Exeter Living - Issue 312

SUNDAY BEST HEAVENLY ROASTS IN THE CITY GET CRACKING EASTER FUN FOR EVERYONE CAUGHT BY THE BUZZ

TUCKING INTO TAPAS AT FLAMENCA

EXETER LIVING

AWARDS 2023 PREVIEW

SOMEWHERE IN THE CROWD THERE’S YOU

IAN HALLARD AND MARK GATISS ON THEIR BIG-HEARTED ABBA-THEMED COMEDY, HEADING TO EXETER NORTHCOTT THEATRE THIS APRIL

© KATIE DAVIES

Ijudge people who don’t like ABBA. How can you not find joy in the insanely genius pop-fantastic melodies that the Swedish pop quartet have brought us? And what about the cherished memories of singing and dancing to these bangers with our nearest and dearest at parties, weddings, or even, happily, in the shower tout seul?

The much-needed escapism that ABBA brings has been bottled into a brand-new comedy called The Way Old Friends Do, written by Ian Hallard and directed by Mark Gatiss, our debonair cover stars, and comes to Exeter this April. Promising to be tender, sweet, and warmly funny, this play might just be the tonic that we all need right now. Head to page 13 to read our interview with the chaps.

While our toes our still tapping, we bring news of dancing on our streets.

Yes, this April the annual Joint Morris Organisations’ Day of Dance is happening right here in Exeter’s city centre (page 17). Too cool for Morris dancing? Not possible. It’s en vogue at the moment, we’re reliably informed, and this event is a biggie. An impossibly exuberant day of celebrations which will see three thousand-odd people descend on our city to celebrate folk dancing. Come evening, everyone gets to join in on the dancing action, while a lively ceilidh band storm through a rhythmic set. It’s been a while since I’ve stripped the willow, but I’m sure the steps will come back to me!

For more of the joyful stuff to inspire, we’ve got a scrumptious Sunday lunch feature (page 27), the Easter holidays sorted (page 21), and our bumper Exeter Living Awards preview, party pics included! (page 41).

ABOVE: Morris dancing in the city!, page 17 BELOW: Spanish delights from Flamenca, page 32

© DORSETBAY

Issue 312 / April 2023

COVER Ian Hallard and Mark Gatiss, image by Darren Bell. Turn to page 13 for the interview.

REGULARS

6 SPOTLIGHT A double dose of footie news and views from the city

9 JP HEDGE is chatting change. The good, the bad, and the inevitable

66 LIVES Five minutes with local playwright Hattie Collins

THE ARTS

13 INTERVIEW Ian Hallard and Mark Gatiss on their new play, and their life-long love for ABBA

17 ARTS INTRO The biggest shindig in the Morris dancing calendar is heading to Exeter

18 WHAT’S ON All the top theatre, music, comedy, and art

FAMILY

21 EASTER Where to have fun this Easter, whether you’re six or 60

FOOD & DRINK

27 DAY OF ROAST Top-notch Sunday lunches

32 RESTAURANT REVIEW Tantalising tapas

HEALTH & WELLBEING

35 INTERVIEW What on earth is a Huddle? Kate Weiler spills the beans

36 REVIEW Fancy a mini staycation? (spa included!)

EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2023 PREVIEW

41 EXETER LIVING AWARDS PREVIEW Meet the Judges, take a look at the snaps from the Finalists’ and Sponsors’ Reception, and find out what’s in store ahead of the big night

58 THE FINALISTS This year’s Finalists – good luck!

BUSINESS

60 EXETERWORKS All the latest from the movers and shakers in the local business world

61 JOURNEY TO THE JOB Newly appointed CEO of Step One charity Ben Greaves talks career highlights

62 DENNIS HALL Even finance experts get scammed sometimes, Dennis included

PROPERTY

64 NEWS All the latest developments in the city

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 Gary Caldwell, JP Hedge, Nikki Fairclough T 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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GARY CALDWELL EXETER CITY FC

The manager of Exeter City Football has all the latest news from the club

International Women’s Day

FEMALE POSITIVI-TEA

Dragons’ Den star and entrepreneur Deborah Meaden and the Dean of Exeter Cathedral came together recently for a special event to celebrate International Women’s Day at Exeter Cathedral.

The afternoon tea event was hosted by Exeter’s Wellity Global and brought guests from all over the world to celebrate workplace wellbeing. Other guests included heads of wellbeing from Nokia, MET Police, Bentley Motors, and South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. For more: www.wellityglobal.com

first couple of months in Exeter have been great. Whenever you come to a new club, there is an initial period of finding things out – about the people, the players, the city and of course, the fans. Following this you start to build on that knowledge, and you work with your team to get across your way of playing. It’s already been an incredible experience, and what I have found is that it is a brilliant club, which is extremely well run, with fantastic fans and a committed group of players.

My

Since my last column, we’ve moved into the new building at the Cliff Hill Training Ground. It’s a huge investment, and an outstanding facility which will play an important role in the future of the club and the Academy. The new facilities will support our players to be the best they can be.

And it was the scene of a good win at home – against Exeter Chiefs…our coaching team played against their coaches and secured a very nice 4-1 win against them. Not sure I fancy a rugby rematch, but they were a great group of people and I’m hoping to carry on building the relationship with them.

I’m just about recovered from that and the Half Marathon, which took place along the River Exe back in February, and is organised by our partner charity, Exeter City Community Trust. Our team managed to raise more than £3,000 for two great causes – the charity’s work in the community and the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

We’ve got some big matches ahead, with Barnsley, Bolton at home, followed by the big Devon derby against Plymouth on 15 April. One of my first games as Exeter manager was away against Plymouth, and I’m really looking forward to the home game and to getting the win! Derbies are always important for the supporters; for many it’s the game they look forward to most when the fixtures are announced. The Plymouth match might be sold out but there are tickets available for the others – so, see you at the Park! For more: www.exetercityfc.co.uk

@PPAUK

© ROSIE PARSONS PHOTOGRAPHY

Tea with the boss

SPORTING HERO

A local footballing hero from a celebrated Devon family is being remembered this year in a special exhibition.

Dick Pym was a Topsham salmon fisherman who became Exeter City’s goalkeeper before scoring national fame in the Bolton Wanderers side which won the first ever FA Cup Final at Wembley – that’s the famous ‘White Horse’ final, 100 years ago this April.

To mark the centenary Topsham Museum is holding a special exhibition with a host of original items from the match and Dick’s career.

Generations of the Pym family have lived in Topsham for 400 years and remain active to this day. Now Dick’s grandson, Richard Pym, has had a sneak preview of the event a month ahead of it opening to the public.

“Having worked with the team over the last year it was thrilling to visit the museum and see the Dick Pym exhibition being prepared,” he says.

“It brings together the family collection of historic memorabilia never before seen in public – my favourite is the 1923 FA Cup winner’s medal.

“My grandfather was an amazing man and the family are delighted that we are able to work with Topsham Museum to share his story with the public in the town he loved on the centenary of the famous 1923 Cup Final.”

The achievements of Dick Pym – who was known as the Fisherman Footballer – didn’t

stop there. In a string of ‘firsts’, Dick played at two more FA Cup Finals for Bolton, both on the winning side, and even 100 years on he remains the only goalie to play in three finals without conceding a goal.

His transfer fee to Bolton in 1921 was around £5,000 – thought to be a world record at the time. After 301 league appearances for Bolton he returned to Exeter’s St James’ Park to become assistant trainer some 26 years after first being spotted as a player in a local Topsham team.

Dick’s remarkable rags-to-pitches life story – being born into poverty, serving in World War One and then being capped three times for England – is told in the exhibition which runs at Topsham Museum from 29 March until the end of October.

Museum exhibition organiser Gill McLean says,“We’re thrilled to display rare memorabilia to delight footie fans, but equally delighted that Dick Pym’s story offers something for everyone. Spanning the 20th Century, his ‘other’ life off the pitch offers glimpses of a Devon fishing lifestyle that has now disappeared.”

The exhibition is not the only centenary celebration for Dick Pym, the Fisherman Footballer. In the summer Exeter Civic Society is dedicating a blue plaque in his honour at Topsham’s Underway where Dick conducted his first love, salmon fishing.

For more: www.topshammuseum.org.uk

Exhibition

CLOCKWISEFROMLEFT: Dick (in the dark shirt) at 1923 Cup Final; Topsham Museum; Dick meeting King George V; Dick in action at the 1923 Cup Final

OPINION JP HEDGE

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Baby Shark is now old enough to go to primary school. Kylie Minogue is 4. Things change, often quicker than we would like. When it comes to business and change, the impact can often go one of two ways.

External change being imposed onto business can make for the most challenging of situations. Money troubles, change in consumer habits, trends, those kinds of things.

Innovation within business and disruption from within tends to lead to more positive outcomes.

I was contemplating this whilst my 1 -yearold son Harry was banging on (and on and on) about a new ‘hydration drink’ that is sweeping the globe.

The soft drinks market is worth about 1 billion a year in the UK alone. It’s locked up, guarded and hard fought over.

Yet YouTubers Logan Paul and KSI have come along and turned it on its head.

Anyone with children aged towards the end of primary school or over will have heard about the Prime Drink phenomena.

It is the must-have drink among those

of change ”

Island or YouTube would gross more money than some of the best known professional fighters ever to have put on gloves. But they have.

I started out in the newspaper industry and I’ve always been fascinated by those that disrupt the market. Kodak missed out on the digital camera market, Blockbuster reportedly passed on Net ix for 1 million.

In the Exeter Living Awards shortlist there are those who stand out head and shoulders above the rest. Many of the finalists are doing things differently in their own genre and doing it with style. They are disruptors and they are bringing better jobs, better services, and better life chances for people.

seeking a place in the cool club. Head to any Spar store on delivery day and you’ll see a conga line of youngsters and some parents waiting for their rationed allocation –desperate the delivery driver comes up trumps.

Empty bottles are reselling on Ebay. Dragons Den-inspired teenagers at one Exeter secondary were reportedly offering 2 p a sip at the school gates.

I was never in the cool club. I didn’t even know when the club met.

But I’ve been around a bit to see the transformative potential that lies ahead. And soft drinks are just the start.

The impact of Logan Paul and KSI lending their image to this product has totally disrupted the market. But it isn’t just this sector alone.

The two dudes recently joined a bunch of others for a series of boxing matches that would normally be sniffed at by the sector. Boxing and everything that goes with it is another seemingly locked down and hugely controlled fiscal arena.

It wasn’t long ago that you couldn’t imagine that people famous on TikTok, esports, Love

Change isn’t always brilliant. Ask anyone working in the leisure sector at the moment and they will tell you they have seen changes around viability that no-one would have predicted even 1 months ago.

It’s tough. But as Phil Crosby said, “If anything is certain, it is that change is certain” – so there is probably more to come.

Every business in Exeter is somewhere on the rollercoaster of change.

Some owners are gripping the safety bar for dear life, others have their hands in the air and are screaming to go faster.

Thank you to everyone that is embracing change. Thanks for being brave. And thank you to the disruptors for making things better. We are all on this ride together.

