Exeter Living - Issue 252

Food/Arts/Entertainment/Shopping/Property

EXETER AND BEYOND

ISSUE 252 / AUTUMN 2019 / £3

DISCOVER DARKEST EXETER

ISSUE 252 / AUTUMN 2019 / THE FLOWERS THAT BE

WHERE THE WILD ROSES GROW SHOP FOR YOUR LIFE

SUSTAINABLE BUYS

DARK ARTS

GET GOOSEBUMPS AT HELL-TOR & DOCTOR DRACULA

MEET THE EXORCIST

PLUS! THE UNMUMSY MUM / RAMM / MEETING PLACES

© MIKE ALSFORD PHOTOGR APHY

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE Discover Dartmoor’s most

terrifying places on page 26; BELOW Shopping to save the planet, page 32

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f you’re thinking “What in the name of Moaning Myrtle is Exeter Living doing covering ghosts?”, chill out, it’s OK. We are firmly on the side of the skeptics when it comes to the paranormal – there isn’t a shred of evidence for ghosts, and all so-called sightings have rational explanations. Yes, even on Halloween. If you’re an actual ghost reading this, we challenge you to come in and mess up this page somehow.

That said, don’t you sometimes love to be frit? Crave the mysterious and spooky and all together ooky? Also, ghost stories can lead you down some interesting paths – into history, geography, medicine, for example – and there’s a ton of great literature, art, film, music and theatre we wouldn’t be enjoying today were it not for centuries of supernatural fake news. In fact, you’ll find some of it scattered throughout these very pages.

There’s masses more, too, including sustainable purchases, that lovely Unmumsy Mum, a tribute to the Castle Quarter and all the essential foodie news.

Best of all, when you wake up it won’t have all been a dream.

ANNA BRITTEN Follow us on Twitter @ExeterLiving

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Issue 252/Autumn 2019 Cover Le Poeme de Fleurs Rosewood by Designers Guild; www.designersguild.com

upfront

6 Spotlight Juicy news to whet your appetite 11 jP hedge He knows where the bodies are buried 13 my desk Jack Parkinson of Exeter Racecourse

the arts

35

50

15 INTRO These local vampires would like a word...

16 WHAT’S ON Fill up your calendar with the city’s

hottest events

20 MISSION CREEP Meet the man with the best ghost

stories in Exeter

26 FRIGHT HERE, FRIGHT NOW Hell-Tor film

festival is heading this way

shopping

31 intro Bloomin’ beautiful wallpaper and fabric 32 editor’s choice Planet-friendly purchases 35 STREET CRED Erin Cox Jewellery leads us on a

stroll around the Castle Quarter

food & DRINK

39 food & drink news Who’s been winning,

brunching and hiring a new chef ?

Business

43 exeterworks Good news from Sparx, The

Good Physio, UEEZ, Clinton Devon Estates and our very own Exeter Living Awards 46 MEET THE WINNERS 2019 champs RAMM and The Exeter speak from the heart

50 WE’LL MEET AGAIN Stylish spaces for hire in/ near Exeter (like Froginwell Vineyard, pictured top left)

Property

59 showcase A rural family home that gets it all right

Regulars

66 Exeter lives Hello Sarah Turner, aka The

Unmumsy Mum!

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 JP Hedge, Yasmin Braddell, Roxanne Duris, Kitty Kane Advertising Manager Carolyn Southcott carolyn.southcott @mediaclash.co.uk Account Manager Paula Miller paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk Account Manager Liz Hogarth liz.hogarth@ mediaclash.co.uk Production/Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Production Manager Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@ mediaclash.co.uk Production Designer Gemma Scrine gemma.scrine@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, and Exeter. 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

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spotlight Everybody’s talking about…

EXETER LITERARY FESTIVAL

Considering there are over 350 literary festivals across the land – many in places with lower levels of cultural engagement than Exeter – it’s surprising that it’s taken so long for one to materialise here. But last year’s inaugural Exeter Literary Festival proved all good things come to those who wait. The festival returns for its second outing from 7-10 November.

It boasts an impressive line-up for one so young. Among the famous authors appearing are

Patrick Gale, Alison Weir, Adam Hart-Davis and Salley Vickers, and a clutch of celebrated local scribes including Sarah ‘The Unmumsy Mum’ Turner, who’s also festival patron (see also Exeter Lives, page 66), Virginia Baily, Su Bristow, and Todd Gray.

“Exeter Literature Festival began from the widely held view that, as Exeter has such a rich literary heritage, a flourishing contemporary literary arts scene and many budding wordsmiths, it was about time it had it’s own literary celebration,” says organiser Maggie Bonfield.

“Our aim is to reflect Exeter’s rich historic, present and future communities in an interesting, enjoyable, diverse programme of affordable, accessible events, contributing to people’s quality of life, wellbeing and understanding of ourselves and others.”

The festival is run by local volunteers; some events are free and most cost less than £10.

For more: www.exelitfest.com

from top: authors Alison Weir and Salley Vickers

Louisa Roach

Music

THERE SHE GOES

Those bemoaning the dearth of the protest singer haven’t been listening hard enough. And they’ll get proof that guitar-toting rebels still exist when rapidly-ascending Liverpool band She Drew The Gun play Exeter Phoenix on 22 October (see also singer-songwriter Grace Petrie, page 16).

Influenced by their hometown’s rich history of psych-pop, from The Beatles to The Coral, the four-piece is fronted by the charismatic and outspoken Louisa Roach, whose jangling guitars and timely lyrics on everything from feminism to food banks saw the band’s debut album Revolution Of Mind named as one of BBC 6 Music’s finest of 2018, along with Idles and Arctic Monkeys.

Listen out for current single Trouble Every Day, a reinterpretation of Frank Zappa’s original, whose updated lyrics, reflecting contemporary issues, got the full blessing of the Zappa estate.

For more: www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

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Theatre

HOT DATA

So you know that big organisations are harvesting your data every time you so much as like a Brexit meme? But do you fully understand what they’re doing with it, or whether you should be worried? Well, you could take Big Data For Dummies to bed every night, or you could just book a seat for Upload/Unplug.

This extraordinary piece of theatre by Pell Ensemble combines an audience-operated gaming app with dance, lighting and projection to demonstrate how large data companies gather, exploit and manipulate us online and offline. In other words, you and your info become part of the show. Prepare to adjust your settings...

For more: www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

Film

PILING ON THE HOUNDS

Unwrap a Jumbone and leave your furry best friend at home on the evening of 6 November, when the Top Dog Film Festival trots into Exeter Corn Exchange. Touring the UK for the first time ever, and from the team behind the ace Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, it’s a showcase of short films about amazing canines “from the scruffiest street dogs to the most pampered pooches, from all around the world”. Hey, cat people: the squeaky tennis ball’s in your court.

For more: www.topdogfilmfestival.co.uk

SEVEN DEADLY SINS In our regular mini Q&A with visiting and local performers, comedian LAURENCE CLARK bares his wicked soul LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today?

A decorated living room! Sometimes, people assuming I’m not a responsible adult, because I’m disabled, can work to my advantage. However, I think some tradesmen have the notion that the work’s being paid for by social services and therefore my opinion doesn’t count…

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

Watching BBC Parliament!

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

Peanut butter and chocolate milkshakes from Five Guys.

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

More exercise. Over the summer I was in a piece of physical dance theatre at Edinburgh International Festival – now there’s a sentence I never thought I’d say. I’d never been so fit in my life! I intended to keep it up, but I’m already back behind my

keyboard, swilling coffee and scoffing biscuits.

WRATH: What/who makes you angry?

People who aren’t disabled who choose to use our toilets. I went to the disabled toilet in a pub in Glasgow once and discovered a couple having intimate relations on the floor. I suppose if you’re going to have sex in a public loo, you may as well pick the most spacious one, with handy grab rails. I could see their logic.

ENVY: Who are you jealous of ?

Couples without kids, just imagining how much disposable income they must have. One morning last December, as we pulled up to the school gates, my son Jamie (8) announced he’d put £20 in a random schoolmate’s Christmas card to be “kind”. I was not feeling nearly as generous. So, a playground full of parents, kids, and teachers witnessed us enthusiastically encouraging the kids to rip open 30 cards and shake the envelopes to see if cash fell out!

PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement?

Definitely Jamie and my older son Tom (14). I’m currently touring my show about being a dad.

Several years ago, when we were having Jamie, we were filmed for a BBC documentary called We Won’t Drop the Baby. Recently it was put on YouTube and we suddenly became clickbait.

When I read through all the comments, I got a glimpse of the misconceptions the average person has of me as a disabled parent with cerebral palsy. So I filmed my kids reacting to some of these comments and use the footage in the show. I couldn’t be prouder of them. Well, except for when reviewers say they’re funnier than me.

Laurence Clark: An Irresponsible Father’s Guide to Parenting is at Exeter Phoenix on

26 October; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

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© RYAN HISCOT T/JMP

SPOTLIGHT

Reasons to be cheerful: Rob Baxter hopes new faces will bring extra strength to the squad

Rugby

EXETER CHIEFS NEWS

By Mark Stevens

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f the Rugby World Cup over in Japan hasn’t gripped everyone’s attention right now, then the start of the new Gallagher Premiership season this month is sure to do so.

Ahead of what will be their 10th season as a top-flight club, Exeter Chiefs appeared primed and ready as they prepare to embark on their latest league campaign, one they hope will once again lead them back to Twickenham and the chance of claiming glory next June.

Having narrowly missed out on securing a second Premiership crown to European champions Saracens back in June, Rob Baxter’s side have reported back with not only a steely focus, but a desire to overcome that final hurdle and once again establish themselves as the kings of English rugby.

Much of last season’s table-topping squad remain in place, but Baxter has brought in a handful of new faces, including the likes of

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Scotland and British Lions full-back Stuart Hogg, South African duo Jannes Kirsten and Jacques Vermeulen, as well as powerhouse locks Stan South, Tom Price and Will Witty.

These appear shrewd acquisitions by Baxter, who has made no secret of the fact that for his side to challenge for honours this term, he will need a powerful and robust squad to cope with the weekly rigours of life in the Premiership, Heineken Champions Cup and Premiership Rugby Cup. “The reality is that if you want to win things or you want to do well in competitions, you’ve got to have some strength within your squad,” says Baxter, who will have six of his first team squad missing for the start of the season because of their call-ups to the Rugby World Cup. “I think what having boys away at the World Cup forces us to give opportunities to some of our younger players.

