Exeter Living - Issue 242

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property

BOOM N EXETER AND BEYOND TOWEW N

UNIQUE BOUTIQUES ISSUE 242 / SPRING 2019 / MESS UP YOUR LIFE!

WHERE TO BUY YOUR SPRING WARDROBE

THEMES HO ING POPPEAR UP N U YO

ISSUE 242 / SPRING 2019 / £3

SCHOOLS OF LIFE WHAT HAVE EXETER’S PUPILS BEEN GETTING UP TO?

DIRTY WORK

EAT YOURSELF HAPPY AT THE ALL-NEW HUBBOX

PLUS JUDI SPIERS VIRGINIA BAILY LEE HOLMES

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE: Get hungry for

Hubbox, page 38;

BELOW: Ed’s Choice – mum’s

the word, page 28

T

he kids of today, huh? Chopping off their hair for charity, impressing Will-i-am on The Voice UK, winning art competitions, and smashing their exams. Not to mention going on strike to save the planet. Well, frankly, it has to stop. Do they have any idea how bad it’s making their elders look?

If you’d like to feel impressed/sickened by the achivements of local schoolchildren, and their educational establishments, turn to page 45 where we’ve a handy round-up. As for those two scamps on the cover – we sincerely hope they washed their hands before home-time...

Don’t worry, there’s plenty of grown-up stuff within these pages too, not least our verdict on the street food powerhouse that is the new Hubbox, a glimpse into the lives of local luminaries including author Virginia Baily, footballer Lee Holmes and broadcaster Judi Spiers, a bumper property section and a ready-to-go spring fashion shopping list from local fashionistas.

Next issue, we’ll have reams of glittery Exeter Living Awards coverage but, if you can’t wait until then, you can discover who won what right now on page 66.

Until next time!

ANNA BRITTEN Follow us on Twitter @ExeterLiving

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 3

Issue 242/Spring 2019 Cover Maynard School by Matt Austin

upfront

7 Spotlight Juicy morsels of news 11 julie Reid There’s no place she’d rather be 13 JP HEDGE How Ikea’s making his world and yours a

better place

Honeybun, obvs)

17 MY DESK The one, the only Judi Spiers (and Gus

cover feature

45 HOW SCHOOL IS THAT? All the news from local

schools – did we include yours?

the arts

19 INTRO The atmospheric new album from Exeter

musician Grice

20 WHAT’S ON The hottest tickets in art, theatre,

30

music, comedy and more!

24 GINNY’S TONIC Local bestselling author Virginia

63

Baily on her new novel, and what makes her tick

shopping

27 intro Where to find a restored Ercol 28 editor’s choice It’s Mother’s Day – get your

debit card out

30 get it ON Style tips for spring from your

local fashion queens

food & DRINK

38 RESTAURANT Like you, we just had to check out

the new Hubbox...

dAYS OUT

51 THE GREAT ESCAPE Julie Reid has a pleasant

panic at Red House Mysteries

Business

55 business insider The best local biz stories –

plus The Way I See It

Property

63 showcase A converted school house 71 GOING UP New builds special

Regulars

53 society 82 Exeter lives Footballer Lee Holmes

Editor Anna Britten anna.britten@mediaclash.co.uk Managing Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior Art Editor Andrew Richmond Graphic Design Megan Allison Cover Design Trevor Gilham Editor’s Photo Emma Solley Contributors Julie Reid, Roxanne Duris, Kitty Kane Advertising manager Paul Wiltshire paul. wiltshire@mediaclash.co.uk Account managers Paula Miller paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk Carmen Mears carmen.mears@mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy production manager/production designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Exeter Living MediaClash, Circus Mews House, Circus Mews, Bath BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

We’re a Bath-based publisher, creative agency and event organiser Magazines Our portfolio of regional magazines celebrates the best of local living: Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Salisbury. We also publish foodie mag Crumbs (www.crumbsmag.com, @CrumbsMag). Agency From the design and build of websites to digital marketing and creating company magazines, we can help. Events We create, market, promote and operate a wide variety of events both for MediaClash and our clients Contact: info@mediaclash.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I exeter living I 5

Finalists of 2018 & 2019 Exeter Living Awards Gastro Pub of the Year DRINKS - EVENTS - FOOD Cosy Village Pub with a Contemporary Twist.

Mini Pub, Maxi Vibe The Seven Stars, Kennford EX6 7TR www.sevenstarskennford.co.uk 01392 834 887

Café, Pub or Restaurant Manager?

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Our highly-praised workshops are coming to Exeter!

Monday 25th March, Pynes Hill 9.30am: Discover the three holes through which you leak footfall or sales, and a proven formula that provides structure and lifts profits.

2.30pm: Top Ten ways to use the ’Experience-Factor’ to increase profits.

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01392 432643. pirouettethecollection@gmail.com The House That Moved. 24 West Street, Exeter EX1 1BA

spotlight Exeter Living Awards

OH, WHAT A NIGHT!

Tony Rowe

Charity

FOUNDATION YEAR Well done to The Exeter Chiefs Foundation charity, which is celebrating one of its most successful years to date after raising £230,823 – and handing out £217,404 to more than 30 organisations – during 2018.

“I and my fellow trustees never cease to be amazed by the amount of money our supporters raise,” says Exeter Chiefs Foundation chairman Tony Rowe.

“We have touched hundreds of lives through our joint endeavours and that is something everyone that has played a part should be proud of.”

Says fellow trustee, celebrity chef Michael Caines MBE: “As a local lad who has been involved in the Foundation from day one, to see so much money being raised and then shared amongst local charities makes me very proud.”

The charity’s mission is to ‘make Exeter a greater place to live for all its citizens’.

Since inception, it has raised more than £1m and helped over 80 projects, charities and organisations.

For more: www.exeterchiefsfoundation.org.uk

The highlyanticipated list of Exeter Living Awards winners was revealed earlier this month at another sell-out Awards celebration, held at The Great Hall on 7 March.

Congratulations to all The glittering the worthy winners at ceremony this year’s Awards! formed part of an evening long on celebration Group, Exeter College, Ashley House, and deep on emotion, and was Triangle Networks, and Warwick supported by a stellar line-up of Event Services. sponsors from across Exeter.

Silver Sponsors include The We’ll have bumper coverage of the Oddfellows, Premier Financial überglam event next issue – pages Planning, Mercure Hotels and The and pages and pages of glamour and Exeter. excitement! In the meantime, there’s Huge congratulations to all the a round-up of winners on page 66. worthy winners and fantastic finalists, Unprecedented support saw the as well as all those businesses who following sponsors aligning their attended, for making this year’s brand with the event: Platinum Awards such a truly special event.

Sponsor Jelf, along with category And next year? It’ll be happening sponsors Princesshay, Visit Exeter, all over again, in April 2020… Watch Energy Hair, Exeter Live Better, this space!

Cathedral Appointments, Crumbs, MediaClash, WBW Solicitors, For more: www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk Wilkinson Grant & Co, Dana Twitter: @ExeterLivingAwd Mulligan PR & Marketing, Old Mill

Community

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

Exeter Library has joined the fight against hygiene poverty.

Along with Barnstaple Library and Paignton Library it will become an official ‘Beauty Spot’, a donation point for Beauty Banks, the social enterprise that collects personal hygiene and beauty products for redistribution to charities.

“This joint partnership means that we can reach out to even more people when they are at their most vulnerable and provide them with essential products that they simply cannot afford themselves,” says Joanne Launder of Libraries Unlimited.

“In our experience, library users are kind, supportive and generous. Everyone deserves

to be able to access and use personal hygiene products.”

Adds Jo Jones, the beauty PR who co-founded Beauty Banks last year with journalist Sali Hughes: “This is a partnership made in heaven for us. We haven’t been able to reach this part of the country very much because of the cost of delivering our donations. So having donation hubs in Devon that allow locals to donate and then for those donations to stay local is the perfect scenario.”

Daily essentials that are always needed are: shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, disposable razors, travel-size shampoo and body wash, sanitary pads, men’s grooming products, face wash, baby products and make-up. All products should be unused and unopened for health and safety reasons.

For more: www.librariesunlimited.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I exeter living I 7

spotlight Fitness

KEEP ON RUNNING…

MY EXETER MARATHON DIARY University of Exeter student Tom Lambert, 20, is training for the Exeter Live Better Marathon, sponsored by Tozers which takes place on 19 May – and it’s not the only CITY Community Trust-organised event he’s taking on this year – next up is the Granite Way on 24 March The weather’s picked up a lot recently so I’m starting to explore some trails in Dartmoor National Park. It keeps it fun and fresh finding new places to run that I haven’t been before. However, the only things that won’t make you feel fresh are the hills! I climbed more altitude in my single long run on Dartmoor then I have done on my previous few weeks in Exeter!

As it gets closer to race date, I thought I would experiment with a new pair of trainers. I’ve seen lots of runners recently in the new ‘On Cloudflow’ trainers on so I thought I would give them a try. In my initial week of training in them, they’ve felt incredibly quick and comfortable shown by the fact I came close to my Parkrun PB last time out. My one concern moving forward is the design doesn’t look the most durable... but time will tell.

With a decent few months of consistent training under my belt, I’m really starting to feel some strength in my legs. One thing that I’ve definitely learnt from this training experience is that as long as you’re having fun and being consistent, the improvements will just look after themselves.

On my playlist this week: This is America by Childish Gambino For more www.exetercitycommunitytrust.co.uk/running-events

SEVEN DEADLY SINS In our regular mini Q&A with visiting and local performers, LEE NELSON bares his wicked soul

SLOTH: What should you be really putting your back into right now?

LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today?

The people who design mobile phone chargers. I’ve got 32 cables in my bag, none of them seem to fit my phone.

I’ve been on tour so long I’m up for anyone to be honest. I’m staying in hotel rooms night after night. They’re lonely places with a lot of pay-per-view channels.

GREED: What should you be cutting down on (non-food and drink!)

I started vaping to give up the ciggies but now I probably hit the vapes too hard – I’m a 20-vape-a-day man.

GLUTTONY: What one thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst?

Sambuca, the perfect drink for any time of day. Six litres is my personal best but I’d like to see how far I can push that.

8 I exeter living I www.mediaclash.co.uk

My answers to these questions, I’m hardly giving them a moment’s thought.

WRATH: What/who makes you angry?

ENVY: Who are you jealous of ?

People without children. They’ve got more money, more free time and less names to remember.

PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement?

I once lasted with a girl for an hour and three minutes. I was cheating a little bit, it was the night the clocks went forward.

Lee Nelson: Serious Joker comes to Exeter Northcott on 6 April; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

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OPINION JULIE REID

Cake by the ocean Julie is worried she might have come across a bit negative last issue…

E

xeter is a lovely city. It’s easy to access, has a good variety of shops, a mixture of local businesses and chain stores, yet it’s pretty compact and simple to navigate. The city has a cosy airport, an exceptional hospital, a top-ranking university, outstanding schools, a lovely museum and cathedral, and one of the narrowest streets in the world.

You can spend sunny days by the quay eating at the many restaurants and cafes, kayaking or paddleboarding, cycling or jogging.

Then you have a variety of pretty seaside towns within half an hour’s drive to go and enjoy – Topsham, Lympstone, Exmouth, Budleigh, Ladram, Sidmouth, Shaldon, Dawlish, Teignmouth – each with a different feel to them.

Exmouth has its wide open sandy front, great for water sports with the captivating Orcombe Point at one end and the marina at the other, Topsham is quaint and chic, and Lympstone even

“The South West still feels as though it has its own separate identity, its un-infiltrated calmness and uniqueness”

quainter. Shaldon has its unique tunnel beach and its pretty riverfront houses, Teignmouth and Dawlish their seafront railway, Budleigh its smooth pebbled beach and Sidmouth its grand Victorian hotels.

Another great thing about Exeter is that it’s far enough west to not have become just another suburb of London – it feels far enough away to be disconnected.

The home counties have been swallowed up by Greater London, Reading is just like a London borough, it’s hard to judge where London ends and the surrounding towns begin, even as far as coastal areas like Brighton.

