OM Magazine, Issue 94, November 2016

Oracle Magazine 94 Nov ‘16

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Plymouth & South Hams Leading Lifestyle Magazine

Russells Flooring

Countdown to Christmas!

We tested some of our favourite advent calendars of 2016. They’re not just for kids!

They have one of the biggest selections of hard flooring in Plymouth!

WIN! A Famil

Ticket to y National the Ma Aquariumrine !

Mayflower Autonomous Ship Get your name on the ship that sails itself!

42 September Call OM 691007+ Beauty + www.omplymouthmagazine.co.uk Home + Pets 2016 + Leisure & Events +Plymouth Eating &01752 Drinking Law & Finance + Motoring

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Inspiration, consultation, design and installation service with over 20 years experience

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Luxury & affordable bathrooms Wet rooms, saunas & steam rooms Whirlpools Less-abled bathrooms Designer radiators & towel rails Porcelain & ceramic tiles Natural stone & slate Under floor heating Mirrors & accessories Sound, vision & lighting Featuring: Villeroy & Boch, Duravit, Perrin & Rowe, Samuel Heath, Keuco, Artelinea, Hansgrohe, Crosswater, Matki, Vasco, Geberit and many other leading manufacturers...

Carefully selected brands of Tiles and Sanitary ware from around the world

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www.omplymouthmagazine.co.uk Creative Director Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net Editor Melissa Wylie melissa@oracle.uk.net Accounts Emma-Jane Corry emma@oracle.uk.net Sales Managers Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net Emily Trace emily@oracle.uk.net Graphic Design Melissa Wylie Tom Coles BA (Hons) tom@oracle.uk.net Abigail Norris Editorial Melissa Wylie

Editor's Note...

Christmas is creeping up! Yep, we’ve said the ‘C’ word before we’ve hit December. But why not? There’s so much going on in Plymouth on the run-up to the festivities, that we might as well start getting excited now. If you head to our What’s On Guide on page 25 you’ll find details on everything going on in the city this month, including Christmas markets and a few tips on where to meet Santa.

We’ve also been testing out a few advent calendars! We don’t believe that they should be just for kids, so feast your eyes on huge boxes of bath bombs, luxury belgian chocolates which should be kept hidden away from small hands and calendars full of scented candles to make your home smell wonderful. Read more about them on page 16 and perhaps treat yourself or a loved one on 1st December!

Turn to page 22 for the most exciting part of our November issue, to learn more about the autonomous ship which sails itself, and how you can get your name on it! It’s a huge part of the Mayflower 400 anniversary in 2020, with plans for the crew-less, multi-million pound ship to sail across the Atlantic from Plymouth, UK to Plymouth, USA.

Melissa

Digital Abigail Norris Photography Tom Coles Pixabay.com Pexels.com Sister Magazine The Plympton Community Magazine www.plymptonmagazine.co.uk

Melissa Wylie - Editor

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CONTENTS November 2016

03

Westcountry Tile and Bathroom

08

ReFurnish

09

SSI Electrical

10

Russells Flooring

13

VSF Garage Repairs

16

Countdown to Christmas

19

Classic 110

02

Model 73010

£1701.99

3300

Furniture and appliances at prices you can afford, with free collection of your items

Electrical installations, maintenance, inspection and testing

Other Facilities Include: * Family Changing * Astro Pitches * Fitness Suite * Sports Halls * Gymnasium

14 nts e m t a e Spa Tr reaks, alon B a p S auwtytoSreception before 06/11/16 and enjoy a swim for just £1 Luxury theavouc Bebelo nd her Present R llySWIM VOUCHE /16 ra£1 OM MAG e reception before 06/11 atuNE nAZI s s nt this voucher to sports centr prese e just n to 5pm however 9am To claim this offer ll ends e to 10pm and week w 7am r Friday ite. to ay webs u Mond our o are open #yWe llyable byercalling 636876 or on please chec tuk ourratimet swimming times do vary so

Offering sectional and brick garage repairs, and 10% exclusively with OM

We review some of our favourite, alternative advent calendars

Reader Response

Fill in our quick questionnaire and be in with the chance of winning a ticket to the aquarium!