“At the same time, we’ve lost others to injury like Sam Skinner (hamstring) and Elvis Taione (knee), both of whom we thought would be at the World Cup. It’s meant we have had to bring in some players on injury dispensation, but it’s helped to thicken us out in certain areas.

“We’ve never done that before at this stage of the season, but it’s meant we’ve actually had quite a bit of time with them to get them up to speed, which in turn will help us create a deep and experienced squad by the end of the World Cup, when we hope to welcome back all those other players.”

Next up at Sandy Park: 19 October – Exeter Chiefs v Harlequins (Gallagher Premiership) 10 November – Exeter Chiefs v Bristol (Gallagher Premiership) For more: www.exeterchiefs.co.uk

OPINION JP HEDGE

Night falls on the G-g-g-guildhall...

Project fear

Come closer to the campfire and clench your buttocks – JP has some spooky yarns to share

I

was asked by EL editor Anna if there was anything that went bump in the night at Exeter City Council. “Nothing printable,” was my immediate thought.

However, after a quick email to my colleagues in tourism, culture and democratic services, I was practically left with a book in my inbox.

Historic Exeter has many, many spooky stories that are still told to this day. And not all of the tales are from a bygone age. There are so many stories, in fact, that the award-winning Red Coat tours can’t fit them in and have to run numerous walks on the topic.

I don’t get spooked easily. It’s surprising, as I was a very nervous child. A quick Freudian analysis may point to the fact my parents renamed the dark section of our quiet road ‘spooky corner’. I always had to run through that part at night.

I am also told that on the day we moved into our empty Victorian house, my then toddler sister came down and asked my parents who the ‘old lady’ was sitting in her room. Marvellous.

Exeter’s Guildhall is the oldest municipal building still being used for its original purpose. One myth recently busted was mysterious footsteps that could be heard when turning off the lights and

“They say that over 250,000 bodies lie beneath the soil, some of which are only six inches down”

locking up. It turned out to be the shop next door’s stock room.

However, one mystery remains unsolved. Recently a Senior Mace Sergeant entered the hall to find that one of the arms of the chandeliers had landed on the floor overnight. There was no damage at all to either the chandelier or floor, despite the huge drop.

The arms are ‘V’ shaped, and impossible to move without lifting them up and out.

Luckily there was a perfectly reasonable explanation from my colleague Emara: “It could have been caused by a lost soul who was sentenced to death that is sometimes felt when cleaning the silver, or the pet monkey who used to help the builders bring their tools up the ladders. He used to cause mischief.”

Or it could be that a lot of council things have fallen down unexpectedly recently...

On asking our tourism manager about ghosts, he responded as if I had asked for the whereabouts of a cupboard: “We have one at the Custom House and one or two at the Underground Passages”.

With the Red Coats you can experience a Ghosts and Legends Tour or the annual Spooks and Broomsticks Tour.

While at Cathedral Close, you are kindly reminded that for 1,000 years the ground beneath your

feet was the only place in Exeter, other than that for the good and the great, where the dead could be interred. They say that over 250,000 bodies lie beneath the soil, some of which are only six inches down.

My favourite story from the tours is a more recent one from 1989. A student wrote to the Exeter paper after having an out of body experience whilst asleep in the summer heat on the grass by the Cathedral. Nothing unusual so far. But he claimed that he had been able to look down to see a church and two pyramid steeples, and the churchyard was full of mounds and humps.

He also reported a shovel being pressed against him.

On awaking, he reported an eight-inch blue and red mark over his rib cage, which he said a doctor had diagnosed was akin to frost bite. The area was said to have had two wooden spires and the graveyard was said to be full of humps and bumps until flattened in 1640.

Who’d have thought there were so many skeletons in the closet? ■ 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

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PEOPLE I look out over AP’s bar but I’ve never seen a horse and rider go by. Sadly, I can’t see the racecourse as it’s obscured by the grandstands

MY DESK My daughter made this for me on Father’s Day

Limoncello that was given to me by the HR department as they wanted to remind me of a wonderful holiday I had in Italy this year with my family

That’s my snack box and is full of healthy snacks like fruit and nuts

Salt to put on my salad!

JACK PARKINSON

For more: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/exeter

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There’s an article printed on the mug that was in the Racing Post announcing my new role at Exeter Racecourse. It was given to me by the Jockey Club’s London region when I left my job there

The picture on the coaster is of my daughter Erin’s very first race day at Kempton when she was about six months. She’s four now

This is our ‘bible’ and carries all our information about health and safety at Exeter Racecourse

It’s a stress horse – I’ll give it a squeeze when the course is short of rain, which can reduce the number of runners we have

PHOTOS BY MAT T ROUND

A

day at the races is a rare treat for most of us; but for Jack it’s the nine-to-five. Not that he spends all his time placing bets and drinking champers, you understand.

General manager of the Jockey Club’s Exeter Racecourse for two years – he was based in London before – Jack says his typical day can involve anything from networking, driving up to Newmarket for a meeting, taking part in golf days with the chairman and sponsors, budgeting, or lending a hand at events in the conference centre.

“There are a few spare pairs of socks in my drawers,” reveals Jack, “for after I’ve walked around the racecourse and it’s been raining.” We’re pleased to hear he can also warm his feet on Lola, the office dog, who likes to snooze under his desk. ■

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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

THERE WILL BE BLOOD Vampires. Huh. What are they good for?

Well… how about helping raise awareness of, and treatment for, rare blood disorders such as haemochromatosis and anaemia? And boosting local blood donations? Not to mention giving you some brilliant homegrown entertainment over the Halloween period?

All this is promised by Doctor Dracula, a new multi-media play from ace Exeter theatre company Four Of Swords in conjunction with academics at the University of Exeter.

The intimate show at Victorian country house Knightshayes (other venues to be announced) is a twist on the story of Dracula. It explores the symbolic role of blood in mythology, religion, and literature while introducing cutting-edge, medical understandings of blood in the 21st century, informed by the research of Professor Nick Groom, and Dr Luke Pilling. Medical professionals will also be on hand to administer simple blood tests, answer further questions, and drive recruitment for the NHS Give Blood programme.

They’re after your blood – but in a good way.

Doctor Dracula runs at NT Knightshayes Court, Tiverton EX16 7RG, 23-26 October and 30 October-2 November; www.four-of-swords.com

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What’s on 11 October – 11 November

Grace Petrie – a bit Billy Bragg, a bit Michelle Shocked, very much in Exeter on 28 October

EXHIBITIONS Until 26 October

JO LATHWOOD & PAUL BLAKEMORE: WELL TRODDEN WRONG WAYS New sculpture and film exploring the cultural, social and geological landscape of our Jurassic Coast.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton; www.thelmahulbert.com

Until 10 November

EXETER CONTEMPORARY OPEN Unmissable showcase of emerging and established contemporary visual artists from across the UK. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

2-15 November

PHILIP LETTS: TEXTURES Mixed media art examining modern challenges including climate change.

Devon Sculpture Park, Mamhead; www.devonsculpturepark.org

CHARLIE O’SULLIVAN & IZZIE O’SULLIVAN: ANOTHER PAGE Rising star and Goldsmiths graduate Izzie teams up with her painter mum for this joint show.

Marine House at Beer; www.marinehouseatbeer.co.uk

Until 3 November

16 November-26 January

Until 31 October

BIRDS WITHOUT BORDERS A fascinating look at what birds do to survive. Includes a new artwork

by Heinrich & Palmer.

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

SEA GARDEN Contemporary artwork inspired by seaweed, and combining film, sound, textile and print.

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

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theatre, Comedy & Dance 13 October

IAN WAITE & VINCENT SIMONE: THE BALLROOM BOYS New show from the Strictly faves.

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

15-16 October

BLEAK HOUSE Powerfully physical, gothic retelling of the Dickens novel.

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

20 October

VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER One of the most famous classical ballets of all time. Exeter Corn Exchange, Market St, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

23-26 October & 30 October-2 November DOCTOR DRACULA Vampires and haematology. See also page 15.

NT Knightshayes Court, Tiverton; www.four-of-swords.com

23-27 October

DISNEY ON ICE An all-skating, all-singing celebration of Walt Disney, featuring over 50 characters from Snow White to Frozen’s Elsa and Anna.

Westpoint Centre, Devon Showground, Clyst St Mary; www.disneyonice.co.uk

26 October

LAURENCE CLARKE: An Irresponsible Father’s Guide to Parenting A funny, honest and charming account of what it’s really like to be a disabled parent. See also page7.

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

what’s on 28 October-2 November

Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

THE LADY VANISHES Gwen Taylor stars in a slick stage adaptation of the Hitchcock film.

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

15 &18 October

TWO MOORS FESTIVAL Quality classical music across Devon.

Exeter’s two remaining concerts present Baroque arias from Dame Sarah Connolly with The English Concert (Cathedral Church of St Peter, 15 Oct) and past winners of the Two Moors Young Musicians Competition (Powderham Castle, 18 Oct).

Various venues, Devon; www.twomoorsfestival.co.uk

29-30 October

CRACKING Documental Theatre present a new play by Cally Hayes inspired by interviews with couples who’ve recovered from postnatal illness.

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

17 October

2 November

top:

Disney On Ice skates into Westpoint middle: Can Al Murray unite the country? Find out at Exeter Corn Exchange bottom: Charlie and Izzie O’Sullivan exhibit at the Marine House at Beer

AL MURRAY: LANDLORD OF HOPE AND GLORY Polished, sharp and rambunctious stand-up addressing a divided country.

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

3 November

19 October

LIVING SPIT’S THE ODYSSEY The Greek myth retold in a brand new and highly original production packed with music and comedy.

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

6 November

ROBIN INCE: CHAOS OF DELIGHT A celebration of the human mind, from the multiple award-winning comedian.

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

9 November

AUSTENTATIOUS Improvised comedy in which the cast present a brand new ‘lost’ Jane Austen novel based on a title suggested by the audience.

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

music & opera 13 October

KATHRYN WILLIAMS Intimate, intricate songcraft from the ultra-talented, Mercurynominated North Easterner.

