Exeter Living – Issue 315

TAKE ME

ISSUE 315 / JUNE 2023 / £3

MATTERS OF THE ART

THE BOLDEST, BRIGHTEST EXHIBITIONS COMING YOUR WAY THIS SUMMER (AND THE COOL CREATIVES BEHIND THEM)

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

GORGEOUS SPACES TO DINE AL FRESCO

GIVE IT SOME WELLY!

IT’S FESTIVAL TIME IN DEVON

WHAT A SPREAD

TOP IDEAS FOR A PERFECT PICNIC

EDITOR’S LETTER

ABOVE: Ellie Niblock’s art pieces, part of the

Bare Life Project; see page 19 BELOW: Cups from Boka, part of the picnic shopping editor’s choice; see page 30

H

aving a favourite issue is not really on, but I do. For me, it’s a very close tie between the sparkly feel-good factor of the Christmas issues (sorry to be mentioning that word this early on in the year), and this one: our bright and life-a rming summer art issue dedicated to the local movers and shakers in the creative world, which kicks o on page 10.

For all the obvious reasons, there is never a shortage of art going on in Devon, and it really is ours for the taking right now. This summer alone sees the launch of two brand-new galleries; a jam-packed week of art, workshops and debate, all part of Art eek Exeter; plus a flurry of bold exhibitions. Within these pages, we go behind the scenes to find out where you can get your cultural hit, and perhaps make a purchase or two. e also chat to three local artists to find out what inspires them. One is still a student at Exeter College, has already won an award for his eye-catching designs, and will be exhibiting at the Royal Opera House in London this summer.

Impressive stu .

Elsewhere in this issue, we’ve got your June squarely sorted with ideas on where to eat and drink al fresco (page 36), all the top festivals coming up (page 44), shopping ideas for your imminent picnics (page 30), and our usual array of features, interviews, events and good news stories from around the city. Cheers, and here’s to the summer!

HARRIET NOBLE Follow us on Twitter @ExeterLiving Instagram @exeterlivingmag

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Issue 315 / June 2023 COVER Solypsis by Diannah Lowry, turn to page 10

REGULARS 6

SPOTLIGHT All the latest from Exeter City Football Club, plus

more good news stories from the city

42 SOCIETY All the pics from the recent Impact awards 66 LIVES Meet Jess Gillam, internationally renowned saxophonist

ART

10 MEET THE CREATIVES Three very di erent, very cool artists

on what makes them tick

19 SUMMER ART The most exciting exhibitions happening across

10 36

the city, plus two new gallery openings

CULTURE

24 BOOKS All the books to dive into this summer 26 WHAT’S ON All the top plays, gigs, and family days out

SHOPPING

30 ED’S CHOICE It’s picnic time! Here’s what you need... © MAT T AUSTIN

FOOD & DRINK

33 FOOD AND DRINK NEWS Hoorah! A new sandwich and

co ee shop is opening in Exeter

35 TARA SMITH visits her favourite local bakeries 36 TAKE IT OUTSIDE Top al fresco restaurants and bars

FESTIVALS

44 PARTY TIME Summer festivals are on their way

HEALTH & WELLBEING

66

49 INTERVIEW Emily McGuirk on her mission to help young

women feel confident

EDUCATION

51 VICTORIA BOND The problem with maths explored

BUSINESS

54 EXETERWORKS News, the top business events happening this

PROPERTY

63 SHOWCASE A thatched cottage to fall in love with

© ROBIN CLEWLEY

June, and an interview with Busby & Fox founder, Emma Vowles

Editor Harriet Noble harriet.noble@mediaclash.co.uk Managing Editor Deri Robins deri.robins@mediaclash.co.uk Senior Art Editor Andrew Richmond Cover Design Trevor Gilham Contributors Gary Caldwell, Charlie Richards,Tara Smith Commercial manager Paula Miller paula.miller@mediaclash.co.uk Production/ Distribution Manager Sarah Kingston sarah.kingston@mediaclash.co.uk Deputy Production Manager/ Production Designer Kirstie Howe kirstie.howe@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Jane Ingham jane.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Chief Executive Greg Ingham greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk Exeter Living MediaClash, Carriage Court, 22 Circus Mews, Bath, BA1 2PW 01225 475800 www.mediaclash.co.uk @The MediaClash © All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without written permission of MediaClash.

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

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SPOTLIGHT

S © @PPAUK

GARY CALDWELL EXETER CITY FC

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

o, we’ve played our final game of the 2023-24 season, and what a match it was, with a well-deserved hat trick for Jay Stansfield, who returned to our club on loan from Fulham this season. It was, as some people have described, ‘pure poetry’: Jay returning to the club where his late father Adam played before passing away in 2010. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house when Jay celebrated his goal by pointing to his dad’s name on the front of the stand. It was also the last match in red and white for Jack Sparkes, who’s been with the club since he was eight years old – both Jack and Jay leave with all of our good wishes.

It was a good finish to our first season back in League One for 10 years. Overall, I think we can be pretty happy with how it’s gone – we’ve held our own, and we’ve learned a lot, ready to come back even stronger next season.

For me, it’s been an incredible seven months or so since joining the club. Of all the clubs I’ve been involved with, many of them much bigger than Exeter, the City fans stand out for their phenomenal support. Their consistency in backing the team has been fantastic this season.

I recently had the privilege to attend the opening of a new exhibition celebrating the life of former Exeter goalkeeper Dick Pym at Topsham Museum. Not only was the exhibition excellent, but I got to discover what a lovely place Topsham is and I’ve been back already!

And so, we get a few weeks off, which we’re all looking forward to, especially the players, but you never really stop, as you’re always thinking about what’s next for the team.

Thanks to every single person who has supported Exeter City this season – your backing of our boys makes a difference every match we play. And if you haven’t been to the Park – make sure you do – you’ll find a warm welcome and, hopefully, a great game of football. See you next season!

For more: www.exetercityfc.co.uk

Charity

A charity concert is being held to celebrate the newly elected deputy Lord Mayor, Green Councillor Tess Read.

On 10 June, the Lord Mayor’s ‘Let the Sunshine In’ charity concert will be held at Southernhay United Reform Church featuring Exeter’s acappella group Tess & the d’Urbervilles, led by Tess, and also starring Exeter’s vocal keyboard group Unexpected Item in Bagging Area.

“It has been a huge privilege to be elected a Green Councillor for this wonderful city of Exeter and now it is such an honour to have been elected Exeter’s Deputy Lord Mayor,” says Tess.

“I hope you can join us at this charity concert, where my singing groups will take you on a musical journey to Let the Sunshine In, all in aid of raising funds for Devon’s excellent cancer support charity, Force.” www.exetercornexchange.co.uk

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Hitting all the right notes: Exeter’s acappella group Tess & the d’Ubervilles will be performing

© ADAM OSEL AND

CHOIR PURPOSE

© FALSELIGHTS

First place runner Jessica Bruce, and some smiley supporters!

Marathon

The sun shone for hundreds of runners who took to the paths alongside the River Exe on 14 May for the annual Exeter Live Better Marathon.

Organised by Exeter City Community Trust, the partner charity of Exeter City Football Club, the event also included a fivemile race.

“We had a fantastic event this weekend,” says Jamie Vittles, chief executive of Exeter City Community Trust.

“Completing a marathon really is an impressive feat, which requires dedication and training, so huge congratulations to everyone who took part. Profits from our running events go back into our charity, enabling us to continue to deliver our work in the community – so we’re very grateful to everyone who continues to support us.”

Exeter City Community Trust stages a variety of events throughout the year; the next event is the 10k River Run which takes place on 30 June and is the ideal progression for those moving on from Couch to 5k. www.exetercct.org

Cutting it fine: Michael and Clare Morpurgo

Books

READ ALL ABOUT IT The newly arrived Penguin vending machine at St Davids train station was officially launched recently by none other than legendary author Michael Morpurgo and his wife Clare. As the daughter of Penguin founder Sir Allen Lane, Clare Morpurgo was guest of honour and wielder of blades, cutting the ribbon to officially open the vending machine, and ceremonially slicing the tastiest book in the world.

“I am delighted to have been invited to unveil the new Penguin vending machine at Exeter St David’s station,” says Claire.

“Nearly 90 years ago, at the same station, my father was inspired to start a publishing revolution. His aim was to make buying a

book as easy as buying a packet of cigarettes.

He would have been tickled pink by the Penguin vending machine. And he loved being tickled pink!”

For those who haven’t been down to the station yet, the machine sits in the entrance to Exeter St Davids, allowing passengers travelling through Exeter to purchase a wide range of Penguin books, including contemporary and classic titles. Books will change on a regular basis, featuring new releases and perennial favourites, as well as marking key moments throughout the year, such as LGBTQIA+ History Month, and Black History Month. www.exetercityofliterature.com

© FALSELIGHTS

© JIM WILEMAN

AMAZING PACE

Bethan Meyrick and Sofia Lenzi, with Olympian Jo Pavey

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© DIANNAH LOWRY

VIVID

IMAGINATIONS Meet three local creatives making a splash in the art scene

By Harriet Noble

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“Life as an artist is both a joy and a struggle”

DIANNAH LOWRY

Originally from Sydney, Australia, artist Diannah moved over to the UK in 2008, heading to Bristol first, before settling in south Devon in 2019. Her paintings are currently on display at the Dreams, Colours, and Vistas exhibition at South Gate Gallery, on 6 South Street, until 6 June. Her work can be seen at the Cider Press Gallery in Dartington, and at the Paradiso Gallery in Bovey Tracey as well.

Diannah is also a singer songwriter. diannahlowryart.com I live in St Marychurch, in Torquay, near the coastal path. Having grown up on the

northern beaches of Sydney, being near the coast is important to me.

I’ve always been inspired by Turner; his work was so ahead of his time.

Other influences include the Australian Brett hitely, American Diebenkorn and Rothko, and the work of German artist Gerhardt Richter.

I’m drawn to warm colours, perhaps that’s part of an Australian influence. For

example, the red of the iron rich soil in south Devon has been the subject of my recent Devon Red series. The seasons here are more pronounced than in Sydney and my paintings reflect my mood, hence some of my work painted here in winter is quite muted.

© GAVIN PREECE

I often dream in colour, and so there are those ping moments in the middle of the night. My ideas come from many sources

though, like the muted mint colour of moss.

I used to paint macro stretches of landscapes before I realised it was taking me away from being ‘in’ the landscape.

I’m now interested in how micro-aspects of a landscape and the external world gently collide with the internal world, and vice versa.

The collective images, shapes, colours of this gentle collision is what interests me.

A painting called Sorting Things Out 1, a reflection on the chaos of moving house, and the first fully abstract piece I exhibited, is the one I’m most proud of.

It sold on the launch night of the exhibition at the Arti an Gallery in Torquay, and gave me the confidence to fully move forward into abstraction.

I have a garden studio, and I love it. I sometimes paint listening to music, but not music with lyrics, it’s too distracting. And I’ve learnt not to take a cup of anything into the

OPPOSITE: Solypsis, by Diannah Lowry, is on display at South Gate Gallery; ABOVE: Artist Diannah Lowry in the studio

studio. The number of times I’ve dipped my brush into a cup of tea, and worst still, into a gin and tonic (evenings, of course) has taught me not to!

My life as a musician has changed over the years. Having moved on from the

post-punk days of the indie music scene in 1980s Sydney, these days my music is more subdued, but hopefully no less interesting.

The band FAST CARS (Australia) reformed some years ago: our recent releases have been described as ‘dream pop’, ‘baroque pop’ and other labels I don’t understand. The music is released through Method Records and Music (Australia). Have a listen, and if you can

explain those labels to me, I’d be very grateful!

I’m in the studio creating every day; it’s my happy space. When not in the studio,

I’m in the garden growing our veg, tending the chickens, and spending time with our dogs.

Or I’m out on the coastal path or Dartmoor somewhere. This is simply such a beautiful part of the world.