22

Mayflower Autonomous Ship

28

What’s On Guide

ENJOY A SWIM FOR £

32

We speak to Andy Russell about his success building his flooring business

Platinum Breaks

na ellnesasiaboringdon.co.uk w r u o y .g # ww 455 | w

263 B

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One £1 swim4per DP them at all times (we class , PL7 swimming children must have an adult with uth website. POOL ADMISSION POLICY: All non be viewed Plymonoour who can swim, can swim unaccompanied. S requestborrocanok, apply and a copy of these are available on 45on5 the premises that can be contacted at all times and over 14's during the promotional period. lewho can swim must52have34 4 o adult an C , Normal Sports Centre terms and conditions ill 8's to two children. n H Over .uk / 017 one adult in the water swim and only 1 voucher can be used per person ringthedosports centreoabout someone who cannot swim 25m) Under 8's .co requirements before visiting, 1 voucher for 1 £1 a, Bocontact a Spshould ngd n their GaiGroups are for individuals, couples and families only. aiabori

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42

@mar marjon.ac.uk/marjo

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Visit Ballycotton, Cork by executive coach with Platinum Breaks

Read about this exciting project and find out how you can get your name on the ship!

Your monthly round-up of everything going on in and around Plymouth

29

China Fleet

30

A Day at Gaia Spa

See their fantastic offer for golf and breakfast for just £15.00

• Warm and friendly atmosphere • Experienced Stylists • Only professional products used • Ladies, Gents & Childrens Hair

Read our review on a wonderful day spent at the tranquil Gaia Spa

Find us in Crownhill village

35

Chris Kallis Solicitors

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 8.30am-5pm (Thurs Open til 6.30pm)

37

Westward Trust Services

43

D

Visit their fabulous showroom with over 50 individual bathroom displays

21

40

08

Dual Fuel, Cream

Have you had an accident at work? Speak with the team at Chris Kallis today

Attend their free seminar about protecting your home and savings from care fees

Film Guide

See what’s coming out in the cinema this month!

Ridge Cabs

You can rely on Ridge Cabs over the festive period to get you safely from A-to-B

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Electrical Testing & Inspection

Lighting Design & Installations

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Fire Alarm Testing & Maintenance

Cat 5e Data Cabling

Generator Hire and Installation

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BUSINESS PROFILE In this issue we managed to catch up with one of Plymouth’s biggest and best hard flooring specialists, Andy Russell of Russell’s Flooring. We were invited to the Plympton showroom to view their wide range of high-quality brands for both domestic and commercial customers, plus a varied range of carpets and laminate flooring. All this is coupled with impressive customer service and remarkable attention to detail.

Unfortunately, in 1996, Andy was made redundant. He soon regained his confidence and found his feet, however, and quickly moved on to work for several carpet shops in Plymouth, fitting carpets and hard flooring for many satisfied customers. This more varied work suited Andy, but he had always been keen to eventually have his own customer base and products under his own business and brand.

Russell’s Flooring opened up shop five years ago in Faraday Mill when Andy was offered a contract to supply and lay flooring at Boringdon Hall. He needed somewhere to store all of the carpet and he was starting to have problems with his knees – opening the shop gave him the opportunity to incorporate floor-laying with selling and get him back onto his feet a few days a week.

Three years after opening the shop, Andy decided that they weren’t getting enough customers through the door. The prime location in the centre of Plymouth seemed silly to leave behind, but the costs of renting a shop were high.

Russell’s Flooring moved to a more suitable unit in Reynolds Park, Plympton, where they are the only hard flooring specialist in the area.

Moving to a different location Andy invested in new stands from Amtico and Karndean. It’s pricier flooring but the high-quality makes it fantastic to work with and it’s proven to be popular with customers.

Even the lower-cost flooring is great quality - Andy tells us that he will only supply good products. Quick Step is ideal for a lower budget, and the Coretec brand is a type of flooring which can be laid even on damp floor, perfect for anyone looking to lay flooring in a damp room such as a basement.

Because the business has long, established trading relationships with leading flooring manufacturers, they are able to offer competitive prices on all jobs, regardless of size. They will also offer free advice on flooring types, to help their customers make the right choice for their requirements, whilst at the same time, providing an attractive floor finish that suits their budget.

All of the brands are on display in their

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showroom for anyone who would like to take a look at the options on offer, with the team on hand to explain their services.

Alongside the hard flooring, carpet options are available in the showroom, giving customers even more choice when it comes to updating their home.

