor

He was born and bred in Britain but lived for many years in South Africa in the retail sector.

Richard John, Media & Communications

He is a British-Australian with a varied professional background. He works with his wife in a retail operation in Brixham.

Daphne Wilson, Raffles, Prizes & Programmes Co-ordinator She is known for her extensive charity work.

Visiting the Fes tival

Brixham Park an d Ride Available.

Ferries will be running from Torquay.

Joe Brown, Web designer, Social Media & Print

He owns his own print/social media/design company in Brixham and is an accomplished juggler and illusionist.

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Springtime tranquility (& vintage

tea)

Distance: 7 miles (or 3.5 miles and a train ride).

Exertion: A good long countryside walk Time: Allow 2-4 hours Terrain: Riverbank and woodland. Not suitable for pushchairs or very young children. Take care near the river as currents are strong in places.

Dogs: On leads where livestock present.

Refreshments: Sea Trout Inn and Staverton Bridge Nursery (Weds-Sun 10am-4.30pm)

S

pring has well and truly sprung and as the winter rain fades to a memory what better than taking to the great outdoors to drink in the fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun on one’s face and marvel at the blanket of flowers that have appeared as if by magic.

This Totnes to Staverton walk is a little further afield than usual but it’s been a spring favourite of mine for many years and is well worth the drive to get a fix of the riverbank at its prettiest.

The route is not circular but there are variations in the pathways that all lead in the same direction bearing in mind proximity to the river. There is the option to take the steam train from Staverton station, which is only 5 minutes walk from the halfway point (see southdevonrailway.co.uk for times), back to Totnes.

1 For convenience this route starts from the car park at Totnes train station on the southbound side, it is a pay and display car park so one could park a little further away to avoid the fee.

At the far end of the car park follow the brown information signs toward the steam railway and Rare Breeds Farm, when you reach the river turn left and head upstream. The riverside path takes you up past the Totnes Weir, the most upstream point of the tidal Dart, and on to a short section of road that is the drive to Dartington Hall. Look out for for the wildlife viewing platform on the 28

October/November April/May 2014 2013

right of the road but also look left, up the water meadow, where deer can often be seen grazing in the distance.

Follow the road for about 300 yards then take a right turn through a kissing gate down into the pasture next to the river. Dogs on leads here as there can be livestock in the fields.

2 The route stays within yards of the river for the next couple of miles through wide, rich grassy meadows and along meandering wooded paths. There are many beautiful spots to sit and picnic amongst the flowers on the riverbank. The river is crystal clear and slow flowing here and the steam railway passes closely by on the opposite bank.

3 Between waypoints three and four the route becomes a little more adventurous with some short steeper climbs up maintained paths as the river narrows and quickens. The riverbank has many sandy coves, inlets and islands that are great fun for children but it can be muddy when wet so wellies are advisable! As the route passes through the various plantations there is plenty of interesting flora and fauna to see and keep the children interested within these well managed woods that form part of the Dartington Estate.

4 The forest trail exits onto the Staverton road so take care with dogs and children. We chose to stop for refreshments at Staverton Bridge Nursery (open Wednesdays - Sundays 10am - 4.30pm) just 100 yards up the road on the right hand side, where one can sit in the vintage café or summerhouse high above the Dart and enjoy the views and browse around the pretty nursery.

A wonderful collection of vintage items both in the café and nursery makes this a very special place to visit. Well behaved dogs and children are welcome. If you’re not ready for rest and respite at this point you can follow the road in to the pretty village of Staverton and visit the famous Sea Trout Inn for a well earned drink.

From hereon the choice is yours, take the same route back or follow the road toward Staverton and the nearby halt on the South Devon Railway. Hop on the train back to Totnes to complete the day in vintage style of another kind. o englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Walk

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1 Waypoint

1

Viewpoint

Ordnance Survey Mapping Š Crown copyright. Media 082/14

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You Don’t Have to

Eskimo Roll…

Anita Newcombe gives kayaking a try in Brixham Pool and discovers that the famous Eskimo Roll is strictly optional.

I

’d often admired those lucky souls I’d observed using the faster ‘sit-in’ kayaks or sea kayaks then a couple contentedly paddling along the River Dart on a balmy of pool sessions are recommended. I love the idea of Sunday morning. I usually spotted them whilst I was paddling upriver to a pub for lunch or heading down crossing the river from Kingswear to enjoy a leisurely river to the coast to get a close-up view of seals. A kayak brunch in Dartmouth. is a very quiet and tranquil way to travel and the seals This year I finally got around to finding out more and sometimes get very close indeed. Kayaking is a great way got in touch with Tim Freeman who runs Dartmouth to see wildlife without any disturbance to the marine Yacht Club’s Canoe Section. Tim A kayak is a very quiet and environment. invited me to come over to the club I was quite nervous when I arrived tranquil way to travel and for my first session at Brixham Pool for a chat and take a look around the facilities. These are split between the seals sometimes get but it became fun straightaway. the garage at the rear of the Yacht Everyone was really friendly, the very close indeed Club where kayaks, wetsuits and life pool was amazingly warm and Tim jackets are stored and an outdoor area close to the Higher was a great teacher. In the first session we learned how to Ferry where more boats are kept including sit-on-top exit a sit-in kayak when capsized, which was much easier kayaks, sea kayaks and canoes. than I thought. We practiced several times, pulling off Some members join and just use the easier ‘sit-onthe spraydeck each time. We were wearing a mask for this tops’ where you are paddling something similar to a exercise which makes it pretty easy. big surfboard that you sit on. However if, like me, you I’ll probably have another session in the pool before fancy participating in the weekly group paddles and joining the river paddles which start at the end of April.

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Give it a Go - Kayaking

However, there were some members who had paddled a whole season before joining the pool training; they simply didn’t use a spraydeck on their river paddles which is another permitted option.

I am now itching to start paddling on the river. Going with a club group is both sociable and safe and there are more experienced paddlers to keep an eye out for you and give you a hand if needed. Some of the club paddles end up at a pub upriver for evening meal or a BBQ on a beach.

One kayak can easily tow another using special tow lines that the club has. One kayak can also empty another and then help its paddler climb back in, so a group of knowledgeable paddlers can deal with a wide range of minor emergencies.

Will I master an Eskimo roll one day? I would like to and so Tim started on some preparatory teaching in our pool session. This involved pulling myself back upright on the nose of someone else’s boat instead of exiting it. That was quite easy too and he says he will let me try a roll on my next session.

People wanting to use sit-on-top kayaks can do so after a short induction with no pool session. There are double sit-on-tops in the fleet so taking small children out is easy, they can sit in the front with an adult behind. This looks a really practical and economical way for families to get on the water.

Membership of Dartmouth Yacht Club’s Canoe Section for a year costs £57 for a single adult and £88 for a family.

Once joined there is no additional charge for using the boats each time you paddle. Non-members including those on holiday can book taster sessions for £15pp.

Canoe Section members are encouraged to upgrade to full membership of Dartmouth Yacht Club. This gives access to all the club’s facilities including a fleet of 6 Topper sailing dinghies and a 16ft motor boat. Training is available for those who need it in these craft. There is also a bar, bar food and sailing programme. o For more information Tim Freeman 01803 832663 timfreeman61@googlemail.com dyc.org.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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Dartmouth Orchestra 15TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

Anita Newcombe met Alan Leach and Maggie Harwood-Leach to talk about their involvement in Dartmouth Orchestra and their life in Kingswear.

D

artmouth Orchestra is celebrating their 15th year, so I went along to meet its Treasurer Alan and his wife Maggie who is in charge of PR. Perched high above Kingswear with stunning views, Alan and Maggie’s lovely home gave me the first clue to their fun-loving personalities. A beautifully designed, yet strikingly eclectic mix of colour and form tells me that these two are never dull.

A French spiral staircase snakes up through the corner of the kitchen into the lounge and music room above. Alan is in his second year as Treasurer having played the viola in the orchestra for four years. He remembers, “I was asked to take subscriptions one day and before I knew it I had

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suddenly become Treasurer.”