Life as an artist is both a joy and a struggle. The joy is the connection with people. The struggle is when the muse goes

shopping, but a good day of painting honestly feels blissful. Each painting is a meditation.

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WILBUR MASON

Wilbur Mason, 18, is a student at Exeter College where he is completing the University of Arts London Extended Diploma in art and design, specialising in fashion.

He was one of six winners of this year’s Royal Opera House fashion design challenge for his Magic Flute-inspired piece, and his work will be exhibited at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden from 7 – 21 June. He has also recently won a place to study Fashion Design at Central Saint Martin’s College, starting this September.

Instagram @wilburmasonstudio My Dad is an artist, so my childhood was filled with drawing lessons and looking at galleries, instead of kicking a football around – which I guess paid off. I am so

grateful that I was encouraged by my parents and teachers, and that I was never told “you can’t get a job in the arts”.

I live in Bideford, north Devon. For a long

time, I had quite di cult feelings towards where I lived, feeling like there were no creative opportunities or outlets – and I spent a lot of my teenage years urging to leave for the big city. Strangely, now that I’m o to university in September I can already tell I’m going to miss the peace and quiet of the countryside.

I distinctly remember going to the Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion exhibit at the V&A in 2017 when I was 13, and just being blown away by the whole pageantry of it all. I think this was the

first time I saw fashion as a serious art form, being displayed in such a grand way – this was definitely the root of my urge to create a ‘moment’.

At the moment I’m really heading towards focusing on functionality, and what that means in this sustainable future we are creating. I think it’s all well and good to use

sustainable materials and fabrics, but if that item of clothing isn’t going to have a function, a true meaning to the owner, then why should it be brought into existence? As strict as that sounds, of course I think clothing should be fun and exciting, not just utilitarian and built for purpose – so it’s really about finding where that line is and how to blur it.

A major portion of my inspiration comes from history. To me, historical context is

an essential item of any artist’s toolbox, and without references to that I think it’s easy to get lost in creating something ‘new’. I think it’s so important to look at all the amazing designers through history, whether that be the 16th or 21st Century, and think, how can I twist this into something di erent?

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OPPOSITE: Pamina, Wilbur’s award-winning Magic Flute-inspired design ABOVE: Wilbur Mason is off to study fashion this September

When working on a project my driving force is the impact of the garment, what are people going to think when the model first comes down the runway, but also the character the wearer becomes. Ultimately,

for me, it’s about creating something that feels good to wear. Everyone knows the feeling when you get a new piece of clothing, try it on and it just uplifts you – I really like to capture and evoke that essence.

Sometimes ideas come straight to me, and you get that lightbulb moment. Other

times it’s really about laying all your references out on the floor in front of you, and really forcing the idea to snap into place. Either way, there is always that moment when the idea comes and it just feels electric.

The Royal Opera House sets a design challenge each year, for both secondary and higher education. I was elected the

finalist by a board of teachers from Exeter College, and then I was selected as the director’s choice winner by director Thomas Guthrie. We were given a classical opera, this year being Mozart’s The Magic Flute. I was focusing on placing the story in a di erent setting or timeline, and really playing on those classic tropes of the damsel in distress and highlighting social change. I also really explored the class systems of the time, looking at how anonymity was achieved in the 18th

Century. My use of obscuring the face is a nod to that.

I’m really proud and excited about my current project titled The Bideford Witches. The Bideford Witch Trial took place

in 1682 in which three women, Temperance Lloyd, Mary Trembles, and Susannah Edwards, were accused of witchcraft and subsequently executed. The trial was one of the last witch trials to take place in England and is considered a significant event in the history of witchcraft in the country. I have taken inspiration from mourning clothing, and creating a collection that will hopefully give these women a voice that they were robbed of.

When I’m older I would love to bring some form of creative opportunity back down to Devon, especially for younger people. I understand it’s hardly

the fashion capital of the world, but to be able to encourage and enthuse people that opportunities are out there and accessible feels really important to me. It’s also something that I wish I had more of growing up down here.

I’ve really enjoyed my time at Exeter College, and I think it has helped me grow as an artist as well as a person. I’ve

definitely been pushed in ways that I wouldn’t push myself, and supported in things that I want to try.

© @WILBURMASONSTUDIO

“There is that moment when the idea comes and it just feels electric”

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LEFT: Artist Corinna Wagner with Milo

oPPOSITE ABOVE: End of Welsh Mining,

by Corinna Wagner; OPPOSITE BELOW: Asylum, by Corinna Wagner

“Eureka moments happen in the bath” ruins. Also, visions of rewilding. And a few pieces by uni students, too. The Private iew on 16 June will have music and poetry, and there will be workshops.

I do a lot of different things. On the very

good days, there is a bu ing synergy between them and I produce exciting stu . On the bad days, I worry about being a jack of all trades and master of none!

Bodies and buildings are recurring themes in my work.

In their features, buildings embody story and history. In our body’s lines and scars there exists a whole history, too.

Eureka moments happen in the bath. On

walks, reading, or eavesdropping in pubs.

The subject matters which are of interest to me at the moment are oceans,

CORINNA WAGNER

The Canadian is a prolific artist, writer, photographer, and academic (she is professor of isual and Literary Arts at the niversity of Exeter). Her projects involve text and image, and cross many disciplines and genres.

Her next exhibition, TerraOceanus (on at Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honition from 17 June – 12 August) explores our relationship to rivers and seas, and to the edgelands around them. Corinna’s work can also be seen in Wicked Problems, a collaboration with artist Tara Nicholson, in Queen’s Building at the niversity. www.corinnawagner.com I live at the seaside in Babbacombe,

amongst coves, cli s and special places to swim and paddle with my dog, Milo.

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My inspirations growing up were William Blake for text and images, and painter Atkinson Grimshaw’s moonlit scenes. Then, Ed Ruscha’s gasoline station

photographs and Stephen Shore’s Road Trip Journal. Then, Sophie Calle. I could go on

My upbringing in Canada informs much of my work – Canada’s Rocky Mountains,

Pacific forests and endless prairies o er space and wild. They remind me how important it is not to lose habitats, species, space.

TerraOceanus is the exhibition I’m exhibiting at this summer.

There’ll be one of artist Marcus ergette’s big Time Tide bells, and artworks featuring the edges between water and land. Abandoned piers. Once-grand seaside hotels. Industrial

rivers, forests, ice, mountains, prairies, plants, animals (we treat other living things abominably), climate change, family history, other people’s histories, ruins and abandoned things, the road, and discovery.

Mastering the simplest of all techniques, the cyanotype, has brought me the most joy. See a huge one, Blueprint, at TerraOceanus

this summer.

I’ve got a makeshift darkroom in a garden shed. I need silence when I write, but when

I’m making, I work to ja and Americana (John Coltrane, Jason Isbell, Nathaniel Rateli the Night Sweats). I need a big studio!

A friend once said, ‘you always buy pictures with windows and doors in them’. They move me.

© CORINNA WAGNER © CORINNA WAGNER

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TAKE IT TO ART Fiona Yates’ art piece, part of the InPatience exhibition

YOUR GUIDE TO THE HOTTEST EXHIBITIONS HAPPENING THIS SUMMER

BY HARRIET NOBLE

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A

re you ready? Hitting the local creative scene are two brand-new art galleries, a flurry of interactive community-focussed activity for Art Week Exeter, and a whole host of exhibitions from Exeter’s brightest artists on the block.

Here is a taster of what’s to come.

ART WEEK EXETER

13 – 18 June It’s back! A packed week of art exhibitions, hands-on workshops and lively debate all across the city for the culturally-conscious. Hot tickets to get your hands on include Library Lates with Art Work Exeter – a night of creativity and dancing; an alternative Public Art Tour that takes in the sites and sights of the city; and contemporary art (and queer sea shanties!) at RAMM and Exeter Phoenix, plus an art car boot sale down on the Quay. www.artworkexeter.org.uk

ONE TO WATCH...

Local artist Beth Staples won the Sandra Finch micro commission for disabled artists and has been commissioned to create a piece specifically for Art Week Exeter.

“The piece that I am working on at the moment is an evolution in my art practice, and will be quite different,” says Beth.

“It is an activism piece, inspired by some recent public disgust over an underwear advert that featured a disabled woman in a wheelchair. I am disabled and an ambulatory wheelchair user myself, so this is a topic I feel incredibly strongly about, and have a lot to say. I plan for the art work to feature a nude woman in a wheelchair surrounded by sunflowers. The sunflowers are significant because they are a symbol for hidden disabilities, they proudly and beautifully stand out, and they are personal, because I decorate my own wheelchair with sunflowers.

“It will be in vibrant colours, as I wanted to use only the colour palette of the disability Pride flag but more vivid than they appear in the flag; both to emulate feelings of joy and celebration, and so as to be bright and bold enough that people with only small amounts of vision can appreciate it. I am making it in partnership with Exeter Scrapstore, so except for the paint, all of the materials used will be recycled. It has been funded by the Sandra Finch Prize, in honour of the life of Sandra, who I have been told many wonderful stories about. It seems she touched the lives of many people in the community.”

Instagram: @beth.staples.paints

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LEFT: Artist Beth Staples;

ABOVE: Ellie Niblock’s piece is part of the Bare Life Project

“I plan for the art work to feature a nude woman in a wheelchair surrounded by sunflowers”

DREAMS COLOUR AND VISTAS

On now until 6 June Landscape is front and centre in this exhibition. Expect paintings by Diannah Lowry (interviewed on page 10) and Rachel Garner, plus pieces from pottery artist Laurel eeley, sculpture artist Sara Evans and woodturner Paul Fletcher.

South Gate Gallery, 64 South Street, Exeter; www.southgategallery.co.uk

TODAY’S DREAM

On now until 24 June Hybrid Gallery exhibits figurative paintings and sculptures by living artists, some of which have a narrative thread and there’s often a degree of quirk. This June sees Irene Jones’ exhibition: through her paintings we see Irene travel in time, invent lives, paths and purposes and incorporate her own, melding her story with that of her fictional females. onky, brilliant.

Hybrid Gallery, 51 High Street, Honiton; www.hybrid-devon.co.uk

HARRIET BOWMAN: MAYBE THEY HAD AN URGENT CALL On now until 25 June An exhibition of new work in sculpture, photography and text by Bristol-based artist Harriet Bowman which speculates on the motives of two men, encountered by the artist while visiting a classic car show, who abruptly left their café table when the artist began breastfeeding her child.

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

ARTS ELLA SLADE: CLOSE TO HOME

On now until the end of August “This will be a sensory exploitation of my secret spots to escape to representing the seasonal transition from spring to summer, and ending with some dramatic sunsets over the River Exe,” says Exmouth-based artist Ella Slade.

“I want to shine the light on our beautiful everchanging scenery here in Exmouth from smaller to large scale canvases. My places of peace, where I get a co ee and stroll in the mornings to the tactile, rugged riverbed where I get outside to paddle board in the evenings when the sun sets.”

Ella will also be hosting ‘maker of the month’ throughout the summer months introducing new Devonshire makers to everyone visiting Ella’s.

Ella’s Studio, Unit 8&9 Sideshore, Queens Drive Space, Exmouth; www.ellasdevon.com

GATEKEEPERS TO HEAVEN: RELIGION, KNOWLEDGE AND POWER IN MEDIEVAL EXETER

3 June – 3 September This landmark exhibition brings back six exceptional medieval manuscripts to Exeter for the first time in over 400 years. The manuscripts are on loan from the worldLEFT: Alessandro Twombly’s The Return will be exhibiting at the new Velarde Gallery BELOW: Ella Slade will be exhibiting new work at her studio in Exmouth

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famous Bodleian Library in Oxford where they form part of the founding collection of 1602. Originally, the manuscripts were part of Exeter Cathedral’s impressive medieval library. Each one sheds light on the medieval world and Exeter’s place in it. They show the power of words, pictures and books, and how the concerns of the Middle Ages reflect those of our own times.