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street,

18 October

AL STEWART Return of the legendary singer/ songwriter and band, performing classic material and rarities.

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

RUSSELL KANE: THE FAST AND THE CURIOUS Brand new tour from the comedy whirlwind, energetically motoring through love, family and life .

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

4-5 November

KRIS BARRAS BAND UK guitarist known for his highenergy hybrid of no-nonsense rock, blues and country.

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

ALEXANDER O’NEAL US R&B star of Criticize and Saturday Love fame. Ask your mums, kids.

Lemon Grove, University of Exeter; www.exeterguild.org/lemongrove

22 October

SHE DREW THE GUN Politically-flavoured Merseyside four-piece fronted by Louisa Roach.

See also Spotlight, page 6.

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

23 October

BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK US-themed works by Copland, Barber and Mussorgsky (arr. Ravel).

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

27 October

WISHBONE ASH Classic Brit rockers, at whose helm you’ll still find Andy Powell.

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

28 October

GRACE PETRIE Pure-voiced, politically charged and charismatic folk singer now on her ninth album – think Michelle Shocked but from Leicester.

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

2 November

BRAND NEW HEAVIES London’s acid jazz pioneers return with new album TNBH. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

3 November

PAUL SIMON’S GRACELAND The 1986 pop masterpiece delivered by the awesome London African Gospel Choir Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

10 November

SCHUBERT’S WINTERREISE

Alex Poulton, baritone and Alex Wilson, piano, deliver the mesmerising song cycle about a winter journey.

St Nicholas Priory, The Mint, Exeter; www.nicholaspriory.com

OTHER EVENTS 12 October & 2 November

RUGBY WORLD CUP BREAKFASTS Join fellow rugby fans and members of the current Chiefs squad for all pool games involving England (and the final). Ticket includes a full English.

Sandy Park, Exeter; www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/rugbyworld-cup-breakfasts

LIBRARY LIFE

EMILY MACAULAY shares the latest from Exeter Library November sees the return of the Exeter Literary Festival, launched last year, and there is an array of events and talks. You can see the full programme and purchase tickets at www. exelitfest.com.

At Exeter Library, we are excited to be hosting two large events.

For all you crime lovers (of the reading kind!) out there, we have a crime panel on Saturday 9 November, with (pictured above, clockwise from top left) Claire Empson, Katerina Diamond, Martyn Waites and the recent Richard & Judy Book Club-selected CL Taylor. With such a varied panel, we anticipate lively discussion about telling crime stories, the process of writing and a range of questions for these accomplished authors.

On Sunday 10 November Damien Lewis (not the actor, but the well-known author) will

WANT MORE?

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On Friday afternoons, Exeter’s offices, school gates, supermarket checkouts and street corners start to resound with the big Friday question: “Got any plans this weekend?”

If you ever find yourself stumped for an answer, worry not – your favourite regional lifestyle magazine is here to 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 gigs to theatre to family fun days and loads more – along with a property pick of the week.

(We won’t share your data with third parties – not our thing.)

Like the sound of it? Then jump on www.mediaclash. co.uk/eln pronto and you’ll hear from us soon.

18 October

Meet the crime panel

be with us discussing his latest book SAS Shadow Raiders, as well as holding a Q&A session and a book signing.

There’s also an interesting ‘St Thomas Has Literary Talent’ event at St Thomas Library (on Church Road), where local unpublished writers will be reading from their work.

Who knows? The next JK Rowling may be among them! www.librariesunlimited.org.uk

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

TONY WALSH Performance poet Walsh, aka Longfella, grabbed headlines when he read his This Is The Place in Manchester after the arena bombing of May 2017. He’s joined here by special guest Stephen James Smith.

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

19-27 October

CREALY’S SPOOKFEST New attractions and ghoulish characters for Halloween, closing with a fireworks extravaganza.

Crealy Adventure Park & Resort, Clyst St Mary; www.crealy.co.uk

31 October

ALL HALLOWS’ EVE Special evening opening (free entry), at Exeter’s oldest building.

St Nicholas Priory, The Mint, off Fore Street, Exeter; www.nicholaspriory.com

4 November

AN EVENING WITH MARK BILLINGHAM Stories from TV’s highest ranking and most decorated SAS leader and sniper (as seen on C4’s SAS Who Dares Wins).

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

6 November

TOP DOG FILM FESTIVAL Canine cinematic capers. See page 7.

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

7-10 November

EXETER LITERARY FESTIVAL Second outing for the flourishing bookfest. See also pages 6 and 66.

Various venues, Exeter; www.exelitfest.com

9-10 November

HELL-TOR Spooky film fest. See page 26.

Exeter Phoenix; www.helltorfestival.com ■

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MISSION CREEP

We ain’t afraid of no ghosts – not when Graham Hannaford is around. In the day, he works as Exeter City Football Club’s CCTV security officer. In the night, however, he is all about the things that go bump…

M

y first experience with the supernatural came with a close friend of mine in the churchyard at Powderham. We were just hanging out at the churchyard, as you do when you’re a teenager, and we were calling out, and then started hearing noises.

We got spooked and legged it back to the car. Once we got inside, my friend’s door tried to open, and he had to hold it shut as we sped off. People may say that isn’t supernatural, but we know what happened…

Another experience was at the White Hart Hotel in South Street – we sat alone in the Corkscrews bar, which is the oldest part of the inn, and we had a glass of water with a straw in it. Upon requesting a spirit to make itself known to us, the straw started moving of its own accord! After this, I grabbed an empty tumbler glass and laid it face down on the bar where we put one finger on the glass and it started to move in circles, and to the left and right on request. This method of communication is called glass divination.

I was always fascinated by ‘ghosts’, strange phenomena and always watched TV shows about those topics. One day, a friend and I decided to start going to events that were being held across the country. Which brought me to Silent Voices Ghost Hunts (SVGH).

Exorcisms aren’t really something that SVGH covers, we mainly cleanse and replenish energies, whether in the home or personally. For instance, if there is a negative presence in someone’s home,

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

halloween

“People may say that isn’t supernatural, but we know what happened…”

Graham, left, and Exeter’s Catacombs – dare you?

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 21

halloween BOO!

Parents and carers – make half-term less of a horror with these Halloween-themed outings PAIGNTON ZOO A Halloween highlight for all animallovers is seeing zoo residents filling their boots with fresh pumpkin. Enjoy this sight, follow the The Wild Potions Trail to claim a creepy-crawly prize, get your face painted and join in a host of other themed activities at Paignton Zoo between 21 and 31 October. www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

DONKEY SANCTUARY

The White Hart Hotel

we have the knowledge and ability to cleanse the property and bring a more positive energy using techniques such as saging the home and using palo santo (a sacred wood said to have medicinal and therapeutic healing powers).

There are so many haunted locations in Exeter, making it one of the most haunted cities in the country.

Most haunted, for me, would definitely be the White Hart Hotel in South Street.

There you may come across a father and son who tragically passed away during a fire on the top floor, which is still isolated to this day. Secondly, would be the Well House Tavern on Cathedral Yard, where a skeleton is encased in a glass cabinet in the basement. Thirdly, it’s the Cowick Barton pub in St Thomas, where it’s been reported an old lady can be seen looking out into the courtyard from the top window.

But there a lot of others, including St Olaves Hotel in Mary Arches Street, The Catacombs, Exeter Prison and the hospital.

Each individual, based on their beliefs, would act differently on encountering a ghost – although it’s usually fear. If you see a ghost, it’s either because they want you to see them, or it’s a residual energy – either way, I would thank them for being able to show themselves. It’s a very lucky experience, not something that happens very often!

Do I really, truly believe in ghosts? One way or another, our soul leaves our body and we move somewhere else. So yes, with what I have experienced, I most certainly do believe in ghosts.

Find Silent Voices Ghost Hunters on Facebook: SilentvoicesGH With thanks to Exeter City Football Club; www.exetercityfc.co.uk

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

You’re absolutely right: it is impossible to make donkeys seem spooky. So the excellent animal sanctuary in Sidmouth hasn’t tried – instead, it’s all about finding out how to make our braying, four-legged friends’ lives full of treats, not tricks. From 19 October to 3 November, you can follow a pumpkin trail around the sanctuary to discover which is which, and receive a sweet surprise and certificate on completion. Pumpkin carving happens 23-31 October. www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

CREALY The local theme park and resort is planning its biggest Halloween event yet, with brand new attractions and spooky characters. Spook-Fest opens on 19 October and runs until 27

October, with rides staying open until late, and closing with firework displays.

The mischievous Witches of the Wilderness will invite kids to help them cast spells, banish the Tree House Trolls and generally stir up trouble over their cauldrons, and get a Halloween treat for their efforts.

You can also try to fumble your way out of the spooky Jester’s 3D Fun Maze – the first of its kind in the UK – wearing 3D glasses, and take in two live shows running at regular intervals: UV light spectacular, the Halloween Glow Show, and the Scare Bear Show. Plus singing pumpkins, the Creaky Hotel, a free pumpkin for every child and a chance to do some pumpkin carving. www.crealy.co.uk

CANONTEIGN FALLS From 21-25 October the natural wonderland will be buzzing with craft activities, trails and prizes, Halloweenthemed hot chocolates and cakes in the café. It all culminates in a Halloween extravaganza on the Friday, when you can also partake in a potions and spells workshop with The Pocket Watch Theatre and a Spooky Night Walk, spotting bats and other nocturnal life by torchlight. www.canonteignfalls.co.uk

ADVERTISING FEATURE

A gift that keeps on giving

Can you help a baby or toddler in need this Christmas? BABY BANK EXETER is tackling child poverty, and promoting reuse, by collecting pre-loved baby essentials and distributing them to families in need across the city

B

aby Bank Network Exeter has been created to help alleviate child poverty in Exeter and surrounding areas; to support families in need at times of financial and emotional stress.

The charity, in partnership with Baby Bank Network Bristol, brings together health care professionals, charities, local businesses and members of the public to address the relief of poverty at a local level.

The Baby Bank is a simple yet effective idea. We collect good quality pre-loved and new baby items, donated by members of our community, and re-distribute them to families in need, free of charge, via a referral system through their health visitors, social workers or support workers. The results of our service reduce parental stress, anxiety, reduce financial burden and depression. Improving mental health and allowing parents the ability to focus on other aspects of home life, in turn improves living environments for babies and children, allowing them to thrive.

