English Riviera Magazine December/January 2019/20

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

EnglishRiviera 101 Festive

December 2019/January 2020

Forays

magazine ENJOY! Celebratory Food & Drink

THE

LOCAL

REPAIR SHOP

Return to the Abbey with

LUCINDA HERON Son of an artist

REUBEN LENKIEWICZ

ROTARY Revival Give it a go...

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Welcome to the December-January issue!

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 ISSN (Print) 2052-8515 ISSN (Online) 2052-8523

Next issue 24 January Write to us at: ENGLISH RIVIERA MAGAZINE 69 DAVIES AVENUE PAIGNTON TQ4 7AW © 2019 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.

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After all the recent rain we’re hopeful that the festive season will be dry, bright, frosty and sparkly. Let’s celebrate all the Bay has to offer with fun places to eat, lovely shops and boutiques for our Christmas gifts and a huge number of seasonal events to get us in the mood. Why go anywhere else?

In this issue, Lucinda Heron the new Manager of Torre Abbey invites us to pop in, and Reuben Lenkiewicz, son of the idiosyncratic Devon painter Robert Lenkiewicz shows us around his Teignmouth gallery. We see inside Daniel Darlow’s local leather restoration workshop, find out how Colin Rea can teach absolutely anyone to sing at Big Noise Chorus and discover what Rotary Tormohun is up to. We also hear about how former local resident William Kitson was responsible for Torquay’s famous Italianate Villas and how legendary songstress Gracie Fields regained her mojo on Paignton Seafront.

Thoughts will turn to festive food and drink this month so we’ve brought you some recipes to try from some of the Bay’s favourite chefs. We’ve got our usual bumper What’s On section plus a roundup of local arts and theatre, winter gardening tips from Mr Fox and a great walk that takes in Watcombe’s awe-inspiring Valley of the Rocks.

Happy reading and stay local!

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December/January 2019/20 | 3

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In this issue | December & January 6 Openers Local news snippets

14 Meeting Lucinda Heron

✯

A new face at Torre Abbey

18 Portrait of an Artist Getting to know Reuben Lenkiewicz

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22 Riviera Heritage William Kitson - the ‘Maker of Torquay’

24 Riviera Heritage Gracie Fields - Red Sails in the Sunset

27 Torbay at War New exhibition focuses on the 1940s

28 Give It A Go - Kilimanjaro

Reuben Lenkiewicz 18

Intrepid expedition to the roof of Africa

Gracie Fields in Torbay

32 Give It A Go - Big Noise Chorus Singing for all

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36 Festive Food & Drink A selection of seasonal treats

43 Festive Interiors A designer’s touch for your home

46 Walk A coastal wander amid ancient landscapes

50 What’s On Hand-picked events for all

64 Arts Roundup Creative events around the Bay

66 Theatre Who’s treading the boards?

69 Gardens

Give It A Go!

28

Mr Fox’s Gardening Column

73 The Local Repair Shop An expert in all things leather

76 Charities and Volunteering Rotary clubs in the Bay

78 Social Diary Local people at local events

80 Business Snippets Local business news in brief

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December/January 2019/20 | 5

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Openers... Openers... Openers... O 1840 Toll House Reborn Work has been taking place on the cliff at the rear of the Old Toll House on Torquay seafront ahead of the property’s redevelopment. The council, supported by the TDA, is working with the Venus Café to redevelop this iconic building and bring the Old Toll House back into use. A Grade II Listed stone building, it was originally used by local boatmen and the council’s gardener and is believed to date to back to circa 1840. Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing, Cllr Swithin Long, said, “The Venus Café venture will breathe new life into a currently unused building on Torquay’s seafront opposite the promenade. Designs for the building involve a mixed scheme of modern and traditional architecture with seating on two levels and an open-air terrace offering sea views. Nearby restaurants and bars include Bistro Pierre, Visto Lounge, Coco Lounge, On the Rocks, Las Iguanas and Pier Point. ¢

Council Buys Fleet Walk Torbay Council, with the assistance of Torbay Development Agency, has purchased the freehold of Torquay’s Fleet Walk Shopping Centre, home to 32 units plus a carpark. Fleet Walk is home to some of the best high street names including TK Maxx, Sports Direct, Wetherspoons and Starbucks. Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said, “The purchase of Fleet Walk Shopping Centre gives the Council an opportunity to regenerate and improve a major part of Torquay town centre.” The Council is borrowing money at low interest rates to fund the investment. They have created a £100Million Economic Growth Fund to invest in Torbay with the aim of improving the economy, creating jobs and undertaking regeneration. This purchase is seen 6 | December/January 2019/20

as a significant step towards making this happen. The investment in Fleet Walk complements other initiatives across Torbay including the Old Toll House, Harbour Lights restaurant and the Harbour View hotel. ¢

Tortoise Physio Paignton Zoo’s giant tortoise, 35-year-old Sophie has been ill and laid up so now needs some physiotherapy to ease her aches and pains. The trouble is that her shell prevents access to lots of her joints and tissue. Sophie’s physio, Matthew Shackleton, a professional Veterinary Physiotherapist with many years of experience, has therefore used phototherapy (also known as laser treatment) plus Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy to help the 106-kilo tortoise. Along with careful handling to reduce stress this treatment has helped with blood flow to give the cells a boost during the recovery process.

Changes to Sophie’s surroundings have also helped her.

Keeper Lauren Lane says, “We’ve restricted the size of her paddock, so she doesn’t overdo it, and given her enrichment to stimulate her physically and mentally.”

Keepers have also been applying heat packs and doing some very light massage to relax muscles and promote blood flow. ¢

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.. Openers... Openers... Openers...

Oxen Cove’s New Jetty

Lottery Heritage Fund and support from Torquay Museum Society the celebrations will allow the museum to increase access to its collections. Local people will be invited to choose objects for inclusion in a special exhibition. They can also submit their photographs of Torbay in 2020 to be added to the Museum’s archive and there will be a trail of historic photographs to follow around the Bay. Clare Howe, Project Curator says, “We hope that people will be able to uncover for themselves some of the amazing stories that can be told.” “It is really exciting to have the opportunity to help people explore objects they don’t usually get the chance to see because they are hidden away in the museum’s stores.” ¢

NHS Heroes Oxen Cove has a brand-new jetty designed to support Brixham’s shellfish sector by adding significant landing capacity. Two fishing vessels are able to come alongside simultaneously and the jetty can accommodate an HGV lorry allowing immediate onward transport for the catch.

Harbour Committee Chairman, Cllr Nicole Amil, said, The Oxen Cove Jetty is expected to attract a greater number of fishing vessels landing into Brixham and will help grow and sustain the local economy. Torbay Council and the European Maritime Fisheries Fund funded the £2.25m project. TDA’s Engineering Team supervised and project managed the works throughout the project, working with the principle contractor Teignmouth Marine Services. Today, Brixham is the most important fishing port in England and Wales when measured by the value of catch landed. ¢

Torquay Museum’s 175th Preparations are beginning for Torquay Museum’s upcoming 175th Anniversary. As the oldest museum in Devon, with extraordinary and internationally important objects in its care, there is plenty to celebrate.

Thanks to a grant from the National englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust held their first ever ‘Staff Heroes’ awards ceremony to recognise individuals and groups whose outstanding energy, commitment and dedication is making a real difference. Staff, volunteers and guests attended the awards event, which was held at the Grand Hotel, Torquay. Nominations were made throughout the year by members of the public and by staff, and were judged by a panel of experts and independent members. The Trust’s Strategic Estates Partnership - SDH Innovations Partnership sponsored the awards ceremony alongside the Trust’s Charitable Funds. This year there were seven award categories as well as a special ‘Chairman’s Award’. The Trust’s Executive Team including Liz Davenport (Chief Executive) and Sir Richard Ibbotson (Chairman) presented the trophies and certificates. The Winner of the Chairman’s Awards was the Theatres Team. ¢ December/January 2019/20 | 7

Openers... Openers... Openers...

New! Tourism Awards

The English Riviera BID Company has celebrated its inaugural English Riviera Tourism Awards at Torquay’s Imperial Hotel. Kents Cavern was a big winner, receiving Gold awards for Access and Inclusivity, International Tourism, Visitor Attraction of the Year and the prestigious Winner of Winners award. Cary Arms and Spa took two Gold awards, one as Hotel of the Year and the other a Customer Service Superstar Award for Lisa Bradford. Lorrens Ladies Spa also picked up two Golds. Golds were awarded to the 25 Boutique B&B, Whitehill Country Park and Reach Outdoors. Dartmouth Steam Railway’s Train of Lights took Gold for Tourism Innovation. The Dog Friendly Gold went to Below Decks Restaurant and Bar, with Torbay Airshow taking Gold for Tourism Event & Festival of the Year. A special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to David Dabbs. Law firm Wollens was headline partner for the event. ¢

Rowcroft Boutique and Café Launch Rowcroft Hospice has opened a new boutique and café lounge in Chelston’s Walnut Road. Named in honour of Rowcroft’s founder, Ella Rowcroft, Ella’s Café Lounge and Boutique by Rowcroft is open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, with plans for limited early evening opening in the future. The store is located at 25 Walnut Road, on the corner of Old Mill Road, and features high quality pre-loved clothes and accessories, as well as a selection from the charity’s ‘new’ range. The café lounge seats up to 35 people and offers locally sourced hot, cold and alcoholic drinks, plus cakes – including gluten free options - and light bites. Rowcroft’s retail operation 8 | December/January 2019/20

raised over £600,000 for the hospice in 2018. This is enough to fund the charity’s Hospice at Home service, which enables patients to receive treatment and first class care in their own home, for almost a year. ¢

Farewell Concert South Devon Choir is performing Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus at St Marychurch Parish Church on 7 December. It’s a special concert programme chosen by retiring Music Director and Conductor John Hobbs as he lays down his baton. John has led South Devon Choir for 12 years. His final conducting role will feature fellow professional singers Lorna Anderson (soprano), Rebecca Smith (mezzo soprano), Arthur Swan (tenor) and Tim Mirfin (bass), plus the Festival Orchestra. John said, “This is Handel at his very best, with wonderful solos, such as ‘Arm, arm, ye brave’, ‘Sound an alarm!’ and ‘So shall the lute and harp awake’, as well as the beautiful duet for soprano and alto, ‘O lovely peace’.

There are splendid choruses – the most famous being ‘See, the conquering hero comes’ – with not a dull moment in the whole work.” A celebratory reception following the concert will be held. Tickets: 01803 846058 southdevonchoir.org/tickets ¢

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01803 611 420 12/11/2019 19:36

Lucinda Heron

Welcomes You to Torre Abbey Lucinda Heron is the new Manager at Torre Abbey, a rare jewel on the seafront at Torquay. Anita Newcombe drops by to say hello.

I

’m meeting Lucinda on a sunny day at beautiful Torre view. She also managed the Visitor Experience and Abbey. I stroll in past the historic gates with their Weddings departments. Now she’s back for the third famous swans and through the tranquil outer gardens. time as Manager.

This green area between the main Abbey building and She never expected to be running an historic abbey. the Spanish Barn is open to all with no entry fee and, After studying a law degree at Warwick University, with its lovely tearoom, is perfect for families to enjoy.

Lucinda realised that she was interested in an ethical I also love the Medieval Garden, the Glass Houses, the approach to work – something that would offer an Walled Gardens, the Ruins and the Agatha Christie emotional connection. Admiring Anita Roddick’s ethical, Potent Plants Garden, which all complement this entrepreneurial achievements, she worked at The Body wonderfully Shop in Torquay historic property Her interest in heritage properties led her to sign for a few years. and make a visit Lucinda’s family up to a BA degree in Heritage with Gallery and here a memorable has run Castle Museum Studies at Plymouth University day out.

Barton restaurant Lucinda is on her third stint here at Torre Abbey, next to Compton Castle since 1983 and she worked having worked in Phase One of its renovations in 2004 there in the restaurant and on its outside catering when the Abbey’s historic collections were packed up operation while her four children were growing up. under the eagle eye of Dr Michael Rhodes. She was Claims to fame during this period include providing back again in 2008 as part of the team which unpacked outside catering at Torre Abbey for the Duke of Kent (everything survived) and redisplayed the Abbey’s and for Lenny Henry and Dawn French at their holiday wonderful statues, paintings and sketches for public property over the River Dart.

“

14 | December/January 2019/20

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Riviera People Her interest in heritage properties led her to sign up to a BA degree in Heritage with Gallery and Museum Studies at Plymouth University. It took four years during which time Lucinda also became a carer to her sister who was taken very ill and subsequently died. She tells me, “Taking care of my sister when she needed me, made me the person that I am. I realised that I am more capable and stronger than I thought.” Finishing the degree against the odds (“my sister would have been cross if I hadn’t finished”), she began her first stint at Torre Abbey.

Over the years Lucinda has worked at many of the South West’s finest National Trust properties and this is where she expanded and honed her expertise. Most recently having worked at NT Overbecks in Salcombe, she has also undertaken roles at NT Greenway, Castle Drogo, Coleton Fishacre and Compton Castle.

Whilst at Greenway, she was entrusted with the care of some precious Agatha Christie items. She remembers taking one of Agatha Christie’s nighties home to wash and her son feeling honoured that he was allowed to hang the world-famous author’s personal nightwear on the line.

She was House and Collections Manager at Castle Drogo during the building project, which saw major works to the roof and windows. Lots of the house displays had to be rearranged and many carefully packed

away. She organised ‘roof tours’ on the site that boasted one of the largest freestanding scaffolds in Europe. The views from the rooftop of this dramatic 20th century castle overlooking Teign Gorge must be quite spectacular.

Leaving the National Trust to come to Torre Abbey was a momentous decision. She reveals, “There are not many things that would have taken me away from the National Trust.” One of the deciding factors was an opportunity to lead a National Lottery Heritage Fund bid to complete works at the abbey including the Gatehouse Wing, the Ballroom Wing and the Spanish Barn. Of course the abbey has already had extensive works done in the main building with modern amenities offering wheelchair users and those of limited mobility excellent access.

Lucinda tells me, “It’s interesting that the abbey is located right in the heart of an urban environment here in Torquay. It’s super easy to get to but many locals have never been here. I’d like to change that.”

The abbey is, of course, a highly accredited museum with wonderful collections of paintings and sculptures but Lucinda wants people to realise that it’s much more than that with its fascinating gardens, glasshouses, ruins and tearoom offering a delightful day out for the whole family.

Since starting her new role she has been much taken up with the abbey’s Museum Accreditation Renewal. This is

“ englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

It’s interesting that the abbey is located right in the heart of an urban environment here in Torquay. It’s super easy to get to but many locals have never been here. I’d like to change that December/January 2019/20 | 15

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a very big piece of work that has to be undertaken every five years and reconfirms that they are managing the collections, building audiences, offering excellent access and many other facets that an accredited museum must have. It’s a big responsibility – Torre Abbey has the third largest art collection in Devon and has splendid permanent and temporary exhibitions on all year round.