“

“

Throughout his working life, Andy Russell has always been a very hands-on person, only needing to be shown how to do something once to understand the process. Andy started off as an apprentice mechanic when he left school, before working as a labourer at Lang and Potter at the age of 23. Andy found his talents quickly and, incidentally, his employer spotted them too. This led to permanent employment and Andy spent the next few years being trained up as a floorlayer.

Amtico is one of the best and top of the range

The carpets are supplied by high quality manufacturers throughout Southwest UK, and include woven and tufted carpet; twist, loop and velvet carpet piles; patterned styles and a choice of carpet performance

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Great Blue Hole, Belize

- RUSSELLS FLOORING and grading to ensure that you find the perfect carpet for your home. Russell’s Flooring also supply door bars, gripper rods, stair rods and carpet underlays.

As well as laying flooring in their customer’s homes, Andy is very experienced with bigger projects.

Boringdon Hall is his most recent project, on their new spa. He’s also worked on the Fistral Beach Hotel in Cornwall when they had a full refit, laid new flooring at the National Marine Aquarium, and worked on accommodation at Exeter and Plymouth Universities.

“

“

We try and give a better service than our competitors

“We’ve been selected to be the face of Uzin for the next 12 months who are a company who supply the DPM [damp proof membrane] systems, latex and adhesives which we used on a regular basis. Once a year they do a competition in which you put your best project forward where you have used their products, and that’s what we did. I’m going to be on the front of their brochure!”

A more regular customer at Russell’s Flooring is the local landlords who own private student houses. They return every year to have carpets replaced using their low-cost, hard-wearing products.

“We try and give a better service than our competitors, doing everything start to finish from picking the products, then to giving you estimates in your home for free, bringing you samples to test and then installation.”

When Andy isn’t busy selling flooring or running the showroom, he has a

very unusual hobby which keeps him entertained in the winter months.

“I go on a trike and get pulled along by my four Siberian Huskies and I also enter competitions. We raise money for charity, and because three of my dogs are rescues I like to involve them as much as possible. I got second in the championships last year! It’s called a time trial, which puts me against the clock as I complete a 3 – 4 mile long course. I’ve been doing it for about four years now and the dogs are still in their prime, they aren’t slowing down any time soon!”

“I got into it when I was walking our first dog, and because he had so much energy I thought ‘If only I could attach him to a bike’, so I did!”

With an impressive showroom, endless experience and great customer service, Andy is very happy with Russell’s Flooring and its success. Whatever your flooring needs, pay them a visit and find out how they can transform your home or business.

Call Russell’s Flooring now on: 01752 348586 Email: sales@russellsflooring.co.uk Visit: www.russellsflooring.co.uk Find their showroom at: Unit 5 Reynolds Park, 8 Bell Close, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 4FE Please mention OM Magazine when responding to adverts

November 2016 11

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• Free Fitting, Free Underlay, Free Grippers & bars on hessian back carpets • Free fitting & ancillaries on felt back carpets & vinyls • Free Parking in the forecourt to side and rear • Laminate, engineered and hardwood flooring

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QUALITY, CHOICE, ADVICE & PRICE offered with knowledge and a caring attitude Multi width carpet up to 5 metres wide, • Extensive range of vinyls on show • 2m, 3m, & 4m widths • Hygienic & Hard-wearing

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November 2016 17

countdown to christmas 2016 Advent calendars are not just for kids!

M

any of us have fond memories of Christmas as a child, waking up each morning and tearing open another door of our advent calendar, prising out a tiny chocolate and counting how many doors are left until Christmas day. But this fun shouldn’t only be saved for kids - let us introduce you to advent calendars bursting with fizzy bath bombs, luxury truffles and scented gifts, and extra special ones for our furry friends.

12 Days of Christmas Lush, £52.95 www.lush.co.uk Throwing out the traditional 25-day, door-opening advent calendar is this huge box of treats from Lush. The run-up to Christmas can be a stressful time, particularly if lots of relatives and kids are in the house, so on each of the 12 days before Santa arrives, dive into a bubble bath, enjoy a delicious new soap or slather on some body lotion.

Whether you’re buying this as a treat for yourself or as a gift for someone else, this box is everything a person might need to feel well and truly pampered. Lots of Lush’s Christmas products make an appearance, including The Christmas Penguin bubble bar, Santa’s Postbox soap and Shoot for the Stars bath bomb.

Our favourite item in the box is the Sleepy body lotion with lavender and oatmeal. Massage this delicate, lilac lotion into your skin before bed and you’ll be in the land of nod in no time.