In the meantime if anyone wants to disrupt the drinks market with a line of chilled out drinks for parents dealing with hyperactive kids – then I’m in. ■

Jon-Paul Hedge is a director at Exeter City Council where he currently looks after leisure. He is a former newspaper editor and lives in the city with his wife and two young children; www.exeter.gov.uk

“Every business in Exeter is somewhere on the rollercoaster

It sure is a bumpy ride at the moment, but JP applauds the business disruptors in Exeter and beyond...

GREAT DAYS OUT IN EXETER

Schedule some time for yourself to relax and recharge

Life can be a whirlwind of work and family commitments, leaving little time for you to focus on yourself. But with St Sidwell’s Point, located in the very heart of Exeter, you really can put yourself first and experience moments of pure bliss in the city.

The luxurious spa offers the full package, with options for spa days to celebrate special occasions like milestone birthdays, hen parties, or mother-daughter getaways. But even if you can only spare half an hour in your busy schedule, the spa has the perfect answer with mini pick-me-ups that will leave you feeling

refreshed and rejuvenated.

Unwind in the divine thermal facilities, which include a salt vapour room, state-of-the-art sauna, and sanarium. Let the hydro bath loosen up your muscles and treat your feet to a relaxing foot spa. Finally, melt away your stress and tension in the spa pool and heated stone beds.

Perhaps you can schedule in a mini manicure or indulge in a hot stone massage during your lunch break. You can also treat yourself to a range of organic GAIA treatments, from express facials to body scrubs and deep tissue massages, all at an affordable price.

MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME IN THE CITY

Continue that good feeling with a visit to some of your favourite independents. St Sidwell’s Point is ideally located near a variety of shops, cafes, and eateries, providing the perfect opportunity to indulge in a bite to eat or catch up with a friend.

There’s endless opportunity for great days out in Exeter. Head to Magdalen Road, less than 8 mins from the gym and grab a post-workout coffee from The Sandwiched Inn or Common Beaver; browse the independent shops or indulge in a takeaway treat from Bon Gout Deli. Alternatively, head to the stunning Cathedral Quarter and dig into a scrumptious brunch at Eat on the Green before exploring the gorgeous boutiques including Busby and Fox and Lorna

Ruby. For a whole host of independents be sure to visit the Castle Quarter including the quaint cobbled Gandy Street, where a visit to Chococo or Red Panda are highly recommended. Explore further and amble down to the West Quarter for a whole host of indies; from surf and skater wear, retro and vintage clothing to music, books, and crafts.

So why wait? Escape into Exeter today and experience the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation whilst exploring all Exeter has to offer. ■

Relax and unwind at St Sidwell’s Point Below: visit Gandy Street

Indulge in a cappucino and pain au chocolate at The Sandwiched Inn

MOVING ON UP

Fiona Wadey joins highly respected Family team at TOZERS LLP as a Senior Associate

We are pleased to announce that Fiona Wadey has joined our Divorce and Finance team at Tozers LLP, based at our Exeter office. She has been appointed as a Senior Associate working with Caroline Ryan, Head of the Divorce and Finance team.

Fiona comes with a wealth of experience in Family law. Having qualified in 2007, her particular expertise is dealing with multiple assets, businesses, and pensions. She also helps to resolve disputes between couples and promotes the welfare of any children involved.

“I am a people person and so I really enjoy client contact," says Fiona. "I love working alongside my clients to help them, sensitively and with empathy, through a difficult time; moving them from a particularly challenging situation to

one where they are able to look to the future with optimism."

"My objective is always to achieve a resolution which is pleasing to my client, in a manner which respects the family relationship they once had with their former spouse and promotes the welfare of any children. My clients can expect my full support and the benefit of my years of experience in achieving the best outcome for them. I pride myself in having a realistic, no-nonsense approach.”

Caroline says,“I am delighted to welcome Fiona to our specialist team. Having worked with Fiona previously, and having followed her career and development, I know she will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our expanding team. Her appointment is as a result of the continuing growth of the team and which will further support our wider offering as a firm.” ■

Fiona Wadey, new Senior Associate and Solicitor at Tozers LLP

TAKE A CHANCE ON US

The Way Old Friends Do comes to Exeter Northcott Theatre on 24 April and promises to be the feel-good play of the season, celebrating the wondrous world of ABBA. Ahead of curtain time, we chat to its creater and writer, Ian Hallard, and director, Mark Gatiss.

By Harriet Noble

Photos by Darren Bell

Ian and Mark, proud ABBA fans

In 1988, two school friends tentatively come out to one another: one as gay, the other – more shockingly – as an ABBA fan. Nearly thirty years later, a chance meeting sets them on a brand-new path and they decide to form the world’s first ABBA tribute band – in drag. But can their friendship survive the tribulations of a life on the road which includes platform boots, fake beards and a distractingly attractive stranger?

This is the premise of new play The Way Old Friends Do, created and written by actor, and lifelong ABBA nut, Ian Hallard (The Boys in the Band, Scenes From An Execution), and directed by Mark Gatiss, best known for his work on popular TV shows such as Sherlock and Dracula. These two theatre collaborators (and also married couple) tell us all about it…

The Way Old Friends Do comes to Exeter in April. What can we expect?

Ian: Devotion, desire and dancing queens! It’s about celebrating ABBA – with a particular focus on the LGBT+ community. It’s about being a fan, but it’s also about friendship. It’s a heart-warming tale of plucky amateurs banding together to form this group. It’s very much in The Full Monty, Calendar Girls vein of British comedies.

It’s not been billed as a musical, but will we hear a bit of ABBA music? Any chance of audience participation?

Ian: That’s right. It’s a play rather than a musical, but we’re allowed to include some ABBA music, so audiences won’t feel short changed. We even have a special surprise at the end which is very exciting. But no –no audience participation, which should hopefully reassure people. (It may feature men wearing frocks, but it isn’t panto after all…).

There are lots of ABBA tribute acts. What extra levels of wonder are brought to the table with a drag tribute band?

Ian: Whole acres of additional comic potential. When you see Sara Crowe wearing a beard or James Bradshaw in an asymmetric lycra bodysuit, you’ll understand what we mean. Once I’d had the idea, I was a bit surprised to learn that nobody had thought of starting a drag ABBA act before now.

Ian, what inspired you to write this play?

Ian: I’ve been an ABBA fan all my life, and they say to write what you know. So when I decided to write my first play, this was the obvious topic to choose. I had a ready-made title The Way Old Friends Do, which was the final track on their Super Trouper album.

The play details one of the friends coming out as gay; where do you think we are now in terms of representation in the arts?

Mark: Things have improved enormously in the last few years and there’s an ongoing debate, of course, about whether gay roles have to be played by gay people. But I think the most exciting development is that ‘being gay’ is no longer the story, as it were. We’re seeing far less of sexuality as an issue and more of LGBTQ+ people with their own problems. This means they can be fully rounded characters with all the aws of anyone else without carrying the burden of representing an entire community.

What does ABBA mean to you?

Ian: Everything! They’ve been the soundtrack to my life. My Mum was pregnant with me when they won Eurovision and I stuck with them

“I was a bit surprised that nobody had thought of starting a drag ABBA act before now”

The Way Old Friends Do cast and crew

even through the darkest times in the mid to late eighties when they were deeply uncool!

Do you have a special memory attached to an ABBA tune?

Ian: Oh, so many! Wearing yellow plaits, pretending to be Agnetha, dancing around my childhood living room to Take A Chance On Me is probably the earliest. But seeing the four of them standing on stage together at the premiere night of the Voyage avatar show reduced me to a blubbering mess.

What are your favourite ABBA tunes?

Ian: I have a particular soft spot for their later material One Of Us, Head Over Heels, Under Attack but the wonderful Don’t Shut Me Down from their new album Voyage has been on repeat ever since its release.

Mark: My favourite is Like an Angel Passing Through My Room. It’s delicate and haunting. I have a particular spot for all the melancholy ones (Slipping Through My Fingers, My Love, My Life) but of the bangers it’s probably Gimme, Gimme, Gimme. I’m with Ian on Don’t Shut Me Down, too. It’s as good as anything they’ve ever done.

The play finishes touring in June, what’s next after that?

Mark: I go straight into rehearsals for The Motive and The Cue at the National Theatre after The Way Old Friends Do opens. I’m playing Sir John Gielgud.

Ian: And I would happily perform this play for the rest of my life.

Your CVs are so wonderfully varied. How does directing a play like this compare to working on other projects like The Boys in the Band or Sherlock?

Mark: Well, variety is the spice of life! This is a very warm, funny and moving play about friendship, a world away from the complexities of creating a drama like Sherlock or perhaps, the darker shades of The Boys in the Band. I can only say it’s been an absolute delight from start to finish and, I hope, just the sort of show we need to be making now to encourage people back into theatres.

What have been the lovely surprises about your career to date?

Ian: Mark and I have collaborated on a few projects together in different capacities. We apparently created theatrical history when we performed in The Boys in the Band by being the first same sex married couple to appear together on a West End stage. And getting to both write and appear in episodes of Poirot (having been a huge Agatha Christie fan all my life) are just two of the highlights.

For any budding thesps out there, do you have any nuggets of wisdom?

Mark: Persistence is key, even after knock backs and heartbreaks and discouragements. That doesn’t guarantee anything of course but it’s a big part of the process. eep at it! And with writing, especially, there’s no such thing as a would-be writer. If you want to train to be a surgeon or an architect, then that’s a big decision. But you could start writing something immediately without any consequences. Just try.

Lastly, what do you want people to feel when they exit the theatre after seeing The Way Old Friends Do?

Ian: That they’ve had a really good laugh, maybe shed a tear or two, and then feel overwhelmed by the desire to book to see it all over again! ■

The Way Old Friends Do runs from from 24 – 29 April at Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

ABOVEANDLEFT: Suits you sirs, Ian Hallard and Mark Gatiss

THE ARTS

SNAPSHOTS OF EXETER’S CULTURAL LIFE

COOL AS FOLK

Folk culture has always had a throng of fans in these parts, but due to an insurgence of young people showing interest in all things heritage and dance related, Morris dancing is, apparently, ‘having a moment’. Which is all very good timing for Exonians as the main shindig, The Joint Morris Organisations’ Day of Dance, is this year taking place in Exeter’s city centre. On 22 April, over three thousand people are expected to descend on our city for a celebratory day of Morris dancing, colour and music.

The event will be opened by folk singer Jim Causley and the Lord Mayor of Exeter, and will feature hundreds of live and free folk performances, including over 60 Morris sides from around the country. Come evening, there will be the chance for everyone to join in with the dancing; head to St James’ Church on Mountpleasant Road where lively and stompy Ceilidh band Mrs Midnight’s will be belting out the tunes. Nibbles and loads of local beers and ales will be available to keep you sustained. Let’s do this!