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

Ophelia after Millais, by Julia Fullerton Batten can be see at Velarde Gallery

PASSING THROUGH THE LANDSCAPE

7 June – 2 July The exhibition explores the imagery of woodland, seas, and waterways of Exeter through a variety of processes: oil painting and watercolour, with the added balance of recordings of changing light.

Vandlys Galleri, Piazza Terracina, Exeter; www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

IMOGEN PATEL: SENSE OF BELONGING

13 June – 25 June (part of Art Week Exeter) Imogen Patel’s work draws on themes related to race and identity, by exploring her placement as a British-Asian woman in a post-colonial Britain. Using mixed-media collages, she explores the layers of her heritage by combining elements of Sari, Indian motifs, and scenery from both her hometown and India.

Maketank, 3-4 Paris Street, Exeter; www.maketank.org.uk

BARE LIFE PROJECT

16 – 25 June Bare Life is a multi-site contemporary art project, taking place in art venues, empty shop spaces and public contexts around Exeter city centre, from students on

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“Each manuscript sheds light on the medieval world and Exeter’s part in it”

the MA Curation course at University of Exeter. The ambition is to reflect upon the harsh cultural climate we find ourselves in, post-pandemic, in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, with war in Ukraine and widespread industrial action. With a sub-title of ‘art despite everything’, each of the five curatorial projects in this exhibition engage with a di erent aspect of this contemporary moment in a spirit of optimism, aiming to provide a positive platform for the community. www.barelife.art

TERRAOCEANUS

17 June – 12 August The exhibition by Corinna Wagner (featured on page 10) includes artworks of the built and natural environment, ruined and rewilded. These landscapes speak about ‘solastalgia’: a sadness and anxiety about environmental damage to homes, land, rivers and seas. But they also speak about possibility: there are rewilded and resurrected landscapes here. Even in the most ravaged places, biodiversity recovery is possible when humans stand back, when ruins are allowed rebirth. e u er er e ouse owe ree on on www.thelmahulbert.com

NATURE EFFECTS

30 June A collection of works created by local disabled artists themed around nature and its benefits in terms of wellbeing and health, including the works of artist Mark are. Influenced by experience of disability, much of Mark’s art has focused on how disability can a ect perception of self.

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

© RICHARD DOWNER

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GANDY ST GALLERY Gandy St Gallery is the new pop-up art space on Gandy Street. We caught up with owner Deborah Clark (also owner of Southernhay House Hotel) to find out all about it…

N E W!

Hi Deborah! How did this art space come about?

I happen to own the building, our tenants left and we took the opportunity to restructure and improve the space. It’s a really cool (and huge) blank canvas, well-lit and in one of Exeter’s funkier streets. I happen also to know some good artists, all of whom want people to view – and buy – their work. It was a good fit.

What is your vision for this space?

Because the space is privately owned and funded, the choice of work is free range: the artists’ works are naturally different but the quality is consistently high.

I hope that visitors will see the common thread of thought, technique, perception, through the works – and enjoy meeting the artists themselves, all of whom are in the gallery on rotation.

© RICHARD DOWNER

What kind of art can we expect to see when we visit?

It’s a visual feast, from massive conceptual charcoal forests by Richard Rochester, Mike Joy’s impressionist landscapes and nudes, Sarah Taylor’s body of work focussing on “the creative mother”, Naomi Hart’s studies and almost abstractions of the seascape of North Devon – with the clean, vivid, statement ceramics of Chris Godfrey as the end digestif.

INPATIENCE

6-12 July This exhibition charts the creative journey of students and graduates from the BA Fine Art degree at University Centre Somerset. While celebratory, there is a nuanced legacy of Covid lurking within. “This rather idyllic recollection is, of course, balanced with the trauma that it caused,” says course leader Mark Fearbunce.

“It is this, and other polarisations that have emerged since, which shapes InPatience.”

Positive Light Projects, 184-187 Sidwell Street, Exeter; www.positivelightprojects.com

© RICHARD DOWNER

© RICHARD DOWNER

Eclectic! Can we buy the art here?

Yes. The gallery takes no commission, so all sales go to the artist. You can deal directly with the artist or through the gallery. Prices range from £150-£4,000.

ABOVE CLOCKWISE: Deborah Clark,

owner of the new pop-up art space Gandy St Gallery; The Iron Bridge, by Richard Rochester; Gwithian Bay, Cornwall by Michael Joy; the gallery space in Gandy Street

Lastly, what’s your USP here?

It’s a selling gallery, showing work that people can take home and put on their walls, that gives the artists a space to make direct contact with the public. To hear an artist talk to you one to one about a work you are drawn to, maybe craving for your own home – that’s something very rare in any arts context. It’s a pathfinder mission, really, to establish the appetite of Exeter for serious art, for sale, in a cool space.

When I meet an artist whose work I like I will go a long way to support them. That’s the unifying factor in the five artists showing at the gallery at present. That, and the fact they are all local, living and working in Exeter.

Gandy Street, Exeter; www.numbernineexe.com/ Instagram: @gandystgallery. Opening hours: Saturdays 11-2pm or by appointment

LAUNCH SHOW AT VELARDE GALLERY

21 July – 9 September Slightly further afield is elarde Gallery, a new 1, 00 square foot space for contemporary art in rural Devon that opens this July. elarde aims to bring the very best in British and international art to Kingsbridge, giving collectors the opportunity to connect with emerging new talent, as well as established artists and makers. The launch show includes a solo exhibition by Italian painter Alessandro Twombly and A Passionate Nature, a mixed exhibition by leading and emerging British artists.

Velarde, 86 Fore Street, Kingsbridge www.velarde.co.uk.

N E W!

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

BOOKS CHARLIE RICHARDS

W Take your pick The power of dancing, poems of courage and resistance, and a couple of favourites from this year’s Jhalak shortlist 24 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

e’ve had some stellar events in the bookshop recently; thank you to the authors who visited and those who came along. Keep an eye on our website for upcoming bookshop events, and please keep supporting.

Buy a book now and again, send us your orders for collection or delivery, or sign up for a book subscription. From 17 – 24 June it’s Independent Bookshop Week, and we’ll have poetry with Jenny Mitchell, a book and film group with Exeter Picturehouse, and more. On to the books!

Writer, broadcaster, and DJ Emma arren has been writing about and documenting grassroots music culture throughout her career. In her new book Dance Your Way Home, she explores music and dance, and the power that dance has as a means of empowerment, escape, and freedom. Dancing makes you feel good – it releases endorphins, relieves stress, and has therapeutic benefits. Emma draws from her own experiences and talks to those who have facilitated and created spaces in which to dance, from youth clubs and school discos to reggae sound systems, and underground dance floors. It’s wild how often dancing has been banned or restricted.

The book is full of conversations with DJs and dancers, and how dance moves (The Electric Slide, for example) began and why they spread.

Whether you’re a radio-on-in-the-kitchen kind of dancer (you know you are), make moves in the club, or have always wanted to improve your twostep, this is a warmly written book full of stories and musings on moving your body.

Salena Godden is an award-winning author and poet. Her power as a performance poet has been known to unite women’s marches and rallies. Godden’s book Pessimism is for Lightweights is a collection of 30 poems of courage and resistance, and we loved hearing

Godden read these. Godden’s novel Misses Death, Mrs Death won the Indie Book Award for Fiction and the People’s Book Prize, and was shortlisted for the British Book Awards and the Gordon Burn Prize. Our bookseller Ocean says she will never stop recommending it. Godden’s writing has been a source of inspiration and empowerment for writers and activists alike, and we recommend reading, listening and catching her whenever you can.

It’s awards season, from the Women’s Prize to the International Booker Prize. It’s good to jump in with the recommendations. We like the Jhalak shortlist [books

by British/British resident BAME writers and here are a few from the shortlist that Ocean recommends.

In reflective memoir None of the Above, Alabanza explores their experience as a Black, non-binary person from a working-class background. They implore the reader to think critically about the society we live in and our current binary view on gender.

The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho is the fictional memoir of the composer and writer who was also the first Black man to vote in a British general election. From a slaveship to braving the hostile streets of London, this novel takes us into the mind of one of fiction’s earliest heroes through insightful prose.

Ayanna Lloyd Banwo’s debut novel When We Were Birds is a story that oozes with love for Trinidad and Tobago. This is a love story on all levels: familial, romantic, and being in love with your environment, but it also explores mythology, folklore, and magic. It is the perfect book to sweep you up and transport you across the world.

“This is a warmly written book full of stories and musings on moving your body”

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

London duo Lilo are playing at Exeter Phoenix

© K ATIE SILVESTER

WHAT’S ON onw r s

THEATRE 2 – 3 June

LITTLE SHIPS Set in 1940, Little Ships is a musical about a West Country family at the start of World War II. The father, who was brought up in England, is of mixed Irish and French parentage and joins the French army. This original piece of musical theatre is suitable for all the family. Moving. rn e e re e er www e e ernor o o u

6 – 10 June

THE VICAR OF DIBLEY Based on the much-loved BBC sitcom, this stage adaptation brings a selection of the best episodes of this multi-awardwinning show to the stage. All the favourites are here: Alice and Hugo, the sweet, star-crossed lovers; the colonically challenged farmer Owen; and Mr Horton, the pompous chairman forever trying to make sense of his bizarre parish council. e er or o e re e er www e e ernor o o u

12 – 17 June

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) Direct from its triumph in the West End where it won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Comedy, this is a unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story.

Expect a string of pop classics including oun e r s un ree, Will ou o e e o orrow and ou re o n. It’s party time. Let the ruthless matchmaking begin. e er or o e re e er www e e ernor o o u

20 – 24 June

ABIGAIL’S PARTY Expect a darkly comic examination of suburban 1970s British life in Mike Leigh’s celebrated play which, when broadcast on Play or o in 1977 with Alison Steadman in the iconic role of Beverly, saw a record sixteen million people watch it. Now cemented as a modern classic, this is a squirm-in-your-seat pressurecooker kind of play. e er or o e re e er www e e ernor o o u

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

MUSIC 1 June

LILO The London-based duo are set to break new ground in the UK indiefolk landscape with their glossy harmonies and finely-spun acoustic arrangements. Laura Marling meets First Aid kit. e er oen e er www e e er oen or u

8 June

LONDON CONCERTANTE: VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS & THE LARK ASCENDING This concert features Vivaldi’s our e sons, a jewel of the composer’s extraordinary ability to illustrate moods as diverse and contrary as violent winds or birdsong, fox hunts and drunken stumbles!

Vaughan-Williams’ transcendental beauty e r s en n will also be performed. e er e r e er www e e er e r or u

15 June

CREEP SHOW This ensemble brings together

John Grant with the dark analogue electro of Wrangler to create Mr Dynamite – a debut album packed with experimental pop and surreal funk. e er oen e er www e e er oen or u

16 June

LIBRARY LATES WITH ART WORK EXETER Exeter Library and Art WorkExeter join forces to create a specially programmed Library Lates which will be taking place during Art Week 2023. Expect a night of music from Haytor, Sounds Like Lily, plus a silent disco, and workshops on everything from poetry to origami.

Not to be missed. e er r r s e ree e er www e en r e o u

2 July

BASTILLE With support artists Olivia Dean, Eli Smart and Bim, Bastille will be belting out the hits, as they celebrate 10 years of their landmark album oo ow er s e e er www ow er ou

WHAT’S ON

ABOVE : Love Cuts Poetry collage workshop workshops; LEFT: Sounds Like Lily – both performing at Library Lates

OTHER 3 June

RED BULL ELEVATE Exeter Chiefs home stadium, Sandy Park, will host a 7-a-side touch rugby tournament fronted by Exeter Chiefs and England rugby stars Jack Nowell and Henry Slade.

This unique touch rugby concept rewards attacking play, makes the game faster and improves the fan experience, thanks to various tweaks to the traditional rugby rules. For example, if a non-rugby player scores a try, points are worth double. Fun! Sandy Park, Exeter; www.redbull.com

5 June

FILM

FAMILY

MULHOLLAND DRIVE A would-be starlet borrows a Hollywood apartment, only to find it already occupied by a stranger.