It was fairly recently that Alan rediscovered his viola, which had lain untouched for years. Maggie found it in a sad condition and bought him a new one thus encouraging him to join the Dartmouth Orchestra. “I passed my Grade 5 music exam when I was thirteen and stopped playing altogether in my twenties.” says Alan.

Dartmouth Orchestra is currently going from strength to strength with a new committee and a brand-new Musical Director and Conductor, Tony Hindley, who wants to make it, “the best in the South West.” To achieve this they are working towards playing full symphonies by composers such as Hayden, Mozart and Beethoven rather than just

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Arts audiences, more acclaim and selected movements. Tony says, more encores which is very “If you want to be an orchestra rewarding for the musicians.” rather than simply a band you’ve String players, especially got to play full works. It’s what violins, are particularly needed audiences expect.” and players can be any age.

Alan points out, “People are Maggie, with her PR hat on, coming to see us in far greater is starting to develop good numbers and we are getting really relationships with a range of positive feedback.” At present local schools to encourage there are 29 regular members additional younger players to and during performances, are sign up. It’s a great opportunity often joined by professional Don’t Miss for youngsters to develop their brass players who can’t attend all skills and have fun at the same rehearsals but enjoy supporting the Dartmouth Music Festival orchestra when they can. from 16 – 18 May when the streets time.

There are usually three concerts The orchestra is always looking of this historic town fill with music! per year and in 2014 their for new musicians and welcomes dartmusicfestival.co.uk performance at the Dart Music anyone who has achieved Grade Festival will be the fourth. The Orchestra will be playing 5 and above. Newbies can come along to St Clement’s in the Flavel Church next to the Church Hall in Townstall Road, Dartmouth any Saturday Flavel Arts Centre at 2pm morning and give it a try. Maggie says, “It’s so much fun on Sunday, 18th May.o to be involved with the orchestra. We’re getting bigger

dartmouthorchestra.co.uk Who’s Who in Dartmouth Orchestra Tony Hindley - Conductor and Musical Director Jessica Heywood – Chairman and Lead Cellist Michael Henry - Secretary Alan Leach – Treasurer Chris Henry - Music librarian and sources players Sue Hadow and Margaret Bridges - Committee Maggie Harwood-Leach – PR and Promotion

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19th–25th May 2014 Don’t leave it to chance. Make or update your Will during Rowcroft’s Make a Will Week.

During Make a Will Week, local solicitors waive their fee for Will-making, in return for a donation to Rowcroft. Every donation received as part of Make a Will Week will help to fund the hospice’s specialist care to local people living in South Devon with progressive life-limiting illnesses.

Participating solicitors in: • Bovey Tracey • Brixham • Dartmouth • Exeter • Newton Abbot • Paignton • Plymouth • Teignmouth • Torquay • Totnes

For a list of participating solicitors please call 01803 217642 or 210857 or visit our website: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/willweek Registered charity no: 282723

3

Introducing Rowcroft Hospice’s Make a Will Week

Community

The hospice’s services, which also support the families and carers of patients, are provided by teams of specialist health and social care professionals as well as trained volunteers.

About Make a Will Week Making a will is important for you and your family, bringing the peace of mind and knowledge that whatever the future might bring, your loved ones are financially protected. However, despite the benefits, research has shown that only half of people in the UK currently have a will and of those who do, half have never updated it.

Rowcroft Hospice is now giving you the chance to update or make your first will at the same time as making a vital donation to its services. “All of Rowcroft’s services are provided free of charge to patients and their families and the majority of our funding comes from people in the local community,” explains Jill Stevens, Head of Supporter Development at the hospice. She adds, “Last year we managed to raise £18,000 for Rowcroft during the Make a Will Week campaign and are so grateful for the support of the local community.”

To make a will as part of the campaign, you simply need to make an appointment with one of the 16 participating firms across South Devon. During

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

your appointment you will be asked to provide the information necessary for the firm to write your will and also to make your donation to Rowcroft, either £100 for one will or £150 for a pair of mirror wills.

More complicated needs can be discussed with your chosen solicitor. All donations go directly to Rowcroft.

Christopher Linton, a solicitor at Wollen Michelmore, says, “Making a will can be a daunting prospect, but the effect it can have makes it all worthwhile. It can enable you to support local charities like Rowcroft, together with supporting your family and ensuring their financial security. Without a will, there is no way to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled, particularly if you want to support a charity.” Kim Griffith, a partner at Roger Richards, added, “We are proud to be able to assist in raising funds and awareness for this very worthy and special organisation.”

Making a will ensures that your family’s future is secure, and by making or updating your will during Rowcroft Hospice’s Make a Will Week you’ll also be helping to secure the future of Rowcroft’s vital work. o For more information about how Rowcroft can help you and your family, visit rowcrofthospice.org.uk.

April/May 2014

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Rowcroft Hospice provides a wide range of services to support and care for over 1800 patients living with progressive life-limiting illnesses in South Devon every year.

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Around the Bay April & May

Coleton Fishacre Jazz Club, Kingswear 4 April & 2 May

Enjoy a delicious two-course supper accompanied by a local jazz band in Café Coleton. The classic tunes and elegant performance are in perfect keeping with the Art Deco elegance of Coleton Fishacre, where the Jazz era is still swinging!

Tickets £28 Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear, TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

Tell Me a Dragon Exhibition, Torquay Museum On until 25th June

A new exhibition of beautiful illustrations of dragons by award-winning children’s author and illustrator, Jackie Morris; it features the original stunning watercolour paintings used to illustrate Jackie’s book of the same name. The exhibition also features a dragon painted by Jackie for Terry Pratchett’s best-selling Disc World Calendar. Also see dragon-decorated objects from Torquay Museum’s own collections, ranging from magnificent Samurai swords to Torquay’s first ever gas lamp in the shape of a dragon (dated to 1834), and beautiful ceramics.

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

Brixham Folk Club 4 April

Organised by Anne and Steve Gill with help from Maggie Duffy and John Miles.

Cost £3 Lounge Bar, Brixham Theatre, New Road, Brixham, TQ5 8LX 01803 858394 batsweb.org.uk

English Riviera Wheel, Torquay From 4 April

The English Riviera Wheel is back! Taller than Nelson’s Column at the dizzy height of nearly 60 metres, the English Riviera Wheel will be sited in Princess Gardens, Torquay, next to the Pavilion and give breathtaking 360 degree views across the Bay.

Torquay Pavilion, Torquay Sea Front, TQ2 5EQ

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What’s On Trail of the Golden Dragon’s Egg, Torquay 5 – 19 April (closed Sunday)

Follow Torquay Museum’s egg trail to discover dragons and dinosaurs, and creatures from the jungles of the Amazon!

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

I Spy Ghosts, Torre Abbey 5 April

Offshore Model Boat Race, Torquay 6 April

An offshore model boat race will be held in Tor Bay. In the late 1960s a small group of enthusiasts pioneered an idea to run and race model powerboats on the sea and in doing so achieved a new concept for model racing. The first ‘Chase Boat’ offshore race was held at Torquay in 1967. An exciting event for spectators, the model boats are 4 – 6ft in length and travel at speeds in excess of 50mph.

Haldon Pier, Torquay 01803 400827 omra.co.uk

Ghost hunting in Torre Abbey and Spanish Barn, you’ll explore the hidden realms!

Cost £30 The Kings Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE 01803 428601 ispyghosts.co.uk

Babbacombe Model Village Easter Egg Hunt 5 April – 27 April

Explore the gardens and see if you can find all the hidden eggs. This is a fun challenge for the whole family. An Easter treat is promised for all successful young explorers (3yrs+).

Hampton Avenue, Torquay, TQ1 3LA 01803 315315 babbacombemodelvillage.co.uk

Dinosaur Easter Bunny Hunt, Torquay 5 April – 27 April

Celebrate Easter with a visit to Torquay’s Dinosaur World and take part in a Dinosaur Easter Bunny Hunt. The Easter Bunnies have got loose in the dinosaur exhibition and the help of brave explorers is needed to find and rescue them.

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

Anderton and Rowlands Fun Fair, Paignton 6 – 20 April

The Anderton and Rowlands Fun Fair is back. Head down to Paignton Green and enjoy all the fun of the fair.