There’s a large pre-Raphaelite collection on display (and many more in storage) with collections from Burne-Jones and Holman-Hunt. You can see some marvellous sculpture by Frederick Thrupp, noted for his portrait busts and marble and bronze reliefs including a statue of Wordsworth for Westminster Abbey. Don’t miss the Call of the Sea Gallery, the Dartmoor Gallery and the Green and Pleasant Land Gallery inspired by the ‘green and pleasant land’ of William Blake’s poem.

Torre Abbey was purchased by the council in 1930 and in all, encompasses around 18 acres. Some of the ruins connected to the original medieval abbey are now located under the pitch and putt in front of the abbey.

Lucinda tells me, “I feel like a tiny dot in 800 years of history but I am really happy to be entrusted with the abbey’s care. It’s a hugely rewarding job with an amazing office view.”

Lucinda lives in Compton where the family restaurant business is located; her brother Darton is its Head Chef. Her husband Martin is a self-employed gardener who just loves the abbey gardens. They have three daughters: Maxine, Amy and Emma-Louise and a son Luke. Lucinda loves taking walks along the South West Coast Path and to Anstey’s Cove and Goodrington with her spaniel Chip who was a rescue dog. Daughter Amy, who is a vet nurse, took him in as he had lots of englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

health problems and he would have been too difficult to rehome – he’s now a treasured family member.

At the moment being so new in the post of Manager at Torre Abbey, Lucinda likes to go home and flop after a day’s work. The family are all vegetarian (She became veggie at the age of 15). In fact the only family member who eats meat is brother and chef Darton.

Lucinda has lots of plans for Torre Abbey including welcoming a much wider range of visitors by age and interests. She also wants to greatly expand the volunteer programme to give people interesting opportunities and to enhance the service that the abbey offers to both locals and visitors. She tells me, “It feels like I’ve come full circle; to come back and lead the team in the final phase of development is a huge honour.” ¢  torre-abbey.org.uk

Did You Know?

Torre Abbey was the wealthiest Premonstratensian abbey in England.

The Spanish Barn held 397 prisoners during the 1588 Spanish Armada.

The RAF used the abbey during WWII. A number of ghosts are reputed to wander the abbey grounds.

You can join the Torre Abbey 1196 Club as an annual member for £18.

You can hold primary age children’s birthday parties at Torre Abbey.

You can get married at Torre Abbey (even in the Palm House).

December/January 2019/20 | 17

Reuben Lenkiewicz portrait of a painter

Reuben Lenkiewicz recently held an exhibition at Cockington Court of some of the most famous paintings by his late father, the celebrated and highly controversial artist Robert Lenkiewicz. Anita Newcombe popped into Reuben’s Teignmouth art gallery.

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self-expression. He was a kind father, not ‘huggy’ but still obert Lenkiewicz was one of the South West’s most affectionate. Robert was a true classical artist with a real flamboyant and celebrated artists. Shunning the gift for depicting light and dark in paint. He was totally London art galleries’ restrictive way of working, he led a flamboyant and seriously unconventional life of bohemian devoted to painting – he painted every hour of every day.”

Having fathered 12 children though, it is fairly clear creativity in Plymouth. After fathering 12 children (of that the famous painter must have had some time off which Reuben is one) and creating over 10,000 works of from painting if art he died of a heart only to pursue his attack in 2002 at the As a young man in the 1960s and 70s, you age of 60. Following could get away with adopting an idiosyncratic many relationships.

Reuben smiles huge publicity when and totally anti-establishment lifestyle and tells me, the embalmed corpse “Robert Lenkiewicz was born into an eccentric time. of the tramp ‘Diogenes’ was found in his studio, the As a young man in the 1960s and 70s, you could get artist’s obsession with social issues and death became a away with adopting an idiosyncratic and totally antiWest Country legend. establishment lifestyle. You couldn’t do it in today’s So now the question everyone asks is, “What was it like culture. Dad had up to 30 relationships on the go at a growing up with Robert Lenkiewicz as a father?” Reuben time – he had tremendous charisma and women just tells me, “He was a very unique person, so interested in fell in love with him.” culture, so happy and fulfilled in all realms of human Although Reuben’s parents split when he was only life including his relationships, his creativity and his

“

18 | December/January 2019/20

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Riviera People

three, he remained in a very colourful, artistic community at home. His mother had six children, of which Reuben was somewhere in the middle and the only son she had with the legendary Lenkiewicz. Reuben tells me, “Mum loved classical music and was the best-read person I’ve ever known. She loved late 19th century and early 20th century writers.” The family lived on the Barbican in Plymouth so he saw his famous painter father often as a child and appeared in some of his paintings.

Reuben was brought up listening to Bach and other Baroque composers and learned violin and piano. Later he heard Spanish guitar pieces by Andrés Segovia, John Williams and Julian Bream and was spellbound. “It’s the love of my life,” he says. It stayed with him and he’s now been playing classical guitar for over 20 years, earning his living teaching and playing in concerts. This is in addition to his other passion - running The Reuben Lenkiewicz Art Gallery in Teigmouth where he buys and sells his late father’s paintings.

Reuben says, “The biggest thing I’ve learned from having Robert Lenkiewicz as a father is a positive belief in the world and a love of learning. He said that the world was full of wonderful things but you had to make the effort to find them. It wasn’t about money or power – he englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

was a real optimist with a healthy approach to life.”

Regretfully, part of Robert Lenkiewicz’s modus operandi did not go down well with the taxman. After the idiosyncratic painter’s death, it was discovered that Dad had not been paying income tax, using an unusual system of barter economics for many years. He had never opened a bank account or kept a record of his sales – he had little or no cash. The purchaser would just be handed a couple of bills to be settled on his behalf. Reuben says, “Dad was hopeless with money and had never done his taxes.”

After his death most of the paintings went into the Lenkiewicz Foundation, a charity set up by a lifelong friend. Robert also left a vast collection of books devoted to subjects including art, the occult, alchemy, magic, witchcraft, psychology and death. Reuben says, “The tax office wanted to know how he had the money to acquire one of the best philosophy libraries in the country. Then they came in and took pretty much everything.”

Today Lenkiewicz paintings raise large sums and Reuben has some stunning examples in his Teignmouth Gallery. He tells me, “Four years ago I set up The Reuben Lenkiewicz Gallery specialising in buying and selling Robert’s works.”

They are still hugely popular and there are lots of them. Reuben’s gallery prides itself on having the largest December/January 2019/20 | 19

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Riviera People

selection in the south west of original Lenkiewicz paintings and limited editions. Reuben explains, “Because of who I am, I know the collectors; they trust me – they see what I am trying to do and they support me.”

He has recently launched The Reuben Lenkiewicz Art Magazine dedicated to the art, ideas and life of his father and it’s available on yearly subscription through his website. Reuben says, “As well as in-depth articles on Robert, it will cover debates from art history and the art world as well as arts stories and events.” The magazine is an important part of the Robert Lenkiewicz Fellowship, which also offers art-themed events and private viewings.

So what was the real story behind the embalmed tramp found in Robert’s studio after his death? Reuben explains that his father knew Diogenes for around 25 years. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Lenkiewicz had a great interest in social issues and often painted vagrants and people who had terminal illnesses.

Reuben explains, “The story was rather ‘bigged up’ at the time. Dad had Diogenes’ full agreement to be preserved after his death; all the right paperwork had been done in advance and the body had already been on display.”

Nevertheless the story created a big stir at the time and there was a huge amount of sadness at Robert Lenkiewicz’s death as a well-known, well-loved and enormously talented local figure. So now Reuben is devoted to preserving his father’s fascinating legacy.

If you’d like to see some of Lenkiewicz’s finest artworks, pop into Teignmouth Arts Quarter and have a browse around Reuben’s gallery in Northumberland Place.¢  lenkiewiczart.com December/January 2019/20 | 21

William Kitson

In power in Torquay for over three decades, residents named this man the ‘Maker of Torquay’. Yet in spite of the most amazing achievements, he had a very tight grip on the purse strings. Ian Handford of Torbay Civic Society tells us more.

D

uring Victoria’s reign, Torbay saw three highly significant town solicitors arrive in Torbay: Mr R Wolston in Brixham, Mr A H Dendy in Paignton and Mr William Kitson in Torquay. William had a vision, which eventually ensured our small seaside area would be transformed and the people would name him “Maker of Torquay”. As the Western Morning Newspaper expressed in 1864, it became “the most opulent, the handsomest, and the most fashionable watering place in the British Isles”.

The transformation of Torquay came after Mr Kitson (a solicitor based on Vaughan Parade from 1826) was elected Chairman of the Local Authority. By 1835 he was Chairman of the Board of Health, as well as a Churchwarden (a powerful role in that era). He was also Chairman of the Railway Company (eventually the 22 | December/January 2019/20

GWR), and a member of the local Planning Committee.

He went on to partner Mr Edward Vivian in a new bank venture, the Vivian and Kitson Bank, later amalgamated with Lloyds Bank.

William’s real power and the opportunity to fulfil his vision came after the Palk family appointed him Land Agent to its family estate. The Palks owned what had been Cary land until the Civil War. Later they purchased all the land West of Torquay from Fleet St East, up the Braddons Hill and across to the Warberry Hill, Lincombe Hill and Vane Hill areas. Sir Lawrence Vaughan Palk (about the same age as William Kitson) left all the running of his estate in his hands so that he could become an “absentee landlord” and leave the area. Palk then spent what is recorded as the rest of his life “wasting his substance gambling, womanising, and drinking” until finally death

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came in 1860.

The East of Torquay was soon being developed to create a genteel residential area with wide roads, gentle gradients and literally hundreds of two-acre plots being sold to anyone rich. The plots were sold subject to a lease with covenants, allowing Mr Kitson to ensure all the villas were legally required to be built in Italianate style. By 1850 the Ilsham Valley road to Meadfoot had opened, while by 1852 Brunel was building homes, at Barton, for his growing workforce.

The poorest in society were of course always present and 1847 saw fifty Torquay locals taking to the streets in an early Bread Riot before being taken to court. Mr Kitson was still overseeing the sale of plots across the seven hills of Torquay and eventually five hundred new villas emerged.

Kitson would also provide Palk land for the building of new Anglican churches, of St Marks, St Mary Magdalene and St Matthias in Wellswood.

Mr Kitson was also involved in the new sewage system and the supply of piped fresh water from Hennock reservoir. He also served on the Turnpike Trust, the Torquay Market and the Regatta committees and even built a Gentlemens Club near the Strand in Torquay.

Sadly, he was never able to bring the famous families together, which might have allowed him to eliminate the slums in the centre of Torquay.

As the Authority Leader he knew that two thousand people were housed in Swan Street, Pimlico, George Street and Madrepole Road area and that this slum had a constant stench, which kept most people from visiting this part of the town.

But in 1860 everything changed because Sir L V Palk now died and his son the next Sir Lawrence (later to be Lord Haldon) inherited the family estates and immediately removed power from Mr Kitson. To his astonishment Kitson now saw his Land Agency business fail while also losing his Chairman role with the Local Authority – yet he remained a member for twenty three years until his own death in 1883. For three decades he had watched the growth of Torquay follow his vision but englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

now it would take over a hundred more years before the slums and dereliction were razed and what we know as Fleet Walk emerged.

Throughout this period the town people did not forget the “Maker of Torquay”. They firstly celebrated his commitment to their town by arranging a Town Dinner in his honour, to which both poor and the rich were invited (it’s not chronicled whether anyone paid).

The speeches went on for hours and these culminated in a salvo of guns fired on Corbyn Head. They next commissioned a full-length portrait of Mr William Kitson, which can still be seen in Torquay Town Hall. Yet there was another side to Mr Kitson - a meanness. For over two decades he had opposed any public washhouse being built for the poor, even though his own banking partner Edward Vivian had consistantly proposed this on many occasions. He even refused to sign the contract for gas lamps to be lit if there was a full moon. As a Director of Torquay Gas Company, that decision brought chaos one cold winter night. The full moon disappeared behind clouds and parishioners were unable to find their carriages on leaving the church.

Mr Kitson was also a frugal eater which earned him the nickname “Penny Bun Kitson” and later “Darning Needle Kitson”. It seems William was a Dickensian type scrooge, although mainly for concerns about cost to the Local Authority not, for personal gain.

Although William died in 1883 the Kitson name lives on. In 1966 the Town Council honoured Major R F Kitson, a descendant of William’s, for his extensive commitment to the community. They commemorated the name at an adventure playground in Shiphay ‘Kitson Park’. Finally in 1988 my predecessor Ena Hocking, then Chairman of Torbay Civic Society, arranged for a Blue Plaque to honour William Kitson (Maker of Torquay) on the north wall of the Kitson building on Vaughan Parade.

Sadly when Kitsons (Solicitors) moved to the Torquay Terrace a restaurant moved in and the plaque was lost. ¢  torbaycivicsociety.co.uk December/January 2019/20 | 23

PICTURE: © Torre Abbey Museum

Riviera Heritage

Gracie Fields in Torbay

Here’s another of those Torbay myths that crops up from time to time - that the song ‘Red Sails in the Sunset’ was written by Gracie Fields as a tribute to the red sails of the Brixham fishing boats she saw in the Bay on one of her visits.

Sadly, not... Kevin Dixon tells us more.

T

he song was published in 1935, its music was written

by Hugh Williams with lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy, and inspired by the ‘red sails’ of ‘Kitty of Coleraine’, a yacht Kennedy often saw off the northern coast of Ireland. Gracie could, however, have mentioned the Bay’s fishermen when she sang ‘Red Sails in the Sunset… and there is a Torbay connection to the much loved actress, comedienne and singer.

In 1937 Gracie was the highest paid film star in the world and was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio. Born in 1898 above a chip shop in Rochdale, her Northern working-class girl character was a favourite during the inter-war years and she often played characters named Gracie.

Gracie’s first Torquay association comes via Yelloway

24 | December/January 2019/20

coaches, a haulage firm launched by brothers Robert and Ernest Holt. At weekends in the early 1900s Yelloway’s would convert their lorries into charabancs and run trips to places of interest. One of the passengers on the first coach trip to Torquay in 1911 was Gracie whose father Fred worked for Holt Brothers maintaining the vehicles.