The Joint Morris Organisations’ Day of Dance runs from 10am-4.30pm in various locations in Exeter; Cathedral Green and Bradninch Place, off Gandy Street (by Exeter Phoenix) have been annnounced so far. The evening event at St James’ Church is from 7.30pm-11pm; www.jmodayofdance.com

DORSET MORRI’ARTY

WHAT’S ON

24 March onwards

THEATRE/ PERFORMANCE

28 March – 1 April

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Follow Phileas Fogg, his loyal companion Passepartout and writer Nellie Bly as they race across continents and encounter daring challenges in this hilarious show.

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

29 March – 1 April

MOTHERS, DAUGHTERS, ACTRESSES

This classic collection of short plays from the late 19th and early 20th Century through to more contemporary pieces explores women capturing moments of wit, passion and empathy.

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

30 March

BUFFY REVAMPED

Coming hot on the heels of Brendan Murphy’s last show, Friend (The One with Gunther), which recently won the award for Best Play in the World Wide Comedy Awards, the award-winning success of Buffy evamped has confirmed

him as one of the country’s most talented young writer/performers with both critics and audiences. Exeter Corn Exchange, Exeter; www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

5 – 8 April

EXETER GANG SHOW

The cast of 60 cubs, brownies, scouts, guides, explorers, rangers and their leaders are coming together to mark 40 years since the very first Exeter Gang Show was performed back in 1983.

Expect music, dance and comedy. sca cademy, Earl ichard’s oad South, Exeter; www.ticketsource.co.uk/ exetergangshow

13 – 15 April

TALES FROM ACORN WOOD

Based on the beloved children’s books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Sche er, Tales from cron ood is filled with catchy songs, playful puppets, and colourful characters that will leave your little ones spellbound.

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

24-29 April

THE WAY OLD FRIENDS DO

Written by Ian Hallard (and directed by Mark Gatiss) this new comedy is about devotion, desire

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

MUSIC

Every Monday and Thursday

LIVE MUSIC AT ARTIGIANO

The coffee house and wine bar hosts weekly jazz Mondays where you’ll find a pianist or ja guitarist accompanying a smooth vocalist, singing a mixture of old and contemporary classics. Acoustic Thursdays will deliver upbeat music from an acoustic duo or solo artist.

rtigiano Espresso ine Bar, 248 High Street, Exeter; www.artigiano.u .com

6 April THE ZOMBIES: THE INVADERS RETURN TOUR

“British Invasion” legends The Zombies’ live performances take fans on a journey from their early 1960’s singles She’s Not There and Tell Her No to their 1968 masterpiece dessey and racle…and beyond. Exmouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Exmouth; www.ledleisure.co.u

12 April THE UNDERCOVER HIPPY

Around the World in 80 Days, at Northcott Theatre

After a few years off-grid, the alias of Billy Rowan is embarking on a fresh operation for the new year ahead. Watch out for his catchy single Hey Boy

The Barrel ouse Ballroom, 59a High Street, Totnes; www.barrelhousetotnes.co.u

21 April CRAIG CHARLES FUNK AND SOUL CLUB

From obot ars to ed warf, Craig has now grounded himself as a funk and soul icon after 10 years of broadcasting on BBC 6 Music with his primetime Saturday night show. Expect the classics from the s and 70s, plus fresh new talent from the block. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.u

FILM

24 – 29 March

MEET ME IN THE BATHROOM

An immersive archival journey through the explosive New York music scene of the early 2000s. Set against the backdrop of 11, this acclaimed documentary tells the story of the last great romantic age of rock ’n’ roll through the prism of a handful of era defining bands, including The Strokes, CD Soundsystem, Yeah Yeah Yeahs,

Interpol, and The Moldy Peaches. Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

27 March

ROH ENCORE: TURANDOT

Puccini’s score is rich in musical marvels (featuring the famous aria Nessun Dorma), while Andrei Serban’s production draws on Chinese theatrical traditions to evoke a colourful fantasy tableau of ancient Peking. Antonio Pappano conducts Anna Pirozzi in the title role and Yonghoon Lee as Calaf. Exeter Picturehouse, 51 Bartholomew St West, Exeter; www.picturehouses.com

19 April

STORM DAMAGE

This story of an idealistic Black teacher-turned-care worker is an emotionally powerful portrayal of the experiences of young people living within a care home in Brixton’s Angel Town, and has earned cult status since its release in 2000. It will be introduced by Dr Clive Nwonka, the author of Black Film/British Cinema II, and a leading voice on race and the British

ART EXHIBITIONS/ WORKSHOPS

On now until 6 April WILL CRUICKSHANK –THREE MOONS

Devon-based artist Will Cruickshank presents a series of wall and oor-based works, that share a formal language of colour, pattern and symmetry that sits in balance with an air of devotional craftsmanship.

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

On now until 7 May EARTH SPELLS: WITCHES OF THE ANTHROPOCENE

Through the work of eight contemporary artists, this exhibition explores otherworldly connections to nature and invites the viewer to consider if the artists and the artworks could be perceived as suspicious and challenging, radiating ‘witchiness’. RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

On now until 30 June EXMOUTH OPEN EXHIBITION

1

April

POWER RUN POWDERHAM CASTLE

The multi-terrain route will take runners on a tour of some of the estates real gems, such as the Deer Park, Belvedere Tower, American Garden and Old Plantation. The race will start and finish in the castle’s courtyard. Race start time is 1 . am, there are five mile and 1 mile options, and all funds raised go towards Fore Cancer Charity. www.powderham.co.uk

16 April

AN EVENING WITH PROFESSOR DAVID WILSON MY LIFE WITH MURDERERS

The event will chart David’s extraordinary journey from Cambridge graduate and idealistic young prison governor to expert criminologist and professor who has crossed paths with countless killers. Exeter Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

20 April

ROUGH TRADE BOOKS PRESENTS…RICHARD PHOENIX

film industry.

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

COMEDY

24 March

RUSSELL KANE: THE ESSEX VARIANT

The comic is bringing his gut-punch funny, searing, award-winning take on the two years we’ve just gone through. Hailed as the The Guardian’s Number 1 comedy performance to come out of 2020, this high-octane show brings nuclear-energy belly laughs.

The Great Hall, University of Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk

31 March

EXETER COMEDY CLUB

Exeter’s much loved monthly comedy event features four top performers, everyone gets a seat at a table, the bar serves throughout and the extra cheesy pizzas are available during the intervals.

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

Local art organisation Sea Dog Art and Ocean LED are hosting an exhibition of art in the Ocean building on Exmouth’s seafront. Expect art in all forms, from 2D artwork to photography, textile art to illustrations.

Ocean Exmouth, Queens Drive, Exmouth; www.seadogart.com

14 April

THE WILD ESCAPE: NATURE ILLUSTRATIONS

As part of The Wild Escape, a major new project uniting hundreds of museums and schools in a celebration of UK wildlife, families are invited to join artist Sarah John at this drop-in illustration session. RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

OTHER

31 March LIBRARY LATES

Expect a night of live music from alternative rock band Luna Gray and electronic duo Nierra Creek, a silent disco with librarian DJs, ink-free printing and sculpture workshops, 3D printing demos and behind-the-scenes tours of the backstage library areas. Exeter Library, Castle Street, Exeter; www.devonlibraries.org.uk

The artist will be in conversation with Charlie Robinson and a member of The Pelican Project, discussing community and the DIY punk scene, how to achieve objectives in the arts in spite of obstacles, and privilege in the arts. Devon & Exeter Institution, 7 Cathedral Close, Exeter; www.exetercityo iterature.com

21 April

RAMM LATES

Enjoy lively and toe-tapping music from folk group The Red Dirt Band as well as traditional Dartmoor tunes played by musician Laurie Goodband. The evening will end with the popular silent disco, a chance to dance surrounded by the objects in the collection. RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk uk

COMING VERY SOON!

30 March 2023

EXETER LIVING AWARDS

The biggest business event of the city returns this spring when we’ll be celebrating the brilliant organisations of Exeter. For all the information head to page 41. www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk

ABOVE: The Undercover Hippy is playing in Totnes; BELOW: 60s icons The Zombies are playing in Exmouth

PAYLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

STEP INTO SPRING

Our guide to a fun, floral, furry – and chocolatey, of course – Easter for both adults and kids…

Hula hooping fun at Arlington Court, near Barnstaple

With the extra hours of daylight, and warmer (slightly!) climes upon us, Spring heralds a burst of energy and a desire to get out and do stuff! Here’s a taster of what’s going on this Easter locally.

STATELY DOES IT

National Trust houses are a big win for both adults and kids and we’ve got some corkers nearby, all of which are putting on Easter egg trails this year – bunny ears optional.

Head to Barnstaple to visit Arlington Court. Here you’ll journey around the gardens taking part in activities along the way to earn your choccies. Explore the wider estate or head to the new wild play space to burn off some energy. Finish it all off with a tasty treat from the tearoom or a bargain from the bookshop.

Soak up the festival spirit at Greenway, near Brixham, where the team is hosting welly wanging, wheelbarrow racing, and target practice around the Spring garden.

Then there’s Castle Drogo, high above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge. Drop in on their Wild Wednesdays, and try your hand at weaving with straws.

Easter egg trails are also taking place at Knightshayes, the Gothic Revival house near Tiverton, and Killerton at Broadclyst.

National Trust houses in Devon; www.nationaltrust.org.uk

FLOWER TO THE PEOPLE

Dartington Trust is hosting a two-day Introduction to Spring Flowers workshop, where you’ll cover the core skills needed to create oral designs including colour theory, foraging, ower preparation and conditioning. You’ll make a hand-tied bouquet and centrepiece, and a large wedding archway installation in the Dartington gardens. For 18+. 1 and 2 April, Dartington Trust, Totnes; www.dartington.org

GETTING CRAFTY

If you have an imaginative child that likes creating with their hands, head to Queen Street’s RAMM where they are hosting a special programme of children’s activities between 5-14 April. Highlights include making a bug or bird out of clay, Roman-inspired oil lamp, Indonesian shadow puppet, and learning how to do illustrations of butter ies.

5-14 April, RAMM, Queen Street, Exeter; www.rammuseum.org.uk

UH OH, WE’RE IN BUBBLE

As well as RHS Rosemoor’s annual giant Easter egg hunt (1-16 April), get yourself down there for the ‘Giant Bubbles with Captain Coconut’ event which has been described as, ‘bubbles inside bubbles, and bubbles big enough to fit a child and even a tower of bubbles. This 30-minute show is certain to blow you away.’ RHS Rosemoor, Torrington; www.rhs.org.uk

FUR REAL

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is bursting with life now that Spring is on its way. Hang out with the donkeys, and enjoy the daily talks, engaging exhibits, scenic walks, plus the new children’s play park and a maze. Journey through their trail for a delicious Easter egg; when it’s time for a break, head to the on-site restaurant for a bite to eat and enjoy the views of the Weston valley and the sparkling sea beyond.

Open every day from 9am – 5pm, Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth; www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

YOU ROCK

As well as all the friendly creatures to visit (pandas, crocs, rhinos and gorillas, to name a few), the zoo is running Centenary Rocks, free pebbledecorating Easter workshops. Decorate a pebble and either take it home or leave it there and your artwork can form part of a display at their 100th birthday party in July.

