English Riviera Magazine August/September 2014

Walks

Local Food

Heritage

Nature

People

Events

Arts

FR

EnglishRiviera

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August/September 2014

ROYAL REGATTAS

Torbay&

Dartmouth

New!

AGATHA CHRISTIE FESTIVAL HUB AT TORRE ABBEY BRIXHAM & THE GREAT WAR PROJECT Theatre Round Up

magazine

101 SUPER SUMMER EVENTS

Greenway and the National Trust

- meet Belinda Smith

PLUS AL FRESCO PERFORMANCES

Give it a Go!

SEA

ANGLING

PILOTING HELICOPTERS

Torquay’s Ian Payne

A CAREER IN MOTORSPORT

Babbacombe’s Chris Wheeler

Proper ty Education Business Social Diar y Competitions

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TORQUAY HARBOURSIDE

livingcoasts.org.uk 0844 474 3366 /9& 2QODQG'HHSVHD [ DG LQGG

About us...

Created and Published By Devon Magazine Company Limited Anita Newcombe anita@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01803 850886 Julian Rees julian@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone 01803 842893 Mobile: 07455 206470 Advertising sales sales@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Advertising Copy copy@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Editorial editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Website englishrivieramagazine.co.uk facebook.com/englishrivieramagazine

ISSN (Print) 2052-8515 ISSN (Online) 2052-8523 Next issue 1 October

Proudly Printed in Devon Write to us at: ENGLISH RIVIERA MAGAZINE 69 DAVIES AVENUE PAIGNTON DEVON TQ4 7AW

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

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

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…to issue seven and we are now well into our second year! Our first year has been a delight with lots of positive and enthusiastic feedback from readers about the quality and content of the magazine.

We have had to print lots more copies to keep up with the demand and are delivering to more homes throughout the English Riviera. We also now offer a bigger range of local stockists (see P52) so you can pick a copy up if you need an extra one for a friend or relative.

As we are writing this, the English Riviera is sweltering under what must be the best summer so far for many years.

Residents have been out and about, enjoying our coast path and beaches or simply sunning themselves in their gardens.

To tempt you into action, we bring you a bumper roundup of 101 local events including the lowdown on both Torbay and Dartmouth Royal Regattas, offering unmissable fun and excitement in August.

Then in September, we suggest that you experience at least one Hub and one Fringe event at the new International Agatha Christie Festival based at Torre Abbey. Christie fans will be agog when author Sophie Hannah launches the first ever brand-new Poirot continuation novel on 14 September.

This issue, we meet some really interesting residents: Ian Payne with his red helicopters, Belinda Smith with her Poirot connections and Chris Wheeler with his very fast rally cars.

And don’t miss the story of what happened when we gave Sea Angling a go and braved the waves outside the Bay! As always, we hope that this issue enables you to have fun locally this summer. Please keep sending us your news, your photos and your feature ideas to editorial@ englishrivieramagazine.co.uk and do chat to us on Twitter and Facebook. We love parties, exhibitions and all kinds of events, so don’t forget to invite us along if you’d like your event featured in the next issue.

Happy reading and stay local this summer!

U

U

@EngRivieraMag facebook.com/ englishriveramag

We’d love to hear from you!

August/September 2014

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Contents 37

Property

10 Captain Ian Payne

39

Education

14 My Office On The Dart

40

Torquay’s Driving Force

18 Agatha Christie Festival

43

23 Torbay Royal Regatta

54

27 Dartmouth Royal Regatta

57

30 The Great War Project

58

32 Walk

65

Business Breaks

34 Give it a Go!

66

The Briefing

6

Openers

Local news snippets

A most important pilot

Belinda Smith at the National Trust A literary celebration

Sailors and landlubbers rejoice Sails and Revelry on the Dart

Brixham remembers

Petitor to Watcombe - for a dip?

Sea Angling

New homes on the English Riviera

Schools news

Meet Chris Wheeler

What’s On

8 pages of summertime events

Theatre Round Up

Who’s treading the boards?

Food & Drink

News snippets for foodies

Social Diary

Who’s who at local parties

Business news

Legal news from Wollen Michelmore

30 The Great War

18 Agatha Christie

Cover image:

Torbay Week Sailing Courtesy of borderphotos2010.com

40 Chris Wheeler 23 Regattas Smugglers

10 Captain Ian Payne englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2014

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Openers...

New Heritage Pass

Openers...

Four of the finest heritage attractions in the English Riviera have come together to launch the Heritage Pass – Torquay Museum, Torre Abbey Historic House & Gardens, Brixham Heritage Museum and Kents Cavern.

The Heritage Pass is a saver ticket for all four attractions, available from as little as £16.75 per adult, saving more than 20% on combined admission prices.

So why not visit Torquay Museum’s unique Agatha Christie gallery or its evocative Torbay at War exhibition, delve into Torre Abbey’s 800 years of fascinating history in its recently re-developed hi-tech galleries? Then explore underground in one of Britain’s most important and atmospheric ancient monuments - Kents Cavern, and experience the rich maritime and local history of Brixham in its award-winning Heritage Museum.

Valid for a year, the Heritage Pass saver ticket is available to purchase at www.torbaymuseums.com, and is your passport to a journey of discovery around the English Riviera. o torbaymuseums.com

Beacon Cove Beach Clean Living Coasts is holding a Beach Clean at 2pm 20 – 21 September at Beacon Cove. Just off the shore here is an underwater bed of sea grass, which is home to many local sea creatures. So if you have some spare time, please come along and do your bit to help avoid pollution of this important local habitat. Please gather at Beacon Cove at 2pm where the Living Coasts team will meet you. o 0844 474 3366 livingcoasts.org.uk

Ural Owl Fledglings Three Ural owl chicks have been born and can be seen in the Forest area of Paignton Zoo . The Ural owls hatched in early April and fledged on 14th May. The Zoo has a good breeding record with the species; they are also bred fairly commonly in other top collections. The three youngsters will be caught, ringed and sexed by taking feathers for DNA analysis. They will also be moved away from their parents and into a separate enclosure in roughly a month or so. It’s likely that they will move to another collection to make up breeding pairs before the end of the summer. Other new arrivals include a capybara and a mandrill. o paigntonzoo.org.uk 6

August/September 2014

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

...

Openers... Openers...

Big Ship on the Dart Members of the Canoe Section of Dartmouth Yacht Club found themselves dwarfed by a very big ship on the Dart as the Minerva was getting ready to sail from Dartmouth. The Canoe Club were paddling upriver to the Maltsters Arms at Tuckenhay on one of their regular social events. o dyc.org.uk

Eider ducks love the English Riviera!

Keepers at Living Coasts in Torquay are proud of their two adorable spectacled eider ducklings, a species rarely seen in zoos. Clearly these ducks have taken a fancy to the English Riviera as the coastal zoo has bred 20 of them over the years. Living Coasts’ Clare Rugg explained, “They are hard to keep because they have very particular needs, including a large saltwater pool for swimming and displaying and thick vegetation in which to lay their eggs.” The adults have special glands, which allow them to drink salt water, but these are not fully developed in ducklings, so youngsters require fresh water in which to learn to swim. This is one reason why keepers are rearing the ducklings; another is their curious neighbours. Clare says, “The eider ducks share the beach with the penguins, who can be very inquisitive over eggs. So we take in the eider eggs, hatch them, rear the ducklings and get them swimming. They go out on Penguin Beach in a crèche, so they can see the other ducks and get used to their home.”o livingcoasts.org.uk

Jan Reynolds was the first person to recognise last issue’s object as one of two copper figures of Mercury found atop of Torquay’s Pavillion.

See if you recognise the object below (part of a frieze on the outside of a building) then visit englishrivieramagazine.co.uk/competitions and let us know where you think it is and what it is? The answers will be in the next issue. o

A five-day old spectacled eider duckling with zookeeper Sarah Tingvoll

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Openers...

Openers...

Juan Spots a Des-Res A penguin at Living Coasts is turning the natural order of things inside out. Macaroni penguin Juan has spotted a desirable residence and moved into an alternative neighbourhood. First time parents Juan, aged 17, and his partner, 7 year old Pebbles, have rejected the company of the other macaroni penguins on their rocky beach, preferring instead to breed down a hole, alongside scores of African penguins. Torquay’s coastal zoo is home to around 80 penguins of two species. African penguins nest in burrows dug into sand, while macaroni penguins usually prefer to lay their eggs out in the open, on piles of pebbles. Keeper Cara Burton explained “This is unusual behavior – it’s the first time it has ever happened at Living Coasts. However, I think they stand a good chance of breeding successfully. Everything seems to be going smoothly.”o livingcoasts.org.uk

Secretary, Membership Secretary, Web Master & TV Screen Co-ordinator, Programme Co-ordinator, Press/ Publicity Secretary, Ledge Art Bookings Secretary, Local Fundraiser and Volunteer Co-ordinator. o friendsofbrixhamlibrary.wordpress.com

Lucky winners...

Volunteer Roles at Brixham Library The Friends of Brixham Library have reported an excellent year bringing in almost £30,000 to support the local library. Membership has also tripled with lots of new activities on offer. The committee are holding their AGM at Brixham Library on Tuesday 19 August at 6.30pm and are encouraging volunteers to come forward in a number of roles as they move towards charity status, including: Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, 8

August/September 2014

There were two competitions in the June/July issue.

Dinner for two at Torquay's Imperial Hotel was won

by Angela Clayton from Preston. Two sets of family for Brixham's Smugglers and Pirates Experience were one by Yvonne Garrett from Shiphay and Janice Reynolds from Brixham.

On the web at englishrivieramagazine. co.uk Brendon Helmore won two tickets for Thank You For The Music at the Festival Theatre in August.

See page 17 for another competition and look out for more online at englishrivieramagazine. co.uk/competitions o

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

LOOK GOOD AND FEEL GREAT Cosmetic Surgery Open Event at the Dartmouth Spa, Dartmouth Tuesday, 19th August 2014 between 5.30pm - 8.30pm

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If you have been thinking about the possibility of having cosmetic surgery, why not come along to our free, informal event and meet Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Mr Peter Saxby at the beautiful Dartmouth Spa based at Dartmouth Golf and Country Club.

Places are limited so please book your discussion in advance by calling our Hospital Service Advisors. www.mountstuarthospital.co.uk | 01803 321 688/642 ramsaycosmeticsurgery

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GREAT ATTRACTIONS ONE GREAT PRICE! With the English Riviera Heritage Pass you can visit four of the finest heritage attractions by purchasing a single ticket from as little as ÂŁ16.75 per adult, saving you more than 20% on combined admission prices.

Find out more about the Heritage Pass and purchase your saver ticket at

www.torbaymuseums.com

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2014

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The View from Devonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Helicopters From Britannia Royal Naval College to Devon Air Ambulance, Torquayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Captain Ian Payne talks ships, planes and helicopters with Anita Newcombe.

Riviera People

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orquay’s Ian Payne has recently become Flight Ian made excellent progress to higher levels of Operations Director for Devon Air Ambulance proficiency, moving to instrument and night flying as the charity has taken on its own Air Operators when he was ‘accidently’ selected for fast jet advanced Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority for the first training. “I had a real revelation at this point, says Ian. time. He has become one of five pilots who fly Devon’s I realised that I had lost sight of the fact that I had two fast response rescue helicopters. I chatted to Ian to originally wanted to fly helicopters. So I decided to say find out more about his background and his life on the no to fast jets and went to RNAS Culdrose to learn to fly English Riviera. helicopters.”

Ian Payne joined the Royal Navy in 1975 attending Ian explains that helicopters are rather more difficult Britannia Royal Naval College and undertaking his initial to fly than fixed wing aircraft. Lots more coordination is sea training on the Plymouth based assault ship HMS needed and it takes a while to get the hang of it, especially Intrepid. He then served as a midshipman on board HMS hovering, which requires the simultaneous use of three Juno, a Leander class frigate, where he worked in every different controls. Apparently, hovering is the aviation department including bridge watchkeeping, engineering, version of the dreaded ‘hill-start’ in cars. Pilots practice on supply and warfare. “The Fleet Board exam that followed a field with a circle in the middle. Initially it’s considered was absolutely awe-inspiring,” remembers Ian. good going just to manage to stay somewhere vaguely However, he must have handled it rather well as after over the field, but gradually your accuracy improves. passing out from Britannia at a ceremony attended by The instructor will operate one of the three controls at Princess Margaret, Ian spent two years as Navigating first so the trainee just has to master the first two. The Officer of minehunter HMS controls are: 1) The Pedal which “However, the fact that the rotates the tail rotor and spins the Gavinton. He told me, “This was definitely not a job for someone airport fire engines were aircraft. 2) The Collective Pitch with seasickness as we spent most swiftly brought into stand-by Lever, which works the up and of the time up around the north down. 3) The Cyclic Lever, which position at the end of the changes the pitch of the blades. of Scotland creating a safe path for shipping. We undertook NATO runway for the first solo flight “It becomes instinctive after about type exercises with French, Dutch was slightly disconcerting.” ten years,” jokes Ian. and German ships.”