We have helped families escaping domestic violence; leaving their homes with nothing; others stuck indoors as they have no way of getting about without the pram, we were able to provide. We have also reached homeless families and teenage mums.

“It is extremely sad that we have to have the baby bank,” says one social worker, “but all it takes is a loss of a job, a baby born with a disability or a partner capable of domestic abuse for any one of us to need this service.”

We are aware that re-using items is far more environmentally friendly than making new ones so, not only are we re-distributing resources from where they are abundant to where they

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

Donations all prepped and ready to go!

are lacking, we are promoting sustainable living by reducing the volume of items being disposed.

The Christmas 2018 appeal was a great success even though we were not expecting such a huge response – in total, we gave 122 Christmas bags each containing eight individually wrapped gifts (toys, books, sweets) to children in need, from newborns to teenagers.

This year we are even more prepared for this massive task, as we will be expecting our numbers to rise. We are asking the public to help us achieve a fantastic Christmas for the much less fortunate children than our own.

There is an Amazon wish list (www.amzn. to/2lCdBT1) for you to donate a gift, or you are very welcome to deliver your gifts to the Baby Bank Hub – see our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/babybanknetworkexeter) for directions and opening times. We greatly appreciate every item – no matter how small, they will be valuable to our appeal. We are accepting donations now so that the merry band of volunteers can make a start. ■

“WE ARE ASKING THE PUBLIC TO HELP US ACHIEVE A FANTASTIC CHRISTMAS FOR LESS FORTUNATE CHILDREN”

Baby Bank Exeter; 07954 998067 exeter@babybanknetwork.com www.babybanknetwork.com f babybanknetworkexeter

from 6:30 pm

Festival co-director Ashley Thorpe being utterly fearless at Okehampton Castle

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

film festival ARTS

FRIGHT HERE, FRIGHT NOW Ever driven through Dartmoor late at night? Gothic film festival Hell-Tor will ensure you never do so again…

Photos by Mike Alsford Photography

G

ather round, Exeter. A new festival celebrating Dartmoor’s rich history of ghosts, ghouls and witchcraft takes place this November, and we don’t know about you but we’re never venturing west of Crockernwell in the dark again.

Highlights of the inaugural Hell-Tor film festival include; Sherlock and League of Gentlemen star Mark Gatiss in discussion with film historian and author Jonathan Rigby about The Hound of the Baskervilles, a screening of 1987 classic Hellraiser, preceded by a talk with actor Nicholas Vince, who plays the teeth-chattering Cenobite in the film, and festival co-director Ashley Thorpe presenting his multiaward-winning animated film, Borley Rectory, starring Reece Shearsmith, which is being released on Blu Ray this October.

In addition, you can watch Ken Russell’s 1986 film Gothic before hearing screenwriter and novelist Stephen Volk discuss the classic on stage with the director’s wife Lisi Russell.

There will also be a lecture by Exeter University’s Gothic expert Dr Corinna Wagner, followed by a special presentation on the re-publication, after 20 years, of Usborne Publishing’s cult book The World of the Unknown: Ghosts. Dominic Brunt, best known as Paddy Kirk in ITV’s Emmerdale, will show and discuss his series of horror films and then discuss his love of the genre in a live Q&A. And Devon folklore expert Mark Norman will give a lecture on demon hounds, while his author wife Tracey Norman will present a talk on witchcraft.

“Dartmoor is a land of a thousand ghost stories with a unique place in British horror literature and film,” says Ashley.

“Other parts of the world have created events to celebrate local history and folklore and we wanted to create something unique here. Dartmoor and its myths have long been an obsession of mine.

“I have been surrounded by those tales and their tellers for as long as I can remember. The ghosts, myths and legends of Devon seeped into my personal mythology from an early age and they have influenced most of my work. I wondered why Devon has never had a dedicated festival that celebrated both the tales themselves but also the genre that seemed to have been baptised in their blood.”

“Hell-Tor is a mixture of classic horror features, shorts, lectures and opportunities to hear renowned directors, authors and actors talk openly of their own love of the genre and the region’s legacy.

“It’s time for horror to come home.”

“It’s time for horror to come home”

Hell-Tor runs 9-10 November at Exeter Phoenix, with a Sunday night party held at the Cavern; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/whats-on; www.helltorfestival.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 27

film festival clockwise from below: dare you venture down Hairy Hands Road?; that’s Lord

Cabell’s Tomb in the middle; the resting place of Kitty Jay

DARTMOOR’S FIVE MOST HAUNTED SPOTS As chosen by Hell-Tor co-director Ashley Thorpe

by a huge black dog. She’s on her way to pluck a single blade of grass from the castle grounds and then return to Fitzford House to lay it upon a granite stone. No idea why. Legend has it, if her coach stops outside your house, you’re toast.

The Hairy Hands Road Since the early 20th century, travellers on the stretch of road between Postbridge and the Two Bridges have reported a pair of hairy calloused hands appearing suddenly and gripping the steering wheel of their vehicles forcibly driving them off the road. In 1921 even the Daily Mail picked up on the story, making the story national news.

Attacks are still reported to this day, and not only by motorists…

Great. A paranormal back-seat driver.

The Grave of Kitty Jay Nestled at the intersection of a road and a moorland miners’ track lies the small grave of orphan Kitty Jay who was knocked up by the farmer’s son, thrown out in disgrace, and subsequently took her own life. Apparitions have been reported – maybe the farmer’s son, cursed to kneel nightly before the grave of his betrayed lover and unborn child as penance?

Fresh flowers and offerings are found there daily. Yes, it does sound like a MR James ghost story.

The Watching Place Marked by an ancient cross, The Watching Place was once the site of a gibbet, and some believe that its name derives from the ancient practice of relatives watching over the corpse to protect it from witches who might harvest the dead for their rituals. It was also the favourite spot for a local highwayman known as John Fall, and is said to be haunted by a monk-like figure who stands as if in mourning by the signpost. Though that could just be a really tired Deliveroo driver.

Lord Cabell’s Tomb Sat upon a rock overlooking Buckfast Abbey is the burnt-out shell of what was once the Holy Trinity Church. It was destroyed by fire in 1992, some say by Satanists, drawn to the sinister, barred sepulchre of Squire Richard Cabell. He died in 1677 and was described as a ‘monstrously evil man’ who was rumoured to have sold his soul to the Devil. To this day, children can be found daring each other to run around his tomb and put their fingers through the bars to see if Cabell – or the Devil – will bite their fingers. It gets scarier. Beneath the church is a system of caves containing, directly beneath Lord Cabell’s tomb, a fused stalagmite and stalactite that look like… a Devil. It is believed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle loosely based the character of Hugo Baskerville in The Hound of the Baskervilles upon Cabell. Right, that’s it: Dartmoor, we’re finished.

Okehampton Castle The 16-mile route from Fitzford House to Okehampton Castle is apparently haunted by the ghost of Lady Howard in a horse-drawn carriage made of bones, driven by a headless coachman and preceded

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

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SHOPPING LIVE WELL, BUY BETTER

DOMESTIC DRAMA Winter florals – blousy pastel flowers on a dark background; like a still life by a Dutch Master, or if a goth took over at Cath Kidston – have been a solid fashion and interiors trend for a couple of years now. Step into your very own midnight garden with the new Le Poeme de Fleurs Rosewood from Designers Guild, available as a fabric and a wallpaper, in which huge, hand-painted, digitally printed blooms sprout furiously from the heart of darkness. Add your own Nick Cave album.

Le Poeme de Fleurs Rosewood from Designers Guild, RRP (inc VAT) £195 per roll (£46.43/m2) Local stockists: Drapes2, 20 Queen Street, Exeter; www.curtainsandblind.co.uk Brewers, Alphington Retail Park, Marsh Green Road West, Exeter; 01392 438500; www.wallpaperdirect.com The Interior Studio, 1 Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton; www.theinteriorstudio.co.uk

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

CORK PLACEMATS, £5 AND COASTERS, £2.50 Cork: having a moment, and seriously sustainable Leela, 69 Magdalen Road, Exeter; www.leela-uk.com

SUSTAINED EFFORTS

Shopping with an eye on the planet

EUCALYPTUS, LEMON & MINT SHAMPOO BAR, £4.95 Step away from the plastic bottles, and wash your locks with this gentle, detergent-free Devon product instead Moko, 17 Gandy St, Exeter; www.mokoexeter.co.uk

DR BRONNER'S PURECASTILE LIQUID SOAP, £7.69 The daddy of all eco-toiletries, Dr Bronner’s soap is made with mother nature in mind – completely organic, biodegradable and packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled bottles Healthfoods Unlimited, 181 Cowick St, Exeter; bit.ly/31KK613

RE-USEABLE PLANT LABELS MADE FROM RECYCLED UK PLANT POTS, £8.75 At last – someone found a use for those black plastic plant pots the recycling lorry refuses to take St Bridget Nurseries, Old Rydon Lane, Exeter; www.stbridgetnurseries.co.uk

BITTER ORANGE AND YLANG CANDLES, £15-£24 Hand-poured luxury candles, made using 100% recycled wax The Recycled Candle Company, 16 Gandy Street, Exeter; www.therecycledcandlecompany.co.uk

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

ED’S CHOICE

STAINLESS STEEL DOPPER BOTTLE, £18 This'll give you loads of eco kudos, and the screw cap doubles as a little cup Leela, 69 Magdalen Road, Exeter; www.leela-uk.com

ELMKIND CLEANING SPRAY, £9, BOTTLE OF CONCENTRATE (5 FILLS), £15 100% natural, vegan, palm oilfree invention from brand-new local business Elmkind Nourish, 56 Fore St, Topsham, Exeter & 67 Magdalen Road, Exeter; Facebook: Nourish Zero Waste 'HAARPA' JUMPER, £89 A 100% organic cotton statement from Exeter's ethical fashion boutique Sancho’s, 126 Fore St, Exeter; www.sanchosshop.com

BIRD MIX SEED BALL TIN, £6.50 Created in collaboration with scientists at the Natural History Museum Moko, 17 Gandy St, Exeter; www.mokoexeter.co.uk BEN & ANNA TOOTHPASTE, £8.95 Many toothpastes contain harmful stuff, and their squeezable tubes are difficult to recycle. This all-natural vegan toothpaste in a glass jar is the answer Seasons, 8 Well St, Exeter; www.seasons-exeter.com

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

fashion

STREET CRED A jewel in Exeter’s crown – let’s hear it for the Castle Quarter

It’s a street paved not just with gold, but silver, diamonds, cashmere, beauty gurus, great coffee and hand-tied bouquets. Here’s how the small but mighty Castle Quarter rallied the troops to showcase its talents www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 35

fashion

Musical chairs is super-fancy when you live in a castle...

