Exeter Living - Issue 305

TAKE ME

ISSUE 305 / NOVEMBER 2022 / £3

GREEN HEROES

THE CITY’S ECO-FRIENDLY INNOVATORS

ISSUE 305 / NOVEMBER 2022 / PRETTY GREEN

IN HER ELEMENT

MEET DOCTOR SOPHIA TAPPER. CHEMIST, ARTIST, BUSINESSWOMAN (AND UNDERWATER HOCKEY PLAYER!)

LIGHT UP!

FESTIVE FAIRS AND MAGICAL MARKETS

ROAD TRIP

TOTNES IN A DAY

PICTURE PERFECT

HOW TO UP YOUR ART GAME

CLUB MED

DINING AT DINOSAUR CAFÉ

© POPPY JAKES PHOTOGR APHY

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE: Sophia Tapper, head to page 21;

BELOW: Annie Gould’s eco-friendly tide clock,

head to page 66

I

remember writing a feature about sustainability many years ago, on a different publication and in a different city, and struggling to find enough content. Sure, there were people and organisations doing things but not that many – and there was not a lot of joined-up thinking.

Fast forward to now, and in Exeter huge swathes of local companies are shaping their businesses towards a more planet-friendly model. More than that, businesses, academics and city organisations are working together to work out how Exeter can get to net zero.

In this issue, we chat to chemist Sophia Tapper (our front cover star) about her sea-inspired skincare and haircare range; we get the low-down on the recent net zero conference at Exeter Science Park (including information about the new sustainable hotel planned for Exeter); we highlight some of the eco-friendly movers and shakers in the city; and we have ethical shopping inspiration. Whether you’re a consumer, a would-be volunteer, or just someone with a keen interest on how this region is tackling the challenges that lie ahead – delve into this green-themed section starting on page 21 for encouraging news, views and progress.

Elsewhere in this issue, we have a whip-smart guide to perusing and buying art (page 12) and we spend a day in the brilliant, indie-fantastic town of Totnes (page 41).

And as we journey towards the mince-pie eating months, we reveal the magic and sparkle that’s coming to the city (page 17).

Enjoy!

HARRIET NOBLE Follow us on Twitter @ExeterLiving Instagram @exeterlivingmag

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17

Issue 305 / November 2022 COVER Sophia Tapper; image by Poppy akes

REGULARS

6 SPOTLIGHT A round-up of news and festive bits coming our way 37 SOCIETY Were you at these parties?

66 LIVES Chatting with an eco-friendly creative

THE ARTS © RHS/ GUY HARROP

8 WHAT’S ON Theatre, dance, comedy, film and fireworks 10 BOOKS A duo book and film event is happening soon

FAMILY

17 FESTIVE FUN hristmas markets, festivals, illumination trails – get

your diary out now and get these booked

41

GREEN FEATURES

21 INTERVIEW Chatting with Doctor Sophia Tapper about her

planet-friendly skincare range

26 GREEN HEROES Reporting from Exeter’s recent net zero

conference, plus all the local businesses doing their bit for the planet

30 ED’S CHOICE Local and ethical shopping habits made easy

FOOD & DRINK

32 NEWS Reopenings and upcoming wine tastings in the city 33 TARA SMITH hunkers down for a hearty Sunday lunch 35 RESTAURANT REVIEW Small, cosy and perfect – we visit the

ultimate comfort restaurant

DAY TRIP

41 TOTNES Where to eat, drink, shop and hang out in this buzzy town

HEALTH & WELLBEING

47 SKIN DEEP Asking the big uestions to a local skin expert and

getting a “red carpet” facial

EDUCATION

49 VICTORIA BOND On the importance of sleep for youngsters

BUSINESS

50 EXETERWORKS News, growth stories and events for the diary 54 JOURNEY TO THE JOB South West charity Julian House has a © ALE X T ZOT ZIS

new team member

57 EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2023 All the details for next year’s

big bash

PROPERTY

59 SHOWCASE We look around a cool, contemporary development

by the sea

Editor Harriet Noble harriet.noble@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 Contributors Sue McQueenie, Tara Smith Commercial manager Paula Miller paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk Production/ Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Production Manager/ Production Designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Exeter Living MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 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. 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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CLOCKWISE: Exeter Cathedral Christmas market is nearly with us

Christmas

CHALET SEE YOU THERE This year’s Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market will run from 18 November – 18 December and is set to host over 100 chalets on Cathedral Green. The vast majority of chalets will accommodate West Country based businesses, bringing to the market a wide range of locally produced gifts, food and drink products, from handcrafted Christmas decorations, to vodka made with Dartmoor spring water. The popular Global Street Food Village will return with flavours from around the world, including authentic French, Moroccan, Indian and Nepali dishes.

Exeter Cathedral has also confirmed two new bar operators for this year. Exeter-based cocktail venue Dr Inks will be setting up a special themed bar tent, while Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market’s main bar will be run by Exmouth-based brewery, Crossed Anchors.

Crossed Anchors’ owner, the award-winning brewer and publican, Olly Bainbridge plans to bring something unique to the event.

“We’re going to create a new-look bar at this year’s Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, and bring along a new drinks menu to suit all tastes – including our own craft beers, made entirely in Exmouth,” says Olly.

“We’re even working on a special ‘Cathedral Beer,’ and will be donating a pound to Exeter Cathedral for every bottle sold.”

2022’s Market will also see the introduction of more live entertainment on the Green, with a full schedule of local musicians and entertainers, as well as traditional seasonal singing from the Exeter Cathedral Choir.

Throughout the month-long event, Exeter Cathedral itself will be extending its welcome by opening its doors to all sightseers, free of charge.

The 2022 Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market opening times are 10am-7pm Monday-Wednesday, 10am-9pm Thursday-Saturday, and 11am-5pm on Sundays; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

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City centre

PRINCESSHAY GETS FESTIVE Princesshay will sparkle to life in November with Christmas lighting displays and a brand-new feature for families.

The Hub, in Princesshay Square, in partnership with Margoux and Exeter City Football Club (ECFC) will bring festivities and footie to visitors in the run up to Christmas this year. As well as screening all the international football matches, The Hub will host children’s activities from ECFC, with food from Princesshay restaurants and Margoux running the après ski style bar. A series of festive workshops including wreath-making, gift-wrapping and a programme of free entertainment from magicians to musicians will also be held in the space.

The lights will be on from 17 November, and from the 26 November until Christmas Eve, Father Christmas will be taking up residence in Princesshay in his cosy festive lodge on Bedford Street.

Festive choirs and live music will entertain shoppers and diners throughout the Christmas period; Princesshay will also be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Charity Christmas Tree Festival, a quiet and re ective display of individually decorated trees celebrating the city’s amazing charities. This year the trees will be displayed along Bedford Street.

For more: www.princesshay.co.uk/santa

SPOTLIGHT There will be two toy collections on site

Charity

TOY STORY The Guildhall Shopping Centre has recently announced the launch of The Guildhall Great Big Christmas Toy Drive in partnership with the Exeter Food Bank and Radio Exe which will start in early November and continue until mid-December.

The Toy Drive aims to collect Christmas gifts for children under the age of 16 in Exeter and surrounding cities who are unable to otherwise have any presents due to the cost of living crisis.

Everyone has been affected by the cost of living crisis and it’s those who were already stretching their budgets to the max who are suddenly starting to look to Christmas with concerns as to how they will cope.” says Nikki Fairclough, the Guildhall’s marketing and customer experience manager.

“We want to work with our community to ensure no one is left behind this Christmas, The Guildhall Shopping Centre will have two large collection points on site, one in the main mall near Wilko and another on the first oor by the Indoor Infant and Toddler arden. People are encouraged to donate new toys up to £10 or vouchers from brands such as Superdrug, Wilko, Primark, WH Smith and any shop in Exeter with a focus on toys, books, toiletries or clothing. All items

will be distributed to those in most need.”

Elsewhere at the Guildhall Shopping Centre, the baby feeding spot on the second oor now features complementary breast pads, comfy feeding pillows, free-to-use bottle warmers and other accessories, supplied by baby feeding brand Fraupow,

to help parents feed their babies when they’re out in the city. The new partnership between The Guildhall Shopping Centre and Fraupow aims to make the shopping centre a welcoming and comfortable destination for parents.

For more: www.guildhallshoppingexeter.co.uk

Music

COMPULSIVE CHOPIN Renowned actors Dame Harriet Walter (Sense and Sensibility, Succession) and Alex Jennings (The Crown, The Lady in the Van) and pianist Lucy Parham will be heading to Exeter on 6 November for a specially curated music and spoken word event about the romantic life of Frédéric Chopin which will raise funds to help create a lifelong love of books and reading for children in Devon.

The story of the tender, but volatile, relationship between Chopin and the novelist George Sand will be told through extracts from their letters and diaries, interspersed with some of the composer’s best-loved works.

Organised by Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, the event takes place at Exeter School.

Funds from the event will be raised to provide children with books and to take authors into schools – a cause which was supported by the festival’s late president, Dame Hilary Mantel.

“Through staging our annual festival and

this very special event we are able to raise funds to take authors into schools and buy books for children who may not have a book at home,” says Sue Briggs, chair of Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival.

For more: www.budlitfest.org.uk

LEFT:

Dame Harriet Walter; ABOVE: Alex Jennings

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Comedian Rob Newman is heading to the Phoenix

WHAT’S ON 28 October onwards

THEATRE/ OPERA 29 – 30 October

ROOM ON THE BROOM Jump on board the broom with the witch and her cat in Tall Stories’ fun-filled adaptation of Room on the Broom, the best-selling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Sche er. Age .

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

9, 11 and 12 November

ENGLISH TOURING OPERA: HANDEL The English Touring Opera returns to Exeter with a trio of performances celebrating the work of the great composer of opera, eorge rideric andel.

Ottone is on 9 November, Agrippina on 11 November, Tamerlano on 12 ovember.

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

17 November

GREEK MYTHS DOUBLE BILL Get your grown-up Greek mythology fix as Artemis Storytelling presents a Greek myths Double bill with Artemis: The Wild Within told by Katy Cawkwell, and Future Imperfect: The Curse of Kassandra

told by ucy ill.

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

22 – 26 November

SHREK THE MUSICAL Presented by Exeter’s oldest amateur society, Exeter Musical Society will be performing the Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure bringing all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage, and proving there’s more to the story than meets the ears.

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

COMEDY 11 November

JOANNE MCNALLY: PROCESS EXPRESS When a man on a dating app identifies as spiritual’, is it safe to assume he has the personality of a spoon? If you do all your drinking in the bath, can you write it off as self-care? Expect these quandaries and more from the comic that’s been described as dark, hilarious, and strangely reassuring.

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

17 November

ROB NEWMAN: LIVE ON STAGE Fresh from his BBC Radio 4

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series Rob Newman On Air, the award-winning comedian – who broke onto the scene with The Mary Whitehouse Experience – brings a new epic stand-up show which tells a story of how dancing in step saved prehistoric humans and how new scientific discoveries may help us take the right steps to a life after oil.

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

3 November

19 November

EXETER PHILHARMONIC CHOIR AUTUMN CHOIR The choir will be giving a thanksgiving performance for HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, and exploring the rich repertoire of music for brass, organ and percussion.

Exeter Cathedral; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

THE COMEDY STORE EXETER The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new comedy talent and remains the place to see tomorrow’s stars today. This comedy line-up includes Markus Birdman, Harry Stachini, and anny eegan.

Barnfield Theatre, Barnfield Road; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

MUSIC 2 November

FEROCIOUS DOG Ferocious Dog are a six-piece band who deal in a vibrant vein of Celtic-folk infused punk rock, comfortably slotting in between illy ragg and The evellers.

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

BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN Grammy-nominated Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Beth Nielsen Chapman – who’s written for Elton John, Neil Diamond, Faith Hill – is back with her 15th studio album CrazyTown.

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

5 November

12 November

DUB PISTOLS Every bit the riotous collision of drum and bass, hip-hop, ska, dub and punk, the band’s approach to music continues to inspire through the generations to this day. ow a slickly drilled outfit, they have lost none of their kickass vitality and renegade edge wherever they rock up to play.

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

WHAT’S ON OTHER

silent disco, brought to you by the librarian DJs. Exeter Library, Castle Street; www.librariesunlimited.org.uk

Until 30 October

ABOVE:

BELOW:

Library Lates will be hosting live music Handel’s Ottone will be perfromed at Exeter Northcott Theatre

POP UP LIBRARY A break-out initiative to bring library services and creativity directly to people on the High Street is taking place in the former GAP store which has become an interactive public space. Passers-by are invited to take part in a variety of drop-in workshops and exhibitions, as well as browse and borrow books.

