English Riviera Magazine June/July 2020

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

EnglishRiviera June/July 2020

WE MEET Lockdown Heroes Take a virtual challenge...

RUN, WALK OR CYCLE

Picture Quiz

Where in the Bay?

magazine

Torquay's SEA ARCH In Trust

Who's protecting our beauty spots?

History & Heritage

Kents Cavern 140th Carews of Haccombe A Brixham GP in 1908 700 years of Carys

Hidden Coves & Sparkling Beaches English Riviera Magazine for Residents by Residents DELIVERED FREE TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT THE BAY

Thinking of retraining?

Improve your career prospects with government funding* To find out about study options, funding and childcare support, join our Adult Study Options webinar on 17th June. Register at southdevon.ac.uk/events *Eligibility for funding depends on the study programme you choose and your personal circumstances, please contact our Helpzone team for more information

southdevon.ac.uk | 08000 380 123

About us...

Welcome

To the June/July issue.

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 31 July 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.

d @EngRivieraMag c englishriveramag f englishriveramagazine

Here in the beautiful Bay our community is still grappling with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of our family, friends and neighbours have just had their first outings since lockdown has eased, local businesses are trying desperately to repurpose their businesses and families are wondering if it’s safe enough to allow their children back to school. In the midst of all this hardship we’ve seen the sunniest and most beautiful couple of early summer months since records began. Into this topsy-turvy world our Torbay community has rallied round magnificently and we’ve got some inspiring tales for you, about both current and bygone residents. We’ve also got a Lockdown Quiz, gardening advice, arts news, a book review, a celebration of our beautiful beaches and more.

We think it’s really important to bring some local stories and enjoyable reading to you.

Government guidance agrees and has deemed that the delivery of community magazines continues to be vitally important at this time – we hope that you agree too.

We urge you to support local businesses where you can to help save jobs, our communities and the local economy.

Happy reading and stay safe!

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

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

June/July 2020 | 3

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 cleaner oth Abbeyfield houses are situated in lovely areas, oasting their own beautiful grounds. Park House in who all work together to ensure residents are happy 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 entertainment 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 rge 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. ve 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 xpect. 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 residents to have in their rooms. provided for residents to have in their rooms.

At our Abbeyfield houses residents find friendship The weekly charge covers all utilities and food, so t 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 BT 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

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

The houses have a communal house has a small and friendly committed undry, dining room, lounge and beautiful garden.

about running a house are taken away.

24hr emergency pendant to work, so all concerns 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

Registered Society No: 23413R under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014

a cleaner are happy

In this issue | June & July 2020

Contents

6 Openers

Local news snippets

10 Jason Keller

Living Coasts’ egg man

16 Coves & Beaches

Our favourite seaside spots

22 The Carys

700 years of history

24 Kents Cavern Anniversary 140 years of exploration

26 Torbay’s Sea Arch

The story behind the name

28 Francis Brett Young

10 Meeting Jason Keller

Brixham author, GP and poet

31

22 The Carys

In Trust

Who’s protecting our beauty spots?

33 Give It A Go! Virtual Challenges Run, walk or cycle

34 Lockdown Quiz Where in the Bay?

36 Book Review

Read up on the Carews of Haccombe

38 Arts

Local arts and gallery news rtainment 41 Food News which the Bays Brewery’s new route to market

42

Helpline Volunteer

45

Nursing Family

One man’s mission ded in the Jenny’s Role Swap visions are 44 Caring skills repurposed ms.

16 Coves & Beaches

d food, so Mother and daughter trainee nurses than a BT 46 Gardening residents, Mr Fox’s Garden concerns

48 Business

Local business news all system 50 Time to Tee Off! Torquay Golf Club

e 2

On the cover London Bridge © A Aldridge englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

June/July 2020 | 5

Openers... Openers... Openers... O Children’s Countryside Competitions

The Devon branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has launched its 2020 art and writing competitions, open for entries from 18 May. Children in Key Stages 1 and 2 are encouraged to use their imagination to create a piece of artwork or a short piece of writing evoking Devon’s coast or countryside, or a favourite spot that’s important to them. It could be a local park, a green space nearby, somewhere they have visited for a day out or even their own garden. The closing date for entries is 30 June 2020. A top prize will be awarded to individual children in each key stage, as well as to their school. All entrants will receive a CPRE Devon ‘Barney the Bull’ gift. The top entrants from each school will win a Devon Countryside Ambassador Badge and a framed certificate. Winning schools will receive a plaque and £200 to spend on outdoor learning as well as CPRE membership for a year. Entries of artwork or writing can be accepted by email. See website for entry forms. cpredevon.org.uk/barneythebull ¢

Devon Air Ambulance Flies Again Devon Air Ambulance has resumed air operations after the successful introduction of several innovative new aviation solutions, which means they are now able to provide greater protection for patients and aircrew against Covid-19. A new separation screen has been installed between the front and rear sections of the aircraft, which partitions off the pilot cockpit from the patient treatment & paramedic area. DAAT aircrew will also now be able to use newly designed throat microphones when they need to wear Level 3 PPE respirator masks in-flight, which will improve internal and external communication. Lastly, a new bracket has been 6

| June/July 2020

designed which will enable a full-face visor to be worn on aviation safety helmets. This will provide the ability for clinicians to wear the required Level 3 PPE when carrying out medical procedures, which carry a greater risk of transmitting coronavirus. Even as the charity starts to resume air operations, its paramedics will still be responding to patients by Critical Care car, with at least one car operational throughout the day in addition to the aircraft. ¢  Help Devon Air Ambulance through this difficult funding time by making a donation at daat.org/donate

Buglife’s B-Lines Bees and other pollinators are disappearing from our countryside because of a lack of wildflower-rich habitats.

Now, an ambitious plan to help them has been launched

by Buglife. The Devon B-Lines mapping, funded by Defra, aims to connect some of the county’s best remaining wildlife sites through targeted wildflower habitat creation, linking the moors to the coast and towns to the countryside. Tiny, unconnected fragments of habitat are currently restricting our pollinators from moving around the county so we need these B-lines as helpful ‘insect pathways’.

Creating pollinator habitat along B-Lines will help wildlife move across our countryside, saving threatened species and making sure that there are plenty of pollinators out there to help us grow crops and pollinate wildflowers.

Buglife has worked with the local authorities and other partners to map out a network of potential wildflower habitat – called B-Lines, and is now inviting farmers, landowners and the public to get involved in creating new pollinator habitat, and practically restoring wildflower-rich grasslands. ¢

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

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

Making Bunting!

Torbay Libraries are calling on keen sewers to join them in making swathes of colourful bunting to celebrate the end of lockdown. There’s something else to celebrate too – mid-September is the 10th anniversary of the opening of the new Paignton Library building. So, they are asking their locked-down library friends to help create bunting flags for the celebrations. Whilst the libraries have been closed to the public during the coronavirus lockdown there’s still lots happening online. There are book groups, Lego clubs and creative challenges via library social media accounts. They also offer free e-books and audio books, online magazines and access to music, Ancestry Library Edition, Medici.TV and online reference resources for all library members via the Torbay Libraries website. How to make your bunting: You are invited to make triangular flag bunting with dimensions of 5” across the top and 6” from the top to bottom. You can use any fabric, single or double layered, in any colour and sew, glue or staple depending on your level of skill! Once the lockdown is lifted and they reopen you can deliver your bunting flags to your local library. ¢  torbaylibraries.org.uk

Face Shields The Hi Tech and Digital team at South Devon College have been on a mission to address the shortage of PPE in the NHS by utilising the 3D printing facilities available at the College. This mission evolved to inspire businesses around the country that were capable of doing the same. As a result of media coverage, the team had thousands of emails from volunteers across the UK wishing to support the efforts. South Devon College joined forces with companies from their existing business network englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Teignbridge Propellers, Gooch & Housego, Hercules Hydraulics and Dart Valley Systems - to form the South Devon College Printing Group with Safety First providing a courier provision and other resources supplied by Dart Haven Marina and Partington Print in Paignton. Since the start of lockdown, the South Devon College Printing Group has now supplied over 1000 visors to Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust and it has been confirmed that the Trust now has enough for their frontline staff. ¢

The NHS Family A former senior executive of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust has returned to work to support the COVID-19 response. John Lowes, whose wife, daughter, son and his son’s wife all have professional links with the NHS, volunteered to come out of retirement to work with the Trust’s senior management team. John’s wife Anne is a retired GP; she has also volunteered to return. Their daughter Hannah worked as a consultant pathologist in Bristol, prior to moving to London. Their son David is a trainee neurosurgeon in Cardiff and has been working with COVID-19 admissions. His fiancee Gabrielle (their April wedding has been postponed due to the pandemic) is working as a trainee paediatrician in Swansea.

John said, “All five of us in the family either work or have worked in the NHS, and really does feel as if it is part of our DNA. The younger members of the family are very much in the frontline; I felt that having only stopped working a couple of years ago, I still had something to offer that might be of value.” ¢ June/July 2020 | 7

Torquay ÂŁ1,599,000 Freehold With incredible views stretching to the far distant horizon, capturing uninterrupted sunrise views, the property offers the ultimate home - exuding contemporary style, designed for prestigious living. With accommodation extending over 4300 sq foot of living space, built within the last ten years and sits in exceptional gardens, recently landscaped to an exacting specification, acknowledging the connection between indoor and outdoor living.

EPC Rating – B

Westerland

£2,750,000 Freehold Scenic and serene, the property offers a dream home, its origins dating from the late 1600s. The living space is highlighted by its luxuriously appointed accommodation with a bespoke Italian kitchen with informal dining, 3 reception, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, garage block with 4/5 car garage, home office, gym, games room, workshop. Extensive acreage gardens and grounds.

EPC Rating – C

Torquay

£350,000 Leasehold The apartment is situated to the fifth floor capturing panoramic views looking across Torquay to Berry Head and Brixham. The accommodation has an open plan living area incorporating a kitchen, cloakroom/ shower room, bathroom, guest bedroom and principal bedroom extending to the enclosed balcony. Allocated parking space beneath the building.

EPC Rating – D

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

johncouch.co.uk

Jason Keller

Living Coasts’ Egg Man Jason Keller, Senior Keeper at Living Coasts in Torquay is mad about eggs – not eating them but nurturing nature’s miracle-life-capsules to hatch a range of fascinating species.

W

hen you ask the internet about eggs, it mostly tells you about eating them. When you ask Jason Keller, Senior Keeper at Living Coasts, you get a very different response – partly because he’s allergic to eggs.

Jason has been a keeper at Torquay’s coastal zoo since December 2015, and was recently promoted to his senior post. But he’s been involved with birds for as long as he can remember.

Why the fascination? “Some things in life can’t be explained,” says Jason. “From as early as I can remember I either had a bird book in my hand or a feather. Being a zookeeper is one of the jobs a kid dreams of. I was that kid but I never thought it would be possible.”

His big break came in 2010, through school-organised work experience. “I found myself at a private bird collection – I learned about incubation, hand-rearing and caring for birds like waterfowl, poultry, pheasant, birds of prey and parrots.” While there he was given six 10 | June/July 2020

domestic duck eggs; the grown-ups said they were from an old nest and wouldn’t hatch, but young Jason took on the challenge, devised a homemade incubator from a desk lamp - and four weeks later one of the six hatched.