G

ood things come in small packages – and so it is with Castle Street, and Little Castle Street, a third of an acre of independent creative enterprise.

One of its residents is Erin Cox Jewellery, who felt it was time to show the area off, and put the call out to her neighbours. The results are a visual celebration of one of Exeter’s most irresistible nooks.

“The Castle Quarter, although just off of the High Street, seems to be an area of Exeter people do not know much about,” says Janie Wolverson of Erin Cox Jewellery.

“People can come to the Quarter, have their hair and nails done, buy an outfit and jewellery, have a spot of lunch or a delicious coffee with cake, and head home with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Really, the Castle Quarter has everything covered!”

Janie decided to organise a shoot to showcase the breadth of the spaces, skills and products the Quarter has to offer.

“I went for a slightly urban daytime look which was easy-to-wear fashion that the people of Exeter could see themselves in. Meanwhile, the evening look gave the opportunity for more glamour that would be perfect for an event or

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

Bouquets of your dreams at Sophie Millington

evening out – especially with the build-up to Christmas party season.

“The two looks gave me the chance to use Cafe Espresso, Flowers by Sophie Millington, our own recently revamped Erin Cox Jewellery store, and The Castle as venues, which are all based on Castle Street. The streets themselves are interesting and quirky, with the ruins and cobbled street.”

“A visual celebration of one of Exeter’s most irresistible nooks” The jewellery featured is typical of Erin Cox’s classic style and signature looks. “Not only is her work textural and heavily influenced by the Devon landscape,” explains Janie, “she hand-selects all her own, very high quality, diamonds, gems and pearls and sets them herself. Each piece she creates is done so with a discerning eye ensuring high quality materials and workmanship.

“The serendipity range (or molten circles) is probably the look Erin is most well known for and is visible in all her work. The aptly named collection was formed through playing with metal and pushing it to its limit while in its molten state. Erin has developed the

refined, fluid, molten textures through years of perfecting. It is indicative of the rugged Devon hills, tors and valleys as well as the fluid rivers running between them.

“The siren range is made of different coloured hammered golds, which reflect the light beautifully like fish scales or the sunlight on the sea.

“The O2 collection is almost an amalgamation of both of the other collections – tiny molten circles join together to create bubbles like froth in the sea.”

Adds designer Erin herself: “As a Fair Trade jeweller, I am excited by the shift in our consumers’ awareness of the origins of the metal in their jewellery.

“Despite crazy-high gold prices, our conscientious customers are still choosing to support artisanal mining through buying our Fair Trade pieces.”

So what does Erin think should be under every good girl’s Christmas tree this year?

“Definitely one of our new, natural diamond briolette pendants, something that can be worn everyday and will go with everything. They come in a variety of hues and are just so sparkly!

“Or, if you want to cause a scene this Christmas, it has to be my newly created 18ct white gold bubble chandelier earrings, dripping with briolette diamonds – I want them so bad!” n

FASHION

Smart, casual or smart-casual, the exceptional Crede Boutique has got your back

CREDITS This shoot was brought to you by…

Photographer Tara Statton Photography; www.tarastattonphotography.com Hair V&M Hair; www.vmhair.co.uk MUA Mrs Make Up Lady; Instagram @mrsmakeuplady Clothing Crede Boutique; Facebook @credeboutique

Jewellery Erin Cox Jewellery; www.erincox.co.uk & Molten Wedding Rings; www.moltenweddingringcompany.com Hair accessories The Lucky Sixpence; www.theluckysixpence.co.uk Nails Siobhan Elizabeth Beauty; Instagram @siobhanelizabethbeauty Venues Flowers By Sophie Millington; www.flowersbysophiemillington. com & Caffé Espresso; Facebook @

CaffeEspressoExeterDevon & Exeter Castle; www.exetercastle.co.uk Models Latisha Wilson; Instagram @ iamblackbeauty_model & Lydia Cooke; Instagram @lydia_cooke & Lia Lakshmi; Instagram @lia_lakshmi_ Cider champagne Find & Foster; www.findandfosterfineciders.com Furniture and props The Prop Factory; www.propfactory.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 37

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WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

PICK OF THE BRUNCH It just got even harder to choose where to go for a good weekend brunch in East Devon.

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth has launched a new brunch menu at its award-winning restaurant The Kitchen and now you can tuck into fresh, seasonal, local, hand-prepared dishes – like Mexican beans, layered over toasted sourdough and smashed avocado; American-style pancakes, topped with roasted figs, toasted walnuts and drizzled with honey; and a great range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices – while enjoying those magnificent sea views, rolling green hills, and some seriously happy donkeys.

And you’re well-placed to work it all off afterwards with a walk round the sanctuary and the delightful countryside surrounding it, including the South West Coastal Path.

The Sunday brunch menu is available every Sunday from 9am until 3pm, and all profits will go to support the vital work of The Donkey Sanctuary, here in the UK and across the world.

For more: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

CANONTEIGN CUISINE

Matt Marshall

Canonteign Falls has welcomed a new head chef, Matt Marshall, and will be showcasing his skills with a special feast evening on 26 October.

The Devon Feast Evening, the first in a series, will be held in the lakeside café and feature a five-course menu which champions the beautiful local produce of Dartmoor and Devon. The event begins with a glass of Swanaford Fizz and ends with ginger, Swiss meringue and ice cream – via delights such as crispy Dartmoor lamb and River Teign trout gravlax. A vegetarian menu is also available. Tickets are £35 per head.

Says Canonteign Falls owner Kate Baylis: “Matt’s energy and passion for cooking local, seasonal produce, fresh to order, is infectious and in alignment with the direction we want to take with our food.”

“My love for food started in my nan’s pubs,” says Matt. “I was mesmerised by the flavours and the exciting atmosphere and a passion for food while creating a buzz around is still with me.”

For more: www.canonteignfalls.co.uk

© Emma Solley

Two products by Topsham-based charcuterie and cured meat producer Good Game have not only won Gold, but also been named category champions by Taste of the West, the South West’s most prestigious food, drink and hospitality awards.

“A great balance of meatiness, saltiness and sweetness,” said judges of the company’s chorizo jam. “This is a versatile product which tastes delicious and can be eaten straight off the spoon!”

Of the Tuscan salami charcuterie they were equally gushing: “An instant ‘hit’ of the Mediterranean! It’s just delicious, and we could eat a whole one… each!”

Steve Williams, Good Game co-director, says: “Taste of the West holds a huge amount of credibility and we know there’s stiff competition in our category. We’re over the moon to win, as customers know the sticker is a mark of a high-quality product.”

Judged by a panel of chefs, restaurateurs, buyers, retailers and food writers, Taste of the West celebrates quality, integrity and provenance of food in the West and seeks to promote local produce that goes above and beyond in terms of quality and taste.

Good Game’s bacon jam and kimchi were also awarded Gold.

For more: www.good-game.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 39

ADVERTISING FEATURE FAMILY LAW

DIRECTORS RACHEL BUCKLEY AND DONNA HART FROM THE FAMILY LAW COMPANY EXPLAIN HOW THE COMPANY IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING POSITIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUNG PEOPLE LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN LAW RACHEL “A career in law is sometimes seen as only relevant for someone from a particular background and education. The Family Law Company has been working hard to turn this perception on its head - and with good reason.

I had a difficult start to life and was pigeon-holed by teachers; at various stages of my education I was told I’d never make a lawyer, and I’d never go to university. I was determined to prove them wrong.”

DONNA “Mine is a similar story. As the child of teenage parents, my teachers told me that I would struggle to become a lawyer. But I didn’t let that stop me!

I joined TFLC as a paralegal, studied through CILEx and I’m now a Director and an owner of the company.”

RACHEL “The CILEx route is a great way to pursue a career as a qualified lawyer, whether you have GCSEs, A levels or a degree. Our Board includes lawyers who have studied this way. We recently won the category ‘Promoting Access to the Profession’ in the CILEx National Awards.

It’s always an honour to receive an award but this one was close to our hearts as it recognises us as a company that encourages people to realise they can have a career in law, regardless of their education or background.”

DONNA “The Family Law Company has an initiative to make vacancies open to all including those without experience, which has proved really successful. One of our office juniors in now our accounts manager and Director, and an employee who joined us from a career as a beautician and became a paralegal. We strive to encourage confidence in those from less privileged backgrounds; one of our respected Senior Associate grew up in the care system and her CILEx qualification was funded through social services. Of course, we employ law graduates, too. We’re training them up to have the same values as we do from the start.”

RACHEL

If you are interested in a career with The Family Law Company, please email Rachel.Buckley@thefamilylawco.com and Donna.Hart@thefamilylawco.com Balliol House, Southernhay Gardens Exeter EX1 1NP.

WWW.THEFAMILYLAWCO.CO.UK

“When we interview, we look for aptitude and an attitude that fits in with our company ethos. Family law needs people who care but who will balance empathy with professionalism. These are skills that can’t always be taught, but stem from someone’s personality and use of commonsense. You need to be tenacious and committed, and a real team worker.”

DONNA “As a company we promote on the basis of ability not privilege. We believe our differences make us stronger and our difficult journeys into law make us tougher. Whatever an individual’s background, each one of us is passionate about the law, positive, optimistic and vital to the success of our company.”

advertising feature

Chronic Pain: Retrain Your Brain

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Nick Critchley of THE GOOD PHYSIO shares his advice

hronic or persistent pain is something which affects one in five adults in the UK – a number that could rise to one in three within a decade. But most people don’t understand pain or how to treat it. Unfortunately, that includes many medical professionals!

Good understanding is crucial to finding a long-term solution to a pain-free life. The Good Physio are experts in using analysis, education and therapy to help you along that journey.