According to transport enthusiast Dave Haddock, “The trip had been organised by a printing firm called Edwards and Brynings who used to take their staff to see the Torquay Regatta every year by train. But there was a train strike and the Holt Brothers were persuaded to provide a charabanc instead. Gracie was among the 26 people and one dog who went on the trip. She was a good friend of the daughter of one of the Brynings’ directors. The trip proved a godsend for Gracie. She was only 13 years old, was already singing

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Riviera Heritage with a girls’ troupe, but had lost all her confidence. The holiday did her a world of good because she won a talent competition on Paignton seafront and scooped a prize of roller skates, a purse and ten shillings. When she got back home her confidence was restored.”

Gracie then started her career in travelling troupes while earning extra money with factory work. Along with comedian Archie Pitt she worked in a revue called ‘Yes, I Think So’ in 1915. In 1923 she married Archie and two years later they brought a highly successful revue to the Alhambra Theatre in London and went on the road with the production for almost a decade. She and Archie eventually divorced.

Gracie would go on to appear in 16 films, beginning

“

Mussolini’s Italy, he could have been identified as an enemy alien subject to possible internment. To avoid this threat Gracie accepted concerts in North America.

Although she was a symbol of courage and hope in Depression Britain, and performed twice in Britain during the early 1940s, her popularity consequently declined as she was perceived as having fled her country in its time of need. Despite hostility from the newspapers, Gracie continued to raise money for the war effort amounting to more than a half-million dollars - she never quite won her public back even when she returned, however.

In 1950 a heart attack killed Monty aboard the Orient Express. Gracie then found her third husband in Boris Alperovici.

Gracie was back in Torquay on Sunday September 27th 1964 in the Princess Theatre in The Gracie Fields National Tour.

with ‘Sally in Our Alley’ in 1931 – the song ‘Sally’, which became her theme, was taken from the movie. By the end of the decade she was a popular recording star and had toured several continents.

Following her appearance in the movie ‘Shipyard Sally’ in 1939, Gracie was diagnosed with cancer of the cervix and nearly died - she received over 250,000 ‘get-well’ cards. Following surgery, she retreated to the Isle of Capri, accompanied by Monty Banks, a movie director she met on the set of ‘Queen of Hearts’. Even though she was still ill when World War II began, she insisted on entertaining British troops that were stationed in France.

She married Monty in 1940. This was a problem as Monty was an Italian. As Britain was at war with englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

We can continue our theme of a Bay connection.

Gracie was the first actress ever to appear as Miss Marple in a filmed production of one of Agatha Christie’s novels (this one being written in 1950). Gracie played Jane Marple of St Mary-Mead in the ‘Goodyear Television Playhouse’ production, aired on December 19th 1956, which was re-shown on December 30th.

And Gracie was back in Torquay on Sunday September 27th 1964 in the Princess Theatre in The Gracie Fields National Tour.

Gracie Fields was awarded the DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1979 Queen’s New Year Honours List for her services to entertainment. She passed away in 1979, the victim of a heart attack. ¢ December/January 2019/20 | 25

this Christmas Selected evenings between 29 November - 31 December 2019 Why not add some sparkle to your Christmas with a visit to Coleton Aglow. The garden at Coleton Fishacre is merry and bright with illuminations, and inside the beckons to Christmases past with a 1920's festive party.

© National Trust 2019 . Registered charity, No. 205846. © National Trust Images \Phillip Mann.

Coleton Aglow

To book visit nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre or call 01803 842382

Good gifting that does good!

Annual Trust Membership from £37.50 (with optional car parking & benefits package).

Tots Go Wild Sessions from £5 per child, upto 5yrs.

Kids Holiday Cookery Schools from £36 per child, 7-12yrs.

Nature Guided Walks, Expert Talks & Tours from £8.50 per person.

Trust Event or Occombe Farm Cafe Vouchers from £5.

Buy and book online, call or email. Find out more on our website or pick up a leaflet from Occombe Farm.

26 | December/January 2019/20

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Torbay at War

From a crashed Typhoon aircraft on Meadfoot Beach to a column of US Infantry marching past Torquay’s famous clock tower, life in the Bay was very different in the early 1940s.

A

new exhibition now on at Torquay Museum, brings to life the dramatic events leading up to D-Day. ‘The Story of Operation Overlord in South Devon’ charts the part played by the people of South Devon in this historic military operation, and the direct impact of World War II on our normally serene seaside towns here in Torbay.

Visitors to the exhibition can see artefacts from World War II, many of them with Torbay connections, from an RAF uniform to an indoor ‘Morrison Shelter’.

There’s an American combat uniform and weapons and a Red Cross nurse’s uniform. On display is a top secret D-Day invasion map of Utah Beach in Normandy, audio recordings of wartime memories of Torbay, an original Luftwaffe map of Torquay, US military medals, and much more. There is even amazing video footage of American soldiers boarding transport ships in Torquay and Brixham harbours, which has only recently come to light.

The tale of the exhibition is told through large information panels, packed with fascinating stories and photographs, which are rarely seen in public.

June 1940 saw Britain’s darkest hour. Forced through the heroic evacuation of Dunkirk to abandon France to the Nazis, Britain stood alone in Europe against the might

Riviera Heritage of Germany’s armed forces. Civil Defence plans were implemented and Devon prepared itself for war.

Devon was directly threatened with invasion and the Home Guard took their duties very seriously. From June 1940 Torbay was under constant threat of air attack, and by the end of May 1944 there had been 642 alerts and 23 raids. This resulted in 168 people dead, 158 seriously injured and 332 wounded. A total of 137 buildings were totally destroyed and over 13,000 damaged.

The first friendly invasions in Torbay started shortly after the war began. Refugees from Europe, British and Commonwealth Airmen, the Americans, Canadians and even holidaymakers followed evacuees from London.

Torbay was to become a safe haven for thousands of children, particularly those escaping war-torn London, and the first major influx arrived in September 1939. Evacuees to Devon outnumbered local children seven to one.

By 1944 the Allies were amassing the greatest invasion force ever assembled. Operation Overlord, the liberation of Europe, simply could not afford to fail. On 6th June 1944, the most important day of the 20th century, the future of the free world lay in the hands of the men about to assault the beaches of Normandy.

Devon played an important role in the preparations for the invasion, as its coastline was similar to the landing beaches of Normandy. Therefore many local towns were selected as embarkation points for the American forces. Fullscale rehearsals for the landings took place at Slapton Sands near Dartmouth, due to its resemblance to Utah beach.

The arrival of the Americans to train and prepare for the invasion of Europe created some of the biggest changes seen in South Devon during the War. The social scene boomed and friendships were forged D-Day 75: The Story of Operation Overlord in South Devon is on until 31 January 2020. ¢  torquaymuseum.org Servicemen recover parts from an RAF fighter that crash landed at Meadfoot beach.

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December/January 2019/20 | 27

THE ROOF OF AFRICA

Mount Kilimanjaro

If you’ve exhausted all the hillwalking possibilities that Devon has to offer, why not take on a bigger challenge?

Anita Newcombe gave climbing Kilimanjaro a go!

M

y biggest concern when climbing Kilimanjaro was the freezing cold summit night climb that absolutely everyone writes about in online blogs.

But despite temperatures of minus 10, I was quickly overheated and ended up carrying far too much kit. An overloaded rucksack along with the 50% oxygen that is available between 18,000 and 19,000ft, combined to slow me down considerably.

I’d arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport just over a week earlier with a group of adventurers led by a UK guide for Global Adventure Challenges. The flights with Qatar Airways have taken around 13 hours. Now we board a bus heading to the town of Moshi in northeastern Tanzania.

The surfaced roads have given way to muddy lanes and we start to see Maasai herders grazing their cattle from the bus windows. Around an hour after leaving the airport we pull up at the surprisingly attractive Weru Weru River Lodge. The hotel has just 32 rooms set in a series of 2 storey African-style lodges. With a swimming pool,

28 | December/January 2019/20

stunning tropical gardens, an open-air bar and garden restaurant, we are spending the first night of the trip in considerable style.

This evening we have a briefing and kit check with our trek leaders. We can only take 15kg of gear and there is a very long list of stuff we need to squeeze into this modest allowance including first aid kits, hats (warm balaclavas and sunhats), layers of hiking clothing including waterproofs and super-warm down jackets, sleeping bags, endless pairs of socks, high calorie trekking snacks, phone charger pack, hand gel, hand warmers and lots more.

Once we are sorted we have dinner in the garden and an early night’s rest as the trek starts tomorrow.

There are a number of different routes up Kilimanjaro but we are following the Machame Route, regarded as the most difficult but offering the most beautiful scenery. We are on radio silence now as there will be no Wifi signal or charging facilities as we head up the mountain. This morning we are bussed up to Machame Gate where we complete registration formalities and meet our guides,

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Give it a Go! Mountain Trekking

and white Colobus monkey. I don’t see any more monkeys porters, cooks, medics and other support crew. There are but there are lots of wonderful flowers. We stop for a an awful lot of them but carrying all the tents, food and sandwich lunch alongside the path and then continue other equipment along with us is a big job. We are only climbing until we reach our first camp at 3,100 metres. required to carry our day packs with 2-3 litres of water, Reaching Machame Camp is quite a revelation – our waterproof and warm clothing, snacks and personal first porters have climbed considerably faster than us and we aid kits. now have a well-set-up camp complete with colourful 2 Finally we are ready. We are heading up through the man tents, a large mess tent with tables and folding chairs rainforest - it’s a fairly gentle climb on a narrow path and even three toilet flanked by warm, damp, misty, drippy jungle We can only take 15kg of gear and there tents wafting elegantly in the breeze. Our camp on either side. The is a very long list of stuff we need to is set in a small clearing colours are vibrant and squeeze into this modest allowance surrounded by trees. Tea the ancient trees are and hot chocolate is served and later we get a cooked majestically draped with lichens and mosses – there are oceans of ferns large and small all around. Suddenly I hear dinner with a vat of steaming soup followed by chicken and rice. We’ve been hiking for around 6 hours so after a loud rustle high up in the treetops. I look up and there dinner we all get an early night. high above me, swinging like a hammock is a huge black

“

Machame Camp

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December/January 2019/20 | 29

Ice cliffs at the summit

Next morning at 5am we pack up our kit and have breakfast in the mess tent. There are no washing facilities beyond a very small bowl of warm water each. Today we have a very steep and unrelenting hike to Shira Camp. It’s not a long day but there is lots of rock scrambling and it’s definitely a step up in difficulty from yesterday with the effects of altitude beginning to be felt. Reaching the Shira Plateau we can see amazing views of Mount Meru and the town of Arusha.

This evening at Shira Camp we are properly introduced to our support crew with a traditional African ceremony.

Obviously we know our main guides Bryson, Booga and Doctor Innocent but there are lots more local people supporting our team. The introductions take the form of singing and dancing and goes on for ages. I suddenly see the most phenomenal sunset but I’ve left my camera phone charging on a power pack in my tent. Mustn’t

30 | December/January 2019/20

miss this opportunity - so I dash for the tent, trip over a guy line and hit the deck very hard, bruising and cutting my knee. Eventually after cleaning up the blood and bandaging my leg I get some nice photos.

The next morning I open the rather crunchy tent zip to a hard frost, which is covering the ground and making everything look sparkly and magical. We have a good breakfast of hot chocolate, porridge and sausages. A serious energy boost is needed because today we have to conquer one of the most legendary sections of the climb – the Barranco Breakfast Wall. It incorporates features like the infamous ‘Kissing Wall’ (you have to face and ‘kiss’ the rock to get safely to the other side). It’s a very exhilarating scramble and we all feel quite fearless and epic by the time we finally get to the top.

Now we have to trek steadily uphill until we get to the magnificent Lava Tower. On the last bit we are like a long

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Give it a Go! Mountain Trekking The Barranco Breakfast Wall

line of zombies trudging along side by side, feeling every step as the altitude continues to drain oxygen out of the air. But the porters are obviously more acclimatised as we arrive to a cooked lunch at a fully set up mess tent.

In the afternoon we continue on to the Barranco Camp. We are now in Alpine Desert as we trek along barren, rocky valleys with strange Giant groundsel trees erupting from the ground all around. Going is slower now and over the next couple of days we reach the spectacular Karanga Camp and then the Barafu Camp where we prepare for summit night. We are well on our way to the roof of Africa.

We get a long rest after the morning’s trekking and after a good dinner we pack our rucksacks and start our summit climb at 10.30pm. It’s very steep and rocky and I’m really feeling the effects of extreme altitude. After feeling really strong so far on the trek, I now feel as though all of the energy has drained out of me. There’s no air making its way to fire up my legs and I’ve brought the wrong snacks – all energy bars and chocolate, which now make me feel ill. It’s pitch black and all I can see are long, single file lines of head torches stretching high, high above me. They are moving slowly like illuminated ants up, up into the heavens. Every time I get to the top of an outcrop, there are the head torches again, moving painstakingly but relentlessly high above me.

The going is terribly difficult and I keep stopping.

There are lots of other trekkers on the route and it seems englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

to take several lifetimes to get there. They tell me it’s minus 10 degrees but I am totally unaware of the cold. By the end of the night I am weaving on my feet - but finally the sun rises and the end is in sight. I am on the Roof of Africa and it feels amazing. I try to drink some water but it’s full of frozen bits like a slushy drink. My guide has another go at getting me to eat chocolate but I can’t manage it. It’s rocky and stony here on the summit and there are majestic ice cliffs in view. Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain on the African continent and the highest free standing mountain in the world. It feels rather surreal just being here.

However, it’s now time to go - you don’t hang around at this height. We are going down a different route – a steep and very long scree field. My guide takes hold of my hand and says, “Can you run?” I think he is joking at first but we find ourselves jogging down the scree faster and faster as the oxygen levels seem to improve and gravity takes charge. Down and down we go till eventually we arrive at our next camp to start the long trek off the mountain. Some people are feeling very unwell and have to lie down for a few hours – and two of our party didn’t make it at all.

Summit night has been very different from every other day of this trip – much harder. It is definitely the hardest thing I have ever done but Kilimanjaro is a stunningly beautiful place and the local Tanzanian people are wonderful. If you are fit enough or able to train, why not give it a go? ¢  globaladventurechallenges.com

December/January 2019/20 | 31

Colin Rea

Colin Rea’s popular Big Noise Chorus is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The charismatic choirmaster works on the principle that absolutely anyone can be taught to sing – it’s like learning to ride a bike! Anita Newcombe pops by.

I

’ve arrived at Upton Vale Church in Torquay on a Tuesday afternoon at 3.30pm. One of the volunteer organisers, Andrew Candy is there to meet me and there’s a stream of choir members arriving, even though this afternoon’s session doesn’t actually start until 4pm.

Andrew explains that Big Noise Chorus has five separate choirs and they are based in Torbay, Ashburton and Exeter.

You can sign up for a taster session at one of them before you decide whether it’s for you. At the moment all the choirs are in the throes of rehearsing for their big, joint 10th Anniversary Concert, which takes place in December at Exeter Cathedral. An impressive 450 Big Noise Chorus singers will perform a selection of pop and festive songs.