Paignton Green, TQ4 6BW englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Zoo Vet Apprentice, Paignton 8 & 10 April

Find out what a zoo vet does at Paignton Zoo. This event is suitable for 13 to 16 year olds. Join a guided tour of the Vet Centre, watch elephant husbandry training, identify animals from X-rays, practice blow pipe techniques and animal CPR. Cost £40 Totnes Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EU 0844 474 2224 paigntonzoo.org.uk

Adventures in Wonderland, Occombe 8 – 11 April

In an enchanted forest there is a fantastical trail waiting to be discovered this Easter. Follow the white rabbit’s footsteps to see if you can spot the grinning cat, find the missing playing card, meet the Queen of Hearts and play flamingo croquet! Complete the trail and you will be invited to join a mad hatters tea party.

Suitable for 4-12 year olds. Time: 10am – 3pm, cost £3.50 per child to include chocolate prize and all craft activities.

Occombe Farm Visitor Centre, Preston Down Road, Paignton, TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk April/May 2014

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Brixham Bay Hoppers Boat Jumble 12 April

Butterflys on the loose at Paignton Zoo

Brixham Bay Hoppers are holding a ‘Boat Jumble’ in the Brixham MDL Marina car park from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm and would like to invite you to join in either as buyers or sellers.

MDL Marina Car Park, Berry head Road, Brixham, TQ5 9BW 07775 803343

Easter Cards, Torre Abbey 9 April

Raspberry Pi Jam, Paignton 12 April & 10 May

Teddy Bears’ Easter Picnic, Torre Abbey 11 April

Stick Chair Making, Greenway 13 April

Creative children’s workshop with artist Dee Martin in Torre Abbey’s Learning Lab to explore collage, resist and brusho techniques and create beautiful Easter egg cards.

Suitable for ages 7 and above. Families are welcome. Book in advance.

Time: 1.00 - 3.30pm, cost: £4.50 per child (includes entry and activity).

The King’s Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE 01803 293593 torre-abbey.org.uk

Join the fun in Torre Abbey gardens for a magical Easter Picnic with games and stories, especially for younger visitors. Don’t forget your teddies!

Time: 12.30 - 2.30 pm, cost: children £7, adults £10: includes picnic, entry and activities. Book in advance.

The King’s Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE 01803 293593 torre-abbey.org.uk

Easter Dive Show, Living Coasts 12 April

Watch the Easter Bunny and his helpers as they dive below decks to swim with the penguins and deliver Easter enrichment to the playful birds! The dives will take place at 11.30am and 3.00pm.

Beacon Quay, Torquay TQ1 2BG 0844 4742226 livingcoasts.org.uk

Bygones Easter Egg Hunt, Torquay 12 – 27 April

An exciting hunt to find Easter Eggs around Bygones. Fun for the whole family.

Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4PR 01803 326108 bygones.co.uk 38

April/May 2014

The Raspberry pi is a small single board computer designed to get children and young people engaged in programming and computer science. A jam is a meet up of users to share knowledge, projects, ideas etc. The pi jam will take place from 1.00pm to 3.00pm.

Paignton Library and Information Centre Great Western Road, Paignton, TQ4 5AG englishriviera.co.uk/whats-on

Join National Trust countryside Rangers to create your very own rustic piece of furniture to take home. Learn old crafts and new skills, and at the end of the day you will have a stunning piece of handcrafted furniture to take home with you.

Cost £25 Greenway, Brixham, TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk

Butterfly Release, Paignton Zoo 15 – 30 April

As part of the Zoo’s Incredible Invertebrates year, they will release 800 colourful butterflies into the tropical Crocodile Swamp. Paignton Zoo expects the butterflies to start hatching from 15th April onwards.

Normal Zoo admission prices apply.

Totnes Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EU 0844 474 2222 paigntonzoo.org.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Easter Bonnets at Torre Abbey 16 April

Creative children’s workshop with artist Dee Martin in Torre Abbey’s Learning Lab to explore collage, resist and brusho techniques and create beautiful Easter bonnets.

Suitable for ages 7 and above. Families are welcome. Book in advance.

Time: 1.00 - 3.30pm, cost: £4.50 per child The King’s Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE 01803 293593 torre-abbey.org.uk

Fossil Walk at St Mary’s Bay 16 April

This is a Friends of Brixham Library event. To participate you need to have joined as a member at least one week before the event. Walk leader is Nigel Smallbones and you will discover the hidden remains of plants and creatures preserved in the crumbling shale rocks of St Mary’s Bay. Cost £5 01803 853870 friendsofbrixhamlibrary.wordpress.com

Easter Dinosaur Hunt, Kents Cavern 18 – 21 April

Enjoy lots of Easter activities all themed around Dinosaurs. Piece together the Dino facts around the caves, solve the T-REX riddles and see if you can win an Easter surprise!

No booking required. Normal prices apply.

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

Easter at Living Coasts, Torquay 18 – 21 April

Meet Living Coasts’ cute little chicks, take part in an Easter egg trail, games, craft activities and much more at Torquay’s spectacular marine zoo and aquarium.

Beacon Quay, Torquay TQ1 2BG 0844 4742226 livingcoasts.org.uk

Easter Fun at Coleton Fishacre, Kingswear 18 – 21 April

Easter Egg-stravaganza at Greenway 18 – 21 April

Enjoy an Easter trail round the garden at Agatha Christie’s famous riverside residence on the glorious Dart.

Normal admission charges apply.

Greenway, Brixham, TQ50ES 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk

Babbacombe Cliff Railway Easter Delight 20 April

Enjoy some Easter fun at Babbacombe Cliff Railway..

Babbacombe Downs Road, Torquay, TQ1 3LF 01803 328750 babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk

Easter Activities, Cockington Court 20 & 21 April

Have fun making Easter bonnets and follow the egg trail.

Resource Room, Seachange Studios, Cockington, TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org

The Big Easter Egg Hunt, Torre Abbey 20 April

Find Easter Eggs hidden all over Torre Abbey Gardens and run around to your heart’s delight! No tbooking required – just turn up.

Cost per child is £4.50 to include entry, activity and chocolate prize. Adult garden-only entry is £4.00. Time: 10.00am – 5.00pm (last entry 4.00pm) The King’s Drive, Torquay, TQ2 5JE 01803 293593 torre-abbey.org.uk

Easter activities at the stunning house and gardens that was the country home of the famous D’Oyly Carte family (now National Trust).

Normal admission charges apply.

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

April/May 2014

39

Travel back in time to 1897 and Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee

10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS ADVERT *

www.bygones.co.uk

Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4PR 01803 326108

*You must present this advert with your payment in order to receive your discount. Valid until 31/12/13. Not valid with any other discount or offer.

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April/May 2014

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What’s On Easter Sunday Jazz Lunch, Berry Head Hotel 20 April

Murder at the Imperial 26 April

Can you guess whodunnit? The action begins over predinner drinks and concludes over coffee. While you sit down to a delicious three-course dinner actors will lay the clues that you have to unravel. It is up to you to investigate and accuse a suspect.

Cost £29.95 Imperial Hotel, Park Hill Road, Torquay, TQ1 2DG 01803 294301 pumahotels.co.uk

Relax with live jazz on the terrace plus a carvery lunch on Easter Sunday.

One course £9.95, two courses £13.95 and three courses with coffee £16.95.

There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for the children and jazz continues weekly throughout the summer.

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

Easter Sunday Lunch, Imperial Hotel 20 April

A traditional Sunday lunch in the award winning Regatta Restaurant. All under-14s will receive a free Easter egg.

Children’s craft activities will run throughout the afternoon.

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

South Devon 10K & Fun Run, Paignton 26 April

This event includes a 10 kilometre race through an area of outstanding natural beauty, a ¾ mile fun run and features lots of family fun activities. The circular route takes runners into the beautiful South Hams countryside along little known bridle paths and farm tracks, right down to the Mill Pond at Stoke Gabriel.

South Devon College, Long Road, Paignton TQ4 7EJ 01803 540554 southdevon.ac.uk

Dartmouth Art Society Spring Exhibition 21 – 26 April Original paintings will be on sale.