He grew up in Cornwall and South Devon, and in his teens was busy showing poultry and entering competitions locally. Eggs have been a hobby and are now a major part of his job – hence the irony of his egg allergy.

When it comes to birds – and eggs - Jason is both a fan and an expert. He can reel off amazing egg facts, “Egg shell is calcium carbonate – basically, limestone.

The egg of a bearded reedling is about the size of a baked bean. Guillemots lay eggs with the same colour and pattern each time, helping the mother identify her eggs in crowded colonies.”

So, what even IS an egg? It’s the body’s own natural container that carries and protects the embryo before

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

Riviera People it can survive on its own. Most insects, molluscs, fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds produce eggs.

The shells of birds’ eggs are made mostly of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) – found in pearls, the shells of marine organisms – and yes, limestone. Eggs have a semipermeable membrane, which means that air and moisture can pass through. A thin outer coating called the bloom or cuticle helps keep out bacteria and dust.

Dinosaurs laid the largest eggs – a fossil shell was found 60 centimetres long and 20 wide. Ostriches lay the largest eggs of any living species, weighing almost 1.5 kilograms, 20 times heavier than a chicken egg. Luckily for Jason and his colleagues, there are no dinosaurs at Living Coasts – although birds evolved from dinosaurs and the bank cormorants have more than a little of the velociraptor about them…

Jason says, “It’s hard work laying eggs. For penguins, the process of laying can take up to 50% of the female’s body weight, which is why the males do the first stint of incubation - so the female can go back to sea and stock up on fish. In the wild penguins can go for weeks before swapping over.”

Eggs vary in size, shape, pattern and thickness of shell. “Birds’ eggs are beautiful,” says Jason, “But they’re all made to be broken. The chick uses its egg

“

tooth to cut its way out – it’s called pipping. It can take up to 72 hours depending on the species – it’s a lot of work for a tiny chick. When it gets out it’s all wet and tired - it takes around 12 to 24 hours before the chick is dry and fluffy.”

The random chances of evolution have thrown up a range of successful strategies. They’ve given us eggs pigmented to look like small stones or pebbles, which work very nicely for birds nesting on pebbly beaches.

Some species hatch two chicks but aim to rear both; others have larger clutches but only a few chicks will survive. Some chicks need constant care and attention for weeks, while the young of the wading bird species at Living Coasts (apart from the ruff) can all find food for themselves from day one.

At Living Coasts, the wading birds have their own habitat with fresh and saltwater and mudflats on which to forage. Jason says, “All the wading species at Living Coasts lay 3 or 4 eggs. An egg is laid roughly every 1 to 2 days, meaning that it takes the bird’s body about 24 hours to form the egg. The adults don’t start incubating until all the eggs are laid, and they hatch over a couple of days. This makes parental duties easier and the survival rate for the chicks higher.”

Common guillemots can be seen in the auk (puffin)

Being a zookeeper is one of the jobs a kid dreams of. I was that kid but I never thought it would be possible.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

June/July 2020 | 11

winner of

5 STAR HOME BUILDER

2020

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

H O M E B U I L D E R S F E D E R AT I O N

BUILDING BRILLIANCE ACROSS THE SOUTH WEST

Y

WOLBOROUGH HILL NEWTON ABBOT BARLEY MEADOW DAWLISH EQUINOX I EXETER KINGS ORCHARD STOKE GABRIEL LYME VIEW HOLCOMBE

2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes We are pleased we can now welcome you back to our Sales Offices and Show Homes. This is strictly by appointment only – please email info@cavannahomes.co.uk to book your exclusive viewing slot.

www.cavannahomes.co.uk

Riviera People Living Coasts’ colony of Avocets

“

Eggs vary in size, shape, pattern and thickness of shell. But they’re all made to be broken. The chick uses its egg tooth to cut its way out – it’s called pipping

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

June/July 2020 | 13

Feeling uncertain about your finances at this difficult time?

Book a FREE guidance call

To arrange your FREE 15-minute telephone or Zoom video call with one of our friendly Financial Advisors, at a time that suits you and from the comfort of your own home, call or email:

01803 659659

adrian.howard@sjpp.co.uk Our services include: Investment Planning • Retirement Planning Inheritance Tax Planning • Intergenerational Planning

www.orestonewealth.co.uk

new builds • extensions • loft conversions bathrooms & kitchens • garden offices landscaping • driveways and more...

Churston Builders are fully trained in the efficient way to build Insulated Concrete Form structures with

BUILDERS established 1985

Call today to discuss your project 07782 413671/01803 846114

Email churstonbuilders@gmail.com Follow us on

cf

Visit churstonbuilders.co.uk to read our testimonials and to see what we can do 14 | June/July 2020

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

Riviera People enclosure. “A female lays eggs of the same colour and pattern every time, helping her identify her eggs in crowded colonies – and helping us keepers identify which females are laying.”

Guillemot eggs are cone-shaped. It used to be thought that this was an advantage because they rolled in an arc rather than fell off the cliff edge. In fact, there are other reasons why guillemot eggs might do well with this peculiar shape. One is related to the strength of the egg. Jason: “Guillemot colonies are crowded and they aren’t very good flyers. On a windy day, a guillemot’s neighbour can crash land on top of it. The egg needs to be strong so it doesn’t get crushed.”

The bearded reedlings (in the aviary near the estuary) lay an egg that is little larger than a baked bean – and it’s hardly surprising, as the adults weigh no more than 18 grams, which is half as heavy as a light bulb.

Jason is a proud advocate for all things avian. He tells us, “Birds are an underappreciated group but are just as fascinating as mammals. The more you know, the more interesting they become, from the feather to the egg. I spent a lot of my childhood at Paignton Zoo and then, when it opened, Living Coasts. So I’ve watched this place grow and now I’m lucky enough to call it my office.”

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

There are 17 species of bird at Living Coasts. Jason doesn’t have a favourite, but he does have a fondness for the estuary habitat. He says, “Spend 15 minutes watching the waders and you’ll be captivated; there’s such a variety of feeding and breeding behaviours. Most of the species can be seen around our local coastal areas – but here you can see them close up.”

The most iconic birds at Living Coasts are the penguins. The two species have different egg-laying strategies: African penguins will lay two eggs and aim to rear both chicks; macaroni penguins, like other crested penguin species, generally discard the first, smaller, egg once a larger second egg is laid. It’s not clear why the macaroni has evolved to produce what almost amounts to a dummy egg. It’s wasteful for the female in terms of energy, and may just be a quirk of evolution, with no advantage.

The next time you’re walking among the penguins at Living Coasts and listening to the tranquil calls of the estuary birds as you gaze out over the Bay, stop and think about eggs – nature’s miracle life-capsules. We should all put less effort into thinking up fancy new ways to cook eggs and more into appreciating just what extraordinary feats of natural engineering eggs are. ¢  livingcoasts.org.uk

June/July 2020 | 15

Hidden Coves & Sparkling Beaches We are very lucky, here on Devon’s famous English Riviera that many of us live within walking distance of a beach. Here we celebrate Nature’s bounty and look at the stories behind some of our most beloved spots.

O

ur coastline is simply stunning and the importance of its geology has made it a UNESCO Global Geopark with long sandy beaches, secluded coves and crystal clear waters.

Many of our secret coves have links to the legendary Agatha Christie. Hidden jewel Ansteys Cove in Torquay was the inspiration for murder victim Amyas Crale in Five Little Pigs. The whisper is that the Queen of Crime had enjoyed a romantic picnic with an admirer named Amyas Boston at Ansteys Cove. Anstey’s Cove is also noted for its unique limestone cliffs and gullies and has been popular for coasteering. The Bay is popular with local

Ansteys Cove

yachts, being very sheltered and exceptionally beautiful.

Its distinctive Long Quarry Point was actually the result of historic quarrying with stone used to help build some of the finest local houses and villas. Anstey’s Cove Café has been a welcome sight after the steep walk into the cove with its small shingle beach and short promenade. Indeed there was a tea shop here in the 1890s and bathing machines were once on offer. ¢

Broadsands A stunning, sandy semi-circular beach, backed by pretty beach huts and with the steam railway running behind. The beach offers some of the most scenic railway vistas in the country and has two impressive viaducts designed by the legendary Brunel. The viaducts were built of Devonian limestone with Lord Churston opening Brokenbury Quarry for the purpose. The gently sloping fields that lead to the beach were part of Lord Churston’s estate and have been farmed for hundreds of years. The area was rural and undeveloped until the 1930s and still has a pleasingly bucolic feel to it. You can spot egrets, grebes, herons and cirl buntings.

Broadsands Bistro is a relative newcomer to the scene and there’s also an ice cream/tea kiosk on the promenade.

16 | June/July 2020

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

Out & About

Beacon Cove Beacon Cove in Torquay was known as the Ladies Bathing Cove at the turn of the century and is now part of the famous Agatha Christie Mile, having been a favoured bathing spot for the writer.

She is believed to have had a near miss with drowning here while trying to assist her nephew. At the time, Torquay was considered a spa town after the Marine Spa was built (now Living Coasts). Originally called the Bath Saloons Complex, it had and open-air seawater swimming pool filled by the tide. From 1876-1923 there was a lifeboat station at Beacon Cove.

Beacon Cove, circa 1930

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Keep Our Beaches Tidy!

Please bag up your rubbish and take it home

June/July 2020 | 17

Need a new boiler?

Get a FREE quote today

- OIL, GAS AND LPG - GAS SAFE AND OFTEC ENGINEERS - WORCESTER ACCREDITED INSTALLERS - QUICK TURNAROUND SERVICE - SERVICING & REPAIRS - NO OBLIGATION QUOTES

WWW.BARNESWARWICK.COM

ASK US ABOUT THE

10 YEAR Guarantee

ON WORCESTER BOILER INSTALLATIONS

T - 01803 500404 E - INFO@BARNESWARWICK.COM

HOME TO THREE UNIQUE AND NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL WEDDING VENUES Contact us to arrange a viewing

www.cockingtoncourt.org/weddings • 01803 607230 • info@cockingtoncourt.org 18 | June/July 2020

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

Out & About

Oddicombe Beach

Oddicombe Beach is important geologically with evidence of limestones having been dramatically twisted and turned by geological forces. The cliff top at Oddicombe has regressed by about 30-40m over time, with some dramatic landslides taking place, temporarily turning the sea red. The historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway has been giving a stylish and safe ride down the cliffs for over 90 years, apart from a break triggered by World War II. You will find the popular and elegant Three Degrees West bar and bistro right on this beautiful sandy beach. The bistro was fully restored after Storm Emma vented its fury in 2018 smashing shutters and windows and causing major damage.

Meadfoot Beach Considered very much a Torquay locals’ beach, is backed by the elegant curve of the Osborne Hotel.

Charles Darwin, author of, On the Origin of Species, stayed close by in 1861. Just 800 metres offshore is Shag Rock, a popular jaunt for wild swimmers and a haven for seabirds. The Meadfoot Beach CafĂŠ has been a popular spot to visit and there are pretty beach huts lining one end of the bay.

