English Riviera Magazine August/September 2017

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

FR

EnglishRiviera

EE

August/September 2017

116

Super Summer Events Meet

Illustrator Extraordinaire

Paul Barclay

Sailing Special

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

magazine

Give It A Go!

PARKRUN Snuggle up with a

Salty Sheep Riviera Heritage Dr Herbert Chilcote Brixham Battery New! Heritage Trail

Face Your Fears at Virtual Jet Centre

CHEERS TO 10 YEARS OF BEERS!

We visit Bays Brewery

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

ll ay 71 Catod 567 us 8

3 80 01

TORBAY’S BIGGEST CHANDLERY Serving the South West and beyond with all your boating and leisure needs The Net Store | Higher Furzeham Road | Brixham TQ5 8QP sales@baysidemarine.co.uk f baysidemarinechandlery

www.baysidemarine.co.uk

About us...

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

Next issue 22 September Write to us at:

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

Welcome ...to our August-September issue!

This is the time of year when residents start heading towards the water – whether it be beautiful Tor Bay or the equally stunning River Dart – we are blessed with endless variety. This issue is something of a ‘sailing special’ with a Torbay win at the America’s Cup for two likely lads plus exciting royal regattas in Torbay and Dartmouth. We join Royal Torbay Yacht Club’s Tiller Girls for an idyllic girly sailing evening and meet Kate Brown, Dartmouth Yacht Club’s new Commodore. Still on the sailing theme, we chat to Paul Barclay illustrator for yachts, super yachts and international navies to boot!

We quaff a brew with the three blokes who founded Bays Brewery and are now celebrating 10 years of business success. Plus, we learn about the launch of a truly ‘made in Brixham’ product Salty Sheep, head underground at Brixham Battery and go for a burn in a rather splendid McLaren supercar.

There’s plenty more to enjoy in this issue but if you don’t see your favourite topic covered, please tell us! Just email editorial@englishrivieramagazine. co.uk and do chat to us on Twitter and Facebook.

We always enjoy attending receptions and events, so please feel free to invite us along if you’d like yours featured.

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

t @EngRivieraMag f englishriveramag O englishriveramagazine

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

August/September 2017

3

Broadsands Phase BROADS A N D S2

OPEN DAY

by BEADONBROOK

Saturday 1st July | 10am - 2pm

Following the success of the development launch in May we are pleased to announce the early release of Phase 2

A stylish development of low energy homes, in an enviable A stylish development of low energy homes, in an enviable location, only location, only moments from Broadsands Beach. Beautiful and moments from Broadsands Beach. Beautiful and spacious 2 bedroom, spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments 2 bathroom apartments available from £299,000. available from £299,000.

BEADONBROOK

For further information and to RSVP please e-mail sam@beadonbrook.com or call the number below.

For further information please email sam@beadonbrook.com, Torbay Innovation Centre | Lymington Road | Torquay | Devon | TQ1 4BD check out the website or twitter feed or call the number below 0044 (0)1803 658004 | www.beadonbrook.com 0044 (0)1803 658004 | www.beadonbrook.com | t @beadonbrook

50% ALREADY UNDER OFFER Step into the future with a BEADONBROOK home.

Our ‘Fabric First’ approach to building design is unrivaled in the development of new homes. Constructed around the corner stones of Insulation, Fabric Continuity and Ventilation your home stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Sea views | spacious accommodation | Bosch kitchen appliances | bespoke kitchens | Porcelanosa bathrooms | LED lighting triple | decked roof terrace | |voice entry systemAppliances | allocated parking | private external storage | desirable location Sea glazed Views windows | Spacious Accommodation Bosch Kitchen | Bespoke Kitchens | Porcelanosa Bathrooms

LED Lighting | Triple-Glazed Windows | Private Roof Terraces | Allocated Parking | External Storage

In this issue

August/September 2017 6 Openers

Local news snippets

12 America’s Cup - Torbay win Local boys’ success in Bermuda

14 Torbay Royal Regatta

The UK’s oldest royal regatta

19 Ladies Sailing

64 A run for all!

Join the Tiller Girls

20 Meet Paul Barclay

Illustrator extraordinaire

24 Meet Kate Brown

New Commodore at Dartmouth Yacht Club

28 Dartmouth Royal Regatta Dressed to the Nines

33 Million Pound Car Ferry

78 Craft - Salty Sheep Lucky gets a new scarf

80 Business Snippets

Local business news in brief

82 The Briefing

Legal topics from Wollen Michelmore

We test drive a McLaren supercar

36 Celebrating 10 years!

We visit Bays Brewery

40 Heritage - Dr Herbert Chilcote Doctor and philanthropist

42 Brixham Heritage Trail Get the map & the App.

45 Heritage - Brixham Battery

Rewarding roles for active members

48 What’s on

Our pick of August & September events

60 Arts Roundup

Creative events around the Bay

62 Theatre

Who’s treading the boards?

64 Give it a Go! parkrun A run for all

33 Supercar test drive

66 Fear of Flying Course

Grace Jeyes overcomes her phobia

71 Gardening

Lis Wallace’s green-fingered column

74 Social Diary

Local people at local events

Bay Racing © Jean Border borderphotos2010.com

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

5

Loving Our Beaches

Living Coasts, Torquay’s coastal zoo and aquarium has chosen The Beach as its theme for the year and has been organising regular summer beach cleans at three locations around the Bay. The first took place in June but you can still join in at: Torre Abbey Sands on 16 August from 4-6pm and Beacon Cove, Torquay on 16 September from 10am-12noon. Living Coasts, along with its sister zoos Paignton Zoo Environmental Park and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, has recently stopped selling single-use plastic drinks bottles. The aim is to highlight the huge problem of waste plastics, especially in our oceans. Around the world, about one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles are killed every year by plastics (source: UNESCO). Living Coasts and its sister charities have adopted the slogan: Marine plastic – let’s turn the tide. You can register online for the Coastal Clean-Ups at livingcoasts.org.uk

Beverley Holidays Directors, Claire Jeavons, said, “Dogs are very much part of the family and our aim at Beverley is to make them feel just as welcome as their human counterparts, with the introduction of our dog-friendly caravans and facilities for 2017 proving very popular among owners and dogs alike.” The warm doggy showers, an ‘A La Bark Menu’ and the Beverley Doggy Holiday Guide for guests are all proving a big hit. o

o

Volunteer Way Finders Needed

Fido Clocks On Family run Beverley Holidays in Paignton set tails wagging with its first Bring Your Dog To Work Day in June, which saw dog-loving employees working alongside their fourlegged friends for charity. To celebrate Bring Your Dog To Work Day, staff and their pooches took part in a Cruftsinspired event, which included ‘Beverley’s Best In Show’.

6

August/September 2017

Torbay Hospital is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to become Way Finders. The Way Finder service was created to help visitors to navigate their way around the large hospital site - helping them attend appointments on time, or visit friends and relatives without the stress of getting lost. The service was originally a temporary initiative, however it proved so popular with visitors, it became a permanent feature. One patient said, “What a fantastic help it was. It reduced our stress levels about potentially being late for our appointment and getting lost.” To volunteer as a Way Finder you need to be over 16 and physically fit, approachable and friendly. No previous experience is required as full Way Finder training will be given, along with training on the tablet devices used to navigate the site plus a full tour of the hospital. Call 01803 210519 or email volunteers.sdhct@nhs.net o

High Street Heroes Winners of Torbay’s Love Your High Street Award were businesses Twit Twoo in Brixham, The Lions Monocle in Paignton and Green Leaf Café in Torquay.

The runners up were Curious Kitchen, Fairalls Fruit and Veg, Colours of Brixham, Simply Fish from Brixham, Purple Valley Designs, Torbay Bookshop, Axworthys Stationers, Tyrrells from Paignton, plus Light Options, Gilberts Pet Shop, Heart of Torbay and Fiesta Red from Torquay. Love your High Street week is a campaign delivered by TDA, which encourages local people to shop on their local high street and helps spread the message about why spending locally is so important. Councillor Richard Haddock, Executive Lead for Business, said, “It was great to see so many nominations for this award and heaps of recognition for the fantastic local businesses that provide exceptional customer service day in day out, making our towns a great place to shop. o

World First Breeding Success

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park has become the first zoological collection in the world to breed an endangered Peruvian frog. Staff members have successfully bred the Summers’ poison frog (Ranitomeya summersi). This striking frog is known in only a few locations in central Peru. It is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List because of its restricted range, the high level of habitat loss and illegal smuggling for the pet trade. The natural history of this beautiful frog is interesting but poorly understood; it’s thought that it lives and breeds in much drier habitats than similar frogs. It lays its eggs in tropical flowering Dieffenbachia plants and in holes in trees. Lower Vertebrate & Invertebrate keeper Dr Katy Upton said, “Paignton Zoo has a state-of-the-art amphibian facility that was purposebuilt to provide space to keep species such as this so that we can research and breed them.” o

Lucky winner!

In our June/July issue competition, Hazel Langford from Paignton was the lucky winner of an afternoon sail for two on the Brixham Heritage Trawler Vigilance.

Cheeky Gorilla Paignton Zoo’s Western lowland gorilla Kiondo was photographed in playful mood sticking out his tongue at Zoo visitors. Zoo regular Miriam Haas captured the delightful photo but there was no word on what had triggered Kiondo’s momentary lapse of good manners. Could it have been the election? More likely, it was something nearer to home. Like humans, gorillas use all their senses to communicate – sight, sound, touch and smell. They grunt, rumble, adopt various body postures and pull faces to indicate mood. And, while Kiondo is using his tongue, this definitely falls into the category of non-verbal communication. Kiondo is 14 years old and weighs in at 186 kilos. He came to Paignton Zoo from Stuttgart Zoo in 2006; he was born on 11 October 2002. The charity’s bachelor group of Western lowland gorillas – a Critically Endangered species - plays a vital role in international gorilla conservation, providing somewhere for young males to grow up in a social environment. o englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

7

Celebrating Volunteers

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said a special ‘thank you’ to local health and social care volunteers at their sixth annual volunteers’ tea party at Torbay Hospital’s Bayview Restaurant. Currently, over 600 people volunteer at the Trust in a variety of roles, working in both Torbay Hospital and in the community.

Jane Viner, Executive Lead for Volunteers at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said, “We are so lucky to have such a large number of passionate and dedicated volunteers in our local community.

Volunteers enhance the services that we provide and are truly appreciated by all the people they help.” Jean Elliott (pictured) received a certificate of appreciation for her 46 years service to Bovey Tracey League of Friends.

There is a wide range of volunteer roles available with the Trust. Visit torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk o

Sir Richard Ibbotson (Chairman), Jean Elliot, Jane Viner (Chief Nurse and Executive Lead for Volunteers

Brixham Probus Club’s 50th Brixham Probus Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary having been formed in 1967. The club meets every Thursday throughout the year and is for retired and semi-retired gentlemen. There are no barriers to joining; it’s a non-political and non-religious group. Members meet and enjoy the company, friendship and fellowship of Probus as well as listening and learning from the subjects given by guest speakers. The meetings start at 10.30am and are usually over by 11.45am with welcoming coffee/ tea and biscuits served from 9.30am. There is no joining fee and the first three visits are free so that the person can judge whether this sort of gathering is suitable for them.

After the three visits, a fee of £2.00 is charged for each meeting you attend. The fee is used to cover the cost of the room hire, speaker and refreshments. We apologise for the editing error that suggested it was their 25th within the last issue and send our warmest congratulations to Brixham Probus Club on their 50th. o

Chuckling Cheetah When it comes to laughing, hyenas are the African carnivores we think of first. But here’s one cheetah that seems to be in on the joke. Kitwana has just arrived at Paignton Zoo and is clearly delighted with his new home. Zoo visitor and photographer Jason Sedgemore took this delightful photo. It’s been all change in the cheetah enclosure recently. Female Isanthya departed for Allwetterzoo, Munster, Germany before Kitwana arrived from Port Lympne Zoo in Kent. Moving cheetahs between zoological collections can often stimulate breeding – even separating a male from a female for a few weeks has been known to do the trick. Cheetahs are notoriously tricky to breed so let’s hope that Kitwana and Jahzara share the same sense of humour. o 8

August/September 2017

Follow us on Instagram! englishrivieramagazine englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s on this summer Sense the creativity Craft studios Tea rooms Play area Weddings and room hire Manor House 460 acre award winning country park and gardens Arts and crafts workshops Visitor Welcome Point and galleries Free admission, open daily from 10am Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA Tel: 01803 607230 www.cockingtoncourt.org Cockington Court Craft Centre @CockingtonC

Sculpture Trail & Exhibition 23rd April - 10th Sept, 10am-4pm Follow our Art Path and discover sculptures created by local artists placed around the studios, Walled Art Garden, Manor House and Kitchen Gallery.

Try the Court Tea Rooms afterwards to enjoy homemade food using locally sourced produce!

Food and Craft Markets Last Sunday of every month Unique, handmade crafts complemented by locally farmed foods. Enjoy the beautiful grounds of Cockington Court, experience crafts makers at work and sample some of Devon’s finest foods.

Pride and Prejudice - Illyria Outdoor Theatre 28 August, 6.30pm.

Adult tickets £12.00 and child (under 16) £8.00.

© Sally Renwick

LET’S DO CHRISTMAS

Festive Lunch & Early Dinner 1st - 23rd December Roasted butternut squash soup, Jersey curd, toasted hazelnuts Hot smoked salmon scotch egg, crab bisque Tor Goat’s cheese, beetroot salad, toasted pumpkin seeds — Turkey, chestnut sage stuffing, sprouts, roasted roots Smoked haddock, poached egg mustard sauce Puy lentil Shepherd’s pie — Petit pot au chocolat Orange, Cointreau, cranberry sherry trifle Three-courses Christmas pudding, cognac custard

£16

FOR MORE DETAILS OR TO BOOK

01803 29 4301 THEIMPERIALTORQUAY.CO.UK

#CHRISTMASISCOMING

Lunch private dining available, subject to availability, when booking a minimum of 20 guests.

Pre-booking required.

PARK HILL ROAD TORQUAY TQ1 2DG 01803 294 301 THEIMPERIALTORQUAY.CO.UK

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

9

Torquay ÂŁ995,000 Leasehold With luxury features and spectacular views, the property offers an outstanding penthouse apartment, forming part of a development of ultra modern homes, sitting above the sea front promenade, with views of the Marina, across Tor Bay and the surrounding coastline. The accommodation is presented with attention to detail encompassing contemporary style and design with 3 bedrooms, 3 en-suites, open plan living area, exceptional terrace. Secure under cover parking.

EPC Rating – E

ld

nt, th th en ng.

E

Paignton

£745,000 Freehold Capturing the essence of its 1930’s heritage, the property offers a beautifully presented home, surrounded by virtually level gardens.

Overlooking the gardens and with unexpected views of the sea and open views towards Dartmoor, the accommodation is approached through a conservatory with 3 reception rooms, kitchen, utility, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Ideal for a car enthusiast, the garaging has ample space for parking, storage, workshop. EPC Rating – E

Torquay

£735,000 Freehold With a blend of classical elegance and contemporary style, the property offers a detached custom built home. The ground floor has a lounge extending to a conservatory, dining room, kitchen, study/bedroom 4 with bathroom adjacent, principal bedroom with en-suite bathroom, separate cloakroom, 2 further bedrooms and 2 bathrooms to the first floor. Virtually level gardens, integral double garage.

EPC Rating – C

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

johncouch.co.uk

AMERICA’S CUP WIN FOR TORBAY SAILORS

Two young sailors, sponsored by Mitch Tonks’ Rockfish, have taken a win at the America’s Cup in the main event, the televised RS Feva race.

AC3 - Tom and Ethan pick up the trophy

T

om Barnes and Ethan Gerrell from Royal Torbay Yacht Club, who were selected to represent GB in the Endeavour Regatta as part of the prestigious America’s Cup in Bermuda this month, competed in the race in boat number 5 and won! The race, which ran between race 3 & 4 of main America’s Cup event, was over a short, technically challenging course in front of huge live audience and truly enormous TV audience and they managed to come home in front of the New Zealand boat. They won a large trophy, which unfortunately has to stay in Bermuda!

In the other regatta, Tom & Ethan eventually finished 5th overall. The second day had very light, shifty winds so only one race was completed, with 12

August/September 2017

the boys only able to finish mid fleet, losing one place on the leaderboard. A total of 11 countries were represented with 16 boats competing. Parents, Morven Leggott and Simon Barnes, said, “Being invited to participate in the Endeavour programme was a fantastic opportunity to share with them - but when they won the America’s Cup Half Time Show under such pressure from the other competitors and the media - it shows that their training and hard work pays off. The boys were able to keep their heads and their wits about them and focus on what they do well with so much pressure, never mind from the event but also from the live and the huge TV audience, this is an amazing achievement. They made us all very proud!”

Mitch Tonks said, “The talent of the young sailors englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Sailing we find ourselves working with never ceases to amaze me. For such young people they are really dedicated and demonstrating they are tomorrow’s stars!”

Ethan started sailing at age 9 with Tom starting just 3 years ago. Ethan said, “The sponsorship means a lot to us. It means that people are taking us seriously and have faith in us to do well this season; they would see us as having potential - and that is a real confidence boost. It would give us something to work for, to show everyone and our sponsors what we are capable of and give us a chance to really progress and hopefully win competitions!”

Ben Ainslie’s British team also performed well at the America’s Cup with some breathtaking sailing around Bermuda’s Great Sound. However they were finally

They won the America’s Cup Half Time Show under such pressure from the other competitors and the media - it shows that their training and hard work pays off. knocked out by the New Zealand team despite the New Zealanders experiencing a fairly spectacular capsize in one of their races.

Mitch and his restaurants have long sponsored local youth sailing talent, starting with The Seahorse sponsoring 19 year old Kingswear sailor Henry Bomby in 2009 when he sailed single-handedly round Britain. Henry has gone on to race in some of the most prestigious events, including three times in the world’s biggest solo offshore race the Solitaire du Figaro. He is now racing one of the fastest boats in the world, the Phaedo 3 and recently they broke the record for the transpacific route from LA to Honolulu in 3 days, 19 hours. o

Did you know?

The 35th America’s Cup was held in Bermuda.

Renowned for crystal clear water and beautiful pink sand beaches, Bermuda’s Great Sound formed a natural amphitheatre for the race course while the America’s Cup Village and the historic Royal Naval Dockyard was at the heart of this world-famous event. First contested in 1851, the America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport, predating the modern Olympic Games by 45 years, and is yachting’s biggest prize. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

13

Torbay Royal Regatta

Torbay Royal Regatta, the oldest Royal Regatta in the country, runs from 19 – 23 August this year with rowing events on 12 August, owing to the tides.

14

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Regattas

T

orbay Royal Regatta is the oldest Royal Regatta in the country and hugely popular thanks to its world-class sailing and its fun times ashore for both sports lovers and landlubbers. It commences with rowing and includes yachting, water ski-ing, swimming, running, fireworks and a fun fair. In all, around 2000 sporting souls will take part in the various competitions. Around the huge natural arena that is Torbay’s spectacular coastline, it is likely that over 100,000 people will see the events.

Torbay Royal Regatta is organised by a committee made up from representatives of each sport plus Torquay Harbour and Torbay Council. The event is financed by a variety of means, principally by generous sponsorship and well-supported public collections.o

Yacht Racing Sailed under the burgee of the Royal Torbay Yacht Club, the boats will race from Saturday 20 – Wednesday 23 August inclusive. It is one of the oldest sailing regattas of any kind in the country with records dating back to 1895.