Flavel Church, Mayors Avenue, Dartmouth, TQ6 9YY 01803 770310 das4.350.com

Spring Garden Demonstrations, Coleton Fishacre 23 April

Join the Coleton Fishacre garden team for a series of talks and demonstrations throughout the day covering all aspects of spring gardening including propagation and seed sowing. Normal admission charges apply – no need to book Brownstone Road, Kingswear, TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

Photo: tony Cobley

Intermediate Bread Making, Occombe 26 & 27 April

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Join a two-day workshop for those with some experience of bread making. You will revise the basics before exploring different flours and techniques including the use of yeast (fresh and dried), starters and overnight rising – showing how the flavours of loaves can be altered.

Loaves and doughs covered on this course include Sourdough, Brioche, Rye, Fougasse and Pizza.

Cost £140 Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk April/May 2014

41

What’s On!

Visit www.englishriviera.co.uk/whats-on Brought to you by the English Riviera Tourism Company

Your official

English Riviera events calendar

fresh discoveries Discover Coleton Fishacre and Greenway as their gardens burst into life. Wander around the unique houses, enjoy tasty treats in the cafés, soak up the inspiring views and much more.

Members and under 5s go free.

01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre and nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

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April/May 2014

© National TrustTrust Images/Tony Cobley.

Registered Charity Number 205846. © National Images/Tony Cobley.

Registered Charity Number 205846.

Coleton Fishacre and Greenway

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Beginners Bird identification Course, Brixham 26 & 27 April

River Dart Canoe Expedition 4 May

Tour the River Dart by canoe with National Trust countryside rangers. This full-day event is perfect for all abilities - canoes and an instructor are provided. Learn a new skill and find out all about the River Dart and its flora and fauna.

Cost £50. Book by 20 April.

Greenway House, Greenway, Brixham, TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 national-trust.org.uk

This is a beginner level course to improve your bird identification skills with local expert Mike Langman. This two-day course will be a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities.

Time: 10 am – 4 pm, cost: £55.00 per person, booking essential.

Berry Head Nature Reserve, Brixham, TQ5 9AP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Doggy Day, Coleton Fishacre 5 May

Brixham Folk Club 2 May

Organised by Anne and Steve Gill with help from Maggie Duffy and John Miles.

Cost £3 Lounge Bar, Brixham Theatre, New Road, Brixham, TQ5 8LX 01803 858394 batsweb.org.uk

Bring along your dogs for a day of fun for all the family - including those with waggy tails. Fun dog competitions will run throughout the Day. From waggiest tail to cutest puppy, there’s sure to be something at which your pooch will be top-dog. (£1 entry to each competition). Normal admission charges apply, no need to book.

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

Dawn Chorus & Spring Arrivals, Berry Head 3 May

Join local bird expert Mike Langman at Berry Head, Mike’s favourite spring location for a dawn chorus. The headland should be alive with birds just back from a winter in Africa desperately announcing their territories and hoping to attract a mate. The frenetic Guillemot colony will be noisy with birds coming and going from their nesting ledges. Time: 5.30 am - 8.30 am, cost: £13.50 per person including full breakfast, booking essential.

Berry Head Nature Reserve, Brixham, TQ5 9AP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

PHOTO: MIKE LANGMAN

Brixham Fish Market Tours 7 & 28 May

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

An exciting glimpse into the heart and soul of Brixham’s fishing industry, you have to get up early to capture the excitement of the fish auction. More than £25 million of fish is landed and auctioned here annually with more than 50% being exported to the finest restaurants in Europe. After the tour, the group will enjoy breakfast together at Shipmates. Cost is £10 to include a donation to the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.

This event is unsuitable for children under 14. Tour starts at 6am.

The Quay, Brixham, TQ5 8AW 07410 617931 April/May 2014

43

Kent and Leeds Castle

Mercure Hythe Imperial «««« 6 Days. 15 to 20 June 2014

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Explore must see sights, relax in one of our carefully selected hotels and soak up a bit of VIP treatment. Our coach holidays to the UK and Europe are planned by our specialist team with your comfort in mind. In 2014 we could be taking you to London and Hampton Court, Tenby, the Loire in France, Channel Island Hopping , Bruges, The Ribble Valley and Cambridge.

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April/May 2014

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What’s On Cake Making for Beginners, Occombe 10 May

Join Lucy Croose, a professional cake maker on this fun and hands-on course. You will cover making various cakes and sponges from devilishly good chocolate cupcakes, luscious lemon drizzle, the ever classic Victoria Sponge and the oh so moreish Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping.

Cost £70 to include lunch.

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

Cake Decorating for Beginners, Occombe 11 May

This course includes an introduction to using royal icing, buttercream, and sugarpaste, as well as learning basic piping skills and how to make stunning simple sugar flowers and delightful edible decorations.

Cost £70 to include lunch.

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

Swinging Afternoon Tea, Imperial Hotel 11 May

Relax with friends in the Palm Court Lounge, indulge in a fabulous Afternoon tea and enjoy great live swing performance by Aaron Williams.

Cost: £12 per person.

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

Occombe Farm Cookery School for a seafood cookery masterclass.

Cost £80 to include breakfast and a light seafood lunch.

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

Dart Music Festival, Dartmouth 16 – 18 May

All types of musical events take place around Dartmouth over the three days of the festival. Jazz, rock, pop, blues, classical and much more, there’s always something for everyone. Most events are free. dartmusicfestival.co.uk

Open Day – Paignton Sailing Club 17 May

Paignton Sailing Club is primarily a dinghy racing club and is host to some prestigious open and national meetings. The club will be open for anyone who is interested in learning to sail. You can try out a range of dinghies accompanied by an experienced sailor.

The South Quay, Paignton Harbour, TQ4 6DT 01803 525817 paigntonsailingclub.com

OCRDA Powerboat Racing, Torquay 23 – 26 May

Torbay Classic Offshore Power Boat Racing (OCRDA) is an exciting annual event with 20 or more boats racing around buoys in the Bay. See the boats and meet the crews.

Beacon Quay, Torquay, TQ1 2BG

Dartmouth Galleries Week 23 – 30 May

A wide range of local galleries will be participating in this annual event and there will be exhibitions of new work from established and new artists. discoverdartmouth.com

Fairy Day at Greenway 25 May Sensational Seafood, Brixham & Occombe 16 May

Visit Brixham Fish Market at 6.30am, see the auction in progress, then bring the catch of the day back to englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Join Fairy Queen Camellia and the flower fairies of Greenway for another fun filled afternoon of adventure.

Those pesky pirates have been causing the fairies trouble again! Normal admission charges apply, no need to book, time 2-4pm, cost £3 child.

Greenway, Brixham, TQ50ES 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk April/May 2014 45

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April/May 2014

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What’s On Miss Ivy’s Revival, Cockington 31 May and 1 June

A two day celebration full of live music, dancers, children’s entertainment and many stalls including vintage clothing, brocante and crafts, which is expected to transform the grounds of the delightful Cockington into a veritable vintage wonderland. There will be vintage vehicles, retro catwalk and vintage cinema.

Cost £3.50 Concessions £2.00 (under 16s and 60+), 10.30am to 5.30pm. missivyevents.co.uk

Dartmouth Castle - Under Enemy Control!

25 and 26 May

Making Homes for Wild Animals, Coleton Fishacre 28 May

Join the countryside rangers to learn how to make homes for wild animals – great fun for all the family. Normal admission charges apply, no need to book.

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

Art Sketching Underground, Kents Cavern 30 May

An evening of art sketching at Kents Cavern’s famous caves. There will be a tour of the caves, an art tutorial plus sketching time. This is followed by an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner.

Time 5.30pm till late, cost £30.

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

Happily Ever After Wedding Fair, Cockington 31 May and 1 June

Cockington Court’s first wedding fair in their beautiful Grade 2 listed manor house. You’ll find local wedding suppliers, bespoke dressmakers, jewellers, transport, stationers, cake makers, florists, photographers, hair & make-up and accessories.