After around 9 months of About this time Ian decided that he wanted to start training and getting his wings, Ian was streamed off into flying, having been inspired by the helicopters that Wasps, which are torpedo-carrying helicopters. The Wasp regularly landed on the helidecks of various ships. pilot carries an aircrewman to operate the missiles. The Therefore, he telephoned the ‘Appointer’ and was sent helicopter is attached to a frigate and Ian was the sole for a series of aptitude and mental agility tests. Having Flight Commander out of 14 or 15 officers on board. demonstrated his ability to multitask effectively, he However, they did share duty with various other ‘alert’ was introduced to fixed wing aircraft and learnt to fly a ships going to a variety of places and undertaking lots of ‘Chipmunk,’ a two seater, single-engined trainer aircraft at exercises off Plymouth and Portland. This was in the mid Roborough near Plymouth. eighties and the expected threat at the time was from the After getting up to solo standard, he undertook a Russians coming around the north of Norway.

75-hour flying programme on Jet Provosts, jet-powered After serving on 3 different ships, Ian took his training aircraft with the RAF at Cranwell. “We went Helicopter Warfare Instructor Course at Yeovilton. This solo after around ten flying hours,” explains Ian. To go was a theoretical, tactical course and included working at solo you had to complete three successive circuits with HMS Dryad at Portsmouth doing wargames and running the instructor, who then jumps out and the trainee is simulated battles. suddenly on his own. I asked Ian if this was a scary Ian later converted to Sea Kings, which have two pilots, prospect. He told me, “It was certainly exciting but not one aircrewman plus an observer and spent four or five nearly as terrifying as you might imagine. However, the years undertaking an anti-submarine role. Following this fact that the airport fire engines were swiftly brought into there were spells on HMS Invincible as a Senior Pilot stand-by position at the end of the runway for the first providing airborne early warning from surface threats solo flight was slightly disconcerting.” using Sea Kings. He also worked on HMS Illustrious as

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Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) has to raise around £4.5 million every year to keep the two emergency helicopters flying and the charity is completely independent of central or local government. There are lots of ways in which people can support Devon Air Ambulance. Check the website for details and don’t forget the famous Agatha Christie One Mile Sea Swim which takes place on Sunday 21st September from Broadsands Beach.

The event is part of the International Agatha Christie Festival. daat.org 12

August/September 2014

Ian with his six children Devon Air Ambulance in action at Brixham

PHOTO: GERRY GLEADALL

an instructor in anti-submarine warfare and weaponry.

Hearing all about Ian’s training and experience, I would certainly feel in very safe hands indeed if I needed to be rescued by Devon Air Ambulance. About this time, Ian met Susie, his future wife, at RNAS Culdrose and after marrying in 1991, they started a rapidly growing family of six children, having five sons: Alfie, William, Charlie, George and James and one daughter Róisín. They have lived in Torquay for the past 15 years and the family also has two golden retrievers. They all love watersports and enjoy days out around the Bay on their Merry Fisher powerboat. Ian says, “We love the Bay area. We can walk to the beach and the children have been able to walk to their schools. They are all musical too, playing in bands and youth orchestras.”

Ian finally left the Navy and joined Police Aviation Services, a private company that provided helicopters, pilots and training services for the police. Nine years later he joined Devon and Cornwall Police as Air Operations Manager and served there for 15 years. In 2007 the police took over the operation of Devon Air Ambulance aircraft and this continued until 3 months ago when the police could no longer perform this role. Therefore, Devon Air Ambulance has taken on its own Air Operating Certificate with Ian now working directly with the charity.

Ian says, “I really enjoy working directly with Devon Air Ambulance. I’m part of a great team of people, all totally committed to keeping our two fast-response helicopters in the air so they are always available for their vital rescue work. It’s very rewarding to fly the paramedics safely to the scene, knowing that we are regularly saving lives by getting there fast and evacuating the patient to the best hospital for their medical needs. ” Devon Air Ambulance has two bases for their two emergency helicopters, one at Exeter Airport and one at Eaglescott Airfield at Burrington.

English Riviera Magazine’s publishers meet Ian Payne Ian’s daughter Róisín

Just a minute! Have you

recycled everything today?

Remember to Recycle

eal

Cer

For more information visit www.torbay.gov.uk/recycling or phone 01803 701316

My Office

The Loveliest Place in the World

Agatha Christie described Greenway, near Brixham as ‘The Loveliest Place in the World’. Anita Newcombe meets Belinda Smith at her extraordinary workplace on the banks of the River Dart.

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gatha Christie’s residence at Greenway is buzzing as I arrive to meet Visitor Experience and Marketing Manager, Belinda Smith. The National Trust property is today offering fans the chance to meet three extremely august members of the literary community. Agatha Christie’s grandson, Mathew Prichard is there as well as Agatha Christie cover artist Tom Adams and Agatha Christie expert Dr John Curran. Also present is David Brawn, Publishing Director HarperCollins, publisher of Christie’s work.

The occasion is the first-ever release as a collector’s edition, of the Agatha Christie novella Hercule Poirot and the Greenshore Folly. Excited fans are queuing in the garden to get their copies signed. Unseen for sixty years, the novella is now finally published in a beautiful collector’s hardback edition and this is the first time there has ever been the opportunity for a triple-signed Agatha Christie book.

Back in Belinda’s office over a nice cup of tea, we chat about the life journey that led to such a fascinating job in this perfect location. She remembers, “I left school after my A Levels and went to work for the AA in sales and service. This was in the days when they used to have shops and my patch was Torquay, Exeter, Plymouth and Truro.” Here Belinda met Steve, an AA patrolman, married and eventually left the service when she had her family. They now have two children, Abby, who is a teacher and Sam, a motorsports engineer.

The children went to school at St Mary’s in Buckfast where Belinda got to know Chris Murray, owner of Pennywell Farm and started working doing school guiding and also helping with their Christmas nativity, narrating the plays. She credits much of her personal development from this period, growing her skills as the farm and its wide range of activities expanded. She explained, “I met a kindred spirit in Chris Murray. We share a belief and ethos that excellent service is really 14

August/September 2014

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Riviera People important so we worked really well together. I worked as Team Manager at Pennywell for eight years, loved it and was very settled.”

However, fate was about to take a hand. Browsing the National Trust website one day Belinda spotted the role advertised that was to prove rather too tempting to ignore. She told me, “The job was a great skills match for me and it was rewarding to move from commercial tourism into tourism conservation.”

When Belinda moved into the new post at the National Trust English Riviera in 2008, she was not initially aware that Greenway was due to open to the public for the first time in 2009. However, Greenway soon became part of the National Trust’s local portfolio and joined the other local properties to visit at Coleton Fishacre, Bradley Manor and Compton Castle.

The Agatha Christie connection was a pleasant

Browsing the National Trust website one day Belinda spotted the role advertised that was to prove rather too tempting to ignore surprise to Belinda and she started working very closely with Agatha Christie Ltd and Agatha’s grandson Mathew Prichard. She tells me, “I quickly realised that Agatha Christie was a very strong brand for the English Riviera in terms of tourism. Nevertheless this had to be counterbalanced with the need to protect the integrity of the place where the Queen of Crime was known as Mrs Mallowan and where she tested out her novels on her family.”

The National Trust has to bring in visitors to the estate whilst remaining true to its former owner and in addition to Greenway, this holds true for the other three properties in the portfolio. Coleton Fishacre was the country home and gardens of the D’Oyly Carte family. Built in the Arts and Crafts style, it is delightfully evocative of 1920s elegance and the family’s Gilbert and Sullivan connections. Belinda’s office is located at Greenway but she can also work at Coleton Fishacre. She says, “I’m so spoilt by having the choice of working at either of these two stunning places.”

The two other properties in the portfolio are occupied by their donor families, Peter and Alexandra Woolner at Bradley Manor and Angela and Geoffrey Gilbert at Compton Castle and are open less englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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frequently, just three days per week. Belinda’s job we do and to make an emotional connection so that includes working closely with the families to open we gain their support for a number of years.” In order up their properties to the public whilst ensuring that to achieve this, the Trust relies on a team of dedicated conservation of the buildings is maintained. There’s volunteers and their gift of time is enormously valued always a balance to be achieved at the National Trust by the whole organisation. between the needs of conservation and those of the Volunteering has changed over the years with far visitors and there is a specialist Conservation Team on more opportunities for people to get involved. The hand to ensure this balance is achieved.

Trust is working hard to make a range of more flexible Belinda’s time at Pennywell has helped her to become roles available including micro volunteering, welcome quite creative in dreaming guides, roaming guides A major career highlight for Belinda and a chance to undertake up suitable events that tie in with the character of the was the filming of the very last in specific research from properties. Greenway hosts home. There are 130 series of Poirot at Greenway. lots of events throughout volunteers at Greenway the year and is a major highlight for festivalgoers with a total of 480 across the English Riviera portfolio. attending the International Agatha Christie Festival Some of the more traditional are in gardening and every September. Coleton Fishacre with its connections room guiding but increasingly less traditional options to the jazz age has stylish Jazz Club evenings and are being used. These include specialists acting as both properties present regular open-air theatre critical friends to the business, which helps with performances. business planning and there is also an active internship What comes across very strongly in my conversation programme. with Belinda is her belief that people matter the most.

Belinda confesses to me that she is a bit of a work She explains, “We want our visitors to understand what addict with an ‘umbilical cord to work.’ She has lived

Belinda with the team at Greenway House.

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Riviera People in Ivybridge for over 30 years and in her spare time she enjoys walking on Dartmoor, which she finds great for creative and ‘download’ thinking. She also loves kayaking on the River Dart, often launching from Steamer Quay in Totnes. She confesses that she is fiercely competitive in everything she does, having been team captain in both badminton and netball teams in the past. She feels that sport and work go hand-in-hand, always wanting to be the best at what she does. She says, “I just love leading a team to achieve its full potential. That’s my drug – oh and flat white coffee too!”

A major career highlight for Belinda was the filming of the very last in series of Poirot. David Suchet was keen that this last Poirot should be at Greenway and Dead Man’s Folly was filmed in June 2013. Filming took place 24 hours a day for two weeks and involved a cast and crew of 90. Belinda was kept frantically busy orchestrating all the arrangements whilst keeping the property open to the public. It was all worth it though.

Belinda recalls, “David Suchet was charming, a truly professional method actor with lots of stories to tell – well he was Poirot for 25 years.” Belinda subsequently

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attended the glamorous premiere at the British Film Institute in London.

When she gets a spare moment Belinda loves to socialise in the Bay and has become friends with lots of tourism colleagues. However, she jokes, “The pull of the Mother Ship at Greenway always draws me back again.”o nationaltrust.org.uk

Win! A Family Trip to Greenway.

Enter our Competition to win a family ticket for four to Greenway including a delicious cream tea. Prize can be taken during the month of October. Just visit englishrivieramagazine.co.uk/competitions and answer the following question: What is the name of the Hercule Poirot novel recently filmed at Greenway?

Closing date for entries is 15 September.

Please read our competition terms and conditions at englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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All-New Literary Crime Festival with a Vintage Twist 14-21 September 2014 Big news for the 10th Year of the International Agatha Christie Festival as it transforms itself into a leading crime-writing, literary festival based at Torre Abbey whilst still offering an exciting programme of glamorous fringe events around the Bay.

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hanks to Arts Council funding, the new Festival Hub at Torre Abbey will be buzzing with guest authors, crime writing lovers and all kinds of literary chat. There will be workshops, films, tours and social events to enjoy in the ballroom and the Spanish Barn. With its magnificent position overlooking the sea at Torquay, festivalgoers at Torre Abbey will be able to wander through the house and gardens including the intriguing Potent Plants Garden, gain inspiration in the Festival Marquee and browse the Book Tent. And keep an eye out for Poirot!