Master auteur Lynch won Best Director at Cannes with this dark and wilfully complex noir, starring Naomi Watts and Laura Harring.

Exeter PictureHouse, Exeter; www.powderham.co.uk

THE BOOKERY PRESENTS: MICHAEL MORPURGO, MY HEART WAS A TREE The Crediton-based bookshop will be hosting an event which will see Michael talking about his new book, My Heart was a Tree.

Inspired by the poem of the same name by Ted Hughes, and the glorious woodlands around his own home, Michael’s book is a stunning collection of stories and poetry about trees throughout time, an ode to Earth’s amazing forests with their extraordinary life force.

Crediton Congregational Church, 98 High Street, Crediton; www.thebookery.org.uk

31 May

2 – 8 June

ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET. Controversial on its 1970 publication for its candid study of then-taboo subjects including periods and teen sexuality, Judy Blume’s classic young adult novel is a timeless coming-of-age story that explores teenage girlhood with insight, humour, and empathy.

Exeter Phoenix Exeter; www.powderham.co.uk

17 June

27 – 28 June

THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE Join an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father as they reimagine the story of a tiny snail’s incredible trip around the world,

inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Sche er’s much-loved picture book.

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

1 – 2 July

BIG BIRTHDAY ZOONANZA AT PAIGNTON ZOO Paignton Zoo are celebrating their centenary with a jampacked weekend of fun. The zoo team have put together their favourite stories and photos from the past 100 years in a special exhibition. The o cial opening of the Centenary Hub at the Ranch will be on 1 July (at 11am); there will also live music, and loads of interactive activities for the kids. Plus, they will be serving their centenary collaboration ale with Bays Brewery – Wild 100!

Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton; www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

EVEREST: THE UNTOLD STORYSTAGE TALK TOUR Britain’s most successful, recordholding, authoritative Everest mountain guide Kenton Cool will take audiences on a journey through the history of the highs and lows of summit attempts on one of the world’s most magnificent mountains.

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

8 July

THE HOSPISCARE SUMMER WALK Hospiscare, the local hospice charity for the heart of Devon, invites participants to enjoy a seven-mile circular route along the Exe Estuary, starting and ending at Darts Farm near Topsham.

A celebration of all things summer, the brand-new event o ers beautiful views, entertainment and a well-earned strawberries and cream picnic and summery glass of Pimms along the way. www.hospiscare.co.uk

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LEMON & PALMAROSA CANDLE, £16.95 Hand-poured in Dartmoor, this candle will set the tone for a romantic picnic, plus the citrusy scent will help keep the mozzies away!

The Dartmoor Soap Company; www.thedartmoorsoapco.co.uk

WATER RESISTANT OUTDOOR CUSHIONS, £18.99 This pretty cushion is just the ticket for when you need to rest your head or derrière.

Otter Garden Centre, Gosford Road, Ottery Saint Mary; www.ottergardencentres.com

WHAT A SPREAD!

BAMBOO CUTLERY SET OF THREE, £5.95 Made from sustainable bamboo, the cutlery set includes a fork, serrated knife and spoon in a minimalist plain style and comes with a cloth drawstring bag.

Hyde and Seek, 1 Paul Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

There are few things more glorious than whiling away a sunny afternoon on a blanket, laden with food and drink, in great company. Here are some goodies from the local indies to help you on your way…

SCOTCH EGGS, £3.50 EACH These scrumptious homemade scotch eggs come in the following flavours: pork and leek, pork and apple, pork and chorizo and pork and herb, and a veggie nut roast one. en s r o 57 Magdalen Road, Exeter; www.bensfarmshop.co.uk

SANDFORD ORCHARDS DEVON ROSE CIDER, £33.50 FOR 12 BOTTLES New this summer, this medium sweet blush cider is made from English apples and the skins of Pinot Noir red wine grapes, which give it a delicate pink hue and a fruity kick!

Sandford Orchards; www.sandfordorchards.co.uk

PICNIC WINE GLASS, £4.25 This lightweight, shatterproof option o ers the functionality of a traditional wine glass without the worry of breakage. Cheers!

Distinctly Living, 35 Lower Street, Dartmouth; www.distinctlyliving.co.uk

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

© DARTS FARM

ED’S CHOICE ED

CREAM TEA HAMPER, £29 Treat yourself and a buddy to a proper Devonshire Cream Tea. Tuck into a Ryder s scone topped with a dollop of clotted cream and strawberry jam, lemonade and a freshly brewed cup of tea. Perfection.

Darts Farm,Topsham, Clyst St George, Exeter; www.dartsfarm.co.uk

RETRO THERMOS FLASK, £40 Teatime picnic down by the Quay? Enjoy your ca eine fix with this retro number.

Cider Press Centre, Dartington, near Totnes: www.dartington.org

WIDE STRIPES NAPKINS, SET OF TWO FOR £36 These napkins are handmade from linen and finished with ecofriendly pigment dyes. There are four fabulous designs so you can mix and match for maximum clashing cottagecore vibes.

Bøde Living, Alexandria Trading Estate, Alexandria Road, Sidmouth; www.bode-living.com

BOHO YELLOW WOVEN OUTDOOR RUG, £19.95 Bring boho vibes to your picnic with this woven rug. Its lightweight and waterproof design makes it ideal to pack away and take with you on your day trips.

Hyde and Seek, 1 Paul Street, Exeter; www.hydeseek.co.uk

MELAMINE CUPS, £5.50 Practical, durable and oh-so pretty, we love these summery cups.

Boka, 3 High Street, Crediton; www.bokaonline.co.uk

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

FOOD & DRINK NIBBLES FROM EXETER’S FOOD SCENE NEW OPENING

FIVE MINUTES WITH...

RUSS COURTNEY

A new sandwich and co ee shop is set to open in Exeter. Between Bread is located on 50-51 North Street and is brought to us by Russ Courtney and Edd Melloy, both of whom previously worked at Chandos Deli, Russ as manager and Edd as the chef. e grabbed a quick chat with Russ.

© EDD MELLOY

Russ, what can we expect?

The food o ering is largely lunch focused, but the co ee, cake and vibe is inviting all day long. e’ll be serving banging breakfast buns, stacked sourdough sandwiches and filled focaccias alongside locally roasted co ee and sweet treats that we’ll be baking in house. It’ll be locally sourced food served with imagination.

All rise: Russ Courtney and Edd Melloy

Tempt us with something from the menu.

Chunky sandwiches

Halloumi focaccia with muhamarra, naked red cabbage slaw, mint, rocket and verde aioli. Daim, double chocolate and ha elnut brownies.

Delicious bakes

Sounds yum. What do you reckon your USP is?

© EDD MELLOY

© EDD MELLOY

Being di erent is very much in mind when we sit down and come up with recipes. e play with the classics too, but the intention has always been to give people something that they can’t find anywhere else.

When do your doors open?

From 5 June we’ll be opening Monday – Saturday, 8am – pm, with the intention to open seven days a week in the not too distant future.

For more: Instagram @betweenbreadexeter

RAVE REVIEWS

Congratulations team @thirty-four!

Exeter College’s fine dining thirty-four restaurant has achieved the highest accolade for a college restaurant having recently been awarded a Highly Commended AA College Rosette.

The AA College Rosette Scheme recognises college restaurants for the quality of the food they produce and the level of service they deliver, and has been designed to reflect current industry trends in the realistic working environment that college restaurants provide.

The sta and students behind the restaurant were subject to a full restaurant inspection, held to the same standards as other local restaurants

and hotels. They were tested on their menu and wine list knowledge as well as the quality of the food and service.

Speaking about the inspection, Level 3 Supervisory Hospitality student ictoria Ames says, At Level 1 I was very shy, now I am Level 3, and I can’t stop talking. College has really bought out the good side in me. That’s something I think people would benefit from when they do this sort of course.

It’s not just about cooking or serving people, it’s about building your own skills and it is wonderful.

It’s the best experience I’ve had in my life so far; I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m very happy here.”

For more: www.exe-coll.ac.uk

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

The only Spanish Tapas Restaurant in Exeter with a cocktail bar and views overlooking the Cathedral.

Flamenca, Princesshay, Exeter, EX1 1GJ hola@flamenca.co.uk | 01392 420070 www.flamenca.co.uk. Follow us flamencaspanishtapas Proud Finalist: Restaurant Category

FOOD & DRINK

Beachwood Bakery in Chagford

© TAR A SMITH

© HARRIET NOBLE

© TAR A SMITH

Swedish treats from Fika

The Sidwell Street Bakehouse

RISE TO THE TOP

I

Columnist, ballet-dancing foodie, and blogger TARA SMITH goes in search of heavenly baked goods…

f you are anything like me then bread and baked goods grace your kitchen table at least three times a day. A couple of doorstop slices of good bread, toasted, or a croissant at breakfast, a salad or bowl of soup with a hunk of sourdough at lunch and supper – always served with something to mop up the juices.

We are fortunate in Exeter and the surrounding area to have some cracking small bakeries creating exceptional loaves, cakes, pastries and savouries for our daily consumption. This column isn’t big enough to mention them all, but here are three that I have visited recently.

I couldn’t write this article without mentioning the good folk at The Sidwell Street Bakehouse, the community enterprise at St Sidwell’s Community Centre on Sidwell Street. It started as a few volunteer-led baking classes in a small kitchen, then moved over to the empty Halfords property after successful crowdfunding to get the new bakery project o the ground, and I am proud to say I was one of the many who donated.

Alongside the bricks and mortar shop they run a bustling stall at Exeter Farmers’ Market,

which was a godsend for me during the first Covid lockdown. I used to look forward to my weekly visit to pick up a loaf and treat.

I think it was the sense of community and camaraderie that the little market stall created at that time that made others like myself donate and get the new bakery up and running. They class themselves as a sourdough bakery but also make cakes and pastries using local suppliers like Shillingford Organics for veggies. The bakery may have grown and developed over the years but the purpose of the business was always to provide people with quality volunteer opportunities and give the good folk of Exeter nutritional bread.

Next up on my go-to bakery list is Fika. This one-woman home micro-bakery creates classic Swedish bakes as well as sourdough bread.

You can find owner Annika Sylvana Naish at Exeter’s Farmers’ Market and Topsham Saturday Market. Annika has built up a cult following providing us with a little snippet of what traditional Swedish fika is all about.

It would seem that we can’t get enough as she bakes about 200-300 di erent Swedish buns each week, 120-150 cakes and biscuits, and 30 sourdough loaves on top of that. If you can’t get to her she o ers free local delivery

within a certain radius.

A little outside Exeter – and voted one of Financial Times’ 50 best food shops on the planet – is Beachwood Bakery in Chagford.

This bakery o ers its customers delicious bread and treats to eat in or takeaway. Owner Julia Cotts says, “ I bake things that I want to eat that have integrity from the very first step to the last. For me, that means sourcing ingredients that are produced with care, creating recipes that put flavour first allowing those beautiful ingredients to shine”.

They have a regular o ering of bread, cinnamon buns, cakes, tarts and cookies.

They make sandwiches and wraps using their homemade bread as well as o ering seasonal soups and oozing cheese toasties. In the summer they even make their own ice cream!

For more: tarasbusykitchen BAKERY TOP SPOTS • The Sidwell Street Bakehouse, Sidwell Street, Exeter; www.stsidwells.org.uk/ bakehouse • Fika; Instagram: @fikaexeter • Beachwood Bakery, 42 The Square, Chagford; www.beachwoodbakery.com

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

© MAT T AUSTIN

Good things come to those who wait. And boy, have we waited. Be gone pesky rain, bring on the sunshine.