Firstly, it’s vital to realise that pain is something created by your brain. Everyone’s experience of it is unique and highly subjective, based on patients’ beliefs (accurate or not), their expectations, culture and emotions. Ultimately, it’s a result of interpretation and context. If your brain perceives that a situation is threatening, your pain level will increase – it wants to protect you.

This isn’t meant to belittle people’s pain. In fact, pain is an alarm system which is essential

for us to thrive, alerting us to abnormalities with our bodies so we can change our behaviour and create the best environment for tissues to heal.

Fortunately, and in most cases, pain is often short-lived, lasting from a few days up to two or three months when relating to more significant injury or in slow-healing tissues.

But sometimes pain outlives the normal timescales involved in tissue healing – that’s when it’s referred to as chronic or persistent pain.

If you’re suffering from it – either from a longterm sporting injury or because of a postural or habitual problem – we can help.

At The Good Physio, we don’t like the term “pain management”. That suggests patients should simply learn to come to terms with their problems. We think there’s a better way.

Research shows that education, psychologically informed physiotherapy and promoting optimal movement patterns are vital in the effective treatment of chronic pain. Our expertise is in giving accurate information to help you recognise

the real causes of pain as being key to the effective treatment of it.

So no more negative thoughts, exacerbating your pain levels and hampering your movement.

Contact The Good Physio and see how we can help you feel better. n

The Good Physio, Holmedale Health, 34 Denmark Road, Exeter EX1 1SE; 01392 982 198; nick@thegoodphysio.co.uk; thegoodphysio.co.uk

It’s the city’s business

EXETERworks Sparx is transforming children’s learning experiences

Bright Sparx

E

Exeter education company receives massive local investment

xeter-based learning technology company, Sparx, is to receive a £20 million investment from Oxygen House, an ethical and impactcentric group of companies based in Exeter.

The investment follows an initial one – totaling £30 million – also from Oxygen House, which helped establish Sparx in 2010.

“We are committed to helping to improve education,” says Oxygen House director, Roy Bedlow, “and we believe that Sparx’s innovative, social focus, can transform learners’ lives across the world.”

Sparx is an in-class and homework solution, which uses machine learning, personalised content, and data analytics. Its first product, Sparx Maths, was launched in September 2018. Studies have

shown that, in comparison with national norms, Sparx Maths students made 67% more progress in Year 7 alone.

Exeter’s Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust has been involved in Sparx’s trials, and looks forward to seeing what comes next, with CEO, Moria Marder, praising Sparx’s “vision for personalised learning which combines brilliant teaching with technology.” Its mission is to improve outcomes for more than five million learners by 2030.

Dan Sandhu, Sparx CEO, says: “This new investment will help us to firmly position Sparx at the forefront of edtech. The ongoing support of Oxygen House will enable us to have a significant impact on education nationally and beyond the UK.” For more: www.sparx.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 43

EXETERWORKS

TAKING PAINS Harley Street physiotherapist, Nick Critchley, has founded and launched The Good Physio, a pain management practice in Exeter.

With 25 years’ experience in treating chronic pain, headache and migraine, and spinal problems – as well as a Masters degree in the management of pain and headache conditions – he is one of the UK’s leading physiotherapy experts.

The Good Physio, located in Holmedale Health Consulting Rooms in St Leonard’s, is based on the biopsychosocial model, which views all pain as a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors unique to each individual. “It is vital to establish root causes rather than just glossing over symptoms,” says Nick who, as part of his multidisciplinary approach, has teamed up with clinical psychologist Maria Rodrigeuz-Bernal, and hopes to expand his professional network further in order to provide individualised care.

In his approach, Nick draws on personal experience, and emphasises the importance of trust, confidence, and time.

“I want to delve into my patients’ lifestyle issues to find the causes for their pain,” he says, “allowing them to make better informed lifestyle choices, adopt good dietary habits, improve sleep quality, and get a better work-life balance.”

For more information: www.thegoodphysio.co.uk

Nick Critchley

Another sold-out, glittering event is on the horizon…

Choose your category!

It’s that time of year again… The much-loved Exeter Living Awards are soon returning, on 7 March, and category sponsorship opportunities are now open, bringing businesses the chance to associate with the high-profile event.

This year saw record nominations and an evening event with over 480 guests in attendance and a long waiting list. The Awards were on everybody’s lips on social media and interest in the night peaked record heights.

Sponsorship provides an unrivalled business marketing showcase. The 20 Awards categories cover the whole of Exeter’s thriving business

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

scene; from arts to bars, charities to creatives and leisure to tech, there’s something for everyone.

“Those companies that hop on board and sponsor a category gain plenty from our Awards, and the receptions and events that come with partnering up” says MediaClash events director Steph Dodd. “Whether looking for that extra marketing boost for your business or opportunities to network and build contacts in the city, the Awards has the answers.”

Already on board through sponsorship is platinum sponsor Jelf, along with category

sponsors Cathedral Appointments, Exeter College, Exeter Live Better, MD Business Interiors, Old Mill, Princesshay, Regus, Triangle Networks and Warwick Event Services.

Nominations open on 12 November via the website. The Award trophies are such prestigious and sought-after prizes, those who dream of bagging one in 2020 are urged to enter without delay.

For sponsorship enquiries and to benefit from the Awards, please contact Carolyn Southcott: Carolyn.Southcott@mediaclash.co.uk www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk; Twitter @exeterlivingawd

UEEZ-Y DOES IT The University of Exeter has received a grant of £800,000 to create a vibrant and innovative ‘Enterprise Zone’, one of 20 across the UK designed to stimulate local and regional economic growth.

Based at Exeter Science Park, the University of Exeter Enterprise Zone (UEEZ) will build upon an active community of entrepreneurs, innovators, startups and early-stage growth enterprises.

Sean Fielding, director of innovation, impact and business at the University of Exeter, says: “This is a great boost to Exeter’s aspirations to be a leading city in tech development.

“The partnership between the University,

Helen Gale

MOVERS, SHAKERS ETC Haines Watts in Exeter has announced the appointment of Helen Gale (pictured) as its new head of tax… Jackie Beckford joins Guide Dogs South West as habilitation specialist… Multi-discipinary practice LHC Design has welcomed Tim Arkell, who joins the Exeter studio as senior landscape architect...

Sarah Davison is the new assistant manager at the Rusty Pig in Ottery St Mary.

Exeter Science Park

SETsquared Exeter [member of a business incubator partnership between five leading research-led UK universities] and the Exeter Science Park will help us grow the next generation of technology entrepreneurs and create an even more effective knowledge economy.”

Speaking at the launch of the 20 new UEZs, which received £20 million funding, Universities Minister Chris Skidmore says: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and Exeter has a thriving ecosystem of local businesses and entrepreneurs whose creativity and determination help underpin the UK’s position as a leading innovator.

“Alongside this, many of Exeter’s research community are right on the precipice of turning ground-breaking ideas into real products and services which could change the lives not just of people in the local community, but people around the world.

“Today’s funding will not only help local scientists take their ideas from lab to market – but will also support an enterprise hub at the University of Exeter. Providing space for local businesses to forge crucial partnerships, the UEZs will create jobs, drive local growth and provide SMEs with a vital steppingstone to succeed.”

www.setsquared.exeter.ac.uk

Slurp!

GOODNESS ON TAP Clinton Devon Estates Dairy has installed a 24/7 milk vending machine at Otterton Mill visitor centre.

The Mill has a strong focus on local produce, making it the ideal location for the vending machine. The refrigerated unit holds 100 litres of whole milk, and will be refilled daily. Each litre costs £1.50 and customers are encouraged to bring their own bottles, to do their bit in the fight against single-use plastic.

Barney Tremaine, farms manager of Clinton Devon Farms Partnership, which owns the farm, says: “We wanted to give local people the opportunity to buy our fresh organic milk,

produced only hours before by cows grazing on their doorstep.”

The initiative is also an effort to reduce waste, and food miles – the milk in question will be pasteurised less than a mile from the vending machine – thus making it environmentally friendly. It also hopes to raise awareness of organic farming, and prioritise animal welfare.

Chris Wright, co-owner of Otterton Mill, says: “These machines provide a sustainable way to buy locally produced milk.”

If the vending machines prove popular, it is hoped they will be rolled out elsewhere.

For more: www.clintondevon.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I exeter living I 45

EXETERWORKS

EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2019 ROYAL ALBERT MEMORIAL MUSEUM It’s 150 years young and sits at the heart of Exeter’s cultural life. When RAMM scooped two awards at this year’s ceremony – Leisure & Tourism and the overall Platinum Award – we were surprised that they were surprised. Here, Camilla Hampshire, RAMM’s museum manager and cultural lead, talks about the night – and the crisis facing museums nationwide…

LEISURE & TOURISM WINNER SPONSORED BY

PLATINUM WINNER SPONSORED BY

So how did it feel to win not one but two Exeter Living Awards?

We were so thrilled. It’s a good job you didn’t have the cameras on us at that point, it’s difficult to look elegant when your mouth is agape!

We were astonished but absolutely delighted to win the Leisure & Tourism award, but to go on and win the Platinum ‘winner of winners’ award... It was a huge honour to be recognised from amongst so many other fantastic award winners.

Why do you think RAMM won?

RAMM holds a really special place in the heart of Exeter’s community. Last year was an important year for the museum as it celebrated its 150th anniversary.

We held our ‘Carnival of the Animals’ parade through the city centre, a concert at Exeter Cathedral and two special exhibitions to mark the occasion.

We commissioned contemporary

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

Camilla Hampshire (centre) and representatives of RAMM

art by an internationally-renowned artist and a RAMM-themed children’s book Alfie’s Night Out, which is available to buy from the museum shop. The special occasion was also marked by a private visit from the Princess Royal. It was a fabulous year for RAMM and I think the judges must have picked up on this in our award entry.

More generally, each year, RAMM receives more than 250,000 visits, it is a space for everyone, providing a safe, welcoming, inspiring place to access and enjoy worldclass collections and changing exhibitions. I like to think RAMM was recognised for the contribution it makes to the city’s cultural life, benefiting tourism, arts and business stakeholders.

What are your best memories of the night?

Our name being called out… twice! Plus meeting some wonderful people all contributing to the vibrancy of our great city.

What have been the main challenges for regional museums in the last 12 months, and how have you tackled them?

Our main challenge is funding.