‘the nutcracker’ advent calendar Godiva, £23 www.godivachocolates.co.uk A more traditional, but very special, advent calendar comes from Godiva, the luxury Belgian chocolate makers. Adorned with scenes from ‘The Nutcracker’, this beautiful box is filled with a selection of Godiva classics and some seasonal masterpieces, to bring a little magic to each day in December.

Perfect for young and old, this advent calendar makes a great gift for those who are excited for a wonderful Christmas.

Why not pop one in the post for grown-up children who have moved away? If you couldn’t possibly hand over such delicious chocolates, pick up a calendar for yourself and devour a mouthwatering treat as you countdown to Christmas.

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ADVENT FOR TWO Hotel Chocolat, £26 www.hotelchocolat.com An advent calendar shouldn’t be shared? Well take a look at this from Hotel Chocolat which they’ve made with couples in mind. Enjoy cracking open a door together and nibbling on a miniature truffle each, as you discover new, delicious flavours for the 24 days before Christmas.

For a tasty surprise, try not to peek at what each truffle is before you devour it! We’d be lying though if we said that curiosity didn’t get the better of us - we’ve been eyeing up Gingerbread Praline and Madagascan Vanilla! The only risk is trusting the person you’re sharing the calendar with. It’s hard not to break open the whole box while you get cosy in your pyjamas!

personalised dog advent calendar Not on the High Street, £23.50 www.notonthehighstreet.com It wouldn’t be fair to leave your beloved dog out of the Christmas celebrations would it? Not on the High Street is at the top of our list when it comes to more unusual gifts, and this Dog Treat Advent Calendar is certain not to disappoint. There are 24 treats, so each time you open your own calendar, you can snip off a bone for your pooch and countdown to Christmas together.

The tag is personalised too! So for those who own more than one dog (you lucky things), you’ll be able to give them one each.

Keep them well out of reach though! Our office dogs give these the paws up!

holiday party advent calendar Yankee Candle, £24.99 www.yankeecandle.co.uk This isn’t just an advent calendar, this is a fantastic gift. We all know a Yankee Candle lover! Each large, house-shaped box is filled with tealights in six different fragrances, four of which are new to their collection for 2016, using ingredients and inspiration from around the world. Open the door to a very special votive candle for Christmas Eve, and continue to fill the house with a festive scent.

We love the sound of the Star Anise & Orange and the Festive Cocktail tealights. Light a candle for each of the 24 days before Christmas, and this calendar will really welcome the holidays into your home.

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Leisure & Events

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November 2016 21

Don’t Miss the Boat...

Get Your Name on the Ship That Sails Itself!

The Mayflower Autonomous Ship What a unique Christmas present! This year Plymouthians will have the chance to be able to see their name etched into history as part of an incredible project to build a multi-million pound robot boat to mark the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower out of the city.

T

he team behind the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) have launched a Crowdfunding campaign which is offering, among many other rewards, the chance to put individual names on the side of the ship when it is built.

opportunities for children and schools and other offers - but you only have until early December to snap them up.

It will be the 21st Century version of the Mayflower and be able to sail without crew from Plymouth UK to Plymouth, USA in 2020 on the 400th anniversary of the first sailing.

“

As part of that everyone is being offered the chance to get their name written into history as ‘new pilgrims’ by buying a reward that will literally make their mark on the project. For £20 you can put your name on the boat; for £50 you can put your family’s name on it and for £35 you can put two names and a significant date.

Larger rewards will include invitations to VIP events, invitations to the launch, exclusive

22 November 2016

“

In late October they threw the project open to the public asking them to help them get the design from blueprint to boatyard, hoping to raise £300,000 for the crucial next design and development stage which will include robust wave tank scale-model testing.

The launch of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship out of Plymouth UK as the flagship of the Mayflower 400 celebrations will cement the city’s reputation as a global centre of marine excellence and a marine science hub.

It will be the first vessel of its kind to sail without captain or crew across the Atlantic

The Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) will be the first vessel of its kind to sail without captain or crew across the Atlantic and be able to conduct scientific research around the world.

It is the brainchild of Brett Phaneuf, CEO of Plymouth-based MSubs, who wanted to create a new ‘Mayflower’ for the commemorations in 2020 that would be as cutting-edge and ground-breaking as the original had been.