Each choir does regular individual concerts as well and all performances are held in aid of charity.

Andrew tells me, “Colin is very good at getting the best out of people. The success and enjoyment of would-be singers joining the Big Noise Chorus relies on about 10-20% ability and 80-90% on Colin’s personality and charm.”

“

There’s a growing buzz of conversation as members continue to arrive and settle themselves in the rows of chairs that are set in a big circle facing the currently empty Choir Leader’s area. By now Colin has arrived and everyone wants to talk to him. But I manage to corner him for a quick chat and a photo then settle down in the back row.

About 60 members have now arrived; they are rather a stylish and well-presented bunch and obviously love these sessions – the chatter quotient is rising steadily. But the volume drops away as Colin rises to his feet and waves his hands for attention. It quickly becomes apparent that Andrew’s earlier comment about the Choir Leader’s personality and charm was no idle boast. Colin has a relaxed but well structured approach; charisma and kindness simply radiates out of him. He has an infectious smile and as I glance around I see that it is definitely catching.

Colin explains that he still working on the programme choices for the 10th anniversary concert and wants to

They are rather a stylish and well-presented bunch and obviously love these sessions – the chatter quotient is rising steadily

32 | December/January 2019/20

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Give It A Go - Choir Singing

include some nice, simple songs so that the audience can sing along. But in the meantime the choir will be working on ‘One Voice’ a beautiful song written in 1979

by Barry Manilow.

First they start with some vocal warm-ups following Colin’s lead.

Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Well despite the fact that my own singing voice is able to terrify the cat, I start thinking that even I could manage this bit. There are no auditions for any of Colin’s choirs because he believes that anyone can be taught to sing. The choirs usually perform a mix of pop, rock, soul and world music. The warm-up sounds get stranger and stranger but everyone seems to be enjoying it and there’s lots of chuckling going on.

Now Colin hands out the music sheets and they start to practise ‘One Voice’. Choir members have already had a chance to listen online so they are fairly familiar with the piece. Although some of the members can read music well, it is no bar if you can’t as everything is learned by ear. The Big Noise Chorus is very inclusive and nonelitist, warmly welcoming all abilities, genders, races and ages. In fact there are more women than men here today but there is a very good contingent of men and a fairly wide spread of ages, maybe from their late 30s to late 60s.

Colin leads all the voices with ease moving seamlessly

between the parts for soprano, alto, tenor and bass. He is complimentary and encouraging as they work through the piece. After practising the different voices separately, the choir starts singing together and the harmony sounds wonderful to my ear. This group is already well rehearsed for the big December show but new prospective members could join in January.

After a while I creep out and leave them to it. Listening to the session, I am feeling quite inspired and it’s lovely to think that even I might be able to learn to sing. In such a relaxed environment with plenty of gentle coaching, even the least confident members are able to thrive.

Demand for places is high and there may be a waiting list, particularly for sopranos and altos within Torquay’s evening choir. So if you fancy joining, you should get in touch sooner rather than later. All the choirs have their own, highly accomplished accompanists.

Colin is a talented musician and singer as well as a choir leader. He studied music at Dartington College of Arts and has led choirs for various productions including Ellen Kent’s touring opera and Bill Kenwright’s touring shows Evita and Joseph. He has sung around the UK as well as in France and New York (Carnegie Hall) and his solo work includes performing alongside Jacqui Dankworth.

The Torbay Big Noise Chorus has two choirs; one meets on Tuesday afternoons and the other on Tuesday evenings. Fees are £70 per term. Why not give it a go? ¢  bignoisechorus.co.uk

Big Noise Chorus 10th Anniversary Concert Please note that the concert is already sold out but see website for possible returned tickets and for other forthcoming concerts.

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December/January 2019/20 | 33

JACOB’S LADDER, FESTIVE FISH & SPICED CHUTNEY Don’t despair when family descends at Christmas!

Some of the Bay’s top chefs have rallied round with some stylish recipes for you to try.

Braised Jacob’s Ladder Served with fondant potato, roasted shallot, tenderstem broccoli and sauce Bordelaise from Haydn Johnson, Head Chef at the Berry Head Hotel.

Short rib is commonly known as Jacob’s Ladder and is a popular cut of beef. It is named after a stairway between heaven and earth that Jacob dreamed of in Genesis. Ask your local butcher.

Ingredients to serve 4 1 Jacob’s Ladder 3 carrots 1 onion 3 celery sticks 2 bay leaves 1 bunch thyme 300g tenderstem broccoli 5 large shallots 4 baking potatoes 1 cup inexpensive red wine (save the best to drink) 1 litre good quality beef stock 250g block of salted butter

Peel the potatoes and cut into flat rounds with a pastry cutter or knife (larger cuts will take longer to cook). In a frying pan, gently seal the potatoes until golden brown.

Pour in a quarter of the beef stock and 125g butter and allow it to simmer until the potato is soft. Bring a small saucepan of water to the boil, add a pinch of salt and place the tenderstem broccoli into it. Once the water has come back to the boil, drain the broccoli and place into ice water.

For the sauce, gently sauté the remaining diced carrot, one shallot and celery until soft – add springs of thyme and a clove of garlic. Pour in three-quarters of the red wine and reduce until it will coat the back of the spoon.

Place the portioned beef into the saucepan on a low heat and allow it to warm through.

In a small frying pan place remaining 125g butter and a little oil and place on a high heat. Cut shallots lengthways and fry with insides down for 60 seconds. Put in the tenderstem broccoli and also the fondant potato base with the foaming butter, until it’s all warm. Then you can plate up as artistically as you like!

Method Start preparing the beef the day before. In a deep braising tray, place the Jacob’s Ladder, 2 chopped carrots, 1 chopped celery stick and one chopped onion and season with salt and pepper. Cover with water, place the lid and cook at 140 degrees C for 4 to 6 hours until beef is soft and can be pulled apart. Allow to cool, place in the fridge and rest for 12 hours.

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Moules Marinières

Festive Food & Drink

Brixham is famous for its fresh mussels – why not try this wonderful recipe for rope-grown mussels steamed in a white wine, onion parsley, thyme, and fresh cream sauce from Torquay’s Bistrot Pierre Ingredients to serve 4 (as a main course) 3.5 kg fresh mussels 200g unsalted butter 500 ml whipping cream 400g shallots 500ml medium dry white wine 60g flat parsley 2 large lemons 2g bay leaf 10g thyme Method Chop the shallots and parsley and cut the lemon into wedges. Clean the mussels and place into a heavy based pot. Add the white wine, onions, butter, thyme and bay leaf. Cover with the lid and steam the mussels until they have all half opened (about 1-2 mins). Add the cream and lemon wedges; give it another boil until all the mussels are fully opened. Then shake the pot.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve in hot bowls.

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Chef’s tip Ensure the small piece of rope is removed from each mussel and the shells are clean of sand and crustaceons. Only cook mussels that are closed and live, whilst discarding any that remain closed after cooking. FACT: The term “mariniere” means in ‘mariners style’ and refers to the cooking of fish & shellfish with white wine and herbs.

 Ken Williams, the Berry Head Hotel’s Sommelier recommends with this dish: Bordeaux Superieur AC Chateau de Costis 2017. He says, “This well balanced claret offers excellent value for money for the quality.”

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2019/20 | 37

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Monkfish as Grilled in Romagna Mitch Tonks and team love this simple way of preparing fish for grilling and they use it all the time at The Seahorse in Dartmouth.

It’s especially good if you are cooking over coals - and yes you can do that in the winter too! But it also works well on a grill pan or conventional grill. The local monkfish caught in the Bay is excellent and due to its lack of bones and meaty texture, it’s a good choice for a big family celebration.

Ingredients to serve 4 as a starter 1 monkfish tail about 650g – ask the fishmonger to remove the skin and membrane.

1 tbsp each of, dried oregano & fennel seeds ½ tbsp dried thyme 4 bay leaves roughly ground Small handful of fine fresh breadcrumbs 1 dried birdseye chilli salt & pepper 100ml white wine olive oil

Method Mix the herbs, breadcrumbs and chilli together. Mix together the wine and a splash of olive oil. Sprinkle the fish with salt and then marinade in the wine and oil for 15 minutes. Sprinkle lightly with the herb and breadcrumb mixture and grill for 10-15 minutes under a hot grill.

Serve with some fresh leaves drizzled with lemon and olive oil for a light meal or add seasonal vegetables.

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Festive Food & Drink

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Spiced Cranberry Chutney This festive chutney is sure to be a hit over the Christmas and New Year celebrations and comes from Meirel at Occombe Farm.

It goes well with the traditional Christmas dinner, cold meats and cheese. Try serving it over a baked camembert cheese with warmed crusty bread. Also a lovely gift for a foodie in the family.

Method Finely chop the fresh ginger and add to a large saucepan or preserving pan. Break the cinnamon stick into two and add to the pan along with the cloves.

Add the remaining ingredients and heat gently until the sugar dissolves.

Slowly bring the mixture to the boil and then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes or until thickened. If you can find them in the mix, remove the cloves and cinnamon stick pieces.

While the chutney is still hot, decant into sterilised jars and then seal with lids.

When cooled, leave to mature for 1 month in a cool, dark place before using. The chutney will keep for a year, unopened. Once opened, keep in the fridge and use within 4 weeks.

Ingredients to make approximately 1.2kg / 2.5 lbs (can easily be doubled). Leave to mature for 1 month before using.

1 cinnamon stick 3 cloves 5cm piece of fresh ginger 500g / fresh / frozen cranberries (frozen cranberries must be defrosted thoroughly before use) 500g Bramley apples (peeled, cored and chopped) Grated zest & juice of 1 orange 300g granulated sugar 400ml white wine vinegar

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2019/20 | 39

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FESTIVE TIPPLES Treat yourself to a special tipple this Christmas.

Local Ingredients for a Winter Warmer - Riviera Toddy Indulge yourself with a warming toddy, made with local Devon cider and Deck Chair Gin distilled here on the English Riviera. Drink it in your favourite festive mug after a brisk winter walk or serve with sophistication in an elegant cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.

Ingredients 250 ml of sparkling Devon Cider 1 tbsp maple syrup 50 ml Deck Chair Gin 2 dashes of orange bitters Orange peel to garnish

Method: Indulge yourself with a warming toddy, made with local Devon cider and Deck Chair Gin distilled here on the English Riviera. Drink it in your favourite festive mug after a brisk winter walk or serve with sophistication in an elegant cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist.

Mulled Wine (with a non-alcoholic version) Why not try a local wine from nearby Sharpham Vineyard? Often known as Glühwein “glowing wine”, the aroma of mulled wine will make your home feel truly festive and get you into the Christmas spirit.

Ingredients A bottle of red wine (or non-alcoholic grape juice) 4 tbsp sugar 1 orange (sliced into wedges) 2 cinnamon sticks 4 cloves 2 star anise Optional: a good dash of rum, brandy or amaretto to taste

Method: Put the ingredients (except the optional rum, brandy or amaretto) into a large saucepan and warm very gently for 15 minutes, ensuring that it doesn’t boil. Add any optional spirit you’ve chosen. Serve with an orange slice. For a lighter version add some water or orange juice to the mix.

Drink it in the Pub or at Home - Jingle Ale Bays Brewery’s Christmas beer ‘Jingle Ale’ is now available in lots of great pubs across Torbay and South Devon. Jingle ale is an “all singing, all dancing” Christmas bitter. Deep amber in colour with a subtle sweetness throughout, it is easy drinking with a festive hoppy finish. It is also available in 10 and 20 litre polypins direct from the Bays Brewery shop in Paignton. Proud to be flying the flag for Torbay and Devon, Bay’s Devon Dumpling won CAMRA’s Silver Champion Beer of Britain in 2018 and its other beers ‘Topsail’ and ‘Gold’ were finalists in the 2019 Awards.

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EST D 1904

R EDCLIFFE H OTEL PAIGNTON

Hamiltons Located on Babbacombe Downs, our stylish and elegant restaurant provides a sophisticated space to catch up with friends over coffee, or simply indulge in our great selection of food and drink. Hand-crafted with fresh local ingredients our menu includes breakfasts, lunches, refined dinners and a delicious Sunday roast. With private function suites and a dedicated team, we can create unique events for small and large parties alike. For bookings and enquiries, please contact our reservations team.

63 Babbacombe Downs Road Torquay TQ1 3LP 01803 316300 www.hamiltonsclub.com

Redcliffe Hotel

Occombe Farm Café

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

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

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

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

Now taking bookings for Christmas Lunches and Dinners throughout December.

Please telephone 01803 526397 for more details.

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

Stock up for Christmas!

AT OUR BREWERY SHOP IN ASPEN WAY, PAIGNTON

Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri

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

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

December/January 2019/20 | 41

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Riviera Interiors

COSY CHRISTMAS DECOR Christmas is fast approaching and it’s often a time when we think about making some improvements to home decor and adding a few touches by refreshing accessories and Christmas decorations. When entertaining family and friends we want to create the ultimate comfort, and a touch of luxury to our interior spaces. We want to feel at home and also make it an impressive welcoming space for guests.

To give you a helping hand we have selected a few products that will instantly add style, personality and give your home a cosy feel this Christmas.

Pick a Theme: we suggest traditional, modern, monochrome, Scandi or natural greenery.

Luxury elements and materials will add a touch of stylish glamour.

Look for items made from brass, marble, or glass.

A large centrepiece will make a statement in your table display.

Try large green stems in a vase and lots of tea light holders scattered around the centre of the table to fill the space.

If you stick to a colour palette that works with your existing interior decor, keeping it limited and using monochrome or natural tones with a little

sparkle, it will instantly feel more high end.

Reflective elements will immediately add sparkle to your table. This can be shiny metal, glass, or a little bit of glitter. Don’t over do it with the glitter though.

Less is more.

Fill the table up. Get your place settings full, napkins, napkin holders, placemats, coasters and

plates. side plates, cutlery and centrepieces.

Adding some greenery or flowers to a larger centrepiece or smaller bud vases will add a natural vibe and soften the look.

Candles will make the mood and atmosphere feel like a celebration and look great during the day or night.

Louise Hart is an interior designer at Fruition home in Torquay.

Contact Fruition to chat to a designer and book your home consultation.

01803 295959 • studio@fruition-design.co.uk

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Louise Hart

December/January 2019/20 | 43

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Promote your business in the08/03/2019 lifestyle magazine for Torbay

English Riviera 71 x 106 v2.indd 1

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

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August/September 2017

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Super Summer Events Meet

Illustrator Extraordinaire

Paul Barclay Look out for our special monthly supper night menus.

Dates and menus in-cafe or on-line.