The South West still feels as though it has its own separate identity, its un-infiltrated calmness and uniqueness.

Every time I go to London now I’m eager to get back to the cleaner air, uncrowded streets and less rushed pace of life down in Devon, and when the spring sunshine eventually breaks through the heavy, grey cloud that’s been hovering above us for so many months, that’s when the South West really becomes its most enticing.

As we start to venture into our gardens, and gradually begin to make use of all the outdoor activities and beautiful open spaces again, that’s when we can really feel smug about living

by the sea. Sitting down to an open air afternoon tea with a sea view while the kids are amusing themselves on the beach, you can’t help feeling deluxe. Dining alfresco, especially when it’s cake, in the sun, is one of life’s great joys, and with a backdrop of the shiny blue sea and pretty thatched cottages you realise that living by the ocean has that extra dimension of beauty.

Some of my friends live in picturesque villages in Surrey, and the Cotswolds, but however scenic the area, they cannot look at the view of the sea stretching out to the horizon, a constantly changing mass of volatile shimmer.

There are times when I’ve been swimming in the sea in Devon in June wearing only a bikini and it feels like I’m in the Med – the water is a glassy turquoise, I can see fish swimming because it’s so clear and as the tourist season has yet to begin there’s very few people around. Sometimes a yacht will be anchored up giving me a photo opportunity so I can fool everyone on Instagram that I’m in Santorini – but I’m also half believing it myself… ■ Julie Reid is a photographer/writer and London exile who moved to Sidmouth with her two children and rock star husband. Instagram: @londondevongirl

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 11

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OPINION JP HEDGE

Wake up and smell the meatballs JP is in a serious relationship with Exeter’s Ikea

A

few weeks ago I had a curry with my dad in the kitchen showroom of Ikea. It turns out that among the dozens of models on display, there is one with a cooker that works.

It’s the latest twist in my relationship with the Exeter store, in which I get more and more impressed with what they are doing.

My parents moved into a house next to Ikea. And I mean NEXT to Ikea – you can smell the meatballs. My folks lived in the same Victorian house in the quietest road in Torquay for over 30 years. We ended up moving them to Exeter just before Ikea’s bonkers-busy opening weekend.

My parents adore Ikea – the store is a great neighbour and I honestly wasn’t sure if it would be.

I was lucky enough to visit Ikea being built through my work at the council and have a good nose

“Whilst desperately trying not to sound too sanctimonious, little steps are beginning to have an impact in the Hedge household”

around. Trinity Primary School, just down the road from the big blue box, formed a friendship with the management, and they generously helped to kit out the school with all kinds of things.

I helped with their cultural launch events in the city centre last summer, and children from Trinity sang Christmas carols in store last December.

Harry, my six-year-old, ended up on Chris Evans’ radio show on the day of opening, proudly boasting of the chance to join the class in opening “a furniture shop”, before telling listeners he was helping because the Queen was pregnant and couldn’t do it herself.

The reason I was sat with my dad in Ikea’s kitchen, amusing onlookers, was their ‘Live Lagom’ project. It’s a community-powered philosophy around just using the right amount of what you need – and leaving the rest for future generations. I love the idea of living more sustainably. It’s putting that into action I sometimes have difficulty with.

For a year now I have been working around the Exeter Live Better campaign and inclusive growth – the ambition for a better life for everyone. So I was really interested in Ikea’s pilot movement and seeing if there was a link, especially around sustainability.

The demonstration involved two dishes being prepared in a pressure

cooker via an induction hob – food planning for the week with a minimum of energy and waste being produced. It really captured the imagination of the guests – who are already doing a host of things to try to minimise their impact on the planet, which in this case is their neighbourhood in Exeter.

The main takeaway – other than the leftover curry – was that small steps are just fine.

My family are now down to one car, and I cycle into the city as much as I can. It’s not always possible, and I think that is fine.

I really wanted an allotment to grow more food, but I just wouldn’t have the time to devote to it, so I’ve reclaimed the space from shrubs outside my house and I’m growing in an urban environment.

Whilst desperately trying not to sound too sanctimonious, little steps are beginning to have an impact in the Hedge household. A big thanks to the staff at Ikea for all the work they are doing – they are the ‘brilliant alternative’ when it comes to being neighbours, and it sounds like there is lots more to come. ■ Jon-Paul Hedge is a director at Exeter City Council where he currently looks after tourism, communications and culture. He is a former newspaper editor and lives in the city with his wife and two young children. www.exeter.gov.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 13

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straight

Talking Hair

Y

with Aimee Goodwin, top stylist at Jeff goodwin hair

ay! March is here and with it the first signs of spring, which, incidentally, means that your hair should start to grow a bit quicker. Well, that is the official line anyway. According to research, hair grows faster in the spring and summer than in the autumn and winter, and apparently, faster in the night time than in the day.

Of course, what has been scientifically proved and what seems to be the case in everyday life are often different. I have recently had a lot of clients in my chair whose hair seems to have put on a real spurt in the winter months, belying that fact. Unless, of course, they’ve had especially long nights at the same time!

But never mind the science, what really happens is that one part of your hair always grows faster than every other part. That is the bit that gets on your nerves the most, the fringe that is soon in your eyes or that annoying “sticky out” bit

behind your ear! Officially, hair grows on average around a centimetre a month but, secretly, it doesn’t subscribe to averages, it has an annoying life of its own. If you are trying to grow it long, it takes forever, if you have your hair coloured, your roots will seem to grow a centimetre in two weeks. Sometimes it hardly grows for six weeks, so you look at it, think it’s OK and postpone your appointment, but it’s just trying to trick you. It will then grow an inch overnight and be completely impossible to manage the next day, so you phone to reinstate your original appointment and find that it’s been taken and you’ve got to wait three weeks to get another one! As your hair is the accessory you wear every day, this never a good thing.

On the bright side though, a bit of spring sunshine combined with hair’s little foibles will keep you happy, and us nice and busy! n

Aimee G

For appointments with Aimee call: 01392 219855. For further info visit: www.jeffgoodwinhair.co.uk For careers, e-mail: salon@jeffgoodwinhair.co.uk

PEOPLE St Ives harbour. I like to imagine that is me and my late brother Stephen standing at the railings as we often did. And a photo of mum and dad doing just that, as they did all day, in between serving customers in their shop just opposite Me and Michael Caine in the Pebble Mill days; with Titchmarsh on the front of Radio Times when we first started; and a panto bill from my first panto

My beautiful boy, Eddie.

Born feral in a field. I lost him aged 19, three years ago, and can’t get another

MY DESK

Very proud of the first hat I have ever made with my friend, master milliner Janet Williams

JUDI SPIERS

D

Landline.

Can’t get a mobile signal here!

Gus Honeybun.

Always looking to muscle in on any event I am asked to open. He’s helping this year with Hospiscare’s Open Gardens

From my old friend Lynda La Plante who I read an audiobook for a couple of years back

I always take my jewellery off when I come in

Rather than rip up a sloping floor, I came up with the idea of fitting shoes to the chair!

Music scores for the Big Noise Chorus and Ide Village Choir

evon media legend Judi Spiers is a “lazy cow.”

Her words! Not ours! You see, her office contains a “linking door to our bedroom… so I can almost fall out of bed straight to work in my pyjamas!”

Surrounded by woodland and organic farmland just outside Exeter, Judi’s workspace is as tranquil as you’d expect: “The local bull is a bit noisy and we can hear the odd cockerel and church bells, but that’s about it!”

Her husband, furniture maker Richard Hacker, owner of Feelgood Furniture, made this desk, where she works every day, writing for various publications and lending a hand to numerous local charities. As well as being a radio/TV presenter and writer, Judi also enjoys a spot of jewellery design: “I’m always sending designs into the Michael Spiers workshop. The company was started by my late brother Michael and is now run by my brother-in-law Keith and Michael’s son Adam.”

It’s all under the watchful eye of Gus Honeybun, of course… ■

For more: www.judispiers.biz

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 17

the arts s n a p s h o t s o f e x e t e r ’ s c u lt u r a l l i f e

HOUSE MUSIC This is not the scene of a grisly murder (as far as we know...) but Swanston House, a crumbling Georgian house in Chudleigh where Exeter-based art-rock/avantpop musician Grice lived 20 years ago.

While under its perilous-looking roof, Grice made a series of field recordings – of the dawn chorus, birdsong and thunderstorms – which he’s now put to use in new concept album One Thousand Birds, out on 22 March. There’s also a contribution from prog legend Richard Barbieri of Japan/Porcupine Tree fame.

“A sweet winter’s symphony for the unconsoled,” is how Grice describes the end result, which was recorded at Sound Gallery Studios in Exeter, and at Forward Studios in Rome, before being released on Exeter-based indie label Hungersleep. It’s powerful and mesmerising stuff. Partial to the likes of Nils Frahm and Ólafur Arnalds? Pause, and give this a spin… www.gricemusic.co.uk www.hungersleepproductions.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I exeter living I 19

What’s on 15 March – 15 April

The kids take over Exeter Racecourse on 9 April...

EXHIBITIONS Until 17 March

CRIMINAL ORNAMENTATION Contemporary art focussed on patterns, selected by Yinka Shonibare, from the Arts Council Collection, one of the most important collections of British modern and contemporary art in the world.

RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.exeter.gov.uk/ramm

Until 18 April

TONY HUSBAND: 35 YEARS OF PRIVATE EYE Exclusive exhibition of the multiaward-winning cartoonist’s work for Private Eye. Exeter Library, Castle Street, Exeter; www.librariesunlimited.org.uk

Until 21 April

JACQUI HALLUM: BERBER CARPET Paintings on cotton sheets by the

Slade alumnus, which are inspired by medieval woodcuts, tarot cards and Art Nouveau children’s book illustrations among other things, and exhibited here alongside antique Berber rugs.

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Olive Wharry, illustrator Kate Greenaway and leading horse painter Lucy Kemp-Welch, whose In Sight – Lord Dundonald’s Dash on Ladysmith is on public display for the first time in decades.

RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.exeter.gov.uk/ramm

30 March-2 June

Until 27 April

23 March-6 May

WESC WEEKEND ART SHOW Paintings from around 60 emerging and established South West artists, available at affordable prices in aid of the WESC Foundation.

WESC Foundation, Topsham Rd, Exeter; www.wescfoundation.ac.uk

ON PAPER An Arts Council Collection touring exhibition, featuring paper constructions and works on paper by the likes of Damien Hirst, Roy Lichtenstein, Cornelia Parker and many others.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell Street, Honiton; www.thelmahulbert.com

Until 19 May

EXETER’S FINE ART COLLECTION: WOMEN ARTISTS Works from the 1770s to 2011 including some by Barbara Hepworth, Gillian Ayres, Exeter’s

20 I exeter living I www.mediaclash.co.uk

CERTAINE WYTCHES Solo show of tapestries by textile artist Anne Jackson, inspired by the last three women executed for witchcraft in Devon.

Devon Guild, Riverside Mill, Bovey Tracey; www.crafts.org.uk

30 March-12 April

ANITA KLEIN: DAYS LIKE THESE The painter/printmaker charts everyday family life in this showcase of new works.

Marine House at Beer Gallery, Fore Street, Beer; www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk

EXTREME IMAGINATION Works by 22 artists with aphantasia (no inner visual imagery) and hyperphantasia (its opposite).

RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.exeter.gov.uk/ramm

13-14 April

Comedy & Dance 19-23 March

THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBERY The team behind the smash hit The Play That Goes Wrong brings you a new caper described as “Ocean’s

what’s on Eleven meets the Marx Brothers”.

Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

27-30 March & 3-6 April THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR The Bard’s comic masterpiece delivered by The Cygnet Company, directed by Amanda Knott.

Cygnet Theatre, Friars Gate, Exeter; www.cygnettheatre.co.uk

30 March

EXETER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT Holst, Bartok and Mendelssohn from your local orchestra, with young Malaysian pianist Brian Low Rhung Wei. United Reformed Church, Southernhay East, Exeter; www.exetersymphonyorchestra.co.uk

1-2 April

THEM/US Double bill of ground-breaking contemporary dance by BalletBoyz in a co-production with Sadler’s Wells.

Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

3 April

6 April

LEE NELSON: SERIOUS JOKER The brilliant Trump/May/ Blatter/Kanye-baiting Simon Brodkin brings alter ego Lee Nelson to town. See also page 8.

Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk MIKE OSMAN: TRUMPED: FUND THE WALL TOUR It’s the UK’s number one Donald Trump impersonator!

Exeter Corn Exchange, Market St, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

11-13 April

ROOM ON THE BROOM Olivier Award-nominated stage version of the classic Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book.

Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

KRISTIN HERSH (ELECTRIC TRIO) The Throwing Muses’ lynchpin presents melodically brooding 10th studio album Possible Dust Clouds.

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk THE SLOW READERS CLUB Manchester four-piece dubbed “the next northern pop powerhouse”

by NME. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

TURN OF THE SCREW New adaptation of Henry James’ spooky tale, starring Janet Dibley.

Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

11 April

27 March

29 March

28-30 March

above: Balletboyz are back at Exeter Northcott; left: Certaine Wytches at Devon Guild; below: See work by top cartoonist Tony Husband at Exeter Library

Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

HAWKSMOOR CLASSICAL CONCERT SERIES: EMMA JOHNSON & JOHN LENEHAN The first in 2019’s trio of recitals at RAMM has the leading clarinettist and pianist join forces in a programme of Rossini, Brahms, Poulenc and more.

RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

6 April

BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH The singer-songwriter from York tours forthcoming third album.

Exeter Cavern, 83-84 Queen St, Exeter; www.exetercavern.com

11 April

music & opera

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: ECHOES OF HOME Smetana’s Vlatava, Sibelius’ Symphony No 1 and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 1, with Denis Kozhukhin on the old joanna.

Jamie Phillips conducts.

The Great Hall, University of Exeter, Streatham Drive, Exeter; www.bsolive.com

23 March

12 April

URBAN FOLK QUARTET The electro-acoustic roots outfit celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street,

MAVERICK SABRE Return of the Irish/London singersongwriter/rapper, airing thoughtful new album When I Wake Up.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I exeter living I 21

WHAT’S ON Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

OTHER EVENTS 16-17 March

CANONTEIGN FALLS OPENING WEEKEND The natural paradise re-opens.

Canonteign Falls, near Chudleigh; www.canonteignfalls.co.uk

22-23 March

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR Ace annual showcase of adrenalinepacked short films about the globe’s craziest skiers, climbers, surfers etc.

Also 18 May.

Exeter Corn Exchange, Market St, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

22-24 March

CHAGWORD The Dartmoor literary festival this year welcomes Jo Brand, Prue Leith, Salley Vickers, Andrew Miller and other authors for the weekend.

Various venues, Chagford; www.chagword.co.uk

24 March

GENTLEMEN’S DAY Action-packed day in support of the Armed Forces, with the Exeter-based 6 Rifles regiment.

LIBRARY LIFE

EMILY MACAULAY shares the latest from Exeter Library We’ve all wanted to have a 3D printed version of our head at some time. Haven’t we?

Or an etched wooden sign for our home? A hand-cut skateboard? A space to develop, design and create a new board game?

All of these – and so much more – are available in our FabLab. The opportunities are limited only by your imagination... and with a collaborative group of users and volunteers, even that tends not to be a barrier.

The first FabLab in a public library, FabLab Devon, offers easy and open access to a range of digitally creative machines in a trusted space. For a small yearly membership fee you can let

your imagination roam free and access technology that is still – for most – too expensive to own at home.

We often run Taster Workshops, and you should keep your eyes open in the library or on our social media for dates of those, but we can also run these workshops on demand for small groups such as schools, businesses or even birthday parties.

Why not consider this as an option for your next team building/working off-site day?

For more information about the FabLab head to www. fablabdevon.org or email fablab@librariesunlimited. org.uk www.librariesunlimited.org.uk

WANT MORE?

Sign up now for the Exeter Living newsletter...

Weekends: sure, sometimes all you want to do is the big shop, and some boxset bingeing. But, mostly, you yearn to get out and about: browse a flea market, maybe, catch a dazzling new exhibition, or hit a festival, for example. Come the tail-end of Friday, however, you’re often still without a plan.

Guess what? Exeter Living can help!

Sign up now to start receiving the popular Exeter Living Friday afternoon email newsletter, in which I suggest the best events and outings for the coming weekend – from theatre to gigs to family fun days and more – along with a property pick of the week, money-saving offers, and the week’s most amusing, locally-sourced tweets.

(Fear not, we don’t share your data with third parties – ever.)

Exeter Racecourse, Kennford, Exeter; www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

26 March

DESERT ISLAND BOOKS: WILLIAM HARVEY The local academic, and chair of the board of trustees at Libraries Unlimited, talks to Emily Macaulay about the books that have made the greatest impact on his life.

Exeter Library, Castle Street, Exeter; www.librariesunlimited.org.uk

30 March

SAYING GOODBYE SERVICE A service of remembrance for anyone affected by the loss of a baby, held by Devon-based charity The Mariposa Trust. 2.30pm.

Exeter Cathedral; www.mariposatrust.org

6-7 April

WOOL & YARN FEST New event supporting the local sheep farming industry – expect

22 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Like the sound of it?

Then jump on mediaclash. co.uk/eln pronto and you’ll hear from us soon.

lambs and alpacas!

RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington; www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor

8 April

HOLD FAST: YOSEMITE TO EVEREST TO MERU Elite mountaineer Conrad Aker, who found George Mallory’s body on Everest in 1999, shares thrilling tales.

Exeter Corn Exchange, Market St, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

9 April

JUNIOR JUMPERS DAY A chance for under-18s to enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, jockey Q&A sessions and more, for free. Exeter Racecourse, Kennford, Exeter; www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk

13 April

MUDDY DOG CHALLENGE Join your pooch on an obstacle course to raise funds for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Powderham Castle, Kenton; www.muddydog.battersea.org.uk ■

ARTS

GINNY’S TONIC Bookworms! The wait is over. Exeter-based, bestselling author Virginia Baily has just published her epic and inspiring new novel

V

irginia Baily is a hard woman to pin down. When she’s not holed up in the British Library she’s travelling the globe, all in the name of research for her powerful, critically acclaimed novels.

Exeter, though, is her home, and part of her own story – as well as living in the city (in St James), Ginny, as she’s known to her friends, holds a PhD and MA in English from the University of Exeter, and founded Riptide, a locally-produced short-story journal.

Sunday Times bestseller Early One Morning was published in 2016. Virginia’s new novel The Fourth Shore, published in March, tells the story of a young woman from fascist Italy, who finds herself enmeshed in a dark liaison that has terrible consequences. We’re hooked, Ginny.

Tell us more!

You’re very much at the heart of Exeter’s literary scene. What’s the city like for writers of fiction?

The literary scene in Exeter is changing. We have a burgeoning literary festival and there is talk of a new writers’ hub on the quay so, as a writer of fiction, these are potentially exciting times. Conversely, I love writing here because of the relative peace and quiet!

What are your favourite places in the city to go and feel inspired, or maybe work?

Exeter Central Library is my favourite place to work if I’m not in my office. The upstairs room has a buzzy but studious atmosphere that suits me. In terms of inspiration, I walk a lot in the

24 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

city: a loop along the river and over the bouncy bridge, or up to Hoopern Valley. I love the proximity of city and countryside here.

The Fourth Shore is named after, and partly set in, northern Libya when it was occupied by fascist Italy in the 1920s and 1930s. Why this part of the world and period in history?

My first novel, Africa Junction was set in West Africa (and Exeter!) and sprang from my work editing the Africa Research Bulletin and my travels on the continent. My second, Early One Morning, came out of my lifelong love affair with Italy. The Fourth Shore is set both

“My aim is to write the best and truest book I can and its fate post-publication is outside my control” in Italy and North Africa, a wonderful, rich inspirational combination that marries these two loves.

I have a theory that my stories unfold from the (not always obvious) connection between three disparate things. For The Fourth Shore, one of these was an item I came across about the deportation of Libyan men to Italian prison islands in the 1920s. That drew me in. But I found almost no record of the event and this in itself – the silence around Italy’s colonial presence in North Africa, the way it has almost

disappeared from history (although it’s in the news just now, with the spat between France and Italy over their colonial past!), intrigued me. It also became one of the themes of the book – unsaid, hidden things, the corrosive effect of secrets.

What’s it like following up a bestseller like Early One Morning? Does it add a certain weight of expectation?

Yes. I think the trick is not to internalise that weight of expectation and get bogged down in it. My aim is to write the best and truest book I can and its fate post-publication is outside of my control. So, my advice to self is always: Come back to basics, take a deep breath, remember why you write, do it.

What was the first piece of fiction, or poem, you ever wrote as a child?

The first written piece that I remember is a poem about a mouse from the mouse’s point of view. It was very dramatic with a tragic but noble ending.

What’s next? Are you already marinating ideas for your next novel?

I have started the next novel! It is partly set on Dartmoor and so researching it calls for long walks.

The Fourth Shore is published by Little Brown, priced £16.99 (hardback) Meet Virginia and have your copy signed at Waterstones, Exeter on 20 March at 7pm.

Free entry. www.virginiabaily.com

© MAT T ROUND

Book nook: Virginia at home in St James

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 25

Offering friendly, professional beauty treatments in the heart of St Leonard’s, Exeter Monu and Renu facials | Lash and Brow Treatments | Jane Iredale make-up sessions | Manicures and Pedicures Shellac Manicures and Pedicures (two week varnish) | Electrolysis | Waxing | Massage

MARCH MASKS! Mask facials - 30 minute treatment - £25 Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise then just add a mask treatment!

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4 Roberts Road, St Leonard’s, Exeter EX2 4HB. 01392 410055 www.belulino.co.uk

Now open Weds 10am - 8pm, Thurs 9am - 5pm, Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 9am - 5pm

Mature skins and anti ageing

shopping live well, buy better

RESTORING FAITH Crazy for that mid-century look but always thought an Ercol was out of your budget?

Well, it needn’t be, thanks to Exeter-based furniture restorer Harriet Thomas, who set up her business Thomas Norris Restorations two years ago with the help of the Prince’s Trust Enterprise programme.

Harriet scours charity shops, auction houses and the web to find statement pieces from companies such as Ercol, G-Plan and Heals; returning them to her countryside workshop to restore them to their former glory. Like this Ercol Model 458 three-tier tea trolley, a real ’50s classic currently priced at £100.

“I love taking dated design and making a new look,” says Harriet. “My clients tell me they’re sick of the flat-pack furniture culture and want classic comfort built to last. Using restored pieces allows them to create an individual look but without the price tag of buying brand new.

“With age and patina, a lovely piece of wood becomes warmer in colour and tactile to touch.” www.thomasnorrisrestorations.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 27

WOMEN WHO FIGHT BACK BY STACEY DOOLEY (PENGUIN), £8.99 The reporter and Strictly champ shares her encounters with brave women from around the world – now in paperback Crediton Community Bookshop, 100 High Street, Crediton; www.creditoncommunitybookshop.co.uk

‘HATTIE’ SHELL NECKLACE, £24 Something for those long summer soirées to come...

Busby & Fox, 21 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.busbyandfox.co.uk

SIGNIFICANT MOTHERS Mother’s Day is 31 March.

And Mama didn’t raise no tightwads...

TEA LIGHT HOUSE, £12.95 A wee little house that no flipping patriarchy is going to expect her to clean Leaf Street 53 Magdalen Rd, Exeter; www.leafstreet.co.uk

CONDICI DRESS, £595 The only acceptable way to make her feel blue on M Day Julia’s Collection, 6 Roman Walk, Princesshay, Exeter; www.juliascollection.co.uk

28 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

CLASSIC NARROW RED BELT, £89 Classy and adaptable enough to last a lifetime – like your mum!

