English Riviera Magazine December/January 2021/22

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

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Eating out...

Tamsin Philp

Festive Fitness

James & Clare Brown

Tipples & Tapas COM

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PANTOS & SHOWS

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December 2021/January 2022

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Welcome

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to the December/January issue.

Well, we are hoping for a much more lively Christmas this year and the increasing number of Christmas, arts and theatre events we are highlighting reflects that. Santa has reappeared, festive dining is happening and the panto and other festive shows are running full steam ahead.

In this issue we showcase some of the wonderful local shopping, art & crafts and foodie delights you can buy right here in the Bay and close by. We drop into Cockington Court Craft Centre, check out Occombe Farm and browse Brixham’s thriving community of independent shops as well as heading out to Dartington and the estate’s popular Cider Press Centre.

We meet Tamsin Philp, local sports therapist and Pilates teacher as well as James & Clare Brown who run the fabulous Wine Loft in Brixham with its wine shop, deli and tapas bar. We give an Ocean Liner Dining Experience a go at the delectable Chart Room First Class Lounge run by Richard and Angela Valder.

Don’t forget to get out into the fresh air and try our winter walk too. Whatever you choose, may you have a very happy festive season and wonderful New Year!

Created and Published By Devon Magazine Company Limited Julian Rees julian@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone 01803 842893 Mobile: 07455 206470 Anita Newcombe anita@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01803 850886 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 28 January Write to us at: ENGLISH RIVIERA MAGAZINE 69 DAVIES AVENUE PAIGNTON TQ4 7AW © 2018 All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form without prior permission of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, Devon Magazine Company Ltd will not accept liability for loss or damage. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of our content but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any omissions, errors or alterations or for the consequences of any reliance on these details; neither can they vouch for the accuracy of claims made by any advertiser.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Happy reading and keep safe

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EnglishRiviera June/July 2019

magazine

A Sailing Adventure with

Trinity

THE MANY TALENTS OF

MACKENZIE MOULTON

Wilfred Owen's

Torquay Vacation A Lifetime in Art

MARTIN DUTTON

FESTIVALS!

Give It A Go!

ROLLER SKATING

Debbie MacPherson Fashioning Leather

Vistas & Views on the coastpath

Occombe & Paignton Harbour

Armchair Twitcher

Feathered friends in your garden

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In this issue | December ‘21/January ‘22 6 Openers Local news snippets

14 Local ‘go-to’ sports therapist Meeting Tamsin Philp

16 Lofty ambitions

33 Interiors update

We visit Brixham’s Wine Loft

19 Arts & Crafts for Christmas at Cockington Court Craft Centre

23 Festive Brixham Shopping and foodie highlights

27 Ocean Liner Experience The Chart Room First Class Restaurant

29 Occombe Christmas Local producers round-up

33 Festive Dartington Markets, workshops, shows and concerts

34 Winter Walk

16 Brixham Wine Loft 19 Arts & Crafts for Christmas

Stretch those legs with the family

37 Social Diary Local people at local events

39 What’s On Our pick of December and January events

44 Theatre Who’s treading the boards?

46 Arts Roundup Enjoy exhibitions & arty events

49 Gardening Look after your houseplants

27 Restaurant Review

46 Arts Roundup englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December 2021/January 2022 | 5

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

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

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Bettie Honeybee Brixham born author, Sara Louisa was inspired to write Bettie Honeybee after watching bees tend flowers at Fenworthy Reservoir on Dartmoor. Bettie is a happy cheerful buzzy little bee until one day her favourite flowers go missing. This beautiful picture book raises awareness of the importance of habitats for bees in a child friendly and entertaining way. Sara collaborated with local artist, Emma Doney, to bring the book to life, before partnering with Okehampton business, National Bee Supplies, to put it into print. Sarah sent a copy to Sir David Attenborough and received a lovely message from him. For every copy of Bettie Honeybee sold, a £1 donation is made to Plantlife and The British Beekeepers’ Association. Therefore, it is not only a beautiful gift, but it will also help to protect habitats for bees. Bettie Honeybee costs £6.99 and is available from saralouisastories.co.uk 

Torquay Philatelic Society 100th Now known as Torquay & Teignbridge Stamp Club, Torquay Philatelic Society has been celebrating its centenary this year and has a brand new website to inform and welcome members, old and new. The society was formed in 1921 with David Field, a London stamp dealer as its first president. In 1930 the society hosted the 17th Philatelic Congress of Great Britain at the Palace englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Hotel in Torquay. The president of Torquay Society and chairman of the national congress that year was Edith Field. Societies and clubs from around the nation sent delegates with Winifred Penn-Gaskell representing Torquay Philatelic Society. Miss Penn-Gaskell became the first woman to read a philatelic paper, ‘The Lure of Postmarks and Cancellations’ to the congress. In 2006 Torquay once again hosted congress, this time at the Riviera Centre. In 2010 the club moved to Kingsteignton and regular meetings are now held both face-to-face and on Zoom. Centenary celebrations have included a Members’ Commemorative Medal, souvenir items and special events.  torquayandteignbridgestampclub.org

Christmas Card Competition Award-winning holiday letting agency Coast & Country Cottages has invited children from twelve primary schools across South Devon to design their company Christmas cards this year. The competition, which will be judged by a Brixham Art Society representative, will see a winning design selected from each participating school, to be printed as cards and sent to the agency’s wealth of holiday property owners, suppliers and contacts. In exchange for taking on the challenge, all schools involved are being awarded £100 worth of book tokens to expand their libraries, whilst the children with the winning designs will also receive a prize. Emily Mercer, Marketing Manager at Coast & Country Cottages says, “We are so excited to be running this fun community competition, and we can’t wait to see all the designs. This is a fantastic opportunity for children in the local area to get creative, whilst also helping to earn their school book tokens to boost their libraries!”  coastandcountry.co.uk

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Teeny Tiny Antelopes Paignton Zoo has become home to three Kirk’s dik-dik, tiny antelopes, only 40cm tall and weighing just 5kg. Their name comes from the sound they make when startled.

Very cute with huge eyes, voluminous eyelashes, and a wiggly nose, you can see them in their new enclosure near Baboon Rock. They shed ‘tears’ of a dark, sticky fluid, which they use to scent mark their territory. The dik-dik will likely be quite shy until they settle into their new home. They have plenty of places to hide so you’ll need to look carefully amongst the plants and grasses. They don’t waste a single drop of water because they come from very dry environments in Africa and conserve as much of the water they drink as possible.

They are thought to produce the driest poo, and most concentrated wee, of any hoofed animal! 

Preloved Shopping

and exquisite accessories such as jewellery, bags, belts, hats and scarves, plus a fantastic range of books, DVDs, toys, children’s clothing and homeware.” All profits from these purchases support the vital work of the hospice in Torbay and South Devon. If you’re not sure what to buy, then Rowcroft is offering gift vouchers in a choice of denominations. You can also buy online. Rowcroft needs more volunteers to help in their shops and cafés so pop into your nearest shop for a chat if interested.  rowcrofthospice.org.uk/shops

Money Out the Window!

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Rowcroft Hospice are dreaming of a green Christmas with a wonderful choice of sustainable gifts in their shops, all preloved and recycled for a festive season that’s kind to the planet. Caroline Wannell, Rowcroft’s Head of Retail says, “There are great value gifts galore for everyone, including stunning ladies and men’s fashion englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December 2021/January 2022 | 9

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Safety for Sailors The Disabled Sailing Association Torbay (DSA) has agreed to call in their cruising plans and requests for radio checks direct to Torbay National Coastwatch institution (NCI) on their VHF listening channel 65. NCI Torbay is located right on the cliff at Daddyhole Plain and has a fantastic view across the Bay. They will log the information provided, so that DSA vessels ‘Freedom’ and ‘Free Spirit’ can sail safely within Torbay. All boat users can access this service to get a radio check, weather update or tidal information. NCI Torbay is one of 50 stations that provide ‘eyes on the coast’ and work closely with search and rescue teams. The new agreement also supports the scheme, piloted by Solent Coastguard, where mariners requiring a radio check or local weather conditions, are requested to hail NCI on VHF Channel 65 between the hours of 1000 and 1600 local time.  torbaynci.org disabledsailingassociation.org.uk

born their fur is completely white, and as they grow it begins to darken to the unmistakable fiery red colour that can be seen on Riya and Esha. Their diet at the zoo consists mostly of bamboo, plus vegetables and dry feed pellets. Red pandas are incredible climbers and are very at home in the trees – just remember to look up for a flash of red fur among the leaves when you visit their enclosure. The birth of these cubs is particularly exciting since red pandas are classed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. 