11am- 3pm on 4-6 April and 11-13 April, Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton; www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

“Everyone will sit around the oak table in the woods, amongst the daffodils, wild garlic and snow drops”

Jump into the Spring garden at Greenway, near Brixham

Become a pro flower arranger at Dartington Trust

Tuck into Easter lunch at High Grange, near Axminster

WAKE ME UP FOR YOU COCOA

Darts Farm is running a chocolate lover’s tasting weekend on 1 and 2 April. Join their in-house experts and artisan producers to watch the bean-to-bar process and learn about the perfect pairing of chocolate and farmhouse cheese. You’ll get to sample loads of homemade chocolate and gelato, including their range of artisan Easter eggs, handcrafted from single origin honeycombe and hazelnut.

If you’re there with the kids, enjoy the scenic farm walk including a visit to the animals and the bird hide overlooking the wetlands, plus a trip to the play area to tackle the fort or conquer the assault course.

10am-4pm on 1 and 2 April, Darts Farm, Topsham; www.dartsfarm.co.uk

FEAST ON THIS

High Grange, near Axminster, is a haven for those who love good food, great company, and enjoy being outdoors. This April, they are hosting special Easter lunches in their outdoor dining area. Everyone will sit around the oak table in the woods, amongst the daffodils, wild garlic and snow drops.

As is their signature move, everything will be cooked over an array of barbecues and fire pits with local ingredients expect Spring lamb, potatoes, asparagus, and rhubarb and custard for pud.

12.30-3.30pm on various dates, High Grange, Burrow Knapp Way, Dalwood, Near Axminster, Devon; www.highgrangedevon.com

CENTRE STAGE

There’s loads of family-friendly theatre happening in Exeter this Easter, including The Oak, the Ash and the Standing Stones, at Barnfield Theatre. The modern, folk-filled show will take audiences on a magical journey through the stories of England, Ireland and Wales with humour, nature-tech storytelling and a gentle emphasis on global, social and environmental health.

11am- pm on pril, Barn eld Theatre, Exeter; www.exeternorthcott.co.u

BEAR WITH US

Bear Town, the indoor roleplay venue for children, in Cullompton, is hosting Easter egg hunts alongside their two-hour play sessions from 31 March-19 April. They are also running an Easter session on 1 March, from - pm, specifically set up for SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) explorers. There will be a lowered capacity which will reduce overall noise and the volume of people within these sessions.

Bear Town, Collumpton; www.beartown.co.uk

BEE INSPIRED

The trail at Bernaville Nurseries will take children from 2 years around the nursery, following clues to locate different animals. When the trail is completed, you will receive a plantable treat which can be taken home to watch grow! ■

1-1 pril, Bernaville urseries, 3 orse Shoes, Cowley, Exeter; www.bernaville.co.uk

“You’ll get to sample loads of homemade chocolate and gelato”

MATT AUSTIN

INSET: In-house chocolate experts at Darts Farm; ABOVE: Say hello to the cool gang, AKA the cast of The Oak, the Ash and the Standing Stones

SUNDAY BEST

From traditional meaty roasts to colour-bursting vegan kebabs, Nikki Fairclough knows where to go for a long lazy Sunday lunch in East Devon...

Sunday lunches are very much for reconnecting with friends and family. The food’s got to be nourishing and delicious, of course, but the location and ambience are just as crucial. Relaxing, and feeling a bit off the grid is what I’m after. With that in mind, here is a handful of my favourite places in and around Exeter to settle down for that prized meal of the week.

SPECIAL OCCASION

Lympstone Manor, Courtlands Lane, Exmouth; www.lympstonemanor.co.uk

The luxury country house hotel is situated on the foreshore of the tranquil Exe Estuary, and is set within 28 acres, boasting 21 bedrooms and suites and six woodland setting shepherd huts, accompanied by the fine dining restaurant serving Michael Caines’s renowned cuisine. (While you’re there also check out the swimming pool, pool house restaurant, and the now established vineyard featuring 17,500 vines, which produced its first harvest in 2 2 !).

Guests can enjoy Michael’s eight-course signature menu, or for something slightly less opulent, opt for the four-course lunch menu, which has some pretty sexy choices like the Powderham Estate venison and the wild mushroom risotto. The grounds are fabulous for a post-lunch walk around, and the d cor inside the main house is absolutely gorgeous.

LAZY LUNCHES

The Lost Kitchen, The Long Barn, Chettiscombe, Tiverton (about 35 minutes from Exeter by car); www.lostkitchen.co.uk

The Lost Kitchen makes my list for those who don’t want a roast but still seek that lazy long lunch where time stands still. Sunday lunch here is when the pizza oven really comes into its own. ick it off with wood roast rosemary polenta chips, keep it going with a Somerset charcuterie board and then knock it out the park with the freshly stretched pizza base with lashings of mo arella, basil, mushrooms and glugs of tru e oil. This great restaurant on the outskirts of Tiverton is well worth the trip; it’s food for the soul and feels like a healthy dose of rest and recouperation.

EXE Restaurant, 14 Mary Arches Street, Exeter; www.exerestaurant.co.uk

Everyone who follows me on Instagram knows I spend a fair amount of my Sundays at E E on Mary Arches Street. To be completely honest, I just cannot fault the si e and quality of this roast. It’s absolutely huge, in an enough-for-the-whole-table-to-have-seconds kind of scale. I love that the menu is locally sourced and that it’s always changing. However, the fundamentals remain the same: generous helpings of pink beef, mountainous slices of pork (as well as great veggie options), and carrots that taste like they have been drowning in sweet honey love. I just keep going back for the great service, excellent food and well shaken cocktails. If you haven’t been, run, don’t walk, and get your bookings in for this beautiful roast.

PUBS AND INNS

The Grapevine, 2 Victoria Road; Exmouth; www.thegrapevineexmouth.com

My go-to when I’m near the coast and in need of a place to escape the crowds of the promenade and find a warm and inviting pub. Expect a big space, with a kids’ play corner and a wide variety of table sizes. The on-site brewery also produces some pretty epic beers, and ruby burgers are always a sure bet for a great bite to eat. A family run boo er with a big heart (plus big burgers) and a welcoming attitude.

The Fat Pig, 2 John Street, Exeter; www.thefatpigexeter.co.uk

A lovely pub in the heart of the city with a super relaxed vibe and great

food. On a Sunday it’s roasts, roast, roasts. Tiny (Paul) the landlord is as much a feature as the quirky d cor and expansive back area for bigger groups. I love that this pub looks traditional from the outside but is packed with modern art on the inside – it’s beautiful and has a real sense of belonging. Bring on the roast beef and pork dishes with Shillingford pumpkin and a hearty helping of cauli ower cheese! If it’s just two of you, take your Sunday papers and enjoy the quiet time.

The Rock Inn, Haytor Vale Dartmoor National Park (about 40 minutes from Exeter by car); www.rock-inn.co.uk

Up for conquering some big hills? Haytor is one of our great local attractions and once you have braved that initial slope all the way up to Haytor, and then the winds to the actual summit, you should have worked up a fairly monstrous appetite. Tucked away at the bottom of the hill is The ock Inn, an olde worlde pub with a very pretty garden, and the perfect place to warm up and refuel. Again, a beautiful roast on offer and a twist on traditional offerings with a cod dish and black pudding burger. A great option for outdoorsy types with big appetites.

“The carrots taste like they have been drowning in sweet honey love”

CLOCKWISEFROMABOVE: Beaut of a restaurant at Lympstone Manor, delish vegan dishes at Sacred Grounds, perfect pizzas at the Lost Kitchen

© LYMPSTONE MANOR

© NIKKI FAIRCLOUGH

BIG OPEN SPACES

The Farm Table, Darts Farm, Dart Farm Village, Clyst St George, Topsham; www.dartsfarm.co.uk

This restaurant, tucked into the belly of the Darts Farm shop, opened last year and is the latest development from the ever-growing offering at this Topsham favourite. Expect big tables and an informal but luxe feel, and a local wine and cider list to get even the most advanced sommeliers amongst us excited.

This restaurant feels a bit like a love letter to the surrounding farm, with veg freshly picked that morning and an ever-changing menu to re ect the landscape around it. I love a restaurant that has no issue with seating a group of four on a big table with enough space for everyone to enjoy their space and then proceeds to cover the table with large sharing plates. I highly recommend the Tomahawk steak with absolutely any of their ‘from the soil’ options.

Otter Valley Ice Cream and Field Kitchen, Monkton, Honiton (about 30 minutes from Exeter by car); www.ottervalleydairy.co.uk

I’ve loved this place for years it is such a hidden gem. Expect fabulous pizza in a stunning modern barn setting. The ordering is simple and quick and the pi as y out the open view pi a oven in no time. There is a huge green area around the restaurant where you can bring dogs grab a seat on the verge and take up the views while enjoying your

pi a or ice cream. I love how effortless it is to enjoy this space, and how friendly it is.

PLANT-BASED

Sacred Grounds, Mccoys Arcade, Fore Street, Exeter; www.sacredgrounds.co

Veggie fans, in fact, food fans, get yourself down to Sacred Grounds for Sunday lunch. This small but mighty vegan restaurant proves time and time again that plant-based food can be for everyone with its simple but huge-in- avour dishes. Try their beetroot lattes, and their famous wa es (both sweet and savoury). The food is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat, while the interiors are cool, cosy and clean.

The Big Kebabski at New Lion Brewery, Totnes; @thebigkebabski

This has become a firm favourite for Sunday tripping in my household. We take scooters, bikes and a picnic blanket and off we go to tuck into the vegan kebabs made by the geniuses at Big Kebabski. The team at this pop-up street-food business serve from the New Lion Brewery in Totnes, a community-owned brewery which has a lovely outside play space. They also normally have a DJ or band on a Sunday and it’s very easy to grab your Kebabski, a fresh pint or apple juice, and a seat on the picnic tables in the sun while the kids have a play. There is also a public pool next door which is super handy in the summer months. ■

A warm welcome at The Lost Kitchen

The Fat Pig is big on atmosphere and serves up great nosh

© NIKKI FAIRCLOUGH

“The pub looks traditional from the outside, but is packed with modern art on the inside”

FLAMENCA

Not jetting off for sunnier climes any time soon? No matter. Head to Flamenca for a bit of warm Spanish hospitality...

Words by Harriet Noble

Photos by Katie Davies

Spanish tapas restaurants, at their best, are all about the buzz, right? They feel busy, with people rushing past with huge round trays a blur of plates ying off and on them. Every time a new wave of nosh arrives, it’s all arms-in to reshu e and fit in the jigsaw of glasses, cutlery and whatnot. The sharing nature of the plates, too, fosters a communal and enriched shared experience. I dig this kind of informal and lively vibe; this is a party I always want to be at.