Former GAP store, High Street; www.devonlibraries.org.uk

20 November

11 November

RAMM LATES Get ready for an eclectic evening of after-hours entertainment, live music, exploring medicine, the body and well-being. Get involved with anatomical drawing, building origami pelvises or creating your own skeleton craft; take part in a gong bath and cider tasting; dance to a silent disco and more!

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

11 November

LIBRARY LATES Library Lates returns for its winter instalment. Expect music from Jess McAllister band, Adam Sweet, artsy and digital workshops, a hidden spaces tour and the return of the

FIREWORKS DISPLAYS

FILM

28 – 30 October

HOCUS POCUS Starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy and loaded with bewitching laughs, this film is a Halloween (and unscary) classic.

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

1 November

ALL THAT BREATHES Two brothers race to save a small black kite, a majestic bird of prey essential to their city’s ecosystem. Winner of the Best Documentary prize at both the Cannes Film Festival and the Sundance ilm estival, this film shines a light on a remarkable

4 – 17 November

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS Couple Carl and Yaya are fashion models and in uencers whose romantic relationship is increasingly soured by money. ffered free places on a luxury cruise, they find themselves sharing a superyacht with a Russian oligarch and some genteel arms dealers, while a deeply cynical Marxist alcoholic (Woody Harrelson) captains an increasingly chaotic ship. A savagely funny tale of class clashes and role reversals.

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

FIREWORKS AT WINSLADE PARK Expect a family friendly night of fireworks, as the Whisper firework display will light up the Winslade skies to the amazing soundtrack of The Greatest Showman. General admission tickets gain access to the display and The Forge bar area, with multiple bars (inside and out), street food stalls, a sports simulator, live music and DJ for the ultimate after party.

Winslade Park, near Exeter; www.winsladepark.com

5 November

26 November

THE GREAT BIG FASHION SHOW AND DESIGNER FABRIC SALE Devon jazz singer, songwriter and dress designer Nathalie Andrews is holding a weekend fashion show and fabric sale during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month to kickstart her legacy project to help young musicians. Since her recent cancer diagnosis, Nathalie is helping to raise funds for music lessons for children whose families may not be in a position to pay for them.

Gordon Messenger Centre at Lympstone: facebook.com/NathalieMusicTrust

display will be in celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Look forward to funfair rides, food outlets and licensed bars, and an evening of amazing fireworks by Sonic, the ritish Champions, set to your favourite classics all hosted by Radio Exe. Westpoint, Exeter; westpointexeter.co.uk

3 November family that chooses to battle on against a backdrop of toxicity.

Exeter Picturehouse, Exeter; www.picturehouses.com

THE BOOK MARKET Exeter UNESCO City of Literature will be hosting this event which will see a whole host of independent bookshops from across Devon descend on the city. Expect a range of activities from a drop-in bibliotherapy to reading nooks and vintage typewriters; it’ll be the perfect festive treat for all book lovers.

Positive Light Projects, 184-187 Sidwell Street; e eter t o terat re o

5 November

CHARITY FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA AT EXETER WESTPOINT The th annual charity fireworks

FIREWORK CRUISE Enjoy the bonfire night celebrations from a different perspective by sailing the calm waters of the River Exe with an uninterrupted view of the shoreline, marvel at the colours of all the displays that take place, from within the heated lower deck or wrapped up warm with a blanket on the upper deck.

Stay warm with warm Devon pasties, organic soup and hot drinks onboard. www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk

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BOOKS CHARLIE RICHARDS

L Cinema Collaborations Bookbag’s next social event sees them joining forces with Exeter Picturehouse…

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et’s begin with a book social that we are excited about, and our autumn book group. For this event we’re collaborating with our neighbouring indie cinema, Exeter Picturehouse, to read, watch, and discuss British classic To Sir, With Love. How does this work?

Buy the book (hopefully from Bookbag, but we won’t check) and start reading. Get a ticket for the film screening on Thursday 10 November, then after the film, join film expert and local author Davina Quinlivan upstairs in the café at Exeter Picturehouse for drinks and discussion. To Sir, With Love is E.R. Braithwaite’s moving autobiographical novel, set in postwar London.

Braithwaite, an engineer from (then) British Guyana migrated to Britain after serving in the RAF during the Second World War, and struggled to find work until applying for a teaching position in London’s East End. Both book and film were huge hits at the time, ames lavell’s film featuring the legendary Sidney Poitier in one of his finest roles.

Initially met with hostility from his class of final-year students, Poitier’s character slowly wins their trust by treating them with respect.

The strong cast featured emerging talents like Judy Geeson, Suzy Kendall and Lulu, whose single of the theme song topped the American Billboard chart.There is lots to talk about and we hope you’ll join us.

It might be a little early to say CHRISTMAS but we’re slowly putting together our favourite books of the year, so here’s a mini round up of kids fiction for key stage two or thereabouts. The Murderer’s Ape was a highly inventive, fun adventure story, there’s a sequel, and more sea bound adventures for Sally Jones in False Rose.

The award-winning Podkin One-Ear creator Kieran Larwood is back with a new world and epic adventures on the land of Skyra with The Treekeepers. Kereen Getten (Bookbag favourite) follows When Life Gives You Mangoes with If You Read This, a sweet tale of grief and growing up, and finally, in The Deep Blue Between, sisters are torn apart in a journey that takes one to West Africa and another to Brazil in a lush, moving historical tale.

Lastly, halloween, and why not/please dress up as a book this year? Couple of suggestions – My Sister The Serial Killer, by Oyinkan Braithwaite could be good , anything by Shirley Jackson (The House on the Hill, The Lottery), or new dark indie Waiting for Ted (pictured). Copy the look on the jacket cover, and clutch a copy of the book as part of your outfit. Please come into the shop and ask us for more recommendations, we could really run wild with this…

“James la ell fil featured the legendary Sidney Poitier in one of his fine t role

Charlie Richards is the co-owner of Bookbag, 7-10, McCoy’s Arcade, Exeter; uk.bookshop.org/shop/bookbag

UP THE WALLS How to buy art – the smart way

By Harriet Noble

Consider the Seahorse,

by Charlotte Fleming

ARTS THE ART OF CHOOSING

There’s a scene in Hannah and her Sisters where an uncultured rock star named Dusty says to grumpy artist Frederick, “I’m looking for something big…I got a lot of wall space”.

Frederick retorts, “I don’t sell my work by the yard”!

Of course, the art is the thing and should be appreciated on its own merits but you can see Dusty’s point. When art is as pricey as it normally is, you want to make sure it fits the room, goes with the décor – and sometimes, with a big room, you are thinking about size as much as the artistic allure. So how do you combine the practicalities with the passion, especially if, say, it’s your first time buying art?

“First time buyers are often nervous about committing to art,” says artist and gallery owner Charlotte Fleming, from Charlotte Fleming Gallery in Topsham.

“It’s such a personal thing and I find that taking a painting on approval can really help people make the right decision. When a painting is taken on approval the client pays for the piece and takes it home on the understanding that if it doesn’t fit with their room or it feels different to them, then they can ABOVE: Seabass Details, by Charlotte Fleming; BELOW LEFT: Charlotte Fleming Gallery in Topsham return it with a full refund. This takes the commitment out of the equation!

“I advise clients to reserve a painting for a week if they want to think well in any room so don’t match your painting to your wall colour or about it, as it’s so disappointing if it sells. Work hung in a gallery will sofa, you may change these over time but a painting will be with you look and feel different in your home. A good painting should hang for a very long time. e confident about buying art, hanging original paintings at home will bring you joy always!”

Jacqueline Hollister of Hybrid Gallery in Honiton agrees that the process of making an art purchase needn’t be a fast one.

“Take time to look at works on show, sometimes a painting can be a slow burner or you need a little bit of familiarity with an artist’s work to really get to know and appreciate a particular style,” she says.

“If you love an image but the framing is not to your taste don’t let that in uence you, a piece can always be reframed, it’s the art you are buying.

“I believe you should buy art because you love it, because it creates in you a reaction or emotion and shifts you. Where it will hang in your home or o ce comes second, you will always find a place for a piece you want to look at or touch on a daily basis.”

“I believe you should buy art because you love it, because it creates in you a reaction or emotion”

TO HAGGLE OR NOT TO HAGGLE

Is it ever OK to try and get the price down with art pieces? No seems to be the general answer – but there is room to manage the cost of purchasing. Charlotte says haggling is not done at her gallery, explaining, “Behind every piece of art is an artist who has worked hard on their practice often over many years. The work is valuable. Most galleries and artists will offer a payment plan either formally like wn Art or split payments, which is something I do regularly with my clients.”

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ART EXHIBITIONS, CRAFT FAIRS & WORKSHOPS TO WATCH OUT FOR… THE SILVER WAVE at RAMM Tiny wooden figurines from the AMM’s collection have inspired a film which tells the story of a woman who survived for two years, stranded on an uninhabited island north of Siberia. The critically-acclaimed, prize-winning filmmaker and artist Michelle Williams amaker visited the AMM to meet curators and selected objects to create this new film.

This film and art exhibition is on display now until ctober 2 2 . isitors can sit surrounded by the AMM’s very same Arctic collections that appear in the film and watch the 12-minute film which is inspired by the incredible story of Ada lackjack, an I upiak woman who was the only surviving member of an expedition to Wrangel Island in 1 21.

Ramm, Queen Street, Exeter; rammuseum.org.uk WE ARE HERE at Exeter Phoenix This exhibition of work is by local ueer, trans, non-binary and gender-diverse artists who celebrate and interrogate issues surrounding gender and sexuality in their practice and is on from 1 ovember – 1 ecember. The selected artists re ect on their lived experiences and identities in several different ways, from highlighting important histories, to imagining new utopic futures. This exhibition forms part of the ome As ou Are estival (1 ovember) which celebrates the trans, non-binary and gender-diverse communities in evon and the South West. Also watch out for regular art classes, including life drawing classes.

Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk ABOVE; Life drawing at Exeter Phoenix; RIGHT: Henri T, Beau Jangles As Stormé DeLarverie, part of the We are Here exhibition at Exeter Phoenix

ac ueline agrees, saying I do not like haggling. It’s fine for someone to ask if there is any movement on the price (some art dealers work that way), we will not be offended, but we will almost certainly say no. We price work keenly and fairly, a work of art is a one off, it’s a little piece of an artist and that artist has chosen to pay us to do a job for them reaching an audience and selling it, both of us should be respected. ou should decide a budget, what you are comfortable spending on a piece, but be prepared to spend a little more for something if you love it or to spend a little less if something much cheaper grabs you.

WHERE TO FIND ART LOCALLY

“Be prepared to spend a little more for something if you love it”

isiting art galleries of all sorts informs your taste and is rewarding, says Jacqueline. o to a degree show, they can be hit or miss but there is usually something that will pi ue interest and if it does ask about a price, it’s great to support an artist at the start of their career.

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ARTS SMALL THINGS CONSIDERED at Hybrid Gallery This exhibition by Rachel Ross shows evocative paintings of carefully curated cutlery and ephemera and runs from 12 November – 3 December.

In addition, the gallery will have a brief pop in exhibition of small new works by Richard Adams, from 23 November – 3 December.

Hybrid Gallery, 51 High Street, Honiton; www.hybrid-devon.co.uk SWAc Open Exhibition at Kennaway House, Sidmouth The South West Academy (SWAc) will be hosting an exhibition showcasing the very best of local painting, drawing, print, sculpture, photography, textiles, multi-media, jewellery, glass and ceramics.

Kennaway House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth; www.southwestacademy.oess1.uk

NEW ART GALLERY!

Sea Dog Art Gallery has just opened in Exmouth

A new art space and coffee shop called Sea Dog Art Gallery has just opened in Exmouth. The enterprise seeks to be a gallery and art hub for the community with workshops and meet ups planned for the near future, and has been created by local artists Anna Fitzgerald and Ellie Burgin. Anna is no stranger to community art projects, being the founder of the Exmouth Art trail; she is also currently running a project on the seafront involving the community in painting a 300ft mural depicting marine life.

Sea Dog Art Gallery, 3 Gussiford Lane, Exmouth; www.seadogart.com

Festive exhibitions at Powderham Castle Re-opening its doors on the 1 December and open daily until the 31, the gallery at Powderham Castle will be showcasing a range of Christmas creations made by local artists, ranging from festive paintings to handmade gifts. The team of artists are also creating works for a Powderham Castle Gallery stall at the annual Michalemas fair at the castle on 3 December.