Cockington Court, Cockington Village, Torquay, TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockington.org.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Photo: emily clark

Besieged Dartmouth is under enemy control! Travel back to the mid 17th century and join the Wardour Garrison as they occupy the castle. Immerse yourself in living history, military displays and hands-on kids activities.

Time 11am – 5pm Cost £3.90 children and £6.50 adults with concessions for members.

Castle Road, Dartmouth, TQ6 0JN 01803 833588 english-heritage.org.uk

English Riviera International Dance Festival, Torquay 31 May

The English Riviera International Dance Festival, a glittering annual dance extravaganza, is open to everyone with an interest in dancing. You can join in with the social and leisure dancing, learn and improve your dancing prowess, watch champions in cabaret or enter the competitions.

TLH Leisure Resort, Belgrave Road, Torquay, TQ2 5HS 01803 400500 tlh.co.uk/english-riviera-dance-festival

June & July Events

If you’re holding an event in June or July email us at

editorial@ englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

and we’ll list it in the next issue or on our website

April/May 2014

47

Treading the boards Babbacombe Theatre Box Office 01803 328385 Editor’s pick WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN – THE CARPENTER’S STORY 20 APRIL ONLY

Little Theatre Torquay Box Office 01803 299330 Editor’s pick DOUBLE CUT 10 – 17 MAY (NO SUNDAY PERFORMANCE)

Toni Lee mesmerised audiences on ITV’s Stars in Their Eyes in her tribute performance to Karen Carpenter. The Carpenters recorded some of the greatest love songs in pop music history. Heart breakers and tear jerkers that captivated not one but three generations of popular music fans. The sensational vocals of Toni Lee has an uncanny resemblance to Karen Carpenter and will take you on a musical journey through the wonderful hit songs of the Carpenters.

Directed by Stephanie Austin - A TOADS’ season play. Diamond heiress Olivia Prescott’s villa is disturbed by an enigmatic stranger claiming to be her supposedly dead brother. He seems to know every trivial detail of their past family life, his papers verify his identity and we begin to question whether Olivia herself is concealing something. We learn that £10 million worth of diamonds are missing. Is this what the stranger is after?

Academy Award winner Sam Mendes returns to the National Theatre to direct Simon Russell Beale (Timon of Athens, Collaborators) in the title role of Shakespeare’s tragedy. An aged king decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, according to which of them is most eloquent in praising him. His favourite, Cordelia, says nothing. Lear’s world descends into chaos.

Back to Broadway is a show that is a celebration of all that is best about musical theatre, from the heartbreaking beauty and power of Memory, Music of the Night and Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, to the feel good energy of Summer Nights and Footloose. Let this mesmerising show take you through the world of musicals, its drama, its beauty and its sheer joy. In Back to Broadway, 30 of the best loved tunes from Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Les Miserables, Grease, Lion King, West Side Story and many, many more are performed live on stage by some of the best singers and dancers working today.

Also worth seeing…

Joe McElderry – Set Your Soul Alive May 4 only Flavel Arts Centre Dartmouth Box Office 01803 839530 Editor’s pick NT LIVE KING LEAR 1 MAY AND 10 MAY

Also worth seeing…

Gabrielle Ducomble 26 April only

NT Curious Incident 22, 24, 26, 29 May

Also worth seeing…

She Stoops to Conquer 12 – 19 April Seasons of Love 26 April only Palace Theatre, Paignton Box Office 01803 665800 Editor’s pick BACK TO BROADWAY 17 MAY ONLY

Also worth seeing…

Everly Brothers & Friends Tribute Show 24 May only Foggy & Whit - Givin’ It Gas 14 May only

48

April/May 2014

Princess Theatre Torquay Box Office 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick LET’S HANG ON 24 May Only

t

TWO-FOR-ONE

THEATRE TICKET OFFER

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, their music and their everlasting popularity spanning many decades was finally brought to iconic status with the Broadway hit musical Jersey Boys. Let’s Hang On has captured the magic of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, not only their music, but also the uniqueness of the group.

Also worth seeing…

Puccini la Bohème 8 april only Cinderella – Vienna Festival Ballet 25 april only The Sooty Show 27 april only

Scan this code with your mobile device for a direct link to the theatre website

Tuesdays & Wednesdays 8.15pm Until 22nd October incl.

Matinee: Wednesday 20th August 2.30pm

Tickets: £19, Seniors £18, Children £10 Online cost inclusive of transaction fee

£20/£19/£11

“Fantasy is Fantastic” ««««« “Superb” ««««« “Amazing Show” ««««« Trip Advisor Reviews, February 2014

Visit or call the Box Office and present this voucher when collecting your tickets for two-for-one entry to see

Brixham Theatre Box Office 01803 882717 Editor’s pick THE OWl anD THE PUSSyCaT WENT TO SEE..

10 – 12 aPril This is an enchanting musical play for all ages featuring a cast of fantastical characters from Edward Lear’s stories and verses. Who will the Owl and the Pussycat see?

Also worth seeing…

The life & Times of Paul robeson 24 april only englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

This offer is only applicable for the Tuesday performances of Fantasy during April.

All performances 8.15pm.

Name: Email:

Postcode: Performance Date:

Tick here if you wish to be added to our mailing list o Tick here if you wish to be added to our mailing list o

Terms & Conditions: Based on full ticket price of £19. No other concessions apply.

This voucher can be used for up to four transactions against one date only when presented at the Box Office. Not redeemable against online bookings.

No photocopies accepted. TQ residents only. Subject to availability.

Box Office (01803) 328385 April/May 2014

49

      Easter is a time of family gatherings and good food so Anita Newcombe went along to meet Holly and David Jones who run Manna from Devon Cooking School in Kingswear.

F

ood. It’s at the heart of our relationships with gets more locals from the surrounding area, with people family and friends and what better time to think arriving from further afield at weekends. The wood-fired about food than Easter? Could it be an opportunity oven courses run by David are very specialist and people to take the plunge and develop our cooking skills or just attend these from all over the country. Busy maybe but try a new recipe? classes are small with only 4 – 8 people in each class and I joined Holly and David in their lots of opportunity to practice the kitchen overlooking the Dart to “We enjoy the company of various skills. find out what’s cooking in April and like-minded people which There’s a huge choice of different May. The charismatic duo have both courses from bread-making and makes the day good fun baking cakes and cookies to returned from a four-week trip to India recently where they sent posts and we do get a lot of ideas preparing fish, curries, soup, sauces, on their culinary adventures from classic Thai food, Mediterranean from our students” high tea in the Western Ghats to tapas and much more. farmhouse cooking in Kota.

During the Easter holidays, families can enjoy cookery Safely back in Devon, they are busy with an exciting courses including Family Bread, Family Pasta, Family programme of cooking classes. “We enjoy the company Cakes and Cookies and Family Pastry. I loved their of like-minded people which makes the day good fun and website description for Family Bread which read, “For we do get a lot of ideas from our students,” says Holly. children, bread making is pure magic, straight from Weekends are the busiest with up to 4 classes running the pages of Harry Potter. Take simple, uninteresting but there’s a good take-up of classes mid-week too, ingredients and turn them into something wonderful.” especially during half terms and holidays. You’ll find a mix Clearly, we must have the Harry Potter experience! So of people signing up for the course, young and old, retired Holly and David have kindly offered us a favourite hot and working. During the week Manna from Devon cross bun recipe to try. u

  I also loved the idea of Holly and David’s ‘Pop-Up Suppers,’ which have become increasingly popular.

These are relaxed themed evenings at the cooking school, either in the school kitchen or, weather permitting, on the deck high above the Dart.