The yacht racing will be sailed over five days following a long tradition dating from before the war, when the J Boats attended together with King George V on Royal Yacht Britannia.

Over 100 yachts and dinghies are expected. The IRC South West Championship will be an integral part of the regatta, and both the Laser and RS Tera classes are holding Traveller events on the Dinghy and Junior course. All are looking forward enthusiastically to returning to the fine sailing waters of Torbay.

Royal Torbay Yacht Club now boasts one of the largest and most competitive IRC Fleets in the South West, with regular racing on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. IRC yachts can expect to enjoy 4 days of fast and furious regatta sailing following by a lively and entertaining social programme.

Sportsboats racing is always popular in Torbay and, with an ever-growing SB20 fleet in Torquay and the South West, a strong presence is expected. Racing on their own courses, PY Dinghies and Asymmetric dinghy classes are attracting significant entries and visitors can expect strong competition from local boats. Junior dinghy classes form an integral part of the regatta and are always well supported especially by local clubs.

Boats will race over courses, which can be seen from Daddyhole Plain to Haldon Pier. The regatta attracts many englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

top sailors from all over the country with boats expected from the Solent to Cornwall. The prestigious J Cup will be racing from the 17 – 19 August, just prior to the Royal Regatta and up to 70 yachts are expected to compete.

There is also good on shore entertainment and much fun.

Further info: royalregatta.co.uk commodore@rtyc.org 01803 292006

Rowing Events This year the West of England Rowing Championships will take place on Saturday 12 August to take advantage of the tide. The rowing will be launched off Torre Abbey Sands with 39 races and 134 boats competing.. It is a great spectacle and visitors can get very close to all the action, the boats and the teams taking part. Races run from 1.154.30pm and include coxed fours, quadruple sculls, double sculls and single sculls. Racing is over 1000m starting from Livermead Head and finishing outside Princess Pier. Vantage points to view the racing will be from Corbyn Head, Princess Pier and in front of Pier Point restaurant. Torquay crews will be racing alongside other West of England Clubs, racing for the West of England Championships. All boats in the area are asked to reduce speed and take great care when passing the racing. torquayrowingclub.co.uk

10k Road Race The Torbay Royal Regatta Road Race takes place on Sunday 20 August starting at 6pm from Princess Gardens. The level of competition makes it very hard to predict a winner and the race has been an inspiration to many since its introduction in 1976. Can anyone ever break the course record of 30 minutes set by Rob Wise over 20 years ago?

Claire Hallissey from Bristol & West Athletic Club broke the Ladies’ record in the 2010 Regatta with a fast 30 minutes and 12 seconds.

Last year’s race attracted over 600 entrants from many parts of the country. This year’s race will start at 6pm from near the Big Wheel. The flat undulating course hugs the English Riviera’s coastline. The runners will race along the Torbay Road to Paignton Green. After two flat and fast clockwise laps of the green, they will return over the testing Hollicombe Hills to Torquay and finish on Corbyn Head torbayaac.co.uk August/September 2017

15

YOUR FAVOURITE LEATHER ITEMS BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE! • Cleaning Service for all leather finishes, Pigmented, Aniline, Nubuck, etc...

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

• Restoration Service.

• Full recolouring service available.

• Leather Protection Treatment.

• Mould removal.

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

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT

01803 844664 07795 836386

DEVON LEATHER CARE Whatever the leather! www.devonleathercare.co.uk

enquiries@devonleathercare.co.uk

Regattas

Torbay Royal Regatta Fireworks The team in charge of this year’s Torbay Royal Regatta fireworks have been working hard to bring more sky magic to the town’s top event on Monday 21 August at 9.30pm (weather permitting). Fantastic Fireworks are promising a whole new box of tricks, fresh from a string of scintillating displays at major events in other towns and cities. It will be the company’s 16th regatta show and comes on the back of performances at the Jorvik Viking Festival in York, the Isle of Man TT Festival and the Henley Regatta Summer Fireworks.

Managing Director Jon Culverhouse said, “The regatta audience is always first to see our latest effects because the container ships bringing them to the UK arrive only a few weeks earlier. We’ll be showcasing amazing new effects like a giant circular stained glass window, stunning waterfall patterns which cascade

down the sky in trails of twinkling red and green, and a reloaded version of the Sweeper rocket whose giant starburst magically sweeps from silver to red. There will be many old favourites as well like Snail and Heart patterns which always draw a gasp of recognition from the audience.”

Torbay resident Tony Smith will once again lead the Fantastic Fireworks team. He said, “As a local man I’m so proud to be associated with the Regatta fireworks.

I’ve been in charge since we first started doing them and they get better and better each year.”

Regatta Secretary Debbie Selley said, “I’m delighted to welcome back Fantastic Fireworks because I know they will always deliver a great show.”

Good viewpoints for the fireworks include Princess Pier and Torquay Seafront.

Water Ski Spectacular

Regatta Fair

The exciting water ski spectacular will take place on Tuesday 22 August at 7pm from Torre Abbey Beach. The best vantage points are along the seafront and Princess Pier where there will be a live commentary.

Anderton & Rowlands Fair will be operating for the duration of the Regatta on Torre Abbey Meadows from Friday 19th August to Monday 28 August inclusive.

Anderton & Rowland are the regatta’s oldest sponsors.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

17

THE COMPLETE SERVICE FOR YOUR

WOOD FLOORS

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

Hardwood Flooring Installation - Supply & Fit Service

Parquet

Engineered

Solid

Call today for a FREE, no obligation quote

01803 856666

www.woodfloorsolutions.com FOR ALL YOUR WOOD FLOOR SOLUTIONS

Sandalwood

Torbay Tiller Girls

Sailing

Royal Torbay Yacht Club’s sailing group known as the Torbay Tiller Girls is for ladies to enjoy some fun sailing and socialising. There’s strictly no pressure, no racing and no shouting. Anita Newcombe dons her lifejacket and climbs aboard.

T

his evening I’m meeting Caroline Aisher and Jules Waddington who jointly founded Torbay Tiller Girls. They felt that many members would enjoy the chance to have a gentle introduction to yacht sailing or to improve their confidence and skills in a supportive environment.

The evenings are not designed to be teaching sessions but as we cast off from Torbay’s Inner Harbour on Caroline’s stunning French Tofinou 8 yacht Lennie, it is clear that her calm and considered approach gives the crew ample opportunity to develop their knowledge and boat handling skills. However, any lady who just wants a relaxing evening on the water and a pleasant chat is very welcome too.

There are normally 3-4 yachts plus a RIB and the sailing boats are owned by club members and helmed by experienced ladies, many of whom are (or have been) RYA instructors. This evening’s RIB is a very smart affair

Tiller Girls’ sessions are held fortnightly during the season, which runs from May to October

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Caroline Aisher and Helen Brown

Sandra Robinson, Jules Waddington and Tania Hutchings

and is being driven by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club’s new Commodore Adrian Peach (they allow ‘female-friendly’, male RIB drivers who are instructors so that ladies can have a go at driving under supervision). He comes alongside and I am taken aboard so that I can whizz over and meet the crew of ladies aboard the evening’s other two yachts – a Colgate 26 and a Sadler 26 skippered by Sam Sale-Parkes and Jules Waddington respectively.

They often have social events such as a recent sail to Brixham for supper at Rockfish and a planned sail plus beach barbeque. In the winter, the group meets monthly and has talks, suppers, and other fun activities like bowling.

To join Torbay Tiller Girls you need to either be a member of Royal Torbay Yacht Club or a member of Torquay Tennis Club. Fees for the whole seasons’ sessions are just £15 and this includes 10-12 sails. They run fortnightly (May – October) on Mondays from 6pm. o rtyc.org August/September 2017

19

Riviera People

Dartmouth’s Illustrator to the Super Yacht & International Navies Paul Barclay was immersed in the art of drawing very early due to his father’s passion for it. After a career at Dart Marina he established his own studio gallery making his name with his distinctive illustrations. Anita Newcombe and Sabrina Konrad went to meet him.

W

e are meeting Paul in his perfectly positioned any professional training. studio gallery at 1 Oxford Street in Paul reveals that illustration is a tradition in his family.

Dartmouth. The first thing he tells us is that It goes back to his father who was a designer as well, he never starts the day without a cup of Alf Resco’s coffee. illustrating explosive diagrams of engines for Rolls Royce Having checked our preferences, he shoots across the road back in the seventies. Paul explains that he inherited his to order it for us. distinctive style from his father, “I never wanted to go to This gives us time to have a good look around this Art College because you attend to develop a style and mine nautical treasure trove. All the shelves was already unique”. and even the floor are crammed with Raised in Lympstone village, Paul Here there is something his work, stylishly displayed. Here there to tempt everyone – large enjoyed sailing and and rowing on the is something to tempt everyone – large canvasses, sailing jackets, Exe with the Sea Scouts. He tells us, canvasses, sailing jackets, cushions, “The river is very important to me – I lampshades and lots more, all carrying his cushions, lampshades and need to be close to the water.” His lots more... signature pen-drawn style. He’s back with first job was working in a sail loft for the coffee now and asks us to excuse him McNamara Sails in Exmouth. while he finishes wrapping an item ready for dispatch. He Paul started his career working in various studios always draws on the wrapping paper – no one can mistake around Exeter. It was not until 1989 that a change of tack the fact that it’s a Paul Barclay inside. When we see what meant that Paul returned from the South of France, after he is creating with just two black Japanese Pilot pens of experiencing crew life on a yacht and Dartmouth would different breadth, it is hard to believe that he never received welcome him as its inhabitant. Staying on his father’s 20

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

yacht at the weekends Paul started work at Dart Marina eventually becoming its senior dockmaster.

After eleven years, at the peak of his career, he left the marina. This decision was to prove a major turning point for him as he started to establish himself as a renowned and highly individual southwest artist. His first studio was located above CafĂŠ Alf Resco where he plied his englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

trade for four years. People came in and started asking for illustrations of their yachts to be applied to their sailing jackets. Paul decided to take a risk and bought 20 Swedish sailing jackets, which he had embroidered with his signature yacht design. He remembers, “The yacht design evolved over time as I added a spinnaker, a number 8 and a union burgee flag I gradually started to realise August/September 2017

21

the merchandising potential of my branded yacht.” If people didn’t want a picture then Paul would sell them an umbrella, an apron, some tea towels, a tray or even some curtains, all with the unique Paul Barclay style.

In 2003, Paul was asked to design the programme cover of the Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta. Just one year later, an American yacht designer spotted Paul’s illustrations on yacht canvas. What an opportunity! Paul didn’t hesitate and flew out to design a range of merchandise for outlets along the US coast. Another big break, which came a few years later was a commission for Crew Clothing that has been used nationwide. They still have a 20ft high, Paul Barclay-designed Salcombe scene with their brand colours in the shop front of their Bristol store.

In 2005 Paul officially launched his own yachtwear label, and since people loved what he was doing, it was the beginning of something very special.

The launch coincided with the opening of his new Paul Barclay studio gallery near Lower Ferry, where we are now sitting.

This spot is ideal to capture passing trade from tourists, locals, visiting yachties, naval officers and lovers of Café Al Fresco. It goes without saying that Paul designs every piece himself and is always to be found drawing and designing in the studio. He says, “A gallery should always have at least one working artist.” He loves meeting people and acts as a kind of tourist information point, often advising on the best local places to visit. His work is also very popular in various businesses in Salcombe and with a showcase at South Sands Hotel.

Thanks to the many overseas visitors in Dartmouth, his brand has travelled the world. So he does not limit his illustrations to yachts around “the sailing bubbles” of Dartmouth and Salcombe. His latest painting, for instance, portrays La Capitainerie du Port de Saint-Tropez. Paul’s wife Marianne is French and this has led him to take 22

August/September 2017

an interest in France creating bespoke merchandise for Brittany Ferries (they have an impressive audience of about 40,000 members and he has illustrated all their 8 ships) and for the Côte d’Azur superyacht market. He says, “They ping me an image – I illustrate it and it ends up on 50 new jackets for the crew.”

A little known story that Paul tells us is that some of the timbers from the original Hindustan that was once the home of the Britannia Royal Naval College were used in the Liberty building in London. Paul created a large illustration of the iconic Liberty building, which was presented to Ed Burstell, the American manager, and now hangs in the building.

Anyone visiting Dartmouth will see the Paul Barclay brand even if they don’t visit the studio. You simply can’t miss them around in the community, in shops and in restaurants.

He says, “My signs are my little embassies – they go everywhere with the yacht on.” Britannia Royal Naval College has eight of his original artworks and he has designed their wine label and the artwork appears in the passing out programmes. He also created a depiction of the Battle of Jutland, which was presented to the German Naval Academy.

There is one distinctive detail about Paul’s approach, which makes it perfectly clear that he really loves what he is doing and that he enjoys serving his clients; every customer gets an original image on their wrapping paper. Probably the best thing about it is that they can watch Paul drawing it for them within seconds. It’s quite amazing to watch! Paul tells us that customers sometimes send him photos of what they create with his fabulous designed wrapping paper. And maybe that is part of the secret why this illustrator is so successful when there are so many other artists around. “You have to come up with something different,” Paul explains. You need to be original. And that’s exactly what Paul is. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Riviera People Paul and Marianne

Paul runs the studio together with Marianne. Their business is the most important thing in their lives. If you really need to find Paul, the best place to track him down is at the studio. He opens it seven days a week as he has to sign write or illustrate every piece – an impressive feat! While Paul is full of energy and never seems to tire of working on illustrations and chatting to his customers, Marianne is taking care of everything behind the scenes, working with suppliers, fulfilling orders and managing the administration – 30% of their business is online. Paul says jokingly, “You create a monster and then you have to feed it!”

Paul was commissioned a couple of years ago to produce a large illustration of the brand-new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and it has been displayed at Britannia Royal Naval College since then, even though it has only just been launched. Paul loves his naval associations. His illustration of the submarine HMS Torbay with the famous Rock of Gibraltar behind has just been presented to the captain and crew before its decommissioning.

Paul has also produced some iconic logos, recently designing one for the Dartmouth Mayflower 400. He is also the talented hand behind the illustration of Dartmouth’s famous Newcomen Engine logo, which was the first steam powered engine in the world and triggered the Industrial Revolution. The new logo is englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

now situated on the roundabout on the approach to Dartmouth and the Newcomen engine building in Dartmouth next to the Tourist office.

Paul’s great, great grandfather was Andrew Barclay of Kilmarnock who designed and built steam locomotives and Paul has acquired about 8 of the business’s original train plates (all jolly expensive to buy) and has created a composite of family heritage photos. One of his locomotives was used on a first class stamp. He says, “We’ve all got lots of facial hair – if you lined us all up we’d look very similar.” Andrew Barclay also built telescopes and his steam train factory was right next door to Johnnie Walker’s distillery and private house. In 1859, at the time of producing its first locomotive, the company was employing 150 people and by 1870, 420 locomotives had been manufactured in Kilmarnock.

Paul loves Dartmouth and says it is a wonderful community as well as being a very special destination to visit. He greatly admires its character and individuality saying, “The fact that we never got a bridge across the River Dart has saved Dartmouth from becoming just a suburb of Torbay. The stunning ferry ride makes a visit here very special.” For Torbay residents it does make a great day out, so why not pop in and see Paul next time you visit? You’ll get a very friendly welcome aboard. o paulbarclaydesigns.com August/September 2017

23

Kate Brown

Commodore Dartmouth Yacht Club

It’s a pretty ‘full-on’ voluntary role being Commodore of a yacht club and Kate Brown has definitely her hands full since taking over the job earlier this year.

Anita Newcombe finds out more.

I

am meeting Kate Brown at Dartmouth Yacht Club’s commanding position on the Embankment facing out across the lovely and bustling River Dart. I ask how she first got into sailing and she tells me that as a teenager she lived in Berkshire where she and her family were active in the local church community. The Oxford Diocesan Youth Officer was an RYA Yachtmaster and regularly took teenagers away sailing. It was always yachts, never dinghies, she explains.

As a young woman, she joined the Wrens. She reveals, “I soon discovered that if your boss could spare you, you could hop on a navy yacht expedition and it didn’t count as leave.”

Kate was stationed at HMS Drake in Plymouth. When ships came into the dockyard to have work done, the crew were given shore leave with arranged sailing or camping.

Kate would take every opportunity to jump aboard and enjoy a sailing trip.

HMS Collingwood at Fareham, where she later served, had its own yacht called Electron. Aboard Electron, Kate

24

August/September 2017

sailed in the notoriously ill-fated 1979 Fastnet Race. Their vessel was officially reported ‘lost at sea’ after 50-60ft waves turned them upside down. Kate recalls, “Someone saw us go down but not come back up again.”

In the middle of the Irish Sea, Kate suddenly found herself held fast underwater, wearing her lifejacket but strapped onto the upturned yacht. She remembers thinking that she had two options: ‘stay put’ and drown quickly or unhook and leave the boat (which they had been taught never to do) thus drowning more slowly at the surface. In the depths of adversity inspiration came to her – there was a ‘third way’. Reaching out she discovered that she could touch the guardrail; she transferred her safety line there, allowing her to surface. When the boat finally turned the right way up, Kate was dangling from the guardrail, half drowned but miraculously alive. The rest of the crew were safe although the skipper suffered a broken jaw.

But the danger was far from over, they were still in the throes of the most dangerous sailing conditions ever to englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

strike the famous Fastnet Race. Kate explained, “We were being lifted 50 – 60ft up to the top of some ferocious waves and were battling to prevent ourselves from being overturned again. Waiting for the worst to strike was the scariest thing.” Of course, this was 1979 when Health and Safety was not as advanced as it is now. Back then competing boats didn’t even have to carry a VHF radio – safety has improved hugely since then but it is still one of the world’s most demanding yacht races.

Kate met her husband Mike in the navy and after just over 5 years in the service she resigned with Mike leaving at the same time. The couple moved to London where Mike started his own business with Kate helping. They bought their own cruiser for the Thames and enjoyed it for some years until their two daughters became too big for everyone to fit comfortably aboard. So they sold it and bought a Topper sailing dinghy instead, sailing on the Thames and bringing it to Hope Cove in Devon for holidays.

At this point, in 2004, their only connection with Devon englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

was Mike’s time training at Britannia Royal Naval College in Devon. They both loved Dartmouth so whilst still working in London they decided to buy a 37ft Bavaria sailing yacht, which they kept at Noss Marina. They visited regularly for long weekends and holidays and joined Dartmouth Yacht Club. After two seasons they decided to retire. They sold their business and moved to Paignton in 2006.

As a new member at Dartmouth Yacht Club, Kate almost immediately took on the voluntary role of Social Secretary and they both subsequently held a number of other positions. Mike became Commodore a few years before Kate who has only taken up the role this year. Kate explains, “The usual length of tenure as Commodore is two years but this isn’t a fixed thing.” When a person takes over as Commodore they ask someone to become their Vice Commodore, who normally takes over as Commodore next.

This means that the new Commodore becomes experienced enough to create a relatively seamless transition into the job.

I ask Kate how much time she spends on this voluntary August/September 2017

25

SCRAP GOLD BOUGHT FOR

CASH

• • • • • • •

oddments broken earings damaged rings broken chains worn out jewellery any carat ANY CONDITION

instant cash

128 UNION STREET TORQUAY TQ2 5QB

Conroy Couch scrap gold ad 165x230 AW.indd 1

09/05/2017 10:56

7 10:56

Riviera People role and she says, “Probably overall, I spend at least reintroduced a Cruising in Company group with trips 2.5 days per week on my work as Commodore. There’s planned to Salcombe, France and other regional ports. something happening every day.” The role of Commodore The club has just launched a new website so they can keep is equivalent to that of a Managing Director and although members posted on all of the club’s events.