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“The Mayflower Autonomous Research Ship was a response to the call for a Mayflower replica to be built and used for trans-Atlantic crossing,” he explains. “As there was already a Mayflower replica in the States one that I had visited as a child - the desire for another didn’t make sense to me.

“This, coupled with my ongoing work in marine autonomous vehicles and systems, set me thinking that we could and should build a ‘new’ Mayflower that was at the state of the art in terms of technological endeavour, that it should be autonomous and that it should be built here in Plymouth.

“That challenge is what keeps me going: to build a new ship with ‘new pilgrims’ that draws on the inspiration offered by the history for the pilgrims but focuses on the next 400 years, not the last.”

With the names of thousands of Plymouthians on the side of the new ship it will indeed be an opportunity to have all those ‘new pilgrims’ on the side of a crewless vessel.

The science of the project is so avantguard that it will be at the forefront of marine technology and could change

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Orion Shuttleworth, who designed the new Mayflower Autonomous Research Ship, says: “One of the key aims of the project is to cross the Atlantic in 2020 following the route of the original Mayflower that sailed nearly 400 years ago, and this vessel will point the way to the next 400 years of maritime development.

“The use of renewable energy systems and extremely efficient hull shapes and engineering will become essential to protect the environment and for ships to be economically viable as fossil fuels become depleted.

“We also hope to show the possibility of using autonomous vessels for ocean research and cargo ships. With the integration of a highly interactive website the public will be able to fully engage with the vessel, and join it on its journey across the ocean. We hope this will help draw attention to the importance of ocean research and the benefit of autonomous vessels.”

When launched, the MAS could be controlled by a computer, or by a captain sitting behind a virtual bridge onshore.

It would sail out of Plymouth via remote control and then switch to autonomous control once out at sea.

It will be solar powered, with pioneering battery and renewable energy capture, travelling to inhospitable parts of the world to conduct scientific research and collect data. Onboard there will be unmanned aerial vehicles plus life rafts so that it can respond to a distress call from other mariners, and be first on the scene and render assistance.

Plymouth’s Naval Base Commander is right behind the project. Commodore

Ian Shipperley, ADC Royal Navy - Naval Base Commander Devonport, says: “I am very proud that this exciting and innovative project will start its life in the Port of Plymouth which has been home to the Royal Navy for over 300 years. The Mayflower Autonomous Ship Project will continue the unbroken thread of maritime technology advances in Plymouth from the first ship dock in 1690 to this demonstration of world beating maritime capability; it will be an inspiration to current and future generations of scientists, engineers and maritime professionals. I wish the Mayflower team every success.”

Also on the team, in design and futuristic tech, is Professor Bob Stone of the University of Birmingham who is originally from Plymouth himself. The attraction for him of the project is that it is a world-first, never before attempted and could bring to life ideas that at present exist only in peoples’ imaginations.

“

“

the way the sea is used. With driverless cars already on the horizon and the air industry using computers to fly planes, MAS could lead the way to changing the way the shipping industry works.

It could bring to life ideas that at present exist only in peoples’ imaginations

“The MAS concept offers a unique and exciting opportunity for us to show how Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies can be exploited,” he says, “not only to develop a highly interactive solution for monitoring and, if necessary, controlling the vessel remotely, but also as a high-tech, immersive technique to help members of the public, schoolchildren, students and researchers engage with the MAS mission, both in 2020 and beyond.”

Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer says that this project could change the lives of thousands and thousands of people who live in Plymouth: “We are looking

to get people excited about marine science in Plymouth. We are looking to inspire generations of our young people to get involved and I cannot think of a better way of doing that than by building something like this.”

The MAS will be built in Plymouth and the South West. The team behind the project, a collaboration between the Plymouth submarine builder MSubs, Plymouth University and charitable marine research foundation Promare, is looking for suitable locations.

Brett Phaneuf hopes that the people of Plymouth will help make his dream their own and make it a reality - and in so doing, change the world for the better.

“I hope when this is done that there will be a legacy,” he says, “and that will be that it was a watershed moment and prime mover in the development, application and acceptance of large, marine autonomous vehicles working at sea, conducting all manner of research that better informs us about our planet and the limits of technology available to achieve that end.”