You are invited to bring your own wine and forthcoming evenings in April and May include:

16th April 17th April 22nd May

Italian Spring Italian Spring (Fully Booked) Thai

(reserve your table early, they do get booked up quickly) Cost: £25

50

April/May 2014

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Food & Drink

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

April/May 2014

51

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The Perfect Location, For Any Occasion Fresh Fish straight from the Boats to your Plate Fine Wine Cellar and Local Ales Daily Devonshire Cream Teas Brasserie and a la Carte Restaurant Traditional Sunday Carvery Live Entertainment at the Weekends A stunning location for Weddings and Special Events with menus tailored to suit you Weekly Summer BBQ’s on the terrace Indoor Swimming Pool Non-residents and families welcome Well appointed 3 star accommodation

01803 853225 www.berryheadhotel.com | stay@berryheadhotel.com 52

April/May 2014

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Hot Cross Buns with tea soaked fruit

“We bake buns for our guests and friends in the village every year and they are always a big hit. We always soak the fruit first to add moisture to the buns and to play with different flavours. Inspired by a recent visit to a tea plantation in Kerela this version uses a good quality tea.”

Makes 12 buns Ingredients 250g raisins 100g mixed peel, or finely chopped dried apricots rounded teaspoons mix spice 200ml hot, very strong tea 175ml warm milk 10g instant yeast 150g strong white flour 1 medium egg 50g melted butter 50g caster sugar Approx 50ml warm water 8g salt 300g strong white flour, plus extra 2tbsp plain flour Water 1 tbsp milk 2 tbsp caster sugar 2 tbsp boiling water

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Food & Drink Method 1. Mix the spices, raisins, peel and tea and leave to soak for at least 1 hour.

2. Mix the milk, yeast and 150g flour in a bowl. Leave to ferment for 1 hour.

3. To the pre-fermented milk/yeast/flour mix add the remaining flour, sugar, butter, egg and salt. Mix this and add enough water to make a soft, slightly sticky dough.

4. Knead the dough until it is springy and elastic, about 10 minutes. Drain the fruit/tea/spice mix and add this to the dough. Continue kneading until the fruit is well distributed.

5. Cover and set aside in a warm place until doubled in size. This will probably take about 2 hours.

6. Divide the dough into 100g pieces, shape into balls and place, almost touching, on a tray lined with non-stick paper. Leave to ferment until almost doubled in size.

7.Preheat your oven to 200°c/Gas mark 6.

8. Mix a 1 tbsp plain flour with enough water to make a paste. Brush the risen buns with milk then use a piping back to pipe crosses of the paste on to each ball of dough.

(I usually put the paste into a sandwich bag and snip the corner off to make a simple, single use piping bag) 9. Put the tray of buns into the centre of the oven and bake for about 15 minutes.

10. Mix the caster sugar and boiling water and brush over while hot for a final gloss.o David Jone his neck ins up to tea!

April/May 2014

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Complete the order form and post it to: English Riviera Magazine 69 Davies Avenue Paignton TQ4 7AW

Please make cheques payable to Devon Magazine Company Ltd englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

TorqEat

Food & Drink

Torquay’s Foodie Festival On the May Bank Holiday Weekend (3 & 4 May), Torquay’s harbourside and Cary Gardens will turn into a food-lovers paradise.

T

orqEat is coming to town and some of the region’s top chefs will be arriving to create a fascinating programme of cooking demonstrations.

Our very own celebrity chef, Simon Hulstone, chef proprietor at Torquay’s Michelin starred restaurant The Elephant, will be creating some amazing flavours and he will be joined by another hugely popular chef Richard Hunt, who now runs the Devon Scone Company. To create even more star quality, Anton Piotrowski, joint winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2012 and head chef at The Treby Arms will also be cooking up a storm.

TorqEat will be alive and kicking with many other talented chefs displaying their skills including Bruce Cole, the award-winning head chef from The Moorland Garden Hotel, and Jean Philippe Bidart head chef at the multiaward winning Millbrook Inn at South Pool.

All kinds of regional food and drink will be temptingly displayed for food-lovers to try and buy with over 40 producers including Partridge Farm Meats, Lemon Jelli, Bays Brewery, Kenniford Farm, The Bloomberry Juice Company, St Ives Cider, The Big Pot Kitchen Company, Southwestern Distillery and many more.

You’ll also be able to browse a range of stalls with skilled arts and craft makers demonstrating their wares.

To get you in the mood, Torquay’s leading restaurants and cafés will be laying on a special Restaurant Trail Menu in the lead-up to the festival.

TorqEat is the foodie part of a family friendly bumper weekend in the Bay with Brixham Pirate Festival taking place over three days (3 – 5 May) and the Bikers Make a Difference Festival (2 – 4 May) on Paignton Green.

Businesses within the Torquay BID are bringing this splendid free food festival to town and they are working with the highly respected Taste of the West, which should ensure the finest quality and most delicious produce is there.

Torquay Town Centre BID manager Rachael Weaver says: “Last year’s TorqEat was a fantastic success, with a glamorous harbour setting, many food aromas and glorious sunshine.”

Chief Executive of Taste of the West, John Sheaves says: “We’re delighted here at Taste of the West to be involved with TorqEat for the second year running. Its popularity last year, with the numbers attending far exceeding our expectations, highlights the current importance and love of produce from the South West. It’s a superb opportunity for local food and drink producers to showcase their fantastic products and for the county’s hugely talented chefs to demonstrate their culinary skills.”o

TorqEat is open 10am to 6pm Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May torquay.torbaytowns.co.uk

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

April/May 2014

55

Food&Drink...

Seafood Feast Winners

Chris Wardle was the lucky winner of our competition to win a Seafood Feast for six at Crab Quay House on the Fish Market in Brixham.

Tracey Perrett, Chris Wardle, Carolyn Perrett, Peter Perrett, Emily Wardle, and Nick Perrett

Food Find of the Month!

Bays Brewery Devon Dumpling Golden Ale. Strictly speaking I didn’t find this one this month, but as the weather finally turned toward summer I certainly rediscovered an old favourite. On the first fine weekend of the year after a Saturday spent taking to the water to blow the cobwebs off my paddleboard I knew I had to tackle the lawn that had been uncut for more than 4 months. It was going to be a big job and the motivation for getting it done was a good hour in the sun with a good book and a cool beer come the afternoon.

One can’t tackle these sort of jobs without thorough preparation so I trotted off to Occombe Farm Shop to find the right tipple (and then took to rusty mower blades with a freshly oiled stone).

Although this one’s been around for almost 5 years, it was originally brewed for the Occombe Beer Festival in 2009. For me it’s still a jewel in the Bays Brewery crown, especially at this time of year. I’m a very seasonal drinker - robust and warming ales in the winter, sprightly chilled premium lagers for hot, sunny summer days and more recently with the ever growing crop of strong light premium beers, something for those in-between days 56

April/May 2014

where refreshment is required but not with so much of a chill. You don’t need to be a real ale enthusiast to appreciate the fresh smooth flavour. Plus the fact it’s available in bottles means you’ve always got one ready for those tantalising glimpses of summer we get quite often at this time of year.

As for the lawn, it was a mammoth task, the ante was upped, the reward doubled and the year’s first deck chair snooze followed shortly afterwards! o baysbrewery.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Get Baking for Rowcroft Rowcroft Hospice has launched their first ever Big Bake with the support of BBC One’s Great British Bake Off star Glenn Cosby.

From 12 – 20 April you are invited to host your own bake sale, coffee morning, tea party or bake off and donate the proceeds to Rowcroft.

Glenn Cosby, head of sixth form at Teignmouth Community School and the last man standing on BBC One’s hit TV show The Great British Bake Off, cites his firsthand experience of Rowcroft’s support as his reason for partnering with the charity.

He said: “I’ve been teaching in Teignmouth for seven years and I’ve indirectly known dozens of families whose lives would have been very different had it not been for Rowcroft’s support.”

Glenn will be donating two exclusive cake recipes to everyone who registers for the Rowcroft Bake Off. All participants will receive a fundraising pack containing cake flags, cake name signs, posters, a ‘Make your own bunting’ template, tips for a great party and advice on food hygiene.

Laura Cameron, Community Fundraising Manager at

ur up yo rs! ok or ito Co at f is e rv tr e a ast E

Food&Drink...

Rowcroft Hospice, said: “Caring for others is something that is embedded in the philosophy of Rowcroft Hospice, so we are thrilled to be offering an opportunity for you to show how much you care about your loved ones, friends and colleagues by baking and sharing lots of delicious treats! o For more information, or to request a Rowcroft Big Bake fundraising pack, please visit rowcrofthospice. org.uk/bigbake.