At various states of the tide there are some wonderful rockpools to investigate and there are tremendous views across the bay.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

June/July 2020 | 19

Helping you overcome every challenge

11 Manor Corner, Manor Road, Paignton, TQ3 2JB

Thinking of letting your holiday home?

Following our strongest year of bookings on record, we are looking for new holiday home owners to work with us. Contact us today to find out about the outstanding level of year-round bookings and award-winning local support we could offer you.

Find out more | 01803 227994 Order a free Owners Guide | coastandcountry.co.uk 20 | June/July 2020

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

Out & About

Elberry Cove Idyllic Elberry Cove is a stroll along the coast path from Brixham. It is sheltered by lovely woodland, has a gently curving beach and crystal clear waters plus Lord Churston’s historic bathhouse. The bathhouse was probably once a smoke house for pilchards but Lord Churston converted it during the early 1800s when sea bathing became fashionable. It’s also one of Agatha Christie’s famous fictional murder scenes; the murder of Sir Carmichael Clarke in The ABC Murders took place here. Buzzards, owls and woodpeckers are among the many species that live in the woods.

Lord Churston’s Bathhouse

Breakwater Beach Breakwater Beach In Brixham is one of our cleanest beaches and has been a favoured spot for swimming and scuba diving with many kayakers putting in here. Nearby Shoalstone pool was built into a natural rock pool in 1896 and has been popular for seawater bathing since Victorian times, although it was closed for most of WWII as the Americans took over most of the area, setting up a number of field hospitals. In 1944, part of the D-Day fleet sailed from the historic slipway here.

Breakwater Bistro is so close to the beach, you can almost dip your toes in the water.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Fishcombe Cove, circa 1970

Churston & Fishcombe Coves Backed by Grove Woods where you’ll find a collection of disused lime kilns. Limestone was burnt with coal in the kilns to produce quicklime, which was used in the production of whitewash and mortar for buildings and was used by farmers as a means of improving soil for agriculture. The path through the woods is known as Quay Lane, originally used when Churston Quay was part of an ancient trading route. Also known as American Lane, it was later used by American forces during World War II. You can reach Churston Cove via the South West Coast Path behind Fishcombe Cove to the south but be warned it’s very steep terrain. More steep steps leave the beach on the north side and lead to a stunning walk along the coastal footpath towards Elberry Cove and the semicircular sweep of Broadsands.

June/July 2020 | 21

The Cary Family

“assigned” to him for just £800. In gaining full ownership of the property, the Carys held the estate until 1930 when finally it was sold to the Borough of Torquay for £40,000.

The Cockington arm of the family sold their property to Mr Roger Mallock (an Exeter merchantman) during 1654 for £30,000. The Mallocks retained the estate for 278 years before also disposing of it to the Borough of Torquay for £50,000 in 1932. Today Torbay Unitary Authority still owns Cockington Country Park with its meadows and mansion plus the lane leading to the sea.

During this long era, the Cary family at Torre experienced fifteen decades of new roads, new homes and new villas being built around the boundaries of their The aristocratic Carys have a 700-year connection to Devonshire and were major property. When Henry George Cary inherited he was faced with the Council wishing to build a promenade benefactors in Torquay. Ian Handford of road across the front of his meadow; this he refused, Torbay Civic Society tells us more. although he offered an alternative route behind the Abbey ruins. It would not be until after his death in 1840 when his young son Robert Sheddon Sulyarde he Cary family like the Mohun, De-Brewers, Cary inherited at age 12, that the new road would be Ridgeways, Seymours, Mallocks and the Palks, all constructed. Unlike his father, Robert would change helped Torquay become what it is today. The first Cary huge areas of Torquay forever. into Devon was Judge Sir John Cary who purchased the Never interested in local politics, Robert did serve on Manor of Clovelly in the 1400s. This led to six centuries of Cary (sometimes spelt Carey) connections with Devon. the Torquay Local Board for two years. As owner of huge areas of land in the Manor of Torre and St Marychurch, Sir John’s fourth son inherited the Manor of Cockington he was immensely impressed by through a half-brother.

Brunel’s progressive new railway As aristocrats, the family was system with its new station intrinsically linked to British at the boundary of his estate. monarchs, the Houses of Inspired by this, and wishing to Parliament and the Church. Over be philanthropic, he issued many the centuries some were made leases across his properties. The first barons or knighted; there was one established a Town Hall in Lower viscount and lots of MPs. Parts of Union Street and then a Catholic the Cary wealth were lost at times church - Church of the Assumption of religious intolerance, when in Torquay. New homes were some family members remained constructed on Abbey Crescent, Protestant while others were of gardens and terraces were built on the Catholic faith. Their fortunes Shedden Hill, and houses were varied over the years. Henry IV built at Sulyarde Terrace, which restored the Manors of Torrington today forms Torbay Hotel. Further and Cockington to the family. land gave us Torquay Museum, However, after the defeat of the Cary Green and Torquay Pavilion, Lancastrians in the Battle of Robert Sheddon Sulyarde Cary while at Babbacombe the Cary Tewkesbury 1471, a Sir William Public Park was established; this Cary was actually beheaded. The still carries Robert’s name on the fountain today. After Carys owned Cockington until 1654. During this time decades of philanthropy, Robert, known as Lord of the another Sir William Cary, in 1490, rebuilt Cockington Manor, died after suffering a painful illness of cancer of Church, a fact in evidence on its font today.

Then in the reign of Henry VIII, Torre Abbey, a Roman the tongue in 1919; he was just 71.

His brother Lionel was next to inherit although Catholic Monastery, was largely demolished. In 1662 sadly he died on his way home having been wounded a George Cary gained the Manor of Torre by it being

T

22 | June/July 2020

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

Riviera Heritage at Sevastapol in the Crimean War. Now Lucius their youngest brother inherited, an ex-Army Colonel. He would marry Louisa Rowley in October 1878 and they would have two sons Arminel and Lionel. But as often occurred in the Cary family, their children died young.

Arminel was lost at age four and Lionel died a month later. Those deaths ensured that Louisa was the first woman to mount a financial appeal for a new hospital ward, which she wanted for children in the existing hospital at Torre. She had previously provided a small establishment able to accommodate six children suffering chronic or incurable diseases in Babbacombe and had also built a second hospital in the Warberrys. It was opened in 1904 on the site of ‘Goldilea’ which she renamed Roselands Hospital.

By now Lucius had become a Justice of the Peace and Vice Commodore of Torquay Royal Yacht Club, yet still supported his wife’s appeal each year by opening up Torre Abbey and its Meadow to raise funds for the new ward. Louisa achieved her goal and officiated when it was opened in April 1909; even today, the present Torbay hospital honours her name with the Louisa Cary Ward.

Colonel Lucius Cary died on 1st July 1916 and a memorial tablet confirms this at the Church of the Assumption carrying Louisa’s words;

“To the glory of God & the memory of my loved & loving husband Col. Lucius Cary, Rifle Brigade, born February 1st 1839, died July 1st 1916. Thy prayers & thy arms are ascended for a memorial in the sight of God”.

Our Lady Of The Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Abbey Road, Torquay

Death duties after the end of the First World War, made the upkeep of Torre Abbey impossible for Louisa and so the long tradition with the Cary family ended in 1930 when all property was sold to Torquay Local Authority for just £40,000. The Authority honoured Mrs Cary by making her the first Lady Freeman of the Borough on 13th July 1921. She then moved to West Sussex, where she died on July 3rd 1934. She left instructions that there should be no flowers or mourning and she lies alone still without Lucius. Few locals know her name and only Rowley Road, St Marychurch and the hospital ward, honour her name. ¢  torbaycivicsociety.co.uk Robert Sheddon Sulyarde Cary’s coming of age celebration at Tor Abbey

140 years at

Kents Cavern June 19th 2020 is the 140th Anniversary of Kents Cavern opening to the public, but it dates back to the Stone Age. It has been owned and run by five generations of the Powe family and is a real Torbay treasure.

W

illiam Pengelly’s lengthy excavation with Nick Powe’s great-great-grandfather George Smerdon as foreman, ended on June 19th 1880; from that day on, Kents Cavern was open for public tours. George and his son-in law, Francis Powe rented the cavern from Lord Haldon until April 23rd 1903 when Francis bought the caves for £350. So Kents Cavern has been a family business for five generations.

Francis Powe was a carpenter and would walk from his home in Torquay to Teignmouth every day. He saw the caves as an opportunity to set up a workshop in Torquay and began to use them for his beach furniture business, making bathing cabins, beach huts and boats for nearby beaches at Anstey’s Cove, Redgate beach and Meadfoot beach.

In 1903 Lord Haldon’s Torquay estate was put up for

24 | June/July 2020

sale including the whole of the Ilsham valley. Francis could not afford the valley but managed to find enough to acquire the caverns, neighbouring woodlands and quarry (now the car park). On April 23rd 1903 he became the proprietor of what was to be confirmed as the most important prehistoric cave in North-West Europe. He developed a business selling kindling wood and stone and soon began to organise the occasional tour of the caves.

Interest in visiting grew rapidly as a result of Pengelly’s excavations and the prehistoric remains found inside.

In 1925 Francis began to involve his teenage son Leslie and together they transformed Kents Cavern into the visitor attraction we see today - now known as a showcave. He died in November 1962 aged 96, four months after Nick Powe was born. Francis’ contribution

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

Riviera Attractions

to Torbay has been recognised. There is a lecture room at South Devon College University Centre named after him, the Powe room.

Nick Powe has run the caves since 2000 when he took over from his father John, has been instrumental in obtaining UNESCO Global Geopark status for Torbay and chairs the Geopark’s management organisation.

He also sits on the European Geoparks Network Coordination Committee.

Famous visitors over the years include Beatrix Potter (1893), who commented, “The dilapidated wooden door was flush into the bank. Outside an artificial plateau or spoil-bank of slate, overgrown. A donkey-cart was encamped and the donkey grazing, the owner a mild, light-haired young man was sawing planks. Papa inquired if there was anybody here? to which he replied with asperity ‘I am’ “.

Agatha Christie, who was born in Torquay, wrote about Kents Cavern in The Man in the Brown Suit (1924) changing the name to Hampsly Cavern. She accurately

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

refers to bones of Ice Age mammoth and wholly rhinoceros found there.

Other visitors have included Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, who was so impressed that he gave his guide Leslie Powe, a gold sovereign. As the young Prince of Wales, the future King George V visited Kents Cavern in 1879, while his mother Queen Victoria was staying in Torquay.

Kents Cavern is one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe and one of Britain’s best showcaves.

While they are temporarily closed due to the Covid outbreak, it’s worth planning a tour when they are back open. The whole site is much bigger than people imagine and social distancing, albeit with much reduced tours sizes, will be quite straightforward underground. You will love the amazing Vestibule Chamber, the Long Arcade, the Rockies, Clinnicks Gallery, the Cave of Inscriptions and the Labyrinth. Kents Cavern is definitely something for Torbay residents to feel heartily proud of in their 140th year of opening! ¢  kents-cavern.co.uk

June/July 2020 | 25

Torbay’s

Sea Arch Sea arches are a wonderful phenomena created by the relentless force of the oceans. Torbay’s spectacular London Bridge is one of the finest. Kevin Dixon tells us the story behind the unusual name.