To get your name on this ship, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk and look for Mayflower Autonomous Research Ship project. Find them on Facebook at MARS400 or Twitter @MAS_400 “So far we have the plans, the passion, the potential and now all we need is to get it to production,” explains MSubs’ Patrick Dowsett, who spent 30 years in the Royal Navy, including time as a commander, in charge of HMS Northumberland.

“It is ground-breaking in so many ways and will put Plymouth on the global map for marine science excellence. We are offering everyone a chance to get involved in this incredible Devon project.

“This first stage will nail down the planning, the testing, the project development and the modelling to enable us to start the build of the real thing in 2018.”

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November 2016 23

GET YOUR NAME ON THIS SHIP!

This is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to get on board with the flagship of the historic Mayflower 400 commemorations

DON'T MISS THE BOAT - BE PART OF IT!

To buy your reward visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk For more information visit Facebook: MARS400 and Twitter: @MAS_400 #mayflower400 24 November 2016

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What’sOn

November 2016 WINE TASTING WITH BABYLONSTOREN, SOUTH AFRICA 24th November, 7 - 10pm Le Vignoble, Royal William Yard A tasting and talk with the winemaker from the Babylonstoren estate in Simondium, South Africa. £20 per person with £10 returned on a wine card, booking essential on 01752 222892.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 26th - 27th November, 10am - 4pm Saltram

Visit Santa’s Grotto in Drake Circus

HOT CLUB OF STONEHOUSE 4th November, from 7.15pm River Cottage Canteen, Royal William Yard Get your dancing shoes ready for evening of live music with Hot Club of Stonehouse a toe tapping, skirt swinging, gypsy swing band. Finish your working week in style and join us for our Canteen Cocktail Club - enjoy two cocktails for £10 from 6pm on this night.

Band Set times: 7.15 – 8pm and 8.15- 9pm.

BONFIRE NIGHT 5th November, 4pm - late Plymouth Hoe Plymouth will be hosting a bonfire and fireworks display on Saturday 5th November on The Hoe for Bonfire Night.

Fairground rides and catering stands will be open from 4pm and entertainment, courtesy of Radio Plymouth will be provided from 6pm. As the night draws in and the temperature drops, this event is sure to warm up when the bonfire is lit at 7.30pm.

The fireworks display will be set off from the Citadel at 8pm.

PLYMOUTH CHRISTMAS SHOW 12th November, 10am - 5pm Plymouth Guildhall Bring your friends and family to explore our Christmas Market, pop along to the Santa’s Grotto or feast down on a mince pie.

You’ll find everything you need to make this year’s holiday season festive; Christmas crafts, holiday gifts, seasonal fashions & decor, entertaining tips and a whole lot more! Entry is FREE. Bring your kids – Santa is making an early visit from the North Pole in our special Santa’s Grotto!

Santa’s Grotto is being ran in aid of St Luke’s Hospice.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON 17th November Armada Way Celebrate the start of the festive season with the Plymouth City Centre Christmas lights switch on.

DRAKE CIRCUS SANTA’S GROTTO 17th Nov - 24th Dec Drake Circus Shopping Centre

Soak up the atmosphere among the stalls with warm glass of mulled wine and get lots ticked off your Christmas shopping list. You’ll find unusual gifts, hand-crafted decorations, hot food and even your Christmas turkey.

As you meander from stall to stall deciding who is on your ‘naughty or nice’ list, immerse yourself in the beautiful sounds of local choirs and the delicious smells of feshly cooked food.

The house doors will be open tempting you to delve in to ‘The enchanted house’. The West Wing will be lit as though by candle light leading you from room to room until you reach the bustle of the Great Kitchen.

Let your children’s wish come early this Christmas by taking them to visit Santa in his magical grotto.

Pre-booking is advisable but not essential and can be done online at www.drakecircus.com

ANNIKA SKOOGH TRIO 18th November, from 7.15pm River Cottage Canteen, Royal William Yard Join us for an evening of jazz with Annika Skoogh Trio. Annika is a vibrant jazz vocalist, who mixes Brazilian sounds, with jazz, soul and funk. Finish your working week in style and join us for our Canteen Cocktail Club - enjoy two cocktails for £10 from 6pm on this night.

Band Set times: 7.15 – 8pm and 8.15- 9pm.

ALL THINGS VINTAGE AND FESTIVE SHOW 19th November, 10.30am - 4.30pm Plymouth Guildhall Over 60 Vintage & Artisan exhibitors including lots of unique, quirky Christmas ideas. Christmas carols, cookery workshops, festive tearoom and lots more.