Imperial soya and beetroot cured salmon, pickled beetroot, dill crème fraiche, caper berries

By Anuj Thakur, Torquay Imperial Head Chef Serves 1 Ingredients

Salmon Big beetroot Soya sauce Sugar Sea salt Lemon juice Dill Cucumber Red wine vinegar

1 fillet skin off 1 kg 50 ml 150 gms 25 gms 3 lemons 1bunch 1 whole 100 ml

Method 1. Cook beetroot with 100gms of sugar and red wine vinegar on slow heat until fully soft in the middle.

2. Once it’s cooked, leave it to cool in same liquid.

3. Take half of the cooked beetroot and grate it.

4. Marinade the salmon evenly on both sides with 50 gms englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

sugar, 25 gms sea salt, soya sauce, lemon juice and grated beetroot.

5. Take cling film, spread it on a chopping board and wrap the salmon firmly in this.

6. Press the salmon between two chopping boards in the fridge for at least six hours.

7. Just before serving, cut remaining beetroot into neat wedges 8. Slice the salmon very thinly and serve it with beetroot wedges and dill crème fraiche.

9. Garnish with sliced cucumber, thin crisps of wholemeal bread and caper berries.o April/May 2014

57

Fond Farewells at SOHO Bar

Colleagues and friends of Lydia Stone, Senior Marketing Executive at the ERTC gathered at the glamorous SOHO Bar in Torquay. Lydia has moved to London where she has been appointed Marketing Manager at Agatha Christie Ltd in Covent Garden. Luckily she will be keeping in regular touch as the English Riviera has so many important links to the Queen of Crime including the world-famous Agatha Christie Festival.

Steve Pearce, Katrine Harrington, Lydia Stone, Louise Smith, Holly Hollis, Carolyn Custerson (all ERTC) Nick Powe (Kents Cavern), Sereny Damon (Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat Co)

Lydia Stone, Will Ford (SOHO Bar)

Claire Jeavons (Trustee ERTC), Vince Flower (Shearings Holidays)

Steve Pearce (ERTC), Carolyn Custerson (ERTC), Pippa Craddock (Paignton Zoo)

Julie Smyth and Tony Smyth (Trustee ERTC)

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April/May 2014

Antony Custerson, Lydia Stone, Carl Smith (Torquay Museum)

Sheena Powe, Holly Hollis, Louise Smith, Katrine Harrington (ERTC)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Coffee and Cakes for the RNLI

Social Diary

Brixham Lifeboat Guild held a Coffee Morning in aid of the RNLI at the Weary Ploughman in Churston, near Brixham.

Annette Wiseman (Membership Secretary), and Paul Wiseman (Assistant Treasurer)

Dave Smithson (Treasurer), Shirley Wheeler (Chairman), Barbara Smithson (Secretary), and Pat Welsh Judith Bates (Raffle Co-ordinator)

Ann Filer, Les Filer, Grace Young, and Di Guppy Margaret Hughes, Janet Rayner (Outside Events Team), and Isabel Hickman (RNLI Boathouse Kiosk)

Sue Turner, Yvonne Cable (Committee Mbr), John Jeffery (Committee Mbr), Chris Turner, Mary Jeffery, and Kathy Clerk.

Teresa Wilson, Alan Starmer, and Chris Starmer

Brenda Smith, Judith Bates (Raffle Co-ordinator), Paul Wiseman (Asst. Treasurer), Anita Ganley, and Annie Scholfield (Outside Events Team)

Maurice Gibbard (President), Joyce Madkins, and Jean Penfold

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

April/May 2014

59

Lincombe Riviera 106x147mm advert March 2014 20/03/2014 16:32 Page 1

Lincombe Manor Residential and Nursing Care Home Superb home set in the grounds of a Grade II listed mansion with breathtaking sea views over Torbay.

• Round the clock care • Modern facilities • Individual bedrooms with en-suite walk-in wet rooms • Library • TV lounge • Quiet room • Sun terrace • Fine dining • Freshly prepared food • Events • Daily activities • Use of Manor House Club facilities including bar, bistro and gym

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Call

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Lincombe Manor Care Centre Middle Lincombe Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2AF 60

April/May 2014

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

New Artists at Haddon Galleries Haddon Galleries held a private viewing to welcome two new artists to their Torquay harbourside premises.

Wildlife artist Nigel Hemming featured a set of hand embellished collectors edition prints and Garry Lloyd a new series of biographical limited edition prints.

Vicky Stevens, Nigel Hemming, Jeremy and Leigh Rowley, Maddie Rowley

Julian Rees (English Riviera Magazine), Fiona Haddon, Nigel Hemming, and Paul Haddon

Paul and Tammi Harrison, Garry Lloyd

Agatha Christie Wild Swim A wild swimming group from Torquay took to the cold waters off Meadfoot Beach to encourage local people to jump in and enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Swimathon. In a tribute to Agatha Christie, Torquay’s world-famous novelist, the group of swimmers donned vintage swim caps and followed the route she regularly undertook in her youth, going several hundred metres out to Shag Rock and back.

Ann Hogan, Stephanie Simon, Jackie Wills, Kari Furre, Sophie Pierce, Jo McCready, Claire Bunker-Fellingham, Gary Standen, Judy Gordon-Jones, and Allan Macfadyen

Contact us at:

editorial@englishrivieramagazine. co.uk if you are hosting an event you would like us to include. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

April/May 2014

61

Make a Splash!

It’s Great for Business

CA FO L RA L

TO DA Y

CH AT

Public Relations Marketing Event Planning Social Media Photography Publications Staff Training

01803 850886

anitanewcombemedia.co.uk

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Hobb Nobs

19/20 The Quay Brixham TQ5 8AW More outlets coming soon!

62

April/May 2014

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Pilgrim Scoops International Award Pilgrim of Brixham, the recently renovated 1895 Brixham Trawler has been awarded Best Renovation of a vessel over 40ft by international publication, Classic Boat. Editor Dan Houston said that Pilgrim was the clear winner with an overwhelming majority of votes.

BBC Coast presenter Mark Horton presented the award at a reception in London’s Mayfair.

Brian Sexon (Director), Steve Cole Mansfield (Skipper & Operations Manager), Mark Horton (BBC Coast Presenter), Lynda Davison (Director & Company Secretary), Mike Chater (Director), Sally Gibson (Marketing & Customer Experience Manager), and John Wilson (Ships Technical & Shipwrighting advisor)

Tourism Industry Get Together

The tourism industry was out in force at the English Riviera Tourism Company’s Industry Update held at the Riviera Centre in Torquay.

Chris Hart (Chair ERTC), Jim Parker (Editor Herald Express), Barry Cole (BCA), and Matthew Clarke (Torbay Bookshop)

Ronnie Halden (Big Wave Media), Pippa Craddock (Paignton Zoo)

Graziella Alcalde, Rachel Jackson (Programme Manager), Lauren Coyle, and Emma Braine (all South Devon College)

Melody Northey (Princess Theatre), David Hammond, Lynn Webb, and Jenny Scott (all ERTC) Simon Tonge (Paignton Zoo), Lester and Niki Bowman (Broadshade Appartments)

Stuart Devlin, Eddie Bent, Dean Breyley (all e-Strategy), Holly Hollis (ERTC), Claire Jeavons (ERTC Board)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

April/May 2014

63

Looking to start and grow your own business?

Outset Torbay is a FREE support programme to help you be your own boss.

Outset helped me to grow my business from an idea into a success ful salon. The ongoing support is outstan ding and I would recom mend Outset to anyone conside ring going into business.

Becky Forte, Forever Beautiful salon.