We’re an Exeter City Council service and they do so much to support us, however, we all know that local authorities are under massive and increasing financial pressures and they can’t afford to pay for everything. In order to bring the collection to life for people to enjoy, learn from, or be inspired, we need support from other grant-giving bodies, local companies and philanthropic individuals.

If you could have five minutes face-to-face with Helen Whateley, minister for arts, heritage and tourism – what would you say?

I’m glad you asked that question as this is something I’m thinking a lot about at the moment!

Can you share three highlights from the RAMM events calendar this coming autumn and winter?

In his first week as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson gave a speech in Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry and said, “Each place in our country has a unique heritage, a unique character, and a unique future.” He argued that strengthening our cultural and creative infrastructure is essential for the future success of the UK. But after a decade of large cuts from central and local governments, many museums now face a crisis. If museums are to remain an integral

and optimistic part of our nation’s future, there now needs to be urgent action from the government.

I would say that museums are one of the ways in which the South West’s sense of pride and our place in history comes to life. They provide a platform to showcase the region to people from around the world. As our Exeter Living Awards showed, our city values RAMM as a vital and vibrant part of Exeter and Devon’s community and cultural life.

“The issues facing museums need proper discussion at a national level…

Ministers need to act now to safeguard our shared inheritance for future generations”

Here in Exeter, RAMM has flourished with the consistent support of Exeter City Council and partnership funding from Arts Council England, but after years of public sector cuts, the Council is finding the funding requirement associated with RAMM increasingly challenging and difficult to sustain.

The issues facing museums need proper discussion at a national level. Despite ‘glossing over the cracks’, museums tasked with caring for our shared local and national heritage, our civic pride, are struggling, requiring national level intervention to support their long term futures.

Ministers need to act now to safeguard our shared inheritance for future generations, ensuring Britain’s cultural influence in the world is not diminished by the government’s underfunding of incredible institutions across the country (you asked!).

This year RAMM has hosted its first series of ‘Lates’, eclectic after-hours events which enable people to experience the museum in a whole new way. There’s so much going on at these events including music and a bar, gallery tours, storytelling and creative workshops. They’ve been massively popular and we’re currently looking for sponsors to enable us to host Lates in 2020 (great corporate benefits!).

We’re also hosting The Lost Words exhibition. I’m sure many of your readers will have already heard about the award-winning book of the same name. Unfortunately, nature is falling out of young people’s vocabularies; nature-related words are literally being stripped from their dictionary. The Lost Words is an exhibition which celebrates nature’s power to spark the imagination (19 October-12 January).

We also have Sea Garden coming up, an intriguing contemporary art exhibition which explores the female-gendered relationship with the sea and seaweed (16 November-26 January).

Which other attractions do you most admire in the local leisure and tourism world?

How could I fail to mention the Cathedral? Exeter wouldn’t be Exeter without it.

Tell us a fun fact about life behind the scenes at RAMM…

As most Exonians will know, Gerald the Giraffe is a city icon.

What you might not know is that his tail is part cow and in December he will be very carefully cleaned by a conservator, with a brush and vacuum (don’t worry, we know what we’re doing), because on 14 December he will have been in the collection for 100 years.

Do come and help us celebrate Gerald’s Big Day! For more: www.rammuseum.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 47

EXETERWORKS

exeter living awards 2019 THE EXETER Named after its city, owned and loved by its members, The Exeter was the popular and thoroughly deserving winner of our heavyweight Legal & Financial category. Sally Hodge, head of HR, tells us what makes the company unique and drives it forward LEGAL & FINANCIAL WINNER So how did it feel to win an Exeter Living Award?

We were so excited! Our business started in Exeter in 1927 and we’ve been here ever since, but many local people still haven’t heard of us. It was great to be up there being recognised and celebrating together with all the other amazing businesses in Exeter.

Why do you think The Exeter won?

Surely because we have a great name? Joking aside, I think that played a role, because we’re known and recognised nationally in the insurance industry, and our namesake city is at the forefront of our brand. We’ve had amazing growth, adding over 40 staff members last year alone and we’re very proud of our 150 plus staff.

We also have a strong culture and encourage active links to the local Exeter community through charity work and volunteering.

What makes you different from other insurers?

We know we’re not the biggest insurer, or the biggest financial services brand, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be the best and we’re always striving to get better.

We’re a mutual health and life insurer, which means we have no shareholders. Our members own us, so their wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do and our core purpose is to help them. What sets us apart is how we do that, and the answer is our people. We talk internally about there being a special ‘The Exeter’ quality in our staff – it’s hard to describe, it’s just a certain

What are your best memories of the night?

The Mexican wave was definitely a highlight, but the best memory was seeing the faces of our team around the table. We took people from different areas across the business because we wanted everyone to get a chance to represent us and enjoy the night. Seeing the pride on their faces when our name was read out – that was a really special moment.

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

The Exeter: living their best life

something that everyone who works here instinctively seems to have. In a nutshell, it’s about treating everyone with kindness and respect and always providing excellence in every aspect of our work.

How do you attract and retain your staff?

We work really closely with local recruitment firms who help us to find the people we need, and we also encourage staff internally to consider roles in other departments when they become available. We offer learning and development as well as great benefits, so when people join us, they want to stay. In 2018 we retained our Investors in People accreditation for the 18th year in succession and for the last two years we’ve also been named as one of the best places to work in the UK by [global workplace consultancy] Great Place to Work.

What’s the nicest bit of feedback you’ve ever had from a member of The Exeter?

We recently had a beautiful letter from a member’s family, after she had just passed away from cancer.

We had supported her through her journey and helped her to access world-leading treatments, which the family believed had given them some extra years and precious memories with her. Several of our staff knew her personally,

“We know we’re not the biggest, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be the best” having spoken to her over the years, and it was incredibly moving and humbling to read about the difference we had been able to make to her life and her family.

What do you love most about working in Exeter?

Going to work every day in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. You can be standing in the city centre and still see the green fields beyond, it’s fantastic.

Exeter also has a rich history and culture, with some great emerging businesses and local initiatives. It’s an exciting place to be.

Tell us a secret about life behindthe-scenes at The Exeter…

We like our food. Breakfasts, BBQs, pizza, fish and chips, ice cream vans, cake stalls…. You name it, we’ve had it all at the office at some point (and that’s just this year!)

For more: www.the-exeter.com

advertising feature

5 common behavioural investing traps – and how to avoid them

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Tony Hawes of OLD MILL shares...

hile investing is simple, it is never easy, largely because of how we behave. At Old Mill we believe that investing using a well thought-out, evidence-based and systematic investment process helps to take much of the emotion out of investing. A good process won’t always deliver a good outcome, but over time it raises the chances of one.

Five of the most common behavioural traps are: Mistaking random noise for patterns A rational gambler playing roulette knows the chance of any number coming up is the same as any other number. Yet a sequence of three red ‘9’s in a row can create quite a stir at the table. If you detect a pattern in shorter-term data it’s probably meaningless.

Problems with probability (and maths in general) Many people are willing to pay more for something that improves the probability from 95% to 99% than from 45% to 49%, despite the financial benefit being the same. Few people can compound in their heads. Don’t ignore the maths, spend a little time teasing out the numbers.

The Monday morning quarter-back – hindsight delusion With hindsight we often think we could have predicted what happened, such as a fall in the markets. The evidence suggests that we cannot.

It’s unlikely that you have predictive powers.

I will throw my anchor out here, thanks People like to use mental ‘anchors’ when forming opinions, which can lead to extraordinarily inaccurate estimates of outcomes. The level of the FTSE 100 is a common investment anchor for

investors, even if their investment portfolio is very different. Don’t allow yourself to get hooked on meaningless anchors.

Short-termism and obsessive portfolio monitoring Many investors’ focus tends to be on the effects of recent market conditions on their wealth and this affects their ability to make good decisions for the long-term success in meeting their lifetime purchasing power needs. Given the 2:1 ratio of pain to gain, the longer the period between peeks at a portfolio the better! n

If you would like to talk to us about your investments and how we can help you avoid these common traps, please contact Tony Hawes on 01935 709329 or anthony.hawes@om.uk

WE’LL MEET AGAIN Help! The AGM is looming and you need to book a venue.

Worry not, organiser-in-chief. We bring you some of the Exeter area’s best meeting rooms and conference spaces

“Reckon a barrel of beer might finish off your company gettogether in style? Then check out The Rabbit Hole” 50 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

conferences The Rabbit Hole: yours from 5pm

THE RABBIT HOLE

Reckon a free barrel of beer might finish off your company get-together in style?

Then check out The Rabbit Hole, an industrial-chic co-working space based at The Mount, two minutes’ walk from Princesshay. Its event space is available to rent out from £400, after 5pm, and you’ll have room for 70 guests in a comfortable seating area, kitchen facilities, catering options, Sonos speakers and the aforementioned beer, at the bespoke onsite bar.

Oh, and a pool table. Of course there’s a pool table. www.venaspace.com/the-rabbit-hole-coworking

FROGINWELL VINEYARD

Or is wine more your team’s thing? For a venue with atmosphere, bags of space and free parking, Froginwell Vineyard offers an alternative to more anonymous hotel venues.

Set in over 20 acres of productive vineyard and orchards on the A3052 (Sidmouth Road), the large cider barn has been extended into a spacious and very light room with folding doors which open out onto the terrace directly overlooking the vineyard.

From networking events to away days, the vineyard can cater for groups from 20 to 120.

“People love the atmosphere here and our focus on customer service,” says owner Kate Jenkins. “We don’t mind if clients want to manage their own catering, for example.

It’s exclusive hire so they have all that space, indoors and outdoors, to move around in.” www.froginwellvineyard.co.uk

EXETER PHOENIX

You may know it best as a place for sweaty gigs and contemporary art exhibitions, but this bustling city centre arts venue also offers flexible conferencing and meeting rooms for every type of event.

The largest of these is the theatre/ auditorium with a seated capacity of 138 to 270. At the other end of the scale, Studio 2 is a bargain at £20 per hour and seats 40 in theatre style. A dedicated team will manage your booking from start to finish and can provide technical support; technical equipment is also available for hire. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 51

conferences

Event Exeter’s whizzy Alumni Auditorium

Sounds like the title of a punk-rock album; is actually Exeter’s original (and ultra-cool) co-working space.