Top crime writer Sophie Hannah will be appearing at the public launch of her brand-new, first ever Poirot continuation novel, The Monogram Murders. This historic headline event takes place on Sunday evening, 14th September and is bound to be a sell-out as she discusses the huge responsibility of carrying Agatha Christie’s name forward into a new Poirot novel. On stage with Sophie will be Agatha Christie’s publisher at HarperCollins, David Brawn plus Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie’s grandson. Agatha Christie fans will be agog!

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Other well-known authors hosting events during the week of celebrations will include Simon Brett, SJ Parris, Kate Summerscale, John Curran, Ann Cleeves, James Henry and Susanna Jones.

On Thursday 18th September, you can join Agatha Christie’s grandson, Mathew Prichard as he chats to Ben Stephenson, Controller of Drama Commissioning at the BBC about the brand new BBC adaptations of Partners in Crime and And Then There Were None scheduled for 2015 to coincide with the 125th Anniversary of Christie’s birth in Torquay.

To complement the core events and celebrate Agatha Christie’s life and works, the Festival Fringe has a packed programme of glamorous literary and murder mystery events with visits to Agatha Christie’s holiday residence on the River Dart (now National Trust). Already a huge hit with international visitors, the new Agatha Christie festival format is expected to bring in a whole new wave of crime fiction lovers to the week-long event and considerably increase overseas staying visitors on the English Riviera.o englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Literary Festival Some Top Festival Hub Events at Torre Abbey

14 September 7pm - 9pm

Launch of The Monogram Murders Headline event and one of the top literary events of the 21st century, the public launch of The Monogram Murders - the new Poirot novel with Sophie Hannah. Appearing with Sophie will be Mathew Prichard, Agatha Christie’s grandson and David Brawn, Agatha Christie’s publisher at HarperCollins. Free canapés and bubbly will be served.

14 September 11am-4.30pm

17 September 7pm-9pm

Ann Cleeves and Helen Pepper - Forensic Accuracy

18 September 7pm-9pm

Agatha Christie at the BBC with Mathew Prichard & Ben Stephenson

18 September 2pm-4.30pm A Garden Party to Die For

All Things Vintage and Lovely Fair

15 September 2pm-3.30pm Sophie Hannah - Beyond Poirot

19 September 2.30pm-4.30pm A Crime in Rhyme with Simon Brett

19 September 7pm-10pm

Murder Mystery Dinner Experience with Tommy & Tuppence

16 September 12noon-2pm

International Panel Event with Dr John Curran & Ragnar Jonasson

20 September 6pm-7pm James Henry - DI Frost is Back!

16 September 7pm-9pm

Best selling crime novelist S.J Parris - The Historical Thriller

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A Week in the Life of the Queen of Crime The ever-popular Festival Fringe events will be buzzing too! Immerse yourself in a week of fun that Agatha Christie herself might have loved.

Sunday 14 September Afternoon Tea at the Imperial Hotel 2pm-4.30pm Enjoy afternoon tea in the Sun Lounge at The Imperial Hotel where Agatha Christie spent many of her afternoons.

01803 294301, Park Hill Road, Torquay, TQ1 2DG

Tuesday 16 September Agatha Christie Sea & River Voyage to Greenway House Go aboard the 1940s heritage ship, Fairmile for a day cruise viewing the beautiful South Devon coastline and river, finally landing at Greenway House and Gardens, holiday home to the late Dame Agatha Christie and now owned by the National Trust. (Trips are available every day during the Festival 14 -21 September – board Torquay or Brixham).

01803 882811 greenwayferry.co.uk

Wednesday 17 September Agatha Christie Mile Evening Evening jiggle jerk exploration of the Agatha Christie Mile and beyond, aboard an authentic 1940s Vintage Bus followed by a true English fish & chip supper. (Also available 20 September).

01803 882811 greenwayferry.co.uk

Monday 15 September Potent Plants Guided Tour 11am-12noon Torre Abbey Gardens The Agatha Christie Potent Plants display contains examples of plants - some poisonous, some a little more benign - that have featured in the novels.

Head Gardener, Ali Marshall’s tour includes information on Agatha Christie’s life, her use of poisons in her stories and the plants themselves. (Tours also on 16-19 August).

01803 293593 torre-abbey.org.uk

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Literary Festival Thursday 18 September Agatha Christie - Literary Daughter of South Devon 11am-1pm Torquay Museum Noted author, historian and tour guide, John Risdon, will deliver a revealing and fascinating talk on Agatha Christie’s childhood in Torquay, and the influences of Devon on her literary career.

01803-293975 torquaymuseum.org

Friday 19 September Jazz Lunch 1pm-3.30pm Coleton Fishacre Enjoy the art deco Café Coleton, as it hosts a Jazz Lunch exclusively for the Agatha Christie Festival.

Enjoy the music and a delicious two-course lunch and coffee.

01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk

Saturday 20 September Flight of the Babbacombe Smuggler 12-4pm Babbacombe Cliff Railway Question all the suspects to find the fleeing smuggler and travel back to the 1920s with live music from High Society on the Cliff Railway, built in 1926.

01803 328750 babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk

Hidden Gem to Discover near Brixham The East Window donated by Dame Agatha Christie Mallowan - Church of St Mary The Virgin, Churston Ferrers Open 17 - 19 September 10.30am – 4.30pm plus Riviera Singers 19 September from 7.30pm – tickets £5 on the door.

When holidaying at Greenway, Agatha Christie regularly attended the Church of St Mary the Virgin in the village of Churston Ferrers. In 1955 she donated proceeds from one of her stories to pay for a beautiful new stained glass window.

The centre panel shows Jesus as the Good Shepherd, carrying a lamb, above a verse from the 23rd Psalm. On the north side a depiction of the Angel Gabriel appearing to the shepherds is followed by the nativity scene and on the south side of the main panel are the fishermen casting their nets on the Sea of Galilee and Jesus walking on the water, beckoning to Peter. There are many other telling Bible details and there are also depictions of Devon life in farming, forestry and fishing. stmaryschurston.co.uk

Sunday 21 September Agatha Christie One Mile Sea Swim 12-5pm Broadsands Beach Follow Agatha’s footsteps in taking a dip in the open waters of the Bay and raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance and Torbay Surf Life Saving Club.

01392 466666 daat.org.uk

Full programme at agathachristiefestival.com englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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Aztec Bistro & Bar

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01803 400145 to book

Picking up in Brixham, Paignton, Babbacombe, St Marychurch & Torquay

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• 4 nights Dinner, Bed & full English Breakfast • Guided tour of ‘Pendle Witches’ Country • Admission to Samlesbury Hall • Guided Ghost Tour of the Ribble Valley • Leeds-Liverpool Canal • Accompanied by our Tour Manager

£325pp*

Cambridge, Bletchley & Newmarket Mercure Letchworth Hall & Spa «««« 2nd to 6th October 2014

• 4 Nights dinner, bed & full English Breakfast • Entrance to Tatton Park & The Nutcracker Mansion • Visiting Chester Christmas Market • Day trip to Liverpool £319pp* • Free use of the hotel leisure facilities

• 4 nights dinner, bed & breakfast • Explore Cambridge with the hop on/off bus • A visit to Newmarket training ground & stud • The afternoon in Bury St Edmunds • Entrance to Bletchley Park • Indoor pool, gym & treatment rooms • Accompanied by our Tour Manager *Single supplements apply

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August/September 2014

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Torbay Royal Regatta and Torbay Week Sailing

Regattas

Maddy Sears looks forward to a week of English Riviera fun for sailors and landlubbers alike.

I

t’s that time of year again when open water around the Bay will be peppered with sails and oars as the prestigious Torbay Royal Regatta returns from 23-27 August. After last year’s highly successful bicentennial celebrations, 2014 will be Regatta 200+1 with events on and off the water set to entertain both residents and competitors alike.

With its illustrious history, the regatta is a firm favourite in the calendar year, and this time around will see the return of many regular highlights including the Red Arrows, a spectacular fireworks display, and of course high quality racing.

The excitement kicks off on Saturday 23 August as sailing, organised by Torbay Week sees hundreds of sailors venturing on to our local waters. Said to be one of the best sailing regattas in the UK, Torbay Week offers exhilarating racing set against the beautiful backdrop of the English Riviera. Formed out of the summer regattas run by the four sailing and yacht clubs located in and around the Bay, Torbay Week continues the long tradition of competitive sailing in the area. In addition to the usual racing, this year Torbay Week is also hosting a number of National competitions: an International Moths Grand Prix; the 4000 class National Championships; the Tasar Pre-Nationals; the 29er South West Championships and an RS Tera Open Meeting. Racing takes place in Tor Bay and Babbacombe Bay. Saturday, 23 August also sees rowing held off Abbey Sands with approximately 28 races and 105 boats racing during the day with coxed fours, quadruple sculls, double sculls and single sculls. The sporting action also comes ashore for the annual Torbay Regatta 10k run on Sunday 24 August, with runners taking to the tarmac along Torquay seafront along to Paignton Green and finishing at at Corbyn Head.

For foodies, the Savoir Continental Market will transport

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

the Princess Gardens from the English Riviera to the Mediterranean by dishing up authentic, mouth-watering treats from across France and the wider continent (23 -27 August).

The regatta is well known for its association with the Red Arrows, who this year will be performing for the 26th time at the event at 6pm on 27 August.

This time, however, the Red Arrows will not be the only ones taking to the skies across the Bay as leading display team, The Blades, will also be performing from 3pm. The Blades team, all former Red Arrows pilots, will be performing 15 minutes of breath-taking aerobatics and dramatic manoeuvres. Blade 1 and Team Leader, Mark Cutmore, commented; “We are really looking forward to the display at Torbay. Although we have all flown here with the Red Arrows, it’s the first time we will be visiting as The Blades so we’re all really excited to be bringing our display to the Regatta and we just hope everyone enjoys watching the show.”

The yachting regatta became the first of its kind to gain royal patronage in 1839, after Queen Victoria accepted the request on the basis that it would greatly benefit the ‘maritime and general prosperity of Torquay’. 175 years later, it certainly seems to be doing the job as regatta number 201 looks set to entertain residents and visitors once again. w

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SOUTH WEST

This summer holiday leave the car behind and go by bus!

If you’re planning a day out this summer our buses can take you everywhere from Brixham to Barnstaple, passing many of the Devon’s favourite attractions on the way.

Visit www.stagecoachbus.com/southwest to plan your day out today!

Family Explorer only £15*

Adult Explorer * just £7.50

£1 child add-on available after 9.30am Mon-Fri & all day at weekends and on Bank Holidays*

Torbay Dayrider * just £4.90 *Our Torbay Dayrider tickets give one person a day of unlimited travel within the Torbay ticket zone. Explorers provide a day of unlimited bus travel on our services, an Adult is for one person and the Family Explorer allows up to 2 adults and 3 children to travel together. £1 child add on tickets can be purchased alongside a full fare paying adult, including valid season ticket holders, but cannot be purchased by concessionary pass users. For full details of our day and season tickets visit. www.stagecoachbus.com/southwest. All information correct as of July 2014. Liable to change without further notice.

Calls cost 10p per minute from a minute from a BT landline, calls from other service providers & calls from mobiles may vary.

What's On!

k/whats-on Visit www.englishriviera.co.upany Brought to you by the English Riviera

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August/September 2014

Tourism Com

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Regattas

Don’t Miss!

SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 10.00AM REGATTA ROWING, ABBEY SANDS SUNDAY 24 AUGUST 6.OOPM REGATTA 10K, PRINCESS GARDENS TO CORBYN HEAD MONDAY 25 AUGUST 9.30PM REGATTA FIREWORKS, CORBYN HEAD TUESDAY 26 AUGUST 7.00PM WATER SKI DISPLAY, PRINCESS PIER AND TORQUAY SEAFRONT WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 3.00PM THE BLADES DISPLAY TEAM 6.00PM THE RED ARROWS

More Info:

torbayroyalregatta.co.uk torbayweek.co.uk

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The 170th Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta

Regattas

Dartmouth seems to live and breathe sailing with yachts and yachties a constant presence in this beautiful riverside town and never more so than during its popular annual regatta.