TBM, 147 Fore St, Exeter EX4 3AN; www.thebeltmakers.com

ED’S CHOICE

18 CT YELLOW AND WHITE GOLD DIAMOND AND RUBY FLOWER BROOCH, £1,650 Because certain mums, on certain Mother’s Days, deserve a very special bunch of flowers indeed...

Mortimers, 87 Queen St, Exeter; www.mortimersjewellers.co.uk

HEART BRACELET, £14.95 Cute meets tough in these grey leather straps with a silver plated heart Leaf Street 53 Magdalen Rd, Exeter; www.leafstreet.co.uk

CLOTTED CREAM ORGANIC WOOL THROW, £200 Her next boxset binge just got that little bit cosier Naturalmat, Odhams Wharf, Topsham, Exeter; www.naturalmat.co.uk

‘JUNO’ PEACH SHORT VASE, £30 We found just the vessel for those armfuls of ranunculus you bought her Dartington Crystal, Linden Close, Torrington; www.dartington.co.uk

‘LAUREN’ KIMONO, £135 Silky, elegant throw-on seeks loving adoptive mother Busby & Fox, 21 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.busbyandfox.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 29

Get it on Seeking a new outfit for spring? You’re in the right place. Fashion knows no boundaries and thanks to these local independent boutiques and their stylish owners you can be slaying looks from Dartmoor to Dog Village

This ‘Saanya’ jumpsuit will be flying out of Sancho’s...

30 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Fashion Boutiques right: The ultra-classy Crede on Castle Street below: Kalkidan Legesse of Sancho’s

KALKIDAN LEGESSE SANCHO’S

Describe your boutique in one sentence.

An ethical clothing and lifestyle shop.

Who are your fashion icons?

Solange Knowles and Nina Simone.

What was the craziest thing you wore as a teenager?

What are the three most beautiful items for SS19 in your shop right now?

Our organic cotton ‘Saanya’ Chambray jumpsuit, floral knee-length ‘Kikii’ Dress and our silky, paper bag waist ‘Sandreen’ skirt with our floral print ‘Francoise’ shirt.

© emma solley

I had a Dalek costume I adored!

PAM STEVENTON CASA MAGNOLIA, CHAGFORD Describe your boutique in one sentence.

An eclectic mix of stylish modern womenswear and fabulous accessories, for sizes 8 to 22+, in a relaxed environment where the kettle is always on.

Who are your fashion icons?

Alexander McQueen.

What was the craziest thing you wore as a teenager?

Five-inch platforms driving my three-litre Ford Capri down the Kings Road.

What are the three most beautiful items for SS19 in your shop right now?

Our Yacco Maricard cotton shirts, Privatsachen silk dress and Cut Loose linen trouser.

PAVLA HENSHAW CREDE, EXETER

Describe your boutique in one sentence.

A true boutique in a world of high street throw-away fashion, Crede seeks out the beautiful, the unusual, the edgy... knowing each piece will be kept, worn and cherished forever.

Who are your fashion icons?

Without question, the first has to be Alexander McQueen, I just loved the recent documentary on his life and creative process.

The other is Claire Campbell, the British designer behind High, a collection that Crede has stocked for nearly ten years. Her ethos is ‘everday couture’. I still have a piece from each season, beautiful detail and fabric – although they are edgy pieces, their style is still timeless.

What was the craziest thing you wore as a teenager?

I can remember going to a family wedding with cream suede pixie boots, cream tights, red and gold print jersey dress – so very New Romantic!

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 31

What are the three most beautiful items for SS19 in your shop right now?

A print organza trench dress coat by High – it’s a stunning ‘forever’ piece that can be worn in so many ways. Then there’s a perfect summer Beate Heymann floral print/sport-luxe stripe maxi-dress and a seriously elegant tropical print jumpsuit by Ana Alcazar.

JULIA DUESA JULIA’S COLLECTION

Describe your boutique in one sentence.

A stylish and contemporary boutique featuring a unique selection of handpicked garments and accessories for any special occasion.

Who are your fashion icons?

Cristobal Balenciaga, ‘The Master’, had a revolutionary and innovative mind. I’m inspired by Balenciaga because he showed his imagination and audacity in his choice of fine fabrics and intense colours, but it is his play with unconventional silhouettes that made him a legend. From fluid lines, simple cuts and perfectly crafted sleeves he guaranteed the comfort and freedom of movement of the women he dressed.

Helen Mirren is one of our biggest fashion inspirations, for her unique style and quirky personality. From fearless fashion statements of rich gold patterns and bright playful prints to effortlessly classic styles such as a tweed peplum dress and the ultimate chic elegant black dress. She chooses her outfits to perfectly complement every occasion!

For my prom, I wore a dress in bright magenta. It had a strapless plain bodice in a silk fabric and a short skirt in a taffeta fabric that featured a feathered skirt. I felt like I was going to fly away!

What are the three most beautiful items for SS19 in your shop right now?

For mothers of the bride and groom, we have a soft opal blue Condici dress highlighting a scalloped design throughout the outfit with layers of metallic lace that add a subtle sparkle.

The dress comes complete with a matching chiffon cape style coat! Alternatively, we have an effortlessly elegant Ispirato outfit in rosewood gold, featuring a delicate V- neckline and empire line seaming, which is defined with subtle beading. The outfit is completed with the addition of a matching bolero-style jacket. For the guests, we introduce an Alba Conde design of an Audrey Hepburn-style dress. Effortlessly sophisticated in a magenta taffeta, tailored to a playful fit and flare-shaped, this sleeveless design features a V-shaped neckline. Perfect for a summer wedding!

32 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

© matt round

What was the craziest thing you wore as a teenager?

above: Julia Duesa of Julia’s Collection left: find this organza trench dress coat by High at Crede far left: we would walk 500 miles for these gold-heeled beauties from Elizabeth Ann opposite page: Kathea Boutique’s Ophelia

Fashion Boutiques LORNA FAIRBROTHER LORNA RUBY

Describe your boutique in one sentence.

Independent, beautifully curated and mindfully sourced.

Who are your fashion icons?

Always French first – Caroline de Maigret, Emmanuelle Alt. And Sienna Miller.

What was the craziest thing you wore as a teenager?

I lived in a vintage floral dress and a utility jacket, always kept it very simple. Not much has changed!

What are the three most beautiful items for SS19 in your shop right now?

Our French knitwear brand Maison Anje, Veja trainers and our limited edition selection of gold signet rings. n

OPHELIA DYER KATHEA

Describe your boutique in one sentence.

We sell good quality ‘classic with a twist’ ladies clothing and accessories with the emphasis on good customer service.

Who are your fashion icons?

Coco Chanel for breaking the rules in fashion during her time, and Iris Apfel for her eccentric fashion and for being still active and hip at 96 years old.

What was the craziest thing you wore as a teenager?

This was in the ’80s. I was a vision in pink – I wore pink jeans and a pink blouse with ruffle neck and sleeves. Imagine me in this outfit surrounded by everyone else wearing the go-to safe outfit in those days of denim jeans and white T-shirt...

What are the three most beautiful items for SS19 in your shop right now?

A beautiful white linen tunic top with a V-neck embellished with black, grey and silver beads from Peruzzi.

A pink cotton layered top with three-quarter sleeves and cut in a way that it gives a very flattering shape no matter what size you are – also from Peruzzi.

A gorgeous burnt red linen jacket from Sandwich that’s the perfect transitional jacket from spring to summer.

ANGELA ROBINSON ELIZABETH ANN, EXETER

Describe your boutique in one sentence.

Long established ladies shoe shop, offering individually designed, quality, mostly hand-made, colourful feminine shoes and boots.

Who are your fashion icons?

Dead: Versace. Alive: Roberto Cavalli.

What was the craziest thing you wore as a teenager?

I was always pinching – and getting told off for it – Mum’s long, high-heeled patent boots with big buckles.

What are the three most beautiful items for SS19 in your boutique right now?

Brenda Zaro’s Spanish polka dot red/cream pointed mid heel courts; Lisa Kay silver/cream snake print high heel slingbacks; and Lisa Kay orange suede slingbacks with low, chunky, gold dented heels (pictured, left).

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS

Some of our fave indie boutiques in and around Exeter Angies, 12 High St, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6LQ; www.angiesofbudleigh.co.uk

Close, Exeter EX1 1EZ; www.elizabethannshoes.co.uk

Busby & Fox, 21 Cathedral Yard, Exeter EX1 1HB; www.busbyandfox.co.uk

Julia’s Collection, 6 Roman Walk, Princesshay, Exeter EX1 1GN; www.juliascollection.co.uk

Caramel, 17-18 Strand, Exmouth EX8 1AF; www.caramelclothing.co.uk

Kathea Boutique, 18 High St, Crediton EX17 3AH; www.katheaboutique.co.uk

Casa Magnolia, 38 The Square, Chagford, TQ13 8AB; www.casamagnolia.co.uk

Lorna Ruby, 17 Catherine Street, Exeter EX1 1EU; www.lornaruby.com

Chapter Church St, Sidmouth EX10 8LZ; Facebook: Chapterclothing

Mademoiselle & Monsieur Mojo 36 and 42 Gold St, Tiverton EX16 6PX; www.jesuismojo.com

Crede, 16 Castle Street, Exeter EX4 3PT; Facebook: Credeboutique Elizabeth Ann, 3 Cathedral

Sancho’s Dress, 117 and 126 Fore St, Exeter EX4 3JQ; www.sanchosdress.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 33

Elizabeth Ann of Exeter

FABULOUS SPRING STOCK

Chapter

sidmouth

BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

• Just White • Barbara Lebek • Lunar Shoes • Pause Cafe • Olivier Philips • Marble • Frank Lyman • Brax • Joseph Ribkoff

SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION Now in stock Church Street, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8LZ info@chapterclothing.co.uk

Tel: 01395 579181

Smart, casual and occasion shoes. Large selection of HB loafers. Lisa Kay, Cefalu, Caprice, Van Dal, Riva.

Hand made Spanish and Italian colourful sandals and much much more.

Sizes 2 (35) to 8 (41) available and various fittings

3 Cathedral Close, Exeter EX1 1EZ Telephone: 01392 252876 www.elizabethannshoes.co.uk

Casa Magnolia CHAGFORD

Our Spring/Summer collections have arrived: YACCO MARICARD MASAI MAMA B OCHRE KNITWEAR CUT LOOSE QUERNSTONE LILY AND ME. ROBELL VILAGALLO RALSTON TERRE ROUGE PRIVATSACHEN Sandals from LoďŹ na and a great selection of bags, baskets and accessories.

38 The Square, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8AB 01647 433905 / info@casamagnolia.co.uk ITS ALL ON OUR WEBSITE:

WWW.CASAMAGNOLIA.CO.UK

Brands Include: Sandwich, Latte, Marble, Peruzzi, Pomodoro, Paz Torras, White Vanilla, Tina Taylor, Thought.

And many more....

We also stock beautiful leather handbags, jewellery and accessories.

18 High Street, Crediton EX17 3AH. Tel. 01363 776677 www.facebook.com/katheaboutique

www.katheaboutique.co.uk

advertising feature

Electric dreams Electric bikes have been around for about 15 years but are currently undergoing a massive boom. PARTRIDGE CYCLES talks you through the cycling phenomenon of the 21st century

P

artridge Cycles is a family-run business that was founded in 1980

by Mark Partridge. It has always been situated in the village of Kennford on the outskirts of Exeter, adjacent to the A38. The business is in its 39th year and has been on its current site for the last 24 years.

Partridge Cycles has survived many changes within the cycling industry, and two recessions.

The perception of cycling has changed: in

the early years, bikes were utilitarian, whereas now they are mainly used for leisure. Around 15 years ago, we first started seeing an influx of electric bikes but unfortunately the idea was way ahead of the technology. The bikes were cheap, unreliable and even the manufacturers had poor product knowledge and were able to offer little support.

Since 2015, we have seen a new era of E bikes with new advanced technology; the growth in the technology compared to previous E bikes has been exponential. Market leaders Bosch and Yamaha have invested heavily in research and development to get the product to where it is today. These systems are similar to that found in the motor trade – and have enabled the retailer to tailor the user experience, fault-find using codes and set service intervals as required by the customer.