F

or decades anyone sitting their GCSE Geography exam was prepared for a question about sea arches.

It would be along the lines of “What is a sea arch? Can you name a sea arch you have seen?” Unlike residents of landlocked Birmingham, here in the Bay we certainly could identify a sea arch – the oddly named and impressive London Bridge east of Torquay Harbour. This is a Middle Devonian limestone natural arch resulting from less resistant limestone having been eroded away.

But why is our natural arch called London Bridge?

We certainly have a tendency to name parts of our town after locations in London – for example, Pimlico, Grosvenor, and Belgravia. This is because we wanted to promote Torquay’s sophistication to affluent nineteenth century visitors and to make them feel at home on their extended vacations.

Yet London Bridge has been known as such for centuries and the name was in use long before Torquay came into existence as a town. Arthur Charles Ellis in his 1930 ‘An Historical Survey of Torquay’ discusses the origin of the name. He quotes JT White from 1878 who wrote, “There was a grand sandstone arch at Corbon Head which vied in beauty with the more durable limestone arch on the other side of the bight locally known as ‘London Bridge’.”

The designation goes back even further, however, and caused confusion. In 1832 Octavian Blewitt wrote in his ‘The panorama of Torquay: a descriptive and historical sketch of the district comprised between the Dart and Teign’, that London Bridge was an “absurd appellation”.

Ellis notes that, “The explanation for the name often given is that it comes from the same granite as London Bridge”. Yet, he rightly points out that the New Bridge in London was only built in 1831, and the name is older than that. He doesn’t, however, note that our arch is limestone and not granite.

26 | June/July 2020

And Blewitt was right. There isn’t much of a resemblance to the fine New London Bridge he was familiar with, which was based on five wide stone arches and opened in 1831. This New Bridge was 928 feet long and 49 feet wide, and constructed from Dartmoor granite. Incidentally, spare corbels – a type of stone bracket to carry weight – for London Bridge were left behind at Swelltor Quarry on Dartmoor. They still lie beside the former narrow gauge Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway.

Bizarrely, that bridge was dismantled in 1967 and relocated to a lake in the desert of Arizona, a planned community established in 1964 on the shore of Lake Havasu.

But what if our arch was named after a much older London Bridge?

There is a Torquay map made by Matthew Blackmore in 1769, which features ‘London Bridge’. This map is, “within an ornamental border surmounted by a parrot with extended wings; and below showing an illustration of fruit, plan of the manor of Tormoham in the said parish and property of Robert Palk esquire”. It had nine membranes of parchment, about six feet square and was “practically perished” even back in the early nineteenth century.

So we were calling our sea arch ‘London Bridge’ at least as far back as the mid eighteenth century. And if we then consider what the original bridge in the capital looked like at that time, we may have a better idea of the motivation for naming our landmark.

The original Old London Bridge began construction in 1176 and was finished in 1209 during the reign of King John. The bridge was some 26 feet wide, and about 900 feet long, supported by 19 irregularly spaced arches.

It had a drawbridge to allow for the passage of tall ships, and defensive gatehouses at both ends. By 1358,

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

Riviera Heritage

it was already crowded with 138 shops – by the Tudor era there were 200 buildings on the bridge, some seven storeys high, which overhung the river by seven feet.

Perhaps significantly, the difference in water levels on the two sides of the bridge could be as much as 6 feet which, along with narrow arches and wide pier bases, produced ferocious rapids between the piers resembling a weir. Only the brave or foolhardy attempted to “shoot the bridge” – steer a boat between the starlings surrounding the supports of the bridge when in flood – and some were drowned attempting to do so. The bridge was “for wise men to pass over, and for fools to pass under.” Navigating a small boat near the cliffs by Torquay Harbour can similarly be a dangerous undertaking.

Another connection could be the well-known nursery rhyme ‘London Bridge is Falling Down,’ which may date back to the Late Middle Ages, and deals with the

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

depredations of London Bridge and attempts to repair it.

Records of the rhyme date from the seventeenth century – the earliest reference being in the comedy ‘The London Chaunticleres’ from around 1636. Could the same song have been utilised by Torquinians as their cliffs fell away over the years?

So was our London Bridge named by someone who had seen the narrow irregular arches and hazardous tidal rapids of the medieval London Bridge? Were they reminded of the nursery rhyme as Torquay’s arch crumbled?

We’ll never know for sure. What we do know is that we have a striking local landmark with an unusual name. ¢

June/July 2020 | 27

Francis Brett Young

Brixham GP, Author & Poet The story of Francis Brett Young sheds light on the work of the medical profession and the living conditions in Brixham over 100 years ago. A considerable literary talent, he was also noted as a novelist, short story writer and poet.

Martin Smith of Brixham Heritage Museum tells us more.

F

rancis Brett Young was born on June 29th 1884 in Halesowen, Worcestershire. He was the eldest son of Dr Thomas Brett Young, who was later to become Medical Officer of Health for the borough. Francis was sent to a small private school at the age of seven.

In 1895 he went to Epsom College in Surrey where he showed early signs of his literary talent when he won the Rosebery prize for English Literature. In 1901 he entered Birmingham University as a medical student.

In 1907, after qualifying as a doctor, he became a medical officer for the Holt Line serving on SS Kintuck.

He subsequently entered practice with Dr William Jenkins Quick at Cleveland House, New Road, Brixham, (now Our Lady of the Sea Roman Catholic Church), initially lodging at Cumber House. The next year Francis eloped with his sweetheart Jessica Hankinson, a singer and accomplished piano player. They were married in Somerset (December 1908) and on his return to Brixham with his new wife, took over the Cleveland House surgery.

Life at Cleveland House could be described as ‘comfortable’. Francis employed a surgery maid, a cook-housekeeper and a groom to care for Gladys, the

28 | June/July 2020

surgery horse that pulled the small dog cart he used for visits to the patients. Gladys was succeeded by Poltergeist and finally the horse was exchanged for a small car. As a GP, Francis treated visiting trawler men, was on call to Brixham Hospital and also had to routinely practise dentistry charging one shilling per tooth pulled or one shilling and sixpence if you wanted anaesthesia.

1911 proved a challenging year, as Dr Elliot reported to the Brixham Urban District Council. He said that the situation was “the worst for many years, compounded by conditions and poor housing…’ especially in the housing located just behind the Strand” (Paradise Place, Mill Tye). These were houses in poor repair and what we today would call ‘houses of multi occupation’, where whole families could be living in one room with shared toilet facilities.

At this time there was a serious measles epidemic and there were high mortality rates brought on by whooping cough and diphtheria. In 1911, Francis was visiting a very sick two-year-old girl; he diagnosed pneumonia and diphtheria. The girl’s life was in extreme danger and Francis drove the girl to the hospital but the Matron was

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

Riviera Heritage vexed that Francis should bring such dangerous germs to her hospital (but it was against the rule!). Francis was forced to conduct the tracheotomy back at her home, and the girl survived. This episode with the little girl with diphtheria and pneumonia appears in his later book ‘My My Brother Jonathan’ (published 1928).

‘Deep Sea’’ was the first published novel by Francis and is set in Brixham pre-First World War. It is full of lyrical prose, which you would expect from a skilled poet and composer. As a GP, he had served the people of Brixham when the town was totally dependent on the fishing industry and at a time when the industry was in deep decline. He captures the community spirit, with families living on credit, just waiting for the big catch to come in to relieve their daily struggle.

Just before war was declared, Francis and his wife Jessica moved from New Road up to Berry Head into the Old Garden House. In August 1914 aged 30, Francis volunteered to serve his country. As a Captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps, he was posted to German East Africa (now Tanzania), under the overall command of General Jan Smuts. Fighting was intense and the pressure his team was immense with no let-up in casualties brought to him; his dedication to the hospital was absolute. He wrote this poem to describe the relief of even a five-minute break in activity.

All through that day of battle the broken sound Of shattering Maxim fore made mad the wood; So that the low trees shuddered where they stood, And echoes bellowed in the bush around: But when, at last, the light of day was drowned, That madness ceased...Ah, God, but it was good!

There in the reek of iodine and blood, I flung me down upon the thorny ground.

So quiet was it, I might well have been lying In a room I love, where the ivy cluster shakes Its dew upon the lattice panes at even: Where rusty ivory scatters from the dying Jessamine blossom, and the musk-rose breaks Her dusky bloom beneath a summer heaven.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Francis himself was suffering with dysentery and fever, and was invalided out of the army. On demobilisation; because of his frail health, he felt he could no longer be a doctor. His exploits during the war were the subject of his book ‘Marching on Tanga’. Although the book was heavily censored; he covertly put those exploits in a later novel ‘Jim Redlake’.

After the war, Francis continued to write, spent winters living on the Isle of Capri (for the climate) and travelled the world. His success began in the 1920s and continued into the 30s and 40s. After moving to South Africa (end of WWII) owing to serious illness, he died in Cape Town in 1954 and his ashes were returned to England and are buried in Worcester Cathedral.

In 1994, the Francis Brett Young Society put a plaque on the wall of the Garden House at Berry Head. To commemorate the event they invited Mrs Elsie Stabb, to unveil it. Elsie has been immortalised in print as she was the two-year-old on whom Dr Brett Young operated) when she was so ill. In 1995, Mrs Stabb and Dr David Langley jointly unveiled the plaque at the former Cleveland House.

With thanks to Martin Smith, Administrator Brixham Heritage Museum who compiled this article, and acknowledgement to Samantha Little, Writer-inResidence at the Museum. ¢ June/July 2020 | 29

CONSERVING TORBAY’S NATURAL HERITAGE FOR NOW, FOR EVER

help us care for the places you love: SUPPORT US!

BE A MEMBER

• Membership only £37.50 per person, per year; including a Free Parking and Benefits Package.

• Or just support our work (without free parking and benefits) for just £25 per year!

DONATE You can support our work with a one off gift or a regular monthly donation. £25 will pay for the restoration of one metre of hedgerow! £2 a month funds the maintenance of 100 metres of path for a year.

To join us or donate contact us today: 01803 520 022 or www.countryside-trust/support-us Registered Charity No: 1077561

tcct-ermag-jun-20.indd 1

03/06/2020 11:31:10

1:10

Lockdown Heroes

Become a Countryside Champion

With the easing of lockdown having a big impact on our local beauty spots. There’s never been a more important time to support the work of Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.

N

avigating a way through the coronavirus pandemic has forced Torbay Coast & Trust to adapt and develop many new ways of working. This crisis has had a significant impact on the charity in terms of income, staffing and capacity. From the outset, the Trust, like many organisations, committed to help reducing the spread of the disease. When lockdown was implemented, the majority of staff were advised to stay at home. Only a skeleton staff remained operational and they had to focus on priority tasks.

From early April, the Trust was operating with a greatly reduced countryside management service. Two Rangers, Sam Richards and Lineke Bosman, supported by three long-term volunteers: Katherine Keates, Tim Graham and Bertie McDonough, have succeeded in maintaining public access infrastructure on Trust land across Torbay.

They have prioritised repairing paths, clearing them of vegetation and ensuring that they remain open and accessible across Trust land. Alongside this they have dealt with dangerous and fallen trees, managed and moved livestock and collected and disposed of huge amounts of rubbish and many kilos of dog waste.