Kate has a great team of volunteers leading on all aspects of There’s also a very well organised and popular kayaking the club’s activities she oversees all areas including: finances, section with 2-hour club paddles three times a week plus clubhouse & boat maintenance, staffing, insurance, fortnightly social paddles to a riverside pub or a barbeque working with the RYA (they’ve just passed their latest spot. Members can use all the club’s kit free including inspection) and finding instructors for powerboating and wetsuits, wetsuit boots, cagoules and buoyancy aids which dinghy courses. makes life very easy – just rock up and paddle! Kate says, I ask Kate what is important to her about how the club “It’s all part of getting the local community on the water.” operates within the community. She explains, “We’re a The vast majority of members are locals but there are Community Amateur Sports Club and we aim to get as also some second homers who enjoy the facilities as it many local people on the water as possible.” helps them to and feel part of the community. It’s all very The club is doing this by keeping the fees very low – a friendly and the catering is excellent with an attractive family membership is only £104 a bar and lounge plus a great chef year and for this you get access to who does popular Sunday carvery The role of Commodore is all the club’s many sailboats, kayaks equivalent to that of a Managing lunches, themed evenings and and paddleboards plus their two formal dinners (Kate tells me that Director and although Kate motorboats (if you’re competent) he does amazing canapés). There has a great team of volunteers and a wonderful social environment. are also regular music nights. So leading on all aspects of the club’s for people wanting to expand their The yacht club regularly organises free days out on the water for local activities she oversees all areas circle of friends and have some carers and disadvantaged local kids. fun on the water for a very low They can join in the junior sessions and keep coming as long as cost, joining Dartmouth Yacht Club is a brilliant option. they like. Kate tells me, “I don’t want any kids to be standing Members can also use the dining room free of charge for apart on the Embankment thinking, ‘I’ll never be able to their private parties. Around two years ago the club had afford to do that.”

450 members; they now have over 800 members and it’s Membership of Dartmouth Yacht Club has nearly still growing. doubled in the last two years. They have leafleted all In spite of the many demands of her role as Commodore, around the area and have held regular open days where Kate is still very involved in her other love – Girl Guiding people can try some of the boats under supervision. The which she supports near her home in Paignton. She was a club offers RYA theory courses plus practical courses from trustee of the Girl Guiding Association UK for five years time to time including a regular series of Power Boat and was County Commissioner for Surrey at one point, courses (PB2) so that members can take advantage of the also holding various regional and training roles in the club’s two powerboats for trips out.

South West. Kate tells me, “My lengthy experience with I ask Kate about sailing and boat handling for ladies as volunteers in the Girl Guides has been very helpful at the I know that there are many female enthusiasts who lack yacht club.” confidence or never get the chance to skipper their own When not working on behalf of Dartmouth Yacht Club boats. Kate explains, “We get lots of ladies taking the or the Girl Guides, Kate loves spending time with her small Power Boat course so that they can demonstrate to their granddaughter who lives in Exeter. Kate and Mike have other halves that they are perfectly capable of bringing two married daughters Emma, who lives in Cambridge a yacht alongside – it’s not just a ‘boy job’!” The other and Lucy, who lives in Exeter and is due to have her second advantage of having a large contingent of qualified PB2 child in September. Whilst Kate loves helping with the drivers is that they can then volunteer to drive safety boats children and will give top priority to her growing brood of for sailing events and regattas. grandchildren she explains, “Lucy has been banned from For the future, Kate hopes to increase adult dinghy having the new baby during regatta in August as this is the sailing and they’ve recently introduced regular Tuesday one time, I really cannot get away.” evening supervised sessions where members can enjoy using I wonder if the baby knows that! o the club dinghies and Wayfarer. They’ve also recently dyc.org.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

27

Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta

Picturesque Dartmouth is very much a ‘yachtie town’ and regatta time sees the arrival of yachts from far and wide with moorings and pontoons crammed with boats, all ‘dressed overall’ for the occasion.

28

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Regattas

T

Park, which includes a closed event for local players he Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta has been a plus an open tournament supported by the Lawn major attraction since its inception in 1822 and Tennis Association. A one-day golf tournament will be this year a fuller and more exciting programme held at the Dartmouth Golf and Country Club with than ever is on offer between Saturday 19 August and competitions for both men and ladies; a two-day evening Sunday 27 August.

Darts tournament will take place at the Anzac Club and The regatta attracts tens of thousands of visitors and a very competitive water polo event will be fought out is one of the most popular, eclectic and spectacular in the Boat Float. events held in the South West. There are over 50 The big marquee on Coronation Park will play host to separate attractions, but of the many activities, the aquatic sports of rowing, sailing and swimming remain at evening entertainment events.

Tuesday 22 August sees the black tie event of the the heart of this hugely popular and joyful regatta. year, the Regatta Masquerade Ball with music provided A feast of rowing takes centre stage on the River by the funky ten-piece band, Joey the Lips. Regatta Dart with the final regatta of the West of England Rock night on Wednesday 23 August, features the Leeds Amateur Rowing Association ten-regatta championship four-piece band The Victors with support from Guns 2 series, which attracts rowing clubs from around the Roses and Michael Jackson tribute act King of Pop. The region. There are three days of local rowing events Bandstand in Royal Avenue Gardens will have a lively in whalers and ‘cadet’ boats attracting over 700 music programme throughout the week and is a lovely competitors plus gig rowing amongst South Devon pilot place to linger and listen. gig clubs.

The marquee is also the venue The Embankment in Dartmouth New to regatta this year is for the hugely popular Shopping is a favourite place from which stand up paddle boarding Village with many craft stalls and to watch the events and the (SUP) - introducing not only delicious food. There will be a commentary over the regatta a race programme but also vibrant, week-long street market public address system keeps opportunities to try out SUP on North Embankment and some spectators clued into the action. excellent food and drink outlets in Volunteers from the three for beginners.

Royal Avenue Gardens. local clubs, The Royal Dart Yacht The arrival of the Royal Navy Guard Ships is one of Club, Dartmouth Yacht Club and Dittisham Sailing Club, the highlights. This year the regatta is expecting two organise the sailing events, which are spread over the Royal Navy Guard Ships, HMS Severn and HMS Dasher eight days of regatta. The dinghy racing for the junior and these will be open to the public at certain times sailors takes place on the lower reaches of the Dart (check website). and, for the senior competitors, in the waters between A very special feature of the regatta this year will Dittisham and Galmpton. Over 50 yachting events take be the visit of three vessels from the Association of place in Start Bay and some 250 boats are expected, Dunkirk Little Ships. They are the Caronia, Papillon ranging from older classics to high-end racing machines, and Mimosa and they all took part on the famous providing some very exciting and competitive racing.

Dunkirk evacuation. Other events on the river are the In addition to the rowing and sailing there are a Illuminated Boat Procession held after dark on Friday number of other well established sporting events.

25 August and the Classic Craft Review and Steam Boat Athletics has been part of the Regatta since 1937 and is Rally on the afternoon of 26 August. represented now by the Regatta Road Race, which will There are a number of events for children to enjoy be run over a very testing five-mile course. There are including crab fishing and a colouring competition. also fun runs for children and young adults.

Families can enjoy many fun events such as trolley racing, New to regatta this year is stand up paddle boarding waiters and waitresses races and the ever-popular (SUP) - introducing not only a race programme but also competition, Spot the Oddity. opportunities to try out SUP for beginners.

Among the big highlights of the week are the Other events on the sporting calendar include a spectacular firework displays held on Thursday and traditional swimming gala on the opening day. There’s Saturday evenings at 9pm. also a week-long tennis tournament held in Coronation englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

29

EST D 1904

R EDCLIFFE H OTEL PAIGNTON

REDCLIFFE SEA VIEW TERRACE & RESTAURANT From light bites to a main meal, the Redcliffe Hotel offers everything you need for a perfect luncheon treat. Enjoy the superb views from our sea view terrace overlooking the beach and choose from our extensive LUNCH-TIME BAR MENU*, or just enjoy a cold beer or bottle of chilled wine whilst watching the boats go by!

MORNING COFFEES & AFTERNOON CREAM TEAS are available daily and served either on the terrace or in one of our lounges overlooking the Bay. On Sundays a 3 course TRADITIONAL SUNDAY LUNCH is available in our Paris Singer Restaurant, which again enjoys panoramic sea views.

For FUNCTIONS the Redcliffe can provide the ideal venue, whatever the occasion.

We can cater for up to 200 for dining with dancing after in our beautiful Ballroom, up to100 guests for WEDDING CEREMONIES AND RECEPTIONS and we now have a new room suitable for more intimate DINNER PARTIES of up to 20 people.

Menus can be downloaded from our website and we would welcome the opportunity to show you around. *Available 11.45 am - 2pm, Monday – Saturday

The Redcliffe Hotel, 4 Marine Drive, Paignton, TQ3 2NL

Tel: 01803 526397 www.redcliffehotel.co.uk

We Offer The Following • Large 1 & 2 bedroom apartments • Dual levels & balconies in some apartments • Beautiful landscaped garden areas • Concierge on-site Monday to Friday • 24 hour emergency call system • Guest Suite for visiting family and friends • Free national moving service • Owners’ Drawing Room • Central locations close to amenities • Lifts to all floors • Gated on-site car parking

For A Brochure Or More Information

Phone: 01803 698482 Email: paignton@renaissancegroup.co.uk www.renaissanceretirement.co.uk Open 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mon to Sun Address: Fleur-de-Lis Paignton, Courtland Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 2AB

Please Quote PAIAD06

30

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Regattas

Getting There There is no parking in the town centre of Dartmouth during Regatta Week and there will be restrictions in Kingswear as well. Brixham Lions are expected to run a Park and Ride from Hillhead on 24, 25 and 26 August in aid of local charities.

Stagecoach offers special services during regatta.

You can also travel by steam train from Paignton or Churston. Please check regatta website for latest information before travelling.

The Regatta is also pleased to have been allocated by the Royal Air Force the ever popular RAF Typhoon and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster on the Friday and Saturday evening and a fly past by the Red Arrows is planned on the Friday evening.

Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta Chairman Ed Botterill said, “We are very excited to be supported so well by the Royal Navy again this year. Not only will we enjoy the music of the band of HM Royal Marines at the opening ceremony on Wednesday 23 August, but you will also see recruiting stands from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force, and we are honoured to have the River Class Patrol vessel, HMS Severn, as our guard ship.� o For full details, including how to book for the marquee events, visit the regatta website at dartmouthregatta.co.uk

Did you know?

Dressing overall is done to celebrate special occasions such as regattas and you will see lots of yachts all dressed up for regatta in Dartmouth.

International Code Flags are used to create a colourful display and these are strung from bow to masthead to stern.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

31

32

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Motors & Boaters

The Million Pound Ferry Exercise Residents of Torbay, Kingswear and Dartmouth may have had their heads turned by the unusual sight of over £2 million worth of luxury supercars on Dartmouth Lower Ferry, all shepherded by a superyacht. What’s it all about?

H

Marina will play host to a number of yacht owners this .R. Owen Ecurie has created an exciting new summer, many of whom will also own a selection of ‘pop-up’ showroom in conjunction with luxury cars, or will have a strong interest in purchasing Sunseeker Torquay at Darthaven Marina one. By positioning ourselves at the very heart of the offering supercars to buyers of superyachts throughout marina we are ideally located to offer H.R. Owen the summer season. service with the convenience of not having to travel to a To celebrate the opening, seven cars were taken across Darthaven Marina using the Dartmouth Lower Ferry. The dealership. We look forward to meeting customers old and new, and fully expect the valuable cargo consisted of two partnership to be a great success 2012 McLaren MP4 supercars, “To see the cars on the water 1989 Rennsport Porsche 911, alongside one of our newest yachts for both partners.”

Darthaven Marina offers a 2015 Bentley Continental GTV8, was a sight to behold and a great 270-berth marina and has been 2017 Lotus Exige 380 Sport, 2016 way to announce our opening.” open for 30 years. Alongside BAC Mono and a 2009 Ferrari the marina is an ever growing F430 16M Scuderia Spider. The marine services team maintaining and repairing craft ferry was accompanied across the marina by a newly up to 120 feet in length. launched Sunseeker Manhattan 52. In total the display Dartmouth Lower Ferry operates 7 days a was worth in excess of £2million. week providing transport between Kingswear and Tom Wills Director at Sunseeker Torquay said, “To see Dartmouth. The Dartmouth Lower Ferry has been in the cars on the water alongside one of our newest yachts operation since the 1700s and consists of a floating was a sight to behold and a great way to announce our platform pushed by tugboat. opening. The synergy between superyachts and supercars The pop-up showroom is located at The Royal Dart is well-known and we are proud to open our doors to in Kingswear and will remain open seven days a week customers of both brands for the summer season.” until the end of September. The pop up will allow buyers H.R. Owen is Britain’s leading luxury motor dealer access to many of the most desirable cars and boats in the group, dealing with some of the world’s most sought-after UK from across the H.R. Owen and Sunseeker groups. o premium car brands – Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, H.R. Owen very generously allowed us to test drive one Bentley, Ferrari, Maserati, BAC and Lamborghini. of their supercars, see over.

Ecurie Brand Director Craig Davison said, Darthaven

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

33

From Charts to Safety Gear, our extensive Chandlery is sure to have what you need.

Our large Chandlery is set over two floors and is stocked to cover all your boating requirements, including rope, clothing, safety equipment and maintenance products.

Free on-site parking up to 1 hour (between 9am & 5pm) Open 7 days a week Next day delivery on all in-stock items Engineering and Maintenance Service available

Brixham Road · Kingswear · TQ6 0SG

01803 752 242 · DARTHAVEN.CO.UK

HYBRID COOLING GEL MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY

Large stocks of Beds - Mattresses - Tables - Chairs - Wardrobes - Chests & More all available for FREE Local Delivery - Large Showrooms with customer parking

EXCLUSIVE STOCKIST FOR THE SOUTHWEST

*Mattress sizes available: 3’, 4’, 4’ 6”, 5’ & 6’ Price from is for a 3’ Rem-Fit mattress

OPEN MON - SAT 9am - 5pm

34

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Motors & Boaters

S

upercar test opportunities don’t come along very often so I jumped at the chance to drive McLaren’s MP4-12c, the racing marque’s first ‘mass’ production car that was produced between 2011-2014.

Matt Palmes, HR Owen’s coordinator at Darthaven Quay meets me at the pop-up showroom. The McLaren sits waiting, its pearlescent white glow a picture against the backdrop of the Dart and colourful riverside properties.

Matt tells me the car is 5 years old but with the amount of care lavished on it and having only covered 10,000 miles, it is virtually as it left the factory.

With a wave of a hand in the vicinity of the door the gull wing doors waft gently upward and it’s time to embark. Matt advises ‘bottom first’ is the way to get in.

Once inside it’s immediately noticeable how spacious it is and how efficiently everything is laid out for both passenger and driver. It’s a sunny day, the car is hot inside but with a quick twist of the exquisitely machined aluminium dial on my armrest, an icy blast of cool air induces a pleasant climate - no waiting!

Matt takes the car up out of Kingswear and we pull over at Hillhead so I can take over. Purring electric motors adjust the seat to a perfect position. Before starting you can select the desired level of engine and chassis performance: normal, sport or track. I select normal; I’m sure it will suffice, and then hit the red starter. No gear lever to engage just a satisfying click of a button engages drive and immediately I feel the rear of the car brace in anticipation - there’s something about having the engine behind you in a car, like having 4 angry teenagers in the back who’ve been dragged from their beds too early on a Sunday morning...

And away we go. At a shade under 2 metres wide (a Vauxhall Astra is 1.48 mtrs) this is a large car for Devon’s country roads and for the first few minutes I find myself breathing in as we pass the opposing traffic. We have an

awe-inspiring 90-minute drive, sailing through Totnes, enjoying an all too brief spurt up the A38 where I reach no more than 70 mph (honestly), then head back through Newton Abbot, Torquay and along the coast to Kingswear.

The car is truly stunning, around town as light and easy to drive as any small car on the open road everything I ever dreamed a car should be! o

2012 MCLAREN MP4-12C Engine Power Torque Transmission CO2 Cost

3.8-litre V8, twin-turbo 616 bhp (459 kW; 625 PS) 443 lb·ft (601 N·m) 7 speed semi automatic with paddle shift 279 g/km £115,950

www.hrowen.co.uk/ecurie

Come to Darthaven - your local agent for Beneteau Motor Boats and Suzuki Outboards

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

NO PRICE CHANGE! For all you racing/sailing boat owners – yacht lift out, pressure wash, re-launch for boats up to 12m including sling move - only £130 (subject to no excessive fouling).

If over 12m do apply for a quote. Option 3 again.

Don’t forget - Darthaven Chandlery is open 7 days per week 8.30 -5.00. Plenty of good offers – come and have a browse. We have staff with lots of experience of all our products and easy parking – free for 1 hour! We look forward to seeing you. darthaven.co.uk

August/September 2017

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

During the rest of the season there will be three different new models of the range on display on the quay at Darthaven. We have marine engineers who have been manufacturer-trained to work on Suzuki outboards and we have some engines for sale at our Chandlery for customers to see. Do ask for more information if you might be interested.

Should you be a Suzuki owner already and your engine might need any servicing then please contact our Service Office.

Either call in or go for Option 3 on 01803 752242

35

Celebrates its 10th Anniversary Family members Mark Salmon, Peter Salmon and Will Freeland founded Bays Brewery ten years ago. Anita Newcombe and Sabrina Konrad dropped in to find out how quaffing a brew together one evening led to their successful business.

W

e’ve arrived at Bays Brewery in Paignton where we meet Mark, Peter and Will, the founders of this now-treasured local business.

A faint smell of barley is in the air and Will has just appeared from behind the mash tun, the first element in the 5-stage brewing process. Will is the company’s Head Brewer, Peter is the Sales & Marketing Director and Mark takes care of the management of the business.

Each of the brothers (Will is their brother-in-law) brought different skills to the table when they cooked up the idea of opening a brewery over a late-night beer in 2006. Will had been Head Brewer at Skinners Brewery in Cornwall for over a decade with an excellent reputation for producing award winning ale, so he was enlisted to brew ‘the best-ever beer’. For over 15 years, Mark had been the Managing Director of SSG, his training and consultancy business based in Plymouth, having taken a degree in Manufacturing Engineering. So he could handle the business side of things. Peter was working as an advertising executive in London, having completed a Master’s Degree in Marketing and Management. So he would be the driving force behind developing and expanding the sales of the new Bays Beers.

Their subsequent market research showed that it was a good time to start. Microbreweries were already ‘a thing’ and interest was growing strongly. However, on the negative side, it was the start of the recession and the no-smoking ban had just come in, negatively affecting the pub trade. Nevertheless, they decided to ‘go for launch’.

Mark said, “Lots of blokes have a dream of making beer and I’d always wanted to make something – that’s why I 36

August/September 2017

did a degree in manufacturing.”

In March 2007, they signed a lease on an old 5000 square foot steel fabrication unit in Aspen Way in Paignton and started to transform the building. It was very much an empty shell and took some months of hard work to bring it into service. However, as the brothers all enjoy living in the Bay the unit and its location turned out to be ideal for their family business.