The boom with E bikes has been phenomenal with the major growth coming in the last two and a half years. We’ve seen consumer demand grow from less than 1% to 50% of our annual business.

Previously there has been a typical E bike customer but this has now changed, we’ve had everyone from teenagers to pensioners, cycle couriers to people returning from injuries, all

buying E bikes.

The beauty of an E bike is that it offers the assistance when required; this is especially relevant living in hilly Devon. Devon is so full of gradients it limits how much cycling residents do – the E bike assistance system means people can go from cycling five miles to cycling all day.

The E bike phenomenon comes with its own caveats. It has required a lot of careful stock forecasting by us, due to the much higher value per unit. It’s taken about two and a half years to get it to where we are, but there is still room to learn more.

We have around 300 E bikes in stock all ready to ride and take away immediately. This has played a huge part in our growth and established us as the South West’s biggest E bike specialist. Come and see for yourself! n

Partridge Cycles Superstore, A38 Kennford, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7TW 01392 833303 www.partridgecycles.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I Exeter living I 37

HUBBOX

Your favourite street food joint has moved house and supersized itself – someone pass Anna Britten a hot flannel!

H

ubbox opened on Sidwell Street in 2013, just as the posh burger boom was hitting its peak.

Suddenly everyone was busily reinventing ‘junk food’ as gourmet dining and colonising as many square feet of urban real estate as they could, but Hubbox stood apart from the outset.

Independent, small and less in-yer-face than its big name rivals, no doubt in part because of its low-key location, it spun off from a harbourside restaurant in St Ives to become Exeter’s best-loved street food fuelling station.

Now it’s moved to a much bigger, more central site on Catherine Street, formerly occupied by the short-lived The Rum & Crab Shack – it’s got two floors and a terrace for those sunny days (or, er, February), up to 170 covers and taking our seats in the nautical-industrial interior – rattan, anchors, greenery, exposed brickwork – we can only wonder why they didn’t do this sooner.

The ensuing post-launch rush has been the stuff of restaurateur dreams. It’s an evening during half term when we visit, and whirring with diners of all ages. Earlier, we’re told by our tireless and enthusiastic young waiter, punters were queuing out the door.

38 I exeter living I www.mediaclash.co.uk

The move has ushered in a glut of juicy new dishes, too.

Gone are the hot dogs (a minute’s silence, please), while a new ‘Charcoal Grill’ section offers dishes cooked over hot coals on a barbeque, such as the Exeter Chiefs-referencing (well, we hope that’s what it is) Pork Tomahawk and steaks with a choice of three sauces, including seaweed butter.

Fresh fish lovers will find Cornish mackerel, haddock, crab and whatever else has been caught that day in the ‘Surf N Turf ’ section. As ever, key produce suppliers all hail from the South West.

But, look, it’s Hubbox – and to not go with some form of burger would be like Anna Soubry ordering a salad in Nando’s.

And so to the Smokey B, a modification of a Sidwell Street stalwart: it’s a beautiful slab of beef brisket slowly cooked over applewood and hickory woodchips for 12 hours until it collapses tenderly to the touch, dressed with slippery ‘dirty onions’ (cooked on charcoal, butter, parsley and sea salt), Swiss cheese, mayo, French’s mustard and slaw, inside a toasted, glazed brioche bun. Some might say there’s ‘too much going on’ but that’s like saying your boyfriend is ‘too good-looking’. Anyway, it’s the sort

restaurant

“Some might say there’s ‘too much going on’ but that’s like saying your boyfriend is ‘too good-looking’” of food into which you throw yourself at 200 miles per hour, then have to pause 10 minutes in for the backlog to descend your alimentary tract. And, unless you have giant hands and a cavernous mouth, it’s a knife-and-fork job.

Somehow we find a corner of abdomen in which to tuck away the accompanying, perfect skin-on fries, skinny, crisp and hot, and rendered ‘dirty’ by the addition of Hub sauce, diced onion and jalapenos.

We’ve also, because they sounded trendy, ordered the cauliflower poppers – five snooker ball-sized florets pickled in turmeric then fried in a mildly spicy batter and dipped in minted yoghurt. The resurgence of cauliflower, nobody’s favourite vegetable, is one of the weirdest things to happen in recent months, we ponder. Truly, it is the Bros of the vegetable world. And these poppers go some way to explaining why: it’s dense, nutty and makes you feel virtuous.

Add one very ice-cream-heavy salted caramel malt milkshake and we’re so stuffed we emerge in the early stages of slumber.

Hats off, Hubbox. This is a move worthy a chess grandmaster. n

Dining details Hubbox, 14 Catherine Street, Exeter; 01392 258737; www.hubbox.co.uk Opening times Sun-Thur 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm Prices Starters from £3.95, mains from £5.95, sides from £2.50 Vegetarian/vegan choice Impressive: think vegan chilli fries, dirty cauliflower steak and a ‘Fakin Bacon’ burger Disabled access Small slope allowing easy entrance, disabled toilet on the ground floor Drinks Beer, cider, four whites, four reds, two rosés and a prosecco, plus delish non-boozy options Service/atmosphere Convivial and voguish

www.mediaclash.co.uk I exeter living I 39

advertising feature

Meet the Chef

They’re comin’ out of the kitchen, ‘cause there’s somethin’ they forgot to say to you...

Mark Kersey

Matthew Tilt

The Oddfellows 01392 209050; www.theoddfellowsbar.co.uk Why did you decide to become a chef?

I guess it was through cooking with my mum and my nan when I was young. Rock cakes, scones, stew, fish pie, fresh bread – you really can’t beat the smell of freshly baked bread. They both loved to cook so I started helping them and it all began there.

Where did you train to become a chef?

To be honest, I had a very good NVQ assessor who sent me to various high-end restaurants, gastro pubs and hotels to train and learn under different chefs. I learnt my trade from lots of good chefs and I feel you learn more that way, as different chefs specialise in different areas of the kitchen.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?

Happy and returning diners, that are always amazed and very appreciative of the dishes you create and cook – a full restaurant is always a great feeling.

What is your favorite recipe?

At the moment it is a gin-cured sea trout recipe I have worked on, a great gin flavour, very punchy, slightly sweet and salty with a little acidity. Very well balanced, delicate and tasty, it’s on the menu now.

Rodean Restaurant 01626 890195; www.rodeanrestaurant.co.uk

Mark Kersey

Matthew Tilt

Nicholas Hack

The Cadeleigh Arms, Tiverton 01884 855238; www.thecadeleigharms.com Why did you decide to become a chef?

I originally trained for front of house, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the kitchen and being a part of the team, helping out whenever I was asked. From there I guess I fell into the kitchen as a trainee, continuously shadowing my head chef and badgering him constantly with questions.

Where did you train to become a chef?

I trained in a small country pub in the heart of the Devonshire countryside, learning about seasonal produce, game, fish, butchery, meeting local suppliers and growers and much more. After that I moved from kitchen to kitchen all over the UK and abroad.

What are the qualities of a good chef?

A willingness to always learn, to pass on what you have learnt. To have an understanding of textures and flavours and a broader knowledge of the use of the ingredients on the plate. A good knowledge of the classics and the repertoire are also a sign of training, and understanding the history and heritage of cooking.

What is your favourite recipe?

My mother-in-law’s borscht. I have learnt the recipe but not yet mastered how she gets it so tasty. I guess it’s because it’s made with love!

42 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Where did you train to become a chef?

I began at Farnborough College doing Hotel & Catering City & Guilds. I progressed through pubs to country house hotels, trained in Paris for a time and finally reached my goal, with my own restaurant, in 1999.

What are the qualities of a good chef?

Passion, drive, patience and always being keen to learn new techniques.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?

Being a family-run restaurant, it’s being able to spend time with the ones I love and doing the job I love.

What is your favourite recipe?

I have many, but if I must choose one then it has to be crème brûlée! So simple but so easy to get wrong. I’ll always remember a French hotel manager insisting mine was the best she’d ever eaten, and she’d eaten a few!

Who do you aspire to be like?

My father, with his drive to succeed and his love of rugby.

What type of food excites you most?

All foods really, but especially ingredients grown or bred on our doorstep. Exe Valley Lamb & Forest Fungi Mushrooms to name just a couple!

Arthur Lai

Winehub Cafe, Exmouth 07401 004288; www.wine-hub.co.uk

Nicholas Hack

Arthur Lai

Why did you decide to become a chef?

It definitely has to be my love of food, experimenting and learning. However, I cannot ignore the huge influence growing up in a catering family has had on me, with me being a third generation chef.

What are the qualities of a good chef?

Skills can always be learnt but patience and passion have to be the key to being a good, if not a great, chef.

Patience because being a chef is a marathon full of hurdles and learning curves and not a straight sprint. The passion is your drive to reach your goals.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?

For me it is unquestionably seeing someone enjoy, if not become addicted to, my creations and for them to come back again asking for more. Another bonus is that the learning aspect is neverending and there’s always something new to discover.

What do you consider to be your speciality dish?

It’s hard to say what our speciality dish is as we’re constantly changing our chef’s specials, but my favourite and possibly the most popular to date is our Wasabi Sirloin Steak.

Lovely homely surroundings and a fantastic place to relax and catch up with friends over a coffee or breakfast.

Try something honest and homecooked from our delicious menu, all our meat, bread and veg is locally sourced, fresh produce and everything is cooked to order.

ring Taste of Sp t Bistro Nigh

h April

ÂŁ35pp - 20t

for more Contact us information

The Snug, Whipton, Exeter \ 01392 468080

education

HOW SCHOOL IS THAT?

A round-up of extraordinary achievements from the area’s schools

© Mat t Austin

Words By Roxanne Duris

Maynard School – it’s all goo...

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 45

THE MAYNARD SCHOOL

MONTGOMERY PRIMARY SCHOOL

The oldest girls’ school in the country, The Maynard School in Exeter, has once again consolidated its place as the highest ranking independent school in Devon – as well as hitting the very top of the leader boards across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in key areas of the Department for Education’s Schools Performance League Tables based on A-level results from summer 2018.

“I am ecstatic that these league tables have once again showcased the outstanding efforts and achievements of our incredible girls,” says headmistress Sarah Dunn.

“These are official government figures that allow for a comprehensive comparison of not just how well

schools and colleges achieve in the public examinations, but also how much ‘value added’ they provide to each individual student.”

The Maynard was also rated the fifth (out of 1311) best performing independent school in England for the percentage of students who achieved grade 5 or above in the English and Maths GCSEs. Maynard has also become the first independent school in the South West to support the Youth STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine) Award – a national scheme that was only opened up to the independent sector this academic year.

The Maynard School, Denmark Rd, Exeter EX1 1SJ; www.maynard.co.uk

In just two years, Montgomery Primary school have gone from being largely unrecognised in primary PE and school sports circles, to first achieving a School Games bronze award in 2016/17 and then jumping up the rankings to receive the highest standard gold award in the last academic year (2017/18), in recognition of its commitment to providing outstanding PE and sports provision for its pupils.

Now, the St Thomas primary school is one of the top three in Exeter & Mid Devon in terms of attendance and participation in a range of school sports events and competitions.

The school has plans in place to take part in at least another 25 sports competitions this year.

Montgomery Primary School, Redvers Road, Exeter EX4 1BS; www.montgomery.devon.sch.uk

QUEEN’S COLLEGE, TAUNTON

Sixth formers at Queen’s College, Taunton, faced the chop as they rallied to support their friend and fellow Year 13 pupil, Eleanor Grant, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

Eleanor Pring, Jasmine Stanhope-White and Tilly Hopcraft-Jones had their Rapunzel locks cut short to raise money for the Little Princess Trust, which provides realhair wigs free of charge to children and young people up to the age of 24 who have lost their own hair due to cancer. Not to be outdone, Harry James, Luke Cuthbert and Will Brown now have chilly heads after having their hair shaved off for CLIC Sargent, the leading cancer charity for children, young people and their families.