The charity’s farming operation has had to continue throughout lockdown too. Crops have had to be sown, animals fed, watered and eventually turned out to pasture.

You’ll now see Trust cattle and sheep grazing at Cockington, Maidencombe and around Brixham at Gillard Road Nature Reserve, Berry Head National Nature Reserve and Sharkham Point. These livestock have an important role to play in maintaining special habitats, which in turn support a whole array of wildlife.

During this time the charity has been faced with unprecedented amounts of litter and dog waste left by

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

visitors. In addition, relaxing of lockdown restrictions in mid-May has led to a big increase in fishing activity at Berry Head and Hope’s Nose. Associated with this has been a significant increase in the amount of rubbish, anti-social behaviour and abuse of these special places.

Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust is now working with various agencies including Devon and Cornwall Police, Inshore Fisheries and Immigration to plan some co-ordinated action to tackle the problem. Finding a longer-term intervention remains a priority. This will take time however as the organisations involved are working at reduced capacity due to COVID-19.

The Trust aims to be working at near normal capacity from mid-July. There will be a backlog of work to catch up on, so the countryside teams will no doubt be very busy over the coming months working hard to keep sites open and accessible for the community to enjoy.

You can help the charity to care for these beautiful places by taking your litter and dog waste home for disposal, closing gates and keeping to marked paths. This helps keep you and your canine companions safe and helps ensure the welfare of our livestock too. During times of crisis we all need to work together and help each other.

Please value these special places and take extra care to leave no trace of your visit.

Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust is a registered charity protecting wildlife and actively maintaining special sites including: Berry Head, Cockington, Occombe Farm, Roundham Head, Daddyhole, Rock End Walk, Anstey’s Cove, Brunel Woods, Maidencombe, Walls Hill, Hope’s Nose and more. ¢  countryside-trust/support-us

June/July 2020 | 31

Carpets & Rugs • Hard Floors • Leather & Upholstery Mattresses • Curtains Cleaned in Situ - No Downtime Spots, Stains & Odour Removal • Pet Accidents Neutralised Fabric Protection • Carpets Dry in 30 minutes with Dry FusionTM

Mobile 07808 272302

Landline 01803 362372

Free 0800 772 3492

We’re open again with

martin.bailey @ cleaningdoctor.co.uk New Services Safe Procedures Carpets & Rugs • Hard& Floors • Leather & Upholstery www.cleaningdoctor.net/southdevon Mattresses •Antiviral Curtains Cleaned in Situ - No Downtime Disinfection

Spots, Stains & Odour Removal • Pet Accidents Neutralised

Carpets & Rugs • Hard Floors • Leather & Upholstery Carpets & Rugs - Dry in 30 minutes with Dry FusionTM SAFE FOR BABIES • WOOL Dry FusionTM FabricMattresses Protection •Curtains Carpets Dry in• PETS 30in minutes Cleaned Situ - No•with Downtime • Hard Floors •• Leather & Upholstery Mattresses Spots, Stains & OdourIn Removal Pet Accidents Neutralised • Curtains Cleaned Situ • •Spots & Stains Treated Mobile Landline Fabric Protection • Carpets Dry in 30 minutes with DryFree FusionTM • Upholstery Carpet362372 Stain Protection 07808 272302 &01803 0800 772 3492

Mobile Landline Free 07808 272302 01803 362372 0800 772 3492 martin.bailey @cleaningdoctor.co.uk

www.cleaningdoctor.net/southdevon martin.bailey@cleaningdoctor.co.uk

Tradesmen

Advertise your business in the Bay’s best magazine from as little as £7.50 per week

Call: 01803 842893 to reserve your space in the next issue Your Project

www.cleaningdoctor.net/southdevon SAFE FOR BABIES • PETS • WOOL

Find a local tradesperson for your hom e garden proje or ct.

Carpets & Rugs • Hard Floors • Leather & Upholstery SAFE FOR BABIES • PETS • WOOL Mattresses • Curtains Cleaned in Situ - No Downtime Spots, Stains & Odour Removal • Pet Accidents Neutralised Fabric Protection • Carpets Dry in 30 minutes with Dry FusionTM

Call 01803 842893 to advertise your business

Landline 01803 362372

Project Directo ry

Call today for a free estimate and very competitive rates

THE TORBAY HANDYMAN

House Maintenance Painting & Decor ating Carpentry Household Repai also... Furniture rs Repair & Polishing

Covering Torbay & the surrounding area

07700 919872 01623 842893 City & Guilds qualifi ed painter and

Interior & Exterio

Finest Quality

Mobile 07808 272302

BAY

DECORATING

handyman@gmail .com decorator

r Painting

Kitchens

07700 795914 01623 89171

ChelstonGardener

Free 0800 772 3492

Fencing • Decking Stone Walling Tree Felling • Hedge Reshap e Lawn Mowing • Turf Laying Garden Clearan ce Weed Spraying Brickwork & Paving Soft Landscaping

martin.bailey@cleaningdoctor.co.uk www.cleaningdoctor.net/southdevon

K I TC H E N M A K E R S TM by exclusively available at

BRIXHAM KITCH ENS

01623 255022

Electrical Insta llatio Fault Finding n Rewires CCTV & Secur Intruder & Fire ity Alarms Security Light ing CALL FOR AN

mike@mg-ele

ESTIMATE

ctrical.com

07365 917642

01623 834443 07700 272170

www.brixham

kitchens.co.uk

2

| June/July 2020

To promote your

SAFE FOR BABIES • PETS • WOOL

Established 2001 business to our

readers email

sales@englishriv ieramagazine.co.u k

Culture and creativity makes everyone’s quality of life better.

Over recent weeks we have been supporting creative partners, individuals, arts & heritage organisations as much as we can.

We can come through this. Together, we are all working to make sure Torbay’s cultural life will recover.

32 | June/July 2020

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

100-Mile

Virtual Challenge Since our last issue we have all spent lots of time in lockdown apart from essentials including a daily outing for exercise.

Anita Newcombe keeps motivated with a series of virtual running challenges.

A

lthough I’ve been keeping in touch with my running club, Riviera Racers via WhatsApp, like everyone else, my daily exercise has become solitary - and directly to-and-from my front door.

This period has led to the rise of The Virtual Challenge.

You don’t have to run, you can walk or even cycle; until lockdown eased it was all in the recommended one-hour of activity in each 24 hour period. There are lots of different distances to suit all ages and fitness levels and you get a splendid medal at the end. I decided to aim for Race at Your Pace’s 100-Mile Challenge to be completed during April.

I am very fortunate to live at the Churston end of Brixham and I quickly settle on a variety of regular routes. The first takes me down to Battery Gardens past Fishcombe Cove, down the steep steps into Churston Cove and up the other side, continuing along the Coast Path to Elberry Cove, around the common and back home along the lane – idyllic! I usually go in the early morning and see hardly anyone. This route is staggeringly beautiful and I enjoy seeing the wild garlic starting to flower alongside the wild primroses and Devon violets.

Sometimes I do a circuit of the Grove immersing myself in the birdsong that echoes around the valley.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Give it a Go! Virtual Challenges Another favourite route takes me down to Brixham Harbour, up the hill past the Quayside Hotel, on up to the furthest point of the headland at Berry Head National Nature Reserve and back via Gillard Road.

There’s so much variety on this hour-long route; boats in the harbour, the famous Berry Head Hotel and the truly spectacular 270 degree views from the headland. I run on the road, now completely bereft of cars, to avoid the chance of meeting anyone on the path. If I do see anyone I cross the road in good time to give at least three or four metres of clearance – just exchanging a friendly wave by way of human interaction. Occasionally I see a police car or Coastguard vehicle and they are often enthusiastic wavers – so I don’t feel completely alone.

Having a challenge to work towards makes it much easier to get out and keep fit and healthy in these strange times. Each time I return from my solo run I log the distance on the Race at Your Pace log sheet and am content to see the miles gradually adding up. By 22 April I’ve passed the 100-mile mark with a solitary 10 mile run out to Stoke Gabriel and back. I decide to keep going and end up amazing myself with a total of 125 miles! Suitably inspired, I subsequently manage to run 150 miles in May, using the challenge to raise funds for Rowcroft Hospice.

Meanwhile on WhatsApp our team has devised a fun competition. While we are individually out, we take a moment to snap a cunningly angled picture-postcard shot of our location. Sometimes it’s a plaque on a wall or a section of landscape – then we post with a Where Am I? Some are easy like the swan of the top of the Torre Abbey gates, others are much more cryptic. Whether you are a runner or a stroller, you may find some of these are fun to guess – so have a look at the next 2 pages. ¢  raceatyourpace.co.uk

June/July 2020 | 33

The Lockdown Quiz

2.

1.

All these picture-postcard photos were taken by local runners, running solo and directly from home.

Can you guess where they are?

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

34 | June/July 2020

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

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

June/July 2020 | 35 Answers: 1. Torquay train station, 2. Berry Head, 3. Winner Street, Paignton, 4. Coastpath below Daddyhole Plain, 5. Brixham Harbour War Memorial, 6.Swan Gates, Torre Abbey, 7. Tessier Gardens, Babbacombe, 8. Entrance to the Water Meadow, Cockington, 9. Preston Beach conveniences, 10.

Oldway Mansion, 11. Coast Path at northern end of Broadsands, 12. Steps to Churston Cove, 13.

Coast Path by Imperial Hotel, Torquay, 14. Lord Churston’s Bath House, Elberry Cove. 15. Royal Terrace Gardens, Torquay, 16. Brixham Battery, 17. Paignton Green amusements.

16.

15.

17.

12.

13.

14.

11.

9.

10.

Riviera Quiz

The Carews of Devon Sir Rivers Verain Carew was the 11th and last of the Carew baronets to live at Haccombe, the family seat near Newton Abbot. He left the historic estate for the last time on VJ Day 1945. Now Rivers, only ten years old at the time, has published Footprints in the Sand, The Story of the Carews of Devon 1086-1945.

Anita Newcombe finds out more.

C

harles Courtenay, Earl of Devon, has written the foreword to this fascinating history of the Carew family. In it he points out that the Carews managed to stay on the right side of history, ending up as stewards not only of Haccombe but also Tiverton Castle and Bickleigh Castle, after their loss by the Courtenays who repeatedly suffered from forfeiture of their lands and even beheadings.

When I speak to Rivers Carew about his book, which charts thirty generations of the Carews, I’m interested in his childhood memories of the Haccombe estate.

It’s just a couple of miles from Newton Abbot, but in a delightful rural setting next to the beautiful little church of St Blaise. Rivers and his elder sister Oenone had moved around a lot before settling here and they enjoyed living in the country surrounded by woods and fields.

However, it was 1939 when they arrived and the family

estate was already falling upon hard times. A school occupied the main house and the family lived in a house converted from gardeners’ cottages.

After circumstances forced the family to sell, they departed on VJ Day 1945. The last to leave were River’s mother Lady Phyllis, his sister Oenone and the children’s nanny. The little group had to walk across the fields carrying their overnight bags, there being no taxis due to the public holiday. Spending the night with the Archpriest & Rector the Revd. Arthur Royston, and his wife at the Rectory in Coffinswell, the party took a train to a new life in Dorset the next morning.