Entry £2.00 (under 12’s free)

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Stock up at the Christmas Markets

PLYMPTON CHRISTMAS FAYRE 28th November, from 3 - 8pm The Ridgeway, Plympton The Ridgeway Plympton will again host a great night of festive fun and frolics with gifts and Christmas fair for all.

Promoted by The Plympton Chamber of Commerce, there will be a Children’s Lantern Parade, lots of great music, stilt walkers, street entertainers and Santa in a sidecar. The fun starts at 3pm to get the season under way and there’s loads to see including the Christmas Lights Switch-on at 6.30pm.

November 2016 25

Eating & Drinking Local Directory Pub Food

Bars & Cocktail Annabel’s Carpe Diem The Berkeley Bar & Grill The Dairy The Refectory Tigermilk

Vauxhall Street, Plymouth 50 North Hill, Plymouth 19 Princess St, Plymouth 25-27 Bretonside, Plymouth 60 South Street, Plymouth Millbay Road, Plymouth

01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752

260555 252942 228810 319067 828988 275858

Chinese Restaurants Buffet City China Wok Crystal Dragon Fortune Court Hakka Jasmin Restaurant Jasmine Chinese Ming Dynasty Noodle Lounge Seow’s The Hoe Cantonese The Wet Wok View Pan Asia Wah Tin

1 Derrys Cross, Plymouth Colebrook Inn, Plympton 10-11 Southside St, Plymouth 9 Tin Ln, Plymouth 13 South Street, Plymouth 3 Buckland Terrace, Yelverton 115 Fore Street, Kingsbridge 203 Billacombe Rd, Plymstock Top Floor, Southside St, Plymouth 1 Radford Park Rd, Plymstock 14 Athenaeum Street, Plymouth 75 Hoe Rd, Plymouth 80 Royal Parade, Plymouth 57-59 North Hill, Plymouth

01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01822 01548 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752

269888 338808 250288 668288 224777 852807 853395 492225 266677 657676 661895 664456 224223 660660

Fish & Seafood Restaurants Catch 22 Faringdon Fish Bar Kingfisher Oyster Shack Platters Rockfish The Samphire Bush The Seafood & Pasta Bar The Village Restaurant

6 Quay Road, Plymouth 58 Faringdon Road, Plymouth 6 Glen Road, Plympton Stakes Hill, Kingsbridge 12 The Barbican, Plymouth Sutton Harbour, Plymouth 36 Admiralty Street 10 Quay Road, Plymouth 32 Southside Street, Plymouth

07557 01752 01752 01548 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752

476530 221144 335567 810876 227262 255974 253247 260717 667688

French Restaurants Bistro 35 Chloe’s Le Bistrot Pierre

35 Church St, Ivybridge Princess Street, Plymouth Royal William Yard, Plymouth

01548 831273 01752 201523 01752 262318

Greek Restaurants Lanterns Meze Grill The Grecian Taverna The Leandra Zeus

88 Cornwall St, Plymouth Sutton Harbour, Plymouth 9 Market Avenue, Plymouth 19-21 Frankfort Gate, Plymouth 150 Cornwall Street, Plymouth

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665516 674633 266400 266176 661843

Indian Restaurants Cafe Indiya Ganges and Gurkha Himalayan Spice Mombay Brasserie Nibana Shapla Balti Cusine The Curry Corner The Eastern Eye The Spice Well

18 Church St, Stoke, Plymouth 36 Bretonside, Plymouth 31 New Street, Plymouth Penrose House, 4 Lockyers Quay 9 Morshead Rd, Crownhill 137 Ridgeway, Plymouth 1-3 Mutley Plain, Plymouth 57 Notte Street, Plymouth 18 Buckwell Street, Plymouth

01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752

565600 220907 252211 228281 787001 340555 604807 262948 226333

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662143 676820 255579 266336 269900 661290 261120

Italian Restaurants Bella Italia Frankie & Benny’s Morgans Market Grill Pizza Express Positano Prezzo

30-33 Derrys Cross, Plymouth Barbican Leisure Park, Plymouth 19 Princess St, Plymouth 9 Market Avenue, Plymouth 16 Barbican Approach, Plymouth 36 Mayflower Street, Plymouth Royal William Yard, Plymouth