So far, the students have raised more than £5,000 for the two charities and they are still accepting donations via their Just Giving page: bit.ly/2GOv8Ar Queen’s College, Trull Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4QS; www.queenscollege.org.uk

46 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

education

QUEEN ELIZABETH’S

If you’ve been watching The Voice UK you won’t have missed current QE sixth former student, Brieya Pottinger (known on the show as Brieya May) – the singer made it past the blind auditions on The Voice UK and into the Battles as part of Team Will-i-am.

The Crediton school has previous when it comes to producing star perfomers – ex-student Luke Treadaway now has a successful acting and singing career, and is currently starring as Hugh Fenton in Channel 4’s new cold war thriller Traitors.

QE’s also enjoyed one of its most successful years of rugby as the Under 15 Boys reached the quarter finals of the National Bowl competition. The Under 14 Boys team, meanwhile, have secured their place in the Devon County Cup Final.

To celebrate the school year’s sporting successes, the school also launched a new Annual Sports Awards Evening at Sandy Park, attended by Exeter Chiefs’ captain and ex-student, Jack Yeandle.

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Western Road, Crediton; www.qe.devon.sch.uk

Brieya gives it her all

West exe SCHOOL

West Exe School recently launched an initiative to help support families in need around Exeter. The ‘West Exe Foodbank Drive’ saw each tutor group in the school assigned a family and asked to bring in helpful items for them from a ‘High Demand’ list provided by Exeter Foodbank. At the end of the week, selected students then delivered the boxes to the foodbank. Over 500 items were collected across West Exe amounting to over 300kg of food and other priority items for families in need around Exeter.

West Exe School, Hatherleigh Road, Exeter EX2 9JU; www.westexe.devon.sch.uk

EXETER CATHEDRAL SCHOOL

Two Year 6 Exeter Cathedral School pupils have won prizes in the prestigious Mary Feddon OBE Commemorative Art Competition at Badminton School, which receives submissions from prep schools across the South-West.

Fearne Reavill won overall first prize and Joshua Taylor received a commendation for his piece. The theme for this year’s competition was ‘Still Life – Stories through Objects’, with entrants being encouraged to include objects that represent their favourite place or person.

“It should also be noted,” say the school, “that this is the second year running in which ECS has received first prize at this competition!

Exeter Cathedral School, The Chantry, Palace Gate, Exeter; www.exetercathedralschool.co.uk

Fearne, Joshua and pal Xanthe

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education

EXETER SCHOOL Three students at Exeter School have been offered places at Oxbridge.

Charlie Mayall has an offer to read medicine, and Jamie Stephenson to read maths, both at Jesus College, Cambridge. At Oxford, deputy head girl Tegan Murphy has an offer to read history and economics at Pembroke College.

“I’m really grateful for the help I’ve received from the school and my subject teachers,” says Tegan.

“Looking forward to starting the next phase of my life!”

In the last five years, 38 pupils have received Oxbridge offers.

Pupils and staff at the prestigious Exeter independent school are also celebrating a successful first term of fundraising with the news that over £10,000 has been raised for charity in one term. Each year, three charities are chosen by a sixth form committee to support during the course of the academic year. For the autumn term, pupils chose Rowcroft Hospice.

Exeter School, Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NS; www.exeterschool.org.uk

Charlie, Tegan and Jamie

COCKWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL Democracy and politics are firmly on the agenda at the small, village primary school. Teacher Alison Roper has become one of 70 teachers from across the UK to attend a three-day ‘Teachers’ Institute’ at the Houses of Parliament and train to become a UK Teaching Ambassador for Parliament’s Education and Engagement Service. As part of the training she met Speaker of the House John Bercow and heard from parliamentarians of all parties about their work.

“It is an exciting project,” says Alison.

“And as a result I aim to train colleagues and support them in their teaching, work with all age groups to develop their understanding of government and, in the summer term, as a school, we will host a Pupil Parliament to encourage the children to become active citizens and debate topical issues.”

Cockwood Primary School, 1 School Hill, Cockwood, Exeter EX6 8RF; www.cockwood-primary.devon.sch.uk

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COLYTON GRAMMAR Generations of Colyton Grammar School alumni attended the school’s recent 90th anniversary Gala Dinner.

Ostrich feathers and balloons adorned Cottril Hall, and many of the 119 guests donned 1920s outfits to celebrate 90 years since the school moved to its current Colyford site, when it became Devon’s first new purpose-built secondary school of the 20th century.

Among the guests were a student from the 1950s, a table full of schoolfriends from the class of 1990, parents of students in every current year at school, as well as Neil Parish MP, Ernie Fox (past headteacher), staff, trustees and guest speakers, children’s book creators Laurence and Catherine Anholt. Archive material (pictured), and the school’s new plans, were on display, and the evening raised £1,340 for the school’s Annual Fund.

Colyton Grammar School, Whitwell Lane, Colyford, Colyton EX24 6HN; www.colytongrammar.com

ST NICHOLAS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

Acting head and assistant head...

Alison Roper

St Nicholas pupils literally took over the school recently as part of a Takeover Day, following a nationwide initiative started by The Children’s Commissioner for England. On the day, children took on the roles of teachers, teaching assistants, office staff, caretakers, and caterers – and a new, mini head and assistant head greeted parents at the school gate and led the assembly. “It was a fantastic day and will certainly become a yearly event,” says St Nicholas’s Ali Brocksom.

St Nicholas Catholic Primary School, Ringswell Avenue Exeter EX1 3EG; www.st-nicholas-exeter.devon.sch.uk

Days Out

Julie’s crew – spot the only one who seems to be taking this heist seriously

THE GREAT ESCAPE

Julie Reid enjoys being held hostage in Exeter escape room Red House Mysteries

O

ur first puzzle was finding Red House Mysteries. The unassuming entrance is easily missed up a very small side street, off Preston Street.

Jaz let us in and we walked along a elegant, 1940s-decorated corridor into a similarly decked out room where we sat and were guided through what was going to happen as we commenced with ‘The Heist’.

As I am an escape room novice I was a bit fazed, but Jaz explained clearly and enthusiastically that we’d be put into a small room, a security room, and from there we’d have to find a way into the adjoining room, a museum, where we had to steal a priceless mask, and escape within the 60 minute timeframe. In the first room we also had to de-activate all CCTV and lasers/alarms in the museum so we didn’t set them off when we got there. 30 minutes in each room.

We were given a walkie-talkie for ‘hints’, and in case of any unforeseen family crisis.

My team of five were ushered into the

‘security’ room, the door closed, the clock started. The next 30 minutes passed in a flash, I have no real recollection of what happened apart from scrambling around bits of paper with various instructions and codes, trying to work out which safe, secure-box, or wiring unit they applied to and bumping into my team-mates with no real cohesion – everybody just having a go at everything in a totally abstract, unconnected manner. Occasionally one of us would somehow open something and find a tool which would be connected to another device. Then fortuitously, with about 30 seconds to go, a team member (I have no idea who) managed to find the entrance into the museum.

We grabbed torches and the walkie-talkie and bundled through. In the security room, we’d disabled the security CCTV and a security laser so that once we were in the ‘museum’ we didn’t have alarms going off (points against us) while we searched for the mask. In this dimly lit room each of us was trying to grab a torch, fumbling with padlocks,

“Each of us was fumbling with padlocks… you could smell the desperation in the air”

pulling at chained doors, you could smell the desperation in the air… and then, suddenly, the mask was found, the way out discovered and we all clambered back into the living room where we started. Jaz was there waiting and informed us we’d done it with less than a minute left.

We, like everyone else who has been to this escape room, were totally engrossed and absolutely loved it. Although I have no idea who opened what – and, of course, every one of my team mates claims to have done everything all by themselves – I secretly know they could never have done it without me.

Red House Mysteries Exeter also have another room, ‘The Shadow Darkens’, which we glimpsed, and it’s brilliantly staged to look like a 1940s office – I’m glad I still have that one to try. They are also in the process of opening in Torquay.

Now I am planning to go back to The Heist with a different group of friends – and astound them with my puzzle-solving skills. n An escape room adventure at Red House Mysteries starts at £50 for a team of two, rising to £90 for a team of six. Find out more and book online at www.redhousemysteries.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE FAMILY LAW

ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR REBECCA PALMER FROM THE DIVORCE AND FINANCE TEAM AT THE FAMILY LAW COMPANY LOOKS AT THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSENT ORDERS.

When the Decree Absolute is pronounced in divorce proceedings, many people believe that any financial ties between the parties are automatically severed. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

WHY COULD THIS BE A PROBLEM? The Decree Absolute simply dissolves the marriage but any financial matters remain live unless they are agreed and resolved by way of a consent order.

Even if you reach an amicable agreement between you regarding the division of your assets, unless this is transposed into a consent order and approved by the court it is not legally binding. What this means is that in the future, either party could still make an application to the court for a financial claim. And as there is no time limit on this, the application could be made many years after the marriage is legally dissolved.

HOW CAN THIS SITUATION BE AVOIDED? The Family Law Company always advises and encourages clients to have a consent order drawn up as part of the divorce process. This will protect you from the possibility of serious problems and complications, for example if you acquire wealth in the future by inheritance, business success or even – if you’re extremely lucky – a lottery windfall!

SO WHAT IS A CONSENT ORDER? It is a document that accurately records and sets out the terms of any financial agreement reached. It records exactly what will happen to all the assets, including property, bank accounts, pensions and personal belongings. The document is drafted to your specific circumstances and can also record any other important information which is relevant in the matter. When the consent order has been agreed and signed by both of you, it then has to be submitted to the court for a Judge to approve. The court will consider if the agreement you have reached represents the fair and proper financial provision for both parties in relation to the specific circumstances of your case. It is useful to understand that any financial settlement is specific to your individual circumstances – so it isn’t helpful to compare your settlement with someone else you know who has been through a divorce.

WHAT IF WE HAVE NO ASSETS TO DIVIDE?

Rebecca Palmer is an Associate Solicitor at specialist law firm THE FAMILY LAW COMPANY

by HARTNELL CHANOT in Exeter. Call to make an appointment on 01392 421 777 or email Rebecca.Palmer@thefamilylawco.com Balliol House, Southernhay Gardens Exeter EX1 1NP.

WWW.THEFAMILYLAWCO.CO.UK

Even if there are no assets to divide it is still important for this to be reflected in a consent order. This is commonly known as a “clean break” and will ensure that all financial ties are severed between you both now and for the future. It means you can move on with your life knowing that your ex-spouse cannot pursue financial claims against you if your circumstances change. After all, you never know what the future will bring. In all cases the court has a duty to consider whether a clean break can be achieved. Sometimes this is just not possible, depending on the circumstances of each individual case and the terms of any settlement agreed.

At The Family Law Company, we have an extensive team of professionals who can assist you in divorce and financial matters. Your first appointment is always free.

SOCIETY

SOCIETY

SEEN! ACROSS E XE TER, ONE S H I N D I G AT A T I M E

Amy Langford and Damien Gorman

Miranda Louise Robertshaw and Jane Chanot

BROUGHT TO BOOK

Some of the region’s brightest legal luminaries, including Judge Miranda Louise Robertshaw, made their way to The Family Law Company for the launch of 101 Questions Answered, a new book by Devon parents Bob Grieg and Rebecca Giraud of social enterprise OnlyMums and OnlyDads, which provides practical advice for separating couples with children.

Photos by Sue Cade

Donna Hart and Kimberley May

Norman Hartnell, Rebecca Giraud, Rachel Buckley and Bob Grieg

BLITHE SPIRIT

Exeter’s food and drink aficionados set off for the seaside to sample new Devon tipple Hattiers Rum, a blend of Caribbean and Central American rums combined with pure Dartmoor water.

Some were even ferried across the Salcombe estuary to Port Waterhouse in East Portlemouth. Bet they were singing on the return leg...

Photos by Nick Hook

Rum cocktail? Don’t mind if we do...

John Harvey Harry Wild

Cosmo Caddy

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 53

businessinsider E XETER AND E A S T DE VON GET TO WORK

Quote of the issue

“We look forward to welcoming prospective customers for a cup of coffee and a chat” Who’s showing off their new gaff?