Powderham Castle, Exeter; www.powderham.co.uk Christmas Card Day at The School of Art and wellbeing On 19 November, artists Matthew Davison and Mary Ann Mackenzie will be running a one day card making class where you can print, paint, and draw to make a beautiful handmade card. Expect glitter, mince pies and cups of tea to keep you going.

10am -4pm, £50, The School of Art and Well Being, Cuckoo Down Lane, Honiton; www.artandwellbeing.co.uk Present Makers at Thelma Hulbert Gallery Between 12 November – 23 December Honiton’s Thelma Hulbert gallery will be hosting their annual Christmas exhibition of contemporary craft. Expect new collections from key makers from across the region, which will include textiles, prints, ceramics, homewares and jewellery, as well as unique Christmas cards and decorations. n Thel a l ert aller , l field o e, o ell treet, on ton; www.thelmahulbert.com

ABOVE: Art by Rachel Ross, Small Things Considered exhibition at Hybrid Galley

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SPONSORED CONTENT

ART TO ART A date for the diary! THE SOUTH WEST ACADEMY announce unmissable Open Exhibition 2022.

T

he South West Academy Open Exhibition is a must on any art lover’s calendar. This year the exhibition runs from 1–12 November and is the 23rd consecutive ‘Open’ organised by the Academy and the second year at Kennaway House, Sidmouth.

With record sales last year, we expect this year’s exhibition to be unmissable for artists, art collectors, and the public alike. The artworks are on two floors and in four gallery spaces. Paintings, sculptures, and a range of two and three-dimensional contemporary work from local, regional, national, and international artists are all for sale. A member of the public at last year’s exhibition commented ‘it is equal to any West End gallery’. We have

every intention for it to be just as good this year.

The exhibition will feature work by members Ray Balkwill, Debbie Coles, Alan Cotton, Phil Creek, David Norman, Jan Phethean, and Alison Summerfield, alongside submissions from across the South West, London, Ireland and further afield.

There are always more than twice as many nonmembers as members exhibiting and admission is free. n

For more information visit; www.southwestacademy.org.uk Kennaway House Coburg Road, Sidmouth, EX10 8NG. The SWAc Open Exhibition is from Tue 1 Nov to Sat 12 Nov, 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Artworks by: Ruth Baker Naomi Kendall Simon Parr Jamie Hart Lisa Parkyn

FESTIVE FUN Christmas at Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth

ALL THAT SPARKLES Christmas markets, illuminated trails, crafty fairs, ice rinks and plenty of merriment – get your diary out now and plan those magical festive outings

By Harriet Noble www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 17

TOPSHAM FESTIVITIES, throughout November and December Locals and visitors alike are invited to the town’s Matthews Hall on 25 November at 4.30pm for The Big Switch On. There will be entertainment, and festive food, with the town’s lights being turned on at 5pm.

That same evening will be the Love Topsham Annual Christmas Market, held in St Margaret’s Church between 5pm and 8.30pm. ver stalls will offer gifts, mulled wine and carols to help the shopping along.

There’s also Late Night Shopping on 29 November when the town’s scores of permanent independent shops will open their doors from 6pm. A local a capella choir will be touring the town to keep things festive.

On 14 December the annual Love Topsham Christmas Trail for Children takes place. icking off at pm, local shops will display large stars and children accompanied by an adult will be able to have a pit-stop at each of these and pick up sweet treats. The trail ends at Topsham Museum where there will be refreshments for the grown ups, too.

ABOVE: Connaught Gardens;

CENTRE: Glow at RHS Rosemoor

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

© RHS/ GUY HARROP

EXETER CARNIVAL, through Exeter city centre 26 November, kicking off at 6pm After 24 years, the Exeter Carnival is making a mighty return to the city. Billed as Devon’s biggest annual street party, it features over 1 displays including illuminated oats, light up acts, masqueraders on foot, bands, and majorettes who’ll all be celebrating the Christmas lights and festivities in the city. www.exetercarnival.co.uk

CONNAUGHT@CHRISTMAS, Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth 9 – 18 December, open daily at 4.30pm with last entrance at 8pm Walk through an enchanted illuminated trail through the gardens and high on the clifftops where you’ll enjoy glowing domes, colour changing lights and – for a proper wow factor spectacle – both beaches, at Jacob’s Ladder and the townside beach bathed in projected colours.

This year there are special sessions for those who have sensory differences.

Lighting and music will be muted and just 100 tickets will be available for these sessions on the Tuesday and Wednesday from 4.30 to 5.30pm.

The Food & Craft Village will once again be sited opposite the gardens in Manor Road car park. Wreath making and pottery painting sessions will be available in the marquee, and there will be a wide range of delights from local ciders, ales and mulled wine to pizza, dim sum and vegan dishes. www.connaught-at-christmas.co.uk

GLOW AT RHS GARDEN ROSEMOOR, Torrington 17 November – 30 December Immerse yourself in light and sound at RHS Garden Rosemoor this winter. On the longest route yet, see your favourite garden areas, including the lake and woodland light up the night with festive colour and sparkle. New for 2022, enjoy an enchanting galaxy of giant stars on the stream field, a tunnel of lights along the long borders, and the orchard shelter all aglow. Every evening there will be a range of entertainment such as craft fairs, choirs and even spectacular fire shows. www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoorglow EXETER WINTER WONDERLAND, Northernhay Gardens 17 November – 2 January Back for its second year, the city centre attraction will feature an ice rink, Santa’s grotto, rides and attractions – including penguin party dodgems and a 150-year-oldcarousel – and a mini Christmas market.

FESTIVE FUN

Christmas tipples will be served in the German-themed bar; elsewhere foodie offerings will include ratwurst Sausage, rakauer, urrywurst and rankfurters, and hog roasts to tuck into. www.exeterwinterwonderland.co.uk BUCKFAST ABBEY CHRISTMAS MARKET, Buckfastleigh 1– 3 December, 10am – 5pm The family-friendly hristmas Market will feature independent stalls offering everything from delicious food and drink to uni ue gifts handmade by local craftsmen. isitors will also have an opportunity to explore the Abbey’s stunning grounds and its beautiful Abbey church, which form the backdrop to the festive hristmas market.

The Abbey will be holding a special festive programme of music on the Saturday evening featuring Exeter hamber hoir. www.buckfast.org.uk TOP RIGHT: Buckfast Abbey;

RIGHT: Exeter’s Winter Wonderland

“Visitors will also have an opportunity to explore the Abbey’s stunning grounds and its beautiful Abbey church”

CHRISTMAS FAIR, on Magdalen Road 3 December St eonards Association brings back the annual festive fair which will feature -odd stalls selling food and drink, plus live entertainment and general festive jollity.

Traders attending include Sails anvas, Ark Pottery, The Tiny Marmaladade co, ika Exeter, and arnova who’ll be serving mulled apple gin and mulled cider. Music will be provided by a ie En ose, the eavitree Strummers, Tess The ’ rbevilles and carols from the Exeter School sixth form choir.

This year for the first time, there’ll also be a stall space for young entrepreneurs, (people under 17) who want to sell things to raise money for good causes. www.slna.org.uk WONDERWORKS CONTEMPORARY CRAFT FAIR 2022, Jubilee Hall, Chagford 3 – 4 December Wonderworks is back with a host of wonderful makers, and a range of superb contemporary craft. The festive fair will feature ceramics, jewellery, toys, textiles, metal, leather and wood, and food will be provided throughout the weekend by the hagford-based Wild artmoor itchen. www.wonderworkscontemporarycraft.com TOTNES CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND LATE NIGHT SHOPPING, all through Totnes 6, 13, 20 December, 3pm – 9pm The whole town will be getting into the festive spirit with entertainment, fairy lights and and whole lot of sparkle. Expect over 7 local artisan stalls in the hristmas markets. ids can enjoy the Totnes nome Trail and make gifts at the pompom craft workshop. www.visittotnes.co.uk

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 19

The Devon Shutter Company Ltd British Made Shutters Since 2007 info@devonshutters.co.uk www.devonshutters.co.uk

faradaystoves@gmail.com www.faradaystoves.co.uk

ECO-FRIENDLY

IT’S ONLY NATURAL

As a chemist and former underwater hockey player, Doctor Sophia Tapper has an eclectic skill set few could match. Her latest adventure? Formulating ocean-derived skincare and haircare products and cracking some of the big industry problems along the way…

Words by Harriet Noble Photos by Poppy Jakes

Sophia in her lab at home

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

S

ophia Tapper is one of those people who has a lot of talents. These talents are a disparate collection though, a skill set that you just wouldn’t think belonged in one human being. When she was little, inspired by Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine, she loved making mud pies and concocting potions in her parent’s bathroom. She was also creative.

And sporty. Fast forward to her A Levels and she was studying biology, chemistry and – incongruously to some – art at Exeter College.

People told her that this combination was weird, that the subjects “didn’t go”.

“I found that a bit frustrating,” muses Sophia.“To me it made perfect sense though.”

Sophia is certainly having the last laugh. Her

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

CLOCKWISE: Sophia at work, mixing her products

burgeoning business, named Tappermade, sees her creating sea-derived skincare and hair products which includes soaps, shampoos and conditioners, deodorants and oils which she sells in and around Exeter. The cool, quirky packaging and designs on the products (check out her sea creatures) are all created by Sophia too – the whole shebang is her.

All her products are handmade with natural ingredients and inspired by the healing properties of the sea and seaweed.

In fact, one of the main ingredients that

“I am obsessed with ingredients and trying to solve problems”

Sophia uses is salt sourced from local sea salt producers, Devon Sea Salt.

She launched the company in September of last year but had spent many many months in lockdown blending her products, coming up with the perfect formulas. er scientific background – she worked as a chemist testing water for South West Water, and has a PHD in chemistry entitled Molecular Chemistry? – Biological and Medicinal Chemistry BSc and PhD in Supramolecular Chemistry from the University of Exeter – informs a lot of her current formulations.

Through this PHD research she discovered the incredible cosmetic benefits that seaweed has within its little cells.

The rich blend of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, and antioxidants in seaweed make it the ideal main

ECO-FRIENDLY

ABOVE: Sophia in the lab; BELOW: Sophia’s skincare range

ingredient for detoxifying, re-balancing, hydrating, anti-aging and renewal.

“I am obsessed with ingredients and trying to solve problems,” she says.

Sophia wanted her products to be ecofriendly (so no plastic bottles here), using natural ingredients, but not just that – she wanted to crack a whole host of issues that she saw time and time again in many of the products on the market.

In fact, when we meet we chat a lot about the less than perfect products in some ecofriendly products, like shampoo bars that don’t lather, soaps that crumble or that leave a residue, or deodorants that cause irritation.

“Yes, sometimes these issues can take a long time to crack – but I love a challenge,” beams Sophia. Sophia obsesses over her concoctions until she is satisfied she is on to a winner – with her husband and two children being guinea pigs for her products. In fact, one of her children has sensitive skin so became the inspiration behind her for sensitive skin-themed products.

Of course, her expertise in chemistry is only part of the business’s success. Sophia is an experienced business owner too. Rewind a good few years and she was an underwater hockey pro (she still plays at St Sidwell’s Point, who knew this sport was even a thing?) playing for the GB team and winning world championships. Frustrated with the lack of decent equipment, she began her own company making sports equipment including underwater hockey sticks. Within a few years the company became the biggest of its kind in the world.

In more recent years, she also re-ignited her passion for sport by becoming a gym instructor locally, and still teaches private swimming

lessons (see what we mean about her endless list of talents!).

These days she is happy creating her skincare products in her lab (a converted conservatory at home) and continuing to mix her ingredients to produce the best products.

The sea remains Sophia’s inspiration and her self-proclaimed happy place where she enjoys wild swimming, freediving, and spearfishing (yes, really!), as well as taking her kids sea snorkelling.

“I wanted to harness the joy I get from being in the sea, to have snippets of the ocean in my bathroom through all those amazing ingredients.”

PICK UP SOPHIA’S PRODUCTS AT… St Thomas Winter Market on 19 November; @wintermarketstthomas Nourish, 67 Magdalen Road; www.nourishzerowaste.com Maker Mart, 11a Gandy Street; www.makermart-exeter.com Along avec Anna (for wool shampoo) 34 New Bridge Street; www.alongavecanna.com The House of Green, 14 Bampton Street, Tiverton; www.houseofgreenshop.co.uk HER BESTSELLERS INCLUDE...

Her PH balanced Kelpie shampoo bar (it’s deceptively small but lasts longer than a standard shampoo bottle), and her conditioner cream.