Which is precisely what I am reminded of when I visit Flamenca, the Spanish restaurant in Princesshay, previously known as Coal. The place exudes a warm and welcoming vibe that perfectly encapsulates the essence of tapas dining. Launched as a pop-up in Exeter last summer, the restaurant has now taken up permanent residence in the city. Like its similarly glass-fronted next-door neighbour, Margoux, the restaurant is large, modern and a bit swish the interiors feature a oating staircase, front-and-centre bar, and a profusion of ivy cascading over the walls.

As for the food, the menu features all the tapas classics you’d expect, from fried squid to bright green peppers, aubergines with honey to ham croquettes.

My friend and I kick off out with shards of crumbling, nutty Manchego with homemade jam. Delicious on this cold day, I could happily devour this cheese until hallucination clouds in.

But on we press with warm sourdough bread, with freshly crushed tomatoes and allioli, followed by crispy potatoes with allioli and spicy sauce, chorizo cooked in cider, meatballs in tomato sauce, and marinated chicken skewers with romesco sauce. Fit to burst but trojaning

on, we dive into the desserts: my pal has the Basque-style cheesecake, while I have the churros that comes dusted in cinnamon sugar with chocolate sauce. Both delicious. There are no airs, graces, mousses or crumbs – praise be – with these dishes, but then that’s not what tapas is about. The food is straight-up tasty, hearty Spanish fare you can sit back and just savour the fresh avours. (If there is a hero amongst these dishes it is the sauces. Everything is mopped up or soaked in sun-kissed sauces.)

The team behind Flamenca – childhood friends Pau and Pepe from Burriana in Valencia, along with head chef Ernesto and his partner Ray – have done a great job of creating a really fun, buzzy restaurant.

I have strong I’m-on-holiday vibes here, and my friend and I find ourselves lingering for hours, ordering more red wine and chatting through every bite.

Leaving, I make a mental note to come back on a Friday, when there is live music with a mix of jazz, Flamenco and Spanish music.

Flamenca is the epitome of what a tapas restaurant should be – a convivial and lively dining experience that leaves your tummy and your soul nourished – with a slightly fu y head the next day. Definitely worth it. ■

DINING DETAILS

Flamenca Spanish Bar and Restaurant Exeter, Bedford Street (Princesshay), Exeter; www.flamenca.co.uk

Food options Classic tapas plates featuring veg, meat and fish. Glutenfree and vegetarian options available Prices Tapas dishes £3.50-£12.50 (most priced between £5-£7)

Drinks Good choice of Spanish wines, sherries, beers and coctkails. Wine by the glass starts at £7; bottles at £24 Atmosphere Warm, fun and relaxed

Anything else Happy hour is every day from 3pm – 5pm including weekends

“I could happily devour this cheese until hallucination clouds in”

HEALTH & WELLBEING

BRINGING YOU ALL THE GOOD STUFF FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SOUL

and championed me; I’d never done anything like that before but I left with friends and collaborators for life. Having experienced the power of peer collectives, I want to share this with others here in Exeter!

Lastly, as a professional facilitator, I am often bringing people together to connect and learn. I love what becomes possible when we are alongside others. You might be new to the city, have an idea for a project you want to start, be looking for something to push you personally or professionally, or perhaps you’re just curious about peer-led learning.

This is a programme where we grow ourselves, together, each bringing our own learning focus that guides us for the duration, but doing that in company, as we deepen roots in Exeter, building a thriving meaningful life here in the city.

What do you think is its main appeal?

KATE WEILER

Kate, hi! Firstly, tell us a bit about your professional background?

My career started in youth work. My last ‘real job’ was working in a youth mental health service in East London. Then I went fully freelance in 2018, doing things like curriculum design and facilitating peer learning programmes for Huddlecraft [the organisation that runs Huddles]. Now, the golden thread between all my work is creating spaces for human connection and re ection and learning that enables people to take meaningful action in their lives and work. I’m also training part-time to be a psychotherapist which is fun and hard!

So what exactly is a Huddle?

A Huddle is a learning programme that is radically different to traditional models of adult education. It’s a learning space and a community of personal growth, where 10-12 people come together for six months on an individual and collective learning adventure. Each person taking part chooses a personal learning question they want to explore for six months. This could be a professional question, a personal question, a societal question – but the idea is that it is something that person feels really curious about, and wants some space and time to delve into.

Can you break it down for us. What might an average few weeks on the Huddle journey look like?

We meet up fortnightly on a Tuesday evening somewhere central in Exeter. Each of those meetups are run by a different member of the group so there’s this really cool energy around each person hosting a different meetup, which means you get this wonderful window into different people’s skills and knowledge and experience and we all get to benefit from that. Outside of the meetups, you’ll be matched with another member of the group and supported to do some peer-coaching, so you’ve got a buddy to touch base with outside of sessions. And there’ll be some other surprises along the way courtesy of your host, me.

What made you want to host?

Firstly, I’m creating what I long for. I’ve come back to Exeter, where I was born and raised, after a decade away. Moving as an adult is hard; I long to build lasting connections and relationships with others in the city to contribute to a meaningful life here.

Second is my experience of designing and participating in peer-led learning spaces. I took part in a Huddle in London in 2017, where I explored my relationship to dance through creative practices, mini-experiments, and re ection. My peer group held me to account

It’s about multiplying our potential through the support and accountability of a group. It can be so hard to do things on our own, but when we come together…more is possible.

What positive outcomes have you seen come out of a Huddle?

People leave having grown their networks, deepened personal relationships and often grown their own self-belief about what they can do. People have started businesses, creative projects, written poetry, performed art, but the really amazing things is in the relational shifts –inside individuals and between people.

I think another theme that comes up is that people feel part of a bigger community forever! We have an annual gathering called Huddlecamp where people come together; we have an online platform for our community where people share ideas, resources and skills and we continue to connect and collaborate in all sorts of ways. I think often people have a much more lasting journey with the Huddlecraft community than they expect!

Lastly, what kind of people can we expect at a Huddle?

For some reason Huddles just attract really excellent, interesting humans – so great, deep conversations are guaranteed! It’s a warm, inviting, magical experience. www.huddlecraft.com

EXETER CONNECTION

Exeter Huddle, Exeter

Duration 6 months

Starts 20 May

Cost The cost of the Huddle is on a sliding scale according to income and individual context. There are payment plans and bursaries available.

Apply by 6 April www.huddlecraft.com

Ever heard of a Huddle? It’s a pop-up peer group course for those who love learning and want to connect with others. Facilitator and coach Kate Weiler, the Huddle host for the Exeter Connection programme, fills us in...

AZTEC HOTEL & SPA

Longing for a mini staycation? Deri Robins takes it easy for a little while at an award-winning retreat near Bristol

Sometimes, you need to slow down and… just… stop.

It’s not always that simple; not when you have a full-on, full-time job, a house that seems to accumulate fresh layers of dirt and clutter the second you turn your back on it, three energetic dogs, and a partner who has, shall we say, very different ideas on what constitutes an acceptable level of domestic order. At least the kids are grown and own I have no idea how I used to juggle the demands of small children with all of the above. I suspect I drank slightly more heavily in the evenings.

This rather lengthy preamble explains why I found myself at the Aztec Hotel and Spa in Almondsbury, near Bristol, last month, hellbent on a full day of r&r. Because that’s the beauty of a spa day; it removes you from the hectic diurnal whirl, and virtually compels you to switch off. Sure, nobody confiscates your phone at reception, there’s nothing that actively prevents you from checking your work emails every few minutes, but somehow, if you have any sense, you don’t.

The Aztec Hotel is doing rather well for itself at the moment, having

been named the UK’s Best Boutique Spa in the Good Spa Awards 2022. Photos on the website show attractive young couples smiling away in the relaxation suite, but I knew there was no way on earth I’d get Your Man through the doors of a spa. To misquote Raymond Chandler, he’d have looked as inconspicuous in towelling slippers and a bathrobe as a tarantula on a slice of angel food cake. Instead, I invited the daughter, whose company I actively seek out now that she has reached an interesting age.

Even its architect wouldn’t describe the exterior of the Aztec Hotel exterior as a thing of beauty; it looks pretty much the same as all the other lowlying brown-brick buildings that make up Aztec West. This, however, has the effect of positively enhancing the pleasurable surprise on entering the reception area, where everything is really rather comfortable and appealing. The staff are welcoming, the dining areas extensive and glamorous, and in case you were in danger of forgetting where you were, colourful canvases of Bristol landmarks and framed black-andwhite shots of the city are all over the walls.

We were instantly won over by the seriousness with which the food

“Just Christmas,likespa days abide by different rules

and drink is taken here. There are a mind-boggling number of menus, from breakfast and brunch, with or without cocktails, to all-day lounge menus, and something called, for reasons I have failed to discover, the Black Sheep evening menu.

It would have been so easy for the kitchen to rest on its laurels and send out merely adequate food, given the captive customer base there really aren’t many dining alternatives up at A tec West but executive head chef Marc Payne does not do this not at all. In his restaurant The Curious itchen, the chefs are busily pushing the boundaries of classic dishes they also create as much as possible from scratch, smoking, curing, pickling, preserving and so on in-season.

ather prodigally, we’d booked ourselves in for lunch before our sojourn in the spa as well as dinner afterwards. Even the lunch menu has sub-menus, offering a wide and eclectic selection. I waited with interest to hear what the daughter would order. She tends to regard menus as a kind of rough guide, a work-inprogress rather than a done deal rather like Meg yan in When Harry Met Sally. Sure enough, she went for a little something from one menu, a couple of plates from another, while I stuck conventionally to a starter and mains.

A plate of salted heritage beets with pickled berries, blue cheese and crunchy ha elnuts was beautifully balanced and a visual delight. ess complex, but still vastly enjoyable, was a comfort-food classic fish fingers bundled with mushy peas into a brioche bun. Feeling unusually louche for a Thursday lunchtime, I also knocked back a margarita. Just like Christmas, spa days abide by different rules.

The spa itself offers a serene chillout relaxation room in which you can either do e or gossip (keep the noise down) before and after treatments. After prising bathrobes (though not spa shoes, they’d run out) from the busy receptionist, the daughter and I whiled away an hour or so here, enjoyably dissecting the shortcomings of her brothers, before being separately whisked off for our facials a five-stage affair using vinotherapie products by Caudalie. These had a lovely almondy scent the exfoliant felt a little like being rubbed ever so gently with

amaretti, leaving my skin notably plumper and firmer. My therapist was e cient and skilful I am not a fan of overly mindful treatments, which just make me giggle, so I was grateful that nobody struck a solemn little gong at the end.

We brie y inspected the pool area, which had a familyfriendly vibe, with kids frolicking about on foam swimming aids we also poked our heads into the sauna and steam rooms. Then we hied ourselves back to the relaxation room, partly because among the blamelessly healthy herbal teas, fresh fruit and trail mix we had espied a bowl of donuts.

Being irredeemably greedy, we were already excited about dinner, and headed back to the restaurant as soon as decently possible ( pm) to disport ourselves on curved Decoesque curved banquettes. I probably shouldn’t say we were surprised at the excellence of the food and service there’s no reason on earth why a restaurant in A tec West shouldn’t be at the top of its game but both really are delightfully good, and could hold a confident candle to the best in Bristol.