Find out on page 56

The Big Number

200

Age of Force & Sons Exeter, which has just been bought

by Cardens – see page 56

FIGURES OF FUND

Hawksmoor celebrates a significant milestone

E above: Hawksmoor says its fund managers “should be compared to an orchestra rather than to a concert soloist”

xeter-headquartered investment management firm Hawksmoor is celebrating the tenth anniversary of its award-winning Vanbrugh Fund.

The fund is one of a small number marketed in the UK that have been around for at least a decade. It has racked up some impressive statistics in that period, including being ranked second out of 73 funds in the sector for performance over ten years since launch, and outperforming the sector average by 74% since launch, after all fund charges, including the

underlying fund costs.

A £10,000 investment at launch ten years ago, with income reinvested, would have grown to £26,108. (Source: FE Analytics) The Vanbrugh Fund was named after the architect Sir John Vanbrugh – an associate of Sir Nicholas Hawksmoor, the inspiration for the company’s name – whose buildings include Blenheim Palace, and was described at launch as “A fund with heritage, designed with flair and built to last.”

Its stated aim was to deliver on legendary philanthropist and investor Sir John Templeton’s

observation that “The true objective of any long term investor is maximum total real return after taxes.”

Says Daniel Lockyer, Hawksmoor’s co-head of fund management and senior fund manager: “I speak for the whole of the Hawksmoor fund managers team, especially Richard Scott who created the Vanbrugh Fund, when I say that we are all extremely proud to have been a part of the Fund’s success over the last ten years.

“What is particularly encouraging is knowing how much we have learnt from the past ten years, and how Hawksmoor fund managers have been strengthened as we seek to ensure Vanbrugh’s second decade is another successful one for investors.” n For more: www.hawksmoorim.co.uk

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business insider

Cool Scandi home or car showroom? Answer below...

SWEDE DREAMS It may look like a chic Stockholm penthouse, but this is the new home of local Volvo retailer Kastner Exeter.

The business has relocated from Sigford Road to a brand new Scandinavian-style Volvo showroom at Waterbridge Court on Matford Park Road. The new space includes a stylish lounge with panoramic glass wall and a much larger showroom, including a new indoor handover bay, a bigger display of Approved Used Volvo Selekt models on the forecourt and increased customer parking.

“The team and I are all very excited to welcome new and existing customers alike to

our new home on Matford Park Road,” says Mike Maunder, sales manager at Kastner Exeter. “Our recent refurbishment isn’t just about a change of furniture, it’s designed to make our customers feel relaxed and at ease in an environment that provides flexible waiting, working and assessment areas.

“We’re all settled in and are raring to show off our new showroom, so look forward to welcoming prospective customers for a cup of coffee and a chat about the purchase of their next car or any servicing or MOT needs they may have.”

For more: www.volvocars.com/uk/find-a-dealer/ retailers/exeter

ZERO HERO Zero waste grocery store Sarah Martin Nourish in Topsham is to open a second branch on Magdalen Road in Exeter.

Founded in March 2018 by Sarah Martin, who has a PhD in biochemistry and environmental science, Nourish is a plastic-free environment, stocking only products with compostable packaging, and encouraging customers to bring their own reusable containers to fill with supplies that are sourced as much as possible from local suppliers, including dried food, milk, natural beauty and cleaning products.

It also provides an instore recycling point for hard-to-recycle waste such as crisp

56 I exeter living I www.mediaclash.co.uk

packets and toothpaste tubes, and even uses traditional grocery scales in order to reduce its own energy consumption.

The new branch of Nourish will take the place of wholefood shop The Bran Tub. For more: www.nourishoftopsham.com

Stephen Force and Jon Carden

A FAMILY AFFAIR Exeter lettings agency Cardens Residential has acquired the city’s longest-established estate agent – and one of the UK’s oldest family businesses – Force and Sons Exeter.

Staff from Force and Sons Exeter will join the team at the Cardens Residential office in Longbrook Street.

Jon Carden, MD of Cardens Residential, says: “We are delighted to complete this takeover – Force and Sons Exeter has been a well-respected business in the city for around 200 years. We intend to continue this legacy and grow and develop our business in the city still further.

“And it feels like a circle has been completed – my late father, who was a partner at Husseys, used to work with Arthur Force.”

Force and Sons Exeter has been in existence since 1790 and is one of the oldest family-run firms in the country. The founder was John Force, a builder and auctioneer, who originally had premises in Cathedral Yard, Exeter. In 1820 he moved the business to Sidwell Street and the firm expanded into estate agency. There has been continuous family involvement in the firm throughout its history and it is currently run by brothers David and Stephen Force.

Says the latter: “It has been an honour for us to work in Exeter for the many years we have, selling houses to generations of families. We’d like to thank our staff, clients and suppliers for those many years of loyalty.”

For more: www.cardensestateagents.co.uk

BUSINESS INSIDER

EXETER CHIEFS NEWS MARK STEVENS brings you the latest from inside Sandy Park Ian Whitten helps the Chiefs to victory over Newcastle Falcons

E XETER RUGBY CLUB/JMP JMPUK.COM

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC

Tracy Moreton

Dawn Chamberlain moves to Exeter City and East Devon District Council’s construction sector partnership Building Greater Exeter where she becomes project manager… Tozers’ property team in Exeter has grown with the appointment of Sam Reid as a new associate solicitor, solicitor Tracy Moreton (pictured), newly qualified solicitor Peter Rooney and three new conveyancing assistants in Megan Files, Libby Bawden and Roxanne Hackett… Imran Khodabocus has been promoted to senior associate solicitor at The Family Law Company... Judith Morgane has joined Exeter Historic Building Trust (EHBT) as manager...

Quilter Private Client Advisers has appointed Jonathan Burden as its new regional financial planning director, having just relocated its South West regional office from Newton Abbot to Pynes Hill in Exeter...

London is calling once more for Exeter Chiefs as the countdown to the end of the Gallagher Premiership season starts to rev up for Rob Baxter’s side.

With the top-flight campaign heading towards the finishing straight, the Chiefs remain firmly on course to make it back to Twickenham and appear in a fourth successive Premiership Final on Saturday 1 June.

Alongside defending champions Saracens, the two have been the stand-out teams once again in the league, propelling themselves to the summit of the table from the early weeks, and maintaining a level of consistency that their rivals have struggled to find.

The job, however, is far from done and director of rugby Baxter will be keen to see his side not only preserve their place within the division’s top two – ensuring home advantage in the end of season play-offs – but at the same time build some real momentum in the final weeks.

Certainly, recent wins against Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks have set the tone, particularly with seven of their frontline stars away on Six Nations Championship duty, but more of the same will be needed with some testing home assignments against Bath, Wasps, Harlequins and Northampton Saints still to come.

Add into the mix a mouth-watering showdown with Saracens at Allianz Park and a trip to Leicester Tigers, and it promises to be an enthralling end to the season for the Chiefs and their ever-growing tribe of followers.

Away from the Chiefs, Sandy Park once again underlined its credentials for hosting international action when they welcomed a crowd in the region of 10,000 fans for the Six Nations clash between England Women and Italy Women.

In what was a first for the region, welcoming the Red Roses to Devon, the record-breaking crowd merely added to the whole occasion.

It followed on from the success of Sandy Park playing host to the England Under-20s side in their Six Nations encounter with France.

Next up at Sandy Park: 24 March – Exeter Chiefs v Bath (Gallagher Premiership) 14 April – Exeter Chiefs v Wasps (Gallagher Premiership) For more: www.exeterchiefs.co.uk

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The Way I See It Local photographer EMMA SOLLEY explains why hiring a commercial photographer may be the best investment you ever make in your business

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S

© ANDY GREEN

“for as little as £135 you could have yourself a set of billboardworthy images”

o how much do you think you can shoot in an eight hour day?”

I get asked this question a lot and promptly send along my rate card with accompanying explanations tailored to the specific project, but there is always a follow up question…

“How much do you charge for an hour, then?”

There is a perception, I am quite sure, that photographers are making quiet fortunes, working moderately hard and partying like rock stars. In the age of economic austerity, iPhones and social media, clients increasingly question the decision to invest in our professional photographic services, but here’s why it could be the best business decision you’ve made yet.

Whether we like it or not, images are everywhere. How we look, how we are perceived, how we show the world our value, it is all conveyed through the power of pictures. So why, when you work so painstakingly hard on building your brand and running your business, would you then risk maximising your potential

by representing your company with a series of average black and white head shots taken by Joe in technical support (no offence, Joe) or Instagram a set of grainy, badly composed and terribly lit, over-saturated HDR effect iPhone photos?

The reason is simple: because you haven’t really thought through the long term value of a short term investment.

Most commercial photographers have a day rate, which is their creative fee or, if you like, the cost of doing business. I am also sure that most, like me, have an hourly rate and for as little as £135 you could have yourself a set of billboardworthy images that will pay for themselves 100 times over in years to come.

Our fees are not simply made up of the hours that we shoot. In fact, often the shoot is the least time-consuming part. They are based on our camera and computer investments, our client meetings and communications, our edit suites and post-production time, our back office admin and strategic planning. They are our cost of doing business.

In return for your shoot/fee you should expect to have an edited collection of images, complete with a commercial license to use them as you please within your advertising etc.

Most photographers retain their copyright, but in practice this often boils down to the fact that you would need an additional license should you wish to sell on the images for commercial gain.

Great images benefit almost every facet of your company in the commercial world. From your website, to your social media feed, from eye catching adverts to potential press coverage.

Tip: magazine editors love a story that comes with an accompanying set of amazing images.

Almost all my work these days comes from recommendations and word of mouth. My tag line (albeit a little cheesy) is that it is my business to make sure that your business looks the business.

So go on. Think big. Go book that photoshoot you have dreamed of – I promise it will be worth it.

Emma Solley is the founder of Emma Solley Photography and fine art photography company Salt + Land www.emmasolley.com; www.saltandland.com

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property a pl ace to c all home

Old School House KITTY KANE wants to go back to the classroom…

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A place to call home property

S

uccessfully converting a former school building into a home is no mean feat. You have to balance the lashings of charming period features like high ceilings and tall windows, and the sturdiness – schools are generally built to withstand anything – against the challenge of making spacious, utilitarian classrooms, offices and halls into welcoming, liveable spaces for modern families. After all, do you really want to have a bath in what feels like a headmaster’s office?

Worry not, all the tough work has already been done for you by the current owners of the beautiful Old School House in the Blackdown Hills.

This Grade II-listed former school house dates back to around 1845 – check out those fantastic stonework elevations under a slate roof, the mullion windows framing the views and that come-hither entrance porch.

While much of the character of the original building has been retained, it’s all been skillfully and sensitively blended with new materials and modern conveniences – so your flooring, for example, involves both new and reclaimed/ original wooden floorboards and flagstones, plus freshly added travertine and seagrass (there’s also partial underfloor heating).

At the heart of Old School House, where nippers once fidgeted at rows of desks you’ll now find a delightful, nearly 28-feet-long vaulted kitchen/family room with solid oak base units under a granite worktop and handmade Fired Earth tiled splash-back. A large, gable-end window floods the space with sunlight, while a Woodwarm multi-fuel stove provides a cosy focal point.

64 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

On the ground floor, you’ve also got a fabulous snug to flop in and enjoy the views, and two double bedrooms, one with an en suite, along with a family shower room. A utility room includes plumbing for laundry appliances, as well as space for coats.

Two double bedrooms occupy the first floor, both with views over the gardens, surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and picturesque Dunkeswell Abbey ruins.

These first floor bedrooms are serviced by the family bathroom with its semi-vaulted ceiling, exposed beams and a fab, deep, freestanding bath.

Gardens surround Old School House on two sides and are predominantly laid to lawn with gravel pathways, seating areas to relax with a book and an actual babbling brook running around the perimeter. Your gardening and barbecue stuff can be stashed in the shed/summerhouse and while there isn’t a garage, you do have a parking space at the rear of the property – and, well, it’s hardly a teeming metropolis around here so finding more won’t be hard.