Advance booking essential. Book online, call or email us.

www.countryside-trust/occombe/cafe farmcafe@occombe.org.uk

44 | December/January 2019/20

01803 696 255

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breakfasts & hearty lunches, seasonal specials, snacks & treats.

Sailing Special

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

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Give It A Go!

PARKRUN Snuggle up with a

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

Face Your Fears at Virtual Jet Centre

CHEERS TO 10 YEARS OF BEERS!

We visit Bays Brewery

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

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Riviera Interiors Garlands and wreaths for that classic effect

Baubles will never go out of fashion

Have fun with drinks accessories The Christmas dining table This requires a bit of thought in order to get that put-together look. Pick a theme, consider what will work with your current furniture and colour scheme and what you love.

Think about updating your crockery and cutlery with more rustic plates for that artisan restaurant vibe. Pick placemats that tie in, add real napkins and holders for that luxury feel.

Serving dishes, platters and cheese boards will help your food look even more enticing; glasses for water, wine, gin cocktails and more will complete the table setting.

A table centrepiece is a key element of any table setting. We love these lanterns and candle holders

PHOTOS Š : www.amara.com www.notonthehighstreet.com englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2019/20 | 45

Towering Sandstone and Lyme Bay Views Need to know Distance: 3.5 miles Exertion: Moderate with some steep sections.

Time: Allow 2 hours Terrain: Coast path of varying quality - can be muddy. Not suitable for pushchairs or very young children.

Dogs: Under close control on farmland.

Refreshments: Bring a snack.

Start Postcode: TQ1 4SH

W

ith ground cover of ancient ferns and bracken, the tall and spindly elder and sycamore woodland gives way to soaring towers of much weathered red sandstone. One might expect to meet a prehistoric hunting party on a foraging trip from their Kents Cavern home at any turn in the path. Such is the feeling of ancientness one gets when entering the woodland at the beginning of this walk.

The formations in the Valley of The Rocks are aweinspiring and make this walk an exciting adventure for families - watch out for the mud in the wetter months, welly boots are a must!

The woodland paths are shaded and cool but carpeted with pretty wild flowers in the spring. Further along, 46 | December/January 2019/20

the pathway deviates from the South West Coast Path along permissive paths and open access land under the Countryside Access Scheme.

Take a break at Maidencombe and enjoy the picturesque beach (and café in the summer months).

1Leave the Watcombe Beach car park via the stile in the north-east corner and follow the meandering path down through the woodland and into the Valley of the Rocks. The South West Coast Path joins from Watcombe on the right and the path continues downhill veering to the left where it rises fairly steeply on an uneven path with a steel handrail. There are long views above the treetops back towards Hope’s Nose and the Ore Stone and Tor Bay’s more familiar limestone formations.

2 At the top of the path take the right hand fork downhill until you leave the woods.

3 Ignore the path to the left across open ground and proceed downhill following the coastline then re-enter the woodland via steep wooden steps.

4 After 200 metres or so take the left hand turning to follow the coastline again. At this point one can either cross the stile into open farmland (dogs under close control here) or stay on the path that skirts the pasture along the cliff top. After more rise and fall the path descends into the thatched village of Maidencombe.

5 The path leads into the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust car park where one can turn right

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8

6

Walk

5

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3 2 1

Ordnance Survey©

Crown copyright.

Media 082/19

Viewpoint

to detour down to the beach or proceed through the car park, following the metalled track uphill to the right, past several residences and back onto the coast path.

6 The path is steep and undulating here. After half a mile take the left turn towards Gabwell Hill Road then after 200 metres another left turn over a stile onto open farmland.

7 Follow the pathway back towards Maidencombe across fields and eventually over another stile onto a narrow pathway that leads back into the hamlet. There are stunning views across Lyme Bay to East Devon and as far as Portland on a fine day.

8 From the car park follow the road (Rock House Lane) up past the orchard and on to the Court House and the village’s famous Judas Tree. Take the path marked as the start of the John Musgrave Heritage Trail which follows a higher, meandering route back across farmland and into the ancient woodland to join the coast path again above the Valley of the Rocks which leads back to Watcombe Beach car park. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2019/20 | 47

Relax & Rejuvenate

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Aztec Spa - Torquay Escape completely from your day-to-day routine.

Relax, refresh, and revive with a range of luxury ELEMIS and OPI treatments in the tranquil surroundings of the Aztec Spa, Torquay.

An Aztec Spa Day is a perfect pick-me-up for the cold winter months. Pick a choice of treatment, use the pool facilities and relaxation area, plus a lunch or afternoon tea in the Aztec Bistro, all for only £49.

Join us for our VIP Christmas Event Wednesday 11th December 6pm-9pm

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48 | December/January 2019/20

21 BOLTON STREET | BRIXHAM TQ5 9BZ

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South SouthDevon DevonCollege College South Devon College APPRENTICESHIPS South Devon College APPRENTICESHIPS APPRENTICESHIPS APPRENTICESHIPS

@apprenticeSDC @apprenticeSDC @apprentice 08000 380 123 | employers@southdevon.ac.uk @apprenticeSDC 08000 380 123 | employers@southdevon.ac.uk 08000 123 | employers@southdevon.ac 08000 380 123 | 380 employers@southdevon.ac.uk

December & January

tickets: adult £12, child £6, family (2/2) £30, group discounts (15 people). Booking essential.

AROUND THE BAY

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

The Christmas Train of Lights Selected dates from 29 November

This genuinely breath-taking illuminated journey will transport you from Paignton to Kingswear on the banks of the River Dart where the ancient woodland will be lit by a myriad of lights and feature displays. The train itself forms part of this dazzling display lit with thousands of lights that reflect on the steam from the locomotive, transforming the 450-yard Greenway Tunnel into a mesmerizing technicolour experience. After a brief stop in Kingswear, you’ll make the return trip – overall an 80-minute experience. Tickets for the popular Santa Express are also now available.

Queen’s Park Station, Paignton TQ4 6AF dsrrbchristmas.co.uk

Coleton Aglow - Coleton Fishacre 29 November – 31 December (selected dates)

Wrap up warm and explore Coleton Fishacre this Christmas.

The garden is merry and bright as twinkling lights lead you past magnificent trees and sparkling glades, illuminated with a festive glow. Inside, the house beckons to Christmases past, with a 1920s festive party in full swing. Please dress warmly and bring a torch. The garden is steep in places. A shorter accessible route is available or you can enjoy the full 45-minute walk. Dogs on leads welcome. Time: 5.30-8pm,

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Christmas at Cockington Weekends from 30 November – 22 December

Enjoy unique gifts, seasonal fun and crafting events run by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust this festive season.

Cockington Village Visitor Centre, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trustorg.uk

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, Greenway 30 November – 31 December (selected dates) Follow in Poirot’s footsteps as he enjoys his first ‘oldfashioned Christmas’ complete with Christmas puddings.

Enjoy decorations throughout the house inspired by the story, and the pudding decorations will be spilling out into the garden too. There will be an outdoor trail for families following the adventures of a very mischievous Christmas pudding.

Free event but admission applies for the venue. Times: 11am – 4pm. No booking for event but parking must be prebooked.

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

Christmas at Kents Cavern 1-24 December

Enjoy a hour-long panto-style Christmas adventure around these spectacular caves. There will be some exciting Christmas characters and lots of festive fun. Your ticket

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✯ includes: an hour long promenade performance, a personal visit with Santa, fantastic Christmas presents, mulled wine and mince pies plus a return adult ticket to visit on a daytime tour in January 2020.

Each child (2-12) meets Santa and receives a wrapped quality present. Times: 10am-4.30pm, tickets: Adult: £10, Child £13 (must be accompanied by a paying adult). A gift for children under 2 can be booked for £3.50 but entry is free.

Booking essential.

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

Festivities at Cockington Court 1 December

Hear festive music from the amazing Rock Choir, follow the nowflake Trail and try a range of craft activities. In the Cob Barn there will be craft and food stalls and face painting, all under cover. There will also be Christmas-themed inflatables, games and hot chestnuts outside. Time: 10am-4pm. Cockington Court is also open daily from 1-24 December for festive shopping with unique locally made gifts and the chance to meet the makers. Seven Dials Café will also be open.

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

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Riviera What’s On

This is a chartered trip with the enthusiasts of Dartmouth Steam Railway, in support of Rowcroft Hospice.

Train leaves Paignton at 6.30pm and there will be entertainment from 5.30pm by The Seagalls and The Salvation Army Band. You can also join the train at Churston where there will be carol singing from 6.30pm. On Kingswear platform there will be a carol service with Missin’ Tackle, One Accord, The SeaGalls and The Salvation Army Band.

Bring your own picnic and drinks plus small folding chairs for the Kingswear carol service if you wish. Return to Paignton for 9.30pm. Tickets: adults £12, children (under 18) £5, family (2+2) £25, wheelchair users and blind or partially sighted £5.

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Queen’s Park Station, Torbay Road, Paignton TQ4 6AF steamandcarols.co.uk

The Archaeoastronomy of Megalithic Göbekli Tepe, Torquay 3 December

This is a Torquay Museum Society President’s Lecture

by David Wills at Torquay Museum. Göbekli Tepe is an archaeological site in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Its construction dates back almost 12,000 years.

Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: non-members £5.

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

Victorian Christmas at Bygones, St Marychurch 1-31 December

Enjoy a traditional 1897 Christmas with special lighting, decorations, a 12-foot tree and a special festive hunt – normal entry applies. Plus Breakfast or Lunch with Santa on 22, 23 & 24 December. Cost: adults and children are £12 per head including entry and either continental breakfast or light lunch plus a present from Santa. Under-3s are free but there is a small charge for a Santa gift. Booking essential.

ISQ at Fougou Jazz, Churston 4 December

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

ISQ is a critically acclaimed post-jazz/alternative quartet from London featuring Irene Serra, Richard Sadler, Naadia heriff and Chris ickolls. This crossover ja outfit embraces ‘the song’ as an improvisational framework to move into different – sometimes unexpected – sonic directions and moods. Time: 8.30-10.30pm. Tickets: £12 advance or £14 door.

Steam and Carols 3 December

Churston Golf Club, Dartmouth Road, Galmpton, Brixham TQ5 0LA fougoumusic.com

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The Blackshirts in Devon, Torquay 4 December

A Torquay Museum Society talk on the rise of fascism, with particular attention paid to Torbay in the 1920s and 1930s

by Dr Todd Gray. Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: non-members £5.

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

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

Christmas Fayre, Newton Abbot 7 December

South Pacific Night, Berry Head Hotel 5 December

Taste some outh Pacific specialities in an all-you-can-eat buffet for £15.50 per person.

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

Over 90 stalls selling a range of gift ideas, Christmas crafts for children, Christmas carols and reindonkey rides plus delicious festive treats. Entry: £2 adults, children under 16 free.

The Racecourse, Newton Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 3AF newtonabbotracing.com

White Rock Christmas Fayre & Market, Paignton 7 December

Torquay Comedy Club 6 December Have a laugh with this evening of comedy that promises some of the best comedians on the circuit.

Book online. Tickets: £9.50, time: 7.30pm.

The Riviera Hotel, Belgrave Road, Torquay TQ2 5HJ torquaycomedyclub.co.uk

Father Christmas Visits Greenway 7, 14 & 21 December

Father Christmas and his helpers will be stopping off at Greenway on three Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas.

He’ll be meeting children and sharing out keepsake gifts. Times: 11.30am – 1pm, cost: £5 per child, booking advisable, parking must be prebooked.

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

Breakfast with Santa, Torquay 7-22 December

9-10.30am, cost: £15 per child (adults free but maximum 2 per child). Note: Entry to Living Coasts is not included but is offered at half price exclusively for those attending this event.

Enjoy festive shopping with creative craft stalls, market stalls, hog roast trailer, inflatable attractions to include the new snow globe, rodeo reindeer, performances in the main arena area.

Cost: adults £1, accompanied children free. All welcome.

White Rock Primary School, Davies Avenue, Paignton TQ4 7AW 01803 577940 wraps@white-rock-primary.torbay.sch.uk

Brixham Seaside Santa Run 8 December

This is an off road 3k charity fun run, hosted by Brixham Harriers in conjunction with Brixham Soroptimists and takes place on flat level paths around the harbour and along the breakwater. Start: 11am. Cost: Adult: £12, Child (minimum

Have breakfast pancakes and fruit juice with Santa and friends in Living Coasts’ Terrace Café; help to make a gift for the penguins and receive your own present too. Time:

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✯ age 9): £8 to include anta suit and medal for finishers.

Afterwards a hot drink and mince pies will be provided at a minimal cost and all funds raised on the day will be going towards the Brixham Food Bank. Bag drop at Brixham acht Club.

The Quay, Brixham Harbour, TQ5 8AW brixhamharriers.co.uk

Meet Father Christmas at Cockington Court 8, 15, 21 & 22 December

eet Father Christmas for story time in the Christmas rotto before joining rs Claus and one of the magical elves straight from the orth Pole in their workshop. Pre-booking by phone essential.

Cockington Court, Cockington Village, Torquay TQ2 6XA 07792 300290 cockingtoncourt.org

Broadsands Winter Bird Walk 8 December

Brush up on your ull, Diver and rebes identification skills at Broadsands with local expert ike angman, a renowned wildlife artist and bird watcher.

The winter cirl bunting feeding station which ike started 20 years ago will be visited for some great views of this ‘Devon Bunting’. Time: 10am-12.30pm, cost: £8.50, suitable for: 18 years .

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family member to help you.

Times: 10.30am-1pm or 2-4.30pm. cost: £25 (max 3 participants per house).

Book online.

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

Vigilance Carol Concert, Brixham 10 December

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The igilance Preservation Co will be holding its free annual carol concert at Brixham arbour from -8pm. Brixham Town Band will play and Brixham C of E Primary chool will sing a medley of songs. Free warm fruit punch and mince pies plus a visit from Father Christmas are on offer. This is held as a thank you to local people and visitors for their support of the project to keep the heritage boat sailing.

Old Fish Market, Brixham TQ5 8AW vigilanceofbrixham.co.uk

RNLI Fundraisers Celebration of Carols & Songs 13 December

oin the Torbay ifeboat Fundraisers and ifeboat Crew for their annual celebration of carols and songs. The Brixham Town Band and the Brixham Belles will be there and it is an opportunity to sing your favourite carols whilst supporting the I.