Haccombe House has now been converted into individual apartments but the church St Blaise, built in 1233 and associated with the Carew family for over 500 years, is still well worth a visit. It’s noted for its collection of medieval effigies, fine brasses and there are

PHOTO: © L Thermidor

Haccombe House

36 | June/July 2020

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

PHOTO: © L Thermidor

Book Review pieces of wood from Henry VIII’s flagship Mary Rose set into the processional cross.

Rivers Carew now lives in Cambridgeshire and has spent many years researching Footprints in the Sand; it traces the Carews of Devon back to the Domesday Book; it includes some amazing discoveries, like a family connection to Christopher Columbus. Rivers felt that, as he was the last of his line to live at Haccombe, he should set down the whole history, right from the start – and so the long period of research began, assisted by family, friends and genealogists. And he was right to do so – it’s an immensely readable story that gives a unique insight into the intrigues of the Carews over the centuries.

“

from the Fifth Crusade.

There are many other captivating stories about the lives of the Carews in Footprints in the Sand. Sir George Carew was drowned when the Mary Rose sank during a battle with the French in the Solent in 1545.

His wife witnessed the tragedy, with Henry VIII by her side. Thomas Carew, who supported the Royalists during the Civil War, was granted the baronetcy as his reward in 1661.

It’s a beautiful book, well researched and engagingly written so that it will appeal to anyone who is intrigued by the Haccombe estate and church and the great families of Devon. ¢

Footprints in the Sand traces the Carew family right back to Walter FitzOther, listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as a tenant-in-chief, having been granted lands that belonged to Saxon lords before the Conquest.

Footprints in the Sand traces the Carew family right back to Walter FitzOther, listed in the Domesday Book (1086) as a tenant-in-chief, having been granted lands that belonged to Saxon lords before the Conquest.

Walter’s father may very well have come over with William the Conqueror but this has not been definitely proven. Walter served as Castellan of Windsor Castle and was entrusted with the keeping of the royal brood mares. His son Gerald married Nesta, daughter of the Prince of South Wales and brought the lands of Carew, close to Milford Haven, into the family. The family later took the name of Carew after their castle.

By the beginning of the 14th century, the headquarters of the Carews had become the East Devon manor of Mohun’s Ottery, where they stayed for 10 generations until the second half of the 16th century.

This beautiful spot that lay in a wooded valley by the River Otter became known as ‘the nest of the Carews’ and had been acquired through John Carew’s marriage to wealthy heiress Eleanor Mohun.

Further advantageous unions ensued but it would be the marriage in 1425 of Nicholas Carew to Joan Courtenay, the great granddaughter of an Earl of Devon and a descendent of Edward I, which would bring the estate of Haccombe into the family. Joan was born at Haccombe and baptised at the Early English church, built and dedicated to St Blaise, by an ancestor Sir Stephen de Haccombe to give thanks for his safe return englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Buy a copy

Rivers Carew

The hardback version, costing £25, is available to order either through Neilsen, quoting ISBN 9781-9998074-4-3, or it can be purchased directly from the publishers, DuBois Publishing, by emailing: duboispublishing@cantab.net. It’s also available on Amazon Kindle as an e-book.

June/July 2020 | 37

ArtsRoundUp

Torquay’s Artizan Gallery & Café – Exhibitions and Events

The Lockdown in March froze two wonderful exhibitions running from each of Artizan’s venues. It is hoped that when restrictions are lifted that there may be the opportunity to re-visit these exhibitions but for now, they can be viewed online on the website alongside many other wonderful archived showcases.

Exhibitions Available to View Online The Design Room: An Exhibition of Printmaking, Graphic Design and Urban Art art-hub.co.uk/thedesignroom20

Connections: featuring works of Nigel Moores and Malcolm Lockie art-hub.co.uk/mar20

Virtual Exhibitions Artizan hopes to host new virtual exhibitions in the coming months, which will be uploaded exclusively as 360 tours to be enjoyed by audiences online. To see existing tours head to the link below.

38 | June/July 2020

art-hub.co.uk/360

Upcoming Exhibition – held at Artizan Gallery, Lucius Street, Torquay TQ2 5UW

My Favourite Walks on Dartmoor Featuring works of Simon Fowler

4-18 July TuesdayFriday from 11am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm It’s perhaps difficult to imagine that in the late 18th Century, the picturesque rolling hills of Dartmoor were not well thought of; the few Georgian visitors this rural area did receive passed through quickly, finding little pleasantness in its barren landscapes. It wasn’t until the mid-1800s that this perception was turned around and this was done by the work of Victorian artists capturing these dramatic landscapes in stunning works of art. Now Dartmoor is resoundingly seen as one of the South West’s finest natural beauty spots and for many Devon artists the allure of this special place is still an unmissable subject for their work.

One such artist is Simon Fowler who in July will present his own homage to these tors and valleys in his exhibition, My Favourite Walks on Dartmoor. Coming from a family of artists, it was at a young age that Simon discovered a passion for drawing, painting and creative endeavour.

Starting with oils in his early teens under the instruction of his grandfather, a prolific and well-established Bristol artist, he benefitted from instruction from a wide array of family members, producing ceramics, sculpture and woodcarving as well painting in a variety of mediums. Their experience and knowledge would prove to be invaluable; today Simon is endowed with a significant artistic talent of his own thanks to this early tuition.

Simon has painted continuously all his life, endlessly inspired by the great outdoors where he has spent most of his adulthood. A caver for 35 years on the Mendips and a keen motorcyclist and angler, has built a connection with the landscape, which he now cannot help but express in his work. A further 12 years spent boat building and restoring

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

Arts mostly wooden boats, led to woodcarving and sculpture for a long period. For the past 25 years, following training in forestry, woodland management and horticulture, he is now working as a garden designer, offering a new exploration for his creativity on a grand scale.

Having only recently moved to Devon, the landscapes of Dartmoor and its surroundings have proven an abundant source of inspiration. New scenes have also led to new practice and Simon has made a transition from canvas to board. With the addition of a new range of Italian pigments to his stock of oils, he has added a new vibrancy to his work allowing him to push his colour palette to new levels.

The collection of paintings in this forthcoming exhibition focuses on Simon’s desire to learn the geography and orientation of the Tors in the southern half of Dartmoor.

This leads to an understanding of how the climate varies and alters the experience, sometimes in minutes; a walk in one direction in pleasant sunny conditions is not necessarily the same on the return.

The complexity of the Dartmoor climate really does affect

the senses. One can feel exhilarated by the wide open spaces and huge skies in one instant and then, rushing for cover as the weather changes, one can experience a feeling of vulnerability and a sense of being a very small insignificant life form in a vast historically rich and diverse environment.

It is worth mentioning that any visit to Dartmoor requires the visitor to look, and look and look some more; there is much to absorb. The life force and vitality of the moors can be really felt if one takes the time to immerse oneself in it. In summary, through his paintings, Simon tries to capture his experience of being on the moors and to express some of the diversity found there in mood and colour, which will allow the viewer to see through his eyes, images that resonate with them in some way.

Julie Brandon, Owner Artizan Gallery says, “For anyone who has walked and loved the moors that are on our doorstep here in South Devon, Simon’s exhibition is a englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

must-see. His accomplished, traditional style will enthral any Dartmoor enthusiast and for those who haven’t had the pleasure of exploring these vast landscapes, a viewing of his work is undoubtedly the next best thing.”

Simon explains, “I feel I have a strong bond with the landscape we live in and I try to re ect that in my art.

The joy of painting is the learning, and after 45 years of working in oils, it is pleasing to know that the learning never ends.”

Exhibition held at Artizan Gallery & Café, 7 Lucius Street, Torquay TQ2 5UW  art-hub.co.uk/july20 ¢ For more information: juliebrandon@artizangallery.co.uk 07522 509642. artizan gallery.co.uk

Young Photographers - Lockdown Life At the start of the year, the Royal Photographic Society South West Branch held their biennial exhibition at Torre Abbey. The exhibition featured over 50 stunning images from local talented photographers.

In conjunction with this exhibition, a ‘Young People’s Photography’ competition has now been launched.

Young photographers are being encouraged to take fun, emotional or inspiring pictures that show how they and their families (and even their pets) have adapted to make the most of lockdown life. The photography competition is open for entries until Monday 31 August to anyone under the age of 18. The Royal Photographic Society South West branch and a member of the Torre Abbey team will judge all entries. The best pictures will be displayed in a virtual gallery during lockdown, and at Torre Abbey later in the year. The overall winner will receive a Family Membership to Torre Abbey and a selection of prizes from the Royal Photographic Society. Photos can be taken on any device and can be colour, black & white or feature special effects.

Full entry terms and conditions can be found on Torre Abbey’s website. ¢

 torre-abbey.org.uk

June/July 2020 | 39

In the Spotlight Coronavirus Helpline Volunteer

BOB WARD

Until a few weeks ago 67-year-old Bob Ward was enjoying delivering Mercedes vehicles all over the UK. Then when he was furloughed, he was determined to help others.

Here is his story.

T

he alarm goes off around 6 am, which is late compared to when I ran my butcher’s shop, Save on Meats in Reddenhill Road, Babbacombe. Then it was 4am, six days a week, come rain or shine, but I sold that in March 2019 and went into phase one of my retirement.

Today, like every day, starts with a good walk with my two little dogs Dolly the Shih Tzu and Bonny, the Pommy-pug cross, which I like to get in before the distractions begin. A quick stroll from home in Torwood Gardens Road, into the park and then back home for a shave, shower and a bit of breakfast.

By 7.30 am I am outside Morrisons in Paignton picking up yet another delivery provided today by the staff themselves. Amazing. I fill up the Beemer, slide back the roof and head back to Torquay, heading for Eat that Frog Community Kitchen.

As soon as I was stepped down from my job for Snows in Exeter, I found that for the first time in my life I had time on my hands. I just knew I had to do something so I began filling in forms to volunteer. The first was on day one of the nationwide appeal for volunteers, but that led to nothing and I was losing time. I was itching to get started.

More form filling and phone calls followed, and the fist volunteering opportunity came through the Torbay Community Coronavirus Helpline – a young lady called Tara Acton called to ask me to walk a dog for an older lady in lockdown. I jumped at the chance, but unfortunately the dog was ill, so it didn’t work out.

Days passed and I as champing at the bit when I received a call from a young friend of the family who works for Colgate and was offering some of her samples

40 | June/July 2020

to anyone who could make use of them. I was in the car like a shot and over to Teignmouth to pick up thousands of tubes. I offered them to the Crafty Fox Food Hub in Foxhole for their food parcels with the balance going to Eat that Frog.

It seemed like a small thing, but the smiles on the faces of the people who were putting together the food parcels said it all. I knew I wanted to do more, so I began pestering Tara for further tasks.

I also saw that Eat that Frog were in need of help preparing meals to be delivered to vulnerable people and I jumped at the chance. But there was a problem – they needed help peeling potatoes and I must admit I have never ever peeled a spud in my life and needed an urgent lesson from my wife Sue before starting.