Seagrass Buoys Three brand new boat moorings designed to protect Tor Bay’s seagrass meadows have been installed at Fishcombe Cove. These are the first of their kind in Tor Bay. Wild Planet Trust has installed the mooring buoys as part of the #SaveOurSeagrass campaign established in 2018. The meadows in Tor Bay are a vital nursery bed for young

Red Panda Cubs Two female red panda cubs were born at Paignton Zoo to first-time mum, Ember. The cute new pandas who have been named Riya and Esha, have spent the first months of their lives tucked away in their nest box with their mother. The cubs are now taking their first steps into public view. When red panda cubs are

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fish and home to both the UK seahorse species, the spiny and short-snouted seahorse. Shallow, sheltered coastal bays provide ideal conditions for the growth of seagrass meadows, but for this reason they are also attractive mooring and anchorage sites for boating communities.

Both boat anchors and traditional mooring systems have a detrimental impact on seagrass. Although the seagrass areas across Tor Bay are voluntary no-anchoring zones, Wild Planet Trust is actively looking to encourage water enthusiasts and boat users to respect the seagrass by not anchoring at the known seagrass locations and use these new permitted moorings.  wildplanettrust.org.uk December 2021/January 2022 | 11

Torquay £1,395,000 Freehold Beautifully appointed detached home, presented in immaculate order, enjoying a peaceful setting with views looking through Ilsham Valley towards the sea. With an upgraded kitchen of bespoke design, its accommodation has a large lounge, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, cloakroom, 5 bedrooms, en-suite bathroom, separate shower room.

Mature private gardens with pool and summer house. Integral garage, parking.

EPC Rating – D

Torquay

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EPC Rating – C

Torquay

£850,000 Leasehold

Amazing views of Tor Bay are enjoyed from this apartment, part of a detached Victorian villa. With spacious accommodation and two sea facing terraces, the property is individually accessed with a kitchen/dining room, lounge, two bedrooms, each en-suite to the first floor, two bedrooms and shower room to the second floor. Double garage, residents gardens.

EPC Rating – D

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

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Tamsin Philp

sports therapist

Sports of all kinds are a wonderful antidote to stress and help us stay healthy while festive indulgences abound. Tamsin Philp is a ‘go-to’ sports therapist for many locals; Anita Newcombe drops by for a chat.

W

She also started working (and continues to work) hen you’re trying your best to keep fit and for a sports events company, which sees her spending healthy, it’s terribly annoying when you get many weekends doing first aid at events as diverse as an injury or even a recurring niggle. I’m a would-be motocross, kart racing, American football and running (rather slow) runner myself and I’ve had the gamut of events. In fact she once treated me for a cut at the sports injuries over the last few years. Tamsin Philp top of a tor when I was running the Haytor Heller runs Personal Best Sports Therapy based in Paignton, trail race a couple of years ago. More recently she Torquay and Newton Abbot and has some brilliant has been appointed to the team at GBMaxibasketball treatments to keep you pain-free and on the move, and regularly attends their training camps in the UK whatever your preferred activity. plus competitions overseas.

I’m meeting Tamsin for a cuppa in Paignton to hear more It’s the best job in the world; She’s super-excited to be about how she got into sports there’s always something new supporting the over-40s team therapy and how her business to learn with plenty of variety in their run up to the European Championships in 2022 and the has rapidly expanded despite the and everyday challenges – World Championships in 2023. setbacks caused by Covid. Back there’s no such thing as a Over the Years Tamsin built in 2014 Tamsin successfully ran straightforward injury.” up her expertise, not only her first marathon and her Mum through varied experience but bought her a sports massage also via a wide range of professional sports therapy to celebrate. She tells me, “I just looked at the guy courses in the evenings and at weekends. Three years giving my massage and I thought he had a really great job.” So she decided to take a massage qualification and ago Tamsin set up her own business Personal Best, based at Winners 2000 gym in Paignton. She rented then shadowed him at Paignton Rugby Club working a treatment room and with the support of her regular with the team and gaining experience. She started customers and a growing ‘word of mouth’ reputation it attending training nights twice a week and match days was a great success. In spite of the difficult economic on Saturdays. Having become a popular figure Tamsin period she took on additional therapists a few months took over herself the following season enjoying the ago, and now has treatment rooms at Torquay and rough and tumble of life on the pitch, dealing with all Newton Abbot as well as Paignton. sorts of injuries, both short and longer term.

“

14 | December 2021/January 2022

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Riviera People She tells me, “I love getting to know my clients; everyone is different – the body is like a jigsaw and it’s important to get an overview of what’s going on. It’s so great to see my patients walk out pain-free – it can change their lives.”

About 50% of Tamsin’s clients are athletes and another 50% are just regular people who are experiencing pain. It isn’t always a specific injury – lifestyle factors including stress and tension often lead to problems. Some days Tamsin may see a marathon runner seeking treatment and the next a patient in chronic pain who struggles to enjoy a walk or complete their housework. Treatments include sports and deep tissue massage, injury treatment and rehabilitation, exercise based therapy, chronic pain management, taping, dry needling and Pilates classes.

Tamsin says, “It’s the best job in the world; there’s always something new to learn with plenty of variety and everyday challenges – there’s no such thing as a straightforward injury.”

The latest news is that Tamsin is launching The Recovery Zone for athletes, having teamed up with Hyperice recovery technology.

This is cutting edge stuff for regular athletes.

Tamsin tells me, “I want to bring elite technology to everyday people – they can access it regularly and easily.” The tech includes compression technology, vibration and heat and cold treatments and is quick,

cost-effective and can be worked into a regular gym or exercise session – it’s basically a structured recovery session using special equipment and will be available at Torquay, Paignton and Newton Abbot. Pilates classes are also very popular and Tamsin runs regular sessions at Devon Hills Fitness in Paignton and at Winners 2000.

Setting the good example, Tamsin doesn’t neglect her own fitness. She trains in the gym twice a week and is currently preparing for her first triathlon (run, swim, bike).

This is especially impressive as Tamsin was terrified of water until just a couple of months ago. Since then she’s been having swimming lessons, having only managed breaststroke with her face out of the water till then. She also does a couple of runs a week and will be entering The Final Countdown 10K trail run at Dartington on New Year’s Eve. Tamsin currently lives with her housemate in Paignton and most of her free time is devoted to training. However she also loves geocaching on Dartmoor with her boyfriend who lives in Portsmouth and sometimes eating out in Paignton. She has two cats called Fox and Auri and a snake called Horza. He’s a corn snake, blood red in colour and she finds him fascinating saying, “he moves so beautifully.” She admits to being a bit cat-mad, having devoted a whole wall of her living room to a 6ft high cat zone with cat assault course.

An avid reader she loves fantasy stories like Lord of the Rings. personalbesttherapy.co.uk

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December 2021/January 2022 | 15

Meeting James and Clare Brown James and Clare Brown owned and successfully managed Brown’s Hotel in Dartmouth for fifteen years. Ready for a change they have since opened The Wine Loft, a scrumptious independent wine shop, deli and tapas bar in Brixham.

Anita Newcombe pays them a visit.

T

he Wine Loft is positioned on the gentle curve at the top of Middle Street with big windows giving an airy view across the town. It’s primarily a retail wine shop and deli but there are some pleasant tables where you can taste delicious wines by the glass and enjoy some tasty tapas.

It’s a wonderful spot to choose some treats for yourself plus some very special tipples and foodie gifts for Christmas.

It’s a fascinating shop filled with wines from wine growing regions around the world.

Within an astonishing choice of 400 wines, over 100 of them cost less than £10 and 250 of them cost less than £15. James tells me, “We want people to choose their wines here regularly and not just for special occasions.” He explains that many of their customers who enjoy drinking wine, don’t necessarily have a wide knowledge of what’s available. In the past they may often have steered towards names they know. This is where The

16 | December 2021/January 2022

Wine Loft is making a big impact locally, giving people the chance to try a wide range of wines they’ve never experienced before (without breaking the bank). Many locals and visitors now drop by at The Wine Loft for a chat about the options available and to try something new.

They will go away happy with some delicious wines and some wonderfully inspired pairings for their festive food choices.

After selling Brown’s Hotel in Dartmouth James and Clare were keen for a new challenge and decided to try their hand at retail. They felt that their extensive knowledge of wines, garnered by finding out what their many regular customers had loved over the years, could be put to really good use. Over the years at Browns they sold over 15,000 bottles of wine to customers wanting to buy more to take home after enjoying their wine in the restaurant and wine bar. For five years they ran the drinks programme for Dartmouth Food Festival alongside wine experts and

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

Riviera People writers like Susy Atkins so they knew their stuff.