Broadsands Car Park, Broadsands Road, Paignton TQ4 6HX 01803 520022 countryside-trustorg.uk

All Saints Church, Church Street, Brixham TQ5 8HG 07716 117875 torbaylifeboat.co.uk

Gingerbread House Workshop, Occombe 8 December

Children’s Christmas Concert, Lupton House 15 December

Decorate your own edible ingerbread ouse for Christmas in this fun family workshop. ori eich will provide you with a gingerbread house and ideas to help you assemble and decorate your own house to take home. Bring along your own selection of sweets to decorate your house plus an older brother, sister or other

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et your child experience music of Tchaikovsky’s time with wonderful compositions for piano and violin performed by professional ussian musicians. The programme will be specifically adapted to suit children’s ability and light information will be provided by musicians in order to engage the young audience. Concert will take place at the historic building of upton house with traditional Christmas tree. Tickets: £6 for a child and accompanying adult, time: 2pm.

Lupton House, Churston Ferrers TQ5 0LD eleganceduo.com englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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Christmas at

Sunday 1 December, 10am-4pm Come and hear festive music from the amazing Rock Choir, follow our snowflake trail and enjoy a range of craft activities.

In our Cob Barn there will be craft and food stalls and face painting, all under cover. There’s also Christmas themed inflatables, games and hot chestnuts outside.

1 - 24 December, 10-4.30pm

We are open daily right up to 4:30pm on the 24 December to purchase your unique, locally made gifts. Visit the studios to watch the crafts makers at work and find more gifts in our Christmas exhibition and galleries. Come and soak up the atmosphere and enjoy festive food from The Seven Dials cafe.

Sunday 8, 15 Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 December

Meet Father Christmas for story time in the Christmas Grotto before joining Mrs Clause and one of the magical elves straight from the North Pole in their workshop. Pre-booking essential. Call 07792 300290 to book.

To find out more visit www.cockingtoncourt.org/whats-on Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA Tel: 01803 607230 @Cockington Court @CockingtonC

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

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

Normal entry prices apply

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

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

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

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

Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4PR 54 | December/January 2019/20

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✯ Instrumental Music from Films, Lupton House 15 December

Enjoy favourite compositions from well-known movies, from light to classical. Performed by violin and piano duo Elegance alongside other guests. Guest vocalist Maria Nicol.

Enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of Lupton House this Christmas.Bar with a full selection of cold and hot drinks available during an interval. Tickets: £10, time: 6.30pm.

Lupton House, Churston Ferrers TQ5 0LD eleganceduo.com

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Christmas at the Model Village, Babbacombe 21-24 December & 27 December2 January

Enjoy the Model Village with some seasonal miniature scenes and sparkling illuminations. As you explore the beautiful gardens and creative model scenes, see if you can spot the mini Santa figures. Find your way through the cra y Christmas ma e and don’t miss the magical 3D Toy orkshop film in the 4D theatre. Christmas onderland Illuminations daily from 3pm.

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Hampton Avenue, Torquay TQ1 3LA 01803 315315 model-village.co.uk/events

Christmas Party Evening, Berry Head 19 December

Enjoy a very special location inside a Napoleonic-era fortress on top of Berry Head for this Christmas Party Night with a delicious home-made menu, topped off with mince pies.

Cost: £25 per head, time: 6.30-10.30pm, booking essential.

Don’t forget your torch.

Guardhouse Café, Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Gillard Road, Brixham TQ5 9AW 01803 855778 guardhousecafe.com

The Holly Ball 20 December

Santa Claws Christmas Special, Torquay 21 December-5 January (not 24, 25, 26 Dec or 1 January) Visit the dinosaurs in their winter homeland, get up close and personal with these ama ing creatures, discover incredible fossils, and take the Santa Claws Christmas ui to win your present from the dinosaurs – a free bag of 160-million-year-old fossils.

Torquay’s Dinosaur World, Victoria Parade, Torquay TQ1 2BB 01803 298779 torquaysdinosaurworld.co.uk

Hosted every year by Torquay Rowing Club, over one thousand people enjoy live music and dancing to celebrate Christmas. Tickets: £27, time: 9pm-2am, welcome glass of bubbly when arriving before 10.30pm. Food will be on sale during the evening. Carols at midnight. Dress code: strictly black tie.

Grand Hotel, Seafront, Torquay TQ2 6NT torquayrowingclub.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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Berry Head Hotel

Fresh Fish straight from the Boats to your Plate Fine Wine Cellar and Local Ales ~ Daily Devonshire Cream Teas Brasserie and a la Carte Restaurant ~ Traditional Sunday Carvery Live Entertainment at the Weekends A stunning location for Weddings & Special Events with menus tailored to suit you Indoor Swimming, Sauna & Spa Pool Non-residents and families welcome Well appointed 3 star accommodation www.berryheadhotel.com

stay@berryheadhotel.com

01803 853225 THE PERFECT VENUE FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS Festive Lunches & Dinners ~ Party Nights ~ Private Dining

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

The Paignton Club, established in 1885.

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

An ideal venue for weddings, celebrations, parties and wakes.

ThePaigntonClub

www.thepaigntonclub.co.uk

Call 01803 559682 for further information or email info@thepaigntonclub.co.uk

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

56 | December/January 2019/20

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✯ Comedy Club Christmas Party, Torquay 22 December

Enjoy a 3-course carvery meal, hilarious comedy show and disco with DJ. Tickets: £30 (or VIP tickets £35).

The Riviera Hotel, Belgrave Road, Torquay TQ2 5HJ 01803 213232 torquaycomedyclub.co.uk

Trust 10 Run - Coleton Fishacre 22 December & 26 January

A free monthly National Trust 10k trail run along the rugged South West Coast Path and through Coleton Fishacre garden. Free, fun, informal, forever and for everyone. The run is two loops so there is the option for a 5k run.

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

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Paignton Lions Club Walk into the Sea 26 December

Each year hundreds of fundraisers don optional fancy dress and at the starter’s command swiftly walk into the chilly waters of English Channel where fun and frivolity begins. All participants must register either via website or on the day. Time: fancy dress judging 11.45am, walk into the sea 12 noon, cost: free to pre-registered participants bringing sponsorship form & monies, otherwise; adults £10, under 16s £5 on the day.

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Paignton Pier, TQ4 6BJ paigntonlions.org.uk/events/lionswalkinthesea

Christmas Eve at the Berry Head 24 December

Celebrate the festivities with a Raspberry Bellini, canapés and live music from Margaret Duffy followed by a 4-course candlelit dinner. Tickets: £36 per person. Or join a Christmas Eve Bar Party for a drink or dinner in the brasserie then join Eddie on the piano for carols and singalong from 9pm. Christmas and Boxing Day lunch and evening events also available.

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

Boxing Day Dip, Torquay 26 December

The Boxing Day Dip is an annual event organized by No. 200 Squadron Air Training Corps and is enjoyed by both its members and the general public. Participants are sponsored to take part in aid of raising funds for the unit as well as an additional chosen charity. A donation also goes towards the RNLI for their support. Participants should arrive for 10.30am ready to enter the sea at 11am. No cost to participants but you can download a sponsorship form via the web link below.

Torre Abbey Sands, Torbay Road, TQ2 5DG 200sqn.co.uk/resources englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Berry Head 31 December

Welcome in the New Year with a 3-course dinner Gala Buffet Dinner followed by dancing to ‘Freeway’ plus a DJ plus bubbly and mince pies at midnight. Tickets: £80 or there’s a bar party with DJ for just £5. New Year’s Day carvery lunch with live jazz also available.

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

New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball, Grand Hotel 31 December

Get your Masks Ready. Fourstar opulence, glitz and service awaits you this New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a red carpet arrival with fi followed by a sumptuous six-course dinner, casino tables December/January 2019/20 | 57

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CAFÉ CULTURE BY DAY AND AN INTIMATE RESTAURANT BY NIGHT

GREAT FOOD GREAT DRINKS GREAT VIEWS GREAT FUN

OPENING SOON

OPEN NOW! BOUTIQUE BY ROWCROFT HOSPICE AND ELLA’S CAFÉ LOUNGE Boutique

by Rowcroft Hospice and Ella’s Café Lounge

CHRISTMAS PARTY BOOKINGS

be selling bric-a-brac, books, jewellery, toys, games, cakes & DVDs.

Call now!

Winter Opening from1st October Please enquire for evening openings

call to book: 01803 856738

find us at the breakwater Berry Head Rd, Brixham TQ5 9AF

www.breakwaterbistro.co.uk

check our social media for great offers! f c

25 WALNUT ROAD Rowcroft Shops CHELSTON To get Hospice involved...

TORQUAY TQ2 6HP rowcrofthospice.org.uk/shops Helpline Fundraising OPENING 01803our 210ebay 800TIMES: 01803 217 450 Visit shop: MON - SAT rowcrofthospice.org.uk ebay.co.uk/usr/rowcrofthospice 9AM-4.30PM

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

rowcroft

hospice

Registered Charity No. No. 282723 Registered Charity 282723

Visit

Santa Caves in the

Call us today on Torquay: 01803 215136 for more information

Book Online

www.kents-cavern.co.uk

58 | December/January 2019/20

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✯ and live entertainment through into the New Year. Tickets: £95 per person, booking essential

Grand Hotel, Seafront, Torquay TQ2 6NT 01803 296677 grandtorquay.co.uk

New Year’s House Party, The Imperial 31 December

Set the tone with a glass of Champagne then relish the top-notch five-course meal with coffee and truffles. As the evening hots up, see in the new decade on the dance floor with a live band and disco. Tickets: £85 per person.

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

Romans in Devon, Torquay 7 January

This Torquay Museum Society talk by Owen Fullarton takes a closer look at the relationship between Rome and the province of Britannia through the actions of the various emperors who had control of the empire.

Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: non-members £5.

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BSO New Year Johann Strauss Gala, Torquay 10 January

Celebrate the New Year with an uplifting selection of waltzes, marches, polkas and arias by the King of alt , ohann trauss and his contemporaries. The full symphonic forces of the BSO will be joined by outstanding soprano oraya afi to bring you an afternoon of swirling melodies to carry you away into the glamour and sparkle of Viennese Dance Halls.

Pieces include the Fledermaus Overture, waltzes from Der Rosenkavalier, Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Emperor Waltz and, of course, The Blue Danube. Tickets: £15-£25.

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Riviera Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ bsolive.com/events/johann-strauss-gala-torquay/

Kids Saturday Cookery Club, Occombe 11 January

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

Arthur Ransome, Torquay 8 January

A Torquay useum ociety talk by ulian ovelock.

Ransome, a left-wing journalist and Bolshevik sympathiser, also worked for MI6. How do we reconcile this with the author of resolutely middle-class middle class and even imperialist children’s tales? Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: non-members £5.

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

Children 8-13 years old can cook up some winter warmers with Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. Children can be left at the club once paperwork complete. Book online. Time: 9.30am -12 noon, cost: £20.

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

Wacky World Inflatables, Torquay 11 & 12 January

All you need is kids with plenty of energy a camera for selfies. Expect Total ipeout, Extreme ungry ippos, Assault Courses, ladiator Duels and lots more.

Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ wackyworld.co.uk/collections/events/products/ torquay-11th-12th-jan englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2019/20 | 59

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Concert Season 2019/20

Beyond the concert hall, as a cultural beacon for the south and southwest, the BSO gives people across the region the opportunity to experience and participate in great art

Regular performances across the south-west of England

New Year Johann Strauss Gala Torquay, Riviera Centre Friday 10 January Celebrate the New Year in style with the BSO’s annual Viennese gala featuring a bubbling selection of waltzes, gallops, polkas and marches by Johann Strauss and his contemporaries.

Marta Gardolińska Conductor Soraya Mafi Soprano

To see all our upcoming concerts visit

bsolive.com 01202 669925

27 Jan - 1 Feb

0844 871 3023 www.atgtickets.com/torquay

Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge

Booking fees apply

60 | December/January 2019/20

0844 871 3023 www.atgtickets.com/torquay

Booking fees apply Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge

To promote your business to our readers email sales@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

✯ The Somerset Levels, Torquay 14 January

A Torquay Museum Society talk by Peter Exley. One of England’s greatest wetlands, the Somerset Levels form a landscape rich in wildlife, history, archaeology and culture.

Peter looks at the past, present and future of this contested landscape, offering a vision of hope. Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: non-members £5.

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

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Riviera What’s On

great way to support the Torbay lifeboat. Email: rnlitlf@gmail.com

The Railway Inn (was the Weary Ploughman), Dartmouth Road, Churston, TQ5 0LL 07716 117875 torbaylifeboat.co.uk

The Torquay Historical Pageant of 1924 21 January

In June 1924 around 2,000 local people took part in a pageant that entertained over 25,000 spectators with scenes from our local history. Discover how this spectacle came about, and what scenes it presented in this Torquay Museum Society talk by David Hinchliffe. Time: 10.45amnoon, cost: non-members £5.

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

Botanising the Footpaths of Torbay 15 January

A Torquay Museum Society talk by Anne Swithinbank. Torquay is blessed with intriguing walkways and steps, colonised by a range of plants some wild, some garden escapees and others purposefully planted. Exploring the pathways reveals unique views, buildings and flora. Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: non-members £5.

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

RNLI Fundraisers Coffee Morning, Churston 15 January

The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook 22 January

The garden’s volunteer historian since 2005, Angela Dodd-Crompton explores the magic and mysteries of this unique Grade-II listed Edwardian garden near Ipplepen. She identifies the players involved in its creation and rediscovery in 1988. A Torquay Museum Society talk.

Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: non-members £5.

Join the Torbay Lifeboat Fundraisers at a sociable coffee morning, with homemade cakes and raffle available. Time: 10am to 12 noon. It’s a

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2019/20 | 61

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RETURNING for 2020

• Torbay Art Show returns for 2020 • Featuring original works from over 50 local & national artists • Gallery Shop selling a variety of beautiful gifts, prints and artist’s cards • Café

Are your

FEET ready to party?

To visit our podiatrists call

01803 521880 SAT 21 - SUN 22 MARCH 2020 FREE admission 10AM-5PM Shiphay Manor Drive | Torquay TQ2 7EL

WWW.TORBAYARTSHOW.CO.UK

TORBAY FOOTCARE

CHIROPODIST / PODIATRIST 9 Dendy Road, Paignton TQ4 5DB Find out how we can help you at

www.torbayfootcare.co.uk c

from

Artizan Collective

21st November -18th January

english riviera winter open exhibition 2019 62 | December/January 2019/20

Photo: Devon Open Studios Launch Venue 2019

makitng ar n happe

To promote your business to our readers email sales@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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

South Devon College Open Evening 22 January

The South Devon College Open Evening offers learners or people thinking of returning to study, the opportunity to come and meet with staff, view the facilities and find out more about a wide range of study options from high school right through to degree level, adult re-training or short courses. Time 4-7pm.

Vantage Point, Long Road, Paignton TQ4 7EJ southdevon.ac.uk/event

Mad about Marmalade, Dartington 26 January

January is the time of year to make the most of the bitter Seville oranges and savour the warm aroma of hot oranges.