Three bags of spuds and three hours later, I had rough, freezing cold hands and a determination to source an automated potato peeler* for them and when I got home that night I put a fundraiser up on Facebook to pay for it. As far as I was concerned it could not come too soon – my hands hurt In addition to the spuds, I helped make bread and butter pudding (which I don’t even like), but they are a great team and we all get along really well (socially distanced of course). We get the job done.

I have also hooked up with a lovely lady called Rita – doing a bit of shopping here and there picking up prescriptions from Croft Road – I was there before it opened one morning and joined a queue to get in. The only person I spoke to was the person coming out, due to the ‘two in the shop’ rule. It was all very subdued.

But Rita soon put a smile back on my face, she is so

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

Lockdown Heroes

r

grateful for all the smallest of things being done for her, but it is the least any of us can do. I am now working my way through her front and back gardens, tidying up, a bit of weeding, a bit of grass cutting.

I have seen people speechless at the kindnesses they are experiencing and I have seen tears and smiles. A lot of smiles. It is lovely to see the community coming together, and the people who are organising it all are doing a fantastic job on the logistics.

When I am not heading out for individuals who urgently need things, I am driving one of the vans and moving food around from the supermarkets to the food banks, whatever is needed.

Then it is home to lockdown with my wife Susan. We always go for a walk early evening, just us and the dogs before settling down to a game of backgammon or the lastest boxset on Netflix. Then it is off to bed by 10pm where I quickly fall asleep and dream quite often. About what? That would be telling.

I am loving doing the variety of jobs and being of some use to the community at this difficult time. One thing is for sure spare time is not a problem any more. I haven’t got any. And it has made me realise, that even then I get back to work and things begin to return to whatever normal is, I will continue to volunteer, I will always find time for that.

PS - The potato rumbler/peeler has now been installed englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

at Eat that Frog having been collected from Exmouth for a knockdown price, once the seller knew where it was going; it has been serviced by Bob’s son Elliot. He is now asking friends and relatives to help pay for a fruit dehydrator which comes in at £795 + VAT. ¢

Did You Know?

The Torbay Community Coronavirus Helpline has answered 7,500 calls for advice and practical assistance. It is operated by a group of organisations from the charity and voluntary sector in the Bay including the Torbay Community Development Trust, Brixham Does Care, Age UK Torbay, Healthwatch Torbay, Ageing Well Torbay, Citizens Advice Torbay, the Torbay Advice Network, Homemaker Southwest and What’s Your Problem, all working alongside Torbay Council and the Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust.

The Torbay Helpline number is: 01803 446022 and is currently open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 9.30am-12.30pm.

June/July 2020 | 41

Lockdown Heroes

Jenny’s Role Swap Jenny King is normally a Community Nursery Nurse caring for mothers and babies in her job at the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. Now she has temporarily swapped roles to support the pandemic response.

D

espite knowing nothing about the job, Jenny agreed to become a support worker helping vulnerable adults shielding at home due to the pandemic. She has found it completely different to her normal job, but very rewarding.

She says, “I knew that in this time of need I wanted to be of help to those who needed it the most.”

Jenny was trained and initially assigned mentors to visit older people at home, those with underlying and complex health conditions and at the end of their lives. She said it felt very alien to be learning about vital signs, catheter care and end of life support. This contrasted with breastfeeding support, childhood development and maternal mental health issues in her permanent job.

But she said the challenge and opportunity to help was exciting and something she looked forward to despite lacking experience of any kind of personal care work. Jenny was made to feel welcome and was well supported by the team.

She reveals, “The thought of visiting clients with serious health conditions and end of life care absolutely terrified me.”

Within a few days she was providing support in all tasks, from giving strip washes, cleaning dentures and providing clients with meals.

She explains, “I shadowed my mentor Karen who guided me gently in new and sensitive situations, always asking

Jenny and community team member Jayne Knott-McAuley

42 | June/July 2020

if I was comfortable. It’s not easy to experience end of life care and know what to say and do! I never felt pressured to do anything above my own capabilities, and when I felt ready, we worked as a team with her giving direction where I needed it.’’

She is enjoying the variety in the job and has been inspired to learn more about supporting her new colleagues who she calls incredible workers.

She says, “It’s not an easy job, and they do not always get the credit they deserve. They go above and beyond to provide exceptional care and support to those who would without them, not be able to stay in their own homes.”

Jenny discovered that however a client may feel or act, she and her colleagues are the consistent factor and offer the support vulnerable adults need to feel safe.

She tells us, “I will never forget the first time someone held my hand tight and thanked me for cleaning them or for making them a cup of tea. It might not always be a long visit, but its value is unmeasurable.”

Jenny won’t forget her lockdown experience, “Every patient I have had the pleasure of meeting leaves an imprint. I can be a smile to someone who needs it, a companion to the lonely and provide dignity and comfort during the hardest times. I never expected to feel so valued and respected in the job, both by clients, families and more than anything the incredible rapid response team who have led by example - especially my mentors Jayne and Karen.”

Jenny looks forward to returning to her old job, supporting families with young children but adds, “This new job has opened my eyes to a whole new look at life and how the NHS can support people in the most amazing ways. I feel honoured to work for our wonderful NHS in a time of crisis.”

Three of her nursery nurse colleagues are also working on the community support service - Clare McNulty, Janice Tully and Billie Beesley. ¢

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

Mother & Daughter

Lockdown Heroes

Trainee Nurses A mother and daughter who are training together to be fully qualified nurses have volunteered to support patients during the pandemic.

E

mma Scott and her daughter Pollyanna Halliwell, both Student Nurses with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, jumped at the chance to help out in the fight against COVID-19. They found themselves on the frontline unexpectedly while on the final year of their nursing degrees with Plymouth University, on their way to becoming Registered Nurses.

Pollyanna, who has a daughter aged six, is currently working on Ainslie Ward in Torbay Hospital and Emma is currently in Newton Abbot Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) (both run by the Trust) after the university agreed to place final year students in clinical settings to support the NHS in the current climate of global pandemic. Not only are they training together but live together and support each other along with Emma’s husband, son and granddaughter.

Emma and Pollyanna said, “When the call came in from the university asking for volunteer students to support the NHS during the pandemic there was no hesitation in our house - we were more than ready. We are now both placed within the Trust completing our training whilst supporting the NHS.” Emma has worked for the Trust for over 15 years in a variety of settings, but prior to student life was working in the MIU at Newton Abbot Community hospital as a Health Care Assistant. She subsequently gained her Assistant Practitioner qualification, before joining the Trust’s nursing apprenticeship scheme.

Emma joined the apprenticeship (enabling her to work for the Trust while training) without hesitation and was one of six successful applicants able to join the second year of the BSc Adult Nursing Degree. The degree is taught by Plymouth University at their new Exeter campus which resulted in Emma and her daughter and being in the same cohort.

Emma, who wants to continue to work in the MIU once she has finished her apprenticeship, said, “It has not only been a huge learning opportunity but to be able to embark on the journey with my daughter was amazing. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Support for each other brought us closer with a better understanding of each other and how we manage change and stress. To go through the training together and complete a degree as mother and daughter with over a 20year age gap has shown strengths and weakness on both sides – I understand how the Trust runs and increased my clinical skills and knowledge. While Pollyanna has more recent study experience than me and is more confident with the academic side.”

Emma encourages anyone to take an apprenticeship, “To have been given the chance of gaining my degree with the support of the Trust has been a great opportunity.

Without it I would never have got this far. I cannot thank the Trust enough.”

Emma and her husband have supported Pollyanna with childcare during her study time. Pollyanna, is currently enjoying orthopaedics and would like to continue once qualified. She previously worked in care homes after leaving school, beginning her ‘love for caring’. She began her BSc Nursing degree after an access course at South Devon College. In 2017 she joined the first cohort of student nurses at Exeter School of Nursing Campus.

She said, “Doing my degree alongside being a mum has been challenging but also very rewarding. In September 2018 when I was going into the second year my mum also joined my cohort on the degree course. She has helped support me and advise me along the way. For us both to be on the journey of reaching our passion in life in becoming registered nurses is amazing and I couldn’t imagine doing it without her.” ¢ June/July 2020 | 43

All your Bays Favourites now available delivered to your door! shop online at:

shop.baysbrewery.co.uk

For 35% off your beer and cider, use the discount code LOYALTY35

Try me, I’m new...

f baysbrewery t @baysbrewery Our beers are also availabe for collection from our Brewery Shop in Aspen Way, Paignton TQ4 7QR Call us now to place your order 01803 555004 - Open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri - Social distancing rules apply!

er m g m din ck Su d to Be n S I

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

Visit our garden centre for flowers, shrubs, herbs and veg plants Opening Hours - Farm Shop: Mon – Sat 9am - 4pm, Sun 10am – 3pm Garden Centre: Every day 10am – 3pm Hand car wash on site - have your car washed while you shop!

Local Delivery Available (minimum order value £25)

GREAT SELECTION OF TOP QUALITY BBQ FAVOURITES Shop Local & Support Your Local Farmers!

FIND US just before the Cayman Golf Dartmouth Road, nr Brixham TQ5 0LL FIND OUT MORE 01803 845837 churstontraditionalfarmshop.org.uk 44 | June/July 2020

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

Food and Drink

Bringing the beers...

The team at Bays, the well-loved local brewery based in Paignton has succeeded in repurposing its route to market during the Covid-19 crisis.

A

t the time of lockdown in mid March, the government closed all bars and restaurants, giving the team at Bays (along with many others in the community) a big headache.

Ever since they started the family business over 13 years ago they’ve championed the need to support local. They’ve been involved with many popular local events and have raised funds for a number of charities notably including wildlife charity Paignton Zoo. Without warning, the team suddenly found themselves with 100,000 pints of beer with a limited shelf life and no route to market. They did what they do best and reached out to the local community with a home delivery service and a series of “once in a lifetime” discounted prices. Admin staff and delivery drivers were trained in compliance with Covid-19 hygiene procedures and they were soon ready to roll.

What happened next was overwhelming to the team as the people of Torbay and Devon responded in their droves, ordering their favourite Bays beers. On offer were Devon Rock Lager (4.5%), Devon Dumpling (5.1%), Gold (4.3%), Topsail (4%), Windfall Cider (4.7%) and Hunts Cider (4.8%). Soon the distinctive Bays vans could be spotted trundling around the whole of Devon and the doorstep delivery service was in full swing.

The community loved the new service and drivers were being welcomed with friendly signs and even cupcakes left out for them. Happy drinkers were soon sending in photos of their lockdown-selves enjoying Bays brews englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

at home, and many of these have appeared on the Bays Facebook pages.

Initially, the service was managed via emails to the Bays HQ but by early May the Bays team had set up a brandnew online shop offering bottled beers and cider plus 18 or 36 pint beer boxes. Later they added other popular local tipples like Sharpham wines, Devon-made gins, Devon rums and Devon vodkas. The team has also been very supportive of other local businesses, working closely with Caterfood and other food delivery services.

As the lockdown eases slightly, we’ve seen Broadsands Bistro serving draught Devon Rock to take away, socially distant Bays beer with pizza at Shoreline on Paignton Beach and many more. Of course we’ve been blessed with truly amazing spring weather and Bank Holidays so beer sales have been soaring and Bays Windfall Cider as well as Hunt’s Misty Maid Cider (which Bays are selling alongside their own) have been hugely popular too.