They managed to buy the perfect sized brew plant from an old brewery in Launceston and pressed ahead regardless of the administrative obstacles that needed to be overcome along the way. By the middle of June, they were running their first brew through a 20-barrel brew plant. And about two weeks later, on 2nd July 2007, their first own brewed beers left the new Bays Brewery. These were Bays Best and Bays Gold and they were successfully launched into local pubs. Motivated by this success, the three founders decided to take further steps in marketing their business. During the next few months, they started selling Bays Gold in bottles (it had been very successful in cask) and the opening of the brewery shop followed.

Thanks to Will’s expertise, Bays Brewery was quickly able to establish an efficient and consistent brewing regime with an increasing number of staff.

Steve Eastley was one of the first, joining them in July 2007 having knocked on the door a week after they started brewing. He was immediately thrown in at the deep end with head brewer Will to learn how to brew award-winning beer. Jo Pottinger also joined the team around this time and helped to set up all the administrative procedures and logistics. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Food & Drink

Will Freeland, Peter Salmon and Mark Salmon

We wonder how easy the journey has been to find the that not only would more investment in equipment perfect beers. Mark reveals that they wanted to create a be required, but also beer duty increases exponentially microbrewery for easy-drinking refreshing beer. As Bays as you expand so it’s not as simple as just gradually Gold took off and became one of the firm’s mainstays, producing more.

Bays Best, whilst winning many awards and beloved by Mark also tells us about the things he enjoys most CAMRA members, was less commercially successful and about running a brewery; he reveals that building it up was later discontinued. Mark says, “Running a brewery was the best thing he has ever done. What he really likes is not about what we want, it is about about his business is getting involved Mark says, “Running a with the community. The whole team what the public wants.” Nowadays brewery is not about is very proud to support the local their core brands are Devon Dumpling, Topsail and Gold. A fast-mover up the what we want, it is about community around the Bay. Some of the rankings to emerge on top though is what the public wants.” projects sponsored are Occombe Beer their Devon Rock Craft Lager, which Festival, Dartmouth Music Festival and they created just 18 months ago. It’s got more flavour local sports venues such as Paignton Rugby and Cricket than some of the more mainstream lagers with both Club. Mark is also on the Executive Committee of Torbay lager and ale drinkers taking to it.

Business Forum and on the board of the English Riviera Today, ten years later and with 15 staff, the brewery BID company. He says, “These community commitments delivers to hundreds of hotels, pubs, restaurants, shops do take a lot of time but it gives you balance.” and festivals around the Bay and right across the South Bays Brewery has also teamed up with Paignton Zoo West. They don’t export, preferring to deal solely with to brew a light, golden ale named Crocod’Ale. They are local markets. They do have a vision to grow but it must donating 10p of every pint sold, to the Zoo’s wildlife be in a careful and controlled manner. Mark explains conservation programmes. Mark and Peter’s father was englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

37

Why not advertise your restaurant or eatery in our guide?

Rates start at just £76 plus Vat per insertion for 6 x bi-monthly inclusions over a year. This will highlight your business to 72,000 potential diners.* English Riviera Magazine is independently delivered to 12,000 homes and businesses across the Bay every 2 months.

In a recent survey 76% of our responding readers said that they ‘always or often’ took account of advertising and 100% enjoyed reading the magazine.

Call 01803 850886 for a chat today - it’s a great way to gain year-round promotion for your restaurant or eatery. * based on National Readership Survey averages for similar publications

Shop Local | Eat Local

The Babbacombe Inn

Occombe Farm Café

The Babbacombe Inn on Babbacombe Downs enjoys one of the most fabulous views around and has a great beer garden. Open daily, it offers an impressive range of tasty pub food in a welcoming environment.

Whether you’re after a morning coffee, light snack or meal with family and friends, the Babbacombe Inn has a menu to suit all tastes and budgets.

With live entertainment and a weekly quiz, it’s also ideal for a pre-theatre meal or drink. Free parking on site.

Family-friendly café set on an organic working farm. Famous for farmhouse breakfasts, hearty lunches, seasonal specials and Sunday roasts. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor adventure play area and why not explore the farm and walk the 2km nature trail after lunch? All profits from the café go to local charity Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. Open daily from 9am – 4:30pm.

59 Babbacombe Downs Road Torquay TQ1 3LP 01803 316200 www.babbacombeinn.co.uk

Occombe Farm Preston Down Road PaigntonTQ3 1RN 01803 520022 info@countryside-trust.org.uk

This summer, we have once again teamed up with our friends at Paignton Zoo to brew CROCOD-ALE. Be sure to SNAP UP a pint and help raise money to support vital conservation work!

f baysbrewery t @BaysBrewery As well as being available in good establishments throughout Torbay and Devon you can also buy online or by phone. Call us now to place your order 01803 555004 or visit www.baysbrewery.co.uk

38

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Food & Drink born in Kenya and the family love wildlife. Mark says, “I’m horrified that so much of our wildlife is endangered and this is one way we can do our bit.” Over the years Bays has raised nearly £15,000 for conservation.

So how does it feel to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the brewery? Mark says, “We are grateful to our local drinkers, businesses, pubs, shops and hotels since we wouldn’t be where we are now without them.”

To celebrate this milestone, Mark, Peter and Will have decided to relaunch Bays Breaker as a commemorative, anniversary ale; it’s a darker, stronger ale which was very popular when it was sold in the early days. It was dropped 8 years ago but people still ask for it. But we are going to have to be patient; Breaker won’t be sold until the end of the year. Creating new beers takes time and since summer is their busiest time, the Salmon brothers and Will always work on their special and seasonal creations in the autumn and winter months.

Mark tells us that the team likes to play around with ingredients but some things don’t change and that’s their approach to quality and the environment. Most of their malt is sourced locally from Tuckers Maltings.

Their spent hops are used for fertilizer on allotments, grain goes to local farmers for cattle feed and the yeast goes to Langage Farm to be converted into energy. They also have a 32kW solar panel system on their roof and

have full SALSA accreditation (confirming produce is safe and legal to a standard that far exceeds minimum requirements), one of the few breweries in the South West to have done so.

The three brothers get on exceptionally well and socialise together regularly. Mark and his wife have 3 young daughters under 12 and love sailing, biking and kayaking. Will and his wife have a son and a daughter and, together with Peter and his partner, they are off for a big family barbeque this very evening for their Mum’s birthday. They go cycling together and also arrange an annual boys’ kayaking trip that starts at Roundham and paddles to Seven Quarries. Here they have a barbeque, camp for the night and then clear their own plus all accumulated rubbish from the area to leave it pristine.

Mark says, “We are lucky to live in such a beautiful place – it’s so annoying when people leave their litter behind.”

Bays Brewery has won numerous awards over the last ten years including sought-after gold awards from Taste of the West along with local and national business awards.

For the future, they want to focus more on keg beer.

Mark explains that cask will remain solid but keg is where the growth is. They have been watching how Devon Rock Craft Lager has taken off and are keen to produce and sell more. o baysbrewery.co.uk

Did you know?

(a few snippets from the road to success) In 2008 Bays Best was served at the famous Strangers’ Bar in the House of Commons In 2009 Bays Gold was seen by millions of viewers on ITV2’s show Trinity In 2010 they won Best Promotion & PR at the National Brewing Business Awards In 2011 Windsor Tide was launched to celebrate the royal wedding of William and Kate In 2012 they brewed Winning Gold for the Olympic Games In 2013 Bays brewed Great Gorilla Ale in support of Paignton Zoo’s gorilla conservation In 2014 Bays was voted Best Green Business at the National SIBA Awards In 2015 Nice Try was launched for the Rugby World Cup In 2016 Gold, Topsail, Devon Dumpling & Devon Rock Craft Lager all won top awards at the Taste of the West Awards

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

39

Dr Herbert Nicholas Chilcote

rF iend of the Poor

The Chilcote marble obelisk in St Marychurch was erected courtesy of public donations, yet few who pass it today realise it honours a most remarkable local doctor.

Ian Handford of Torbay Civic Society tells the story.

T

Public Vaccinator adding to his huge workload. This ensured he marble obelisk in St Marychurch celebrates he was soon recognised as a most hard working physician to the life of Doctor Herbert Nicholas Chilcote, patients and others, which in time, included being available a man who was hugely significant to the poor to club members of a number of private institutions in of our area during the 19th century. Born in Brixham Torbay. Dr Herbert Chilcote, being a local doctor, was also in 1840, his father Paul Chilcote had been a medical called upon to provide evidence practitioner in London before when Isambard Kingdom Brunel retiring to Torbay, and so it was not in partnership with Miss Emma too surprising that his son Herbert Keyse, commenced their campaign would leave Torbay to train to be a to stop a new gasworks being sited at doctor at Westminster Hospital, later Babbacombe Beach. The campaign becoming a member of the Royal eventually involved Brunel addressing College of Surgeons before returning Parliament itself, and having won his to practice in Torbay from 1867. argument, Torquay Gasworks was Dr Herbert Nicholas Chilcote sited at Hollicombe. Dr Chilcote together with his wife, daughter and was also called upon to give medical father would spend the rest of their lives at Charlwood in Babbacombe It is recorded that hundreds of evidence in the famous John Lee Road where Herbert first set up locals wished to pay their final murder trial (the so-called “Man they his medical practice. He quickly respects and so walked with the could not Hang”) after Miss Emma Keyse was found murdered in her established himself as a popular hearse. As it passed Torquay home near Babbacombe Beach. and skilled physician, who became Town Hall its tail of people was His father, Dr Paul Chilcote, particularly concerned about the still in Plainmoor. who had retired in the mid poor of the area. His generosity 1860s, spent the rest of his life and care even extended to assisting at his son’s home, Charlwood. This was an era where those unable to attend his surgery which saw him making there were no state benefits or social care and few time for home visits and this overall philanthropy would earn him the title “The Friend of the Poor” in his lifetime. pensions. Generally the only institution available to the sick, elderly or infirm without money or individuals He took on the role of Poor Law Medical Officer and

40

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Heritage willing to help, was the Workhouse. The Quaker movement had opened its new home on Warren Road during 1856 and its members plus families like the Frys, Cadburys, Rowntrees and the Aclands of Killerton in Devon and individuals like Dr Chilcote became synonymous with assisting the poor in society.

To those with no one to turn to, Dr Chilcote even quoted that now famous phrase, “there to help those who were less fortunate than themselves.” Yet in spite of an enormously busy practice as well as his Poor Law Medical Officer and Public Vaccinator positions, he still found time to help members of private institutions.

These included the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows and The Order of Foresters plus others where medical assistance was required. His commitment to give free health checks and medical care to the poor even extended to being available on Sundays.

This extraordinary philanthropy was what so endeared him to the poor even after death.

During his final years, Dr Chilcote was profoundly deaf, yet this did not curtail his commitment to his career until death finally called him on 26 October 1886 at the age of just 46. Apparently he had never taken part in any political matters outside his calling and yet was said to be “diligent in all things he did”. Public sentiment after his death was high and at a public meeting held on 10 November 1886 local people demanded a way be found to honour the doctor who had given so much during his short life.

An overwhelming majority supported the idea of a memorial being erected on Babbacombe Downs (opposite the Royal Hotel), but although the Lord of the Manor (Mr Cary) donated the land, one parishioner publicly objected.

Yet residents need not have worried as the Local Board soon suggested

that a memorial could be built on Bank Corner St Marychurch Road, where 129 years later the obelisk still stands.

The doctor’s cortege assembled in his beloved St Marychurch and was to travel to Brixham where Dr Chilcote would be buried in the family vault. It is recorded that hundreds of locals wished to pay their final respects and so walked with the hearse. As it passed Torquay Town Hall its tail of people was still in Plainmoor.

On reaching Torquay railway station, many mourners opted to return home while “scores went to Brixham” most, of course, on foot.

Eventually Messrs Woodleys (later BlacklersRoyal Marble Works of St Marychurch) built the red marble obelisk and when in place, it became a permanent feature at the Fore Street crossroads.

Erected on 4 May 1888 and sponsored by literally thousands of people giving their pennies, at its unveiling no official or formality marked the event. Dr Chilcote would not have been surprised. After all he had spent his life helping the poor of society, not those in authority. Yet I believe he had the last laugh as today all of us passing the Chilcote monument recall his name, even though many may not know its history until now.

The Charlwood surgery and the doctor’s home was less than a hundred yards from Furrough Cross Congregational Church on Babbacombe Road although later it would be renamed Woodland Park Nursing home.

In 1987 in my role as Chairman of Babbacombe and St Marychurch Traders and Hoteliers Association, I accompanied our Hon. Secretary Mr Leslie Lownds Pateman to unveil three new lamps placed alongside the obelisk as Mr James Mason (Mayor) and Mr Gerry Skinner (Ward Councillor) officiated on behalf of the authority, this time, in a formal ceremony. o torbaycivicsociety.co.uk

New! Brixham Heritage Trail Fascinated by the forts at Berry Head? Curious about Brixham’s breakwater? Beguiled by echoes of the past at Battery Gardens? Transported by the long lost railway station? The new Brixham Heritage Trail offers some epic days out discovering the story of this beautiful harbourside town as told by its residents.

I

n February this year the local BrixFest committee received funding from the National Lottery to tell Brixham’s mesmerizing story by collecting the memories of local people. The stories have been used to create a Heritage Trail stretching from Berry Head to St Mary’s Square in the most ancient part of town.

There’s a trail map available either in print or to download from the website. There is also a free mobile App produced in partnership with students at South Devon College. You can follow the trail map via the App and watch residents revealing their stories on camera.

Whilst holding your phone or device you can select videos or old photos and learn more as the stories of some of Brixham’s treasured places unfold.

There are 46 sites to discover on the trail map; here is just a flavour of the many fascinating histories featured on the route:

Berry Head

With its Napoleonic forts, sweeping views and wonderful wildlife, Berry Head is a treasure to visit. Why not cross into the Southern Fort over what used to be a drawbridge with a moat filled with metal spikes? Visit the highest, lowest and smallest lighthouse in the UK (Confused? It’s all made clear). Check out the Magazine House (no periodicals – it’s where the ammo was kept).

The Breakwater Area

Whilst enjoying a breathtaking stroll along and around the breakwater area, find out how long it took to build, what happened during the legendary Great Gale in 1866; learn about Brixham’s part in D-Day and visit the Memorial Gardens, the imposing Wolborough House, the Coastguard Cottages and the iconic Art Deco lido.

The Marina

Hear about the famed site of Brixham’s shipbuilding industry where more than 300 trawlers were built.

Discover the site of Brixham’s first ice factory, admire the spectacular new Man and Boy Statue and learn about 42

August/September 2017

Brixham’s first lifeboat.

The Harbour Area

Get the lowdown on the original quayside and the quirky Coffin House, get a gander into the bustling fish market from the Viewing Platform and find out why there’s a statue to Prince William of Orange (often adorned with seagull) on the waterfront. Find out more about Brixham’s world-famous fishing industry.

Oxen Cove & Yacht Club

Marvel over the history of this wonderful waterside location with its historic links to ochre and paint production. Admire the colourful wall murals by the fish quay; hear about how Brixham Yacht Club used to be a sail loft and still houses the King George V Perpetual Challenge Cup for trawler racing.

Battery Gardens

You’ll be enthralled by Battery Gardens, one of the keys to Britain’s vital coastal defence. Visit the restored gun emplacement, the site of Duty Cookhouse and the Nerve Centre, which once housed high precision range finders plus The Altmark, site where the battery guardhouse and two prison cells were housed. Don’t miss a visit to Brixham Battery Heritage Centre (free entry).

Trains, Churches and Museums

The trail takes in a myriad of historical associations across town that include the Old Brixham Railway, the ancient tidal creek (now filled in), Brixham Heritage Museum and All Saints Church where there is a memorial to Rev. Henry Francis Lyte who wrote the famous hymn Abide With Me.

Caves and Kilns

Stroll along Bolton Street to join Kiln Path, learn about the origin of the names Fishtown and Cowtown, hear about Brixham Caverns and see the area formerly covered by farmland and orchards.

St Mary’s Square

The trail visits St Mary’s Graveyard and St Mary’s Church englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Heritage with its fine stained glass windows, graceful pillars and wagon roof. Hear why William of Orange heard the bells and decided to come ashore. Discover the site of the historic Brixham/Milton Head Pottery and see the Black House built by monks in the 14th century that is reputed to have had underground tunnels linking Black House, St Mary’s Church and caves along the cliff.

Residents’ Memories

We met just a few of the Brixham residents who have contributed so far: Sophie Bower of Millie & Me said, “The inspiration that triggered me to create the project was overhearing three local gentlemen who came in at different times and talked about the old days. We couldn’t let these stories go unremembered and so the idea for a trail began.

Robbie Robinson, Howard Binham and many others were wonderful, sharing so much of Brixham’s past.”

John Tomkins of Emberlense Productions who produced the video and audio content for the App said, “I loved the idea of a time capsule so these wonderful memories wouldn’t ever be lost. I worked with Gareth Day & Alex Small and students from the Digital Media department of South Devon College.”

Robbie Robinson, Founder of Brixham Battery Heritage Group said, “The project is an excellent way of getting the story of Brixham out; there’s so much history here particularly during the Second World War and the D-Day preparations. As a soldier for 24 years, my focus was mainly on Brixham Battery, the Slipways and Exercise Tiger.”

Mollie Clyburn who was born in Brixham in 1933 said “I can remember the old Brixham Regatta. My mother stood me on the garden wall and said, ‘Look at all the beautiful red sails – you won’t see those again’. I was 6 when the war broke out. My father-in-law managed the Ice Factory, which the Americans stationed here wanted to keep their beer cold. My father was sent to get the

delivery bag back as it was the most valuable thing and it came back filled with gifts like butter (a real luxury) and tinned meats – the Americans were very generous. ” Maureen Wilmot who was born in Brixham in 1940 said, “We lived in Ranscombe Road which was the main route into town from the US bases at Berry Head. Mum and Dad often made hot drinks for them and they gave us sweets.” Maureen also tells of one of her most evocative memories, “Just before D-Day you could actually walk right across Torbay from ship-to-ship. People talked about it for ages.”

The Future

Whilst the priority was to get the oldest memories captured before it became too late, this is a project that will chart the experiences of young people too. Anne Massey the project’s PR representative said, “The project is ongoing for a year so do get in touch if you have a story about life in Brixham that should be recorded.”

You can pick up a copy of the printed Brixham Heritage Trail guide (15,000 have been produced) at cafes, shops, tourist information centres plus the library and Brixham Museum or download from the website. You can also use the website to get in touch with your story, watch the film Brixham Memories that debuted at the English Riviera Film Festival and also download the App. o brixhamheritagetrail.com

Sophie Bower, Maureen Wilmot, John Tomkins, Robbie Robinson, Mollie Clyburn, and Anne Massey

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

43

Brixham Battery heritage group Fascinating, fun, sociable and rewarding – these are some of the benefits on offer for active members of the Brixham Battery Heritage Group who are the guardians of a very special museum and historic site that welcomes visitors free of charge. Anita Newcombe popped in.

I

of negotiations with the council before they managed am meeting Barrie Riley (Chairman) and Rod Hart to secure a five-year lease signed by the first Chairman (Vice Chairman) of this inspiring local membership Robbie Robinson. Then they started work on the huge group at the wonderful coastal defence battery and amount of hard work that was needed to renovate the museum they run right on the edge of beautiful Battery building. They procured a secondhand tin roof, which Gardens. Both have a military background. Barrie was a has been keeping the rain out for 20 years. It is due to paratrooper with the 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment be replaced this October, however, and the new roof and Rod served in the infantry with the 2nd Battalion will obviously make a much better job of protecting the Worcester / Forresters’s Regiment. The 14-acre site at precious collections.