A fresh-tasting hake tempura came prettily tangled with shallots and chilli with pickled rhubarb, followed by a generous bowl of wonderfully plump mussels in a classic white wine sauce perked up with crispy chori o. Along with frites, which never really do the job of sauce-mopping e ciently, I was furnished with a large slice of garlic toast, which did. Daughter did her usual bit-of-this, bit-of-that thing, including thick slices of cured salmon, and roasted breast of duck served blushing pink another hefty offering, from a kitchen that seems hellbent on feeding you well, and to hell with the rising cost of ingredients.

We rounded off a thoroughly indulgent few hours with excellent puds of panna cotta and home-made orange custard tart, and for me, I regret to say, a totally unnecessary but excellent Mudslide cocktail. Because the daughter was driving and, well, you know, spa day . . . ■ Spa days start at £45; a one-night break with use of the spa, a 25-minute treatment, dinner and a stayover costs £155 pp. Aztec Hotel and Spa, Aztec West, Almondsbury BS32 4TS; 01454 201090; www.aztechotelbristol.co.uk. Travelling from Exeter: 1½ hours by car.

THE FUTURE OF PRIVATE HOSPITAL CARE IS HERE

The brand new NORTH BRISTOL PRIVATE HOSPITAL opened its doors to patients in February 2023

This new facility of medical excellence is set to become the private treatment epicentre for patients in Bristol and the south west of England and Wales. With individualised, bespoke treatments at the heart of its offering, you will experience expert care within exemplary facilities locally.

With an eye on the detail and patient welfare at its core, your stay at NBPH promises to provide the best possible recovery experience. Located on Aztec West Business Park, it is only a 30-minute drive from Bristol Airport and very close to both the M4 and M5 motorway junctions and Bristol Parkway Train Station.

A PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE

Specialist care governed by safety will be the hallmark of your hospital treatment. You can expect best-in-class nursing support and clinical facilities delivered in luxurious surroundings and supreme comfort.

Kelly Cavallo, Hospital Operations Manager says, ‘At North Bristol Private Hospital patient care is at the heart of everything we do. Being able to welcome patients to the hospital and watch our exceptional team support them through their surgical experience is amazing and I am very proud of what the team have achieved so far. I am looking forward to leading the team through the continued development of our facility’.

YOUR TREATMENT, OUR SPECIALITY

Whether you are visiting us for cosmetic surgery, with procedures such as breast reduction, breast enlargement, tummy tuck, or labiaplasty, a routine operation or medical treatment, our facilities are designed to make your entire journey smooth, safe, relaxed, and comfortable.

AT NORTH BRISTOL PRIVATE HOSPITAL,

WE PROMISE:

• Meticulously trained administrative and front of house staff

• Exceptional management staff who take pride in making your treatment journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible

• Friendly specialist consultation provided in the privacy of comfortable chaperoned consultation rooms

• Excellent and spacious operating theatres and treatment rooms

• Round the clock nursing staff, with femaleonly team available on request

• Ultimate in luxury and comfortable surroundings for the perfect post-operative overnight stay – a home from home experience

• Variety of restaurant options and comfortable hotel accommodation facilities for your family and visitors within walking distance

• Free onsite parking

Come and see why we are different and contact us for a consultation. ■

North Bristol Private Hospital, 150 Aztec West, Bristol, BS32 4UB info@NBPH.co.uk; tel: 01179 114 000 www.northbristolprivatehospital.co.uk

EXETER LIVING AWARDS 2023

Get ready to celebrate the great and good of the city at the Exeter Living Awards, on 30 March at the Great Hall, University of Exeter. In this special preview, we meet the judges, showcase our Finalists and take a look back at last year’s glittering ceremony...

Get ready to meet the next Exeter Living Award Winners in March

The Exeter Living Awards is just around the corner! Our annual event, is the most prestigious, most tightly contested Awards ceremony in the city, with the greatest number of local companies involved. And it is the absolute highlight of our year –and our pleasure to host.

The nominations closed in February and, once again, we were blown away by them – not just by the sheer number of entries (there were hundreds), but by the strength, quality and depth of them. We’re constantly astonished by the genius, innovation, creativity and determination within our city.

The Finalists have now been announced (see page 58) and all 21 categories – from arts to retail, wellbeing to restaurant, education to charity – are bursting with much-loved and respected organisations. The shortlist represents a snapshot of the best the city has to offer, and, at the ceremony itself, this is felt in real life. With everyone dressed in their finery, gathered at the Great Hall, the positive, anticipatory vibe and the strong feeling

of community underneath it all is palpable.

So who will win? Our independent panel of judges (all of whom you can see on page 44), chosen from various sectors of business life for a balanced array of minds and voices, will decide. It’s a painstaking process, each entry pored over, discussed and debated. It’s never an easy decision, but that’s part of the excitement. Winners will be announced live, on stage, at the Exeter Living Awards on 30 March.

Across all of the industries, every year we discover fresh talent, celebrate excellence and create meaningful community connections as we come together to celebrate another group of fantastic Finalists, and raise a glass to our Winners.

Everyone comes along hoping to win, of course, but in the end, whether they go home with a trophy or not, they leave with a sense of something gained. This might be the potential for a new business partnership or simply a reminder of the vital role we all play in the evolution of the city we love.

It’s time get your glammer-than-glam outfit and dancing shoes ready, and prepare to celebrate the very best of Exeter.

For more: www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk

When: The Exeter Living Awards 2023 take place on Thursday 30 March

Where: Great Hall, University of Exeter, with the afterparty at The Botanist

Categories: There are 21 Award categories ready to be won

Sponsors: Acorn, Bertram Fairbanks, Awcock Ward Partnership, CJ Prop Hire & Events, Crumbs, Educated Recruitment, Entreconf, Epic Solutions, Exeter Living, Exeter Property Awards, Expedite, Fossil Coast Drinks Co, Hotel Indigo, Inspired Dental, Investec, Mercure Hotel, Minuteman Press, Oxygen House, Prydis, Rathbones, structureHaus, System Six Kitchens, The Botanist, The Giant Balloon and Hire Co, The Ivy Exeter, Triangle, University of Exeter, Votion, Warwick Event Services, Yellowtail Financial Planning

Tickets: Last ones available on our website now, and selling out fast with huge demand.

EXETER LIVING AWARDS

THE JUDGES WILL DECIDE…

Every year, there’s a fresh panel of impeccably impartial and independent judges for the Exeter Living Awards. It’s a diverse and knowledgeable group from a wide variety of sectors and sizes of business. They, and they alone, decide who the winners will be…

JAY COWLING, Operations and sales manager, Regus

Jay joined Regus’ parent company IWG in 2021 as the community sales manager team leader for Devon. This was a great learning curve for Jay and his many years of management experience helped him easily transition into the new role.

JAY PAGE, Regional sales executive, The New World Trading Company

Jay has worked in the world of hospitality for over 15 years across the UK with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, festivals and now notably with The New World Trading Company as the regional sales executive for the south of the UK with brands such as The Botanist.

JOHN

BRETT, Operations director, Nexus Open Systems

As operations director of Exeter-based Nexus Open Systems, John is responsible for delivering the strategic objectives of the business which, in 2023, will celebrate 25 years of providing technology solutions and support for organisations throughout the South West. John personally supports St Petrock’s, an Exeter-based charity for the homeless.

KERRY ENGLAND, Head of marketing, The Family Law Company

For over 16 years’ Kerry has provided expert support to the professional services sector, from international law firms to smaller boutique legal businesses. A truly creative thinker, Kerry is a strong advocate for law firms to become innovative in their marketing.

DR MUSARRAT MAISHA

REZA, Senior lecturer, University of Exeter

Dr Reza is a senior lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at University of Exeter, and a senator that sits on the University Education Board. She is also an award-winning educator, lecturing on the undergraduate Medical Sciences programme and supervising postgraduate students.

SARAH JEPSON, Founder, Six Degrees

NICKY

DUNN, Associate director, Secure Source

Nicky started her career in recruitment in 1998, founding the regional recruitment agency, Mango Personnel. She also wanted to combine her passion for people and business experience, creating Pi Society before selling the business. Nicky is now working within the cyber security industry.

Sarah is the founder of rapidly growing female community, Six Degrees and the CEO of Attention Marketing, a PR and marketing agency with over ten years’ experience. She is also raising awareness around domestic abuse and will launch a charity to help women and their children in 2023.

SUE CADE, Independent PR consultant, In The Right Order

Sue has been providing PR services to a range of businesses and charities in Exeter, Devon and London since launching her boutique agency in 2011 after a successful career in video production and scriptwriting. She champions businesses of all sizes, representing clients within an impressive variety of sectors.

SUE MCQUEENIE, Partner, McQueenie Mulholland

Sue qualified as a journalist in her 20s and went on to work in regional papers, establishing McQueenie Mulholland with Rob Mulholland in 2014. She supports clients with PR and media, specialising in crisis communications and is also an associate director of Exeter City Football Club.

FINALISTS’ & SPONSORS’ RECEPTION 2023

PHOTOS BY WILL FARMER

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

The Finalists and Sponsors of the Exeter Living Awards 2023 were invited to an exclusive evening at brand-new terrace bar Beckett’s, part of Hotel Indigo. Drinks were sipped, speeches took place, and everyone enjoyed the spectacular views over Exeter. Guests toasted to another year of successful, thriving Exeter businesses and organisations, and to wish each other the very best ahead for the big awards night, on 30 March.

www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk

Xxxx

Chris Phippen and Abigail Lilley

Susie Durant and Sophie Weeks

Exeter’s finest braved the cold for epic views across the city

Madalen Dixon and Alison Cockram

Sarah Taylor, Emily McGuirk and Sarah Jepson Gemma Wilson and Pedro Silva

Harriett Patchett, Marise Mackie and Jill Sneel

Helen Watts and May Kendrew

Abi Smith, Andrea Hodges, Maisha Reza and Paula Mcdonald

Anna Lee, Amy Vannand, and Mike Gregory

Jess Thompson and Matt Seaborne-Hall

Mark Cassidy, Anna Fitzgerald and Mimi Cassidy

Kim McDonald, Lee Horwood and Natasha Bellinger

Emma Watts, Bethany Foster and Lily O’Sullivan

Rachael Gilliam, Roli Martin, Kate Helgeson and Ruby Newsham

Mercedes Osbourne, Nichy Osbourne, Clare White and Emily Rhodes

CRUMBS is a little slice of foodie heaven and voice for the hospitality trade. Crumbs supports all things food and drink throughout Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter.

crumbsmag.com | @crumbsmag

ENTRECONF is the event for the entrepreneurs and new business thinkers. Combining inspiration and practical advice, EntreConf brings together entrepreneurs and advisers, brokering dynamic and valuable new business relationships. Conference 22 June at Watershed, Awards 28 September at Bristol Museum. The future is unwritten… entreconf.com| @entre_conf

EXETER LIVING

delivers eye-catching design and engaging and relevant editorial to create a much-loved magazine covering the very best of life in Exeter in all its many guises. www.mediaclash.co.uk | @exeterliving