Time: 10am-4pm, cost: £45.

Chicken Shed Craft Studio, Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EL dartington.org/event/mad-about-marmalade

Open Theatre Auditions, Brixham 26 January

A full production of of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be staged by South Devon Players in

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Riviera What’s On

steampunk style. Audition time: 12.30pm.

southdevonplayers.com Chestnut Community Centre, 1 Poplar Close, Brixham TQ5 0SA

Charles Kingsley: a Westcountryman of Many Talents 28 January

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A parish clergyman with a concern for social reform, Kingsley was the Regius Professor of Modern History at Cambridge, an enthusiastic amateur biologist and a writer of poems and novels as varied as Westward Ho! and The Water Babies.

A Torquay Museum Society talk by Ian Lane.

Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: non-members £5.

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

Bumblebees, Torquay 29 January

Debs Rylands will discuss their ecology, threats to bumblebees and some fun facts. How can we help these much-loved and essential insects? A Torquay Museum Society talk. Time: 10.45am-noon, cost: non-members £5.

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

Holding an event in February or March?

E-mail us at editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

and we’ll list it in the next issue

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2019/20 | 63

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ArtsRoundUp

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

Latest from Torquay’s Artizan Gallery

Traditional Mastery On till 18 December Thursday-Saturday 11am-6pm View two exclusive collections by renowned West Country artists. The first is one of the largest showcases of oyal Institute of Painters in ater Colours ( I) member, ichard later, a rare outh est talent, who over an extensive career established his exceptional technical ability. ecent successful exhibitions have affirmed him as a favourite for collectors. The second is of the late Arthur omeshaw oyal est of England Academy ( A), and brings together the broadest collection of his masterful and increasingly rare linocuts to date.

Extravagan a is one of the highlights of the Torbay poetry calendar. ith regular hosts obert arnham and Becky uttall at the helm, these events are always guaranteed to be a night of wonderful whimsy

Both the above are held at Artizan Gallery & Café, 7 Lucius Street, Torquay, TQ2 5UW

Artizan Collective Winter Open Exhibition at Unit 5, 74 Fleet Street, Torquay TQ2 5EB On till 24 December 11am-5pm daily and 2-18 January 11am-4pm daily Arti an Collective is hosting a large inter pen exhibition at their pop-up venue on Fleet alk. ver 250 works from around 80 artists, including paintings, photography, sculpture and ceramics will be featured.

Richard Slater

Stanza Extravaganza 16 December Doors open 7pm for a 7.30pm start onthly poetry at Arti an allery welcoming a wealth of local talent and national headliners, tan a

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Robert Garnham

Wild Sky to Shore Diana Booth

For more information contact juliebrandon@artizangallery. co.uk 07522 509642 artizan gallery.co.uk. Also check out art-hub.co.uk

Arts Other Great Arts & Crafts Events

Life Drawing with Isabel Coulton, Dartington 3, 10, 17 December 10am-1pm (Tuesdays) and 5, 12 & 19 December 6.30-8.30pm (Thursdays) This class presents a contemporary feel to life drawing.

Through imaginative styling, composition and consideration, surreal scenes are created for the figure.

The aim of the class is to develop individual style and personal expression. Cost: Tuesdays £20 (students £18), Thursdays £12 (students £10). Drop-ins welcome. Contact: info@ isabelcoulton.com 07920 714387.

bronze, located at the water’s edge on the River Dart. She also created the well beloved, life-size Man and Boy statue commissioned to celebrate Brixham’s fishing heritage, which can be seen at King’s Quay overlooking the harbour.

Space Studio, Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EL 01803 847070 dartington.org/event/sculpting-from-lifeweekend-course

Carpentry for Women, Dartington Mondays from 6 January-10 February 6-9pm and Tuesdays from 7 January-11 February 10am-1pm Astrid Arnold finds that women are empowered by learning carpentry skills. In her classes there is no pressure to know anything in advance, thus a door to learning something completely new is opened, which increases self-confidence and satisfaction. Cost: £180 for a 6-week course including materials. Book via website listing.

Chicken Shed Craft Studio, Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EL 01803 847070 dartington.org/event/crafted-carpentryfor-women

Shippon Artists Studios, Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EL 01803 847070 dartington.org/event/life-drawing-withisabel-coulton

Abbey Advent Window Wonder, Torquay 13-15 December Enjoy a fun stained glass lantern-making workshop followed by a magical journey through Torre Abbey Gardens to admire the 25 fairy-tale Advent windows. End with a hot chocolate in the abbey’s stunningly illuminated Palm House.

Times: 4.30-5.45pm & 6pm-7.15pm, cost: adults £7.50, under 16s £5, 1196 Club members £5. Price includes materials and hot chocolate. Suitable for: all ages.

Torre Abbey, The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE 07788 346816 torre-abbey.org.uk

Sculpting from Life with Elizabeth Hadley, Dartington 11 & 12 January (further dates in March & April) Brixham sculptor Elizabeth Hadley is running this weekend course at Dartington Hall. You will be taught using a life model, allowing you to sculpt the human form in clay. Time: 10am-3.30pm, cost: £125 including materials. Booking essential via: elizabeth@hadleysculptures.co.uk Elizabeth is the sculptor of the renowned life-size mermaid, cast in englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Our Ocean - Woodblock Printing, Dartington 25 January Get to grips with printing and stencilling using lino, foam block and wood cut, printing inks and acrylic. This course, with Kaz Hawkins, is a celebration of the diversity of our oceans and the need to protect them through our fight against plastic pollution. You’ll learn to develop a drawing into a design to create a linocut. You will be working on designs developed from a range of objects and images – including real fish.

You will print without a press to make bold, striking designs, adding stencil cuts to create layers of bright colours. Time: 10am-4pm, cost: £65, booking essential; contact crafted@ dartington.org Book via website listing.

Chicken Shed Craft Studio, Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EL 01803 847070 dartington.org/event/our-oceanwoodblock-printing-with-kaz-hawkins December/January 2019/20 | 65

Treading the boards... the editor’s pick of local theatre

Palace Theatre, Paignton

Babbacombe Theatre

Box Office 01803 328385 Editor’s pick WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME 4, 11, 18, 26, 28 December & 1 January Join the Christmas celebrations with this joyful family show that includes comedy, songs from the shows, pop classics and seasonal favourites plus beautifully choreographed dance routines.

Box Office 01803 665800 Editor’s pick SLEEPING BEAUTY 21 December - 5 January

The award winning Paignton Pantomime Productions presents Sleeping Beauty, one of the panto season’s perennial favourites. This promises to be a real delight for the whole family.

Also worth seeing…

Sing a Song o’ Scrooge! 11-14 December Beauty and the Beast 12 January only

Theatre Review After so many weeks of rain the arrival of our review tickets for the Babbacombe Theatre team’s 2019 Christmas blockbuster - Wonderful Christmastime was just the tonic to get us in a more festive mood.

Our host for the night was Andy Oakley and after an opening rousing number from the entire cast it was straight into a riotous audience participation routine that saw everyone suitably warmed up and ready to go. There are 27 different turns to come featuring comedy, impressions, dance and songs from West End hit shows, Neil Diamond and Ed Sheeran. The show certainly moves along at quite a pace; the vocal talents of Sami-Jane Slater, Lily Laight and Damien James give contrast and quality and receive rapturous applause every time.

Popular ITV comedy impressionist Phil Lowen returns to the Babbacombe stage and is an absolute hoot with a host of great impressions crowned off with an uncanny appearance both visually and vocally as the legendary Tom Jones.

If you’re looking to put a Yuletide spring in your step make this show top of your Christmas list!

66 | December/January 2019/20

Little Theatre, Torquay Box Office 01803 299330 Editor’s pick BABE THE SHEEP PIG 9-14 December

TOADS presents this delightful and heart-warming story

by Dick King-Smith, the classic tale of Babe, the polite little pig with an unusual ambition to become a sheep-herder.

Also worth seeing…

A Celebration of Christmas in Words & Music 16 December Time of My Life 13-18 January

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Theatre

Princess Theatre, Torquay

Box Office 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick ROYAL MARINES CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 8 DECEMBER This legendary and entertaining band creates an inspirational evening out and a real musical treat. Their world-renowned Corps of Drums will amaze you with the precision, accuracy and skill for which they have become famous.

Also worth seeing…

Brixham Theatre

Box Office 01803 415987 Editor’s pick A CHRISTMAS CAROL 8 December Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale is brought to life in an extraordinary one-man performance by actor and writer Nick Wilkes.

Also worth seeing…

The Great Gale of Brixham 13 & 14 December

Flavel Arts Centre, Dartmouth The Elf Who Lost Santa Claus 8 December Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs 13 December - 5 January This panto has special performances suitable for people with learning or sensory disabilities. Relaxed Performance on 18 December at 1pm combines festive fun with reduced sound and lighting, adapted special effects, chill-out areas, visual stories and a welcoming and fully understanding environment for all. The 21 December show features Touch Tour at noon and Audio Described performance at 2pm. On 2 January there will be a Signed Performance.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Box Office 01803 839530 Editor’s pick ROHLIVE THE NUTCRACKER 17 and 21 December

The Royal Ballet’s glorious production of The Nutcracker, created by Peter Wright in 1984, is the production par excellence of an all-time ballet favourite. It is Christmas Eve and Herr Drosselmeyer the magician sweeps young Clara away on a fantasy adventure in which time is suspended, the family living-room becomes a great battlefield, and a magical journey takes them through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets.

Also worth seeing…

Dartmouth Orchestra Concert 9 December Strictly Come Dancing 2019 Final (with cocktail) – 14 December

December/January 2019/20 | 67

2020 HIGHLIGHTS Sunday 16 February Dance to the Music: UK 2020 Tour

Saturday 14 March The Freddie and Queen Experience

Wednesday 15 January Ivan Brackenbury supports Tom Binns: The Psychic Comedium

Thursday 19 March Dom Joly’s Holiday Snaps – Travel and Comedy in the Danger Zone

For more information call 01803 665800

.CO.UK SATURDAY

SUNDAY

21ST DEC - 5TH JAN THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING

PAIGNTON PANTOMIME PRODUCTIONS

PAIGNTON PANTOMIME PRODUCTIONS

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NODA South West Awards 2014, 2017 and 2018 Sat 21st Dec

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WHAT THE REVIEWS SAID ABOUT LAST YEAR’S "MOTHER GOOSE"

“This Society is in a class of its

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“Visually stunning”

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68 | December/January 2019/20

Adults £14 | Senior Conc’ £13 | Children (under 10 ) £12 Groups (10+) - 1 Free Seat in 10

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Gardens

Mr Fox’s Garden Page In this issue, Mr Fox looks at the weather, Christmas gifts for gardeners and how to pollinate hellebores.

W

ell, in the last issue I do recall suggesting that summer lasts a little longer down here and predicting that we might still have a fair bit of sunshine yet to come. How wrong I was. Since then my optimistic mindset has been well and truly dampened - it’s rained, rained and rained some more.

It seems like every other day I read or hear a news article regarding the weather. Globally it was the warmest October since records began (1979) and the UK has had the coldest October ever. I’ve honestly lost track of it all.

I feel that I should write a little about climate change but this is a gardening column not a weather column and I’m no scientist. At any rate we gardeners should just keep on doing what we do best, planting plants and trees, helping the local wildlife however we can and I must not forget to mention shopping local.

Christmas is here! It is the season of goodwill and it presents us with the question once again what to buy for

family and friends. Gardeners are a particularly tricky bunch.

Gadgets and gizmos never go down well and it’s not really the right time of year to buy plants. Gardening tools are a good option; there are some fantastic battery powered tools available at Devon Garden Machinery. I picked up a brilliant leaf blower a few weeks ago. If you’re looking for locally handmade garden art to brighten your garden over the winter and to support your plants in spring then visit my website – local delivery is free. Amaryllis bulbs are always a firm favourite at Christmas.

Hellebores are out in force at this time of year and they’re really easy to grow from seed, as my wife will explain over the page.

We are James and Catherine (Mr Fox’s Garden). We provide a garden maintenance and landscaping service around the Bay but the main part of our business is making plant supports, garden art and sculptures - and it’s all made right here on the English Riviera. After our display garden won the People’s Choice Award at the 2019 Tavistock Garden Show, we can now happily say we are ‘award winning gardeners’. We’re also proud to say that this year we have pieces on permanent display at RHS Rosemoor and Buckfast Abbey.

mrfoxsgarden.com englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Mr Fox December/January 2019/20 | 69

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70 | December/January 2019/20

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Gardens

Hellebores Helleborus orientalis, also known as The Christmas rose or Lenten rose is one of my firm favourites in the garden.

This is because it flowers at a time when the garden is quite bare. There is an array of different options to choose from: spotted, blotch, picotee, single, doubles and anemone forms. They are great plants as they are not temperamental; they will grow in any type of soil and thrive in mixed light levels. Hellebores also have an exceptionally long flowering period and their colour transforms beautifully with age.

Hellebores can withstand any weather; when the flowers freeze they fall to the floor, when they start warming up in the sun and the frost melts, they majestically stand back up

Here’s my quick guide on how to pollinate hellebores: Collect the pollen

Select the two plants that you want to pollinate.

Choose parents with vigour, good flower shape, colour and resilience. I use a cotton wool bud/swab to collect the pollen from the father plant; move the bud around the stamens and you will see the pollen collecting on the cotton wool bud.

Transferring the pollen

Find a flower bud on the mother plant that is quite tightly closed. Open it with your fingers and then rub the pollen you have collected along the long central stigma.

and carry on performing!

Hellebores are actually really easy to cross-pollinate, as they are protogynous. You can make your own varieties this way and they will be completely unique to you. I started cross-pollinating hellebores several years ago and have some truly amazing results. It’s lots of fun and nobody else will have one the same. Now I have hundreds of beautiful hellebores. Have fun trying cross-pollination or leave it to the bees to do their job and be surprised by the results.

Make a note of the parent plants

In your notebook, make a note of the plants you have cross-pollinated. I also add a little piece of wool, string or tape into the book, so you know which notes refer to which plant.

Sowing the Seeds

Sow the seeds on the surface of moist, gritty, loam-based compost, and cover with a layer of grit.

The grit is really important as it helps the seeds to germinate. Leave outside or in a cold frame. Germination will happen the following autumn.

Marking your flowers

I use cut up tights as little bags over the flowers and tie them up loosely with coloured string, this stops the bees pollinating them and then catches the seeds when they are ripe. Alternatively, you could leave a little paper bag over the flowers to stop further pollination and collect the seeds when they are ripe.

Diar y Dates

Torquay & District Horticultural Society All talks are held at 7.30pm at the Livermead House Hotel, TQ2 6QJ. 6 November 20 November

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

‘Camellias’ with Jeremy Wilson, who is from Garden Together and can come to your garden to work with you to develop your skills and knowledge.