Y

achts and sailors start to arrive many days before the action kicks off and extra moorings seem to appear from nowhere as boats of all kinds gather on the river. Spectators line the riverbanks to watch the fun and the atmosphere is joyous and exciting. The 2014 Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta will take place on Thursday 28, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 August with the opening ceremony on Wednesday 27 August.

The sailing organised by Dartmouth Week, kicks off from 23 August and the rowing is hugely popular too.

Ashore, there are lots of town-based events and in the skies, some truly spectacular air displays. Dartmouth’s historic links with the Royal Navy are evident with HMS Brocklesby attending as Guardship this year. The everpopular Red Arrows will be celebrating their 50th display season with another breath taking performance with great views from North or South Embankment or grab a spot on Jawbones Hill. There’ll be a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, plus the Blades Aerobatic Team led by Dartmouth’s very own former Red Arrows pilot, Mark Cutmore, two firework displays, an illuminated river procession, fairground, street market, shopping village, helicopter displays, a parachute display team and a steamboat rally.

Add to this the Regatta Ball, the Regatta Shindig and the Regatta Rock and it’ll be hard to decide what to do next!

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Fun is guaranteed.

Check out the water polo, bungee rowing, a trolley grand prix, fete, proms, barrel rolling, waiter and waitresses races, crab fishing, bowls, waterborne treasure hunt, pavement artists, tug of war, colouring competition, golf, darts and musical entertainment. The first Regatta at Dartmouth is recorded as being held on 24th July 1822 with the Exeter Flying Post stating that ‘fine yachts from Cowes and other parts of the coast’ were present. There were three sailing races and one rowing race for six-oared gigs ‘for which Dartmouth is very famous’.

The Regatta took place in The Range or ‘outside’ which, as the paper noted ‘is peculiarly adapted for an exhibition of this sort. The hills around the roadstead, where yachts assembled to start for prizes, formed a natural theatre and presented to those on the water the appearance of thousands of people in galleries.’w

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Try a luxury cruise around Devon...by bus!

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August/September 2014

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Regattas

Don’t Miss!

WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 5.00PM ROYAL NAVY HELICOPTER DISPLAY – RN MERLIN 5.30PM THE BLADES AEROBATIC DISPLAY TEAM THURSDAY 28 AUGUST 9.00PM REGATTA FIREWORKS FRIDAY 29 AUGUST 5.30PM RAF TYPHOON AIR DISPLAY (BEWARE IT’S VERY LOUD) 6.30PM THE RED ARROWS 8.45PM ILLUMINATED RIVER PROCESSION SATURDAY 30 AUGUST 10.30AM WATERBORNE TUG OF WAR IN THE BOAT FLOAT 1.00PM ROYAL NAVY RAIDERS PARACHUTE DISPLAY TEAM 5.00PM HAWKER SEA FURY HISTORIC FLIGHT 5.15PM RAF CHINOOK HELICOPTER DISPLAY 5.30PM ROYAL NAVY HELICOPTER DISPLAY – RN SEA KING WITH RNLI 6.00PM THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT 9.00PM REGATTA FIREWORKS

Getting There: There is no parking in the lower town of Dartmouth during Regatta Week so please check the website for Park and Ride details, ferry times and the Dartmouth Steam Railway timetable.

More Info: dartmouthregatta.co.uk dartmouthweek.com

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Brixham and the Great War Project

Have you ever wondered about the impact of WWI on Brixham and its people? The Friends of Brixham Library together with Brixham Museum and other local groups are working together to commemorate the Centenary.

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here are four key creative elements to Brixham and the Great War Project, all funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund to ensure that future generations don’t forget the heroic sacrifices made during World War I. Brixham suffered huge losses to its fishing fleet and saw over a quarter of its population on active service.

The first creative element is a play, The Provident, which will be performed at Brixham Theatre next March. Written by local playwright David Murphy and directed by John Miles, it tells the story of the saving of 72 Royal Navy survivors from HMS ‘Formidable’ (the first battleship to be

torpedoed and lost in WW1) in Lyme Bay on January 1st 1915, by the Brigham Trawler ‘Provident’. Skipper William Pillar and his crew having spotted the life craft adrift in high seas spent 4 hours eventually rescuing and returning them all to the safety of Brixham Town. The King awarded all crew The Life Saving Medal at a ceremony held in Buckingham Palace later that year. Prospective actors in the play will be offered the chance of sailing on her sister ship ‘Vigilance’ in October.

The second element is a ‘Triptych’ scale model installation in three panels by artist Paul Bennett. The

Brixham suffered huge losses to its fishing fleet and saw over a quarter of its population on active service.

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Heritage panels include: The Town Hall Brixham in August 1914, the Devonshire Regiment on July 1st 1916 at the Battle of the Somme and a ‘Family of Today’ reflecting on names inscribed on the War Memorial by Brixham Breakwater.

The whole model will be carpeted in over a 1,000 poppies made by local school children and there will be a backdrop painting of WW1 ‘Tommies’ crossing a trench painted in oil by a Churston art student. Brixham Quilters have embroidered an ‘Allied Butterfly’ measuring 2ft x 3ft to accompany the installation, which will be on display at The Ledge, Brixham Library from early August.

The third element is Century of Memories. An anthology of WW1 ‘Remembrance’ poems written by 23 students from Brixham Community College which has been compiled and illustrated by the world famous Brixham based military artist Peter Archer. Brixham Community College student Dan Trezise won first place in the poetry competition.

The fourth consists of updated WWI Display Cases at Brixham Heritage Museum and newly compiled information on both those lost during the Great War and those who

survived. All new information is being uploaded onto pages on their website and the museum is putting together a mobile display showing local period photographs and letters written by soldiers serving at the ‘Front’. Also the World War I illustrated diary of local sailor Lawrence Lake has been copied and will be available from the Museum.

There has also been a ‘Mayors Fund Award’ to build an educational WW1 ‘Sensory Trench’. Visitors will enter each section of trench representing each year of the 4-year war.

Barbed wire will be in situ, as will sandbags, Lee Enfield rifles, tin hats, duckboards, alarm bells and cloth gas masks.

When the alarm sounds, tin helmets will be donned and cloth masks held in place as theatrical smoke and stink bombs simulate a ‘gas attack’. Volunteer stewards will guide the visitor through the trench and discuss aspects of the war as experienced by local men with memories taken from their letters home.

Anyone wishing to get involved with the centenary project is asked to contact Phil Trayhorn on 01803 752239.o friendsofbrixhamlibrary.wordpress.com

An illustration by Peter Archer from Century of Memories englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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Woodland Trails and Sea Views Distance: 2.5 miles Exertion: Moderate with some steep sections.

Time: Allow 1 hour Terrain: Coast path of varying quality.

Not suitable for pushchairs or very young children.

Dogs: Free to roam.

Refreshments: At Watcombe Beach during summer season.

Start Postcode: TQ1 4QF

O

n a section of the South West Coast Path maintained by the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, this is a relatively short walk that could be completed during a lunchtime ‘escape’. It can be extended further to Maidencombe or if you’re feeling energetic, to Shaldon. I like to pause halfway at the ever tranquil Watcombe Beach where a swim on a hot summer’s day reveals sea caves and other time-worn formations in the Permian sandstone cliffs that dominate this part of the Jurassic coastline.

In summer, the pathways are shaded and cool and the landscape dominated by tumbling woodlands of sycamore and elder trees amongst a rich green carpet of ancient ferns and ivys. During the winter, the deep valleys and peaks are more dramatic as the flora recedes but glimpses of the high red cliffs always remind one that this is a very ancient place.

1 Parking is available at the end of Petit Tor Road where a kissing gate leads to the top of a steep grass slope, looking out across Babbacombe Bay. Here you are above Petit Tor and the path back towards Oddicombe. Take the path that continues north and uphill, signposted to Watcombe. After 200 metres, the path splits, take either fork as they meet again shortly afterwards.

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After another 200 metres or so, the path splits again, to the left a more gentle ascent of the next combe-side, to the right a steeper, stepped, more direct route that meets again within sight of a convenient hilltop bench and a good view of Babbacombe Beach, the Cary Arms and to the south east, the Ore Stone. Carry straight on from here and ignore the path behind the bench.

3 200 metres fur ther on, take the stepped pathway downhill to the right, to follow the coast path along the top of Shag Cliff and above Smugglers’ Hole. The path rises and rejoins the inland path.

4 From here begins the most notable descent down to the Watcombe Beach road. Take care if wet as the wooden steps can be slippery!

5 Turn right at the metalled road and walk downhill to secluded Watcombe Beach. To the north the impressive tower of red sandstone is Watcombe Head, where erosion gives rise to a typical East Devon red sandy cove, perfect for swimming on a hot summer’s day or a spot of refreshment at the beach café.

At this point, the return leg retraces the route back up from the beach and left, to climb back up to the woods. Turning right at this point takes one fur ther nor thward on the coast path to Maidencombe and beyond.

6 Once back into the wooded shade, take the next two right forks until you go through a metal stile and on to a metalled road, which is the end of Easterfield Lane. To the right is the Borough Scout campsite. Walk 30 metres up the road and take the path to the left through a kissing gate.

7 Follow this path upward, skir ting the golf course to the right until you reach the top of the hill where benches mark another splendid wide-reaching view of Lyme Bay. On a clear day Por tland Bill can be seen in the distance to the nor th east. Following this path will take you back downhill to rejoin the original path just above point 2 and back to Petit Tor Road.o englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Walk

5

N

4 6

1 Waypoint

Viewpoint

Ordnance Survey South Devon Explorer Map OL20

7

Š Crown copyright.

Media 082/14

3 2

1

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Wind from the West, fish bite the best.

Wind from the East, fish bite the least.

Wind from the North, do not go forth.

Wind from the South blows bait in their mouth.

Julian Rees spends a day on the Skerries Bank learning the fine art of angling for plaice. Did the easterly wind get the better of him? Don’t believe a word of it!

I

We would be drift fishing, which means the boat would cut its engines and drift on the tide with fishing lines out. The idea was to drop bait to the bottom and feel for the bump as bait and tackle skipped over the undulating sandy surface. When the bumping stopped that could mean a bite but one must give the fish a chance to get hooked before reeling in.

The best bait for plaice was a cocktail of shrimp and ragworm, tipped with a strip of squid. this was followed on the line with brightly coloured plastic balls or anything shiny or sparkling that would catch the fishes’ attention.

To be perfectly honest, how anyone could feel what was going on at the seabed whilst the boat was pitching around in the swell was a little beyond me. I take my hat off to the skills of the guys on board who even on such a rough day started to land one fish after another. Not a big catch according to skipper Dave but respectable in the conditions. I resigned myself to return another day for more practice when the weather was better as I was to return home without the promised catch for dinner.

If you’re thinking of having a go at fishing there are many charter boats that run from Brixham and

PHOTO: CRAIG WILLIAMSON

t’s been at least 30 years since I last baited a hook so with the 2014 Torbay Sea Angling Festival starting on 5 September, I got the chance to Give It A Go! with one of Brixham’s charter fishing boats Kelly’s Hero.

On a blustery morning in late June (probably the only blustery morning in June as I remember), I headed down to Brixham harbour to meet Skipper Dave Saunders and crewman Craig Williamson. The wind was easterly and that meant it was going to be a little rough. With three more customers on board we set off in Kelly’s Hero a 335 HP Cummins powered ‘Lochin 33’.

As soon as we rounded Brixham breakwater the wind let us know what we were in for and by the time Berry Head was behind us there was three to four feet of swell.

Not ideal for fishing for flat fish on the bottom but nobody was for turning back. After an hour’s cruising across Start Bay we reached the Skerries Bank. The seabed, approximately 2kms offshore, is comprised of shifting sand dunes that extend for 6km. Although inhospitable to many fish species, the sandbank makes an ideal habitat for flat fish such as plaice, sole and rays, as well as spider crab and other mobile crustaceans.

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Give it a Go! Sea Angling

Dartmouth offering all sorts of angling experiences from flat fish on sandbanks to conger eels in deep sea wrecks.

As well as fishing, this is also a great oppotrtunity to spot dolphins, porpoises, basking shark and other large species which are becoming more common in local waters as crewman Craig proved with some fantastic shots of the recent dolphin ‘superpod’ that visited the Bay. ¨

Y TORBA G L G N IN

Get involved with this year’s festival which runs from 5-14 September.