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 23

SPONSORED CONTENT

GREEN FOREVER

With demand for eco homes increasing, ST MARGARET’S RESIDENCES unveils two new buildings consisting of ten new low emission, eco apartments

W

ith energy prices soaring and the cost of heating homes an increasing worry approaching the winter season; the demand for eco homes has unsurprisingly increased. Homes which can generate their own energy, that have the

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

capacity to store excess energy using batteries, with the potential to sell excess energy back to the grid are becoming a sought-after attribute for homebuyers. Savvy buyers understand the need to consider not just the cost of purchasing a property but the cost to run their home, an investment into the future as the cost-of-living continues to rise.

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RETROFITTING PROPERTIES

Retrofitting renewable technologies such as solar panels, ground or air source heat pumps, insulation, or even double-glazing can be both expensive and challenging to install especially in historic buildings.

That was certainly the case for the former allgirls school in Exeter, known as St Margaret’s, which was the first property in the UK to secure an Energy Performance Certification (EPC) ‘A’ for a set of historic buildings. The redevelopment of this former school meant local developer, Grenadier, needed to invest in bringing the fabric of the old buildings up to date so that they could match the energy efficiency associated with new build homes.

After a successful first phase of the development and having won ‘Best Developer’,

and ‘Residential Development’ of the year at the Exeter Property Awards, the second phase of the development has just been unveiled.

This latest phase of the development encompasses the creation of two new buildings consisting of ten new low emission, eco apartments. Little Green and Creswell Court are a mix of one- and two-bedroom contemporary, EPC A-rated energy efficient apartments.

Ground-source heat pumps supply sustainable heating and hot water to residents, while solar panels have been incorporated seamlessly into the roofs to provide households with renewable energy. Inside, homeowners will have high efficient appliances, LED lighting throughout and double-glazed windows.

The new properties are timber framed, thereby avoiding the use of concrete which is one of the worst contributors to climate change.

Residents will also have access to electric car charging points and a high security bike store.

Situated a short ten-minute walk from Exeter city centre, St Margaret’s Residences has been setting a new benchmark in sustainability for period homes.

With an ethos centred around developing projects that are sensitive to the surrounding environment and that enhance local communities, Grenadier are one of a handful of truly sustainable development companies in the UK. For Aiden Johnson-Hugill, Grenadier Property Director, this is just the start: “Thinking about your impact on the environment should never come as an afterthought, it must be the starting

point of any project” he says, adding “Our hope is that more businesses will follow suit and make a real difference to the way homes are built not just for their impact on the environment but the positive societal impact that building better, greener homes will have.”

So, what can you expect from the second phase of St Margaret’s Residences? Aiden says: “The second phase is perfect for those seeking modern style, who want to live close to the city but within one of the most sought-after areas in Exeter, who may be conscious of their environmental footprint, or those seeking to invest in a home that not only lowers the bills but is built for the future.”

Located in one of the most sought-after locations in Exeter, St Margaret’s Residences is close to the vibrant Magdalen Road with good access to the bustling city centre and quayside.

The area has plenty of local independent shops and a wealth of restaurants, bars, and artisan coffee shops, a private haven in the heart of the city. n

To book a viewing with Wilkinson Grant: Contact newhomes@wilkinsongrant.co.uk Or call 01392 455 926 to arrange your viewing. www.stmargaretsresidences.co.uk www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 25

INTERIORS

THE GREEN REPORT Experts recently descended on Exeter Science Park for a net zero carbon conference to discuss how Exeter and the South West are tackling the global crisis, and to hear the plans for a new sustainable hotel for the city. Sue McQueenie reports…

N

et zero – it’s a term we often hear discussed and debated in relation to action on climate change. But what does net zero mean and specifically what are the implications for residents of Exeter and East Devon?

In the simplest of terms, achieving net zero means attaining a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out. And, alongside cities across the globe, Exeter has set its own target of reaching net zero by 2030.

According to recently confirmed statistics from the Met ce, this summer saw the UK’s hottest temperatures on record and as we all face increasing energy bills, it feels like action is urgently needed.

crisis and the ideas and innovations that could help us in our homes, our city and, ultimately our planet.

Through our first net zero carbon conference, we aimed to bring together speakers from a range of diverse businesses and organisations from across the region who

Exeter’s net zero carbon conference

Exeter’s new sustainable hotel

Exeter Science Park recently brought together 22 experts to speak at a conference focused on net zero carbon.

We talked to some of the speakers to find out how the region is tackling the global climate

Currently in the planning stages, The Science Park is set to be home to a new 140-room sustainable hotel.

“It is anticipated the new hotel will open Sally Basker

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

are all working towards common goals,” says Sally Basker, chief executive of Exeter Science Park.

“Our speakers did not shy away from the challenges we are all facing in our mission to net zero. But what was particularly inspiring was hearing about the amazing work which is being done both here at the Science Park and right across the region; whether that is Exeter College training young people in retrofitting, or the importance of trees in our built environment.

“As well as a platform to showcase innovation and entrepreneurship, it also provided an incredible opportunity to share ideas and learnings. It was particularly rewarding to hear delegates and speakers discussing ideas and ways to collaborate in the future.”

ECO NEWS early in 2024,” says Tim Wheeldon, managing director of Zeal Hotels.

“We call it ‘mindfully modern’, and we intend to create an industry-leading sustainable hotel brand without compromising on the guest experience and comfort levels.

“The proposed development seeks to incorporate an innovative, low carbon building and operation standards, with the longterm intention of being independent of the electricity grid. With utility prices rising, we are all becoming more sustainable in our own homes and there is an increasing number of hotel guests showing interest in how sustainable hotels are.”

The hotel is aiming for a minimum BREEAM rating of Excellent, with a target of Outstanding. It will feature meeting rooms, a

“We intend to create an industryleading sustainable hotel brand” Designs for the new Zeal hotel

restaurant, bar, gym, gardens, and numerous car charging points.

The council’s net zero plans

The conference also heard from Karime Hassan, chief executive and growth director at Exeter City Council, about the council’s net zero plans. He told attendees that city-wide institutions need to be prepared to collaborate and to work together to build an inclusive, healthy and sustainable city.

He said the strategy would require many elements, including optimising contribution from renewable energy, making 50 per cent of all journeys active travel (making journeys in more active ways like cycling and walking), developing high density, walkable neighbourhoods, creating battery charging infrastructure for buses, eet and cars and replacing cars and eet with E .

Retrofitting

The strategy also includes retrofitting properties, something the council is working in partnership with Exeter College. etrofit is improvement work on a building to improve its energy e ciency, making it easier to heat, able to retain that heat

Karime Hassan

for longer, and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy. etrofitted homes are better protected against energy price increases as they can generate their own energy. Exeter College’s evon etrofit Academy is training thousands of retrofitters, to make homes across the city more energy e cient.

Why Exeter could be a net zero leader Mike Blakeley, director of apprenticeships and employer engagement at Exeter College explained why he believes Exeter is so well placed on the skills agenda to be a global net zero leader.

“I think it is three things,” says Mike.

“One is collaboration; Exeter is a brilliant city that brings everybody together and we work exceptionally well with all the stakeholders. I think it is also foresight, employers have spoken to the college and said actually we need to get on to this and we have pulled a brilliant team to make that happen.

And finally, it is the collective will within the city to make things happen and that is how we will get on with it.”

Setting an example

Exeter Science park’s Ada Lovelace and the recently opened George Parker Bidder buildings are net zero for carbon.

“Our shareholders have all declared a climate emergency; they want us to be a sustainability exemplar, and this includes net zero,” says Sally.

“We are working to achieve this goal around accessibility, transportation, broadband communications, biodiversity and the built environment. We will then work with our tenants to support them in pursuing similar objectives.”

And there are more events planned for the future.

“Events like this are important because we start to build a critical mass of net zero capability in the South West,” adds Sally.

“This will encourage companies and people to relocate, people and students to stay here after they graduate and, importantly more investment in the region.” n For more: www.exetersciencepark.co.uk

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

THE GREEN TEAM Meet a handful of local companies who are committed to a lower carbon world – and find out how you can get involved Co Cars can be found all over the city

RECYCLE & RAISE IS BACK South West waste management and recycling company DCW, is asking us to donate empty plastic tubs to keep them away from landfill while raising money for Dartmoor Zoological Society and new for 2 22, ife hance Trust.

Recyclers can start taking their empty tubs and bottle tops from November to the W Enviro ub in Exeter. The ecycle aise drop-off point outside Princesshay’s Bee Hive Information entre, The ive, located on Bampfylde Lane in Exeter, is also open all year for plastic tubs and bottle tops. o an find o r neare t dro o lo at on e n the ntera t e a at d o a o t re le ra e

HERRING GOOD NEWS

TENDER LIVING CAR Co Cars, the on street, on demand car club based in Exeter, is continuing its quest to deliver low carbon shared transport solutions across the city and wider South West.

According to reports from INRIX, Exeter saw a 27 per cent increase in congestion in 2021, the biggest rise of any city in the UK – at a cost of £578 per driver and £36million to the local economy. Co Cars’ mission is to reduce car ownership in favour of shared Co Cars and Co Bikes e-bikes. Each Co Car removes on average 8.5 private cars from the roads while Co Bikes members make over 3,000 trips per week of which 50 per cent would otherwise have been done by car.

Under the management of the organisation’s new managing director, Nic Eversett, Co Cars will continue its roll out of low carbon, on-demand services.

“I’m working hard with the team to deliver a strategic rollout of our shared mobility services and to raise the profile of o ars and Co Bikes throughout Exeter and the South West,” says Nic. “Collaborating with our external partners

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and stakeholders is key to delivering successful multi-modal transport solutions that help reduce our environmental impact on our planet.”

Electric Volkswagen ID.3s and Co Bikes e-bikes can already be found at St David’s and Central station in Exeter. Co Bikes can also be found at Cranbrook station and will shortly be arriving at Pinhoe train station and will also be a feature of the new Marsh Barton station.

Co Cars also work with housing developers both within the city and across the South West, helping to embed their services within new developments. Recently, this saw the launch of a shared mobility hub at Bloor Homes’ Seabrook rchards development off Topsham Road. Here, Co Bikes and an electric Co Car sit alongside public EV charging and are only a minute away from bus services and a dedicated cycle route thereby making sustainable travel the easy choice for residents.

By the end of 2022, over half of Co ars’ eet will be fully electric, making the organisation by percentage the greenest car club in the UK. www.co-cars.co.uk

New data gathered by volunteers in East evon suggests fish populations could thrive as part of the Lower Otter Restoration Project (LORP).

Local residents have been taking part in an ongoing ‘citizen science’ project with the East Devon Pebblebed eaths onservation Trust and Clinton Devon Estates, helping to carry out fish surveys that form part of the Project PACCo (Promoting Adaptation to Changing Coasts).

This scheme aims to address the impact of climate change, by returning the ower tter estuary and ood plain to a more natural condition. Its benefits include the re-creation of 55 hectares of intertidal habitats, including mud at and saltmarsh which provide a home for numerous rare and endangered native and migratory species.

“Sadly, we have removed 80 percent of saltmarshes around western Europe over the past 200 years through land claim and sea defence work,” says marine fisheries management consultant and marine lead for the Institute of Fisheries Management (IFM), Steve Colclough.

“Now we have the exciting potential, through this restoration project, to create a new saltmarsh as it was two centuries ago.

Steve adds, These volunteers are local people who care about their local environment and you get a real sense of their commitment.” l ntonde on o

ECO NEWS FREE ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOP FOR LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS Next summer, Sideshore in Exmouth is partnering with Earth Minutes, a young collaborative of environmental researchers and creatives, specialising in environmental communications to provide a free oceanbased educational workshop for local schools.

In this workshop, students will be immersed in an ocean crash course, learning about the detrimental impact microplastics and microfibres have on the environment. Students will then take part in an actionpacked workshop to design and create a t-shirt campaign which not only raises awareness of the impact fashion has on the ocean, but that can be used as a catalyst for conversation on environmental challenges.

The workshops will empower students to use their voices as a powerful tool for change and enable them to discuss the importance of a ‘reuse, re-work, and re-wear’ approach. www.sideshore.co.uk The workshops will empower students

Darren Stockley, managing director at Gorst

A PIG DEAL Ixora Energy Limited (Ixora), a company operating multiple anaerobic digestion (AD) plants across the South West, has become the first of its kind in evon (joining one of only nine others throughout the ) to be awarded certification to International Sustainability arbon ertification (IS ) standards, for providing renewable gas injection into the National Grid.

This summer, Ixora secured the award for three of its renewable energy plants, including Gorst Energy located in Clyst St Mary. which has been providing renewable gas and electricity to Exeter and East Devon since 2015.