Battery Gardens was first used in 1586 during the war In fact this is a museum where you can both look and with Spain. During the Second World War, the collection touch. You are positively of now-historic buildings Of the 116 Emergency Batteries built encouraged to handle the was built as an Emergency around the British coastline in 1940, only weapons, try on a helmet Coastal Battery to counter the threat of invasion 7 remain. Brixham’s is the best preserved and get into battle dress. I was able to examine a rare following the evacuation of and is an English Heritage Grade II example of the Third Reich Dunkirk.

Gold Star listed monument.

German book Adolf Hitler Of the 116 Emergency - Pictures in the Life of the Batteries built around the Führer. German families British coastline in 1940, collected pictures and only 7 remain. Brixham’s pasted them into the spaces is the best preserved and left for the purpose within. is an English Heritage I was also intrigued by a Grade II Gold Star listed radio (in a suitcase) used monument, making it very

by British agents in France special indeed. The first that took me right back to two years it was manned the famous episodes of ‘Allo solely by regular artillery ‘Allo! that I used to love. I troops before being pulled out a concertinasupported by the Home style Officer’s Field Cot Guard on night shifts.

The Museum and Barrie Riley and Rod Hart with a headboard that looked particularly comfy Education Centre is and would be brilliant for camping. You’ll also see quite packed with artefacts from the Second World War and a number of rather dashing looking mannequins around lots of the pieces have connections with local Brixham the museum wearing uniforms from the RAF, The Royal families. Rod explains that the main building was Artillery and the British Infantry. They’ve all got beautiful originally the Artillery Training Hut; the council was eyelashes, making me think they were recycled from the using it to store its lawnmowers. The hut was in a quite fashion industry. desperate state of disrepair before the group managed You can get up dangerously close to a machine gun, to save it. Rod Hart and Mike Ford braved two years

44

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Heritage complete with ammunition boxes, sandbags and tin helmets. Rod says, “These were used to devastating effect against the British at the Battle of the Somme.” Even more sinister was the wrap around gas mask fitted to a baby (doll) and a Mickey Mouse child’s gas mask. I saw examples of wartime rations laid out including Lyles Golden Syrup, Little Miss Muffet Essence of Rennett, Camp Coffee, Carnation condensed milk, white wax candles and something called Pathescope Oil, which cost a shilling. There are examples of wartime ration books and National Registration Identity Cards plus a book on Ration Cookery. Hanging from the roof in an attitude that is suggestive of dog fighting in the skies, are various small planes.

I ask Rod where all these splendid items came from and he explained, “We had to fund and buy the weapons but the rest come from regular donations – lots of people bring along their family treasures to add to the collections.” I hear that one lady came in carrying an ice cream carton in which was nestled an extremely rare example of a blackout lightbulb plus a tin of WWI powdered toothpaste.

I mention to Barrie and Rod that I was surprised by the lack of signs pointing to this wonderful treasure trove hidden away off the main thoroughfare of Furzeham Road. It’s a sore point apparently – although the Mayor is very supportive and has visited the historic site, council rules seem to be against them. What a shame that visitors to Brixham as well as many locals should miss out on visiting this amazing facility. At least they are prominently featured in the new Brixham Heritage Trail initiated by the local BrixFest Committee.

Once we’ve finished looking at the museum’s two main buildings, Barrie and Rod offer me a tour of the gardens and the battery’s buildings and tunnels. We visit the No 1 Gun Floor, which is light and airy and then into the No 2 Gun Floor and Ammo Tunnel – deeper and darker. Rod has gone ahead to fire up the generator and also brings a backup torch in case the power for the lights fails. There’s a series of two quite spacious rooms, which would have accommodated around 10 men on duty in each. The first of the rooms has been renovated and there’s a scrubbed wooden table and chairs, a blackout lamp, a wall mounted telephone, blackout curtains and a stove in the corner.

The second room is similar but has not been restored.

We then visit the ammo tunnel, which had an escape exit at the far end but this has been partially filled in to protect the site from vandals, a constant problem.

Strolling through the gardens you might never know all this history was here. However, it is tremendously englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

45

Berry Head Hotel

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 & Special Events with menus tailored to suit you Weekly Summer BBQ’s on the terrace ~ Indoor Swimming & Spa Pool Non-residents and families welcome Well appointed 3 star accommodation

www.berryheadhotel.com

01803 853225

OPEN Monday - Saturday 10-4.30

Your creative adventure starts here!

SUMMER FABRICS IN STOCK NOW It’s time for a Beach Hut and Boat makeover!

The Nautical & Seaside Fabric Specialist Come and see our wide range of wonderful fabrics and trimmings Font: James Fajardo Colours: Blue - C46 M16 Y22 K22 Red - C24 M100 Y100 K23

Patchwork & Quilting • Dressmaking & Repairs Knitting • Machine & Hand Sewing • Haberdashery

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

We run a range of courses and workshops for those just starting out and for the more experienced - check our website for details 46

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Heritage evocative of the wartime era and I feel quite a shiver as we wander around the site with its spectacular views out to sea where guns fired up to 7 miles offshore.

Around the grounds you can also see: The Battery Observation Post (the nerve centre which housed high precision rage finders), a Pill Box, the remains of a 37mm Anti Aircraft Gun Position, the Altmark (a shelter that was the site of the Battery Guardhouse and two prison cells) and an Emergency Cookhouse.

Rod explains that he is one of the original, founding members of the group but he is worried because getting a new influx of active, new members is proving very difficult – a common problem for local groups. There are about 150 members overall but many of them don’t live in the Bay so can’t help run the facility.

It’s important therefore to highlight the enormous benefits and fun that can be gained from not only joining, but getting stuck in. Membership is only £10 a year (or £20 for a family) and the committee is very egalitarian being 50% male and 50% female. Rod’s wife Carole is in charge of PR, media and the website and there are many other vital jobs being done by the committee and members. There is plenty a new member can contribute, whilst having a really enjoyable and rewarding time – here are some of the ways: • You can train as a site guide (you’ll learn a lot of fascinating history and make new friends).

• You can man the museum’s opening hours (Sunday, Monday and Friday 2-4pm) or Open Days and you can wear a military uniform or the distinctive, branded, Brixham Battery Heritage Group, bright red fleece.

• You can learn to conserve artefacts (from oiling guns to caring for the military uniforms).

• You can help to catalogue their huge collection of books and artefacts.

• You can join regular ‘Work Days’ to help with gardening or maintenance.

• You can do something as simple as hoovering now and again.

The group has just signed a new 40-year lease and it’s even more important to have new active members for the future. You’ll get a very warm welcome and make new friends, a regular newsletter, a welcome gift, a 10% discount in the shop and three special social events each year.

Before leaving, I notice a frame hanging on the wall containing a large number of medals. There is a black and white photo of a family in a glass case below, which has a large number of men, eight to be precise. I know this because someone has written numbers on the photo englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

above each of their heads. Barrie explains that this is the Gardner family of Brixham. Eight sons went to war and seven of them returned safely – an extraordinarily high positive tally – unfortunate for the one son but great news overall. There’s also a collection of the brothers’ wartime documents: service books, penknives, letters and photos. One of the brothers, Fred Gardner, is still alive and is a longstanding member of the Brixham Battery Heritage Group.

Another member, Terry Strutt, has provided ‘before and after’ photos of his family’s Anderson Shelter, which was hit by a Parachute Mine and completely destroyed – nothing is visible in the second photo but a huge pile of rubble. Nevertheless Terry and his Mum and Dad were all dug out alive.

I think, more than anything, that these deeply personal stories make the Brixham Battery Heritage Group, the work they do and the historic treasures they are showing freely to the public more special than anything. Why not get in touch and join in as a really active and involved member? You’ll probably be very glad you did.

Contacts via membership@brixhambattery.net, via the website or attend their Open Days on 13 August or 10 September 12-4pm. They will be delighted to hear from you. Brixham Battery Heritage Centre, Fishcombe Road, Brixham TQ5 8RU. o brixhambattery.net

up omi g pe ia ope

ay

Sunday 13 August (VJ Day) 12-4pm Sunday 10 September 12-4pm August/September 2017

47

August & September Around the Bay Compiled by Sabrina Konrad Flamingo Croquet, Newton Abbot On till 28 August

Occombe Summer Activity Pack On till 1 September

You can’t really turn down the Queen of Hearts challenge to a game of croquet – it could literally cost you your head! But this is no ordinary croquet set; the mallets look rather like flamingos. Time: 9am-5pm, cost: £2.

Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot TQ12 6NQ 0162 6325800 discoverhannahs.org/whats-on

Explore Occombe Farm with your very own activity pack!

Discover mega and mini beasts, brass rubbings, fun and more. Times: 10am-3pm, no booking required, meeting point: Occombe Kiosk, cost: £2.50.

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

Wild Mouse Roller Coaster, Paignton On till 31 August The popular Wild Mouse Roller Coaster is once again situated on Paignton Green.

Paignton Green North, Paignton TQ4 6AG

Summer Evening Ghost Tours, Kents Cavern On till 1 September (Wed, Thurs & Fri) Are you feeling brave enough? Can you hold your nerve as you walk around the dimly lit passages of these ancient caves with stories and supernatural events? This tour is designed to get the heart rate going and make you jump; it is not recommended for under 8s. It’s scary, really it is!

Time: from 6.30pm, cost: £10.

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

48

August/September 2017

Sculpture Trail and Exhibition, Cockington On till 10 September The sculpture trails lead you on a journey of art discovery, taking you to well known parts of the Court as well as some favourite hidden treasures. Each location is a backdrop to a stunning sculpture. Alongside the trail there’s an exhibition, showcasing even more examples of talent and excellence in art. Times: 10am-4pm.

Cockington Court, Cockington Lane, Cockington TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org.uk

Garden Walks, Kingswear On till 30 September A member of the garden team will be leading free walk and talks focusing on the history of the garden and the seasonal highlights. They will guide you to some of the

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On best viewpoints at this time of year. Admission applies.

Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk

English Riviera Wheel, Torquay On till 28 October With a height of nearly 60 metres, the wheel gives breathtaking 360 degree views across the Bay. During the 12-minute ride commentary is given on the Bay’s history and on its events and attractions. The wheel has 40 enclosed, lit gondolas, which can also take wheelchairs. Times: 10am – 10pm school holidays (closes 8pm in term-time).

Princess Gardens, Torquay TQ2 5EQ englishrivierawheel.co.uk

period using a washing dolly, washboard and mangle, with the expert supervision of the National Trust’s knowledgeable volunteers. Free drop-in event but normal admission applies. Time: 11am-3pm.

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

Brixham Fish Market Tours 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 August & 6, 13, 27 September

Anderton and Rowland Fun Fair, Torquay 1-31 August

You’ll need to book quickly to get on one of these popular early morning fish market tours. This is a chance to see behind the scenes and the hustle and bustle of the world famous Brixham Fish Market culminating in a delicious fish breakfast at Rockfish overlooking the harbour. Time: Prompt 6am start, cost: £15 to include breakfast. To book email: bfmt2014@gmail.com

Enjoy this traditional funfair with its rides and sideshow games for all the family.

Torre Abbey Meadows, The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE

Kids Cookery Club Summer, Occombe 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 August

The Magic Circus, Paignton 1-29 August Gerry Cottle presents his sensational Magic Circus. It’s a fast paced family show starring a new generation of vibrant young performers and Las Vegas -style big illusions!

Paignton Green, Paignton TQ4 6ED 0845 8355050 wowcircus.co.uk

Laundry Day, Kingswear 1, 8, 15, 22 August Join Coleton Fishacre’s laundry to experience life as a 1930s laundry maid! Have a go washing linen from the

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Drop your kids off for a fun filled, themed cookery day at Occombe Farm Cookery School. Every Wednesday in August. Time: 10-4pm.

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

Speakeasy, Torquay 2 August California vocalist and international recording artist Allison Adams Tucker comes to the UK with a unique travel memoir in music with jazz driven songs that span countries and genres. She celebrates her third album Wanderlust.

Time: 8-11pm, cost: £13 advance, £15 door.

August/September 2017

49

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

Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Cockington Fayre, Torquay 2 August

Torbay Steam Fair, Brixham 4-6 August

Come and join in a traditional old English village summer fair at beautiful Cockington. Cockington Court, Cockington Lane, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org

This 3-day event is a must for all the family. Come and view the wonderful working steam and traction engines, vintage and classic cars, lorries, military displays, market stalls, beer and tea tents and so much more. Children will enjoy some extra entertainment.

Dartmouth Road, Brixham TQ5 0JT torbaysteamfair.co.uk

Greenway Garden Blitz 2 August & 6 September The garden team will blitz an overgrown or neglected area of garden - can you help? The work involves cutting down or digging out weeds, brambles, overgrown shrubs and moving debris to the shredder or bonfire. No gardening skills are necessary. Tea and cake as well as garden tools are provided. Time: 9.30am to 4pm. Booking essential. Not suitable for dogs.

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

The World of Flying Drones, Torquay 3 & 5 August Come and learn about drones at Torquay Museum. Fly the latest technology simulator and mini drones. The 3 August session is is perfect for a day out with the whole family.

Time: 11am-noon, cost: adult £4.50, child £3. The 5 August session is adults only and aimed at those thinking about buying a drone. You can meet CAA qualified drone pilot, Craig Timblin, learn about the rules of Air Navigation and the Drone Code and try out a mini drone.

Time: 11am-noon, cost: £5 (adults only). 25% discount off tickets if you want to stay and visit the main museum.

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

Kids Holiday Club Day, Occombe 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 August Drop your kids off for a fun filled day of activities with Occombe Farm. Activities vary between exploring the nature trail including meadow sweeping and bird watching; feeding the animals and helping in the garden; spending the day doing wild arts, crafts and music. Suitable for: 7-12 years old. Time: 8.30am-5.30pm, cost: £40.

Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, 50

August/September 2017

Paignton Regatta 5-13 August Paignton Regatta is a good old-fashioned week of traditional seaside fun, mainly taking place on and around Paignton Green. To mark the 170th year of Paignton Regatta there is a whole host of events happening on Paignton Sea Front. The Regatta Fireworks take place on Friday, time: 9.30 pm.

Paignton Green, Paignton TQ4 6ED paigntonregatta.com

Family Explorers Club, Occombe 5, 12, 19, 26 August The activities vary between discovering the wildlife around Cockington Country; exploring Occombe Farm nature trail or Berry Head National Nature Reserve; learning the basics of how to be a farmer or spending some informative time at Goodrington Sands. Booking essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Time: 10am-noon.

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

Woofstock UK, Dartmouth 5 August Woofstock UK is a festival all about dogs and a family friendly day out. There will be doggy shows, an agility course, displays and demonstrations by dog expert Caroline Spencer plus live music and food & drink stalls. Tickets online.

Coronation Park, Dartmouth TQ6 9RR woofstockuk.co.uk

Shaldon Water Carnival 5 August Somewhere between a carnival and a regatta, the Shaldon Water Carnival provides a day of creativity, colourful entertainment and nautical brilliance. There englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On are beach competitions, sand sculpting and a fancy dress parade for the kids plus chef demonstrations and craft stalls. Don’t miss the decorated boat parade where imaginations run wild. Funds raised go towards local clubs and charities.

Ferry Beach, Marine Parade, Shaldon TQ14 0DL shaldonwatercarnival.co.uk

Brixham Gig Club Regatta 5 August Brixham Gig Club is a community gig rowing club run by volunteers. Enjoy a splendid view of this year’s regatta from Brixham Breakwater.

Breakwater Beach, Brixham TQ5 9AB 07794 102601 brixhamgig.wixsite.com/brixhamgigclub

Torbay Open Tennis Tournament, Torquay 6-12 August Torquay Tennis Club is very proud to host one of the country’s leading tennis tournaments, The Torbay Open, established 1887.

Torquay Tennis Club, Rear of Shedden Hill Car Park, Torquay TQ2 5TY 01803 209500 torquaytennisclub.co.uk

Charm Bracelet Workshop, Newton Abbot 6 August Make a magical Alice in Wonderland charm bracelet with artist Alison Meaker. Suitable for: ages 10 and up, booking essential, time: 2-3pm, cost: £6.

Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot TQ12 6NQ 0162 6325800 discoverhannahs.org/whats-on

Tots Go Wild, Occombe 7, 14, 21, 28 August Bring your tot for fun on the farm. The activities vary between petting animals; exploring Occombe Farm; playing; enjoying music; creating arts or crafts. Suitable for toddlers – 5 years old accompanied by an adult. They need to be dressed for outdoor weather. Time: 9:3011am, cost: £5, babies free.

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

Biaza Big Bug Bonanza, Paignton 7-12 August Hop on down to Paignton Zoo to discover the weird englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

and wonderful world of bugs. The activities will include: edible bug-eating, bug talks at the Investigate Exhibit, craft activities and more!

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

Rockpool Ramble, Brixham 8, 22 August Get rock pooling at Man Sands Beach as one of the 50 things to do before you’re 11¾. There are some fantastic creatures hidden in the rock pools waiting to be discovered. Children need to be accompanied by an adult. Dogs on leads are welcome. Wear sensible shoes or wellington boots. Time 12.30-2pm, cost: free event. Steep walk – moderate fitness required, unsuitable for those with limited mobility.

Man Sands car park, Woodhuish Lane, Brixham TQ5 0AJ 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

50 Things Thursdays, Greenway 10 & 24 August 50 things to do before you are 11¾. On 10 August you’ll be making wild art and on 24 August a trail with sticks.

Times: 2-4pm, cost: free event but admission applies, car parking must be pre-booked.

Greenway House, Galmpton TQ5 0ES 01803 842383 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

Introduction to Printmaking, Newton Abbot 12 August Join artist Claire Harmer for these practical drop-in sessions that explore the basics of printmaking inspired by the mark making techniques used to illustrate the original books. Time: 10am-noon and 2-4pm, cost: £5.

Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot TQ12 6NQ 01626 325800 discoverhannahs.org/whats-on

Paignton Harbour Festival 12 August A family fun day celebrating this historic harbour .

Paignton was a thriving fishing harbour for many years and some of the old traditions of seamanship are kept alive and passed on through generations of locals. Today the harbour remains a hive of activity, especially during the summer months. Enjoy some of the best local produce, demo stage with fantastic local chef, 100-seater pop up restaurant and the maritime history of the harbour.

The Harbour, Paignton TQ4 6DT paigntonharbourfestival.co.uk August/September 2017

51

Seabirds and Paella, Brixham 12 August Learn more about sea watching and migrating seabirds – for keen birdwatchers. Local expert Mike Langman will pass on some of his 40 years’ experience. Enjoy paella and a cold drink at the café afterwards. Cost: £25, adults only.

Berry Head Main Car Park, Gillard’s Road, Brixham TQ5 9AP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Torbay Lifeboat Seaside Special 13 August It’s one big day of waterside activities and events around the Lifeboat Station and Brixham Breakwater and Breakwater Beach- a special web page will display the plans as they develop - put it in the diary! The day will include the Annual Service of Dedication.

Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AF torbaylifeboat.co.uk

Summer Party Breads, Occombe 13 August Learn how to bake the ‘wow factor’ into breads that are fast and fun to make. Make stuffed focaccia, herby ciabatta, lavash, bread shots and basil butterflies. Time: 10am-4pm, cost: £75, suitable: adults.