SEA A AL There’s a variety of shore and boat FESTIV events and classes. The festival covers the seashore from Beer in East Devon to Bolt Head at Salcombe and river estuaries in between.

Entry for juniors is free and there are classes for local men and women, and visitors. Fish can be weighed in at Brixham, Paignton, Torquay, Sidmouth and Dartmouth and there are dozens of trophies and good quality gear to win.

For more information and entry forms: torbayfishingfestival.com or email info@torbayfishingfestival.com

2014

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★★★★★

FROM A FIVE STAR BUILDER

Kingskerswell

A fantastic selection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses and townhouses just off the A380.

An easy commute to the coast of Torbay and less than 20 miles from Exeter city centre.

OLDWAY – a detached four bedroom townhouse with open plan kitchen/family/dining room, living room, master bedroom with en-suite, an integral garage and parking space.

EASTON – A three bedroom detached house with open plan kitchen/dining room, separate living room, downstairs cloakroom, master bedroom with en-suite and two parking spaces.

SALES OFFICE: Off Southey Lane TQ12 5JW Open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 5pm Tel: 07742 253127 Email: kingsfield@cavannahomes.co.uk

Subject to availability

www.cavannahomes.co.uk

Why Buy New Build?

Property

What’s the best type of property for a growing family? We consider the appeal of new build and take a look at the new King’s Field development in Kingskerswell.

T

here is something uniquely appealing about a newbuild property, particularly for a family; everything is fresh and clean and you have a blank canvas, as the décor is almost always simple and tasteful. If you reserve a property prior to completion, you often get your personal choice of finish and the show homes can give you a great idea of how your furnished home might look.

New build houses are considerably much more energy efficient, being built to the latest environmental standards, always a winner when energy prices keep on rising. You will normally get a good warranty so you shouldn’t have to worry about any surprises as you settle in and many house builders provide an excellent customer care service.

Then, of course, there is no annoying chain, you can plan your move, sort out schools and work arrangements with complete confidence and don’t have to worry about sellers pulling out at the last moment.

We talked to local family homebuilder, Cavanna Homes about its new Kings Field development on the edge of Kingskerswell, which is well served by local shops, playgroups, a primary school, a health centre and even a thriving scouts group. If your children are older, Torquay offers great schools including two grammar schools and you can also conveniently opt for Newton Abbot College also praised by Ofsted, which recently benefited from a £180,000 donation from Cavanna as part of the Kings Field planning agreement.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Kings Field is a mixture of two, three and four bedroom homes. The larger family, 4-bedroom homes have master bedrooms with en suite facilities, attractive fitted kitchens and bathrooms, garages and gardens. The Oldway and Raglan are both detached and the Kensington is a semidetached townhouse arranged over three levels. They’ve all got a 10-year LABC Buildmark warranty and depending on the stage of construction, you may be able to have the choice of kitchen units and worktops as well as bathroom wall tiles.

The location is on the rural edge of Kingskerswell village and offers direct access to some stunning public open spaces with views of Dartmoor. The new South Devon Link Road will obviously greatly improve traffic and it’s a good location for commuting to Exeter and Plymouth as well as being handy for Torquay.

Philip Cavanna established Cavanna Homes Ltd in Torquay in 1923. Today it is still family owned and is the second largest independent house builder in the Westcountry. It was awarded its second consecutive top five star rating by the House Builders Federation (HBF) earlier this year. o

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August/September 2014

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Education...Education...Education...

Grammar School Reveals New Appointment

New Life For Ageing Gym

It was recently announced that current acting Head teacher of Torquay Boys’ Grammar, Peter Lawrence, will move into the permanent position. His predecessor, Roy Pike, was in the position for 27 years until his retirement last Christmas, seeing the school through the new millennium and its centenary celebrations in 2004. Mr Lawrence, formerly a Maths teacher and Deputy Head of the school, will begin his tenure with the school currently boasting over 1,000 students and a staff of more than 80 as it enters its 111th year.o tbgs.co.uk After Torquay Girls Grammar School unveiled its new sports hall and fitness suite in October, the question was asked what to do with the old gym that had stood since the 1930s. The building, which was built when the school only had 150 students, was finally replaced last year and with the school now numbering 860 students, it was long overdue with the gym only slightly bigger than a badminton court. It was decided to turn it into a new lecture theatre with space to hold talks and assemblies with raked seating and a dual projector. The building, now completed, is quite a transformation and with the school centenary celebrations next year, further plans are afoot for the site including an amphitheatre and grass seating area.o tggs.co.uk

Trinity Teignmouth Delighted With Inspection Trinity School Teignmouth has been praised in its recent ISI inspection report, six key areas being rated Excellent/ Outstanding, with all other areas rated as Good. The inspectors reported that “The personal development of pupils, whether day or boarding, is excellent and the school is highly successful in creating a community where they show tolerance and respect for each other.” The pastoral system was described as outstanding. The team reported that “Staff and pupils across the school enjoy excellent, genuinely caring relationships, and behaviour is exemplary.” The Early Years report was exceptional, the school being graded as Outstanding in all respects.

Trinity’s Headmaster, Tim Waters, said, “With this report, our recent academic successes and a string of excellent performances at county and national level in sport, Young Enterprise and music, we have had a great year. There is englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

also useful feedback in the report that will help focus our ongoing development.”o trinityschool.co.uk

August/September 2014

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Torquay’s DRIVING FORCE

Twenty year old Chris Wheeler from Babbacombe learnt to drive at the age of eleven and has been working his way toward a motorsport career ever since. Julian Rees finds out more as Chris prepares to head to Ulster for the next round of the British Rally Championship.

S

igning autographs, attending photo shoots and PR events are all something Chris Wheeler takes in his stride. “It’s all part of the job” says Chris, whose professional approach to his driving pursuit belies his tender years..

Chris is happy to admit that throughout his school years at Westlands he was shy and reserved and didn’t discuss the fact that during his spare time he was learning how to drive a rally car at high speeds and attending rally academy to learn techniques such as drifting and handbrake turns. He’d been taking part in pro karting at Dunkerswell from the age of eight but it was his father’s tutoring at the age of eleven that really saw Chris become smitten with the sport. “We’d drive around a fixed circuit at an airfield and I’d have to keep the car at a constant 40 mph. That doesn’t sound too fast but when there are hairpins and very few straight sections you learn a lot about how a car works very quickly!” says Chris.

Two months after his seventeenth birthday, Chris passed his driving test and was able to apply for his competition licence to drive in the National and British Rally Championship (BRC). After two years of competing in closed stage rallies, before he took his driving test, Chris was ready to move up to major events open to National A Licence holders. In his first year in his current car, the Ford Fiesta MS1, Chris became 2012 National Class Champion and in his second season he became the 2013 Star of the Future Champion.

Chris beams with pride as he shows me his latest trophies and tells me that his ambition is to become World Rally Champion, following in the footsteps of his idol, the late Colin Macrae. Within two years he hopes to progress to 40

August/September 2014

the European Rally Championship then the World Rally Championship (WRC) by 2019.

As a WRC driver Chris could earn £8 million a season but he says “the money’s not important; getting up every day and doing something you love doing is what matters.”

Chris is supported by his family, girlfriend Kirsty Jarrett and a team of mechanics based at his father Steve’s workshop Wheeler Auto Air Conditioning. A team of four mechanics work on the car and Chris tells me when it originally arrived it took six weeks to get the basic car to rally standard. First it’s totally stripped, then every seam weld is strengthened, a full roll-over cage is built and welded in and then the car is fitted with a specific set of Ford Motorsport upgrades dependant on which championship class the car will be entered into. As well as his team’s support Chris also relies on sponsorship from local, national and international sponsors to keep the car on the road.

A typical round of the BRC lasts four days for Chris and the team.

Usually starting on a Thursday, the convoy of four vehicles and trailer travel to the rally destination. On the Friday, Chris and his co-driver Yan Griffiths, who has sat beside Chris for the last four seasons, drive all the stages in their reconnaissance car to make pace notes for the timed stages. The pace notes will guide Chris on the best lines for both speed and safety. The relationship between Chris and his co-driver is paramount and as Chris says “It’s your life in their hands.” The pair spend many hours studying in-car footage of how they work together, communicate, why things go well when they do and what they could have done differently when things go wrong - the pair are also best mates! englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Rivera People Later on Friday there will be press appearances and autographs to sign before an opening ‘special stage’ of the rally which will usually take place in an urban or parkland venue where spectators can get a good view. “It’s all smiles for the press and fans but as soon as the lights turn green it’s 100% serious,” says Chris.

Saturday sees the rally start at 7.00am with a full day’s driving usually finishing around 5.30pm. In between stages the team get 20 minutes to work on the car, changing settings for different surfaces and replacing any worn or damaged parts.

Saturday evening then sees presentations for winners and runners-up and more autographs to sign!

Sunday is another day of travel and a chance to get some rest before work on Monday when the car will begin its rebuild. All worn parts including clutches, brakes, filters and spark plugs, the things most of us might change once a

year at most in our own cars, will be replaced to ensure the car is running perfectly for its next engagement.

Chris studied IT for two years and trained to be a gym instructor for one year at South Devon College. He has now returned to his father’s business as an apprentice mechanic as this gives him the flexibiility to attend events.

As well as driving Chris works hard on his own PR with a busy website, and Facebook and Twitter fan base to attend to. You can keep up with his latest news at facebook.com/ CWRallying and on Twitter @ChrisRally.

The next round of the BRC is the Todds Leap Ulster Rally on 15/16 August and there’s a chance to see Chris performing closer to home in Round 7 of the BRC at Rallye Dorset on 17/18 October. He’ll also be making an appearance with his car at South Devon College in September with other successful former students. o chriswheelerrallying.com

Within two years he hopes to progress to the European Rally Championship then the World Championship by 2019. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2014

41

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August/September 2014

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August & September Around the Bay

What’s On

month a new wild monster will appear and your mission is to find it by crossing swamps, balancing on logs, dipping in ponds and hunting in trees to find its hiding spot on the nature trail. Suitable for 4-12 year olds, cost: £2.50 per child per monster trail.

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

Mini Penguin Trail, Torquay On until 30 September Anderton & Rowlands Fun Fair 1 August -1 September

Enjoy rides and fun for the whole family at this traditional fun fair.

Torre Abbey Meadows, The Kings Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE

Torbay Steam Fair, Churston 1-3 August

Visit the wonderful working steam engines, vintage, and classic cars, lorries, military displays, market stalls and more.

Dartmouth Road, Churston Ferrers, Brixham TQ5 0JT 01803 853989 torbaysteamfair.co.uk

Penguins are popping up all around Torquay harbour so have some fun with Living Coasts’ ‘Mini Penguin Trail’.

Over 50 mini plaster of Paris penguins have been decorated in a range of dazzling designs by Living Coasts’ staff and volunteers, with others created by children and friends. The penguins will be on show in shop windows around Torquay’s inner harbour, forming a fun free trail to follow. Pick up a trail sheet from Living Coasts or any of the businesses taking part. livingcoasts.org.uk 0844 474 2226

Brixham Pirate Thursdays Until end August

The Brixham Buccaneers are coming ashore for the summer holidays again, with their popular, family friendly “Pirate Thursday” events, down at the Old Fish Market on the Quay in Brixham. Commencing about 10.30am, and continuing until 3.30 / 4pm, the Pirate Thursdays bring music, dance, childrens games, workshops, exhibitions, fancy dress competitions, combat shows and more to the town, by the historic harbourside. Free event.

The Old Fish Market, The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8BW 07935 762876

Torbay Open Tennis Championships 3-9 August The Great Occombe Wild Monster Hunt On until 31 August Wild monsters with pointed fangs, hairy bodies, gnarly skin and gruesome eating habits are lurking in the woods at Occombe Farm and they only have one thing on their mind - protecting their most precious treasure! Every englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Torquay Tennis Club is very proud to host one of the country’s leading tennis tournaments ‘The Torbay Open’ since 1887.