Gorst Energy utilises pig manure and sustainable crops supplied by local farmers as its primary feedstock. Using high quality AD technology, the feedstock is broken down to produce biogas and digestate. The digestate is high in nutrients and is a good replacement for artificial fertilisers.

This is used on the land that supplies crops to the AD plant and greatly helps the farmers to reduce their greenhouse gasses and carbon footprint. www.ixoraenergy.co.uk Gorst use pig manure and sustainable crops

COMMUNITY MATTERS

A special series of free online events are being held between 14 – 16 November for anyone interested in or involved with re-charging and re-energising their community, especially in the context of extreme weather and other community issues.

The Devon Community Resilience Forum event, put together by independent charity evon ommunities Together, is a chance to find out about a vast range of topics including how to make your community more resilient as we move into winter; get the latest facts and figures on climate change, find out what other communities are doing to address issues such as ooding and learn how to adapt to extreme temperatures. www.eventbrite.co.uk

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GOING GREEN

Looking for more ways to reduce your plastic and make ethical purchases? Here are the local independent businesses that can help…

AYA & IDA FOOD’IE BOTTLE, £35 This zero waste bottle keeps your food warm for eight hours and cold for 12. Perfect on the go, it can be used for your breakfast porridge, pasta dishes, soups, for yoghurt, for baby food or even for ice cubes. For every product sold, the AYA&IDA Foundation donates 100 litres of clean water to children in need through Unicef.

From Sancho’s, 117 Fore Street; www.sanchosshop.com

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© TONY COBLEY

ORGANIC COTTON UNSPONGE, £4 This pack of two organic cotton cleaning unsponges are a great plastic-free alternative to disposable dish sponges and scouring pads. They are also great for cleaning kitchen work surfaces and cooker hobs as well as bathroom sinks and showers.

From My Zero Lifestyle, 127 Fore Street; www.myzerolifestyle.co.uk

HERBS AND SPICES, POA Nourish is a packaging-free grocery store where you can pick up all manner of food essentials and household items. Owner Sarah Martin tells us that when people are trying to reduce their plastic, they often start with herbs and spices. “Our herbs and spices are generally cheaper than the supermarkets, and as we buy directly from the importers, they are fragrant and taste amazing!” she says.

From Nourish, 67 Magdalen Road, Exeter; www.nourishzerowaste.com

CHOPPING BOARD, £15 This chopping board is crafted from beautiful beechwood and engraved with a stunning mandala design on the top surface.

A unique and sustainable addition to any kitchen.

Turn to page 66 for the interview with the creator.

From Laser & Grain; www.laserandgrain.co.uk

TREBARWITH GIFT SET, £22 A luxurious seaweed face oil plus your choice of soap and kelpie shampoo, all made by our front cover star Doctor Sophia Tapper – turn to page 21 for the interview.

From Tappermade; www.tappermade.com

ED’S CHOICE SUSTAINABLE CANVAS RUCKSACK, £65 This rucksack is made from recycled canvas, is vegan and has a padded compartment for your laptop or tablet, sweater and all your bits and bobs. Check out the rest of the sustainable range at Toot Garouk.

From Toot Garouk, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.tootgarook.co.uk

FRESH, ORGANIC, DAIRY-FREE MILK, 1L £4; 500ML £2.40 Totnes company Rerooted sell a whole range of fresh, organic, dairy-free milk, including cashew, coconut and hazelnut. The business source locally, support local farmers, will deliver to your door (by electric vehicle), and power their entire business with renewable energy.

From Rerooted (buy online or purchase in their Exeter stockists which include Zero on 127 Fore Street and Farm to Fork on 26 Commercial Road); wwwrerootedorganic.co.uk

SEA SALT AND SALTED CARAMEL BISCOFF, £19.50 This glorious mouthful of yumness is the bestselling cookie from Exeter favourite Cake or Death. No need to feel guilty eating this one, it contains only plant-based (vegan) ingredients, there is no plastic packaging and the cardboard box is recyclable.

From Cake or Death, order online or head to 68 Bartholomew Street West, Exeter; www.cakeordeath.co.uk

GAIA PRODUCTS AT ST SIDWELL’S POINT, POA Planet-friendly GAIA Skincare create products that work harmoniously with our natural world, avoiding harsh chemicals and synthetic colours. They’re handcrafted in the South West, are naturally cruelty free, and packaged mindfully, opting for reusable and recyclable containers. Next time you’re at the new leisure centre, head to the spa and pick up a few goodies.

From St Sidwell’s Point, Paris Street, Exeter; www.exeterleisure.com

BAMBOO SOCKS, £8.99 These cosy socks are crafted in organically grown bamboo from Indonesia, and Devon Eco Boutique donates a pair of these socks to the homeless for every pair that gets purchased.

From Devon Eco Boutique, 19 Broad Street, Ottery St Mary; www.devonecoboutique.co.uk

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

FOOD & DRINK NIBBLES FROM EXETER’S FOOD SCENE

OPEN DOORS

Get glugging at Mercure

ON CLOUD WINE

wine so you can really understand how wines change when enjoyed with the right pairing.

Local independent wine merchants Wickhams Wine are hosting an evening of winter wine tastings and masterclasses on 19 November at the Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel (opposite Exeter Central station).

Visitors can meet some of the winemakers, attend a masterclass from leading industry experts, and enjoy a broad range of red, white, rosé, orange and sparkling wines throughout the day.

Masterclass 3: It’s Beaujolais, but not as you know it! Hosted by wine writer Susy Atkins

Susy will show you what gems Beaujolais is hiding to prove it is a great all-round region. You’ll learn lots about the regions, the crus and the wines so open your mind to trying something new.

Masterclass 4: A Vineyard Year.

Hosted by Lucy Hulland of Huxbear Vineyard

Susy Atkins

The masterclasses on offer are…

Masterclass: Off the Beaten Track Wines.

Hosted by Stephen Barrett, wine write and educator

Join Stephen to explore some lesser-known grape varieties and countries.

Masterclass 5: Classic Christmas Wines.

Hosted by Dan Farrell-Wright

Dan Farrell-Wright

Masterclass 2: Alternative Christmas Food and Wine Pairings. Hosted by Pip Vanham

Pip will be chatting about some alternative ideas to serve with your Christmas meal. There will be morsels of food served with each

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

Learn what really happens in the vineyard all year round as Lucy Hulland, owner of Huxbear Vineyard along with her husband Ben, talks about what goes on behind the scenes, with blood, sweat, tears and an awful lot of hard work all contributing to the wines you’ll be tasting.

Join Wickhams’ owner, Dan FarrellWright as he talks through what he will be drinking at the dinner table this Christmas.

For more: www.wickhamwine.co.uk

After a brief closure due to the current James hospitality challenges, The Galley Checkley restaurant in Topsham has recently re-opened to the public and has a new head chef at the helm.

James Checkley, whose culinary CV includes stints at the Royal Clarence, Arundell Arms, Harry’s Grill Bar, Kentisbury Grange, and more recently as head chef of Paschoe House, will be responsible for curating and producing menus at the Topsham eaterie.

“I am truly thrilled to be taking the lead at this iconic Topsham restaurant,” says James.

“I am looking forward to combining modern British techniques with my classical training to deliver tasty plates of food.”

General manager Patrick Mitchell adds, “James is extremely talented, with an impressive culinary background, and we are excited and confident that guests will love what he brings to the table.”

For more: www.galleyrestaurant.co.uk It’s back!

ALL FOR THE NEST An Exeter bar has reopened under new management, and following a refurbishment.

The Nest, on 60 New North Road (previously The Oddfellows) is the brand-new sister venue from the team at oolings on andy Street and will offer an evening programme of bottomless deals, games nights, live music, and karaoke every Saturday and an eclectic mix of entertainment.

Expect a wide source of drinks, cocktails, snacks and a pizza menu; the team here will also provide private hire venue space for socials, parties and celebrations.

For more: www.thenestexeter.co.uk The bar has had a renovation

FOOD & DRINK

CLOCKWISE: New season squash risotto, The Dartmoor Inn, sticky toffee pudding

COSY PUB HERE WE COME Our columnist, ballet-dancing foodie, and blogger TARA SMITH hunkers down in The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford

I

don’t know about you but at this time of year I hanker for a cosy pub lunch situation with friends. This is the season for little pub nooks, log fires and hearty food after all.

My mission to find the perfect moor-side pub lead me to The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford (about 45 minutes by car from Exeter). Dating back over 300 years it is the perfect destination, nestled right on the edge of Brat Tor. This charming inn is family owned, with Andrew and Jo Chisholm heading up the family line with their daughter Tess and her chef husband Jay Barker-Jones running the day-to- day side of the business.

Tess worked at the inn as a teenager so when the opportunity arose to buy her childhood local, she, along with her family, couldn’t help but jump at the chance. ay’s che ng credentials span a career of 25 years, many of which have been in fine dining and bouti ue hotels. is first notable role was as sous chef at Talland Bay Hotel working under Shay Cooper. He then moved to a senior sous chef role at St Martins on the Isles of Scilly. On leaving St Martins he joined the Tanner Brothers in Plymouth as head chef. During his time there they won AA restaurant of the year at the AA awards and were also placed in the top 100 hotels in the UK. Jay’s menu uses the very best of seasonal and local produce; he’s big on avour and texture. They source their vegetables from Hallword Farm in Petrockstowe, meat from

Phillip Warren in Launceston and their venison is from the surrounding villages. Fish is from the day boats at Brixham and Newlyn and couldn’t be more fresh.

I visited on a perfect autumn Saturday and ate new season s uash risotto with evon blue, salsa verde and toasted pumpkin seeds; my friend Amber ate venison cooked two ways with celeriac, kale and red wine. We shared a fantastic sticky toffee pudding with candied walnuts for dessert. All delicious and exactly what I want and need from a country pub visit.

Feeling replete, the decision was made to walk off lunch on the moors. It couldn’t have been a more perfect end to a great day. The sun was shining and the views out across the moor were incredible. If you go to The Dartmoor Inn I would suggest you do the same. It really does add that extra something to your dining experience.

If you happen to visit in the run up to Christmas there is an option to dine from their Christmas menu for groups of six or more. Failing that, join them on 22 December from 5pm – 6.30pm for carol singing, mulled wine and mince pies.

There is no charge for this and everyone is welcome to soak up the festive atmosphere.

Dinner is available afterwards from 6.30pm if anyone wants to stay.

ALL IMAGES BY TAR A SMITH

a he n credentials span a career of 25 years”

For more: The Dartmoor Inn, Moorside, Lydford, near Okehampton; www.dartmoorinn.com

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

RESTAURANT

THE DINOSAUR CAFÉ Simplicity is the key to success for this Exeter locals’ favourite

By Harriet Noble

T

DINING DETAILS Dinosaur Café, 5 New North Rd, Exeter; Facebook: Dinosaur Café Opening times 12pm-9am Monday-Thursday; 12pm10m Friday and Saturday; Sunday closed Menu Traditional homecooked Mediterranean inspired dishes Prices Starters: falafel, £6.50, halloumi £4.50; Main courses: moussaka £10.80, veggie karniyarik £10.80 Drinks Mediterranean beers and wines with local Exeter brewery ales and gin, whisky and vodka Atmosphere Cosy and unpretentious

here are times when you want your restaurants big, bold and buzzy and other times when all you hanker after is a gentler place where you know the menu inside out and it’s hearty and homecooked and you don’t feel bad about having the same thing every time. Somewhere you won’t have to shout to be heard and you definitely won’t spend a small fortune.

When these feelings grip you, Dinosaur Café is your place. Situated on New North road, just by the roundabout that leads on to Queen Street, it is away from the hustle and bustle of the high street, and, rather conveniently for me, so close to where I live that I can see the restaurant front from my kitchen window.

The restaurant serves up Turkish/ Mediterranean-inspired classic dishes such as koftas, kebabs, falafels and baklava, and since 2019 has been owned

by Scotsman John McCay (manager) and Perry Fields (chef).

“We are a mix of café and restaurant,” says John.

“During the day we have people who come regularly for small plates, tea and coffee and at night we are busy with a mix of locals, tourists and business travellers.”

The restaurant is small, one room with about ten tables so you almost feel like you’re at an intimate supper club.