‘12 Plants for Christmas’ with Julie Henderson. A festive look at some of our favourite Christmas Plants.

December/January 2019/20 | 71

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72 | December/January 2019/20

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local

in the repair shop Dan Darlow spends his time making things better! Generally leather things, from armchairs to purses, bags to britches (well lederhosen to be precise)... Julian Rees visits Dan in his workshop.

I

of furniture would see him make a success of it. f like me you’re intrigued by and endeared to the hit Based on his experiences, Dan decided to develop BBC TV series The Repair Shop then you’ll probably his skill set to tackle the leather furniture that he came remember the mantra of ‘make do and mend’ from postacross in the course of his work. In 2014 he qualified as war austerity Britain. We may again be in austere times a leather technician after attending a specialist course but ‘make do and mend’ now seems more an antedote to in Harrogate to learn about cleaning, restoration, our throwaway society. Things just aren’t made like they and dying and pigmentation. He specialised further were in the past so we like to hold onto items that have by training in leathercraft and stitching locally at served the test of time and have become our favourites.

Dartington Hall. It wasn’t long before the demand for Seeing these items bought back to life via the hands of his repair work meant that he had to drop the cleaning expert craftspeople is a real joy and it struck me that we side of the business and focus full time on leather have such an expert in our midst. Dan Darlow’s Devon restoration.

Leather Care business, which he has been advertising in Dan shows me around the workshop, there are all our magazine for several years now, is just such an expert. manner of leather To find out about He shows me how well maintained leather pieces, from large his particular set of allows the the dye to move within the layers of rolls to tiny offcuts reparation skills I’m hide and respond to use, allowing it to develop of all shapes, sizes dropping into his its own character with use and age. and types. He tells workshop. me that leather comes from many sources, not just Devon Leather Care, which consists of two spaces, the cattle. There’s horse, goat, pig, salmon, snake and working area of which is packed with leather and tools and crocodile to name but a few. He points out that leather a storeroom housing the ‘queue’ of items awaiting repair. is a bi-product from animal slaughter. These days no Before we look closer Dan tells me how he got into animals are reared specifically for their hides. As well as caring for leather. He spent the majority of his career different types of raw material, the range of treatments working in furniture retail, starting in London’s East is extensive. Dan enjoys working with aniline leather End in the 60s and finishing up in Norfolk around as it retains its true surface appearance. Aniline leather 2000. On his fourth redundancy he decided a change is coloured using soluble dyes that are completely in direction was in order and bought into a franchise absorbed into the hide. He shows me how wellcleaning company. In 2007 he moved to Devon, where maintained leather allows the the dye to move within he’d often holidayed, and set up his own firm knowing that his customer service skills and in-depth knowledge the layers of hide and respond to use, allowing it to

“

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December/January 2019/20 | 73

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Riviera Business develop its own character with age.

There are a wide range of hand tools for cutting, piercing and stitching, die stamps for creating decorative patterns and textures, and a variety of interesting wooden clamps for holding the work. In amongst all the traditional tools sits a wonderful black and gold Singer sewing machine; it’s a heavy duty version for stitching light leather, which stirs childhood memories.

The queue of projects in the storeroom includes a dilapidated Gladstone bag, a bulky leather flying jacket, various handbags and suitcases and several Chesterfield style chairs. Dan now opens the doors of his van to reveal three more designer leather chairs - he tells me he’s already taking bookings for 2020.

Sitting in the middle of the workshop is a reproduction Egg chair, a copy of the iconic 1958 Danish design by Arne Jacobsen. He tells me that good original versions are worth several thousand pounds with a good reproduction still nearing a four-figure sum. In this case Dan has been tasked to restore and recolour the chair from a rather dull brown to a bright pink to be a centrepiece in a modern interior. The process involves many hours of careful preparation followed by several coats of white primer before the pink pigment is applied. All the colours are mixed to the customer’s exact requirements from a base set of 12 pigments. Dan can match an existing item or even work from a photo using a sophisticated digital colour reader. He’s keen to point out that this process is cost-effective for specialist pieces of furniture such as the Egg chair but isn’t going to be economical on a modern three piece suite.

I drop back into the workshop a week later to see the finished item and it is quite stunning; you wouldn’t know this wasn’t the original colour. I also see some more of the items I’d seen on my initial visit now restored. Whether these items go back into regular use or become modern antiques to marvel at, it’s no surprise Dan is busy as his transformations can’t fail to impress.

Dan is also busy developing his skills to manufacture a range of high quality leather items such as aprons, valet trays and custom wallets. He also produces some very specialist products for the niche field archery community (of which he is an active member) and produces arrow quivers, arm guards and bags, all of which are exquisitely tooled and The restored and finished. ¢ recoloured Egg chair  devonleathercare.co.uk before and after englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2019/20 | 75

Rotary Revival Originally founded in 1905 so professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships, some say Rotary was the original social network.

However in recent years, with pressure on free time always growing, many such organisations have struggled to attract new members. Julian Rees visits one of Torbay’s Rotary groups and finds a motivated and active membership.

I

’m meeting up with members of the Rotary Club of when members can make it. Gone are the days when Tormohun (Torquay)*, one of ten groups that form the attendance was mandatory, now the group is far more Bay Clubs stretching from St Marychurch to Dartmouth understanding of the demands on members’ time. There and Totnes. With me today are President Alan Dommett, is a modest annual subscription but other than that cost President Nominee Jonathan Edgoose and Vice President of membership is low and the group is only demanding David Rowe. I line the chaps up for a photo and the of ideas, spare time and good banter! All agree that being chains of office are displayed with pride. However, all part of a global network of volunteers, trying to make the are keen to point out that world a better place is the All agree that being part of a global main motivation and the much of the formality once network of volunteers, trying to associated with Rotary is friendships and camaraderie make the world a better place is the that grow from these efforts long gone and today’s groups main motivation are far more relaxed. is the best return.

David tells me that the Tormohun club has 20 active The Tormohun group was established in 1979 and members and 20 associates who lend a hand at events. most members are now retired having started in their The Bay Clubs as a whole have in the region of 300 forties. They are keen to encourage a new generation members. The Tormohun group of members who are looking to give something back to meet formally on the fourth their community. Both men and women are welcomed Monday of each month at the as members, a fact I wasn’t aware of but again a welcome Livermead House Hotel for a change and one that the members say was warmly meal with a guest speaker welcomed and fully supported. and informally in Jonathan is the group’s between newest and youngest

“

L - R: Jonathan, Alan and David

Charities & Volunteering

member and has already embarked on several escapades.

He completed a 100 mile cycle from Land’s End to Torquay in June and is busy collecting book donations for the group’s next book sale. There are 4 book sales each year, held in Union Square, Torquay, which are always very popular fundraisers.

Alan tells me that each year the group chooses a charity to support; recently these have included the Torbay Prostate Support Association and this year Torbay Holiday Helpers Network.

The club also administers grant funds from the Mike Sangster Sports Foundation. This was set up in memory of Torquay’s most famous tennis pro, local businessman and Rotary member and supports young local sports people.

In the past the group ran events such as the famous Cockington Proms and and this year was the 41st time that the Rotary Club of Babbacombe & St Marychurch held the ever-popular Pedal Car Grand Prix at Torre Abbey. Annual coach trips are also organised for the Fireworks Championships in Plymouth and Bridgwater Carnival, which are always popular - look out for dates in our What’s On section.

The club’s next big event is scheduled for May 2020.

The Rotary VE75 Celebration will be held at the Riviera International Conference Centre and will be a spectacular

themed celebration of VE Day, hosting 400 guests. You can currently support the good work of the Rotary Club of Babbacombe & St Marychurch by visiting Santa’s Grotto (with elves drawn from the ranks of Tormohun and Torbay Sunrise Rotary Clubs) in Fleet Walk with children and grandchildren; it’s open until 24 December. ¢ c @tormohunrotary *Tor Mohun was the name the manor or parish was known as before the Victorians popularised the area as a resort and it became Torquay. Tormohun then became an area within the town incorporating what has now developed into the Babbacombe and Ilsham areas.

In June this year three members cycled routes from Torquay to Land’s End, from Land’s to Torquay and 100 miles around the Velopark in aid of prostate cancer charities in the Bay.

Get involved...

Book Sales - if you would like to donate good quality books for Rotary’s book sale please call Jonathan Edgoose 07966 150997 or books can be dropped into Conroy Couch jewellers in Union Street, Torquay.

Membership - Interested in becoming a member or associate? Speak to any member or call Jonathan Edgoose 07966 150997 to receive an invitation to attend a meeting and find out about Rotary first hand. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2019/20 | 77

Rowcroft Boutique and Café launch Invited guests enjoyed bubbly and canapés at the launch of the brand-new Ella’s Café Lounge and Boutique by Rowcroft, on Chelston’s Walnut Road.

Julia Caulfield (Chelston Chiropody) and Madeline Leyden

Sally Scott-Bryant (Chair of Trustees), Mark Hawkins (CEO), Caroline Wannell (Head of Retail) and Leigh Hanley (Retail Area Manager)

Helen Wallwork (Trustee) and Neil Seymour (Seymour & Co)

 Jane Rowell (Manager Rowcroft Shop Churston) and Cheryl Cole (Stock Control Asst)

John and Mary Gately (Bowwow’s), Debbie Thorpe and David Green (both Willow Wellbeing)

 Martyn Rose (Manager), Shaunagh Hart (Project Lead & Support Manager), Harold Howarth (Retail Business Analyst) and Amy Nichols (Boutique Manager)

78 | December/January 2019/20

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South Devon Business Centre Launch The brand new South Devon Business Centre at the flagship Hi Tech and Digital Centre, South Devon College was launched to potential tenants with a tour of affordable furnished office spaces, meeting rooms, and business support services.

Social Diary

Ges Green (TDA), Liz Mackie (TDA) and April Kingsley (Child Firendly Matters)

Abigail Dommett (The Training Partnership), Kim Thornton (TDA) and Nirosha Holton (South Devon College)

Alan Smith (TDA) and Guy Boosey (NHS) Jacob Coburn (Devon County Council) and Heather Burton (TDA)

Steve Bulman (WBW Solicitors), Stuart Chadwick (Alpha Networx) and James Twigger (Accounting4Everything)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2019/20 | 79

BusinessBreaks... BusinessBreaks... Bu Grand Switch On

South Devon College hosted a grand ‘Evening of Illumination’ to mark the final stage of its Hi Tech & Digital Centre development with an inaugural impressive and dramatic display of the external light installation.

The connection with light is especially important as many of the local and regional businesses the college supports in the hi-tech sector are closely connected to photonics. Photonics, the physical science of light, is a well established and rapidly expanding area of technological

British Property Awards Local Estate Agent Saunders & Lingard has won the 2019 Silver Regional Award for Devon at the British Property Awards. The judging panel highlighted the excellent service levels provided

by Saunders & Lingard, following scrutiny during the mystery shopping it undertakes on estate agents. This regional award follows the 2019 Gold Award presented to the team earlier in 2019 for the local category, in Torquay.

The British Property Awards judges said, “We passionately believe that agents who provide a fantastic service and go that extra mile for their clients should be rewarded and highlighted for their endeavours. We independently assess estate agents against a set of 25 criteria…our award has also been designed to remove any opportunity for bias or manipulation. If an agent has been attributed one of our 80 | December/January 2019/20

importance as it drives so much of our modern world, from communication systems with fibre optics, to lasers for use in medicine or manufacturing, construction and of course lighting technology itself with LEDs becoming increasingly prevalent. South Devon College’s innovative £17 million centre provides a visionary facility for further education and training support towards the everexpanding hi-tech, manufacturing, digital and creative sectors across Torbay, South Devon and wider regions. ¢  southdevon.ac.uk

awards, it is simply down to the fantastic customer service levels that they have demonstrated over a prolonged period of time.” ¢

Big Plans for Occombe Farm Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, the local conservation charity has announced big new plans for Occombe Farm. Permission has been granted for a mix of new indoor and outdoor play and activities alongside a much larger farm shop, improved café and flexible activity space with new rental units. An exciting new visitor experience will include a farm visitor attraction with animal paddocks for rare breed cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry, plus an indoor barn accommodating small animals for supervised handling and feeding. Fun, interactive play features and treasure trails will also be incorporated throughout this area. The plan is expected to create up to 60 new jobs. The Trust hopes to start building work in February 2020 and open the doors on the new Occombe in early 2021. Damian Offer, Chief Executive of the Trust said, “We are delighted to be given planning permission for the Occombe project.

This takes us a big step closer to providing Torbay with a unique quality destination for residents and visitors. The

To promote your business to our readers email sales@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

.. BusinessBreaks... BusinessBreaks... profits from the new Occombe will support the Trust’s work, reduce reliance on Council funding and be invested in improving our land across Torbay for wildlife and people.” ¢

Networking Directory Get involved with Torbay business!

Torbay Business Forum First Tuesday of every month 7.30am RICC Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ Contact: Angela George 07717 316641 info@torbaybusinessforum.org.uk torbaybusinessforum.org.uk @TorbayBusiness

Uncharted Business...

Paignton based Chartered Accountants, Accounting4Everything, have announced a new online support platform aimed specifically at startup businesses. Launching in early 2020, ‘Uncharted Business’ will provide unique coaching to be delivered via online courses & live Q&A videos, and supported via social media platforms, such as Facebook and WhatsApp. Offered free to existing Accounting4Everything clients, it will also be rolled out to the whole of the UK on a subscription model.

Managing Director, James Twigger, explained “We have been supporting new businesses since we started ourselves just 3 years ago. In the early days of business there are often a huge number of questions, such as choosing the right business structure, what can be claimed against your tax bill and how to market your business. Uncharted Business will help startups on their exciting journey, with support in all areas of finance/ accounts, marketing and operations. “ ¢

Paignton Chamber of Commerce Second Thursday of every month. (check Facebook page for venue) Contact: Dean Kelly 07399 611643 c paigntondistrictchamberofcommerce Torbay Business Network Last Friday of every month 7.30am Pierpoint Restaurant Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5HA Contact: Anthony Blackaby 01803 299935 events@torbaybusinessnetwork.co.uk @TorbayBizNet Brixham Chamber of Commerce Every 2 months Berry Head Hotel Berry Head Road, Brixham, TQ5 9AJ Contact: chair@brixhamchamber.co.uk @lovebrixham Business Support Group Every Wednesday at 7.00am The Restaurant Churston Traditional Farm Shop Brixham Road Brixham TQ5 0LL Contact: admin@businesssupportgroup.org.uk

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December/January 2019/20 | 81

Breakfast with £15

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04/11/2019 14:46