Brixham was the perfect location for a foray into retail, and Middle Street with its vibrant independent shops was appealing. James says, “We had a glimmer of an idea for a wine shop and we thought Brixham with its year-round residential population would offer a great opportunity to succeed. I love the boats, storms, trawlers, people – it’s so interesting and changeable.” Clare tells me, “I love Brixham – it’s a perfect size with great access, a wonderful breakwater and harbour and it’s much sunnier here.”

The shop they acquired was more or less derelict but very spacious and with huge storage areas where they are able to keep all their myriad wines and deli items. They were delighted by the positive welcome and amazing support they received from Middle Street Traders. Clare explains, “Everyone looks out for each other here and thinks about the street as a whole, not just their own businesses.”

A huge collection of wines was soon put on offer from Spain, Portugal, France, Austria, Italy, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, America, Argentina, South Africa and even Lebanon. James explains, “All our wines are ‘battle-

One of the big hits on the deli side is the amazing collection of tinned fish they offer and the evocative memories it creates of holidays gone by. James says, “Tinned fish is having a real renaissance at the moment.”

Clare explains, “We get lots of comments from our customers about how opening a tin of say Jose Gourmet Smoked Trout or Gueyumar Wood Fire squid in Black Ink with a lovely glass of wine or sherry really reminds them of happy times abroad.” Lots of items from the deli are sold as gifts. Clare tells me, “Foodie gifts are hugely popular, particularly our Spanish products from Brindisa, a company we have been working with for nearly 20 years” The Wine Loft is open 7 days a week from 11am-6pm for retail sales and drinks plus 5 days a week for lunch and they often have a barbeque on offer at the weekend plus informal wine tasting on Sundays. They supply some local restaurants and recently created the entire wine list for Shoals, the family-run fish restaurant by Shoalstone Pool in Brixham.

Popular items for Christmas include amazing tinned fish, cheese, meats, patés more luxurious wines and port

“People have

definitely become more wine-curious “

tested’ by reactions from our customers.”

Then the global pandemic suddenly hit and they created an online shop within a mere two weeks. In no time The Wine Loft was making 10-15 deliveries a day, 6 days a week. They were a big hit with their free local deliveries and no minimum order, even delivering single bottles to Torbay residents sheltering at home during lockdown.

James said, “The lights were out in the big wine warehouses but we were out delivering and giving people advice on their wine choices – making it more rewarding, delicious and fun for them.” Before too long friends would be having ‘Zoom Wine Tasting Parties’ using wine tasting notes from The Wine Loft’s website as a guide. James says, People have definitely become more ‘wine-curious’”.

The timing was clearly right to launch the online shop and the pandemic, oddly enough, allowed them to expand their business, grow their following of regular customers and buy a highly distinctive van that is often spotted out and about. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

(a big thing for Christmas). One top tip says James, “Greek wines are really coming up – they are flying out right now and have a beautiful flavour.” Wine sampling of Christmas wines are on offer for the whole of December and Wine Loft Gift Cards from £5 are also available.

In their work-free moments James and Clare enjoy sea swimming, walking and paddleboarding and love outdoor cooking at home including barbeques and paellas. They own a small motorboat for fishing and have a lobster pot (in a carefully guarded location). Their two sons Jack and Ben used to work at their Dartmouth hotel and attended Churston Grammar School when they were younger but are grown up now and live in Bristol.

James and Clare tell me, ”We feel lucky to have built up a strong local following – we’re not a tourist business – we definitely get busier towards Christmas and love giving advice to help people make the right choices according to their tastes.”   wineloftbrixham.co.uk December 2021/January 2022 | 17

Events 2020 2021 Easter Activities EVENTS 2022 Easter Activities Activities

• • •

centre of creativity

460 studios acre award winning country park toaward explore 460 Craft acre winning Meet over 20 makers in our craft studios country park and gardens Seven Dials Café

Visit our two reputable Galleries showing an workshops exciting Arts and crafts programme of themed exhibitions by local artists Visitor Welcome Point and

and room hire • Weddings See James Murch, our Artist in Residence galleries painting on site Manor House • Indulge in delicious food and drink at Seven Carriage rides Dials Café • Manor House and childrens play area to discover Play area

see

4th–18th 30 March 13 April 12–18 April-April Sculpture 2020 Sculpture Trail Sculpture Trail Trail 2021July–Oct 28 June - 20 September August–October; dates tbc Illyria Outdoor Theatre Illyria Outdoor Theatre Illyria Outdoor Theatre –- Much A Midsummer Night’s Ado About Nothingof – The Further Adventures Dream 2 August 10th August Doctor Dolittle Illyria Theatre Illyria Outdoor Theatre 29 MayOutdoor Pinafore –-LaHMS Peter Pan 28th August La Arts Alice in 13 August Wonderland digital trail Illyria Outdoor Illyria Outdoor Theatre Experience Theatre – The Pirates -31The Further May–6 JuneAdventures of Dr Dolittle of Penzance

Details Detailscorrect correctatattime timeofofprint, print,but butplease pleasevisit visitthe the website websiteforforthe themost mostupuptotodate datelistlistofofevents. events.

Cockington Court

Cockington Court Heritage Day Illyria Outdoor Theatre Creative Festival 20 September – Much Ado About Nothing 3 August September, tbc Cockington Apple & Pumpkin Festival Illyria Outdoor Theatre Apple & Pumpkin 25 October – HMS Pinafore

25 August www.cockingtoncourt.org ForSeptember details of activities please see our website www.cockingtoncourt.org 1st

hear

taste

Festival

30 August & Day of the Dead Halloween 24th–30th October Festival Cockington Apple Day 26Winter October - Wonders 1 November 24 October, tbc Christmas at Cockington December / January,Court tbc Halloween Festival December 25–31 ForOctober a full list of our events, For details of activities trailssee and Winter Wonders please ourworkshops website December–January, tbc please see ourdates website www.cockingtoncourt.org

touch

smell

FREE VISITOR ATTRACTION Open daily from 10am. Galleries open 10.30am–5pm.

Free admission, open daily from 10am Cockington CourtCraft Centre of Creativity, Cockington, TQ2 Torquay 01803 607230 Cockington Court Centre, Cockington,Torquay 6XA TQ2 Tel:6XA 01803Tel: 607230 Email: info@cockingtoncourt.org www.cockingtoncourt.org

@CockingtonCourt

@CockingtonC

TDA is a trading name of Torbay Economic Development Company Limited, a company registered in England and Wales No. 7604855 Registered Office Tor Hill House, Union Street, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5QW

18 | December 2021/January 2022

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Riviera Christmas

t Arts & Crafts for Christmas at

Cockington Court Craft Centre We all know that shopping local is more fun, more inspiring, more thoughtful and an all-round better experience. But do you know how fabulous our local shops and makers really are? Why not make a day of it at Cockington Court Craft Centre and watch the incredible array of hand-made goods being created?

Isabella Day – English Artist Goldsmith You’ll find some truly remarkable handmade jewellery gifts in gorgeous precious metals including rose gold, peach gold, yellow gold and grey gold at Isabella Day’s studio in Cockington Court. We love her wonderful sea treasures - pirate booty rings, delicate solid gold shells and pebbles, and Tudorinspired Posey rings. Many of the pieces are set with unusual ethical gems and Isabella specialises in making her own high quality gold alloys.

She and her team also make stunning bespoke creations

MooBoo Home – Bespoke Handcrafted Lighting & Homeware

MooBoo is a family business run by Nic and Andy. They are dedicated to reclaiming beautiful timber (their mantra is re-claim, re-use, re-love).

They now stock super efficient LED bulbs that are attractive as well as energy saving. Combined with reclaimed timber lamp bases, chandeliers and outdoor lighting, this offers you something really unique, and stylish, that’s helping to save the planet. Nic and Andy currently have 400-year-old oak from Ashburton and 700-yearold elm from Somerset. They love finding out the history and previous use of timber. It’s fascinating when you can trace a piece of timber back to its early life. They are also using oak whiskey barrels for clocks, lamps and lighting items. Gift vouchers available. mooboohome.co.uk

and remodelled items. If you just want to be inspired or have an idea for a special item, don’t miss this delightful place. isabelladay.co.uk

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Riviera Christmas There are many more makers at Flower La Vita Cockington Court Craft Centre with the whole place a treasure trove of artisan creativity. Don’t miss Ourglass where you can watch pieces being blown and purchase a wonderful array of extraordinarily beautiful glassware including vases, bowls and paper weights.