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

Torbay Children’s Week, Paignton 15-19 August

September 10am-noon.

Torre Abbey Sands and Beacon Cove, Torquay TQ1 2BG 01803 202470 livingcoasts.org.uk

Holistic Festival, Brixham 19-20 August A magical warm atmosphere with a gentle, healing vibration accompanies the exciting programme of events and workshops for adults plus entertainment and magical things for children. Time: 10am-5pm, cost: adult £10, child £5.

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

Summer Exhibition, Brixham 19-26 August A large number of paintings are displayed at the Brixham Art Society’s annual summer exhibition. All paintings, many of local scenes, are original works by local artists and for sale at very reasonable prices. Free entry.

Scala Hall, Market Street, Brixham. TQ5 8EU 01803 431560 brixhamartsociety.co.uk

Summer Exhibition, Torquay 19-28 August Hundreds of paintings are on display at the Devon Art Society Summer Exhibition. The artists are showing new works covering classical themes such as floral, still-life, figurative and landscape as well as seascape subject matters and some abstracts.

St. Anne’s Hall, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 3SN committeedevonart.wixsite.com/devon-art-society

Hannah’s Summer Fete, Newton Abbot 19 August

There is fun for all the family with a packed programme of performances, workshops and events; the majority free.

In its 71st year, most local residents have grown up with this week of free entertainment on Paignton seafront.

Paignton Green, Paignton TQ4 6BG 01803 208861 childrensweek.co.uk

Don’t be late for Hannah’s Summer Fete! Featuring live music, games, art activities, entertainment and the perfect opportunity to see the Looking in Wonderland exhibition. Fancy dress welcome! Time: 10am till late, live music from 1pm.

Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot TQ12 6NQ 0162 6325800 discoverhannahs.org/whats-on

Coastal Clean-Ups, Torquay 16 August & 16 September

Catch and Cruise, Brixham 19 August

As part of the Beside the Seaside events for 2017, Living Coasts are running a series of beach cleans around Torbay.

These events give you the chance to help the environment and learn more about local species, biodiversity and the shores around you. Times: 16 August 4-6pm, 16

Join a summer boat trip with commentary, mackerel fishing and BBQ. Suitable for adults and children over 12 (with an adult). Time: 4-6pm, cost: £25 Brixham Harbour, The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

52

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Cockington Dog Day 20 August Cockington’s very own Dog Day! Forever Hounds Trust (SW) and many other canine organisations and companies will be there. Enjoy the dog show, have-a-go dog challenges and much more. Time: 11am-4pm, cost: free, meet: in front of Court.

Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington Lane, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Jazz Age Lawn Party, Kingswear 20 August Jazz band Men Behaving Tradly will be playing toe-tapping tunes on the lawn and cocktails will be flowing. You’re invited to put on your most dapper suit or flapper dress, pack a picnic and join the party.

Two cocktails and canapés are included.

Time: 6.30-9pm, cost: £25, suitable for adults and children over 12, booking essential.

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

Seagrass Project Visit, Torquay 21-22 August Visit Living Coasts and meet the team from the Community Seagrass Initiative. Watch live underwater footage of Torquay’s sea life from a remotely operated vehicle while sitting on the Terrace Café.

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

Sea Change Festival, Totnes 25-26 August Curated and presented by the award-winning Drift Record Shop, Sea Change is a festival of music and culture that includes films, literature, talks and plenty of music across 5 venues.

Totnes TQ9 5QH seachangefestival.co.uk

Marsh & Estuary Bird Walk, Sharpham 25 August The mixed landscape of the Sharpham Estate beside the englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

picturesque Dart estuary provides an ideal location for many different bird species. Enjoy an evening guided walk to find some of the estuary’s more secretive birds in the reed beds, busy feeding and putting on weight before their southward migrations. These could include Reed and Sedge Warbler, but also resident Cetti’s Warbler and Reed Bunting. You’ll look on the estuary for wading birds, gulls and wildfowl. With bird expert Mike Langman. Time: 6-8pm, cost: £12 adult, £4 children.

Sharpham House, Ashprington, Totnes TQ9 7UT 01803 732542 sharphamtrust.org

Berry Head Bat Walks 25 August & 22 September A unique opportunity to see the rare Greater Horseshoe bats at Berry Head National Nature Reserve. They live in the caves formed in the 400 million year old limestone cliffs. Suitable for: adults and children over 13, cost: £5, book online.

Berry Head, Gillard Road, Brixham TQ5 9AP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Mad Hatter’s Arty Tea Party Newton Abbot 26 August Join the Creation Station team for some creative family fun. They are hosting a very curious Mad Hatter’s Tea Party decorating your own mad hats and having fun making playdough cakes.

Time: 10-10.45am and11-11.45am, cost: £5, suitable for children aged 16 months to 11 years accompanied by an adult.

Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Howton Lane, Newton Abbot TQ12 6NQ 01626 325800 discoverhannahs.org/whats-on

Food and Craft Market, Torquay 27 August & 24 September Visit the food and craft markets featuring unique, handmade crafts and fresh locally farmed produce. Time: 10am-4pm.

Cockington Court, Cockington Lane, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 607230

Trust10 Run, Kingswear 27 August & 24 September A 10k trail run along the rugged South West Coast Path and through Coleton Fishacre garden. Free, fun, informal, forever and for everyone. Registration at 8.30am in August/September 2017

53

10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS ADVERT*

Join Albert the Dog on adventures to the past at Bygones

Free activity sheet for children to win a treat!’

Fore Street • St Marychurch • Torquay • TQ1 4PR

Tel: 01803 326108 www.bygones.co.uk

*You must present this advert with your payment in order to receive your discount. Valid until 31/12/17. Not valid with any other discount or offer.

NEW SHOW FOR 2017

Summer Evening

Are you brave enough?

JULY AND AUGUST EVERY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY EVENING.

BOOK ONLINE AT WWW.KENTS-CAVERN.CO.UK Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2JF • 01803 215136 54

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Coleton Fishacre car park, run starts: 9am, free event.

Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk

Greenway Singing Night, Brixham 27 August Enjoy a singing night in support of Rowcroft Hospice featuring 4 bands. A glass of wine on arrival is included.

You are welcome to bring your own picnic. Time: 5.15pm, cost: adult £10, child £5. Tickets from John Partridge on 01803 843233 or Manor Inn Galmpton or Churston Manor.

Greenway House, Galmpton TQ5 0ES

Cowes Classic Offshore Powerboat Race, Torquay 27 August Approximately 15 boats are expected to enter Tor Bay. Competitors are scheduled to stop in Torquay Harbour and restart in the afternoon to continue their course back to Cowes. The course enters Tor Bay at the Berry Head mark, turning north to round the Orestone Mark before finishing south of Torquay Harbour. The race will restart south of Daddyhole Plain en route to Cowes.

finest fishing in the country. While the sheltered waters of Torbay are a focus of the festival, the actual fishing limits extend many miles in each direction to allow anglers to fish their favourite marks. torbayfishingfestival.org

How to Cook for University, Occombe 3 September You’ve done the hard work by passing your exams and getting into university. Now learn how to cook a few tasty dishes including cottage pie, roasted vegetable lasagne, foccacia bread, fruit crumble and a killer chocolate brownie. Cost: £42, suitable for over 18s.

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

Galmpton’s Autumn Festival 3 September This delightful village festival will include a flower show, cooking, craft and more. Festival booklets are available from Galleon Stores in Galmpton.

Greenway Road, Galmpton TQ5 0LT galleonstores.co.uk

Amphibian Adventures at Paignton Zoo 6 September

Old Hat Jazz Band, Torquay 30 August Old Hat plays stomping and swinging songs of their own making, drenched in the blues and vitality of 20s and 30s jazz. Time: 8.30pm tickets: £10 advance, £12 door.

SpeakeasyTorquay, Toorak Hotel, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5JS 01803 898570 speakeasytorquay.com

Torbay Sea Angling Festival 1-10 September The long established event attracts well over 3250 entries from anglers, drawn from all over the UK to some of the englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Learn more about fascinating frogs, their important biodiversity and why it is vital to help save them. Take a guided tour of the Amphibian Ark and Investigate, meet expert keepers, enjoy presentations, talks and a Q&A session. Food and drink is provided. Cost: £30, booking essential.

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

Torbay Film Club, Torquay 7 September Torbay Film Club are showing the 2014 comedy/ drama The Grump. The storyline is about a stubborn eighty-year-old farmer with prehistoric attitudes who has to move in the city with his stupid son and very successful daughter-in-law. Time: 7.30pm, cost: non members £5.50.

St Matthias Church Hall, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HW torbayfilmclub.co.uk August/September 2017

55

NEW

WORKS Fine Art from Devon Artists brought to the English Riviera.

In August, view works from Alan Gregory, Chris Pitman & Claire Jenkinson, and in September we welcome Martin Bush.

Martin Bush / Strawberry Fields Alan Gregory Sa Torre, Autumn Evening

Chris Pitman Moya

Claire Jekinson Estuary

7 Lucius Street Torquay TQ2 5UW (01803) 428626 www.artizangallery.co.uk

kids’ summer holiday planned!

24 July - 1 September

Tots Go Wild ● Cockington & Occombe Farm Holiday Clubs ● Discovery Activities ● Kids Cookery Schools ● Family Explorer Clubs Various dates and times throughout the summer school holidays.

Booking essential on some events, check website for details.

O CCO M B E FA R M CO O K E RY S C H O O L How to Cook for University 3 September, 10am - 4pm £42. 18yrs +

Harvest Festival Cookery 1 October, 10am - 4pm £75. 18yrs +

Artisan Dough Made Simple 15 October, 10am - 4pm £75. 18yrs + Booking essential. See our website for more.

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust

www.countryside-trust.org.uk

56

English Riviera Magazine 100717.indd 1

August/September 2017

01803 520022 10/07/2017 16:19:21

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Bubble Rush, Paignton 9 September Bubble Rush is a family fun run through multi-coloured, foamy bubbles four feet high. Receive a special Bubble Rush medal when you cross the finish line. Enjoy music and a selection of delicious food and drinks stalls. Sign up and raise money for the local hospice, Rowcroft, by completing this frothy 5k. Time: 11am, suitable for ages 3 and up. Adult entry: £20, under 16s: £8, family (2 adults & 2 children) £40.

Torbay Velopark, Penwill Way, Paignton TQ4 5JR 01803 217632 rowcrofthospice.org.uk

The Rally is a relaxed weekend of like-minded heritage and classic boat owners getting together for a sail in company, a few drinks, sailing suppers and lots of chat, all hosted at Brixham Yacht Club.

Brixham TQ5 9AG brixhamheritagesailing.org.uk

Fishstock Brixham 9 September Enjoy the English Riviera’s renowned urban music and seafood festival with delicious seafood and live theatre cooking demonstrations. There’s a big music stage with a vibrant programme of live entertainment, visits to working fishing trawlers and heritage vessels on the quayside plus lots of fun activities for the children.

Brixham Quay, New Quay Lane, Brixham TQ5 8AJ fishstockbrixham.co.uk

Agatha Christie Literary Dinner 12 September Dr John Curran is hosting a book club with a twist in honour of the upcoming anniversary of Agatha Christie’s birthday. Canapés are followed by dinner and a chaired discussion of Christie’s literary works. Time: 7-9pm, cost: £75 to include canapés and Prosecco on arrival, 3-course dinner and any soft drinks (wine can be purchased), booking essential.

Greenway House, Galmpton TQ5 0ES 01803 842383 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

Murder Mystery, Torquay 14 September Enjoy an evening at The Grand Hotel finding yourself subtly immersed in a world of drama as deceit and intrigue surrounds you. As the night draws in, relax and enjoy a 3-course dining experience. It is accompanied by tales and motives shared by the evening’s mysterious guests. And at some point, a blood-curdling scream! Cost: £39.95.

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

Brixham Heritage Rally 16-17 September englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Festival of Learning, Paignton 16 September This community festival by White Rock Primary School is all about the arts and learning new skills. Enjoy live music, great food, activities to try, artisan stalls and family fun.

Whiterock Primary School, Davies Avenue, Paignton TQ4 7AW whiterockfestival.co.uk

Greenway Fete 16 September Greenway is celebrating the anniversary of Agatha Christie’s birthday with a 1950s fête in the style of Dead Man’s Folly. Enjoy fun and games in the Walled Garden.

Time: 11am-3pm, cost: free event but admission applies, car parking must be pre-booked. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Greenway House, Galmpton TQ5 0ES 01803 842383 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

Visit of Ocean Majesty Cruise Ship 18 September Look out for a big ship in the Bay! August/September 2017

57

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

The Paignton Club, established in 1885.

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

Available for weddings and private functions.

ThePaigntonClub

www.thepaigntonclub.co.uk

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

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

58

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Tor Bay, Torquay TQ2 5SW 01803 292429 tor-bay-harbour.co.uk

Japanese Drama, Torquay 21 September The Blue Walnut Café are showing the acclaimed 2015 Japanese drama Our Little Sister. Booking essential.

Time: 7.30 for 8pm, cost: £5 (non-members).

14 Walnut Road, Chelston TQ2 6HS 01803 394113 bluewalnuttorquay.co.uk

Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ 01803 663681 wowuk.org

Walk with a Ranger, Greenway 28 September Why not join the countryside rangers for a walk through the garden to see the autumn woodland colours? Time: 11.30am-12.15pm, cost: free event but admission applies, car parking must be pre-booked. Wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes. Dogs on leads are welcome.

Greenway House, Galmpton TQ5 0ES 01803 842383 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

Countryside Walks, Kingswear 29 September Bat, Moth & Stargazing Walk, Sharpham 22 September See bats, moths and stars (hopefully) on this very special event that awakens your senses to nature at night-time.

Time: 7-9pm, cost: £5 adults, £2.50 children.

Sharpham House, Ashprington, Totnes TQ9 7UT 01803 732542 sharphamtrust.org

Explore a rugged stretch of coastline from Coleton Fishacre in the company of a countryside ranger. You’ll hear about the wildlife that thrives on this stretch of coast and the work that the National Trust does to care for it.

Time: 11am-1pm. Free event but admission applies for the venue. Dogs on leads are welcome.

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

Abbfest, Newton Abbot 22-24 September A food, beer and music festival with Pimms and Prosecco bar plus craft stalls and demonstrations. Over 200 locally produced beer and ciders to choose from. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Fermoys Garden Centre, Totnes Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 5TN abbfest.org

Charity Ball, Torquay 23 September This is an annual charity ball organised by Women of Worth. Three course dinner plus live band 3BF and auction. Dress code: Black tie and ball gown. Booking essential. Tickets: £35 each or £330 for table of 10.

Ageing Well Festival, Churston Ferrers 30 September The Ageing Well Festival is an annual event that features a large amount of activities and performances you can either watch or participate in.

Lupton House, Brixham Road, Churston Ferrers TQ5 0LD 01803 212638 ageingwellfestival.com

Holding an event in October or November?

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

August/September 2017

59

ArtsRoundUp

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

Torquay’s Artizan Gallery & Café Alan Gregory, Claire Jenkinson & Chris Pitman – The Power of Three 1-29 August

Meet the Artists Preview – Saturday 5 August 6-8pm Alan Gregory has been a full time painter since 2014. His collection of landscape paintings has an abstract quality, taking in both full views and macro details of the ‘hidden elements’ of the natural world. Alan will be exhibiting alongside Clare Jenkinson and Chris Pitman in The Power of Three.

Martin Bush – Jewel Temple 1-23 September Meet the Artist Preview – Friday 1 September 6-8pm Artist in Residence at Royal William Yard in Plymouth for over twelve years Martin Bush began his artistic career producing murals and interior décor projects. A year living in Thailand in the late 1990s led to a shift

in focus and Martin discovered his passion for painting abstract works in oils and acrylics.

Artizan Gallery at the International Agatha Christie Festival 13-19 September As part of the 2017 festival, Artizan Gallery will be curating a modest open exhibition of works to be hosted at Torre Abbey. The exhibition will welcome artists of all disciplines to submit experimental and inventive work which supports the festival’s efforts to engage audiences with Christie’s life and legacy.

Cocktails & Conversation Tuesday 1 August 6.30pm, Guest Speaker Julian Summerhayes Thursday 31 August, Guest Speakers from The Tale Cocktails and Conversation will offer an exclusive evening preview of Artizan’s latest Exhibitions, accompanied by the legendary mixology and delicious food of Pier Point plus an inspiring talk. Tickets £15.

An Introduction to Creative Writing with Harula Ladd Mondays 7 August & 4 September Enjoy a monthly evening of creative writing with poet, writer and workshop facilitator Harula Ladd. The workshop offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the

Muddy Stilettos Awards

Artizan Gallery made the finals of the Muddy Devon awards organised by South West lifestyle blog Muddy Stilettos. The awards ran across 18 counties and offered a number of niche categories to help celebrate often overlooked independent and specialist businesses.

Artizan was one of many successful Torbay businesses to be nominated in the awards, sitting alongside the Princess Theatre, Wild Floral Designs and Torbay Bookshop, but after a hard-fought battle eventually finished second in the category for Devon’s Best Art Gallery.

Jacob Brandon and Julie Brandon englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Arts power of artistic expression across different forms, and is open to all. Time: 7.30-9pm, tickets £5. Contact harulaladd@yahoo.com

Stanza Extravaganza 21 August & 25 September Drop into one of Artizan’s monthly poetry nights with host Robert Garnham bringing you a fantastic line-up of headliners and local performers. Doors Open 7.15 pm Performance 7.45pm - 10 pm, tickets: £5 advance, £6 on the door. Performers £2.

Acoustic Night Monday 28 August Hosted by talented musician Robert Spence, but with the addition of a main set performed by visiting musicians both local and from a wider area. Doors open 7.15 pm, performance 7.45pm, tickets: £4 advance, £5 on the door.

Performers £2.

Acoustic Night with Harbottle and Jonas Monday 18 September Hosted by talented musician Robert Spence with a variety of local performers. Doors open 7pm, performance 7.30pm, tickets: £4 advance, £5 on the door. Performers £2.

All at: 7 Lucius Street, Torquay, TQ2 5NZ 01803 428626/07522 509642 artizan gallery.co.uk f artizangallery

Face2Face Summer Exhibition Torre Abbey On till 3 September This is an exhibition curated from the Arts Council Collection and includes renowned artists and radical works depicting alter egos, rebellion, sex, feminism, death and legend. Radical British artists like Sarah Lucas and Mark Wallinger will appear alongside the visionary works of Pre-Raphaelite artists such as William Blake and Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones.

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

The Tale, across Torbay 8-10, 15-17 & 22-24 September The Tale is a new type of arts event that will guide you on a journey of discovery around the coastal area of Torbay – from the streets of Torquay, through hidden englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

coves and historic harbours, to the quarry of Berry Head National Nature Reserve.

Along the way, you’ll encounter artworks and performances by artists of international acclaim, made especially for Torbay. Inspired by the ideas of writer Philip Hoare, whose boyhood experiences of Torbay shaped his future, The Tale offers the chance to experience the hidden stories, sounds and dreams of the Bay. Tickets via website, cost: £15-22.50, under 16s free.

Event starts from: Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG the-tale.co.uk

International Agatha Christie Festival, Torre Abbey 13-17 September This year’s festival line-up has been inspired by Agatha Christie’s archaeological memoir ‘Come, Tell Me How you Live’, published in 1946.

The account tells of the travels she made to Iraq and Syria in the 1930s with her husband, archaeologist Max Mallowan.