EXETER PROPERTY

AWARDS celebrates the best of Exeter’s dynamic property sector. From residential to commercial, from lettings to new builds, Exeter simply teems with clever property companies shaping our city’s destiny. www.exeterpropertyawards.co.uk | @exeterpropawd

HOTEL INDIGO

EXETER is a stunning new boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic city centre, and is also home to Colson’s Bar & Restaurant, Becketts Champagne & Cocktail Rooftop Bar and The Retreat Spa. exeter.hotelindigo.com | @hotelindigoexeter

OXYGEN HOUSE

invests its resources into ethical projects that are both profitable and sustainable, aimed at creating a better future for all. www.oxygenhouse.com | @oxygen-house-group

WARWICK EVENT

SERVICES offers innovative and exciting solutions to help its clients deliver memorable events, no matter the location or size. www.warwickeventservices.com | @warwickeventservices

YELLOWTAIL FINANCIAL

PLANNING is a marketleading independent firm looking after the financial affairs of individuals and families.

www.yellowtail.co.uk | yellowtail- nancial-planning

FEATURE SPONSORS

THE IVY

RATHBONES

TRIANGLE NETWORKS

SILVER SPONSORS

Acorn Property Group

Awcock Ward Partnership

Bertram Fairbanks

Educated Recruitment

Epic Solutions

Expedite Design And Interior Services

Inspired Dental

Investec

Prydis

Structurehaus

System Six Kitchens

University Of Exeter’s Career Mentor Scheme

Hear more from our sponsors

BOOK FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

AWARDS THROWBACK

A LOOK BACK AT OUR 2022 EVENT

HIT REWIND

Always a night to remember, the Exeter Living Awards 2022 was a supremely joyous affair. Last year’s event was an epic showcase of success throughout the city. It was a night filled with extraspecial moments and was, once again, without a doubt, the most glamorous event in Exeter’s annual calendar. It sells out every year and sees hundreds of people – from local businesses, organisations, charities and projects – coming together to celebrate each other’s achievements. It’s one of the biggest networking events in the capital too, with unlimited potential connections and relationships to be gained. Bring on the Exeter Living Awards 2023, 30 March at the Great Hall. Tickets available now.

www.exeterlivingawards.co.uk

Richard Carpenter, Claire Walpole, John Harvey and William Nowell

James Gardner and Sarah-Jane Tyas-Peterson

Ray Spurr and Mass Barbato

Hylda Stewart, Ros Vincent, Justin Pensham, Laura Robertson, Alice McGowen, Caroline Gee and Louise Watts

Katherine Wall and Liz Griffiths

Glen King and Catherine Heuer Co-host Chris Bentley

Charlotte Hanson and Swati Grola

Liz Finnie and Lene Rayner

PHOTOS ON PAGES 51 AND 52 BY EMILY APPLETON PHOTOS ON PAGE 53 BY SIMON TUTTY

Hoorah!

Chris Walsh, Louise Jones, Anna Morgan and Beth Ardron

Chantelle Znideric

Ben Jordan, Adele Wordsworth, Tori Isaac, Carolyn Davey, Lee Ogden and Claire Jordan

Sophie Withers and Luke Fleming

Claire Walpole

The Bear Town winners rejoice

Anthony Ruocco, Cam Waters, Liz Wadeson, Andy Cule and Douglas Moffat

Phil Sheppard and Tom Butlar

Nuala Edgar, Toni Kemble, Sarah Knight, and Robyn Warwick

The NewZapp Communictions gang and pals

Nathan Hoare and Abby Millar

Marie (Mimi) and Mark Cassidy Ruby Borg

Liam Jones and Ivy Haddon-Silver

Natural Design Studio winners

Liz Arriens, Kevin Troy and Ed Arriens

Kirsten Clarke, Hannah Overton and Sue Cade

Standing ovations

EXETERWORKS

DATES FOR THE DIARY

The Exeter Impact Awards

Exeter Chamber has announced its first ever standalone business awards. The awards aim to recognise those who have made a significant impact on their own business or in driving business success in Exeter.

The awards categories are: People, Place, Business, Team Achievement, Next Generation, and Chamber member.

20 April, The Forge, by Winslade Manor; www.exeterchamber.co.uk

South West Agri-Tech

This brand-new conference will showcase the latest opportunities and developments in agri-tech, the sector dedicated to e cient, sustainable food production. Expect a range of outdoor robotic and drone demonstrations, an indoor market place with dedicated networking time, and high-profile speakers.

20 April, Exeter Racecourse; www.southwestagritech.org.uk

EntreConf

The conference for entrepreneurs and new business thinkers returns. The event aims to inspire the region’s entrepreneurs with practical advice financial, legal, marketing, management. It helps broker valuable new relationships and seeks to bring together some of the most exciting companies of this time.

22 June, Watershed, Bristol; www.entreconf.com

MOVERS AND SHAKERS ETC MOVING ON UP

LAW AND ORDER

Exeter lawyer Imran Khodabocus, from The Family Law Company in Exeter, has been commended in the IKWRO (Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation) True Honour Awards. These awards are presented to a person or organisation that has taken a stand against “honour” based violence.

Appointed a director in 2022, Imran heads up the Domestic Abuse Response team at The Family Law Company. His casework includes protecting children from FGM, forced marriage and honour based abuse.

Over 90 percent of Imran’s work is for legally aided cases, representing some of the most

vulnerable in society and ensuring they have access to justice.

Joint-MD, Rachel Buckley says, “This is an exceptional honour and we are all so very proud of Imran who has an unswerving commitment to standing up for those who might not otherwise have a voice.

“In the South West, there is an increasing need for awareness of issues such as honour based violence which have become more prevalent in recent years. We need more people like Imran, with a passion to take on this complicated work.”

For more: www.thefamilylawco.co.uk

egional law firm Wollens will shortly be moving from their current o ces at Cathedral Yard in Exeter city centre into new o ce space situated at Pynes Hill.

I am very proud of the progress that the firm has made in recent years,” says Wollens chief executive Chris Hart. Our new o ce has been carefully designed to ensure that we have an environment that re ects our growth and opportunity for growth in the future.”

www.wollens.co.uk

SOUNDS LIKE FUNDS

for Wollens

University of Exeter has been awarded £1.25m funding for impact work to improve society. The grant is part of a £40 million investment from the Economic and Social Research Council and will enable academics to in uence policy, create and safeguard jobs and develop new, improved products and services.

“Since 2014 we have been awarded £3.7m of ESRC IAA funding,” says Professor Neil Gow, niversity of Exeter deputy vice-chancellor ( esearch and Impact). “This has been an invaluable resource for our researchers, enabling us to maximise the non-academic impact of research, increase capacity for public engagement and commercialisation, and collaborate effectively with business partners.

www.exeter.ac.uk

Congratulations, Imran Khodabocus!

New eco-friendly offices

Say hello to the Exeter Impact Awards

JOURNEY TO THE JOB

Ben Greaves

Looking back, what have been the most challenging times?

The transition from the Army, to the finance sector and then to the charity sector. In general terms, it’s a lot to take in and the organisational cultures and behaviours are different. Trying to deliver results and fit into new teams in new environments has required a humble and exible approach and has taken me out of my comfort zone. But I think that ultimately, it’s been an incredibly positive journey; the more experience of people and business you have, the more you can bring to a leadership role.

Hi Ben! What did you want to be when you grew up?

My parents bought me an Army uniform when I was young and I never took it off! I think that must have been the spark that lit the ame and I was always clear that I wanted to serve in the Army after that.

What was school like for you?

I’ve always been very practical and hands on, so anything where I could roll my sleeves up and get stuck in interested me – I still struggle to sit behind a desk all day!

What was the big dream when you left school?

I was the youngest of four sons. My father and brothers all worked in the motor industry at the time but that didn’t interest me. I wanted to travel the world, have some fun and serve my country in some way. I was fairly sure that the military would enable me to do all three and set my sights on that.

Tell us a bit about your career in the Army...

I had a phenomenal time in the British Army and, if I’m honest, I do miss it! I learnt a lot during my service but the most enduring lesson was a piece of advice that a senior o cer once gave to me to put people first always. And he was right. I quickly learnt that whilst it’s critical to have the right equipment and training, it’s people who are the difference between success and

failure and I’ve always tried to create environments where people can thrive, be happy, motivated and where they can be their authentic selves.

Was leaving a difficult choice to make?

Yes and no. I had an amazing experience in the Army, and I still want to be involved when I see what the Army is doing on the news but it was time to put my family first. They were incredibly supportive throughout my career but that meant moving house every two years, my children changing schools and my wife going through that disruption whilst trying to achieve her own goals. It was the right thing to do though and we are now living the next exciting chapter of our lives together in Devon.

You then worked at JP Morgan...

I entered JP Morgan through their Military Transition Programme which was excellent. I had several positions before I found a role that I truly loved as the programme lead for EMEA diversity, equity and inclusion. This was a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference across a spectrum of current people issues and I was very fortunate to work for, and learn from, some incredibly talent leaders. They had a different perspective to many people I had worked with before and taught me a lot about empathy and listening; that you don’t have to solve every problem.

You’ve now joined Step One Charity as CEO. What attracted you to this organisation?

I did some work around mental health both in the Army and JP Morgan and I found that being part of someone’s recovery pathway was incredibly rewarding. I’ve struggled with my own mental health too, and I know first-hand that there is still a stigma around this. We’ve long understood, and invested in, the benefits of physical health and we need to get to a place where investing in your own mental health is as important and valid – it’s time for change.

What kind of services does the charity provide that we might not know about?

We support people through a wide range of services, from an independent hospital and supported living accommodation, to our widely accessible BeWell@StepOne service. BeWell StepOne offers support and training for both individuals and businesses across Devon. Our qualified trainers provide mental health and wellbeing support through free online and in-person courses, workshops and weekly peer support groups.

For businesses, we champion good mental health in the workplace with our mental health first aid training courses which support employers and employees to spot the signs and symptoms of mental illness within their organisations.

What advice would you give someone wanting to work in the charity sector?

Ask yourself why you want to work in the charity sector and where you want to be in the short to medium term. There’s no doubt that it is going to be a very challenging sector over the next five years due to the economic environment, competition, and demand to do more with less. I think it would also be fair to say that the private sector can also offer fuller compensation packages. Therefore, I think you need to be genuinely passionate about what you are doing in order to be professionally happy.

What are you most proud of?

I am incredibly proud of leading a military team of 80 people on an operational tour abroad. I definitely didn’t get it all right but, in the end, we deployed, delivered our mission successfully and everybody came home. I can still remember the feeling of relief when we landed in the UK after six months away and the sheer joy of seeing my family again.

Lastly, what is the most surprising thing about you?