Here’s what’s going on at rooftop bars and al fresco restaurants in and around Exeter this summer

By Harriet Noble

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

High end culinary experiences at High Grange

W

hen the sun’s out, get out. That’s our motto, anyway. Warm temperatures in Exeter can be fleeting so you need to make the most of it. sing our guide to the city’s top al fresco spots, make a plan for where to hang out this summer, from riverside terraces to rooftop cocktail bars. Here’s to long la y lunches, colour-popping cocktails, and sun-kissed skin.

HIGH GRANGE

to full day barbecue classes and lots of collaborations with local restaurants. Coming up next is a Soulshine Takeover Fire Supper on 1 June. Check out their health and wellbeing events too!

High Grange, Burrow Knapp, Dalwood, near Axmnister; www.highgrangedevon.com

TERRACE BAR, DARTS FARM

Overlooking the beautiful Exe Estuary, this alfresco spot o ers brunch, lunch and plenty of tempting drinks. On Friday and Saturday evenings it stays open until late and as the sun sets, the terrace is illuminated by festoon lights and the gentle warmth of heaters. Sit back and enjoy a cocktail, local cider or a Pebblebed sparkling wine.

We’re having: Smoky and warm wood-fired pi a.

Coming up: Throughout the summer, they’re hosting evenings of live music out on the terrace. The next ones are on 16 June and 8 July.

Darts Farm, Topsham; www.dartsfarm.co.uk

RENDEZVOUS WINE BAR AND RESTAURANT

The wine bar’s tiny entrance and cosy underground restaurant belies a big hidden south-facing garden that enjoys the sun right through the afternoon until 7pm. It’s a magical oasis of calm in the middle of the city and an ideal space to meet up with a buddy or two for a large glass of rosé and some nibbles after work.

We’re having: Salt cod croquette with warm fennel and tomato salad, fresh herbs, and wild garlic emulsion.

Coming up: Jemma and the team will be hosting a couple of wine tastings in the garden during the summer months, as well as o ering self-led English wine tastings during English ine eek in mid-June.

Rendezvous Wine Bar and Restaurant, 38-40 Southernhay East, Exeter; www.rendezvouswinebar.co.uk

ROCKFISH

The sustainable seafood restaurant’s terrace on the quayside is a firm favourite with Exeter’s fish fans. Their summer menu includes mussels,

© AL ASDAIR HOOPER

The oh-so-pretty rural retreat near Axminster o ers high-end outdoor dining experiences and cooking courses, with stunning views across to the sea at Seaton, and towards the rolling Black Down Hills.

The entire business is built around the outdoor kitchen, replete with 1 or 15 di erent barbecues and a vast oak table, situated adjacent to the kitchen.

It’s all about the experience here at High Grange. e’ve tried to enhance the magical woodland atmosphere by uplighting lots of our beautiful trees and draping fairy lights at every opportunity,” says owner (and also chef) Luke andore-Mackay.

You will hear our chickens clucking contentedly from your dining spot and Ghillie the Labrador will (respectfully) chance his arm for a few scraps from the table. e are a rural, relaxed venue but with absolute control freakery when it comes to sourcing and growing the most incredible ingredients. e cook everything over fire – whether it’s our five-course tasting menu or one of our fire suppers – with burgers, wings, kebabs or whatever takes our fancy.”

We’re having: The menu is never the same, but you can expect plenty of hearty nosh from the onsite veg patch, or whatever has just come o the fishing boat. Recent feasts have included seared Lyme Bay mackerel, Haye Farm organic lamb, whole Dover sole with seaweed butter and wild garlic.

Coming up: There’s a packed schedule of events from feast nights

AL FRESCO

Head to Rendezvous, bang in the heart of the city

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

gurnard, monkfish, scampi and plaice, as well as Rockfish classics such as firecracker prawn cocktail, roasted half shell scallops and three di erent options of traditional fish and chips (all served with unlimited chips!). eggies can dig into Rockfish’s vegetable tempura with ietnamese dipping sauce.

We’re having: Crispy Rockfish tacos, please. o s err n en o e er www ero s o u

ON THE WATERFRONT

Sitting on Exeter’s historic quayside, On The aterfront remains a thriving outdoor hub for Exeter drinkers and diners.

We’re having: The prawn and rice noodle salad, with a side of salt ’n’ pepper chips on the side, all washed down with a Cuban spiced mojito.

Coming up: Every Tuesday and Thursday the team host live acoustic music sessions; expect a chilled summer vibe and the cocktails to flow. n e er ron ou ern re ouse e u www w er ron e e er o u

SANDRIDGE BARTON

Set in a picturesque valley next to a stream that feeds the River Dart, the two-tiered terrace at Sandridge Barton, near Stoke Gabriel, sits between two old Devon barns that now house the bar and restaurant.

The seating area is surrounded by elderflower trees and a small slope of vines, and the gang here run self-guided wine tastings daily.

On a quiet day, it is calm and peaceful, with the sound of the stream, but on busier days the atmosphere is livelier with people enjoying our wine and bar snacks, and outdoor dining at the restaurant, Circa,” says Tom edgery, manager of Sandridge Barton.

ABOVE: Summer drinks at Darts Farm ; BELOW: Rural outdoor dining at Sandridge Barton

© STEVEN HAY WOOD

s ue n e eu w on e soun o e s re ”

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

© RICHARD DOWNER, SOUTHERNHAY HOUSE

AL FRESCO INSET: Beautiful Veranda at Southernhay House;

© MAT T AUSTIN

BELOW: The Folly at THE PIG-at Combe

We’re having: The Devon crab crumpet and crab bisque (their bestseller), washed down with their fruity and floral Pinot Noir Rosé 2022.

Coming up: From 3pm – 7pm every Saturday from 15 July – 26 August they’ll have a resident DJ for the chilled sunset sessions.

Sandridge Barton, Waddeton Road, Stoke Gabriel, Devon; www.sandridgebarton.com

SOUTHERNHAY HOUSE HOTEL

The elegant Southernhay House Hotel has a pretty leafy green space, framed by generous terraces and the original veranda (the property was built in 1805) for shelter from showers. In 2020, the hotel added a contemporary, light and airy glass extension: the green room.

“Hugging the garden and providing an undercover-but-outdoors area this is a wow space that never fails to make our guests feel chic but relaxed,” says owner Deborah Clark.

“Al fresco at Southernhay House means a glamourous breakfast meeting, a sunshine lunch, an SH Garden Martini (Hendricks, elderflower, lime and mint) or a sultry evening date in high summer!” adds Deborah.

We’re having: Lemon vodka sorbets, and rhubarb fool and frangipani tartlets.

Southernhay House Hotel, 36 Southernhay East, Exeter; www.southernhayhouse.com

THE BOTANIST

If you’re after a lively late-night spot in the city, the rooftop terrace at The Botanist is a good shout. Expect spacious seating and firepits, and a DJ spinning the tunes every Friday and Saturday night this summer.

Coming up: Bank holiday weekend in August sees the Tiny Rebel Takeover, when the Craft Beer company will take over the Roof Top Terrace; expect an exciting beer menu and plenty of music.

The Botanist, Guildhall Shopping Centre, Unit 32 Queen Street Dining, Exeter; www.thebotanist.uk.com

THE FOLLY, THE PIG-AT COMBE

Fancy escaping the city for the night? The Folly is the dining area tucked away deep in the gardens at THE PIG-at Combe. The

atmospheric conservatory part has stripped back walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and is quite the romantic spot. On warm sunny evenings you can eat out on the terrace and enjoy the gorgeous views over rolling Devonshire countryside. Your shoulders will drop at least four inches.

Coming up: Chilled acoustic music nights out on the terrace on selected Fridays over the summer (the next ones are on 23 June and 21 July). There’s also a ticketed summer party on 17 September with local producers, demonstrations, live music, and a barbecue.

THE PIG-at Combe, Gittisham, Honiton; www.thepighotel.com

THE TERRACE

Bathed in sunshine and seating just over one hundred people, the rooftop terrace wraps around two sides of the glass encased restaurant and cocktail bar, with greenery and festoon lighting. A fab all-day long sun trap.

Coming up: Check out their Instagram page for info on their live music nights and sunset DJ sessions this summer.

The Terrace, 19 Queen Street, Exeter; www.theterraceexeter.com

MARGOUX

Princesshay’s Margoux is a top-notch place for inventive food and fun cocktails. Their outdoor spaces include the front bit on the ground floor, and if you fancy something a little more private, the sun trap up on the rooftop bar.

Coming up: Every Saturday, you can enjoy their Tipsy Tea events where you can indulge in bottomless prosecco and aperol spritz; plus BBQ Sundays with live music.

Margoux, 20 Bedford Street, Exeter; www.margoux.co.uk

MICKEY’S BEACH BAR AND RESTAURANT

Head to Exmouth for this beachside spot where you can enjoy corker sunsets over the Exe and Lyme Bay from the rooftop terrace. Cocktails will be flowing, and you can literally ‘eat the view’ with bowls of Teignmouth mussels, Lyme Bay lobster, Lyme Bay scallops with seaweed butter and the catch of the day.

Coming up: Every Sunday – Friday there is a two-for-one on cocktails.

Mickey’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, Sideshore, Exmouth; www.theterraceexeter.com

BECKETTS

Not made it up to the recently opened Becketts yet? The upstairs bit of Hotel Indigo has some of the best views over the city and is your best bet for a refined evening of cocktails and vino as night falls in our city.

The bar has a liquor locker whereby you can purchase a bottle, and keep it safe and sound, all locked up, so you can come and go, enjoying it at your leisure. You wouldn’t want to waste it. n Becketts, 3 Catherine Street, Exeter; www.beckettsrooftop.co.uk

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SPONSORED CONTENT

A TASTE OF LUXURY THE IVY EXETER offers relaxed, sophisticated all-day dining to tourists, shoppers and locals alike.

F

rom modern British classics to Asian-inspired cuisine and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes, The Ivy Exeter has something for everyone. Its prime spot in the city centre – the restaurant sits within easy reach of the Guildhall Shopping Centre, Exeter Phoenix and the Corn Exchange, make it the ideal venue for pre-show dining or postshopping drinks.

Inside, high ceilings and large windows give a wonderful feeling of space, while the dashes of Art-Deco detail, beautiful, floral-inspired wallpaper and banquettes bring a soothing sense of informal luxury. As well as the main dining room, there is Parisian-style outdoor seating and a private dining room for special celebrations and big-occasion dining. So, whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, or an intimate dinner for two, everything you need is right here – a warm welcome, delicious food, incredible 40 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

cocktails and friendly, knowledgeable service.

Indulge in a luxurious lunchtime experience with the All Day Dreamers set menu, brimming with dishes that dreams are made of. Diners can choose two courses for £17.95 or three courses for £22.95, plus a Champagne Dream Cocktail (£9.95), featuring a tantalising blend of Scapegrace black gin poured over cotton candy and topped with Ivy Champagne (available Monday to Friday from 11.30am to 6.30pm).

For those looking for a family treat, the Little Dreamers menu is perfect for younger guests to enjoy, with all main dishes priced at £9.95. Children can choose from linguine pasta with tomato sauce, grilled chicken escalope with sprouting broccoli, a delicious hamburger and chips, and much more. For dessert, children can create their Dream Sundae (£6.95), with vanilla ice cream, and a range of toppings to choose from including strawberries, marshmallows, honeycomb, and chocolate flakes. n

The Ivy Exeter, High Street, Exeter, EX4 3DT. www.ivycollection.com/restaurants/the-ivy-exeter

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

Nicole Bates and Emily Delve

Harriet Noble and Nikki Fairclough Jo Holdom, Sharon Foxwell, Alice Evans, and Helen Scholes

Hannah Overton and Lottie Stanley

EXETER IMPACT AWARDS

Rachael Miles and Sarah Abrahams

Over 200 attendees came together at The Forge at Winslade Manor recently, to celebrate business success at Exeter Chamber’s first ever standalone business awards, The Exeter Impact Awards.

Guests enjoyed cocktails, and a BBQ out on the terrace.

Over 70 entries and nominations were received across the six categories.