Festival highlights include talks, films, poetry, theatre, a golf-course whodunit and a weekend-long garden party.

In addition to the festival hub at Torre Abbey, events will also be taking place at Torquay Museum. A shuttle bus service runs daily from Torre Abbey to Greenway, Agatha Christie’s stunning riverside residence on the Dart. Other local venues will be presenting events, talks and activities over the festival week. Tickets via website.

Torre Abbey, The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE iacf-uk.org August/September 2017

61

Treading the boards Palace Theatre, Paignton Box Office 01803 665800 Editor’s pick Aladdin 3-31 August

Babbacombe Theatre Box Office 01803 328385 Editor’s pick Into the Shadows 2 September

Wonder Productions presents Aladdin, a magical panto full of eastern promise. Fasten your seat belts and take off on a magical carpet ride to Old Peking to meet Aladdin and his hard working mother and local laundress, Widow Twankey.

For those of us old enough to remember the legendary Shadows, this will be a big treat. Among their hits were Wonderful Land, Guitar Tango, Frightened City, Dance On, FBI, Atlantis and Man of Mystery, with their first number one hit Apache still recognised as being one of the most iconic instrumental records of all time.

Also worth seeing…

The Beach Boys Story 18 August Princess Theatre, Torquay Box Office 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick Elkie Brooks 7 September

Also worth seeing…

The Jerseys – Oh What a Nite! 12 August Tapestry starring Nikki Dee 22 September

Performing some of her classic hits, blues and jazz, an electric evening with Elkie Brroks, the British Queen of Blues, promises to be a very special evening out.

Also worth seeing…

Grease 21-26 August A Judgement in Stone 11-16 September

Into the Shadows

Brixham Theatre Box Office 01803 882717 Editor’s pick Project Performers present Peter Pan JR 8, 11 & 12 August Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie’s enchanting play, Disney’s Peter Pan JR is a modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn’t grow up. The score includes new arrangements of classic Disney songs and a story featuring one rousing adventure after another.

Little Theatre, Torquay Box Office 01803 299330 Editor’s pick A Bedfull of Foreigners 7-19 August Stanley and Brenda Parker are driving around France on their vacation when they find themselves in a village near the German border on the eve of a festival. They consider themselves lucky to find a hotel room. But this kind of luck no one would want to endure for long – lots of fun and comedy ensues! A TOADs season production.

Elkie Brooks

62

August/September 2017

Also worth seeing…

The Hollow 11 – 23 September

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Flavel Arts Centre Dartmouth Box Office 01803 839530 Editor’s pick ROH Live - The Magic Flute 20 September Mozart’s glorious opera The Magic Flute is brought enchantingly to life in David McVicar’s production with beautiful sets by John Macfarlane. Prince Tamino promises the Queen of the Night that he will rescue her daughter Pamina from the enchanter Sarastro. He begins his quest, accompanied by the bird-catcher Papageno – but all is not as it seems…

Also worth seeing…

NT Live - Yerma 31 August The Pirates of Penzance 30 September

Y OU

HIGH SCHOOL ROCKS Friday 11th August 11am + 3pm Tickets: £15, Senior/Child/Group £13

THE JERSEYS -

OH WHAT A NITE! Saturday 12th August 7.30pm Tickets: £18, Senior/Child/Group £15

THE DARKSIDE OF PINK FLOYD Friday 18th August 7.30pm Tickets: £18, Senior/Child/Group £16

THANK ABBA FOR THE MUSIC Friday 25th August 8pm Tickets: £19.50, Senior/Child £17.50

Open Air Theatre!

Wrap up warm for these outdoor performances...

COUNTRY SUPERSTARS EXPERIENCE Feat. The Tennessee Allstars Band Saturday 26th August 7.30pm Tickets: £22

INTO THE SHADOWS

Saturday 2nd September 8pm Tickets: £17, Senior/Child/Group £16

Cockington Court Box Office 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org Pride & Prejudice 28 August Enjoy Jane Austen’s classic tale of love and marriage presented

by Illyria Outdoor Theatre in the beautiful surroundings of Cockington Court’s country park.

DAVID HAMILTON’S

Rock’n’Roll Back the Years Saturday 9th September 7.30pm Tickets: £18, Senior/Child £17

EXPLOSIVE LIGHT ORCHESTRA Saturday 16th September 7.30pm Tickets: £18, Senior/Child £16

TAPESTRY starring Nikki Dee Friday 22nd September 7.30pm Tickets: £20, Senior/Child/Group £18

LOS ENDOS Ultimate Genesis

Greenway Box Office 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway The Secret Garden 13 August Heartbreak Productions version of the classic children’s tale ‘The Secret Garden’ demonstrates all that is good about friendship and promises to add a touch of magic to your summer’s evening. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Saturday 23rd September 7.30pm Tickets: £18, Senior/Child/Group £17

WANNABE -THE SPICE GIRLS SHOW Friday 30th September 7.30pm Tickets: £18, Senior/Child/Group £16

£2 booking fee - NO CREDIT CARD CHARGES APPLIED

Box Office (01803) 328385

August/September 2017

63

for all!

Every Saturday at 9am, up to 400 runners assemble at Clennon Valley to take part in the Torbay Velopark parkrun. They’re joining in with runners in 1,169 locations in 15 countries around the world. Julian Rees meets the team and gives it a go.

I

arrive at Clennon Valley at 8.30am, just in time to catch parkrun Events Director Stephen Wilbraham and Run Director Simon Gilboy for a quick chat before things get busy. Stephen is running today in what will be his 49th parkrun whilst Simon takes his turn at briefing and starting the run.

Stephen and Simon fill me in on the details. The run (or jog, or walk) is 5km which takes in two laps of the Velopark circuit and then a lap around Clennon field to finish back at the Velopark. The circuit is more or less flat and is a mixture of tarmac, gravel and grass surface.

There are no paid staff, the whole event is run by a team of volunteers, usually between 20 and 30 people, most who run when they’re not on the rosta. Everyone who runs is registered at the parkrun website and has a unique barcode. At the end of the run your barcode is scanned

as you cross the line and your time delivered via email several hours later. The results show others in your age bracket so you can see how your doing locally and also how you compare to the global parkrun community!

Since the start there has been over 200 runners every week and the mix is very clear to see. I see entire families, parents running behind buggies, young and old, large and small, all with their own motivations from seasoned athletes looking to improve on their personal bests to people making first attempts at fitness.

So how did I do? I’ve done 4 runs now, my target for week one was under thirty minutes (which seemed an average time for my age group) and I just made it. Since then I’ve shaved a couple of minutes off to do 27:33.

Next stop 24 minutes by end of the year! o parkrun.org.uk/torbayvelopark

It takes a big team of volunteers to run the event.

64

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Give It A Go - Park Run Events Director Stephen Willbraham, veteran of 50 parkruns!

Facts & Figures Worldwide: Number of worldwide events162,928 Number of runners running 2,358,703 Total time run worldwide by parkrun runners 1,456 yrs 123 days 9 hrs 43 mins Number of runs to date 25,828,904 Volunteers worldwide 280,303 Total distance run worldwide126,116,719km Number of parks1,169

Simon Toms, Simon Ridley and

Susan Lyle

Torbay: Number of events: 27 Number of runners: 2,139 Number of runs: 6,504 Number of first finishers: 37 Number of clubs: 197 Number of Personal Bests: 1,851 Average number of runners per week: 240.9 Average number of runs per runner: 3.0 Biggest Attendance: 396 Average run time: 00:29:30 Total hours run: 0 yrs 133 days 6 hrs 12 min Total distance run: 32,520km Female record holder: Naomi Rebecca Flanagan - 19:07 Male record holder: David Awde - 15:36 Run Director Simon Gilboy gets things underway!

Kat, Poppy, Scott and Archie Bas

tin

John Drennan (50th run), Rod Pay Lucy Payne and Brenda Grant ne,

Get involved...

Runners: Park Run takes place every Saturday at 9am, arrive 15 mins early for the race briefing. Sign up at parkrun.org.uk. Complete the simple registration form and receive your barcode - remember without the barcode your time cannot be registered. Registration and the run are FREE! Volunteers: Email torbayveloparkhelpers@parkrun.com if you’d like to get involved. Many people volunteer and run, alternating each week!

Jeremy Wells and Bettina Schram m from Hamburg, Germany englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

65

MY FEAR OF FLYING...

Grace Jeyes tries to overcome her long-term fear of flying by attending a one-to-one Fear of Flying course at Chudleigh’s Virtual Jet Centre. She tells us how she gets on.

66

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Out & About

D

So we begin. The nature of my job means that it’s ry mouth, churning stomach and a sense usually me asking the questions and being on the of impending doom. These probably sound receiving end feels weird and uncomfortable at first. familiar to those who suffer from aviophobia, or Andy reassures me and says I’ll get the most out of it fear of flying. It affects 1 in 6 people and is certainly how I feel before embarking on what is supposed to be a lovely the more I open up. The idea is to get to the nitty-gritty of where and why the phobia has formed. Whilst Andy relaxing holiday, the feeling of horror creeping in before I doesn’t have any psychology qualifications, he’s always even get on the plane. kept up to date on the latest information and is well I have travelled extensively since childhood with no informed in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and problem at all but as I became older everything changed. neuro linguistic programming (NLP). He really has a gift Will the engines explode on take off? Will there be a bird for asking the right questions and listening/ interpreting strike? Is plane going to plummet out of the sky when it what you’re trying to say. Before I know it words and hits turbulence? What was that funny noise? Why are we emotions are pouring out. We talk about my childhood, slowing down? Did the pilot remember to put the wheels where my need for control stems from and why I have down? Will terrorists hijack us? Whilst I know all these developed this fear. It starts to feel like I’m just talking things are completely irrational, the lack of control I feel, to a friend. Andy then asks me to describe what I fear helpless in a metal tube and at the mercy of someone else the most. When I describe my symptoms I feel like I’m is overwhelming. talking about someone else. I’m such a rational person I now have a child and don’t want him picking up and saying the words out loud feels on my nervous-wreck state and Whilst I know all these things stupid. I learn that ‘every human unwillingly give him a fear of are completely irrational, the being is born with an innate fear of flying. Luckily for me there lack of control I feel, helpless in a falling’ and I start to feel less silly. actually is a solution that can put true control back into my hands, a metal tube and at the mercy of Whilst statistics have never helped Fear of Flying course. someone else is overwhelming. me before, somehow hearing them from a captain helps and I hear I arrive at the Virtual Jet Centre lots that I didn’t know before. For example, the last crash in Chudleigh at 9.45am for a 10am start. I’ve been told in the UK happened in 1989. I am extremely surprised as to wear trousers, as we’ll be going in the flight simulator.

Laura, Office Manager and Andy the Captain, who will I learn about aviation’s incredible safety record.

Andy points to a door and asks me to go in. As I be running the course, greet me. They are both incredibly enter my heart starts beating faster and a veiled layer of welcoming and I instantly start to relax. Andy takes me anxiety sets in. I find myself in the cabin of an aircraft and upstairs to a spacious room and we sit on a comfy leather have been asked to sit in the seat I would find the most sofa. It all feels very informal. He tells me what to expect uncomfortable. It’s a window seat at the back, all cramped from our session. It will be divided into three parts and and penned in. The purpose is to compare how I feel now the first one seems a little odd; a whole hour just to talk to how I feel after our session in the simulator. about me. The second hour will be in the simulator As I leave the cabin I start to feel dread. Am I really actually flying the plane from Heathrow to Manchester about to climb into a cockpit and actually fly a plane? and the third hour will be discussing coping mechanisms.

I reassure myself that it won’t be realistic but once we Andy was a pilot for over 30 years with Thomson. round the corner I realise I am woefully incorrect. The His passion for helping people with this type of phobia simulator is so realistic that I feel sick. Andy asks me to actually started 39 years ago when a colleague was climb into the co-pilot’s seat and says I will be flying the in a desperate situation with his wife who refused to plane myself. fly because she was so crippled with fear. He worked As I lower myself into the sheepskin chair I am with them both and apparently ‘saved their marriage’. surprised at how comfy it is. The screen is looking out Having always had a keen interest in the human mind over a runway and there are thousands of little knobs and people in general, the simulation centre felt like a and buttons. As Andy climbs in beside me I start to feel logical step after retirement and something he could feel calmer. Yes, I’m apprehensive but I’m the one flying the passionate about. Andy has now transformed the lives of plane, which means I’m in control. over 180 people.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

67

honest on time ABSOLUTELY THRILLED

competitive RESPECTFUL

tidy

HARD WORKING

PROFESSIONAL pleased LISTENED TRANSFORMED a real credit recommended friendly

within budget

NO HIDDEN COSTS

...just a few words from our customers*

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

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

Pick Up A Copy!

Our very own distribution teams personally deliver 15,000 copies of English Riviera Magazine, if you don’t receive one in your area pick one up at one of the following outlets:

Torbay Bookshop

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

Paignton Road, Stoke Gabriel TQ6 6RD

Haddon Galleries

Broadpark Post Office

DIRECT TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES

Cherrybrook Square, Hookhills, Paignton TQ4 7LY

111 Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1DS

Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT

Marldon Cross Hill, Marldon TQ3 1NE

Station Lane, Paignton TQ4 5AR

Ilsham Rd, Torquay TQ1 2JG

Broadsands Road, Paignton TQ4 6LL

Fore Street, St Marychurch TQ1 4PR

Market Street, Brixham TQ5 8EU

August/September 2017

Fabulous Festivals

Pirates, Motorbikes Food & Drink

English Riviera Magazine for Residents

by Residents DELIVERED

337 Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2EP

St Marychurch Post Office

Celebrate

Carolyn Custerson

133 Marldon Road, Paignton TQ3 3NL

Wellswood Place Post Office

Torbay Guild of Artists

A Bright Future For Tourism

24 Walnut Road, Torquay TQ2 6HS

Marldon Newsagents & Post Office

Smugglers!

Give It A Go! SPINNING & TABLE TENNIS

125 Newton Road, Torquay TQ2 7AJ

Preston Down Road Post Office

68

Stoke Gabriel Stores

19/20 The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW

Preston Post Office

45 Years On

Watch the wall and let the gentlemen pass by...

18 Roundhill Road, Livermead TQ2 6TH

Chelston Post Office & Newsagents

Golden Vanity

Delightful EASTER & SPRING EVENTS

Peter Newbery-Thornton and his Devon Darlin’

6/7 Victoria Parade,Torquay TQ1 2BB

Hobb Nobs

magazine

103

Churston Traditional Farm Shop Dartmouth Road, nr Brixham TQ1 2AF

People Events Arts

April/May 2017

Stoke Gabriel Road, Galmpton TQ5 0NH

7 Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 3DU

Kingswear Post Office

Walks Local Food Heritage Nature

EnglishRiviera

EE

5-6 The Strand, Torquay TQ1 2DF

Galmpton Post Office

FR

Hoopers

THROUGHOUT THE BAY

Lowes Bridge Post Office Marldon Hill Post Office Cherrybrook News Torquay Library

Paignton Library

Churston Library Brixham Library

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Out & About We get ready for take off. I’m asked to move the throttle gently forwards and we start hurtling down the runway.

The sounds, movement and even the weight of the plane are very realistic and you genuinely feel the speed. The throttle is now fuller forward and I lift the plane off the ground and into the sky. Woah! The ground is becoming tiny and although there are a few bumps I’m starting to feel calm. I adjust the flaps, which makes a funny noise and turn the plane towards Manchester. Another fact I discover is that the plane cannot tilt at more than a 30-degree angle.

Even if you tried, the system wouldn’t let you. So often I have felt like the plane is going to flip over when it’s changing direction but now I know better.

Andy starts to explain to me the science behind turbulence and how pilots perform much better when they have something to do. The higher their workload the better their performance so bad weather should be something you hope for.

He says, “It only takes a difference of 1 degree centigrade to create turbulence and half the time we just put on the seatbelt sign to stop people from wandering up and down the aisle.” Andy admits a few more tricks of the trade to me, which I shan’t divulge!

We also discuss how they test planes and I discover a plane is designed to be able to take a lightning strike and that the wings can flex 15ft each way. To test an engine, it has to be able to withstand a frozen turkey being chucked through. Armed with these facts I realise my fear came from lack of information and my need to control a situation that I just didn’t understand. Now that I’m causing all the little noises and learning what they mean, it doesn’t seem scary at all.

Andy tells me about lessons learnt from any crash in modern history. After any incident changes and improvements will be made the very next day, so flying is even safer now then it was only a year ago. He says it’s all about changing the way you think and the habits your brain has formed. You can get told statistics until you’re ‘blue in the face’ but coupling it with the real experience of flying yourself will properly form new brain signals. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

We are approaching the landing strip after descending from 35,000ft. After all the checks, I lower the landing gear and we come to a smooth landing. I’m told that in real life it may be either an automated or a manual landing but the process is almost exactly the same. Once we have taxied onto the apron we stop and discuss the experience. I discover that planes are serviced every single day, with a major check every 6 months. Because of the frequent changes and parts that get replaced, an aircraft is practically new even after 20 years. Imagine our cars going through such strict safety measures!

I find that I was really worried over nothing and it was actually quite a fun experience. Andy takes me back into the cabin to sit in the most uncomfortable seat and I feel completely normal.

The last stage is for me to learn some coping strategies. We cover how to avoid panic attacks, how to bring humour into your thoughts, breathing exercises and yet more interesting facts.

Andy explains that taking a course like this is very different from others on the market because it’s always one-on-one and comes with support for life. He gives me his mobile number and tells me to call any time.

I am now writing having just completed my first post-course flight from Heathrow to Gothenburg. I am astounded to report that I may very well be cured. Being a naturally cynical person, I ‘flat out’ did not believe such a transformation could take place but I can honestly say I now feel completely different. As I first stepped on my latest flight, a wave of panic came over me, which I think was just my body’s natural response because the habit has been there so long. But as soon as I stopped and remembered everything on the course, I calmed down.

As we took off I read the notes Andy had given me and remembered what all the funny plane noises were. I even started hoping for turbulence to test my new bravery!

This course may have changed my life. Having a fear as I did was completely debilitating, particularly as I travel so much. The course costs £360 but is well worth saving up for. o virtualjetcentre.co.uk August/September 2017

69

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

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

Open 7 days a week with ample free parking hing for Everyone!

Summer BBQs - Visit Our Butcher • Picnics - Our Fresh Deli Has Somet FIND US just before the Go Karts Dartmouth Road, nr Brixham TQ5 0LL FIND OUT MORE 01803 845837 churstontraditionalfarmshop.org.uk

STAIRLIFTS

NEW from £1350 RECONDITIONED from £849 RENTAL from £55 per month

Call: 01803 678073

www.suttonsstairlifts.co.uk 70

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

A Perfect Late Summer Day...

Gardening

Lis Wallace of Dobies of Devon muses on late summer pottering in the garden.

Let’s hope for a warm late summer when we can throw open doors and windows, uniting the house and garden.

This is the time to really enjoy our gardens, wandering around watering, deadheading faded blooms and cutting fresh ones to fill vases. Plus, there’s all that eating to do of home-grown salad leaves, tomatoes, courgettes, beans and more.

The few jobs that need doing include: • Pruning your wisteria in August will not only tidy it up but will also divert its energy from producing tendrils to producing flower buds for next year.

• Rambling roses that have finished flowering can now be pruned.

• Continue picking sweet peas and removing any seed heads. Also mulch, feed and water. They’ll be finished all too soon.

• Mow the lawn regularly. However bees will be busy foraging so leaving clover to flower will help them enormously.