We can help you: • Develop your ideas, skills and confidence • Start and run your own business • Plan and prepare for business growth • Get access to finance

Call freephone

0800 032 2905

to find out more

www.outsettorbay.co.uk

WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS ON THIS YEARS PRINT BUDGET? exeterlife exeter life exeter.greatbritishlife.co.uk

64

April/May 2014

Celebrate

winter 2011/12

Meet the

200 Years Torbay Royal Regatta David Suchet’s

The famous

Enjoy Torbay Festival of Poetry Revving Up with

Rallye Beaujolais

In this issue:

Fishstock Brixham

and Private Peaceful

autumn cO

PARTY DRESSES FOOD & DRINK AWARD WINNERS SOCIAL DIARY CHRISTMAS EVENTS GUIDE A CHEF’S NEW TAKE ON OLD FAVOURITES

Meet Torquay Torquay’s

Elephant Gardening Hulstone r How

Stone Age Man Dive the

GEOPARK

d

devon.g reatbrit Octob ishlife.c er 2012 o.uk

Morpurg o on Idde sleigh

Escape to Fisherton Romany Farm’s Wagons

Local Lad Engineers the Future

events

– finAl Alist ists s Anno unce

ife.co.uk

EXE ESTUARY TRAIL aRAMM famREOPENS ily busine KILLERTON IN WINTER ss

Crafty Mums at Cockington

pages of

with Simon

AwArds

riivveerrffo orrd d

Festival

9 society Enjoy

& drin k

devon Octob er.greatb 2012 ritishl

Agatha Christie

Last Poirot BERRY HEAD Birds Plus!

Halloween Roundup

Glamour & Intrigue

2013

Autumn What’s On

2012 food

EE

TOPSHAM PHARMACY

October/November

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FESTIVE MAKEOVERS

August 2013

Nature Social Diary Arts Local Food Out & About Walks

to start saving...

EnglishRiviera magazine EnglishRiviemagazraine

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WITH 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN PRINT AND PAPER BUYING WE CAN HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES TO SAVE MONEY AND REDUCE STRESS.

Out & About Walks Local Food Social Diary Ar ts Nature from the publishers of DEVON LIFE

lOur best gard visit this ens to month Nowhere island the world’s newest nation

Discove

Paega’s Tune Win! Becam A Seafood FeastPaignton English Riviera Magazine For Residents By Residents Richard Cider with

est The Apple Harv in Full Swing

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Top Tips FoR coa sTal T phoTog sTal Raph aphy

Walk thi s from Salcway discoveR ove p plym lymouT h’s F Foo ood die ie hoT spoTs

ombe to Shar pitor £3.65

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englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

BusinessBreaks...

Nigel’s Driving Force A funded project that helps residents of Torbay to start their own businesses is celebrating the launch of its 250th new enterprise - Motorwise in Newton Road, Torquay.

The motor repairs company was started by Nigel Priest, who contacted Outset Torbay for free support, fulfilling his long-standing ambition to be his own boss.

“I always dreamed of running my own garage, but knew I needed help with the business side of things. Outset has given me the skills and the confidence to go for it, which has been invaluable. People were telling me I couldn’t run a business myself, but I made the decision to do it, and with Outset’s help, my plans have become a reality.

It has completely changed my life from where I was just 12 months ago. My advice to others is not to over-think

it – just go for it!”

Helen Harman, Programme Director for Outset Torbay explained, “The English Riviera has long been considered an entrepreneurial hub; a region of small business owners welcoming tourists and servicing local residents. Outset Nigel Priest works with individuals who want to explore self-employment, and with existing businesses that need extra support to grow.”o outsettorbay.co.uk

New Marina Pontoons The £800,000 project to convert Torquay's inner harbour to pontoon-style marina berths nears completion as the boating season opens up for 2014. Work on the project, part of the council’s Port Masterplan, got underway in early March. The final phases will see the fitting of the access bridge located on Victoria Parade, water and electrical services installation and finger pontoons to create individual bays.

There will be a total of 173 new berths of varying sizes replacing the old fore-and-aft chain moorings.

The installation of the new berths will fully realise the value of the inner harbour cill and bridge.

All the smaller berths, for craft up to six metres have already been sold and larger berths are expected to sell out very soon. o tor-bay-harbour.co.uk

Ian Payne (Flight Operations Director), Steve Tupper (Accountable Manager), Nigel Hare (Ground Operations Director) and Rob Mackie (Safety Manager)

Helicopter Independence Day Devon Air Ambulance is celebrating being awarded its own Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority making it fully independent of other agencies. Ian Payne from Torquay, formerly head of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Air Support Unit has joined the Air Ambulance as Flight Operations Director.

To help further enhance the vital life-saving service, the provision of pilots will also be transferred in house and Ian, as a qualified pilot, will form part of the team of five pilots who fly Devon’s two Air Ambulances.o daat.org englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

April/May 2014

65

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

Japanese Knotweed – why it can undermine your garden ...and your chances of a mortgage Every decade or so, property professionals have to deal with another concern affecting homeowners and particularly their mortgage lenders. We have had high alumina cement, flying freehold, subsidence, asbestos, radon, prefabricated concrete buildings and chancel repair liability. Now it’s the impact of Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica).

Japanese Knotweed, a hardy bamboo-like perennial, was introduced into the UK in the mid 19th century and was initially popular with landscape gardeners as an ornamental plant, as it grows quickly and forms dense screens up to two metres in height. That, of course, is the problem, as its underground rhizomes, or roots, spread and it out-competes native plants and can damage buildings and hard surfaces.

It is an offence to plant or cause Japanese Knotweed to spread in the wild under the Wild Life and Countryside Act 1981, and all waste containing Japanese Knotweed comes under the control of Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA).

So what are the implications if Japanese Knotweed is found near or adjacent to property? In the first instance, whilst questions about the plant do not usually appear on insurance proposal forms, most policies do not cover damage caused by Japanese Knotweed and, therefore, if a homeowner cannot get insurance cover against it, the Lenders will not lend against the property.

So what are the practical problems if there is Japanese Knotweed on land? Mostly, it affects gardens or open ground near watercourses, but it can seriously damage drains and other underground services. Patios, paths and boundary walls get compromised and undermined, outbuildings, conservatories and other light-weight structures can get overwhelmed and collapse, and landscape gardens and water features can be spoilt and ruined. In reality, however, severe damage to buildings from Japanese Knotweed is very rare.

Removal of the plant can be a challenging and expensive process, not least that under EPA 1990, Japanese Knotweed– contaminated soil is designated “controlled waste” and can therefore only be removed by licensed contractors to appropriately licensed waste facilities. It is an offence not to do so.

However, there is a growing treatment industry that specialises in the remediation and removal of Japanese

Knotweed. Alternative treatments of variable success and some expense include wholesale excavation of the soil containing the plant and its roots on–site, burial/ encapsulation with specialist membrane covering, biological control (using a Japanese sap-sucking insect!) or chemical controls over at least a three year period. As Japanese Knotweed is often widespread, any such treatment would require co-operation from neighbours who, hopefully, can be persuaded to share the costs. However, the cost of potential remedial treatment will affect a valuation on the property for lending purposes.

Japanese Knotweed may still be difficult to spot by Surveyors or Buyers, either because it has been deliberately concealed ahead of sale (be aware of the newly laid ornamental gravel or woodchips) or previous treatment has been partially effective and re-growth is sparse or deformed and it is not spotted.

So what is the good news? With an effective management plan with supporting mandatory insurance to deal with reinfestation, by a properly accredited member of a recognised trade association, the Japanese Knotweed problem can be resolved. As the industry develops, so will there be more effective treatment and an understanding by the Lenders of the risks.

However, if you are very lucky, it may not be Japanese Knotweed at all but just another vigorous-growing but less invasive shrub. Happily, there are many cases of mistaken identity.

If you have any queries arising from this article contact me by telephone 01803 396604 or by email: simon.wilson@ wollenmichelmore.co.uk

Simon Wilson

Property Partner @wmlegal Wollenmichelmore

Wollen Michelmore SOLICITORS TORQUAY 01803 213251

NEWTON ABBOT 01626 332266

Regional Law Firm of the year South West

PAIGNTON 01803 521692

DARTMOUTH 01803 832191

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

ON TORQUAY’S HARBOURSIDE YOU’LL FIND

Whatever the weather there’s always plenty to see and do at Living Coasts. Mingle with the playful penguins, get up close with the otters, come face to face with the seals and much more.

0844 474 3366

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17/07/2013 11:15