Tulip Wood makes traditional wooden toys that will delight and surprise any child. Debbie MacPherson Atelier makes hand crafted goods including handbags in the softest leather.

Driftmoods offers a treasure trove of handmade slate gifts and home acccessories, Rex Latham is an award winning blacksmith and you can watch him and his daughter making hand forged items in a glow of ‘dimpsy’ light. Janet Ventre makes fun and uplifting mosaics with spectacular jewel colours and Tez Roberts creates amazing ceramics inspired by nature. Yarde of Cockington creates fine sparkling cider and other tipples from wildlifefriendly apple orchards. James Murch is the talented artist-in-residence working in various mediums including oil painting, print making and sculpture.

Flower La Vita is an enchanting flower workshop with lots of Christmas ideas Spun glassware from Ourglass including wreaths and table displays plus DIY wreath kits to create your own. Chrystine Jones is Takahashi a contemporary artist working McGil in pewter – you must see her spectacular framed artworks.

Daisycakes makes scrumptious cakes in their cake studio – you’ll be hooked! The variety at Cockington Court Craft Centre is simply endless with Claire Austin England

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making bridal hair accessories and jewellery; Dandelions and Pearls offering vintage-inspired clothing; Gaff Interiors & Upholstery producing bespoke upholstery and high quality reupholstery; and Takahashi McGil creating fabulous wooden homewares. K & H Carriages also operates from here with their horse and carriage rides including weddings and private bookings.

Cockington Court’s Kitchen Gallery in the splendid 17th century manor house has a growing reputation in the arts world as a contemporary gallery space of regional significance, having showcased work by artists of international acclaim as well as emerging local talent. Also in the main house is the Visitor Welcome Point and Gallery. Here you’ll find a truly superb selection of hand made items by the craft centre’s creative community and local artists and craft makers. By now you’ll be ready for a cuppa, some homemade food or a yummy cake and the spacious Seven Dials Café is right next door.

Do bring walking shoes and a warm jacket for a stroll around the 450-acre Cockington Country Park with its ornamental lakes, woodland and 11th century church during your visit.

Dogs are welcome but please keep them on leads in the rose garden, organic garden, Stable Yard Studios and Sea Change Studios. Parking is available right behind the court (cash only). There is a bus service (62) to Cockington Monday to Friday. It’s a great day out so come prepared for a delightfully memorable experience while you get your festive purchases done.  cockingtoncourt.org

December 2021/January 2022 | 21

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k Festive

Brixham This winter season is a great time to rediscover the wonderful shopping experience that Brixham can offer.

Around the pretty harbour, up the now super-stylish Middle Street, into Pump Street, Fore Street and along Bolton Street you’ll find many trendy boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, wine shops, foodie haunts and much more.

The Middle Street Experience

There are lots of fabulous places to visit on Middle Street including: The Colours of Brixham Art Gallery, Maison et Vie, Taste, Real Collections, Luis Boutique, Flotsam 50, Adorabella Crowns, Nicky Stevenson Gallery, 5 Doors Up, Port Espresso, The Curious Kitchen and many more. It’s a truly wonderful shopping experience with lots of foodie (and drinkie) delights.

The Clothes Locker

Pop in and see Christine Plummer at The Clothes Locker on Middle Street, near the harbour. It’s a treasure trove of fashion and accessories for the whole family. Cosy choices for winter include luxurious dressing gowns, teddy coats, jolly jumpers, cushioned welly socks, mitts and gloves, jeans, dresses, thermal leggings and snuggly chenille slippers. We also spotted some very cute baby outfits, children’s clothes and some nice-looking traditional men’s slippers.01803 414600 clotheslocker@yahoo.com

The Wine Loft

A spectacular find on Middle Street is The Wine Loft, an owner-

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Riviera Christmas managed wine shop, deli and tapas bar created by James and Clare Brown (see main feature in this issue). wineloftbrixham.co.uk

Lulubelle

Moving across to Brixham’s historic Pump Street, Lulubelle, managed

by Jon Selby specialises in some really unique contemporary gifts and homewares. You’ll find lots of great ideas including a range of amazingly creative pieces of art and statement pieces make this place a mustvisit. We loved the quirky pop dog sculpture, glass art octopus, playful elephant sculptures Patrice Murciano works and Maison Berger home fragrance lamps.

01803 411358 c @lulubellebrixham

Brixham Steam Packet Company

If you love the era of ocean liners you’ll be blown away by this unique place with its astonishing collection of maritime antiques and vintage collectables. It’s tucked away just off Fore Street at Old Foundry Court.

Beautifully laid out you can find anchors, bells, helms, propellers, life rings, lights, portholes and much more from the great liners such as the QE2 and the Canberra. The owner Bob Higginson loved his time working for Cunard so much that he wanted to save some of its delightful memorabilia and the shop has now become a must-visit in Brixham. Its maritime-themed Chart Room First Class Coffee Lounge, managed by Hayley Johnson is a very quiet haven (over 12s only) where you can immerse yourself in the opulence and splendour of gracious ocean liners. brixhamsteampacket.co.uk December 2021/January 2022 | 23

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Ella’s Chocolate House & Tea Rooms

Tracy and team make top quality, handmade Brixham chocolates with a huge choice for Christmas. Ella’s Chocolate House & Tea Rooms is a small independent right on Fore Street and always popular. You can buy in the shop or order online. The website allows you to select your own chocolates and personalised box.

Stunningly attractive and mouthwatering options include: Dark Caramel Heart, Dark Chocolate Orange, Marc de Champagne, rich Irish Cream Truffles and Capuccino Cups. Also on offer is the very popular Christmas Chocolate Bauble or Tracy’s new Christmas Truffle Trees for that ‘wow factor’ on your Christmas table. Another real treat are their Chocolate Christmas Hampers with lots of luxury items or a chocolate voucher to come and enjoy a sumptuous Afternoon Tea. 07866 392461 chocella.co.uk

Miss Jones Café

Located on the corner of Bolton Street and Fore Street this is a delightfully cosy tea and coffee shop with a lovely atmosphere, using the prettiest fine bone china. Here you can relax after your festive shopping and enjoy light lunches, coffees, teas, hot chocolates, milkshakes, cream teas, savoury teas, teacakes and gluten-free cakes and scones. Don’t miss their fabulous Christmas High Teas available now and throughout December. Scrumptious

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Riviera Christmas sandwiches, mince pies and Xmas cake are all rather tempting. Miss Jones Café is open Mondays to Saturdays and is super dog-friendly.

07828 222589 missjonescafe.co.uk

Home Farm Kitchen

With new owners this year, Home Farm Kitchen, based at Brokenbury Quarry behind Churston Farm Shop, is a great spot to visit with breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas. All their cakes and scones are homemade using only butter. They also offer gluten free, vegetarian & vegan cakes & meals plus retro ice cream sundaes, ice cream luxury milkshakes and seasonal specialities. On Saturday 4th and 11th December they are offering Breakfast with Santa with booking essential. Open daily.

01803 845837 homefarm-kitchen.co.uk

Churston Traditional Farm Shop

Long established farm shop off Dartmouth Road, they sell a wide range of high quality regional produce including fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, deli, wonderful homemade pies, pasties and cakes, not to mention a good choice of tasty tipples in their off licence. You’ll also find other provisions stocked plus cards, gifts and an extensive garden corner. Order early for Christmas. Deliveries available for orders over £25. Open daily.

01803 845837  churstontraditionalfarmshop.org.uk

December 2021/January 2022 | 25

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26 | December 2021/January 2022

FASHION, UNDERWEAR, FOOTWEAR & ACCESSORIES FOR LADIES • GENTS • CHILDREN

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

The ocean Liner

Restaurant Review

Dining Experience The Chart Room First Class Restaurant is a delightfully opulent and gracious nautical experience and the wonderful food makes it a very special treat. Anita and Richard Newcombe pop by to check it out.

T

ucked away in Old Foundry Court just off Brixham’s Fore Street is a haven of nautical memorabilia and now, for the first time, fine dining. Having spent lots of time aboard P & O ocean liners back in the 60s and 70s I had some serious expectations. These were actually exceeded – I’d never have believed that a perfectly formed timewarp of historic steamship travel dining could exist in Brixham.

We arrive for dinner and instantly feel we’ve been whisked aboard the QE2 in another, more elegant age.