The winners of the categories are: • People: Ciara Eastell, Sarah Knight, Tim Wadsworth, and Izzy Sanders

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

University of Exeter Business School • Place: Sonya Ellis of Exeter Craft Hub • Business: Mama Health • Next Generation: Sean Tilson of Checkit Plus Ltd • Team Achievement: Football Fun Factory • Chamber Member: Coastal Recycling www.exeterchamber.co.uk Photos By Steve Haywood

Samantha Wood, Sarah Jepson, Beth Kelly and Charlotte McGregor

James Court and Richard Marsh

Sarah Brown, Katie Chantler, Sarah Smith, Ellie Hawkins and Debbi Moore

The EIA2023 hosts: Rosie Parsons and Julie Hawker Lisa Vanstone, Chrissie Walker, and Jacqui Cousins

Ally Stenner and Jennifer Nimmo

Hanna Mepstead, Chris Bentley, and Tabitha Metcalf Laura Van Wymersch and Kelly Johnson

Sarah Andrews and Laura Davies

The Kor Communications team The Coastal Recycling team

The SETsquared Exeter team

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

LOOK OUT, SUMMER!

Have your wellies and wet wipes at the ready, it’s festival time in Devon!

By Harriet Noble 44 I EXETER LIVING I www.mediaclash.co.uk

Primal Scream will be performing at Beautiful Days

© CR AF T FESTIVAL

FESTIVALS

L

Craft Festival kicks off on 9 June; INSET: Escot Park, near Ottery St Mary, will once again hosting Beautiful Days

ong gone are the days when festivals meant a strictly messy and muddy weekend (though there’s nothing wrong with those). The explosion of the festival scene is now a fully inclusive a air with something for everyone, whether you’re a raver, hippy, culture vulture, or foodie. It’s all about the experiences now, and within each event, you’re sure to find a multitude of activities to keep all and sundry happy – from workshops to massages, lectures to silent discos.

9 – 11 June

CRAFT FESTIVAL

16 – 18 June

WOOFSTOCK FESTIVAL

This festival welcomes families and their dogs to join in for a weekend of canine-themed fun. There’ll be loads of shows for dogs, including agility and flyball; a shopping village of over 120 stalls full of doggy-related and human goodies; plus, activities such as paw painting at the ‘Pawcasso’ tent and a doggy Oasis area with paddling pools, palm trees, and a sand pit for digging and even deckchairs. Get involved.

Powderham Castle, Exeter; www.powderham.co.uk

“Expect paw painting at the ‘Pawcasso tent’”

200 of the finest makers from all corners of the , handpicked for their quality and originality, will gather in the idyllic parkland of Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey. This festival is packed full of interactive activities including craft demonstrations, adult workshops, film screenings, talks, music and feasting – with a free children’s craft activity programme lead by makers and educators including Aardman model maker extraordinaire Jim Parkyn.

Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey; www.craftfestival.co.uk 10 – 11 June

EXETER RESPECT FESTIVAL

including a1 -piece Afrobeat band, Indian dance group, Chinese and Filipino choirs, hip hop acts, and a ja orchestra.

Belmont Park, Exeter; www.respect.org

First launched in 1 7, this popular city festival aims to bring communities together to celebrate di erences and commonalities.

The Belmont Park festival will feature music, dance, outdoor processions and workshops for all ages, plus a wealth of stalls, providing everything from global food to fine clothing. Expect a joyful line-up

16 – 18 June

FOODIES FESTIVAL

The touring celebrity food and music festival series returns to Escot Park with a line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Toploader. New this year is ‘Cocktails, Cabaret and Cake’ – a fun-fuelled schedule of events, including cocktail-making sessions with flamboyant mixologists and theatre shows, cabaret sessions and drag artists, all headlined by a superb ABBA tribute band.

Check out the live cooking demonstrations from top local chefs including Lympstone Manor chef Michael Caines MBE and national T and radio regular, author and reviewer, Orlando Murrin.

Escot Park, Exeter; www.foodiesfestival.com

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17 and 18 June, 24 and 25 June

PARTY ON THE PITCH

This is a new one on the scene. Taking place on Sandy Park turf, and running across two weekends, are two pop concerts. Headline acts for the first weekend are Ronan eating (17 June) with support acts Blue and East 17; Rick Astley (18 June) with support acts The Coral and Lucy Spraggan. The second weekend sees ill Young (2 June) with support acts Natalie Imbruglia and Corinne Bailey Rae; and Gabrielle Soul II Soul (25 June).

Sandy Park Stadium, Exeter;www.sandypark.co.uk 30 June – 2 July

GOREN FESTIVAL

Set in 70 acres of wildflower meadows with a lush green backdrop of the Blackdown Hills, near Honiton, this weekend festival celebrates community, family, friends, music – with a big focus on nature. ids and parents can roam around the fields exploring flora and fauna, then lie on the ground for storytelling under the lime tree.

“We encourage dancing in the meadows, getting curious about native wildlife and listening to brilliant live music, from meditative melodies to energetic stomping,” says event manager Fay Goodall.

Stockland Hill, Honiton; www.gorenfestival.co.uk 6 – 8 July

EXETER CRAFT FESTIVAL

Cathedral Green will once again play host to the popular craft festival which has been going for over 0 years. Handmade crafts and art brought by over 100 exhibitors who all live and work in the est Country will be on display. See the creatives at work, get your face painted, and enjoy the ja band. A family-friendly, chilled summer fête kind of day. www.exetercraftfestival.co.uk.

28 – 31 July

EXMOUTH FESTIVAL

The festival is a free-to-access community festival that showcases local and national music and arts, circus workshops, art and science displays.

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

ABOVE: Goren Festival is all about getting out in nature; INSET: Rick Astley and Ronan Keating

will be performing at Sandy Park; BELOW: Exmouth Festival is a community festival for all

FESTIVALS The Strand will host the community choirs, drama and dance groups on the Saturday, culminating in a Ceilidh. Sideshore is the spot for skate and sounds, with a solar-powered stage featuring indie, punk, electronica and soul, a pop-up skate ramp with pro-shows throughout the day.

Expect a West Country traditions day on the Sunday with sea shanties and Morris dancing all day long. Monday is vintage day, with music from the 30s, 40s and 50s, dance displays, and afternoon tea by Bumble & Bee. Look out for the outdoor cinema event too!

Various locations around Exmouth; www.exmouthfestival.co.uk 4 – 11 August

SIDMOUTH FOLK FESTIVAL

There’s bags of culture, too, with the seated Theatre Tent hosting An Evening Without Kate Bush, Rubbish Shakespeare Company and Le Navet Bete.

Escot Park, Exeter; www.beautifuldays.org 24 – 27 August

NATURE VALLEY GONE WILD FESTIVAL

The outdoorsy family-friendly festival co-created

by Bear Grylls returns to Powderham Castle.

It’s all about the adventures during the day with coasteering, climbing, zombie paintball, UV mini golf, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, tree climbing, yoga, science workshops, skateboarding, and a junior jungle family rave, to name a few. Come night-time, the music starts; this year Feeder, Dick and Tom, Sugarbabes, and The Ministry of Sound Disco will be blasting out the hits.

Powderham Castle, Exeter; www.naturevalley.co.uk

“Expect a solarpowered stage featuring indie, punk, electronica, and soul”

Proudly championing traditional music, dance and song since 1955, this festival showcases the rich diversity of folk music, dance and song in the UK, from the grassroots to the cutting edge. Expect the likes of Show of Hands and Lady Maisery. The popular pre-festival concerts features returning Sidmouth favourites, Cornish shanty grandmasters Fisherman’s Friends (3 August) and the queen of Scottish song Barbara Dickson with Nick Holland (4 August).

Various locations in Sidmouth; www.sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk 18 – 20 August

BEAUTIFUL DAYS

The Levellers’ family music festival held in Escot Park is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with an impressive line up that includes Suede, Primal Scream, The Waterboys, The Proclaimers, Johnny Marr, Gaz Coombes, Gok Wan on the decks, and, of course, the Levellers.

9 – 24 September

TASTE EAST DEVON FOOD FESTIVAL

The 16-day celebration sees award-winning venues, producers, chefs and restaurants across East Devon join forces again to celebrate the incredible food and drink on o er across the region.

Expect a whole host of tasting experiences, set menus and events across East Devon; including an evening with Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall at River Cottage and a seasonal feast at Darts Farm, and wine tasting at Lympstone Manor. The celebrations kick o with the Ottery St Mary Food and Families Festival.

Various locations around East Devon; www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk n

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and the gang from Taste East Devon Food Festival

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HEALTH & WELLBEING © ROSIE PARSONS PHOTOGR APHY

B R I N G I N G YO U A L L T H E G O O D S T U FF F O R T H E M I N D, B O DY A N D S O U L

EMILY MCGUIRK

Emily is the founder of Small Steps Big Vision, an organisation that seeks to transform the way young women think about themselves, giving them confidence and belief in their own abilities. Here, Emily chats inner bullies, daily practices, and feeling resilient...

Can you tell us a bit about your professional background and the journey to where you are now?

I began my career as an actress and then retrained to be a secondary school teacher, where I was a head of department for several years. I subsequently owned a network marketing business which gave me the opportunity to speak at the Birmingham NEC to 3,000 entrepreneurs on creating success through adversity.

What inspired you to start Small Steps Big Vision?

share the strategies and daily practices that helped me return to joy, in a fun, relevant and practical way.

What is the ambition of the organisation?

Our purpose is to create a culture where all young women can live a fulfilled life without limitations.

We provide workshops and resources that transform the way young women think about themselves, their relationships and their futures.

We now have the brilliant Emma Falcon on board, and we hope in the next three years to have facilitators nationwide, supporting teen girls to grow in confidence, seek opportunities and have the resilience to see them through.

“When the pandemic hit, I was noticing how students I worked with were returning with low self-esteem and little aspiration”

When I was pregnant, a series of tough events landed me in hospital with panic attacks and anxiety, which all stemmed from a lack of self-worth.

This was where my personal growth journey began. The teacher in me began to question why confidence, self-love and resilience were not explicitly taught in schools.

When the pandemic hit, I was noticing how students I worked with were returning with low self-esteem and little aspiration.

I knew I could help them. I wanted to

You do a number of practical workshops across Devon. What do you find are the recurring issues that young people are having – and what kind of support and help can you provide?

The greatest challenge I see is the way the girls

talk to themselves. I refer to it as their inner bully and give them techniques to become their greatest cheerleader. We cannot control what others say about us, but we can choose the words that we use. I teach young women how to treat themselves with the same kindness they do their friends.

What’s the core demographic at your workshops?

I work with young women aged 11-18, but I also deliver workshops for professional women as part of my role with Six Degrees, the female members group.

Tell us about your No Label No Limit programme...

A Heart of the South West (HotSW) Careers Hub programme has been launched across 14 schools in Devon to help raise the confidence and aspirations of 500 young women.

As part of this, the No Label No Limit programme will feature workshops covering a range of topics including self-worth and confidence, wellbeing, raising aspiration, managing emotions, resilience and kindness, as well as goal setting and personal branding.

In addition, there will be question time events, lunchtime clubs and youth voice sessions.

Resilience, confidence and empowerment are key to your organisation. What have you learnt about these three in your life?

Helping young people feel confident, resilient and empowered is key to my organisation, because it has been in those moments where I have not felt this way, that I have missed out on opportunities simply because I did not feel worthy of them. I hope to give the girls that little bit of self-belief needed to become whatever it is they dream of.

When it comes to creating strong mental health, what would you tell your younger self?

To consider how my friends would describe me, and to know what it is that makes me a kind, unique person; when you like who you are, the hurtful words of others become irrelevant.

And what do you tell yourself now?

I continue to remind myself every day to make time in the diary for me. Whether it is time for gratitude, meditation, relaxation or space to just think, I am able to give so much more to others when I am energised and happy.