Choose from two sites – Town House on Dix’s Field and Quay House on the Exeter Quay, each of which has a variety of meeting rooms for existing spaceusers or for private hire whether it’s for Skype calls and one-to-ones, or team chats and board meetings for up to 10 people. The rooms include use of office facilities, with added privacy, screens and flip charts.

Prices start at a very reasonable £10 per hour. www.generatorhub.co.uk

EXETER GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Get together at the golf club

A classic and dependable choice, Exeter Golf & Country Club offers a classy and relaxing Georgian house setting for events from intimate meetings to larger conferences and celebrations. You get six function rooms to choose from. The Topsham Room, on the ground-floor, has been recently refurbished as an elegant and airy room with floorto-ceiling windows. The Mews, also refurbished, is a contemporary room with a private bar and rooftop terrace overlooking the outdoor pool and tennis courts. Plus: seasonal, freshly cooked food served in the restaurant or delivered to your meeting room, free on-site parking and proximity to the city centre and M5. All surrounded by that stunning 18 hole golf course, of course. www.exetergcc.co.uk

REED HALL

Event Exeter’s impressive selection of conference and meeting venues spans the stunning green campuses of the University of Exeter, just a stone’s throw from the heart of Exeter. Surrounded by 300 acres of Green Flag-awarded gardens, delegates couldn’t feel further from the city.

Reed Hall, with its selection of ornate meeting rooms, is an all-year-round venue, which never fails to charm. An Italianate mansion, surrounded by botanical gardens, it offers an idyllic location for you to convene.

The Streatham campus also houses a plethora of flexible spaces, from smaller seminar rooms to the purpose built Peter Chalk Centre, the state-of-the-art Alumni Auditorium, to the Great Hall seating up to 1400. n www.eventexeter.com

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

Jack Nowell: smashing his PowerPoint presentation

TEAM BONDING

We were going to fill this box with top tips on how to hold a conference, when we noticed Exeter Chiefs’ England Rugby stars had saved us the job. Thanks, lads.

Head to Sandy Park’s YouTube channel to watch Jack Nowell, Don Armand, Gareth Steenson and other players advise on everything from icebreakers to menu choices in a promotional video for the excellent conference facilities at their professional home, Sandy Park.

There’s even a guest appearance by Henry Slade’s cockapoo, Frank.

Watch the video at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-ebce0BQTI www.sandypark.co.uk

© MAT T AUSTIN

THE GENERATOR

RODNEY SPILLER WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD Supporting the Exeter Chiefs

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EXETER RUGBY FIXTURES SEASON 2019-2020 For more information on fixtures, results and tickets please visit www.exeterchiefs.co.uk/fixtures *Dates and kick-off times are subject to broadcasting rights and may change. Please check online prior to the match.

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Bargain s th If you'r roughout th e afte e sto Govern r Army, Nav re. y or ment su rplus WE

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Bakers Yard, Alphinbrook Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8SS 01392 427508 | Open Mon-Sat 8.00-5.00 Sun 10-3.00

PROPERTY A PL ACE TO C ALL HOME

DRUMMERS WELL

Down Cheriton Bishop way, KITTY KANE ямБnds a perfect example of contemporary vernacular architecture www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 59

A place to call home property

B

uilding a new home in Devon means making a dozen big choices on a daily basis. The biggest of these by far is your architectural style – go full-on modernist and you can expect the traditionalists of the parish to protest in their droves. Opt for the complete opposite – a perfect historical pastiche – and the good taste police will roll their eyes in despair. As for the council planning department, well, they could go either way depending on the weather and how well they’ve lunched (that’s a cheap gag – apologies to any council planner reading this).

Happily, there is a third way, one that will keep most people happy (most importantly, your future self) – a design that fits its environment/community without pandering to it. In other words, what the professionals call contemporary vernacular architecture.

Built in 2011, Drummers Well is a good example. Its robustness and symmetry, slate roof, white rendered façade, pitched roof attic dormers, oak joinery and timber weatherboarding reflect many traditional, local homes of its size. It looks comfortable in its rural setting on the edge

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

of Cheriton Bishop. At the same time, it’s a high-spec, fully contemporary home, in which you won’t see any tacky, tokenistic nods to the ancient past – none of the fanlights, or pilasters or stucco mouldings you might find in something pretending it’s from ye olden days.

You enter Drummers Well through a large porch, which opens onto a large, striking, well-lit reception hall and its statement staircase of oak, chrome and glass balustrade.

There are three inter-connecting reception rooms here on the ground floor – a vast living room, a sleek kitchen and a stylish dining room/conservatory, which all have gleaming floors of large-format tiles and look out across the garden and the larger of the two paddocks to the lovely view beyond. There’s also a laundry room, media room and cloakroom on this level.

On the first floor is a central, galleried landing – there’s currently a glorious statement light cascading down the stairwell – off which you’ll find a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms, a study and a cosy cinema room. In the attics, you’ll find two more double, ensuite bedrooms.

Just like the house, the garden, confidently treads a path between convention and innovation. Spacious upper and lower terraces are edged with lawn bounded by mature hedging and trees. You also get two paddocks and a barn, but the pièce de résistance is an incredible sunken barbecue area with built-in seating, and a grill with a roasting spit large enough for a whole hog. Planning permission is in place for an indoor swimming pool.

Party at yours! n

House numbers Date built 2011 Bedrooms

5

Acres 5.96 Miles from Exeter 12

Guide price £1,295,000 For more: Knight Frank, 19 Southernhay East, Exeter EX1 1QD; 01392 423111; www.knightfrank.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 61

St James Exeter

Guide Price £500,000

A fantastic Grade II listed period property, conveniently situated on the edge of the city centre and close to the University. The well-presented, spacious accommodation offers a perfect blend of period character and charm, alongside contemporary modern living. Two spacious reception rooms, modern kitchen, utility room, cloakroom, three excellent double bedrooms, fourth bedroom/ study and modern bathroom. The basement offers much potential to adapt further. Outside are delightful, private walled gardens, two covered verandas, single garage and driveway.

For further details telephone James Mold on 01392 427500 or email j.mold@wilkinsongrant.co.uk

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

St Leonards Exeter

Guide Price £850,000

A rare opportunity to acquire a contemporary, light-filled property with off-street parking for two vehicles. The family home enjoys a quality finish throughout and is arranged over four floors comprising two reception rooms, magnificent kitchen/dining room, utility, cloakroom, four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The landscaped rear garden is south-facing and on two levels with a superb decked sun terrace.

For further details telephone Giles Hann on 01392 427500 or email g.hann@wilkinsongrant.co.uk

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

EXETER LIVES

“I’ve fallen a little bit in love with Pep Guardiola”

What’s your earliest childhood memory?

I can remember being stung by a wasp on my little toe while I was eating a Bakewell tart. I was around three at the time.

When did you last cry, and why?

SARAH TURNER Look! It’s the mother of all local authors Her hilariously candid parenting tales as The Unmumsy Mum have made her a Sunday Times No 1 bestselling author – now Exeter writer and mum-of-three Sarah Turner is back with her third book, destined to become a friend to all parents recoiling at the humblebragging and #blessed crap clogging up their social media feeds. But what does she do when she’s not writing?

Whereabouts do you live, and what makes it special?

I live in St Thomas and I love the sense of community we have here. What’s not to love about such a short stroll to the Quay?

Your third Unmumsy Mum title is out now – congratulations!

Can you tell us about it in a nutshell?

Thank you! The Unmumsy Mum A-Z is a compendium of parenting experiences, documenting the good, the bad and the ugly of parenting in alphabetical order.

Entries include Bickering, Ikea, Mental Health and Willies...

tend to favour whatever I’ve read the most recently rather than ‘classics’. I’m sure my answer would change if you asked me again next year! For now, I’m going to say Sally Rooney, Gail Honeyman and Adam Kay.

Can we look forward to The Unmumsy Mum: The Teen Years eventually? (Please say yes).

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

What will you be doing at Exeter Literary Festival?

What’s been your best fancy dress costume?

Ha ha I would love to say yes – Lord knows, there will be enough material! But realistically I think this will be the last book in the series as it becomes trickier to write about the children as they get older.

I had such a good time at the inaugural ExeLitFest in 2018 that I am back for more of the same this autumn and I can’t wait. For my event, there will be a relaxed chat about both the book and parenting in general with the opportunity to ask questions. I am truly honoured to have become a patron of the Festival this year, so will also be helping to fly the flag for other events on the programme and will hopefully help with this for many years to come.

Who are your top three favourite authors, of all time?

That’s a hard question as my taste in books is pretty eclectic and I

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

Anything that’s not Incy Wincy Spider, our youngest son’s current obsession. It’s extremely cute when he does the actions but you can have too much of a good thing! To be honest, at the end of a trying day I’m most likely to crave silence.

It’s been years since I’ve done fancy dress but I was always a fan of a Spice Girls theme... (Baby Spice, in case you’re wondering).

What job would you be terrible at?

Waitressing. I know this for certain because I worked in a café for a couple of summers when I was at school and I was so clumsy with the hot drinks that they sent me to the kitchen to help make paninis.

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Brandon Flowers from The Killers.

I’ve also fallen a little bit in love with Pep Guardiola, the Man City manager.

The last big cry I had was at the funeral of my publicist and friend, Sophie, who died suddenly this year. I think about her every day.

Who would play you in a film about your life?

Claire Danes would be my number one choice.

Favourite places to eat, drink and shop in Exeter and the surrounding area?

For shops, I’m going to say Jelly (kids’ charity shop) or Peachy Tipi for vintage and retro finds, both on Fore Street. Closer to home in St Thomas, I enjoy going to Apple Blossom Café for a chicken and mango mayonnaise sandwich and a cup of tea!

Who’s the coolest person you know in Exeter?

I know lots of cool people in Exeter but I’m going to have to cheat and say my boys: Henry, Jude and Wilf. Henry in particular will be chuffed with a mention.

We’d better let you get on…

What are you doing right after this?

Making a start on book four, which is to be something completely different. n

The Unmumsy Mum A-Z – An Inexpert Guide to Parenting (Penguin), £12.99, is out now from all good bookshops; www.theunmumsymum.co.uk Sarah Turner appears at the Exeter Literary Festival on Fri 8 November; www.exeterlitfest.com