The simple white tablecloths and napkins contrast strikingly with the colour and interest that surround us on all sides. Pictures and models of steam ships abound.

Above our table is an original life ring from the SS Peerless, which was sunk by a U-boat in 1917. Translucent glass screens with clear glass portholes separate the tables and barometers and clocks are everywhere.

Feeling suitably immersed in the era of ocean liner dining we turn our attention to the menu. I choose Seared Brixham Scallops with creamed leeks and crispy smoked bacon followed by Pan Fried Sea Bass with caramelised ginger and samphire. Richard goes for Pea and Avocado Hummus with mint and basil then Roasted Duck Breast with an orange and Cointreau sauce. Before our meal arrives, an ‘amuse-bouche’ in the form of a delicate portion of cream of asparagus soup is served in a pretty demitasse cup and saucer. It’s a fun and tasty start to the evening. Our plates are Vera Wang Platinum Lace by Wedgwood. Rather magnificent but these are made even more thrilling by the discovery that they were previously used on the set of the new Death on the Nile film based on Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot novel with Kenneth Branagh Our starters arrive. My scallops are perfectly teamed with creamy leeks and crunchy bacon pieces and Richard enthuses that his pea and avocado dish is simply englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

stunning. Timing between courses feels right and soon our mains arrive. I love sea bass and this is just as it should be, perfectly cooked, moist and flavoursome with the sweetness of the ginger and the saltiness of the samphire giving a lovely balance. Richard is delighted with his duck, which is cooked pink as promised and complemented with its delicate orange sauce. Vegetables are served in individual crunchy filo pastry baskets.

A longer pause by our own request and then we look at the pudding selection. Richard tastes the Vanilla Crème Brûlée with langue de chat (sweet biscuit), which he finds delicious. I ask for fruit and am served a pretty plate with huge blackberries, strawberries and raspberries, fruit coulis and vanilla ice cream. Perfect!

Angela our host is extremely warm and friendly and provides a high level of table service along with a good knowledge of the wealth of the nautical ephemera that is such a striking part of the evening’s fun. As long-time Brixham residents, she and her husband, Executive Chef Richard Valder have made our experience memorable.

Highly recommended. Call 07900 970670 to book. 

Christmas at

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Simply visit our online shop: shop.baysbrewery.co.uk or call us on 01803 555004 to place your order 28 | December 2021/January 2022

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i Christmas at

Occombe Occombe Farm is going festive with a huge range of locally produced food and drink, seasonal specials in the café and a festive farmyard paradise at weekends.

E

very Saturday and Sunday throughout December, Occombe Farm will be featuring a local choir, locally grown Christmas trees to buy, creamy hot chocolate, warm mulled wine, cider or apple juice and festive bakes. There will be late night shopping on Thursdays throughout December with special festive food and drink tastings as well as choir performances.

Occombe Farm’s deli will be crammed with cheeses, handmade pies, scotch eggs and quiches, local olives, little stuffed peppers and other mouth-watering delicacies, sourced from across the West Country. Chat to their deli specialist who’ll help you tailor-make the finest charcuterie board or pick ‘n’ mix box.

You’ll also find everything for the perfect dinner party or festive lunch. Locally grown, seasonal vegetables and fruit, handmade gravies, sauces, pickles and chutneys, premium regional meat, poultry and fish, even hand-made ready meals are all on offer.

There’s a carefully selected choice of wines, from across the region (and worldwide), beers, ales and ciders including delightful choices from Sharpham Vineyard, Bays Brewery, Ventons Devon Cyder, Hunts Cider, Torbay Gin and Devon Rum. Devonmade chocolates and sweets, homemade pastries, brownies, puddings, cakes and mince pies are all available including a selection from local Paignton

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Riviera Christmas bakery Halletts. Why not put some scrumptious local honey on your toast from Marldon-based Firscroft Honey Bees?

Perfect for Christmas gifts is the range of Christmas Hampers that Occombe Farm Shop is offering this year. Full of wonderful local goodies, they make really special treats. The Devonshire Dream Hamper and the Deliciously Devon Luxury Hamper are filled entirely with premium produce made right here in Devon, including: Willies Cacao of Uffculme, Papillon Gin from Moretonhampstead, Highfields Preserves Merry Berry Christmas Jam from Cullompton, Little’s Christmas Spirit flavour infused ground coffee from Willand and lots more.

There’s a very special collection of gifts, books and toys. You’ll find the softest textiles, toys and games, books and handmade ornaments for the home and garden, and much more.

Whether you’re shopping for treats for the family, a special gift for a friend or simply looking to indulge yourself, Occombe has it all wrapped up. Simply buying a coffee, a loaf of locally baked bread, or a bottle of locally produced wine helps support the conservation work of Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust; caring for our beautiful green spaces.   occombe.co.uk

December 2021/January 2022 | 29

Open every day

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30 | December 2021/January 2022

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s Spotlight on

Local Producers Sharpham Wine

Sharpham Wine is moving even closer to the Bay with its new home at Sandridge Barton, which opens in Spring 2022. In the meantime you can still enjoy guided wine and cheese tastings at their original premises at Sharpham Estate, Totnes until 18th December. Why not try their Dart Valley Reserve?

It’s the most popular wine that Sharpham produces, accounting for one quarter of their production.

The grape variety is Madeleine Angevine, vintage 2018 and it’s a delicately complex English white described as rounded, soft-style and approachable. sharpham.com

Riviera Christmas

Halletts The Bakers

Based in Paignton, our very own Halletts continue to produce superb craft baked bread and rolls plus cakes, doughnuts and sticky buns, not to mention trays and trays of festive mince pies.

Their teams make fresh baked goods every day and deliver right around the Bay and further afield the very next morning, as soon as they are cooled. They are available at Occombe Farm Shop and at lots of places around the Bay including their own shop in Torbay Road, Paignton opposite the steam railway. hallettsthebakers.co.uk

Bays Brewery

The fab team at Bays are once again producing their well beloved Jingle Ale. It’s a fun, ‘all singing, all dancing’ Christmas bitter, amber colour with a subtle sweetness and a festive hoppy finish. With the jolly, bright red labels featuring festive reindeer it’s a great one for Christmas gifts. They have a brilliant range of festive drinks hampers in three sizes, presented in a fetching jute bag. In addition to a selection of their own amazing tipples, the larger hampers include Sharpham Wine and miniatures of Devon Rum and Deckchair Gin – and they all include a Bays pint glass full of Celebration chocolates. baysbrewery.co.uk

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Ventons Devon Cyder

Mark and Sharon Venton uncovered two old apple orchards at their smallholding in Clyst St Lawrence in 2006. Rather than waste the apples, they borrowed a hand-turned crusher and small basket style press to make small batches of cyder in an old stable. Now they offer a range of varieties including a 9-year-old, 2012 vintage, limited edition, triple fermented, naturally sparkling Devon cyder – one for connoisseurs & aficionados to savour. There’s also special cyder for Devon Air Ambulance named Thirst Responder which contributes to the upkeep of Devon’s emergency helicopter service. As well as being stocked at Occombe Farm Shop, Ventons Cyder can be ordered online. ventons.co.uk

December 2021/January 2022 | 31

27/28 Nov & 4/5 Dec in Shippon Studios

Festive Craft Workshop Weekends Each Dec weekend at The Cider Press Centre

Christmas Markets

9th Dec at The Barn Cinema

Royal Opera House Live: The Nutcracker 17/23 Dec in The White Hart pub

Christmas Carols Sing-a-long 22 Dec in The Great Hall

Lady Maisery & Friends: Awake Arise!

Throughout Dec in the White Hart

Seasonal Feasts & Parties Plus sparkly lights, mince pies and plenty of festive cheer!

, Festive

Dartington A visit to beautiful Dartington makes a delightful Christmas treat with Christmas markets at the Cider Press Centre, festive craft workshops, shows and concerts and seasonal dining.

H

ead down to The Cider Press Centre, grab a mulled wine and enjoy a fun, festive vibe with their popular Christmas Market weekends in December.

There’s a wonderful range of vibrant and eclectic shops, home to thousands of unique gifts, and these will be joined by lots of fabulous stalls from local makers, artisans and food producers. There’ll be plenty of Christmas cheer, with music from Dartington’s regular band Shillito plus The Hot House Combo and Banned from the Moor, tipples aplenty via the Rum Bus, and much else besides. There will also be late night shopping events from 4-8pm on 7, 14 & 21 December.