For the latest updates on Emily’s workshops, head to: www.smallstepsbigvision.com

www.mediaclash.co.uk I EXETER LIVING I 49

AWARDS 2024

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST, AWARDS 2024 Please talk to us about how you can be involved exeterlivingcommercial@mediaclash.co.uk

#ExeterLivingAwards ︱ exeterlivingawards.co.uk A

Production

SCHOOL GUIDE VICTORIA BOND

Maths can be overwhelming for many people, regardless of age

Do the maths

Working out whether the Prime Minister’s new maths-to-18 qualification adds up

A

mid the recent headlines on percentages (mortgage rates) and long addition (soaring cost of living) came one from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that a Great British ‘antimaths mindset’ was holding the economy back. His solution? All school pupils in England should study maths until the age of 18.

Actually this was just one element of a new government plan to reform maths in schools that the pesky journalists (presumably good at English, not maths) pounced on. The PM had put together a panel of calculator-clutching advisors, including education leaders, mathematicians, and business leaders, to find ways to address the fact that the UK’s numeracy levels are significantly below the average for developed countries.

It’s estimated that 49 percent of the UK’s working-age population have the numeracy levels of a primary school child.

A shiny new post-16 qualification, potentially introduced as soon as 2025, would expand maths education

in line with the majority of countries in the international league tables, including the United States, Australia, Norway and Japan. But critics were quick to pose their own number problem: where would the teachers come from to teach the new course when there is already a massive shortage of maths teachers? Mr Sunak needed to show his working out.

There is a much deeper flaw in the plan to ‘force’ pupils to do maths beyond GCSE, however. Maths is anxietyinducing in the way many other subjects are not. Britons’ average response to maths ranges from mild dislike to loathing, and it’s regularly inherited from parents who say they hated maths and it’s perfectly normal to want to get the whole thing over with.

In fact, research by mathematics professors at the University of Plymouth’s Institute of

Education, says not passing on your own negative experience of learning maths can be the single most important thing parents can do to help their child do well in the subject.

Clearly we need to look at ways to reduce maths anxiety before we ask pupils to tackle it for two extra years.

According to an international study of over a million pupils published in the National Academy of Sciences in the United States, there are two main ways to do this: make sure teachers are well trained so pupils have confidence in their ability, and reduce the amount of homework. Professor Sue Johnston-Wilder and her team at the Mathematical Resilience Network says the UK also needs to take a long hard look at the all-or-nothing exam system that increases anxiety and sees 175,000 children fail GCSE maths every year. Better

“Why don’t our kids learn about mortgages, pensions, or interest rates?”

to have a greater emphasis on continuous assessment than a new assessment.

Sam Sims, the CEO of National Numeracy, an independent charity that promotes the importance of ‘everyday maths’, agrees. A numeracy qualification that would be “more like a driving test or passport-style certification, which everybody could pass and which gives young people more confidence” could work wonders to cheer up attitudes to maths. So might more of an emphasis on real life maths that our children might actually use when they leave school.

Why don’t our children learn about mortgages, pensions, or interest rates on credit cards in maths lessons? Functional maths that doesn’t frighten the living daylights out of the next generation. Now that does add up.

Victoria Bond is the founder and CEO of School Guide, an easy-touse website that helps parents explore the best schools in the area, including catchment maps and parent reviews.

For more: www.schoolguide.co.uk

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

THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN

REMARKABLE KEYNOTES, LIVE AT ENTRECONF

NIGEL TOON Graphcore founder on AI and running a Unicorn company

ZILLAH BYNG-THORNE Entrepreneurial transformation of Future + next plans

Plus: unrivalled stimulation, insights and connections for entrepreneurs

Attend EntreConf CONTENT PARTNERS

CONTENT: claudia.butler@mediaclash.co.uk COMMERCIAL: annie.kelly@mediaclash.co.uk CONCEPT: greg.ingham@mediaclash.co.uk

22 June 2023.

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EXETERWORKS ECONOMIC BOOST

© DEVON & SOMERSET L AW SOCIET Y

Lubna Shuja, President of the Law Society of England and Wales at last year’s DASLS awards

he nal countdown

After a hybrid event last year, the DASLS (Devon and Somerset Legal Society) annual Awards Dinner is making a mighty return. Here’s what to expect...

T

aking place on 22 June, the South West’s leading law companies will once again come together to celebrate the great and the good in the industry.

This year’s event will take place at the Great Hall, at the University of Exeter campus. Exeter Cathedral has been the home of the last two events but with renovations

The Chase’s Shaun Wallace will be the after-dinner speaker

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

making the practicality of the event more di cult this year it was decided to move back to one of its original venues, which as readers of this magazine know, is the regular home for our own awards.

The event will again be hosted by well-known local personality BBC Radio Devon’s David Fitzgerald, and this year there’ll be the added attraction of Shaun Wallace from ITV’s The Chase, who will be the after-dinner speaker and awards presenter on the night. Shaun, The Chase’s Dark Destroyer, is a former barrister and well-known for his knowledge and wit; an entertaining ceremony is guaranteed!

Exeter Living’s new owners, Clear Sky Publishing Ltd, are the media partners for this year’s event and plans are well advanced for a spectacular evening. Clear Sky have been delighted by the level of sponsorship secured with regular supporters like Francis Clark returning and new ones like the University of Exeter being found.

Guests coming to the black-tie event can expect a drinks reception on arrival, three-course meal, cocktails and dancing at the after-party.

“Every year it is a great event and this one promises to be as good as any prior,” says Tony Steiner, who runs the Devon and Somerset Legal Society.

Chris Coward, owner and founder of Clear Sky adds, “We are delighted to be involved in such a high-profile event and being part of a special evening for the legal profession which is so well established in the South West.”

Tickets can be bought by here: www.daslsawards2023.co.uk

A new report on the intake of international students in the 2021/22 academic year found they contributed £41.9 billion to the UK economy, £2.2 billion to the South West economy, and £140.7m to Exeter.

The report by Universities UK, Higher Education Policy Institute, Kaplan International Pathways and London Economics was commissioned to explore the impact of international students to the UK economy and revealed the total economic benefits have risen from £31.3 billion to £41.9 billion between 2018/19 and 2021/22, an increase of 34 per cent.

The University of Exeter has three campuses across Devon and Cornwall and international students make an enormous economic contribution to both counties – £486m in Devon, and £182.5m in Cornwall.

“We are proud that our university continues to attract students from across the globe to Devon and Cornwall,” says Professor Lisa Roberts, vicechancellor and chief executive of the University of Exeter.

“Our Strategy 2030 highlights the importance of our international university community to lead the progress towards creating a fair, socially just and inclusive society.” www.news.exeter.ac.uk

The University of Exeter’s international students bring

EXETERWORKS

MOVERS AND SHAKERS GREAT SCOTT

Michael will join the Cathedral in September

Local law specialist Bertram Fairbanks has recently announced the appointment of Robert Scott as a director and head of litigation. e have been actively recruiting sta in line with our ongoing ambitious expansion plans,” says Neal Bertram, director at Bertram Fairbanks.

“Robert is a highly regarded and well-known commercial litigation lawyer who has worked closely with us as a consultant over the last 12 months and has been closely involved in our strategic expansion, and I’m proud to announce his new permanent appointment.” www.bertramfairbanks.co.uk

MUSIC TO OUR EARS

Exeter Cathedral has recently announced the appointment of Michael Stephens-Jones as assistant director of Music.

Michael, who will be starting his new role at Exeter in September, is currently organ scholar at St Paul’s Cathedral and has previously held similar positions at both Guildford Cathedral and Tewkesbury Abbey.

“I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity to join the really excellent team of musicians at Exeter,” says Michael.

“Visiting, I was struck by the great beauty and history of the Cathedral, and heartened by the warm welcome I received. Although I will greatly miss my wonderful colleagues at St Paul’s Cathedral, I’m looking forward to starting this exciting new chapter in Devon.” www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk

Graham Coton

CONGRATULATIONS

Robert Scott

Property expert Graham Coton has recently been announced as associate director at Robert Williams, the Experts in Property estate agency on Southernhay West, in Exeter.

Heading up the sales team, Graham brings with him more than 35 years’ experience in the property industry and has a real passion for professional hands-on estate agency and helping clients manage their whole move. www.robertwilliams.co.uk

JOINING FORCES

Colonel Chris E Haw MC and Richard Marsh

Exeter Chamber welcomes the Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines (CTCRM) as its latest strategic partner.

“Connecting with more businesses in Exeter and the Greater Exeter Area is essential for us,” says Colonel Chris E Haw MC. “Although a military organisation, we are keen to meet and learn from the many successful business leaders in the region and we look forward to supporting Chamber members and becoming involved in local opportunities and to build on our network.”

As part of the new strategic partnership with Exeter Chamber, CTCRM will be hosting an exclusive Chamber event at their training facility at Lympstone on 25 July. Members will have the opportunity to have an insight into life on base, and hear from leaders about teamwork, trust and working under pressure, hosted by Colonel Chris Haw himself. www.exeterchamber.co.uk

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BUSINESS DIARIES AT THE READY! Networking meet ups, al fresco summer bashes, and a dollop ice cream! Here are some of the not-to-be-missed business events happening in Exeter this June Festival vibes at the Exeter Chamber bash

9 June

PROPERTY AND BUSINESS NETWORKING SUMMER SPECIAL 4pm-9pm, Winslade Manor, Exeter; www.eventbrite.co.uk The business and property networking event is open to anyone, from new people starting out to seasoned business owners or property developers. Three headline speakers will be telling inspiring stories and sharing industry leading insight across finance, marketing and optimising for cash flow. Expect lots of food, entertainment, and music – all outside in the sunshine.

9 June

EXETER CHAMBER SUMMER BASH 7pm-11pm, Exeter Castle, Castle Street, Exeter; www.exeterchamber.co.uk The courtyard at Exeter Castle will once again be transformed into a mini festival for the Exeter Chamber summer bash. The Cathedral Appointments Prosecco bar is back, new street food vendors have joined the bill and a fully stocked bar from Barnova is on order. The Chamber team is also excited to announce that Exeter’s hottest live events band the New Heroes will be headlining the main stage.

13 June

ALL YOU NEED IS ICE CREAM! AMANDA STANSFIELD, MY CEO STORY NATWESTBOOST The inside scoop with Amanda Stansfield

9.30am-11am, Froginwell Vineyard, Sidmouth Road, Woodbury Salterton; www.eventbrite.co.uk Guests will hear from Amanda Stansfield, CEO of Granny Gothards, who were named as Exporter of the Year and are Department of International Trade, Export Champions after successfully entering markets in the Middle East, Far East and Europe.

The ice cream that Granny Gothards produce has been a winner in too many competitions to mention but include Great Taste Awards as well as local Taste of the est Awards and was voted the best food product in the South est in 2021 and best food product in Devon in 2022 2023. Get ready to hear her incredible story to success.

hosting a lunch and learn event delving into the topic of stepping into your discomfort zone with guest speaker and entrepreneur, Sarah night, owner of Tribus People and Sarah est Recruitment. Sarah will be talking about how stepping into her discomfort has improved her life and what we can all do to enrich our lives by doing this.

22 June

EXETER WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCH Quayside Distillery, 60a Haven Road, Exeter; www.eventbrite.co.uk On the last Thursday of each month, Your Partnerships is welcoming all like-minded businesswomen to the launch of omen in Business Exeter; a relaxed networking experience where you can make new business connections in a friendly environment. This event will include a two-course lunch, plus a talk from Quayside’s head gin distiller on how they craft their local gin.

30 June

Knight in shining armour, Sarah will be sharing her wisdom

16 June

GREAT SOUTH WEST BRIEFING: DEVON 1.30pm-3.30pm, Exeter College Future Skills Centre, Exeter Airport Industrial Estate, Exeter; www.eventbrite.co.uk The Great South est is a pan-regional partnership covering the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

It is led by business and focused on delivering a larger and more productive economy, unlocking the potential of the region’s green and blue economies, and driving investment into the region, with an aim of delivering £45 billion of economic benefit and 1 0,000 new jobs over the next 15 years.