Torquay Tennis Club, Shedden Hill, Torquay TQ2 5TY 01803 209500 torquayltc.co.uk August/September 2014

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Torbay Lifeboat Week, Brixham 4-10 August

Torbay Lifeboat Station based in Brixham close to the famous Breakwater becomes the centre of a series of events for the whole family. Events include the popular ‘Walk the Extra Mile’ for the lifeboat crew & enter the Prize Draw, guided tours of the All Weather Lifeboat, ‘Brixham has Talent’ – local school bands on the XRadio One Stage and an evening ticket-only event ‘Bands on the Beach’ with the option of a VIP evening at the Breakwater Bistro. Saturday at dusk help us ‘Light up the Breakwater’ with candlelight. On Sunday, highlights include the Search and Rescue Demonstration followed by a water ski and water craft display and, to end the week, the Firework Display to seaward of the Breakwater.

Torbay Lifeboat Station, Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AF 01803 854785 torbaylifeboat.co.uk

Britannia Royal Naval College Tours, Dartmouth

Various dates in August & September Visit the naval training establishment where HM the Queen first met Prince Philip. Tours of this iconic building will cover its considerable history and its role within the Royal Navy today. Booking via Dartmouth Tourist Information Service. (Groups should call Britannia Association on 01803-677565).

Britannia Royal Naval College, College Way, Dartmouth TQ6 0HJ 01803 834224 britanniaassociation.org.uk

Go Wild Holiday Club, Occombe 4-8 August, 11-15 August, 18-22 August

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

Brixham Fish Market Tours 6,13,20, 27 August and 3,17 September

Does your fish eating experience extend to just cod, haddock, salmon and mackerel? Then the Brixham Fish Market tour is for you, where you could see over 40 different types of fish at the auctions. You will be guided around by Rick Smith or Barry Young of Brixham Trawler Agents, who have decades of experience in the fish trade.

After the tour you will enjoy an English breakfast at Shipmates. Time: 6am, cost: £10, booking essential.

The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW 07410 617931

Let your children go wild this summer at Occombe Farm & Seashore Centre, Goodrington.

Cost is £25 per day or £96 per child per 5-day week and the club is suitable for 8 – 12 year olds.

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What’s On Cockington Fayre 6 August

Join in a traditional Old English Village fair in the beautiful and historical village of Cockington. Enjoy a family day out in the grounds of the historical Cockington Court from 10am to 4pm.

Cockington Court, Cockington Village, Torquay, TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org

Centrepeace Community Fayre, Paignton 6 August

A community fair with live music, Zumba, medieval games, sword fighting, whittling workshop, digital music workshop, children’s entertainment, puppeteer, It’s a Knock-Out-style games, face painting, balloon modelling, close hand magic, bouncy castle, gingerbread decoration, craft stalls, food stalls & refreshments. Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm 01803 550720 centrepeace.org.uk

RNLI Fete, Dartmouth 7 August

Enjoy tea and cakes and then browse in the RNLI shop.

There will be a range of cake, bottle, plant and book stalls plus face painting and ‘splat the rat!’ for the children as well as other fairground games and piratical photo opportunities. The Nauti Buoys Sea Shanty Group will be singing between 12 noon & 2pm. The lifeboat and

Thomas the Tractor will be on display. Open from 10am to 4pm.

Royal Avenue Gardens, Dartmouth TQ6 9YY. dartlifeboat.org.uk

Berry Head Bat Walk 8 August

A unique opportunity to see the rare Greater Horseshoe bats at Berry Head which includes observing the bats in their roost, looking at how cows help to feed the bats and watching the spectacle of the bats emerging from their roost. Time: 19:45, cost: adults £5 and children £3.50, booking essential.

Berry Head Visitor Centre, Brixham, TQ5 9AP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Coleton Fishacre Jazz Club 8 August and 5 September

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

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

BMAD Bike Nights, Paignton Wednesdays until 24 September

Bikers Make a Difference (BMAD) holds the largest regular social gathering of bikers in the South West of England.

See the famous ‘mile of bikes’ gleaming in the sunshine from 6pm. It’s a great atmosphere for locals, bikers and visitors alike.

Paignton Seafront, The Esplanade, Paignton, TQ4 6ED. 07897 551674 bmad.co.uk

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Know Your Seabirds 9 August

Learn more about seawatching and migrating seabirds, for keen or experienced birdwatchers, with local expert Mike Langman. Booking essential. Time: 16:30, cost: £12 to include a hot drink.

Berry Head Visitor Centre, Brixham, TQ5 9AP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Paignton Regatta 9-17 August

Paignton Regatta is a good old-fashioned week of traditional seaside fun, mainly taking place on Paignton Green. This will be the 167th year of Paignton Regatta.

Paignton Green, Paignton TQ4 6ED paigntonregatta.org

Skim Festival 9-10 August

Skimboarding is an exciting sport, so come along to compete or watch the skills and tricks, with family and friends. Bring a Skimboard and join in the “Woody Class” or have a go at the Journeyman 1 metre round Skimboard for a bit of fun, for boys and girls, mums and dads.

Preston Sands, Paignton, TQ3 2NJ 07711 331999

Paignton’s Big Day Out 9 August

This will be the third year for this successful event, a free family fun day in Palace Avenue Gardens, with singers and entertainment, plus refreshments and local foods stalls a great day to be enjoyed the sunshine while being entertained, 11am- 6pm.

Palace Avenue Gardens, Paignton, TQ3 3HB 01803 212270 torbaytowns.co.uk 46

August/September 2014

Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat Company 150th Anniversary 10 – 17 August There will be a full week of celebrations for the 150th Anniversary plus a Beer Festival at Kingswear Station (1517 August) and live music on Saturday 16 August (the actual anniversary day when the line from Paignton to Kingswear first ran a steam train between the two towns).

On Thursday 14th August, there will be the first ever Train Journey with Candlelit Walk through Greenway Tunnel (booking required). On Friday 15th August there will be guided tours of the workshop at Churston, free but on a first come, first served basis as numbers are limited. There are also opportunities to drive a steam train. Funds will be raised for Dame Hannah Rogers Trust.

01803 555872 dartmouthrailriver.co.uk

Mirror National & European Championships

Pre-Nationals training 11 - 12 August UK Mirror National Championships 13 - 16 August European Championships 17 - 22 August Brixham Yacht Club, Brixham, TQ5 8AR ukmirrorsailing.com

BATS Quay Fair Day, Brixham 13 August

Brixham Arts and Theatre Society will be putting the fun into fundraising on the Old Fish Quay, Brixham Harbour. Set up in 2008 in order to revive Brixham Theatre, the BATS volunteers will be staging fun and games, as well as having all sorts of stalls and bargains to buy. 10am-4pm.

Old Fish Quay, Brixham Harbour, TQ5 8AJ 01803 857855 batsweb.org.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Newton Abbot Racing Fixtures 13, 30 August & 8,19,29 September

Newton Abbot is the leading summer jumping racecourse in the UK. Set in the rolling Devon countryside, you can enjoy racing and great fun in a beautiful setting.

Newton Road, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, TQ12 3AF 01626 353235 newtonabbotracing.com

Vehicle Gathering & Classic Car Rally, Dartmouth 16 August

Come and see classic cars, motorcycles and stationary engines at this RNLI event. Free entry but donation invited. Lifeboat will be on display and there will be craft stalls and refreshments.

Coronation Park, Dartmouth TQ6 9RR dartlifeboat.org.uk

Children’s Week, Paignton 18-23 August

Hannah’s Beer & Music Festival 16-17 August

Two days of the very best in local beer, bands, bikes and barbecue food, supported by South Devon CAMRA and BMAD. Expect more than 40 local real ales and ciders as well as a Pimms and Wine Bar and music across two stages.

11am - 11pm on the Saturday and 11am - 10pm on the Sunday. Tickets are £5 each day for adults and £3.50 for under 18s.

Hannah’s at Seale Hayne, Howton Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6NQ 01626 325800 discoverhannahs.org/seale-hayne

There’ll be fun and entertainment for all the family as Torbay Children’s Week returns to Paignton Green. There will be a packed programme of performances, workshops and events throughout the five days. The majority will be free, however, some have a small charge.

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

Moscow State Circus, Paignton Green 21 August - 1 September

This exciting show is one to watch for all the family.

Moscow State Circus bring humour, stunts, acrobatics with a multitude of flying, back flipping and juggling.

Tickets from the Visitor information centre on Torquay Harbourside.

Paignton Green, Paignton, TQ4 6BG moscowstatecircus.com

Blue Cross Fun Day 16 August

A free day out with animal encounters, activities, stalls, BBQ, tea & cakes. All proceeds to helping pets in need.

11.00am - 3.00pm, free entry.

Ashley Priors Lane, Watcombe TQ1 4SE 0300 7771550 bluecross.org.uk

Back to The 80s, Imperial Hotel 16 August

Enjoy a nostalgic trip back to the 80s with a live 80s tribute act featuring covers by Eurythmics, The Bangles, Madonna, The Jam and many more. The evening includes Babycham drinks reception, 80s themed twocourse meal, live entertainment and disco till late.

Parkhill Road, Torquay TQ1 2DG 01803 294301 pumahotels.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Adult Snorkelling Safari 19 and 26 August

Discover more about the local marine life, and enjoy a session on safe snorkelling with fully qualified BSAC snorkel instructors. 3-5:30pm, cost £25 per person, booking essential.

The Seashore Centre, Goodrington, TQ4 6LP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk August/September 2014

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

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

What’s On Garden Pizza Perfection 29 August

Drop in from 12-3pm to the Occombe Farm Yurt and make your very own pizza. Bake it in the farm clay oven and decorate with fresh herbs from our garden. No booking required.

Cost: £4.50 per person Occombe Farm Visitor Centre, Paignton, TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

BBQ in the Quad, Newton Abbot 21 August

Bring a blanket and relax in Hannahs at Seale-Hayne’s stunning Quad whilst enjoying delicious food, great company and music. 6pm – 8pm.

Hannah’s at Seale Hayne, Howton Road, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6NQ 01626 325800 discoverhannahs.org/seale-hayne

Torbay Thai Festival, Paignton 23-24 August

The event will bring cultural entertainment, education, tradition and colour. Activities include Thai dance, music and song, a Muay Thai Boxing demonstration along with a more relaxing opportunity for a Thai massage. A wide range of stalls will include freshly cooked Thai food, a Thai beer garden, souvenirs and children’s rides.

Paignton Seafront, TQ4 6BW 07808 894719 desythai.com

Occombe Farm Animal Discovery 26 August

Take a discovery tour around the farm to learn more about Occombe’s animals. Have a chance to feed the ducks and chickens, groom the goats and discover more about the quirky Alpaca’s. Take part in an art and craft activity in the yurt and make your very own farm animal and animal mask to take home. From 10am.

Cost: £5 per child, booking essential.

Occombe Farm Visitor Centre, Paignton, TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Rockpool Safari 28 August

Join the Marine Rangers in exploring the incredible marine life that lives in Torbay’s rock pools. Discover shining snakelock anemones, daring devil crabs and beautiful starfish. From 1pm, cost: £3.50 per child Goodrington, TQ4 6LP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

The Mascherata Ball, Torquay 30 August

The Mascherata Ball is an 18th Century Masquarade Ball.

There will be a show, jester, magicians and DJ with a few extra surprises! It’s a fantastic opportunity to dress up and experience something very different.

Riviera Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ 01803 206333 rivieracentre.co.uk

Visit of MV Delphin 31 August

Look out for a cruise ship carrying around 500 passengers in the Bay. Tor Bay

Cowes-Torquay-Cowes Powerboat Race 31 August

This race is for UIM Marathon Class boats of varying engine capacity and hull length; competitors will come ashore for a prize giving ceremony giving residents and visitors the opportunity to view the boats up close. Then boats will line up to start the race back to Cowes at 1.30pm, giving spectators a real treat.

Haldon Pier, Torquay cowes.co.uk August/September 2014

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RELAX, SIT BACK & ENJOY

Weddings • Conferences • Airport & Hotel Transfers Short Breaks & Day Trips • Private Hire for Groups

greycarscoaches

01626 833038 • bookings@greycars.com www.greycars.com

Daneheath Business Park, Heathfield, Newton Abbot TQ12 6TL

SHORT BREAKS

22nd September 2014, 4 nights PEMBROKESHIRE COAST £285 per person (£50 single supplement) Includes all excursions & half board stay in the Cliff Hotel, Cardigan 17th November 2014, 4 nights TURKEY & TINSEL IN WEST WALES £235 per person (based on 2 sharing) Includes ‘Christmas dinner’ and entertainment

DAY TRIPS

Thursday 21st August JURASSIC COAST £21

Friday 22nd August TAPELEY PARK & GARDENS, INSTOW £24 inc Saturday 30th August THE TALL SHIPS, FALMOUTH £22 Monday 1st September EVENING MOORS DRIVE WITH SUPPER £31 inc Thursday 4th September PENCARROW & PRIDEAUX PLACE £36.50 inc (includes guided tours at both houses)

Saturday 7th September CLOVELLY LOBSTER & CRAB FEAST £27 inc Thursday 18th September ATHELHAMPTON HOUSE & GARDENS £30 inc coffee Thursday 30th September AMERICAN MUSEUM AT CLAVERTON MANOR £30 inc

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

Members and under 5s go free.