On this visit, I start with the falafel with pitta bread and salad. This is a much-needed reminder of how good a decent falafel can be – moist, deeply avoursome and nothing like the desert-dry choking ordeal that occurs when eating one from the supermarket. My vegetarian

pal has a simple starter of perfectly grilled halloumi with bread. or mains I go for the moussaka (not for the first time I may add) which comes with salad, rice and a generous dollop of fresh tzatziki. Moussaka is probably one of my all-time favourite dishes and this one does not disappoint. Comforting and creamy – it’s just what I’m after on this autumnal day. If you love your aubergines as much as I do, you can also opt for the karniyarik, a stuffed aubergine with either a savoury lamb mince (or a vegetable mix) which, John tells, us is the most popular dish on the menu. This is what my pal does, opting for the veggie one, which she loves.

We were full by this point (I even took away a few of my falafels in a box and had them for breakie the next day) but there was ice cream and apple pie on the menu you if wanted a little cleanser.

There is something deeply reassuring about this place. Because of its size and intimacy, it’s a good spot to go to if you’re dining with one other person and want a bit of quiet. It’s also worth noting that every time I’ve been there I see solo diners which makes sense to me.

It’s an inviting, cosy space where everyone is made to feel welcome.

This restaurant is not glam, ash or Instagrammable and I don’t think the menu changes much. That’s absolutely fine by me. n

“There is something deeply reassuring about this place”

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 35

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

Andrea Phillips and Geri Panteva

Michael Caines and Mark Stevens Nicola Churchward and Rosie Bates

Toni Percival, Mark Isaacs, and Joanna Chugh Kieron Northcott, Roger Sell, and Mark Simpson

Natalie Millar-Patridge, Tara Smith and Polly Bliss

ROOM WITH A VIEW

Courtyard by Marriott hosted a launch party for their agship top oor restaurant and bar, The iew. The glamourous event attracted more than 2 guests who sampled the culinary delights of the restaurant’s local suppliers including oosemoor, The urious Pig and utchr.

The iew’s executive chef, ichard unt, did a cookery demonstration and for the rugby fans there was a A with director of ugby for Exeter hiefs, ob axter. There was also a cocktail-making session with Salcombe in and a -degree photo booth. A fantastic evening was enjoyed by all. www.theviewexeter.co.uk.

Photos by Ashley Crowden

Chris Villar and Nicola Parfitt Keith Biggs, David Kirk, Robert Chalk, Andrew Perkins, and Damian Cook

Rebecca Williams, Mark Williams and Marcus Bawdon www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 37

OPINION PEARSE

Female networking organisation Six Degrees recently hosted an inspirational talk with Sarah Pearse, No.1 Sunday Times and New York Times Top Ten Bestseller, at The Pig-at Combe. Guests spent a gorgeous evening in The Pig’s stunning grounds enjoying atbreads and fizz while hearing Sarah’s inspiring story of becoming an author. www.sixdegrees-exeter.co.uk Photos by Rosie Parsons Photography

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

SOCIETY

Ben Sanderson, Anne Ryan and Andrew Child

Jackson Sprague, Melanie Stidolph, Phil Root, Alex Crocker, judge Anne Ryan, Lottie Stoddart, Ben Sanderson, Sherie Sitauze, Madi Acharya-Baskerville, Sarah Ryder and Matt Burrows

EXETER CONTEMPORARY OPEN

Exeter Phoenix recently hosted the private view and awards ceremony for the Exeter Contemporary Open art exhibition.

The exhibition showcases emerging and established contemporary visual artists from across the UK, with this year’s group including a diverse shortlist of 13 artists working across painting, sculpture, photography and video. The shortlist was selected from over 400 submissions by a panel of industry specialists including artists Jonathan Baldock and Anne Ryan as well as Exeter Phoenix Gallery Curator Matt Burrows with the award going to Sarah Ryder. The exhibition runs until 6 November. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk Adam Garratt and Danny Everton

Photos by Rhodri Cooper

Sherie Sitauze

Jem Southam and guest

Matt Burrows, Open Award winner Sarah Ryder, and Claire Tucker

Kitty, Evie, Rory and friend

Scottie Gillespie and Darren Shaddick

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

Open 8.30am - 5pm Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 1pm Sat Also stockist for MIELE, BOSCH, HOTPOINT, LEC, ZANUSSI

© ALE X T ZOT ZIS

OUT OF TOWN

Famed for backing independents, and for its lively, community-led high street, Totnes is a town that quite frankly, you just can’t ‘do’ in a day. Trust us, we tried…

By Harriet Noble www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 41

OUT OF TOWN

P

roudly independent and devoid of a sleuth of chains, Totnes has one of the most thriving high streets in the country. Where most towns offer a couple of decent indie shops, Totnes has 20-odd; where you can count on one hand the number of decent cafés and restaurants in your average city, Totnes has a gazillion. And as for events, societies, clubs and workshops – the list is exhaustive. It’s a very easy town to navigate, just walk down that long, tilted high street.

It will take you forever though, as you’ll want to go into every doorway…

CAFÉS/ RESTAURANTS

© ALE X T ZOT ZIS

On my visit I enjoyed a cosy bowl of lentil and lemon soup with sourdough bread at Edgy Veggie at The Mansion. Clearly a locals’ favourite, the team here make and serve up delicious vegetarian and vegan food, there’s a garden out the back and you can also pick up homemade frozen meals here. Mid-afternoon, I snuggled up on an armchair with some herbal tea at er e Organic, the farm shop and café. They were selling homemade autumn beetroot and apple soup with bread for less than a fiver on the day I visited; they also host Sunday brunches from 12-2pm with live music.

There’s also The Lighthouse Keeper, a café and community hub which hosts quiet games nights every first and third Wednesday of the month ( . pm-1 pm), and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday they stay open until 1 pm with crepes, tacos and burritos on offer.

Other top-notch choices in town include: Seeds2Totnes, which offers hearty bowls of vegetarian and vegan food; and The Curator, a cool, elegant spot for your artisan coffee. Also check out vegan caf Zappa’s, fine dining at Gather, and homemade pizzas at Rumour.

ABOVE: Totnes high street; LEFT: Atmospheric Totnes; OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: The Curator; BELOW: The Bearded Florista

“You’ll want to enter every doorway”

© ALE X T ZOT ZIS

DRINKING

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

Head to Totnes Wine Company for a stellar selection of wines, spirits and little nibbly bits. They host regular wine evenings, the next one is the Beaujolais Nouveau on 17 November when you can enjoy a bounteous selection of wine, and sink into a bit of French cheese while you’re at it. On 9 December, the team will also be hosting a special festive wine tasting event.

For more vino, check out Ben’s Wine and Tapas. The team here run regular tasting events and from Monday-Thursday, you can get a small glass of wine and dish of the day for . or pints, check out Dartmouth Inn, a friendly pub without outdoor seating.

DARTINGTON TRUST

Located just outside of Totnes, on a beautiful 1,200 estate, is Dartington Estate – and with it a rich and impressive history. In 1925, Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst purchased the neglected 14th century Dartington estate. They poured their resources into the “Dartington Experiment” – restoring the estate buildings and setting up a host of farming, forestry, artistic and educational projects. People involved in this project include George Bernard Shaw, Benjaimn Britten and Jacqueline du Pré; and it was here that the Arts Council was conceived.

Education is still key here, they have two faculties: Schumacher College, which has been at the forefront of engaging ecological, economic, and social challenges for over 30 years, and Dartington Arts School, which delivers a vast array of arts courses.

The estate continues to thrive as a creative community with a year-round programme of art and craft short courses, theatre, music and dance events as well as a wide selection of films at the independent Barn Cinema, (a 14th century barn) plus being home to the White Hart pub.

HERE ARE A FEW EVENTS COMING UP OVER THE NEXT TWO MONTHS… Christmas craft workshops, 13 November – 4 December Make a handmade present, or turn your hand to wreath-making, tree decorations, lino-printing or even create Japanese sweets.

Music performed in the beautiful medieval Great Hall, ongoing • Highlights include Dvorak: The Spectre’s Bride 6 – 7 November – Dvorak’s rarely heard gothic melodramatic oratorio has the atmosphere enriched by the magic of puppetry.

• Acclaimed jazz musician Byron Wallen as he performs music from his latest album Portrait: Reflections on Belonging on 18 November • Also Lady Maisery & Friends present Awake Arise: A Christmas Show for Our Times on 9 December.

A Christmas Cracker, 12 December An event guaranteed to get you well and truly into the festive spirit.

Hibernation by Little Bulb Theatre 3 and 4 December Join award winning Little Bulb (house band in CBEEBIES The Nutcracker) for this magical family theatre production. www.dartington.org

© ARON HOSIE

Winter craft fair, 2 – 4 December Over 40 stalls showcasing a wide selection of contemporary craft and design from makers across the South West. Plus music, workshops, food and festivities running all weekend.

beaut of a store too – and much bigger than it looks from the outside – selling everything from tiles to paints, fabrics to lighting, faux owers, glassware and kimonos. Also check out Penelope Tom, and Me and East.

ART

The Gallery at Birdwood House hosts regular exhibitions and is also home to regular yoga classes, art classes, a regular choir and more. Also check out Bowie Gallery, Davidson Fine Art and Whitespaceart.

BOOKS

Head to East Gate Bookshop (check out their events page for book events), Arcturus Books (which has an emphasis on mind, body and soul), and the small but cosy Castle Books. Also check out Totnes library – look up and you’ll see the cycling frog above the sign.

TOTNES MARKETS

The Market S uare has been home to the bustling weekly markets for hundreds of years. The main one takes place every riday and Saturday.

Meet the traders, soak up the colourful sights and discover a huge array of interesting items from local honey to delicious cake; clothes, plants, anti ues and more. There is also an Elizabethan charity market on Tuesdays (May to September) and a food and craft market on the third Sunday of every month.

NIGHT-TIME FUN

Head to Barrel House Ballroom for live music, club nights and pints, as well as film nights, spoken word events and loads more. ig and line-ups for the next few months include eifer Sutherland (12 ovember) and un ovin riminals’ uey Morgan on the decks (1 March next year).

Totnes cinema; OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: Holly Keeling Interirors; BELOW: Love Frankie

CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES

Revival is an absolutely crammed-to-the-rafters treasure trove of vintage clothes, anything from apper dresses to cutesy s dresses and – you could happily while away an afternoon in here if pre-loved gems are your jam. ther places to drop in on are Pearlie Queen for brightly coloured, life-a rming knits, coats and more; head to Pink Lemons for oh-sopretty prints and patterned clothes (think a modern day aura Ashley all zhuzhed up); and Fifty 5a for fun, bold clothes and cashmeres; and Busby & Fox for cosy, yet sophisticated smart casual attire. or jewellery, head to Rebecca Furze, for contemporary jewellery with geometric patterns.

HOMEWARE/ INTERIORS

So many. Dive into the decadent Love Frankie store for maximalist interiors including neon disco lights, oral and leopard skin lampshades, botanicals and ceramics. Holly Keeling Interiors is a

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

OTHER BITS AND BOBS

o see an indie ick at Totnes cinema and enjoy the kooky little passageway; indulge your pot plant addiction at The Potting Bench and lust after the beautiful owers and wreaths at the Bearded Florista. n

THE MANSION

Previously an old school building, The Mansion is a community facility in the centre of Totnes which, through several extensions, has become a multifaceted building housing a number of organisations and businesses, including the town library, a nursery, the Edgy Veggie café – and Totnes Climate Hub, an open-to-all resource and community hub to help the community navigate the effects of climate change. They run regular events, sharing advice on information about energy saving, grants, and energy bills.

OUT OF TOWN

YOU HAVE BEEN READING…

© PAUL RYAN GOFF

RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS Edgy Veggie at The Mansion; www.totnescommunity.org.uk/mansion Eversfield Organic; www.eversfieldorganic.co.uk The Lighthouse Keeper; www.lighthousetotnes.com Seed2Totnes; www.seeds2totnes.co.uk The Curator; www.thecurator.co.uk Zappa’s; 9 High Street, Totnes Gather; www.gathertotnes.com Rumour; www.rumourtotnes.com DRINKING Totnes Wine Company; www.totneswine.com Ben’s Wine and Tapas; www.bensfarmshop.co.uk The Dartmoor Inn; www.thedartmouthinntotnes.co.uk CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES Revival; Facebook: Revivaltotnes Pearlie Queen; Facebook: Pearlie Queen Boutique Totnes Pink Lemons; www.pinklemons.boutique Fifty 5a; www.fifty5a.com Busby & Fox; www.busbyandfox.com Rebecca Furze Jewellery; www.rebeccafurzejewellery.com HOMEWARE/ INTERIORS Love Frankie; www.lovefrankie.com Holly Keeling Interiors; www.hollykeeling.co.uk Penelope Tom; www.penelopetom.com Me & East; www.meandeast.com ART The Gallery at Birdwood House; www.birdwoodhouse.org.uk The Bowie Gallery; www.thebowiegallery.co.uk Davidson Fine Art; www.davidsonfineart.com Whitespace Art; www.whitespaceart.com NIGHT-TIME FUN Barrel House; www.barrelhousetotnes.co.uk BOOKS Eastgate Bookshop; www.eastgatebookshop.co.uk Arcturus Books; www.arcturusbooks.co.uk Castle Books; Facebook: Totnes Community Bookshop at Belle, Book & Castle Totnes Library: www.devonlibraries.org.uk TOTNES MARKETS AND MORE Visit Totnes; www.visittotnes.co.uk BITS AND BOBS Totnes Cinema; www.totnescinema.co.uk The Potting Shed; www.thepottingshedtotnes.com The Bearded Florista; www.beardedflorista.co.uk

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HEALTH AND WELLBEING

FACE IT

Harriet Noble has a “red carpet” facial from skin expert Kate Wheldal and picks up some nuggets of skin wisdom while she’s there...