Pop in to The Cider Press Gallery for art and craft demos and a chance to ‘Meet the Maker’. On Saturday 4 December you can meet potter, Tim Welbourne who will be making ceramic animals. On Saturday 11 December watch printmaker, Caroline Barker demonstrate her calligraphic messages in her handmade books with linocut images. On Sunday 12 December artist, Belinda Reynell will be painting oils on paper with some winter treescapes. On Saturday 18 December jeweller Lucy Behrens will be creating her silver and gold Tiny Notes necklaces and earrings. Then on Sunday 19 December Bridget Arnold will be

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Riviera Christmas demonstrating lantern making.

Why not try a Christmas craft course this year? Renowned for its craft courses, Dartington has two special festive weekends (27/28 November and 4/5 December) packed with 2-hour craft courses. Choose from the following to make your own: • Warming winter hand salve • Porcelain ceramic tree decoration • Folk art tree decorations • Festive wreath making • Carved wooden gifts • Snowflake linocut prints • Aromatic festive candles • Gift vouchers for short courses can also be bought online.

Or why not enjoy some films and concerts? Try: • ROH Live: The Nutcracker – 9 December at the Barn Cinema • A Dartington Christmas Cracker – 13 December – Dartington Community Choir and The Playgoers Society of Dartington Hall will be performing a concert of readings, music and carols, with mulled wine and cider at the White Hart afterwards • Awake Arise: A Christmas Show for Our Times – 22 December - Award-winning folk trio will be celebrating the riches of varied winter traditions and reflecting on the hope and resilience in music and song that can bring joy to all in the darkest season. Featuring traditional songs, folk carols, spoken word and newly written music. 

 All events are online at Dartington.org/Christmas

December 2021/January 2022 | 33

Woodland Old & New Distance: 2 miles Exertion: Moderate Time: Allow 1 hour Terrain: Woodland pathways Dogs: Free to roam Refreshments: Bring a flask Accessibilty: Robust pushchairs Start Postcode: TQ3 1QR

L

iving in an area with so much beautiful coastline it’s often easy to neglect the woodland and countryside right on our doorstep. Nestled in three valleys between Torquay and Paignton are the Heartwoods, comprising Occombe, Scadson and Cockington Valley woods. The woodlands connect Occombe and Cockington and provide some of the most accessible and enjoyable walking and cycling routes in the Bay. They also make a great place to walk off some of those holiday calories!

We visit Occombe Woods for this walk and find out that Occombe, loosely translated means ‘valley of the oaks.’ There have been woodlands recorded here since the 1600s and they are classified as ‘ancient semi natural woodland’ making this one of very few blocks of woodland in the country that have survived

34 | December 2021/January 2022

unchanged for so long. Perhaps due to their importance to the local community.

The area is thickly carpeted with ferns and bracken as well as being home to ancient plant species such as WoodSorrel, Moschatel, Pignut and Yellow Archangel.

The woods can be accessed from several different points so routes are many and varied but all centre around the stream at the valley floor. For our stroll we arrive via the Occombe Valley Road entrance and head uphill with the stream to our right until we reach the first crossing point, a concrete bridge, where we cross and continue to follow the stream, now on our left. The valley floor is carpeted with a thick mat of fallen oak leaves that crunch beneath our feet. But beware, as hidden beneath are a mass of tangled roots, slippery with autumnal mud just waiting to trip the unwary!

Although the day is damp, the winter sun pierces the leafless canopy filling the space with shards of sunlight that dance along with the swinging boughs, a sight to lift

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Walk

N

the heart as the dark wet winter gathers momentum.

We come to a further crossing, this time in timber and follow along uphill. We reach the edge of the wood, traffic at Marldon and the ring road now audible and pass through a gate going toward Preston Down Road. A fellow walker points out another path to the right which allows for a circular detour of a half mile or so through an area of young oaks, planted I would estimate within the last twenty years and now extending the reach of the trees further towards Windmill and for future generations.

We circle around the new stand and drop back down into the main wood, picking up the brookside path heading downstream. The path rises as the brook’s babbling fades below us and we contour the hill toward the entrance at Green Park Road. It’s more shady here and an abundance of fungi litters the woods. We cross a second tributary on wooden boardwalks and rejoin the main path to return to the valley bottom.

The woods here are certainly a tonic for when a countryside fix is required and the variety of routes mean you could spend half an hour or several hours wandering but be aware that the paths can be steep and very slippery in winter so take care! 

Preston Down Road entrance

Green Park Road entrance

Occombe Valley Road entrance Lindsay Road entrance

Combe Road entrance

Merryland Close entrance

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December 2021/January 2022 | 35

At Abbeyfield people are at the heart Supported Housing for Independent People of everything we do

Supported Housing for Independent People

ABBEYFIELD SOUTH WEST SOCIETY

Sheltered Housing for Independent People over 55

ABBEYFIELD SOUTH WEST SOCIETY staff, consisting of a Manager, cooks and a cleane oth Abbeyfield houses are situated in lovely areas, oasting their own beautiful grounds. Park House in who all work together to ensure residents are happ staff, consisting of a Manager, cooks and a cleaner Both Abbeyfield are situated in lovelypark areas, and content. aignton is situated directlyhouses opposite a beautiful boasting their own beautiful grounds. Park House in who all work together to ensure residents are happy nd is a five minute walk from the beach. Sanders and content. are various activities, events and entertainmen Paignton is situated directly opposite a beautiful park There ourt in St Marychurch, Torquay, hastheabeach. wonderful and is a five minute walk from Sanders that take place throughout the year which the There are various activities, events and entertainment Court in St Marychurch, Torquay, has a is wonderful that take place throughout the wish. year which the ge private courtyard and the local precinct just a residents can join in if they large private courtyard and the local precinct is just a residents can join in if they wish. e minute walk away, with all the amenities you would five minute walk away, with all the amenities you would Traditional home cooked meals are provided in the Traditional home cooked meals are provided in the pect. Both sites offer public transport services expect.

Bothgood sites offer good public transport services dining room every day and breakfast dining room every day and breakfast provisions areprovisions are by,and so it iseasy nice and easyand to goexplore. and explore. ose by, so it isclose nice to go provided for for residents to haveto in their rooms. provided residents have in their rooms.

At our Abbeyfield houses residents find friendship The weekly charge covers all utilities and food, so our Abbeyfield houses residents find friendship Allsupport bills arelosing included, except telephone line &all calls and without their independence The charge utilities there weekly are no bills to worry covers about, other than a BTand food, so nd support and without dignity. losing their independence telephone lineno which the residents, there are billsis necessary to worryforabout, other than a B nd dignity. The rooms are unfurnished with en-suite facilities and telephone 24hr emergency pendant to work, so all concerns line which is necessary for the residents a kitchenette area. The houses have a communal

e rooms arelaundry, unfurnished withlounge en-suite and dining room, and facilities beautiful garden. kitchenette Each area.

Thehas houses a communal house a smallhave and friendly committed undry, dining room, lounge and beautiful garden.

about running a house are taken away.

24hr emergency pendant to work, so all concern Each room has its own 24hr emergency call system about running for residents peaceaofhouse mind. are taken away.

Each room has its own 24hr emergency call system for residents peacetelephone of mind. ach house has a To small and friendly committed arrange a visit or for more information

the Manager at: Park House, Paignton 01803 557732 or a forvisit Sanders Court, Torquay 01803 316164. arrange or for more information telephone Or visit our website: www.abbeyfield.com

To the Manager at: Park House, Paignton 01803 557732 or for Sanders Court, Torquay 01803 316164.

Or visit our website: www.abbeyfield.com Registered Society No: 23413R under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014

Social D I A R Y.

Gala Dinner

Social Diary Paignton and Newton Abbot branches of the Royal British Legion held a joint gala dinner at the Livermead House Hotel to celebrate the Legion’s 100th birthday.This was the first meet up since the long lockdown and the first of many joint events to come.

David & Nicola Cair, Jess Fereday Jones, Richard Underhill and Ann & Chris Jones 

 Eddie Jones, Cllr Nicole Amil, Paul Toovey, Major Ron Goodwin OBE (President Paignton Branch) and Richard Underhill MBE (Chairman Newton Abbot Branch)

 Ged Sarsfield (Chairman Paignton Branch), Kevin Foster MP, Donna Fortune (Secretary Paignton Branch), Colin Fortune and Kevin Jeffery (Devon County Chairman)

 Sadie & Andy Grainger-Gove, John & Jeanette Rogers, Major Ron Goodwin and Richard Underhill

 Mark & Sue Small, Doris & Major Ron Goodwin, and Jackie & Wyn Davies

Film Awards The film industry headed to the English Riviera for the 5th International English Riviera Film Festival Awards at South Devon College’s High Tech and Digital Centre Cinema. 