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

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August/September 2014

© National TrustTrust Images/Tony Cobley.

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

Registered Charity Number 205846.

Coleton Fishacre and Greenway

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Occombe Cider Festival 6 September

Celebrate the wonderful world of cider! Choose from a quality range of West Country ciders and listen to great local bands as the day turns to night. Party from 2 pm till 11 pm and celebrate the end of the summer.

Cost: £15, booking essential Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton, TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Geopark Open Water Swim 7 September

The sheltered sea conditions of Torbay’s Geopark offer the perfect location for Open Water swimming. The Geopark Open Water Swim has two “go-long” distances on offer to challenge your spirit of adventure, 3 or 5km. Both distances start on the soft sand of South Beach and swim a circuit of the Goodrington Sands Bay. Interested participants can come and have a look at the course, have a chat and register the day before race day. Early registration is 4 to 6 pm on Saturday 6th September at Torbay Surf Life Saving Club, North Beach Goodrington Sands. Wetsuits recommended.

Goodrington Sands, Paignton, TQ4 6LN 07974 243965

Galmpton Skills Day 7 September

A village community day that warmly welcomes visitors from far and wide and includes four open shows - Flower Show, Vegetable Show, Craft Show and Cooks’ Show (kids classes in the Craft and Cooks’ Shows). Enjoy cookery, handicraft and rural skills demonstrations, a englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

floral art exhibition, plant and pantry stalls plus music and dance entertainment. Refreshments are also on offer.

Galmpton Village Centre, Brixham, TQ5 0LT 01803 844103

Ape and Cake Evening, Paignton Zoo 10 September

Go behind the scenes and learn about Paignton Zoo’s primates with the chance to quiz keepers about what really makes apes tick! Enjoy presentations and a guided tour of the orang-utan, gorilla and gibbon enclosures. A delicious slice of cake is also on offer. This fundraising event is in support of the Zoo’s vital animal conservation work, which aims to make a significant and lasting contribution to the continued survival of apes and their habitats. From 7pm.

Booking is essential, £15 (£13 for annual members).

Paignton Zoo, Paignton, TQ4 7EU 0844 474 2222 paigntonzoo.org.uk

Bread Making for Beginners, Occombe Farm 14 September

Learn the essentials of bread making and discover how quick and easy producing delicious loaves of this everyday food staple can be. Led by Lucy Croose (who has studied with expert baker Andrew Whitley) author of Bread Matters, founder of the Village Bakery and co-founder of the Real Bread Campaign. From 10am.

Cost: £70 to include lunch, booking essential Occombe Farm, Paignton, TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

River Dart 10K Swim 14 September

Organised by the Outdoor Swimming Society, this year’s event is now closed for entries. A 10k swim down the beautiful River Dart starting from Totnes at 10.30am with groups of swimmers each proceeding at their own August/September 2014

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                      You can now pick up a copy at: Torbay Bookshop 7 Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 3DU

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

Haddon Galleries

6/7 Victoria Parade,Torquay TQ1 2BB

Hobb Nobs

19/20 The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW

Chelston Post Office & Newsagents 24 Walnut Road, Torquay TQ2 6HS

Preston Post Office 337 Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2EP

Marldon Newsagents & Post Office Marldon Cross Hill, Marldon TQ3 1NE

Wellswood Place Post Office Ilsham Rd, Torquay TQ1 2JG

St Marychurch Post Office Fore Street, St Marychurch TQ1 4PR

Galmpton Post Office Stoke Gabriel Road, Galmpton TQ5 0NH

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

More outlets coming soon!

If you’d like to stock the magazine in your shop and have a listing here, on our website and on our Facebook page then call 01803 842893 or email julian@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk 52

August/September 2014

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On pace. Swimmers finish at Dittisham where there will be a festival atmosphere with music, refreshments & a place to picnic. outdoorswimmingsociety.com

Visit of MS Hanseatic Cruise Ship 16 September

The only expedition ship in the world to have been awarded 5 stars will visit the Bay. Tor Bay

BioBlitz at Primley Park 19 and 20 September

Join Paignton Zoo’s BioBlitz at Primley Park from 10am – 5pm and take part in a series of exciting activities with some of the Zoo’s experts, local scientists and naturalists.

Unearth what lies under the ground, spot spiders and butterflies, plants and more! This is an exclusive chance to mix with scientists, experts and other members of the public, working together to survey areas of Primley Park.

Free Event.

Primley Park, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU 0844 474 2222 paigntonzoo.org.uk

and well-known favourites. Cost: £3 for poetry and afternoon tea. Time: 2-4 Seachange Studios, Cockington Court Craft Centre, Torquay, TQ2 6XA 01803 411142 cockingtoncourt.org

Cider Making Workshop Occombe Farm 28 September

Discover the art of cider making in this practical one-day workshop. You will learn how to work out the sugar mix and gravity, get an introduction to the equipment required and see a hands-on demonstration of the equipment in milling apples, making the cheeses, pressing and storing the apple juice.

Cost: £50, includes light lunch, booking essential, time 10-4pm Occombe Cookery School, Paignton, TQ3 1RN 01803 520022

Improvers Bird Watching Course 21 September

September is the perfect time to see birds in all sorts of plumages from juveniles to adults and everything in-between! You will be helped to recognise birds by both by sight and sound with a mixture of indoor and field activities.

For anyone that has attended one of the two day courses run by the Trust this will be a perfect step up in improve your birdwatching skills. Time: 10am – 4pm, cost £25, booking essential.

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

POETS Friday, Cockington Court 26 September

POETS Friday is a quarterly event of poetry readings on a chosen theme, in the beautiful setting of Cockington Court. We are fortunate to have many talented poets in South Devon who delight us with readings of their work englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

The Devon Wedding Show, Riviera International Centre 28 September

This is a great day out for those planning a wedding.

Browse dresses, flowers, cakes, honeymoons and cars and find all you need under one roof plus glamorous catwalk shows.

Riviera International Centre, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ 01803 299992 rivieracentre.co.uk

October & November Events If you’re holding an event in August or September email us at

editorial@ englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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

August/September 2014

53

Treading the boards Compiled by Maddy Sears

Babbacombe Theatre Box Office 01803 328385 Editor’s pick AN EVENING WITH JIMMY TARBUCK OBE 17 AUGUST ONLY Tarby, as he is known to millions of TV viewers, is one of the country’s most evergreen performers and a master of light entertainment having successfully spent more than 40 years in show business. This production sees Tarby at his best in front of a live audience, sharing anecdotes, and demonstrating his quickfire wit in a show, which promises comedy for grown-ups rather than adult comedy.

Also worth seeing…

ABBA Reunion 30 August only An Evening with Pam Ayres 27 September only

Flavel Arts Centre Dartmouth Box Office 01803 839530 Editor’s pick GLYNDEBOURNE LIVE LA TRAVIATA 10 AUGUST ONLY Verdi’s La Traviata is set around the ill-fated love between Alfredo, a young gentleman, and Violetta, a terminally ill courtesan. Often considered Verdi’s most popular opera, La Traviata marked a turning point in opera and with well-known arias and a tragic storyline this performance should appeal to all.

Also worth seeing…

RSC Live – Two Gentlemen of Verona 3 September only Cielito Argentine Tango Dance Evening 20 September only

Palace Theatre, Paignton Box Office 01803 665800 Editor’s pick PAUL STOCKMAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ENTERTAINER 20 SEPTEMBER ONLY Paul Stockman is one of the world’s leading psychological entertainers, recently winning International Psychological Entertainer of the year as voted for by celebrities, the general public and his peers. This show is set to be one of the most fascinating nights of theatre you will experience as Stockman not only tries to read the minds of his audience, but also influence them.

Also worth seeing… seeing The New Jersey Boys 7, 14, 21, 28 August The Wonderful Wizard of Oz 24 August only

Little Theatre Torquay Box Office 01803 299330 Editor’s pick HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES 8-20 SEPTEMBER One of Sherlock Holmes’ most infamous and spine chilling mysteries is placed in a modern setting in this performance with suspense, humour and terror. Sir Henry is heir to the vast Baskerville fortune, a legacy that comes with a family curse - death at the fangs of a beast that prowls the moor. As the sleuthing begins, suspicion falls on sinister servants, butterfly collectors, ladies in distress and escaped convicts in Conan-Doyle’s classic mystery.

Also worth seeing…

Noises Off 4-16 August 54

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Al Fr Princess Theatre Torquay Box Office 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick CATS 18-30 AUGUST Adapted from TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this show combines timeless music with stunning dance routines choreographed by Gillian Lynne. The show tells the magical story of the Jellicle Cats who meet for the Jellicle Ball, with classic songs such as Memory and Mr Mistoffelees. With this production taking to the West End in December, it is a great opportunity to see Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s musical in all its glory.

Also worth seeing…

Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee 15 - 20 September Annie Get Your Gun 30 September- 4 October

esco

Cockington Court Box Office 01803 607230 Editor’s pick ROBIN HOOD 22 AUGUST

View

ing!

This outdoor theatre performance will take place on the front lawn at Cockington Court. First performed in 2007, this remains one of Illyria’s most popular ever titles. Suitable for all ages 5+.

Bradley Manor National Trust, Newton Abbot TQ12 6BN Box Office 01803 842382 Editor’s pick ROMEO AND JULIET 6 AUGUST ONLY The Lord Chamberlain’s Men return to the atmospheric setting of Bradley’s gardens in the heart of Newton Abbot to perform Shakespeare’s much loved tragedy. Wrap up warm and bring a torch.

Greenway House Greenway Walled Garden, Galmpton TQ5 0ES Box Office 01803 842382 Editor’s pick OUTDOOR CINEMA EVIL UNDER THE SUN 16 SEPTEMBER ONLY

Brixham Theatre Box Office 01803 882717 Editor’s pick PEPPERED 19 AUGUST ONLY

As part of the Agatha Christie festival, this screening stars Peter Ustinov as Hercule Poirot. When the Belgian sleuth discovers a fake diamond ring, he travels to confront the owner and take a holiday of his own. However, after a murder is discovered suspicions turn on his fellow guests. Also stars Maggie Smith and Diana Rigg. Wrap up warm with waterproofs and bring a torch. A barbeque and snacks will be available.

Also worth seeing…

Outdoor Theatre – Peter Pan 1 August only

Peppered is an urban fairytale with a message, spanning a day in the life of teenagers who come face to face with their future, shortly after the release of the Beatles’ Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band in the summer of 1967.

Also worth seeing…

Geoff Lakeman in Concert 21 August only englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2014 55

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August/September 2014

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Food&Drink...

Savoir Continental Market

Fishstock Festival 2014

This popular market returns to Torquay’s Princess Gardens from 23-27 August. It provides all the best of French and continental produce, including French charcuterie, Dutch and French cheeses, Spanish paella, Italian confectionery and a great variety of fresh and dried garlic, seasonal vegetables and fruit. There will also be freshly grilled Toulouse and Merguez sausages, biscuits from Brittany, olives from the sunny south, and delicious flavoursome mustards and spices. o

Tastebuds will be tingling with oceanic delights once again as Fishstock Brixham, the annual seafood and music festival, takes over the fish market on Saturday 13 September. The event will see high profile chefs such as Mitch Tonks and Simon Hulstone on stage, as well as opportunities for youngsters to learn about seafood cookery in the Feast Bus. It’s not just for fish lovers, however, with countless stalls with quality local food suppliers ranging from a Veggie Deli to Bay’s Brewery and Tricky Cider. In last year’s festival, the Brixham Chef ’s Piazza proved one of the most popular attractions with over 1,000 dishes served and this year looks set to be no different with the Brixham Association of Chefs serving up a mouth-watering seafood risotto with channel scallops. Torbay’s “These Reigning Days” will headline the “Coombe Fisheries” main stage for a spectacular two hour finale from 9.30pm. There will also be a full line-up of talented local and regional rock and pop bands commencing at 11am. The event is run entirely in aid of the Fishermen’s Mission.o fishstockbrixham.co.uk

Peanut Butter Ice Cream with Crunchy Salted Caramel

By Julian Rees, 100% Amateur

Serves 1 (if tasted on your own, possibly more if you’re feeling generous).