V

isiting Kate was an unexpected joy. She gave me an amazing facial, more on that in a bit, but the moment I walked in the door, I felt totally at ease – she’s like a trusted, warm and witty girlfriend, albeit one with a tonne more expert knowledge on skincare than any of my friends.

As part of the “everything” facial – which is about seven facials all in one – there’s a consultation where we chat diet, skincare routines, hormones, sleep patterns, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and just about everything under the sun.

She is chatty and non-judgemental – and clearly passionate about her subject, “The skin is the largest organ in the body and it speaks to us so I’m BIG on the science of it all,” she says.

Having had a thorough microscopic look at my skin and asking lots of questions, she decides on the best course of treatment. This bespoke and tailored-to-your-skin approach is key to what Kate does. What you can be sure of if you opt for this facial is that it’ll be a reset,

a deep cleansing, entirely hydrating treatment that tackles whatever your skin needs at that point in your life and skin cycle. It can include some form of exfoliation, micro peels, oxygen infusion to brighten, cryo therapy to de-puff, ultra sonic sounds waves to lift, LED light therapy, and sculpting lymphatic drainage massage which helps the skin glow.

Indeed, my skin is baby soft afterwards, with angel-like glowiness. It’s no surprise that this facial has been dubbed the “red carpet” facial by devoted clients who ock to Kate for regular facials, especially ahead of a big day when they want to look their best.

Kate has encyclopaedic knowledge on skincare and gave me so many nuggets of wisdom, as well as busting many skincare myths. Here we ask her some of the big skincare questions…

What are some of the errors people make with their skin?

One of the most common mistakes people make on their skin routine exfoliating too often. It can really disturb the equilibrium of the skin.

So how often should we be exfoliating and what ingredients should we be looking out for?

This depends on your skin type. Skin naturally exfoliates daily, it’s called desquamation, and it’s important not to mess with this process.

Most of the time, I recommend AHAs which are a group of plant and animal-derived acids used in a variety of skincare products and BHAs (which are similar but are oil soluble) over physical exfoliators/scrubs.

Cleanse, tone, moisturise – is this what we should all be doing?

“I can’t bare the phrase anti-age, I think it should be scrapped from the industry”

What are some simple things people can do to improve their skin?

The simplest step people can do to improve their skin health is hydrate, hydrate...and hydrate! I must say it over 1000 times a day.

The hydration penetrating inside the outer skin layers is the most important element and for this, good quality, topical hydrators are key.

What kind of food and drink can help improve our skin?

Water and coconut water are a must. They hydrate from the inside out. I always ask my clients to avoid excess sugar and try to cut dairy as it creates all types of issues in the skin. Oily fish and avocado are also very good for skin hydration.

Cleanse, tone, moisturise?

This is absolutely not for everyone. Toner is for specific skin types only, and like most products, the quality of toners varies massively and can impact skin health. Cleanse – yes, at least once a day, depending on your skin’s behaviour, and moisturise – yes, always!

For anti-aging moisturiser, what ingredients are a big yes and which are a no?

I actually can’t bare the phrase anti-age and think it should be scrapped from my industry.

Age management would be much more appropriate. We must get rid of the idea in the beauty world that when we age it’s a negative, it’s not, it’s a blessing. When using a moisturiser to keep the skin at optimum health we must look for certain ingredients such as peptides ceramides and retinols, again this is very personal to the individual which is why it’s always important to speak to a professional for your personalised needs.

If someone has a big occasion coming up, when would you recommend coming in to having a treatment to prep the skin to look its very best on the big day?

Treatment wise I always recommend between 3 – 10 days before the big day. n

DETAILS

Facial: The 1.5 hour “Everything” facial is £200.

Kate Wheldal SKIN, The Practice Rooms, 15-16 Church Street, Exeter; www.kateskin.com

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

Sleep is good but how much is the right amount?

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

Talking clocks

W

The importance of sleep and the impact it has on a child’s school day e’ve all given the classic advice to get a good night’s sleep before an important test or exam. We know sleep helps good thinking and overall performance, but its powers extend way beyond the night before a big day.

As children and teenagers’ brains go through significant growth and development, consistent sleep patterns are vital. One major new study even suggests that regular lack of sleep can have a greater negative impact on kids’ wellbeing than bullying or too much screen time.

Since lockdown, there’s an increased understanding that doing well at school is not just

a matter of being academically smart. We can’t afford to ignore any link in the chain between happy brains and positive life outcomes, and sleep is one of the Three Es that are regularly missing in the profile of students who have fallen behind: exercise, eating well, and early nights.

No wonder, then, that the merits of decent kip has gone from mum-knows-best to being timetabled at school. Sleep lessons are now part of the national curriculum for Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and teachers download PowerPoints to help promote healthy bedtime habits. These include the benefits of reducing exposure to devices with sleepdisrupting blue light before bed and lots of science-y facts about

BED TIME The change of clocks on 30 October makes it an ideal time to discuss and tweak your child’s bedtime routine. Here are the number of hours sleep recommended for school-age children according to the NHS: Year R: 11 hours Year 1: 10 hours 45 min Year 2: 10 hours 30 min Year 3: 10 hours 15 min Year 4: 10 hours

Year 5: 9 hours 45 min Year 6: 9 hours 30 min Year 7: 9 hours 15 min Year 8: 9 hours 15 min Years 9–11: 9 hours

why those deeper non-REM hours before midnight are the most restorative.

But how much sleep do our naturally bedtime-avoidant offspring really need? And is there anything we can actually do to help them sleep better?

Younger primary school age children need 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night, while older ones need around 9.5 hours. Secondary school pupils ideally get no less than 9 hours to be able to function well the following day. The latter can seem steep for nocturnal teens and scientific papers as thick as winter-tog duvets have outlined the benefits of a later start school time.

A lot of the research suggests parent-set bedtimes appear to have the biggest impact on good school sleep. This doesn’t mean forcing them to go to bed at your ideal time but rather discussing and agreeing a time – and sticking to it. It’s about consistency rather

than perfection. Conditioning their growing brains to wind down at a similar time each night and making sure regular sleep hours are banked is key, even if they are less hours than you’d like.

Investing in some ear plugs, an eye mask or a weighted blanket might help them differentiate time in their bedroom and time to go to bed. Add in some positive bedroom boundaries like removing devices and you model your own good sleep hygiene, and you will be well be on your way to helping them collect the kind of Zzzs that help secure As, Bs and Cs.

“Sleep is one of the vital ‘three Es’ – exercise, eating well, and early nights”

Victoria Bond is founder and CEO of School Guide, an easy-to-use website that helps parents discover exam results, catchment maps and parent reviews for all their local schools.

For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk

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It’s the city’s business

EXETERWORKS TEAM TECH The region’s biggest esports event will return for its second year, as five colleges announce a partnership with Tech South West.

In early 2023, Exeter College, Bridgwater & Taunton College, City College Plymouth, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, and Cornwall College will each host a regional heat for the tournament, in which corporate teams from across the South West will take part.

The top three teams from each heat will go through to the final, hosted by Exeter ollege at their agship Digital and Data Centre during May half term.

Esports, or competitive gaming, is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, with a global revenue of over $1bn and an audience of 474m in 2021, according to Newzoo.

We are proud to have spearheaded the first esports festival in the South West earlier this year,” says Rob Bosworth, deputy CEO of Exeter College.

“We are delighted that next year it’s going to be bigger and better with esports festivals, not only at our college, but across the region. This is a huge statement for further education colleges, the role they play in the community, and the impact they can have when working in collaboration.”

For more: www.techsouthwest.co.uk

The latest from Exeter Chamber Exeter Chamber will be hosting their annual Christmas Party on 18 November, from 6pm-11pm at Côte Brasserie, on the Cathedral Green.

“Expect music, fun and laughter with the added sprinkle of Chamber magic with spectacular views of the Christmas market,” says Yvan Williams, chamber board director.

“Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from the Chamber website, but you better be quick, we only have a limited number of tickets available.

“I’ll be there to welcome you with a glass of festive fizz with my fellow board directors. See you at the party!”

For more: www.exeterchamber.co.uk

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Tech South West will return to Exeter College next year

Christmas parties, sparkly attire optional

FUTURE PERFECT

Exeter City Council are asking people across the city to share their views on the future of Exeter.

The Exeter Plan – the new name for the Local Plan – will be the planning policy document for Exeter, shaping the future of the city and providing the foundations for how the city continues to evolve and meet the needs of the community.

Consultation on the Exeter Plan is now underway, until 5 December. The consultation has been designed to engage with residents and those who work, study in or visit the city, and those views will be crucially important in preparing the Exeter Plan.

People can feedback in a variety of ways including at in-person exhibitions across the city, via an interactive and easy to navigate online survey platform which allows users to read the plan and complete a variety of short surveys at their leisure. www.exeterplan.commonplace.is

EXETERWORKS Exe Mortgages, the ususal suspects

© K YLE BAKER

Iryna is just one of the people who attended workshops in the city

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC GROWTH STORY

Exe Mortgages has relocated to new premises in Escot Park near Fairmile, East Devon, after experiencing a period of growth over the past two years. The business was founded by David Grimshaw in 2 12, and moved to its first base in Ottery St Mary in 2016. www.exemortgages.co.uk

WAXING LYRICAL

The ecycled andle ompany has moved from Gandy Street to a pop-up shop in Exeter’s uildhall shopping centre. Their hand poured candles are available to purchase there from now until Christmas and donations of old candles and tea lights can be taken to the shop for recycling into more new candles. www.therecycledcandlecompany.co.uk

ONE FOR THE TEAM

inance director Stephen Thomas has recently joined the leadership team at Devon health and wellbeing charity Westbank. Stephen takes up his seat on the board of Westbank

less than a year after his initial appointment as head of finance and business planning. www.westbank.org.uk

MOVING ON UP

Exeter digital marketing agency ptix Solutions has promoted Paul Lawrence to director of design after his first year with the company. In this new role, Paul is responsible for directing ptix Solutions’ design offering, ensuring the agency’s studio output delivers to engage, support and delight customers at every touchpoint’. www.optixsolutions.co.uk

DOUBLE ENTRY

The marketing department at The utdoors roup has grown its capacity with the appointment of two new team members. Based at the group’s rediton , Matt anger has joined to run digital marketing whilst Karolina owgoska is providing support as the new marketing assistant. www.theoutdoorsgroup.co.uk

Head to the Guildhall for candles, you know it makes scents

GOOD JOB Iryna Drabchak, a Ukrainian refugee who has lived with her host family in radninch since uly, has been offered a full-time post with the Environment Agency thanks to a support scheme offered by Exeter Works.

Iryna had only been here in Exeter for a week when she found out about the workshops taking place at the Exeter Works advice hub in the city centre, covering access to English lessons, help with writing s, and introductions to employers looking to fill vacancies.

The first time I went to a session I was very shy and not confident because I couldn’t speak English very well, says Iryna.

Thanks to the first session, I found out about some free English lessons for krainians which have been very helpful.

Since then, Iryna, together with well over a hundred other Ukrainians, has attended regular sessions at the hub. She says that her previous role working in education in kraine has been helpful in helping her to find her new job.

Iryna’s new employer, Eddie Stevens who is area assurance lead at the Environment Agency, says that, like many organisations, the Environment Agency has struggled to fill some roles in the past.

If anybody, either employer or jobseeker, was unsure about whether to get involved in these sessions, I wouldn’t hesitate to encourage them, says Eddie.

It’s a really moving and exciting experience to have such a talented and ualified pool of people so keen to get stuck in and work for your organisation.

The sessions, which have been taking place regularly since early May have been aimed at supporting krainian refugees in Exeter to find employment, whilst also helping to fill vacancies in the city.