Everything that Bays and their partners have done has been very carefully thought-out to ensure that hygiene and social distancing is fully maintained at all times. It’s actually been very refreshing (in more ways than one) to see how they’ve risen to the lockdown challenge, protected their own business and supported many others along the way. Bravo Bays! ¢  baysbrewery.co.uk June/July 2020 | 45

Astrantia major ‘Alba’

Mr Fox’s Garden In this issue Mr Fox brings us Mrs Fox’s favourite flowers, gardening jobs to do in June & July plus tips on bringing the outdoors inside.

Apologies if my column in the last issue sounded a little out of touch. I was saying something along the lines of how gardening is one of the most important jobs and how we can all be a tad underappreciated. Little did I know that by the time people would be reading the page, the whole country would be in a state of lockdown with only the most essential people working. It’s been rather surreal.

I write the column a few weeks before it goes to print and then there’s the time before people pick up their copy.

As I write this, it’s business as usual, albeit in a semilockdown state and social distancing measures are very much in place. Almost all shows, events and gatherings have been cancelled and no one seems to really know what day it is.

The last event I remember celebrating was VE day; there’s no way on earth that could be cancelled. Lots of people on our street had a picnic in their own front garden, waving over to one another; it was great to mark the occasion. There aren’t many garden-related stories from the wartime era, but one story I do know is that of the world’s most famous rose.

Back in 1939 in France, Francis Meilland developed an everso-slightly abnormal rose, beautiful and never seen before; it was a mutation in nature. Knowing that the future was uncertain and that a Nazi invasion was on the cards, he sent cuttings to friends all around the world, apparently on the

last plane to the U.S before French occupation began and communication was severed. Meilland’s rose farm had been turned into a food growing farm.

Years later the growers who received a cutting finally got together. Meillands rose had been given four different names! A single name was needed; Meillard wrote and asked Field Marshal Alan Brooke if he would give his name to the rose. Brooke declined, saying that it was an honour but one day his name would be gone and forgotten. He suggested that a much better name for the rose would be ‘Peace’. The Peace rose was officially named on 29 April 1945, the day Berlin fell.

From the sales of the rose, Meillard managed to rebuild his farm and the Peace rose went on to become the world’s bestselling rose. Just think - from that one tiny seed, over 150 million roses have been grown and sold. It’s a brilliant story every child and school should be told. It’s also a brilliant rose and every rose garden should have one.

Well, keep digging, keep growing and keep going.

All the best

James

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 46 | June/July 2020

Mr Fox

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

Gardens

Mrs Fox's Favourites I have chosen these flowers, as favourites for this time of the year, as they involve quick tasks that could easily be uplifting, especially in these uncertain times when we are working from home or self-isolating.

Being stuck indoors If you’re stuck indoors, flowers can really lift your mood. A lot of people have an orchid that’s finished flowering and starting to look sorry for itself. If you cut the stem back, this will encourage the orchid to flower again. If the stem is still green, cut it back to just above a visible joint (or node). If the stem has turned brown, remove it at the base.

Bringing the outdoors inside Now, more than ever, we need cheerful flowers with uplifting scents; sweet peas deliver both. They are really easy to grow from seed but it’s too late to sow them for this year. However, you can prepare a pot of seeds in a few minutes. Simply fill a small pot with compost and pop in your seeds, pushing them about 5mm into the compost. Position them somewhere bright and keep the compost moist. You’ll soon have seedlings to plant out in the garden. The best part about sweet peas is the more you pick to bring indoors and enjoy, the more they flower. The scent of Sweet Pea ‘Mataucana’ is amazing and is considered the most sweetly scented of all heirloom sweet peas.

Sow some quick flowering seed Californian Poppies are beautiful and can flower with in six weeks of being sown. They come in a variety of colour and forms; the classic orange is still a firm favourite of mine. Have a look on the web at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve; I would love to go there and see the array of flowers.

Eschscholzia californica (Californian Poppies)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Wisteria Pruning Prune your wisteria twice a year and you will get a higher flowering potential.

Summer pruning of wisteria encourages the development of short-flowering spurs that will carry the long racemes of bloom in spring.

Cut back the whippy green shoots of the current year’s growth to five or six leaves after flowering in July or August. Then, cut back the same growths to two or three buds in January or February (when the plant is dormant and leafless).

During early training of young wisteria plants, select a few strong shoots to tie into wires or trellis. Once you have created these, you can prune any side shoots back to this framework.

Jobs to do in the garden in June & July Snipping, spraying and supporting • • • • • • • • •

Snip off and spray your roses Protect ripe fruits from ravenous pests Plant out tender vegetables Start feeding and pinch out tomatoes Feed your baskets and containers Insert supports as needed Lift tulip bulbs Prune wisteria in July Snip, sow and dry herbs.

Offering Support A wide range of plants, whether it’s newly planted trees, sweet peas or flopping perennials, need some form of support to keep them healthy and looking their best. You can support different plants in the garden in different ways. We obviously stock a great range but there’s also very simple ways to make homemade supports, some ideas are hazel/brushwood stakes, canes (bamboo) and supports made from old prunings. ¢ June/July 2020 | 47

BusinessBreaks... BusinessBreaks... Bu Bay Deliveries Launch If you’ve been looking for a one-stop, reliable and easy-touse delivery service where you can get all your favourite local food products plus those essential big brands, then look no further. Bay Deliveries is a new online grocery store conceived along the lines of Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Ocado but which also has a strong focus on local food & drink. Best of all, delivery slots are now available in Torquay, Preston & Paignton and they are rapidly expanding their delivery area. Local resident and Bay Deliveries Operations Manager Adam Cliff says, “You just order and pay on our super-easy-to-use website, pick a suitable 2-hour delivery slot and everything you need for the week is done.” There is a secure delivery service for elderly and vulnerable customers with a password system, and family and friends can manage the order if needed.

Local produce includes Halletts bread and cakes, Bays beers, Bakers fresh meat, Kingfisher fresh fish, Quickes Cheese, Sharpham wine, fresh fruit and vegetables – but you can also order your loo rolls, washing powder, toiletries and healthcare items, frozen foods, childcare

48 | June/July 2020

products, disposable BBQs, pet food and lots more. Any additional local suppliers are invited to get in touch. ¢  baydeliveries.co.uk Adam Cliff - Bay Deliveries

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

.. BusinessBreaks... BusinessBreaks...

Antiviral Fogging We have seen many examples of well-established local businesses changing and updating their services in response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Local business Cleaning Doctor run by Martin and Tricia Bailey has recently invested in training, equipment and solutions in order to offer antiviral antimicrobial fogging.

This equipment blows out a fine mist of solution, which reaches all parts of the areas being disinfected. This is being used to safely clean workplaces, schools, crèches and other businesses as they reopen, which is important to give peace of mind and reassurance moving forward.

It is also being used in homes, often where a vulnerable person is returning from hospital. They told us, “We offer this additional fogging service in an honest and ethical way; after all, we want our clients to still be our clients when all this is over. The product we use is certified against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the current Covid-19 pandemic.” Cleaning Doctor also has new procedures in place to carry out normal cleaning of carpets and upholstery in occupied premises as and when restrictions allow. ¢  cleaningdoctor.net

Homes by Appointment Cavanna Homes, the local Torquay homebuilder is offering a fantastic range of new homes for sale close to the fabulous English Riviera. They include Barley Meadow in Dawlish, Lyme View in neighbouring Holcombe and Cavanna @ Wolborough Hill in Newton Abbot. Viewings are presently being arranged by appointment only, so do get in touch if you’d like a viewing. They’re a family firm, founded in Torquay in 1923 and they’ve been building beautiful homes across some of the best locations in the South West for nearly 100 years. They currently hold the national title of Housebuilder of the Year (Medium) and englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

an HBF 5 Star Award, thanks to 100% of buyers saying they’d recommend Cavanna Homes to a family or friend.

Cavanna also has a number of packages to help you move into your dream home as soon as possible, including Help to Buy, Part Exchange and Move Assist. Email info@ cavannahomes.co.uk to book a viewing. ¢  cavannahomes.co.uk

Bay Photonics Bay Photonics has relocated its entire operation into the new Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC) in Paignton. The company is one of the most reputable UK companies in the photonics assembly and packaging sector, with a combined 280 years of experience in the industry. Since its launch in 2007, Bay Photonics (formerly Alpha Contract Engineering) has continued to expand in size and in particular in technical capability.

After five very successful years based in the University of Plymouth Brixham Laboratory, the move into the £8M EPIC facility will increase the already substantial capability with access to an in-house classified cleanroom in addition to over £1.5M of prototyping equipment.

Glenn George, Managing Director at Bay Photonics, said, “The move to EPIC will naturally increase our technical capability, providing us with the opportunity to attract new clients and enter new markets. It also supports our plans, using a substantial Quantum Technology grant recently awarded to us by Innovate UK.” ¢

June/July 2020 | 49

Time to Go Golfing!

Torquay Golf Club with its parkland course and beautiful views has now reopened for members-only play.

EST.

1909

GOLF CLUB

T

he golf club staff and a team of dedicated volunteers are working hard to ensure everyone’s safety so the course and facilities can be enjoyed to the full within the government’s Covid guidelines for golf.

The recently classified England Golf ‘Championship Venue’ course has been maintained throughout lockdown is now in beautiful condition. It’s a wonderful place to spend a few hours in this beautiful weather away from the stresses and strains of daily life.

Covered tees on the practice ground and the putting green are now available with safe sanitising procedures in place. You can brush up your technique with the help of Torquay Golf Club’s PGA professional Dan Hendriksen’s regular vlogs via the YouTube channel at Dan Hendriksen Golf. One-to-one coaching is now available and the club’s pro shop is open for over-the-counter transactions.

New memberships are available with no joining fees applicable at this time including Torquay Golf Club’s innovative ‘Points to Play’ system. Annual packages start from £345 (price rises to £399 from July 1).

Course availability may change on a daily basis, so please check for updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Tee times can be booked online using the BRS booking system – call the office on 01803 314591if you require assistance. ¢  torquaygolfclub.co.uk

England Golf Advice on Play under Covid Rules: • Permitted Groupings from 1st June: 1/2/3 & 4 - balls with players from same or different households observing social distancing rules.

• Flags should remain in holes at all times.

• Under the unlimited exercise guidance from government, there is no ceiling on how many rounds an individual can play while following all the rules. however this may be limited locally subject to availability.

• Juniors and over 70s can play observing social distancing rules. The advice for clinically vulnerable groups remains the same.

50 | June/July 2020

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

THE COMPLETE SERVICE FOR YOUR

WOOD FLOORS

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

Hardwood Flooring Installation - Supply & Fit Service

Parquet

Engineered

Solid

Call today for a FREE, no obligation quote

01803 856666

www.woodfloorsolutions.com FOR ALL YOUR WOOD FLOOR SOLUTIONS

Sandalwood

M RE O O N P D EN AY 22 ING JU N E

For loved ones

Est. 1864

Conroy Couch

ANTIQUE & MODERN • JEWELLERS & PAWNBROKERS 128 Union Street, Torquay TQ2 5QB Tel 01803 292950

19 D VI URE CO SEC