• Keep an eye on the level of water in your pond and top up from the hose when necessary. This will also help to oxygenate the water.

• Water, feed, deadhead. Water, feed, deadhead. Repeat.

Tomato Tips This is the time of year when we veg growers get to eat what we’ve sown and grown. Tomatoes are one of the easiest and most rewarding of crops.

• Pick your tomatoes regularly to keep the plant fruiting.

• It’s best to pick in the late afternoon when the sugar content will be at its highest.

• Tomatoes will continue to develop flavour for a few days after having been picked but put them in the fridge and this will kill off the taste. Instead keep in a bowl at room temperature.

• If you have a glut of tomatoes then freeze them whole in a bag. Perfect for stews and sauces for pasta or pizza.

• Adding a pinch of sea salt to salad tomatoes will bring out even more flavour.

• Green tomatoes make wonderful chutney or maybe try frying them. Fried green tomatoes must be good – they named a film after them!

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

August/September 71 August/September 2017 2017 71

Take in an outdoor theatre Add some colour to performance at Greenway your weekend this this summer

autumn at Gibside

'The Secret Garden' on Sunday 13 August, �.30�8.30��. Adult �14, child �10, fa�ily �42 Why not bring along a picnic and some low backed seating, and settle down for this outdoor theatre Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest performance

by Heartbreak in the teeming with wildlife and autumnProductions colours, with walking Walled Garden? routes for all ages and abilities.

Call 01803 842382 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway to book When you donate, or joinTrust, theyour National When you visit,visit, donate, volunteervolunteer or join the National support helps to look after special <in the region> <like Trust, yourussu��ort hel�s usplaces to look after s�ecial property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. �laces for ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Photography © National Trust Images\David Images.

Levenson.

#nationaltrust #nationaltrust

greycarscoaches

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

www.greycars.com

01626 833038 bookings@greycars.com

Daneheath Business Park, Heathfield, Newton Abbot TQ12 6TL

DAY TRIPS

Monday 31st July Friday 4th August Thursday 10th August Monday 14th August Friday 18th August Thursday 24th August

72

HOLIDAY AT HOME – 5 DIFFERENT DAY TRIPS OUT £75 BRITISH FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIPS PLYMOUTH £15 FORDE ABBEY £32 inc guided tour ROSEMOOR FLOWER SHOW £30 inc BEER & SIDMOUTH £21

August/September 2017

SHORT BREAKS

Mon 18 - Fri 22 September 2017 CHARTWELL, CANTERBURY & THE KENT COAST £395 per person (based on 2 sharing)

Thur 30 November - Monday 4 December 2017 YORK CHRISTMAS MARKET & CASTLE HOWARD £389 per person (based on 2 sharing)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Gardening

Summer Horticultural Shows It’s time to polish up those prize cups and to take a stroll round the garden, schedule in hand, deciding what classes to enter this year. If you are a show organiser then do contact us for details of the Dobies’ Show Pack. Everything you will need is included with on-the-day administration reduced to a minimum.

Spring Bulbs “Spring? Let’s have summer first!” I hear you cry!

But as you know gardening is all about planning ahead. If you want colour next spring then now is the time to act. The Dobies Autumn catalogue is available now, 72-pages of spring bulbs and plants plus a wide range of autumn veg. If you haven’t already received your free copy then let us know and we’ll send one to you.

Water, water everywhere!

• Water early or late in the day, never in the middle.

Evening is best as the plants will have until the next morning to absorb the water.

• Always water thoroughly. A good soaking down to the roots every few days is better for your plants than just teasing them with a small amount every day.

• Plants in containers will need more water than those planted direct in the garden.

• In very dry weather avoid disturbing the soil around plants as hoeing or weeding will make it lose any moisture it still holds. A great excuse not to weed!

Diar y Dates

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

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

13th September - “Growing Veg in Small Spaces” with Sally Nex. The talk is about how to grow fruit, vegetables & herbs in the smallest of places.

27th September - “Echinacea & Rudbeckia” with Martin Young. Martin is a specialist nurseryman particularly interested in growing plants for bees and butterflies.

August/September 2017

73

Agatha Christie Festival Launch Torre Abbey played host to the launch event for the forthcoming Agatha Chrisite festival.

Mathew Prichard (Agatha Christieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandson) and Belinda Smith.

John & Jenny Risdon and James Tyson (Festival Director)

Debbie Hyde, Heather Soderlind and David Durant

Julie Brandon, Kevin Dixon and Kate Farmery

Jade Campbell, Paul Woolnough and Kate Richardson

Matt Newberry, Ali Marshall and Basil Greenwood

Mischa Eligoloff and Cllr Nicol Amil

74

August/September 2017

Carl Smith and Carmen de Silva

Paul Hawthorne, Tina Crowson, Fran Hughes and Nick Powe

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Rowcroft Reception

Social Diary

Rowcroft Hospice held a reception with over 60 local companies, community groups and individuals in attendance. A year on from their funding crisis, the charity’s urgent appeal has exceeded its £585,000 target and the event was designed to build confidence in Rowcroft’s future and seek ongoing support to protect the future of this vital local service.

Mark Hawkins (Rowcroft CEO) and Robin Barlow (Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon)

Judith Fitzgerald and Jon Hill (Rowcroft Finance and Commercial Director)

Celia and Trevor Bartlett (Blue Sea Food Company) and centre, Dr Richard Ward (Trustee)

Cathryn Edwards (Chair of Trustees), Alex Janzen (Trustee) and Lecia Foston

Cllr Liz Roberts and Helen Dee (Helen Dee Interior Design)

Rowcroft’s New Boutique Rowcroft’s new boutique shop in Lower Street, Dartmouth, is now open making a total of 16 of the hospice’s popular shops across South Devon.

An exclusive preview evening was held for invited guests.

Amy Nichols, Harold Howarth, Leigh Hanley, Caroline Wannell

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Kate Ryder and Dr George Walker

Nick Walker, Charlotte Savege and Leigh Hanley

August/September 2017

75

Torre Abbey Museum Face2Face Private View Guests were invited to Torre Abbey to view the new Face2Face exhibition that features works from over a dozen contemporary artists from the Arts Council collection. The artworks are displayed throughout the Abbey amongst the exisiting fine art collection.

Beth Hughes, Curator Arts Council Collection

Ali Gibbings and Mandy Guy.

Angela Capello and Cllr Nicole Amil

Cllr Nicole Amil, Linda Goss, Fran Hughes, and Aaron & Shirley Hopkinson

Kate Farmery and Tanny Stobart

Gaynor Edwards and Ava Galli

Julian Rees and Sarah Lawler

Rachel Farrell and Vicky Walker Phil Black, Natalie Palin, Nikki Passmore and Rupert Davies

Ash Silva and Dylan Bollingbroke

76

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Ways With Words Launch Party

Social Diary

Ways With Words Festival held a launch party in the Private Garden at Dartington Hall. About 100 people attended including many writers, the Festival Directors and the Festival President.

Barbara Gardner and Dr.Richard Ryder

Kay Dunbar (Festival Director), Hugh Treseder, Jill Treseder, Brenda Wynn and Steven Bristow (Festival Director)

Wendy Reid and Sue Holmes

Maggie Hattersley, The Rt.Hon. the Lord Hattersley (President), Shannon Fairchild and Tom Randell Nicola Edgcombe, Sarah Martin (Bartons Solicitors), Dr Sarah Wollaston MP, Mandy Potter, Louise Vigus, Hannah Vigus (Bartons Solicitors) and Kay Dunbar (Festival Director)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Angela Brassley and Caroline Wilson Lorna & Peter Ellis and Sarah Orme

August/September 2017

77

THE LAND OF

SALTY SHEEP Lovers of knitting rejoice! A brand new, locally produced artisan wool called Salty Sheep has just been launched using fleeces from one of the oldest breeds of native sheep, the Dorset Down reared by Waddeton Barton Farm near Brixham. Anita Newcombe meets the flock.

I

am heading over to Waddeton Barton Farm, which has been in the Tully family for over 60 years. It’s strange to be on the bustling Brixham Road one minute and then a few minutes later to be quite in the countryside. I’m meeting Sandy Richards, the owner of Brixham Sewing Box, who purchased 20 fleeces from the Tully’s flock in May and has created beautiful knitting wool with a pedigree provenance.

We are joined by Jean and Richard Tully whose Dorset Down flock numbers around 100. They also produce a commercial herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle and farm 100 acres of arable land producing wheat, barley and oats. We all stroll into the field nearest to their farmhouse and, one by one, the bolder sheep amble up to see what’s going on.

I want to photograph the sheep and am introduced to Lucky who is extra-friendly and super-calm having been hand-reared. In spite of the absolute cliche of working with children and animals, I wonder (slightly hesitantly) whether Lucky might care to try on a rather fetching hand-knitted scarf that Sandy has brought along using the very first batch of the fabulous new artisan wool – Salty Sheep. “No problem” says Richard and with impressive and saintly good nature, Sandy, Jean and Richard all pose with Lucky so I can get the shots I want.

Back in the farmhouse for a nice cup of tea, I hear that some yarns are sourced well beyond the UK even though

they are labelled artisan. In truth the artisan label is often only about the dyes. Sandy tells me that traceable provenance is very important to many of her customers – they want to know that it’s a safe and ethical source and that the animals are well treated. Others just want to be able to create knitted items for friends and family that truly come from Brixham. She explains, “It’s actually quite difficult to find gifts that are truly representative of Brixham. Many people, including recent arrivals, are very proud of where they live and want ‘properly local’ items.”

Sandy tells me that lots of yarn sold by wholesalers is spun in Turkey and blended with acrylic, cotton or nylon. It then has the bands put on in the UK and can be sold as a UK product. She says, “In the past when customers asked me about the provenance of the wool I was selling, I could only point to the label. Now I can offer an absolute assurance that the wool comes from Waddeton Barton Farm where shearing takes place every May and is then processed and spun in the West Country. We label it ourselves and it’s good to know the very flock that supplied it.” The Tullys and Sandy have been friends for many years so it’s the perfect arrangement with Sandy visiting often.

Shearlings are last year’s lambs and are being shorn for the very first time hence their wool is extra soft. Sandy makes sure that there is a good mix of shearling wool in

Richard Tully, Sandy Richards and Jean Tully

78

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Riviera Crafts each batch so the final product is as soft as it can be. All the rest of the Tully’s wool goes straight into the mix at the British Wool Marketing Board so Brixham Sewing Box is the sole supplier of pure Waddeton Barton wool.

Sandy came up with the name Salty Sheep one day after musing over the fact that the flock live close to the seaside.

The name sounded so good that she couldn’t believe that it wasn’t already in use and immediately set out to check.

Happily it wasn’t although there was an anxious 2-month wait whilst her application was advertised for possible objections. She was in luck – the name was available and now Sandy has trademarked Salty Sheep for use in yarns and textiles plus soft furnishings and clothing.

Next came the simple but stylish branding – a little hand-drawn sheep entwined with an anchor became the logo. Sandy is offering 6 lovely, soft colours with the sweetest names likes Periwinkle, Oyster and Seagrass.

She tells me, “We wanted the colours to be unique to us

so we chose them from things we love.” These included colours similar to pebbles that you would find on the beach. All the colouring is organic and the wool is dyed at the same West Country place it is spun. She is also stocking some undyed wool so that people can colour it to their own favourite shade. She’s knitted some samples (hence Lucky and his woolly scarf. I did manage to get it back for Sandy after the photo opportunity – I didn’t think he needed it really).

Sandy’s customers were already asking for the Salty Sheep wool before it went on sale and one customer who managed to persuade her to release an early supply, has already made a stunning piece of knitwear in the signature Salty Sheep colours. Keen knitters will be happy to hear that Salty Sheep wool is now on sale and costs £13.99 per 100g ball of double knit yarn.o brixhamsewingbox.co.uk waddetonbartonfarm.co.uk saltysheep.co.uk

Salty Sheep Stories

The Tully’s flock loves cake – no particular type – a blended mix.

Waddeton Barton Farm has reared Dorset Down sheep since 2007.

When Jean appears with the bucket, they all storm up to see what’s on offer.

Dorset Downs are known as “the king of the lamb breed”.

Shearing takes place every May. This year Sandy took 20 fleeces (“you’d be amazed by how many sacks that fills!”) englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2017

79

BusinessBreaks...

Jazz Hands at the Palace

Photo: Joe Makepeace

Paignton’s treasured Palace Theatre, which was constructed back in 1890, may be getting a new lease of life thanks to two local professionals Maureen McAllister and Deirdre Makepeace. Talks are underway to raise the curtains on a new future for Paignton’s 107 year-old theatre following Torbay Council’s decision to work with a new Community Interest Company (CIC). Formal discussions between the parties involved have commenced with the target of having a robust forward plan in place

by October. The CIC to be known as Jazz Hands, will be led by Maureen McAllister and Deirdre Makepeace, who have significant business, tourism and arts experience.

Maureen McAllister, currently temporary manager at the Palace Theatre said, “We’re both extremely passionate about breathing new life into the Palace Theatre and our aim is to build a vibrant offer for local people and visitors alike.” Torbay Council will be working through all elements of the contract over the next three months to ensure an effective transfer that helps to keep a thriving theatre in Paignton. o

as a trainee quantity surveyor at Persimmon Homes. He said, “Training and apprenticeships are so important in giving you a solid foundation.

I know that being a trainee gave me a great overview of the company and I’m eager to help others develop by giving them similar opportunities to progress their careers in our industry.” o

Graphic Controls Chooses the Bay

Torbay Council is investing £6.5m in a construction project that will see a 64,500ft² factory built for Graphic Controls Ltd. The investment will enable local developers Midas Commercial Developments Ltd to develop further land at Torbay Business Park, Whiterock in Paignton to provide a new home for the Japanese owned business. Graphic Controls is a global corporation with manufacturing operations and sales offices in the USA, Canada, Europe and the UK. They ship to over 60,000 customers in over 80 countries worldwide. With over 100 years of manufacturing expertise, the company is a leading supplier of consumable products for industrial, medical and gaming markets. Graphic Controls have been looking for modern, improved production facilities as an alternative to their current production facilities at Baltic Wharf in Totnes where they have been based for

New MD for Linden Homes Linden Homes, the company behind the White Rock Development in Paignton, has appointed Bradley Davison as its new managing director to head up the southwest region. With over 28 years’ housebuilding experience, Bradley comes to Linden Homes from Taylor Wimpey where he was commercial director. He has extensive knowledge of the property industry having also worked for other national companies: Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Persimmon Homes. Bradley started his career

80

August/September 2017

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

BusinessBreaks...

... the past 15 years. Without the Torbay option they may have left Devon altogether. Construction will commence in July 2017 with Graphic Controls moving into the new building in May next year. o

Fourth Generation Cavanna More than 90 years after Philip Cavanna started the homebuilding business, which bears his name, members of the fourth generation of the Cavanna family are joining the business. The firm was founded in 1923 when master plasterer Philip – also known as PD – arrived in Paignton with his younger brother Ray to start a business using the family savings. Although Ray was to later set up on his own, it soon became clear that Cavanna Homes was to remain a family business. By the early 1950s, PD had been joined by three sons and a son-in-law, and in the 1970s and 1980s, a third generation of the family came on board, including Jeremy, Jonathan and Martin Cavanna who are still at the helm today. The fourth generation of the Cavanna family include Mike Cavanna and Ben Rowntree (married to 4th generation Sarah). Jonathan Cavanna said, “Members of our family have been building homes for people in the South West for the best part of a century, and we’re very proud of our roots.” o

Networking Directory

Get involved with Torbay business!

Torbay Business Forum First Tuesday of every month 7.30am RICC Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ Contact: Angela George 07717 316641 info@torbaybusinessforum.org.uk torbaybusinessforum.org.uk @TorbayBusiness Torbay Business Network Last Friday of every month 7.30am Pierpoint Restaurant Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5HA Contact: Anthony Blackaby 01803 299935 events@torbaybusinessnetwork.co.uk @TorbayBizNet SOS Club Second Tuesday of every month 7.30am Livings Coasts Harbourside, Torquay TQ1 2BG Contact: Jenny Paton 01803 697509 Jenny.Paton@paigntonzoo.org.uk

David Bone and Michael Hughes (Chairman of Volunteer Drivers)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Breakfast Networking Club Torbay Every other Tuesday 7.15am The Grand Hotel The Sea Front, Torquay TQ2 6NT Contact: Andy Coleman 07830 150615 andy@deatorbay.co.uk @BNC_torbay

August/September 2017

81

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

Your life: Your medical treatment

Every mentally competent adult has the right to choose whether to accept or refuse medical treatment, even if the consequences of a refusal may risk permanent injury or even death. Nobody can force a mentally competent adult to have treatment against their will.

What happens if you are unable to make a treatment decision, because you lack the mental competency to do so. You may have suffered a stroke or be unconscious after a road traffic accident. You can’t communicate, so who makes that decision for you?

In those circumstances, the health care professional treating you will decide whether to treat or not. The decision ultimately lies with them. Your family, partner or spouse has no legal right to make that decision or to insist on your treatment or to give your refusal to treatment unless you have given them express permission to do so, in the form of either an Advance Directive or a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare.

It is an absolute misconception that your loved ones can make that decision. The sorts of cases that you might read about in the press are those very cases where no person has been legally appointed to make the decision, and there is a dispute between the healthcare professionals and the family/loved ones about treatment. The healthcare professionals will generally seek an order from the Court of Protection as to whether a specific treatment or withdrawal of treatment is lawful.

In addition, there are some treatments and situations where the healthcare professionals must make an application to the Court of Protection. These are for ‘serious’ medical treatment and an explanation of the sorts of treatment this covers is contained in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice.

Consider a situation where you are suffering from dementia and in the final stages of a terminal illness, and you have a heart attack at home. An ambulance is called by a neighbour.

Before you became ill, you made it clear to your children that if anything happens to you, and you are unlikely to be able to recover sufficiently to enjoy a good standard of living, you do not want to be treated. The paramedics arrive and find you on the floor. The neighbour is still there, but she only moved in a week ago, and does not know anything about you

or your wishes and feelings. The medics must act quickly, and they start to perform CPR and get your heart started again.

However, you now have broken ribs and a collapsed lung, need help with breathing and the likelihood of another heart attack is high. You remain unconscious and your life expectancy and quality of life are very poor.

This could have been so different if you had got legal advice at the time you discussed the matter with your children. Since the Mental Capacity Act 2005 came into force in October 2007, it has been possible for individuals to self-determine their treatment, or rather their refusal to be treated in the case of an Advance Decision (AD) or, to appoint someone to make health and welfare decisions, including refusing life-sustaining treatment under a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare (LPAHW).

These are legal documents, and if they are valid and applicable to the circumstances in which the individual finds him or herself, they are legally binding. An advance decision to refuse a particular treatment if valid and applicable can not be overruled, and the medic acting in accordance with those decisions cannot incur liability for the consequences. What better way to ensure that you have the last word about your medical care and treatment? Get legal advice. Speak to a member of the Later Life Team at Wollen Michelmore today.

If you have any queries arising from this article contact me by telephone 01803 213251 or by email: katrina.vollentine@wollenmichelmore.co.uk

Katrina Vollentine Head of Later Life Team @wmlegal Wollenmichelmore

Wollen Michelmore SOLICITORS TORQUAY NEWTON ABBOT 01803 213251 01626 332266

Regional Law Firm of the year South West

DARTMOUTH 01803 832191

BARNSTAPLE 01271 342268

BIDEFORD 01237 478751

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