Milly Green and Samuel Green the 2021 South Devon College Film Makers of the Year

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 Lewis Carter (Director) and Kate Beasley (Producer) Best Foot Forward

 Karen Marshall (Producer) and

Amanda Bluglass (Director) Agatha Swims

December 2021/January 2022 | 37

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n O s ’ t a h W

Riviera What’s On

BAY E H T D N U O R A

Please check before travelling as events are subject to change.

Far Side of the World, Torquay Museum On till 5 February 2022 This exhibition explores the u ture o the ifi islands of Fiji, and the extraordinary lives of three men who retired to Torquay after careers on the islands. They collected beautiful and fascinating artefacts, eventually leaving these collections to the museum.

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

Train of Lights On till 30 December Enjoy this festive illuminated steam railway experience that takes you on a return trip and magical show to Paignton,

on y in udes shing ights mu tip e dep rture times.

01803 555872 dsrrbchristmas.co.uk

Carols in the Caves, Kents Cavern 2, 7, 9, 14 & 16 December Join a magical Christmas carol concert with Yours In Harmony or Kents Cavern Carolers. You will start seated in the Vestibule Chamber and hear the amazing acoustics of the hoir nd then t e round this m gnifi ent ve system singing carols by candlelight. Finish with mulled wine or hot chocolate plus festive treats in the Great Chamber.

Cost: £17 per person (discount available for members) lasts 2 hours, dress warmly, sensible shoes, age limit 16+.

Book online.

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

Meet Santa at Paignton Zoo 4, 5, 11, 12, 18-24 December Visit Santa at his magical grotto at the zoo – tickets £12 per child (plus admission fee) includes a gift; book online.

Plus, all visitors can enjoy free festive events on these dates (included in admission): join Mrs Claus as she reads a magical Christmas story and then makes magical reindeer food children can take home for Christmas Eve.

Churston and Kingswear, via the sparkling, twinkling enchanted forest. Pre-booking essential; wheelchair access available; assistance dogs Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU 01803 697500 paigntonzoo.org.uk

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December 2021/January 2022 | 39

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Riviera What’s On Christmas Fair, Dartmouth 4 December Enjoy a Christmas Fair in aid of Children’s Hospice South West with gifts, cakes, crafts, jewellery and more.

Time: 10am-3pm. Contact Sue Tweed on tweed833@ btinternet.com.

The Old Market, Victoria Road, Dartmouth TQ6 9QD 01803 770730

Percy the Park Keeper Winter Trail, Greenway

Paignton Harbourside Christmas Markets 5, 12 & 19 December Enjoy a festive atmosphere on the harbourside with over 20 stalls and live music. Time: 10am-5pm.

Paignton Harbour TQ4 6DW

Fougou Jazz, Paignton 7 December Enjoy a jazz event with Tom Ollendorff Trio with Tom on guitar, Marc Michel on drums and Conor Chaplin on Bass.

Tickets: £12 (book online), time: 8pm.

Preston Conservative Club, 299 Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2EY 07967 790358 fougoumusic.com

4-19 December (Saturdays & Sundays) then daily 27-31 December Join in the fun with Percy and his animal friends and give nature a helping hand this winter. Pick up a trail sheet for £2 on arrival. The trail includes clues to follow around the garden, with winter tasks, games to take part in and a prize at the end. Times: 11am-3.30pm. Booking not required; normal admission charges apply. Car parking must be prebooked. Trail also available at Coleton Fishacre. (same dates as Greenway but also open winter weekends 8-30 January).

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

Brixham Seaside Santa Run 5 December Enjoy the spectacle of over 100 Santas running around the harbour, along the Breakwater and back. Or enter by 3 December via runbritain.com Time: 11am start, distance 3K. Santa suit included in run fee of £13.

Brixham Harbour, Brixham TQ5 8AW

Tom Ollendorff

Festive Afternoon Tea, Lupton House 8-16 December (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) Enjoy festive afternoon tea in the library at Lupton House from £15 per person. Time: 12noon – 4pm, booking essential.

Brixham Road, Churston Ferrers TQ5 8LB 01803 845800 discoverlupton.com

Adoption Event 8 December Are you considering adoption but not sure where to start?

Families for Children is holding an online information session to give you the opportunity to find out more. Open to everyone. Time: 6-8pm. Email devon@familiesforchildren. org.uk or phone to book.

01364 645480 familiesforchildren.org.uk

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December 2021/January 2022 | 41

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Riviera What’s On Santa’s Grotto, Kents Cavern 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 & 24 December Meet Santa and his elves in their wonderful Christmas underground grotto experience with gifts for children at Kents Cavern. Various times. Book online.

91 Isham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF 01803 205136 kents-cavern.co.uk

Christmas Wonderland Illuminations, Babbacombe 18-24 and 27-31 December Enjoy evening illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village with lots of Christmas sparkle and new lighting for 2021.

Enjoy some delightful miniature seasonal scenes all day, as the little folk celebrate Christmas. Lights on from 4pm-6pm (park open 10am to last entry 4.30pm; park closes 6pm).

Note: Santa will not be there.

Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe, Torquay TQ1 3LA model-village.co.uk

Paignton Lions Boxing Day Walk into the Sea 26 December Join hundreds of charity fundraisers to participate in this sponsored walk into the sea at Paignton seafront with the starter’s signal at 12 noon. If you are not able to collect sponsorship you can still participate for an entry fee of £10 adult and £5 for under 16s (accompanied by adult). Preregistration and sponsorship forms online. Registration on the day opens 10am. Fancy dress encouraged with judging at 11.45am.

Paignton Sands, Esplanade Road, Paignton TQ4 6BW 07977 348163 paigntonlions.org.uk/events

New Year’s Eve Swim, Shoalstone

Breakfast with Santa, Bygones 23 & 24 December Have some festive fun with entry to Victorian Christmas displays, children’s hunt, breakfast and visit to Santa’s hideout with gift for children. Breakfast served at 10am (see website for details). Cost: £15 per person with non-refundable deposit of £7.50 per person, booking essential.

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

31 December Enjoy a very special New Year’s Eve swim at Shoalstone Seawater Pool, the historic 53-metre natural rock swimming pool on Brixham seafront. Time: 11.30am.

Shoalstone Pool, Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9FT shoalstonepool.com

New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Berry Head Hotel 31 December Celebrate with a 5-course dinner followed by dancing to ‘Freeway’ plus DJ with bubbly and mince pies at midnight.

Cost: £85. Christmas events and New Year’s Day roast lunch with live jazz also available.

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

If you are holding an event in February or March let us know and we’ll list it here!

Email the details to: editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Deadline for submissions is 7 January.

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December 2021/January 2022 | 43

e r t a e h T !

CURTAINS UP

Princess Theatre, Torquay Box Office 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick MOSCOW CITY BALLET – SWAN LAKE 24 January he onder u Moscow City Ballet returns, presented in classic Russian style with a full orchestra and breathtaking choreography.

Also worth seeing…

Cinderella – 10 December - 2 January Elkie Brooks – 28 January

44 | December 2021/January 2022

Babbacombe Theatre Box Office 01803 328385 Editor’s pick STEP INTO CHRISTMAS On till 01 January A festive party extravaganza to get you into the spirit of Christmas.

Also worth seeing…

The Bohemian Queen’s Greatest Hits – 3 December Jason Manford: Like Me – 28 January

at Babbacombe Theatre Director Colin Matthews has once again excelled himself with a fabulous family Christmas show that brings us all a treasure trove of yuletide sparkle and audience participation. Fun and comedic frolics abound with the lovable antics of favourite characters from Snow White; hilarious laughs featuring the humour of well-beloved comedy character Mrs Brown; nd onder u p rody o the fi m it ni . omedi n ndy O ey is oined y spe i guest s omedy impressionist hi o en nd e u s i musi maker Paul Fordham. Some wonderful musical numbers include show songs from Sir Andrew Lloyd e er s indere rom the test mes ond epi fi m o ime to ie ro en nd rom pop ssi s and seasonal favourites from across the decades in uding hits rom ir ton ohn i h e u he ee nd rrie nder ood he pi e ir s ei i mond nd ir om ones. he ho e sho is a visual feast with exciting lighting effects, superb choreography including some phenomenal dance routines from Danze Fantastique plus wonderfully Christmasssy costumes throughout. On selected dates unti e e r s y.