Ingredients For the Caramel Sugar Rock Salt For the Ice Cream Crunchy Peanut Butter Light Muscavado Sugar Vanilla Extract Milk Double Cream

2/3 Cup A Sprinkling 1 Cup 1/4 Cup 11/2 Teaspoons 2 ups C 1 Cup

Method 1. Melt the sugar slowly in a thick bottomed pan and allow to caramelize.

2. Pour the caramel onto a sheet of greaseproof paper and spread as thinly as possible then apply a sprinkling of rock salt.

3. When set, break the caramel into small pieces and set aside to add to the ice cream mix later.

4. Cream the peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth.

5. Slowly whisk in the milk then cream and place in a freezer, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes until set.

Alternatively use an ice cream maker and churn for 25 minutes.

6. Before the mixture is fully set stir in most of the caramel pieces, reserving a few to go on top.

7. Indulge yourself, it’s too hot not to! englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Torquay – More For Foodies!

It’s great news for food lovers as three brand-new restaurants open in Torquay. Mitch Tonks has opened his latest Rockfish, a family seafood restaurant on Torquay’s harbourside. Then, in the prestigious new Abbey Sands development, Visto Lounge has opened, offering a combination of dining and lounging on comfy vintage sofas. At the end of August French-style Le Bistrot Pierre will launch at Abbey Sands. o thelounges.co.uk therockfish.co.uk, lebistrotpierre.co.uk

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VIP Lunch at Babbacombe Festival A VIP Lunch was held at Babbacombe Inn was held for guests and dignitaries attending Armed Forces Day on Babbacombe Downs. Captain Henry Duffy, Royal Navy, Commanding Officer of Britannia Royal Naval College, represented the Armed Forces and Britannia Royal Naval College.

Angela Capello (Communications Officer Torbay Council), Cllr Nicole Amil, Torbay Mayor Gordon Oliver, Betty Selley, and Sue Cheriton (Residents & Visitors Svcs Torbay Council)

Cllr Mark Kingscote, Cllr Jane Barnby (Chmn Torbay Council), Freeman Mrs Bridget Day, and Teddy Day

Martyn Strange (Babbacombe Festival organiser) and Paul Hammond (Royal British Legion).

Sharon Smith and Barbara Buck

Cllr Peter Addis and Steve Parrock (Executive Director Torbay Council) Lieutenant Commander Steve Henaghen (First Lt, Britannia Royal Naval College), Major Ron Goodwin MBE (Royal British Legion), and Captain. Henry Duffy (Commanding Officer Britannia Royal Naval College)

Conway Hoare (Culture, Sports & Events Officer Torbay Council), Nicky Allen and Martyn Strange (both Babbacombe Festival organisers)

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Cllr Ray Hill (Vice Chairman Torbay Council) and Patricia Hill

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Tudors Curiosity Fair

Social Diary

Tudors held a free Curiosity Fair over three floors of their Tudor-style building in St Marychurch with a collection of curious antiques, quirky arts and wacky crafts.

Linda Dewis and Richard Bearne (Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood)

Grythwas with Dave Oliver (Rattlebox Theatre) and Kamila Davis (Tudors)

Brian Lownds-Pateman (Babbacombe Pottery Collection).

Tracy Satchwill (tracysatchwill.com)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Frances Klepp (Fables Bookshop)

Many unusual and exciting objects turned up!

Jay Hooper and Chris Hampton (Orchard Learning Studios)

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Chris Bro (Candlelig

Celebration of Soccer

Law firm Wollen Michelmore invited members of the English Riviera business community to the Riviera International Conference Centre to watch Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third World Cup match whilst enjoying a complimentary buffet and bar.

Bob Hollies (Richard Blake Estate Agents), Barry Widecombe (South Devon Crickert Club) and David Kendall (Wollen Michelmore) Clive Meredith (Wollen Michelmore), Emily Severn and Andrew Dean (Dame Hannah Rogers Trust), Colin Lee, and Chris Hart (Wollen Michelmore)

Peter Hodge (Peplows) and Hugh Doxat-Pratt (Alpha Financial Consultants)

Tamsin Braund (Francis Clark) and Lisa Dickinson (Darnells Accountants).

Kevin Foster, Mick Bettesworth, Nick Bye and Tony Smith (Sonachan House)

Richard Cumming (Bygones), Phil Nixon (Discount Shoes) and Pippa Craddock (Paignton Zoo)

Martin Smith (Fruition Creative Services), Damian Offer (Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust) and Mark Green (Fruition Creative Services)

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August/September 2014

Gertrude Chaville (Beverage Brands) and Jenny Ives (Wollen Michelmore Financial Planning)

Richard Mansell, Simon LeBailly and Russell Thomas (all Rendells)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Institute of Directors Networking The Devon & Cornwall branch of the Institute of Directors held an informal networking reception at Sigma House in Torquay co hosted by Ashfords and Francis Clark.

Stuart Matthews (Ashfords), Les Burnett (Francis Clark), Carleen Kelemen OBE (Chairman IoD) and Steve Parrock (Torbay Development Agency)

Damian Offer (Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust), Samantha Thompson (Ashfords) and Jim Thomson (SWCL)

Colin Knight (Francis Clark), Anita Newcombe (English Riviera Magazine) and John Rowe (Francis Clark)

Simon Tonge (Paignton Zoo), Heather Ancient (Price Waterhouse Coopers), and Peter Redstone (Barefoot Thinking Ltd)

Alison Hogan (Anchor Partners), Jim Thomson (South West Colour Labs) and Helen Larder (Debenhams).

Jenny Paton (Paignton Zoo), Charles Pallot (Ashfords), and Alison Benney (Enlighten HR)

Contact us at:

editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk @EngRivieraMag facebook.com/englishriveramag if you are hosting an event you would like us to include.

UU englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2014

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Visto Lounge Launch Party Visto Lounge, the first restaurant to open in Torquay seafrontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prestigious Abbey Sands development held a launch party for invited guests and friends with complimentary tapas and drinks in their unique and very funky establishment.

Carolyn Custerson and Julian Rees

Dayne English, Tanya Griffiths, Hannah Jones, Claire Witham, Martin Jones, Jan Tribble and Richard Maddock (all Kay Elliott Architects and Balfour Beatty)

Jake Bishop, Nick Collins, and Alex Reilley (owners of Visto Lounge)

Carolyn Custerson (ERTC) and Julian Rees (English Riviera Magazine)

Geoff Gooding, John Harvard and John Couch Jo Jones and Steve Stallion (both Visto Lounge)

Julie Hutchins, Jennie Wilkinson and Rachel Rees

Linda Hill,Teresa Butto, Giovanni Butto and Karen Jackson Michelle Carey, Amy Crosby and Felicia Crosby

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August/September 2014

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Dartmouth Office Celebration Wollen Michelmore held a reception marking the official opening of their newly refurbished Dartmouth office. Drink and canapés were served in the offices, which overlook Dartmouth’s pretty inner harbour, the Boat Float.

Francesca Johnson and Carole Hart Fletcher (both Dartmouth BID)

Richard Bearne (Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood), Martin Ruskin (Wollen Michelmore Financial Planning) and Chris Hart (Wollen Michelmore)

Helen Lintott (Wollen Michelmore) and Simon Crawshay (Torbay Clearance Services)

Richard Blake (Richard Blake Estate Agents), David Brooking (Wollen Michelmore) and Christopher Wills (Wollen Michelmore)

Jill Bennett, Clive Meredith (Wollen Michelmore) and Clive Bennett

Contact us at: Sarah Mudge, Joanna Williams and Beth Donnelly (all Wollen Michelmore)

editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk @EngRivieraMag facebook.com/englishriveramag if you are hosting an event you would like us to include.

UU englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

August/September 2014

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August/September 2014

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BusinessBreaks...

Sky Diving Accident Leads to New Business Idea

Celebrities Endorse Torquay’s Newest Clothing Brand

After suffering two major health setbacks, including a sky diving accident, Julie Harrison managed to turn her health around before taking advantage of her experiences as she ventured into the world of business.

Julie’s new project, Yes To Change, promotes the use of a positive mind and lifestyle to maximise good health.

After enjoying success with her Real Health Workshops, focussing on simple, free, or very cost effective ways to improve health, Julie has now created seven new Mini Workshops. Included topics are ‘What to Buy and Where to Shop’, ‘Detoxifying your Home and You’ and ‘Recipe Adaptation’. o yestochange.co.uk

Celebrities have pledged their support for Torquay’s newest clothing brand. Wear2Donate have designed and produced T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts with the legend ‘Love Life, Hate Cancer’ emblazoned across them in 3 different styles. 25% of each item sold goes directly to the Teenage Cancer Trust. o wear2donate.co.uk

Have camera will travel...

Original Concept Productions, a video communications company based in Torbay, have just returned from Cape Town in South Africa where they have been filming three commercials for a major international company. The shoot involved a crew of 30 and OCP were there for over 3 weeks. The commercials are part of an above-the-line advertising campaign that will also include radio, poster and press ads. The campaign will go live in September. o originalconcept.tv

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

10 Years of Helping Carers Torbay Carers Discount Scheme is celebrating a decade of helping local carers in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

The discount scheme is a partnership between Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust, Torbay Carers Register Management Group and local businesses.

Businesses in the scheme offer discounts on their services to local carers. These offers are a way of giving practical help to carers and demonstrate how local communities recognise the contribution that carers make to community life in the Bay. Carers can show their Torbay Carers Emergency Response Card to qualify for the discounts.

Carers who would like to join Torbay Carers Register or business owners who would like to offer discounts should call Signposts for Carers on 01803 666620. o June/July 2014

65

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

‘Sign up to Safety’- putting things right?

As my colleague Amanda Harvey touched upon Commission and the NHS Litigation Authority in her article a few months ago, the NHS healthcare have committed to the Sign up to Safety campaign, system in the UK now copes with the diverse in an effort to halve incidents of avoidable harm medical demands of a population the size of which over the next three years. could surely never have been dreamt of by Florence The aims proposed by the campaign intermesh, Nightingale. it seems, with the NHS Constitution which was This summer sixty six years ago, the National published in 2009, some 51 years after the three Health Service was born. Back then, it was based core principles were developed. The modern day upon three core principles; that it should meet the constitution consists of seven principles, which needs of everyone, that it should be free at the point include, amongst others, striving for excellence and of delivery and that it should be based upon clinical accountability. need, not the ability to pay.

It remains to be seen whether the Sign up to Fast forward to 2014, and Safety campaign will bear we live in a very different It should meet the needs of fruit. Clearly, the latest world. The healthcare campaign is a small part of everyone, it should be free the bigger picture, and the demands of our population are ever increasing. In recent at the point of delivery and it government knows that, months, the spotlight has order to avoid the tragic should be based upon clinical in been firmly fixed upon events which occurred at need, not the ability to pay. Stafford Hospital happening patient safety within the NHS, and this was bought to again, freedom to report the fore by the Mid Staffordshire Trust scandal. As mistakes and to learn from them is not just key but a result of events at the Trust, Robert Francis QC essential. was appointed to lead an enquiry, and in February If you have any queries arising from this article 2013 he published a list of 290 recommendations, contact me by telephone 01803 213251 or by many of which centred around creating a culture of email: elizabeth.larner@wollenmichelmore.co.uk openness and transparency.

On the 24th June 2014, the Secretary of State for Health launched the ‘Sign up to Safety’ campaign, with the aim of strengthening patient safety in Elizabeth Larner the NHS and making it the safest healthcare Solicitor Clinical Negligence system in the world. The aims proposed include Department. minimising avoidable harm, acting upon the feedback of patients, and where things do go wrong, being honest about it and learning from mistakes. @wmlegal National organisations including NHS England, Wollenmichelmore the Department of Health, the Care Quality

Wollen Michelmore SOLICITORS TORQUAY 01803 213251

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Scan our QR code to book your tickets 23/07/2014 15:22