This briefing is part of a series of events across the region to update on its emerging ambitions and priorities, and explain how people can get involved.

NOTWORKING NETWORKING: THE SUMMER SCORCHER Wetherspoons Imperial, New North Road, Exeter; www.eventbrite.co.uk ith exclusive use of the stunning Orangery, this is scheduled to be Notworking Networking’s biggest bash yet, with event founder Chris Bentley targeting over 200 attendees.

The standard attractions all return after the big qui : Psychic Sybella Loram, The ellness Angels on massage, Le the Fe Magic, arrival drinks and plenty to eat.

The mix up this time is an innovative summer sports day competition with skill games, egg and spoon plus a three-legged race to be run with top prizes up for grabs. e’ve ordered the sunshine, we’ve plenty in the room to get a positive mood and we’re expecting the Exeter business community to join us for a great afternoon,” adds Chris.

21 June

STEPPING INTO YOUR DISCOMFORT ZONE 12pm-2.30pm, Harry’s Restaurant, 86 Longbrook Street, Exeter; www.sixdegrees-group.com Six Degrees, a female only community, will be

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Time to let your hair down at the Notworking Networking bash

EXETERWORKS

© BUSBY & FOX

BUSBY & FOX: A BRIEF HISTORY 2011 Opened in Totnes as Emma Vowles Flowers 2014 Renamed Busby & Fox 2016 Truro store opened 2017 Kinsgbridge store opened 2018 Exeter store opened 2018 Salcombe store opened 2019 Henley–on-Thames store opened 2019 Marlborough store opened Number of people employed at the beginning: Two: Emma Vowles (founder and creative director) and husband Felix Vowles (finance director) Now: 50 (with women making up 94 per cent of that number)

GROWTH STORIES

Emma Vowles

“WE’VE DRESSED THOUSANDS OF WOMEN AND LISTENED TO THEIR STORIES”

The founder of boutique clothing store BUSBY & FOX (seven stores and counting!) on building her business from scratch and prospering in tough times…

Take us back to the beginning.

How did it all start?

I became interested in clothes from a young age and always loved building my own style from pieces that I’d find in vintage stalls and flea markets.

After many varied years working in fashion and in floristry, I opened my first shop ( on Totnes high street) in 2011 selling an eclectic mix of flowers, vintage homewares and pieces from some gorgeous independent fashion brands. Today, there are seven Busby & Fox stores and our entire collection is made exclusively for us. e’ve been designing our own clothes for nearly three years now, dressed thousands of women, and listened to stories about their lives and their experiences with fashion, which gives us an understanding that shapes every new style we create.

When do you feel like you’re winning as a business owner? hen I see our products come to life in the hands and wardrobes of our customers. Great clothes are transformative, not just physically but in emotional, sometimes life-changing ways. It’s why my team and I focus so much on nailing all those clever tricks, cuts and details that make a piece complement your shape, and fit and feel just right. Hearing customers say that we’ve given them a boost, restored their confidence or changed the way they feel about themselves is a real honour.

What attributes do you think are key for a good business owner?

Passion, patience, integrity, and awareness. These will see you through good days and bad days, and help make you a great employer too.

authenticity and conviction. For us, that comes naturally because we share so many of our customers’ wants, needs and fashion niggles – we too want to feel noticed and understood when we shop, and confident and stylish when we get dressed.

The high street continues to struggle. How have you ridden these waves over the years?

Like any independent retailer we’ve been hit hard, but we’re fantastic at adapting when things get tough. By paying close attention to what makes

Busby Fox so special – not just in the clothes but in the comfortable, happy environment of our seven stores and the no-strings advice that you’d expect from a paid-for styling session, but which we o er purely for the love of it – we’ve been able to distil our magic and our purpose into our business strategy. It’s all so aligned, and we have some really clear goals to see us into what’s set to be, I hope, a very bright future.

For more: Busby & Fox, 21 Cathedral Yard, Exeter; www.busbyandfox.com

Busby & Fox in Cathedral Yard, Exeter

What are your top tips for anyone starting a new business in Exeter?

Anyone lucky enough to open their doors in this city should check out InExeter, who do a fantastic job of supporting and championing local businesses. And my tip for any new business owner is to have a clear purpose and benefit. Identify what’s going to make your customer really connect with your product and you’ll be able to sell it with excitement,

© BUSBY & FOX

Tell us a bit about the brand Busby & Fox is all about the beauty of dressing in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Each piece in our collection is created to be mixed with everything else – our fabrics transition from season to season and our colours blend or set each other o , so that outfits instantly come together.

In fact, you can walk into any of our shops or fill your basket online and find you’ve styled a great look without even trying. It’s designed to be that simple.

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PROPERTY

GREENAWAY COTTAGE Step inside this dreamy thatched cottage, just nine miles north of Exeter

By Imogen Davidson-Smith

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T

his Grade-II listed thatched cottage occupies a beautiful rural position between the popular villages of Stockleigh Pomeroy and Cheriton Fitzpaine, and is about a 20-minute drive north of Exeter.

Approached via a gravel driveway, the six-bedroom property sits in land amounting to a handsome 5.92 acres, which includes a meadow and a decent-sized lake. More on that later.

The property dates back to the 17th Century but has been sympathetically renovated to a high standard with particular care being taken to retain the original architectural features such as inglenook fireplaces, oak beams and wide elm floorboards – while introducing all the contemporary fittings you’d want in your ga . The ground floor features two reception rooms and a dining room; both reception rooms are fitted with woodburning stoves and are positioned either side of the split-level kitchen, which has exposed ceiling timbers, a slate floor and is fully fitted with an island, Belfast sink, Rayburn and a range of built-in electrical appliances.

Also on the ground floor is a double bedroom (currently used as an o ce) and a separate shower room. The property’s laundry room is accessed via a separate external door and houses the boiler and electric back-up water tank. pstairs on the first floor is the principal bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

A real boon here is the two-bedroom annexe. It’s on

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the opposite side of the entrance driveway so it’s not on top of the house and has recently been modernised.

This cottage is ideal for visiting friends and family, or – and permission has already been granted here – for short term holiday lettings.

The outdoor space here is sizeable, varied, and quite simply, spectacular – perfect for someone who really wants to embrace the real deal of rural living. The cottage lies in about an acre of garden comprised of gently sloping lawns with a level, low-walled formal garden at the front incorporating several brick-built, raised borders stocked with roses, shrubs and flowering perennials, arranged around a central water feature. To one side is a sheltered seating area and to the rear of the cottage is a paved terrace.

Extending beyond the garden and outbuildings is a meadow, which slopes down to the stream with a woodland walk and BBQ hut. At the far end of the meadow is your very own secluded lake which has become a haven for wildlife with a shepherd’s hut and three electric hook ups. Imagine that.

Not too knowledgeable about this patch of Devon?

Cheriton Fitzpaine has a primary school, two pubs, post o ce shop, village hall, church, and a superb farm shop on the outskirts of the village. Crediton also o ers a great range of amenities, including a decent book shop (The Bookery) and homeware and gift shop (Boka).

If this cosy cottage with its lime washed cob walls and glorious green spaces is making your heart skip a beat, you know what to do. n

HOUSE NUMBERS Where? Stockleigh Pomeroy, near Crediton Nearest train station Newton St. Cyres Station (2.9 miles) Bedrooms Six. Four in the main house, two in the annexe building Bathrooms Five Size 2,939 sq.ft Outside space 5.92 acres of land, including a wildlife pond and meadows Guide price £1,200,000 For more Stags, 21 Southernhay West, Exeter; www.stags.co.uk

PROPERTY

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© ROBIN CLEWLEY

JUST VISITING

“I listen far and wide – it ranges from Soweto Kinch to Amy Winehouse” What’s the best thing about your job?

I absolutely love being on stage and performing for people, and I love the sound and versatility of the saxophone. The saxophone is at home in so many di erent styles so the variation of what I get to do is brilliant.

And the most challenging?

Finding a good reed!

JESS GILLAM

Trailblazing saxophonist Jess Gillam is performing at Budleigh Music Festival on 8 July. Ahead of her visit, she talks Marvin Gaye, board games and chips on the beach Not for nothing is Jess called a trailblazer. She shot to fame becoming the youngest person to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician, was the youngest ever soloist to perform at Last Night of the Proms, and has bagged two number one albums in the Classical Charts.

As well as performing around the world, Jess is a presenter on TV and radio, and has her own weekly show on BBC Radio3, This Classical Life. Jess currently lives in Bedfordshire.

Hello Jess! You’re performing at Budleigh Music Festival.

What can we expect?

The Jess Gillam Ensemble is a group of eight musical friends – we are all rooted in classical music but we take inspiration from musical worlds far and wide. Expect to hear a new spin on CPE Bach, the drive and groove of music by John Harle, Will Gregory (Goldfrapp) and Barbara Thompson, folk infusions and the soaring beauty of music by Sakamoto, Debussy

and maybe even some Björk!

On paper, it might seem like a strange collection of music but the ensemble aims to find emotion through lines in music spanning centuries. We love playing together and there’s always a lot of energy on stage.

When and why did you start playing the saxophone?

One of my most vivid memories is picking up a saxophone for the first time at the Barracudas Carnival Arts Centre in Barrow-in-Furness (where my dad taught drums). I was utterly enthralled and in love with the instrument! The intensity and directness of sound was absolutely magnetic and the instrument became associated with fun and joy.

It’s not easy to break through as a musician. Did you always know that you had the goods to do it professionally?

Definitely not and nerves and self-doubt are part of being a performer, I think. Those doubts are part of what drives the practice and improvement!

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You do lots of TV and radio presenting, and are known for your boundless enthusiasm!

How would you describe your presenting style?

I love presenting and it is equally important to me as performing.

I am fascinated by people and like nothing more than chatting about anything and everything, so this is what excites me. Finding out who people are, their story and what makes them tick.

What have been some of your career highlights?

There are so many! I feel really lucky to get to do what I love in so many places around the world.

Playing in Carnegie Hall was definitely a huge highlight and I also love playing to young people in schools – sometimes it can be their first experience of live music and that is always really special.

Who are your music heroes?

My saxophone heroes and inspirations are John Harle and Barbara Thompson. John has been a huge inspiration to me since I was about 11 when I first heard one of his CDs. His uncompromising dedication to music has had a huge influence on me and I was very lucky to have the opportunity to study with him.

I also love performing John’s music and we will be playing a brilliant piece of his – r fl s – in the concert! Barbara Thompson sadly passed away recently. She was one of the only female saxophonists I had as a role model growing up and has been a huge inspiration for me.

I try and listen far and wide –

I’m sat next to my CD collection as I write this and it ranges from Soweto Kinch to Amy Winehouse, Massive Attack, Aretha Franklin, Bjork and Marvin Gaye.

For anyone that hasn’t dipped into listening to the saxophone, can you give us a quick pitch?

It’s as Miles Davis said, “there are two types of music: good and the other kind”. Not all saxophone music is brilliant but have a listen around, find your favourite players and you will be hooked.

You’ve played at the festival before, haven’t you?

Yes, we loved chips on the beach last time we were playing at Budleigh Music Festival so hopefully we’ll find time this year to do that again.

Any recommendations on what should we be listening to, classical or otherwise?

Blackstar by David Bowie.

What piece of music makes you feel joyful?

Allegro Assai by CPE Bach played

by Emmanuel Pahud.

And what piece of music makes you cry?

Stars by Nina Simone live at Montreux 1976.

Surprise us...

I’m not a very surprising person sadly…I absolutely love games and will play board games, word games or card games with anyone who will bear it!

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

That is a tough one. I would like to think it could be Diane Morgan. n

Jess will be performing at 7.30pm on 8 July at St Peter’s Church in Budleigh Salterton. The Budleigh Salterton Music Festival takes place in various locations from 20 June - 8 July; www.budleighmusicfestival.co.uk