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Theatre Palace Theatre, Paignton Box Office 01803 665800 Editor’s pick JACK AND THE BEANSTALK 18 December - 2 January Enjoy the sparkle of Christmas with this magical traditional panto from Paignton Pantomime Productions with professional musicians, dazzling costumes, delightful dancing and lots of fun. A wonderful production as Jack scales the beanstalk to rescue the princess from the scary giant with the help or hindrance of pantomime characters; some good, some bad!

Also worth seeing… ock for Heroes – 4 December

Little Theatre, Torquay Box Office 01803 2 330 THE LADYKILLERS 13 - 18 December A comedy thriller by TOADS Theatre Company. Mrs Wilberforce, a sweet little old lady, rents out a room in her lopsided house to Marcus, a professor of music. She is blissfully unaware that he is actually a maniacal criminal ho is putting together g ng o misfits ho i stop at nothing to commit the heist of their careers. Unable to thin o suit e fin st ge to their p n r us de ides to involve Mrs Wilberforce, unwittingly, as the perfect getaway ruse.

Also worth seeing…

Snake in the Grass – 17-22 January

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December 2021/January 2022 | 45

Arts R O U N D U P.

Please check before travelling as events are subject to change.

Torquay’s Artizan Gallery & Café Defined by the Landscape 7-18 December Enjoy an exhibition that features recently completed works by artist Louise Bougourd. Louise creates artwork inspired by the rugged landscape of Dartmoor, of human endeavour, struggle and experience. Her use of mixed media gives her the ideal vehicle to express her response to the natural world and man’s impact, how nature and man coexist.

Preview Event 4 December 6-8pm – contact gallery to book.

Tuesday-Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm art-hub.co.uk/ex/lb21 Artizan Gallery & Café, 7 Lucius Street, Torquay, TQ2 5UW

Renaissance Palace Michael MacDonnagh Wood

work from the English Riviera. For this year’s exhibition, the gallery is continuing with this pledge with 10% of all sales being reinvested into participating artists’ work. There are 80 artists all working in unique styles, and more than 300 pieces to choose from – ideal for your festive purchases. art-hub.co.uk/ex/erwo21 Tuesday – Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm Late opening till 7pm on 21, 22 and 23 December.

Christmas Eve opening is 10am-1pm.

Artizan Collective Gallery, Unit 5 74 Fleet Street Torquay TQ2 5EB For more information contact: juliebrandon@artizangallery.co.uk 07522 509642 artizan gallery.co.uk & art-hub.co.uk

Imagine Louise Bougourd

Torquay’s Artizan Collective Gallery English Riviera Winter Exhibition On till 24 December The English Riviera Winter Open Exhibition is back once again for the festive season, and a visit to this annual sho se o outh evon fine rt is no st p e Christmas tradition for collectors and enthusiasts in the region. This year’s collection includes works from South West Academicians and Devon selectees from the 2021 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, as well as a stunningly curated selection of handmade ceramics and sculptural

46 | December 2021/January 2022

An Allegory of Modern Marriage (after Van Eyck) Anna Grayson

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Arts The GALLERY @Cockington Court 10.30am-4.30pm daily Ongoing selling exhibition showing the region’s leading artists and makers.Items ranging from scarves, jewellery, ceramics, metalwork, artists cards, metalwork, collages, paintings and prints. Look out for the Glisten exhibition this winter. Don’t miss the fabulous craft studios too!

01803 607230 Facebook @cockingtoncourt

Torre Abbey Collections Wednesdays – Sundays 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm) Torre Abbey holds approximately 600 oil and watercolour paintings from the 18th to the mid-20th century. Works of note are Pre-Raphaelite paintings and drawings by Holman Hunt and Burne-Jones, watercolours painted by William enry unt nd hom s i es i h rdson nd fine ng ish glass, pewter and silver collections from the 18th and 19th centuries. There are many galleries and spaces within the house th t re fi ed ith in redi e or s o rt. rt prints books and gifts can be purchased from the shop without purchasing museum entry or order from the online shop. torre-abbey.org.uk

Agatha Christie Gallery, Torquay Museum Mondays to Saturdays 10am-4pm (last entry 3.15pm) Trace the eventful life of the best-selling author of all time in this gallery dedicated solely to Agatha Christie – her life, her novels and her plays. Visitors can step inside Poirot’s study and lounge, reconstructed in the Agatha Christie Gallery, and including furniture, books, pictures and even firep es rom his e uti u ondon rt e o p rtment.

You can browse a wonderful collection of gifts inspired by all the museum’s collections in the shop (still accessible when not visiting the museum).

529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1 HG torquaymuseum.org

That Pretty German Toy Musings on the Christmas Tree 9 December Peter Medhurst delves into the past, as far back as the Book of Genesis, to tell the story of the ‘German Toy’ as Dickens described it. A talk with live Christmas music from Peter. Time:2.15pm, cost: nonmembers £8.00. An Arts Society talk followed by tea and homemade cake.

St Matthias Church Hall, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HW 01803 314490 theartssocietytorbay.org.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

The Avant-Garde of the GPO Unit 13 January An Arts Society talk

by John Francis. The GPO Film Unit (1933) established an exciting collaboration of artists, photographers, composers, anthropologists, poets and animators. The Documentary Film Movement was born.

Time: 2.15pm, cost: non-members £8.00.

Talk followed by tea and homemade cake.

St Matthias Church Hall, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HW 01803 314490 theartssocietytorbay. org.uk

Sculpting from Life, Dartington 22-23 January Improve your observation skills and your clay modelling techniques on this intensive and exciting weekend course ith reno ned s u ptor i eth Hadley. The course is designed for those who wish to try their hand at something new, as well as experienced sculptors who want a challenge and some valuable time with experienced models in a large artist’s studio.

Cost: £290 (nonresidential) £390 (residential), times: 10am-4pm.

Studio 20, Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EL dartington.org

Cygnes i eth

d ey

December 2021/January 2022 |

47

Merry Christmas from Artizan Gallery !

Shop Local This Christmas: Join us on Fleet Walk for the English Riviera Winter Open Exhibition up until Chritmas Eve !

Or discover the exhibition online in January !

ARTIZANGALLERY.CO.UK | ART-HUB.CO.UK/ERWO21 | 74 FLEET STREET, TQY | INFO@ARTIZANGALLERY.CO.UK

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Mr Fox’s Garden

Gardening

Mr Fox brings us some tips for maintaining your winter houseplants and celebrates receiving a 3 Star Trade Award at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

H

appy Christmas! It seems strange writing about the Chelsea Flower Show at this time of year but it’s 2021, everything’s strange nowadays. The show opened for the first day; it was relatively quiet; it’s closed to the public and reserved for the judges, celebrities, press and the royals. Then after they’ve all left the Charity Gala begins and all the London Elite attend.

The following morning the show kicked off in big style; hundreds of people came flooding in from every direction. It was great fun, a fantastic day, a real buzzing atmosphere. Then the judges came over and presented us with a 3 Star Trade Stand Award. Traders don’t win gold, silver or bronze, they judge using a star system. Out of all the companies there (300+) we were one of 10 that won an award. We were, and still are, chuffed to bits...

December & January in the Garden Once all your bulbs are planted the best thing to do is leave those beds be so they don’t get too waterlogged.

Winter is a time for planning your spring garden but also to show your indoor plants some love. Don’t forget to bring in those houseplants that have enjoyed the mild weather outside before the frosts take hold! Our houseplants need plenty of light, water and love to get them through the winter.

• Light is essential during the winter months but be careful not to expose plants to cool draughts. If you’re moving them to a brighter south or south westerly facing windowsill or conservatory try to ensure a constant temperature.

• Although in general less water is required over winter, as the humidity level is lower your plants will take in less water through their foliage. To counter this group plants together as they do produce their own humidity. Create a dry well for your plants by sitting them on a tray of grit or aquarium pebbles and fill with water to the top of the stones. As the water evaporates, it raises the humidity around the plants.

Check the water level daily and top up as needed.

• Layers of dust on plant leaves can also reduce the

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amount of light they receive.

Wiping down leaves with a damp cloth will remove this dust and allow the plants better access to light during the winter.

• Feed your plants sparingly over winter to allow them to complete their natural cycle. When you see new growth and existing foliage greening in early spring, resume your feeding.

5. A note about bugs. Warm, dry growing conditions allow pests to multiply at a rapid rate, and indoors there are no natural predators to keep them in check.

Be sure to take a good look at each plant when you water. If you spot a problem early on, you’ll be able to control it and keep your plants healthy. Once pests get established indoors, they can spread rapidly and may be hard to get rid off.

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03/11/2021 16:57