You’re rural enough for peace and quiet, yet not cut-off.

The nearby village of Hemyock offers a range of facilities including health centre, church, garage, public house, sub post office, general stores and primary school, along with sporting facilities – and Exeter’s a 45-minute drive away so fairly commutable.

Worried about making new friends in the countryside?

Don’t worry – there’s no better icebreaker than living in a building someone’s parents or grandparents once chanted Latin in. And everyone will want to know what you’ve done with the headmaster’s office… n

House numbers Square metres Bedrooms

160.2 4

Bathrooms 3

Babbling brook Price

1 £615,000

For more: Stags, 66 High Street, Honiton EX14 1PS; www.stags.co.uk

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St leonards exeter

Guide Price £495,000

A well-presented and exceptionally spacious, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom family home, accessible to riverside walks and cycle paths and good access to Exeter city centre. South-westerly facing sun balcony, landscaped rear garden and parking for three vehicles.

For further details telephone Mike Shaw on 01392 427500 or email m.shaw@wilkinsongrant.co.uk

01392 427500 www.wilkinsongrant.co.uk RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL LAND & DEVELOPMENT SALES ACQUISITIONS LETTINGS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AUCTIONS SURVEYS PROBATE & VALUATIONS

LYMPSTONE Devon

Prices from £585,000

Exciting new development on the edge of Lympstone, in an elevated position, backing onto open countryside. The stylish development of 15 comprises of five aesthetically pleasing detached houses together with a selection of one, two and three bedroom, local interest terrace houses.

For further details telephone Lisa Storer on 01392 455926 or email l.storer@wilkinsongrant.co.uk

01392 427500 www.wilkinsongrant.co.uk RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL LAND & DEVELOPMENT SALES ACQUISITIONS LETTINGS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AUCTIONS SURVEYS PROBATE & VALUATIONS

new builds

GOING UP Exeter’s booming. Everyone wants to live here! Which is great for the city – it keeps things fresh and ever-evolving – but there’s one tiny problem. There’s a finite number of residential properties, so where’s this booming Exonian population going to live? That’s where these new-build properties come in . . .

Words by Roxanne Duris

E

xeter’s filling up with new residents relocating here for work or a better quality of life. We looked at how some of our favourite housebuilders and developers have been rising to the challenge of putting roofs over their heads, in and around the city.

A Cavanna ‘Haytor’ home in Barley Meadow, Dawlish

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new builds

Space to breathe: an example of a Burrington Estates interior

1BURRINGTON ESTATES

Award-winning property developer, Burrington Estates New Homes, is bringing two new, premier developments to Exeter: The Grove, Rockbeare, launching this spring, and Home Farm, Pinhoe, launching this summer.

You’ll be surrounded by the rolling East Devon countryside at The Grove, an exclusive collection of five luxury new homes in the quaint village of Rockbeare, just outside Exeter. A local primary school and award-winning pub The Jack In The Green are in your immediate vicinity, and you’re mere moments away from Exeter city centre – The Grove is therefore the ideal setting for families, couples and those looking to commute into the city and beyond.

Over in Pinhoe, you’ll find Home Farm, a collection of three-, fourand five-bedroom homes, in a fabulous location, with selected homes benefitting from panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Homes are surrounded by a large, managed open space with pond areas, perfect for children to play in, or for summer drinks with the neighbours. You’ve got local amenities including a primary school, GP surgery and shops within walking distance, but also all that Exeter has to offer just a short drive away.

As with all Burrington Estates developments, both The Grove and Home Farm promise generous floor plans, fully integrated kitchens and sizable gardens, with many areas of the home available to personalise, depending on build, at point of reservation. You can also expect the Burrington Estates New Homes team’s outstanding customer service – and a dedicated one-day concierge to help moving day go smoothly. www.burringtonestates.com/newhomes

72 I exeter living I www.mediaclash.co.uk

“Lifestyles are constantly changing and flexible living is a top priority for many”

2CAVANNA HOMES

Family-run local property developer Cavanna Homes are currently welcoming buyers to several new developments in the area.

Among them is Wolborough Hill in Newton Abbot, a collection of 26 extremely handsome, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes finished in a mix of crisp white and soft ivory render, natural grey slate and dark grey tile. Like all Cavanna Homes properties, they fit in seamlessly with the surrounding domestic architecture.

A further 74 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes can be found in Barley Meadow in Dawlish with undulating countryside on one side and the coastline just over a mile away on the other. And over in Newton Poppleford near Sidmouth, Cavanna Homes’ new show home at Alfred’s Gate has just officially opened.

Says Cavanna MD Keith Miller of the 40-home development: “Alfred’s Gate is in a great village location surrounded by stunning coast and countryside, and within easy reach of Sidmouth and Exeter. We’re very proud to have worked with Clinton Devon Estates on this project and would encourage anyone looking to move to the area to pop in and visit us”.

The homes are within easy walking distance of a village shop, post office, a pub, tennis club and primary school. Prices start at £287,950. www.cavannahomes.co.uk

3DAVID WILSON

The task of finding the perfect family home is now even easier – thanks to the availability of a new three-bedroom house at five star housebuilder David Wilson Homes’ development Harts Meadow, situated in Monkerton in Pinhoe.

“We know the number of buyers wishing to move to a threebedroom home is high in this area,” said sales director Sara Parker.

“And our three-bedroom Archford house design is proving very popular among visitors here.”

Priced from £264,995, the Archford is ideal for those seeking extra space. Downstairs there’s a spacious lounge as well as a kitchen/diner that is great for entertaining. Upstairs, there is a generous master bedroom with en suite, a good-sized double, a single bedroom and a family bathroom.

“As well as being perfect for families, this home is ideal for those seeking a little extra space to grow into, and for when guests come to stay,” added Sara.

“Our designers have carefully considered the needs of buyers with this home. Lifestyles are constantly changing, and flexible living is a top priority for many. The Archford, with its open

plan kitchen/dining area and French doors to the garden is a great solution.”

In a hurry to take your next step on the property ladder? David Wilson Homes is also offering a part exchange on a selected four bedroom Chelworth home priced at £459,995 on its Minerva development in West Clyst, Exeter.

The scheme allows buyers to part-exchange their current home for a brand new one. David Wilson Homes being a guaranteed cash buyer means there is no chain, or any of the other hassles of a conventional move. You can even stay in your existing property until your new home is ready. Sceptical? The housebuilder promises two independent valuations of your current property – and to pay you 105 per cent of the value.

Says sales director Sara Parker: “It is so frustrating for buyers who think they have found their dream home - only to be let down by the fact they can’t sell their own property.

“We want to keep this an exciting and enjoyable time by providing a short cut through the entire process. That is why we offer part exchange.” www.dwh.co.uk

The ‘Archford’ by David Wilson Homes

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new builds

4

REDROW

Redrow West Country, which covers Devon and Cornwall, is known for building traditional homes in fantastic locations, from your first home to your large, detached ‘forever’ home.

Redrow’s attractive Saxon Brook development in Pinhoe, offers home buyers a choice of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in a unique and innovative surrounding. Ever conscientious about their responsibilities to the environemt, Redrow has recognised the need to support dwindling levels of bumblebees and pollinators and the development boasts beautiful landscaped areas designed to encourage them, and other wildlife, while providing a vibrant, beautiful, and feelgood space for residents to enjoy.

All properties are part of Redrow’s renowned Heritage Collection which take inspiration from the soft colour palettes and traditional structures of the Arts & Crafts movement of the 1930s. www.redrow.co.uk

74 I exeter living I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Redrow West Country takes the natural environment very seriously and incorporates its needs into all plans

“We are seeing a strong market with competitive mortgage rates”

Where exactly are these new homes popping up? See map below...

5BARRATT HOMES

4 1 3 5

3 1

Exclusive Barratt Homes development The Orchard in Pinhoe, Exeter has just four four-bedroom homes remaining. Situated in Pinhoe, The Orchard is a development of just 14 three and four bedroom homes.

“Discovering the perfect home at The Orchard is a particularly exciting time for buyers and these homes have been really popular,” said sales director Sara Parker. “We are also seeing a strong market with competitive mortgage rates and Help to Buy providing good conditions for house buyers.”

The final homes available are the Blakeney priced from £284,995 and Lambourne designs priced from £369,995. www.barratthomes.co.uk

6TOMAHAWK HOMES

Exeter Chiefs players Julian Salvi and Moray Low launched Tomahawk Homes, named after the famous Exeter Chiefs chant, last year. Their mission was to create luxury family homes without skimping on space – homes, in other words, they’d like to live in themselves..

Positioned in a heavenly location next to the Teign Estuary Tomahawks ‘Horizon’ development has been carefully designed to reflect the style and character of the traditional homes throughout Bishopsteignton and its surrounding area. The two homes are comfortable and stylish, with flexible living spaces centred around an impressive kitchen, and have four proper double bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, modern bathrooms and generous storage space.

A third property on this site, Legacy, is now out of the ground and on its way – a striking, modern, single-storey four-bedroom property it has a bespoke, open-plan feel. ■ www.tomahawkhomes.co.uk

2 2

6

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EXETER LIVES

“My guilty pleasure is Taylor Swift” put smiles on people’s faces. I’m acutely aware that there will be one day when you are not asked to do it, so it is a genuine honour to sign autographs and hand out trophies and to be able to help in a small way.

LEE HOLMES He’ll gladly put you ahead of Liverpool at half-time, but don’t make him do your appendectomy Footballer Lee has enjoyed many career highs in his time.

In 2003, aged 16, he became the youngest-ever footballer to appear in the FA Cup. In 2015, the midfielder signed for Exeter City on a permanent basis and, in January 2016, scored a stunning goal from a corner against Liverpool in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round. And now Lee can add an interview in Exeter Living to that list of achievements.

What have been your highlights of the season so far?

Whereabouts do you live, and what makes it special?

I think the reach they have into the community is amazing, they do so much and I’m sure lots of people aren’t aware of the extent of their work. We get the opportunity to go and visit the kids’ sessions, and I’d have to say that’s the most enjoyable bit, and it’s a real privilege to

I live in Exeter with my wife and two children. I would say the best thing about it is we are only five minutes from town, but we’ve also got a lovely track behind us, so it feels like we’re right in the countryside.

No question, it has to be the Boxing Day goal I scored in the game against Yeovil. My whole family were down for Christmas and it was one my nan’s first ever games. When I scored, the first thing I thought about was her watching.

What do you enjoy about being involved with CITY Community Trust?

82 I exeter living I www.mediaclash.co.uk

What piece of music would you put on at the end of a tough day?

Country music all day long – that is my genre. If I had to sit back and relax it would be something like the American country band Rascal Flatts.

What job would you be terrible at?

Surgeon – I’m a little bit shaky with my hands so that wouldn’t be helpful if I was cutting people open…

Who’s your celebrity crush?

I’m a little bit of an older woman man – it would have to be Jennifer Aniston, Shania Twain and my guilty pleasure, Taylor Swift.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?

I ran out at half time with the wrong shirt on. I’ve done it a few times, but when I did the first time and I got booked, the wrong name went down in the book.

What’s your earliest childhood memory?

My earliest memory was

climbing the scaffolding at the side of my house when I was around two. I clearly remember climbing up and then getting to the top and looking down at my mum and dad.

When did you last cry, and why?

It would have to be this week. My little girl was taken suddenly ill with pneumonia and ended up in the high dependency unit. It was devastating and shocking, but she was a fighter and pulled through, so there were a lot of emotions, shock, fear and ultimately relief.

And there were definitely a lot of tears.

Who would play you in a film about your life?

I’m a big fan of Tom Cruise’s work, he’s probably the same size, not a bad looking chap and he’s done some banging films, so I’ll go with that! Top Gun era, of course.

We’d better let you get on…

What are you doing right after this?

I’ve got a few business meetings this afternoon with my newest company City Flooring, which is based in Exeter, and then me and the family are going to Frankie & Benny’s for Valentine’s – splashing out! n www.exetercityfc.co.uk www.exetercitycommunitytrust.co.uk