For more: www.exeterworks.org

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EXETERWORKS

JOURNEY TO THE JOB

Annabelle Lowes

J

Annabelle has recently started as senior community and events fundraiser at South West charity Julian House.

We caught up with her to chat career goals, running marathons and dreams of ice skating

ulian House works across the South West to help vulnerable and at-risk individuals.

The charity is known predominantly for its work with people experiencing homelessness, but it also helps support people escaping domestic abuse, adults with learning di culties and people who need support after leaving prison. Annabelle started working there recently...

Hello Annabelle! What did you want to be when you grew up?

A professional ice skater, or someone who worked with wild animals!

What were your favourite and least favourite subjects at school?

My favourite subject was English, and my least favourite subject by far was maths.

When you left school, what was the big dream?

To move to a big city, with lots of shops and nightclubs.

What did you do at uni?

I studied drama and theatre studies at Royal Holloway University of London.

What was your first job?

My first proper job was working for an event ticketing agency in London for music, sport and comedy. I got so many free tickets! I was relatively new to London at this point, so it gave me plenty to do.

Any horrible jobs in your early years of working?

I worked in a little gloomy

supermarket at university, it sold everything under the sun and was impossible to organise, basically one big mess. I often had to be there at 6am for the newspaper delivery. I did live directly above the shop, so at least it was a short commute.

What made you think about working in the charity sector?

I have a background in creative event production, working mainly with business, retail and private sector clients. It’s a great industry, but I found it hard to find time to support others and I was desperate to be able to do more for my community. When the opportunity arose to combine my professional skills with an organisation which does such important charity work, I jumped at the chance to apply.

“THIS PROFESSION CAN BE DEMANDING, BUT IT CAN ALSO BE INCREDIBLY REWARDING” Can you tell us a bit about what Julian House does?

Julian House has been providing support for rough sleepers in Exeter for seven years. Our outreach team are supporting as many as 20 rough sleepers a week on the street, and up to a further 10 as walk-in visitors at CoLab Exeter. We then work alongside other agencies trying to get them into suitable supported housing as soon as possible.

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And any less well-known services that you provide?

Yes, we also have other vital but not so obvious projects which are also connected to homelessness. Bay6 is a unique project based in the Royal Devon and Exeter (RD&E) ospital. The service offers housing and benefits advice for patients who find themselves at risk of homelessness on discharge from hospital. Discharge planning starts at the point of admission, and we work closely with all wards in the hospital to ensure that anyone with a housing and or benefits issue has an early referral to us. We seek to resolve immediate housing and or benefits challenges and provide support for people to move into longer term, sustainable accommodation.

What has Julian House got lined up for the next year?

Our Big Exeter Sleepout will be returning in March next year. The Sleepout has become one of the most important events of the year and holds a special place in many people’s hearts.

Last year we provided life-changing support to over 1,800 vulnerable individuals who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across Exeter and the South West. We are also in the planning stage of numerous exciting fundraising events for 2023 in both Devon and Dorset, so watch this space!

As community and events fundraiser, what are your favourite aspects of the job?

I’m new to the role, and I’m really looking forward to speaking with all sorts of different members of the community. I’m excited to help them with their fundraising ideas; and hearing about exciting events and activities they’d like to pursue. It’ll also be inspiring to hear about all the

reasons why they are wishing to raise money for Julian House.

And the most difficult?

It can be an emotionally challenging role, we meet people who are very vulnerable, and some of their stories are hard to hear. But they are a reminder of why charities like Julian House are so crucial.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to go into your profession?

Do it! This profession can be demanding, but it is also incredibly exciting, rewarding and interesting.

What skills and experience do you have that have come in handy in this role?

I’m certainly an organised person, I love to plan and research. I’m also good at communicating and forming relationships with people, which helps with raising awareness of the work we do.

What are you most proud of, both professionally and personally?

Professionally, I am most proud building a successful career in events, through which I have met truly amazing people and had some incredible experiences. On a personal level, I am most proud of myself for completing the London Marathon, because I still don’t understand how I managed it!

Lastly, what is the most surprising thing about you?

I’m a Manchester City football supporter. And I love reading science fiction novels.

For more: www.julianhouse.org.uk

Annabelle is a Man City fan

© NICK MATHEWS

EXETER LIVING EXETERWORKS AWARDS CATEGORIES

Exeter Living Awards 2023

You can enter your business into one or more of these categories…

Arts Bar Business services Café Charity Civic Creative Education Event Hair and Beauty Health and Wellbeing Homes and Interiors Legal and Financial Leisure and Tourism New Business People Services Property Restaurant Retailer Sustainability Technology and Innovation

The date is set, the venue booked. Nominations are opening soon, and there are plenty of ways to get involved in the city’s biggest business bash of the year...

© SIMON TUTTY

D

iaries at the ready. The Exeter Living Awards are taking place on 30 March at the Great Hall, at the University of Exeter.

Planning is well underway for the glittering, vibrant, joy-filled 2023 ceremony, the business highlight of the city, at which pretty much any and every local business – big or small – can win one of our coveted awards.

If you are a part of this amazing community and want to showcase your venture, talent and efforts, along with supporting and meeting other top businesses, there are a number of ways to get involved...

It’s the most celebratory night of the year

It’s free to nominate your company or organisation, and you can enter as many categories as are relevant

SPONSORS

• Enter the awards

It’s free to nominate yourselves; just head online, choose what categories you’d like to enter, and you’ll find a Q&A asking you all about your business or organisation – your biggest achievements over the past year, your highlights, and what you are most proud of. This is not a time for modesty; you are encouraged to blow that trumpet and shout about yourselves!

Nominations open soon – stay tuned.

• Sponsorship

With more and more interest in being closely associated with the most prestigious event in the Exeter business calendar, sponsorship opportunities are going fast. Already signed up are: CJ Prop Hire & Events, Crumbs, Entreconf, Exeter Living, Exeter Property Awards, Mercure Exeter Southgate, Oxygen House, The Ivy, Triangle Networks, Yellowtail Financial Planning, and Warwick Event Services. Sponsors reap the benefits of powerful marketing and exposure in the build-up to the Awards, and they also bag guaranteed tickets.

To find out more, please contact Paula Miller at paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk or Harriette Dixon at harriete.dixon@mediclash.co.uk • Get tickets

Nothing beats being there. Anyone can come to the event, whether you’re up for an award or not. With the company of 500 people, this is one shindig you don’t want to miss.

For more: www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk

PROPERTY

THE MEADOWS Chic, contemporary living in a coastal development

By Imogen Davidson-Smith

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E

veryone has their ‘if I lived by the sea’ dream. If your coastal-life fantasy is a chic, contemporary space with oor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the sea, where you can nimbly walk around bare foot while hugging a smooth, earth-toned ceramic mug, then this set of plush properties, recently put on the market, might well be worth a peek.

The site in question is The Meadows, a collection of seven luxury four-bedroom homes set within 45 acres of mature grounds, known as Ilsham range in Torbay, about 45 minutes south of Exeter. As the poetic name suggests, you’ll be looking over large, lush grassland, with the sea below.

There are three house types in this development but all the new homes have the bedrooms situated on the ground oor, with open-planned interiors on the first oor; and as you may imagine, the design and d cor highlights the profusion of light and space on offer.

Inside, the ground oor is made up of four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a vast garage. pstairs on the first oor is the spacious open-planned living and dining room and kitchen – the main hub of the home where you have your whopping high ceiling. Thoughtful

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design and clean high-specifications course through the property making it a comfortable and luxurious place to live – with solar panels, under oor heating, ample storage space and each primary bedroom featuring a luxurious en-suite and dressing room. utside, all homes benefit from well-sized landscaped gardens. ut what of the surroundings The seven properties are made up of a larger collection of modern apartments, contemporary houses and renovated properties on this stunning patch of headland which boasts an abundance of open spaces, plants and wildlife.

It’s uite the uni ue spot here, with history dating back to the Medieval times (there’s a 1 th century oratory here currently being restored to form the eritage uarter). our local village is Wellswood, an upmarket evonshire neighbourhood, where there’s a healthy crop of shops, bouti ues, caf s, and restaurants. f course, it’s the outdoorsy life available here that may clinch it for you.

Torbay is a ES global geopark famed for its spectacular topography and natural attractions with sandy beaches and turquoise waters, dramatic coves, with nearby towns including abbacombe. et your wet suit ready, you can be swimming in the waters and back at the house in a ew ork minute. n

HOUSE NUMBERS Where? Ilsham Grove, Wellswood, Torbay House details There are seven houses in total in Phase 1 at Ilsham Grange. There are three house types in this current phase with prices starting from £1,175,000 for a 2,250sqft, four-bedroom house. The largest houses in this phase are houses with 2,842sqft and have a guide of £1,350,000 How to view The houses are available to reserve now, the show home is open from 10-5pm Thursday to Monday For more Knight Frank, 19 Southernhay East, Exeter; www.knightfrank.co.uk

PROPERTY

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EXETER LIVES

“I worked as a labourer to broaden my skills” Tide clocks! Once set to correspond to the tide times of your local beach, they count down how many hours are left until high/tide at any given time.

They are very useful for rock poolers, surfers, sailors, beach walkers or anyone who leaves to spend time on or by the sea.

© PIA BENAUD

How do you make your business as planet-friendly as possible?

ANNIE GOULD Self-starter (and self-taught) Annie creates and sells eco-friendly pieces using sustainably sourced wood – and she’s heading to Exeter this November for the Fore Street Flea…

Hello Annie! Tell us about your company Laser + Grain...

Hello! I design and make engraved gifts and homewares from sustainably sourced wood.

My design inspiration comes from the Devon countryside but I also collaborate with a wonderful henna artist (Red Hand Henna) who creates beautiful mandalas for me to engrave. I use a laser cutter which gives incredible detail and precision to the engraving. My products include tide clocks, coasters, jewellery, and bottle openers.

In addition to these, I make sustainable bespoke wooden fixtures and fittings for campervans and engrave logo merchandise for small businesses.

How did it all come about?

The idea first came to me when converting our campervan – I soon learned that there are no such things as straight lines and

right angles in vans! So, I decided to make bespoke laser cut fittings that were made to measure to fit perfectly and weren’t made of plastic.

What do you like about working with wood?

I love the fact that whatever piece of wood you are holding or looking at has a long history, it has grown, rather than being produced artificially. Each piece is totally uni ue and doesn’t always behave how you think it’s going to, it keeps me on my toes!

Where do you source your wood from?

I use a specific birch ply for most of our products sourced from a laser ply supplier, it is sustainably sourced and FSC registered and made with a special non-toxic interior glue which results in a lovely gold burnished edge when it’s cut.

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This is a challenge that I absolutely love being inventive with. I collect all my offcuts and make dog tags, bracelets, key rings and fridge magnets in order to minimise my wood waste. Any leftover wood waste is recycled into bio-fuel, all my packaging is recyclable and plastic free and my machinery runs on 100 per cent renewable energy.

What’s actually involved in doing laser cut fittings? It looks like it requires a lot of precision…

You are right! It is important to have very accurate dimensions of what I am making, I design on laser specific software – a creative eye for detail and an ability to imagine how something on the computer screen will function in real life is key to making a success of a project.

Did you train somewhere to do this?

o, I am self-taught. Partaking in online tutorials and talking to fellow makers has been a great help in learning how to make the best of the laser cutting software, as there are many elements to it and it can be quite technical. I spent a month of work experience with a fine furniture maker and worked as a labourer for a timber frame construction company to broaden my skills.

What were you doing before you started the business?

I worked as a physiotherapy assistant at the Royal Devon and

Exeter Hospital for ten years. I loved this but knew I wanted to earn a living through my own creative work so I started to work part time as a zipline instructor and a labourer for the timber frame building company while I was figuring out my constantly evolving business plan.

Any inspirational people who’ve helped along the way?

So many! Laser + Grain would not be in existence without the amazing support and encouragement of my partner Pia, and my friends and family.

I take so much inspiration from all the craftspeople and makers I come across, their tenacity and passion to keep making in times of such adversity helps foster a community of small businesses and makers that, in my opinion, we so desperately need in our villages, towns and cities.

Who else works at the company?

Pia is my partner at home and at work. She works full time as an environmental scientist so helps me at evenings and weekends – she is definitely the technology brains behind the business.

E e is our two-year-old collie cross poodle, she is a wonderful workshop buddy and likes to product test our new range of dog tags with excessively muddy walks and long sea swims! n Annie will be selling her products at the Fore Street Flea on 20 November.

For more: www.laserandgrain.co.uk © PIA BENAUD

What’s your bestseller?