I’m addicted to chilli! I make my own chilli sauce and pretty much have some kind of chilli product on every meal – even breakfast (huevos rancheros)! I plan to put some polytunnels up in the garden and start growing my own in the next 12 months fingers crossed! For more: www.steponecharity.co.uk

From leading a military team of 80 people abroad in the British Army to working at JP Morgan, Ben has enjoyed a more lively professional career than most. His latest adventure sees him step into the role of CEO at local organisation, Step One Charity. Here he talks life lessons, career leaps, and his love affair with chillies

“I CAN STILL REMEMBER THE FEELING OF RELIEF WHEN WE LANDED IN THE UK”

FINANCE DENNIS HALL

oo smart

For decades I’ve been reading about human behaviour and its importance in building wealth. But a crucial part of building wealth is keeping hold of it. In addition to minimising poor investment decisions (we all make them) we also need to be smarter than the scores of behavioural psychologists (called scammers) who are using every trick in the book to part you from your money.

I’ve been studying scammers and how they operate since losing several hundred pounds in a boiler room scam nearly 30 years ago. But I’ve got a confession. Despite being ‘scam aware’ I’ve just been scammed again. My loss this time is a modest £1.50 but it appears that was merely the entrance fee to a bigger, more sophisticated scam.

I’d been expecting a delivery of several online purchases, so when I received a text purportedly from Royal Mail saying ‘Simon was unable to deliver your parcel today because no one was home, please pay a £1.50 redelivery charge’, it seemed genuine.

I was annoyed at the missed delivery because I’d made sure there was someone home, and my annoyance meant I wasn’t thinking straight. Furthermore, some of my packages were urgent, so it was important to quickly rearrange delivery. I clicked the link, paid the redelivery charge and thought no more about it.

About a week later I received a call from Steve at my bank checking on some suspicious transactions on my account. He named the bank he was calling from and the telephone number that ashed up on my mobile phone was known to me. “Do you recall making a payment to Royal Mail for £1.50?” he asked. I said yes and immediately recalled my annoyance at the missed delivery.

“It was a scam,” said Steve, as he carefully explained that Royal Mail don’t charge for redeliveries, and how I needed to be alert to scams in text messages. Steve was obviously there to help me. He then asked whether I recognised any other suspicious activity, such as attempted payments to several other banks. I later surmised he was fishing for accounts I might have elsewhere.

Having gained my trust Steve moved to the

next phase of the scam, gaining access to my bank account. He was concerned my account could have been compromised, and to protect me from future fraud he wanted to verify a few more details including the approximate balance on my account. That was when my fraud antenna started twitching.

I said that I was beginning to feel uncomfortable about the direction the call was going and that I would hang up and call my bank before giving that information. “Don’t do that,” he said, and asked me to go online to verify the number he was calling from. He was desperate for me to stay on the line, and if I called my bank the ruse would be up. I put the phone down, and using a different phone I called my bank.

No one at my bank had called me, and they also said that they never display caller ID as it is possible to spoof phone numbers so that they appear to be genuine. Important information that isn’t commonly known. As a precaution they replaced the bank card that I had used for the original £1.50 delivery charge this was how they had identified where I banked, which allowed Steve to pass himself off as a bank employee.

Scammers are pulling these tricks all day, every day, and they just need to find someone who is distracted enough to give them access to their bank account for them to be successful. I was surprised at how easily they had managed to get through my initial defences.

Scam awareness websites like Crimestoppers, Age UK, Citizens Advice and Action Fraud are great at giving you advice on how to avoid the traps and what to do if you are a victim of this type of fraud. ■

Dennis Hall is the founder and managing director of ellowtail inancial Planning, a local rm of independent nancial advisers. e is also one of the organisers of Exeter iverside Par run, author of the boo ho ill it urt hen ie, and a een amateur chef. e lives in Exeter with his wife i o.

Scammers are becoming ever more cunning in their malevolent tactics, as Dennis can testify from recent experience…

“I was beginning to feel uncomfortable about the direction the call was going”

PLACES TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY

INNER SPACE

Acorn Property Group has completed the purchase of 1, 4 sq ft o ce space in Exeter city centre through its commercial acquisitions arm, First Oak, as part of its continued expansion into commercial development and investment.

Located at Dix’s Field, within the heart of the Central Business District, 1-3 Manor Court comprises a terrace of three o ce buildings arranged over four oors, with parking spaces for 78 cars.

The properties have been purchased part vacant (number one and two are vacant, number three represents just over 50 per cent of the space and is currently let to a contact centre firm) and Acorn will be refurbishing the vacant buildings and marketing them to rent shortly.

“This latest commercial purchase in the South West demonstrates our belief that there’s considerable scope

for asset management and commercial investment throughout the region, driven by a shortfall in quality o ce space and growing demand from an increasingly a uent local population, says Dane Cummings, head of commercial at Acorn.

“It’s our intention to continue our purchase of commercial developments and to explore investment opportunities throughout the South West during 2 2 .

First Oak acquired more than £20m worth of commercial assets across this region in 2022. The company hopes to double this figure in 2 2 , with an acquisition target of £100m by the end of 2024.

“We aim to purchase sites that will benefit from asset management, redevelopment or which represent solid long-term investments in the region, adds Dane.

For more: www.acornpropertygroup.org

TOTALLY TOPSHAM

Local housebuilder Burrington Estates will soon be adding to its latest collection of homes on its eco-conscious development EX3, in Topsham. Set to launch at the end of March, 23 three- and fourbedroom homes have been added to the development (currently there are 54 homes); this new batch of houses marks its completion.

The new homes at EX3 will be equipped with a range of sustainability boosting features to reduce excessive energy consumption and cost, including electric car charging points, and under oor heating to the ground oor.

For more: www.ex3topsham.com

DATES FOR THE DIARY

PROPERTY SYMPOSIUM 23

MediaClash is once again hosting its annual Property Symposium – a conference for the region’s leading property companies. This year, it’s focused on the City of the Future (as well as the future of the city) and it will concentrate on the four cities our magazines cover: Exeter, Bristol, Bath and Cardiff.

One of the keynote speakers will be Tim Fendley – founder, CEO, and creative director of world-renowned Applied Information Group. 21 April at The M Shed, Bristol; www.cardiffpropertyawards.co.u

THE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT FORUM

Meet with fellow property developers, investors and professionals at this networking group aimed specifically at those operating in the local property development arena. This event will be held in the historic West Wing of St Nicholas Priory on Mint ane (off Fore Street). The Priory is the oldest roofed building in Exeter, dating back to 1087, so visitors can enjoy a good mosey around while they’re there.

10 May at St Nicholas Priory, Exeter; www.propertydevelopmentforum.co.u

EXETER PROPERTY AWARDS

Back for a third year, The Exeter Property Awards will once again celebrate the dynamic Exeter property sector. From residential to commercial, from lettings to new builds, from civic buildings to bold re-imaginings, Exeter simply teems with clever property companies shaping our city’s destiny. Nominations open in June – stay tuned for more information.

0 ctober at Sandy Par , Exeter; www.exeterpropertyawards.com

The office spaces at Manor Court will be marketed to rent shortly

The EX3 development will feature 77 houses in total

HATTIE COLLINS

in almost ten years’ time for communities that rely heavily on fuel and oil due to living in cut-off and rural locations, became all the more prevalent.

Hilariously, I also got a lot of inspiration during my time on the writer’s group at Theatre Royal Plymouth when I would drive across Dartmoor from Plymouth to North Tawton (where my partner lived), with the fuel light blinking, panicking about breaking down in the middle of the moors.

What is the significance of setting this story in Devon?

As the play centres around themes that could resonate with the experiences of rural areas throughout the UK, it felt essential to set the play in the part of the world that I grew up in and know most about. As a writer I want to champion voices and stories based in the South West. How many plays are set in rural communities, and specifically in Devon?

you won’t shove the idea back in a drawer and close it for another ten years. You have to be your own advocate and a bit of a self-producer.

And the joys?

What could be more exciting than creating a fictional character and world that has somehow managed to make people feel real emotions? There is something magical about hearing how the words you’ve written have affected people and how they feel.

Firstly, can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a playwright?

Truthfully, I didn’t realise that playwriting could be a viable route for me until my third year at Warwick when I chose the playwriting module on a whim and, somehow, got the highest grade since starting university. So I thought there could be something in it!

Jump forward a year and I was starting the MA in Writing and Dramaturgy at Goldsmiths University in London, a yearlong course which gave me the tools and a portfolio to step out into the industry.

Since graduating in 2017 I’ve been having a go at lots of things to get my writing out, whilst working full-time: I self-produced my full-length play Fissure, won a writer’s residency with the Causley Trust, was invited to be part of Theatre Royal Plymouth’s writer’s group, and was awarded a Developing Your Creative

Practise grant from Arts Council England…with lots of other bits and bobs in between!

You’re bringing Kindle to Exeter shortly. What can we expect?

A punchy piece of new writing exploring relevant issues through turbulent and dynamic female relationships, led by female creatives (with some beautiful music and sound design)!

What is the inspiration behind this play?

Initially, back in 2019, I began by thinking a lot about how rural areas of the country won’t be as prepared or supported for new infrastructure in the wake of the combustion engine ban that is set to come into play in 2030. But then due to the pandemic (while travel was restricted), the fuel crisis, coupled with the price of fuel reaching an all-time high, all of the issues and scenarios that seemed like they could arise

I also wanted to make sure that the play is reaching the communities it is based in, so we will be taking the play to rural venues throughout Devon and Cornwall.

Your plays are topical and political; what do you want to put out there in the world with your writing?

I want to create a space for re ection and emotional connection, allowing people to think about and explore complicated issues without feeling like they have to have an answer.

What’s the hardest thing about being a playwright?

I don’t think I realised how much time it really takes finish’ a play. There’s a part of you that wants to write one draft, and then BAM, it’s ready to be shown, when in reality, it probably isn’t even performable yet. It takes a lot of perseverance that means

For any budding playwright in the Exeter area, what opportunities are there locally? Keep an eye on the brilliant goings on at Down Stage Write, who support new writing in Devon and Cornwall. Come to the Playwright’s Caf every first Thursday of the Month at Exeter Phoenix. Apply for Theatre Royal Plymouth’s IdeasLab. Test out your work at Exeter Phoenix’s scratch nights; and make your own! Be ambitious and make the work you want to happen, happen.

What writers do we need to take more notice of?

She’s pretty prolific but anything Lucy Prebble touches is sacred in my eyes. She’s written some great TV too, like I Hate Suzie with Billie Piper, and she’s one of the masterminds behind Succession. We have a lot to thank her for.

When you’re not writing, where do you like to wander locally?

The Goatwalk, in Topsham, is my favourite place to go and have a think. The view as you come to the end of the road and meet the estuary never disappoints.

Lastly, who would play you in a in a play about you?

My life hasn’t been interesting enough to have a play written about it. So to spice things up a bit, I’ll say Russell Crowe. ■ Kindle is being performed on 15 and 16 April at Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter; www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

© EMILY APPLETON

“I want to champion voices and stories based in the South West”

The local playwright brings her latest creation, Kindle, to Exeter Phoenix on 15 and 16 April. Here, Hattie chats rural living, making it as a writer, and her favourite place to go and have a think...