26 November 2016

Admiral MacBride Beefeater Rose and Crown The Bank The Britannia The Boringdon Arms The Burrator Inn The Chaddlewood The Elburton Inn The Fishermans Arms The Jack Rabbit The Miners The Royal Oak The Ship Inn The Ship

1 The Barbican, Plymouth 300 Plymouth Road, Plymouth Market Street, Yealmpton Old George St, Plymouth 1 Wolseley Road, Stoke, Plymouth Boringdon Rd, Plympton Dousland, Yelverton 100 Glen Road, Plympton 221 Elburton Road, Plymstock 31 Lambhay St, Plymouth 8-9 Howeston Road, Plymouth Hemerdon, Plympton Meavy, Yelverton Noss Mayo, South Devon Quay Road, Plymouth

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262054 600660 880223 660833 607596 402053 853121 331077 403213 268243 783585 336040 852944 872387 667604

Spanish Restaurants Lorenzo Maritimo Zuzimo

26 Derrys Cross, Plymouth Hoe Road, Plymouth 153 Vauxhall Street, Plymouth

01752 201522 01752 427133 01752 651300

Speciality Restaurants Arribas B-Bar Blues Bar & Grill Chiquito Ed’s Diner Fishbone Restaurant Heaven JDs Grill Koishii Las Iguanas Nandos River Cottage Samphire (V) Seco Lounge Shirley Valentine’s Sizzall The Dock The Mission The Stable Yo Sushi Yukisan Wagamama

56-58 Notte Street, The Barbican Barbican Theatre, Plymouth 8 The Parade, The Barbican Barbican Leisure Park, Plymouth 1 Charles Street, Plymouth 1 William Prance Rd, Crownhill 162 Exeter Street, Plymouth 17 Derrys Cross, Plymouth 101 Mayflower St, Plymouth Royal William Yard, Plymouth 15 Old Town Street, Plymouth Royal William Yard, Plymouth 111 Mayflower St, Plymouth 4 Royal William Rd, Plymouth 12 New Street, The Barbican 15 Derrys Cross, Plymouth King Point Marina, Brunel Way Sir John Hawkins Square, Plymouth Vauxhall Street, Plymouth 1 Charles Street, Plymouth 51 Notte Street, Plymouth Royal William Yard, Plymouth

01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752 01752

603303 242021 257345 228342 226046 835793 223232 601605 222868 226609 664907 252702 263116 229375 669686 255201 253555 229955 228069 521410 250240 663200

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222214 604448 339113 668922 631000 500008 881555 862358 339562 852245 839228 229345 266600 225522 669162 257610 403888 661592 253555 880271 254254 672121 837363

Traditional Restaurants Barbican Steak House Barbican Kitchen Boringdon Park Grosvenor Casino Innfusion Restaurant Jolly Jacks Kitley House Langdon Court Lord Louis Moorland Garden Hotel Moorland Hotel Quay 33 The Dome Rock Salt Cafe & Brasserie Steak and Omelette The Artillery Tower The Bridge The China House The Dock The Foxhound Inn The Quayside The Treasury The Treby Arms

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61 Notte Street, Plymouth 60 Southside St, Plymouth 55 Plymbridge Rd, Plympton 15 Derrys Cross, Plymouth Jurys Inn, Exeter Street, Plymouth Mayflower Marina, Richmond Walk Kitley Estate, Yealmpton Down Thomas, Plymouth Glen Road, Plympton Yeoland Down, Yelverton Wotter, Shaugh Prior, Plymouth 33 Southside St, Plymouth The Hoe, Plymouth 31 Stonehouse St, Plymouth 116-118 Cornwall St, Plymouth Durnford Street, Plymouth Shaw Way, Mount Batten Sutton Harbour, Plymouth King Point Marina, Plymouth Kingsbridge Road, Brixton Quay Road, Plymouth Catherine St, Plymouth Sparkwell, Plympton

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Lemon & Ginger Shortbread This zesty teatime shortbread from BBC Good Food reader Jo Foster has a beautiful crumbly texture, plus zingy lemon and warming ginger flavour

Ingredients • • • • •

Serves 12

100g salted butter, softened, plus a little extra for greasing 50g golden caster sugar, plus extra for dusting Zest 1 large lemon 8 pieces of crystallised ginger, finely chopped 175g plain flour

Method 1. Heat oven to 150C/130C fan/gas 2 and grease a 22cm loose-bottomed fluted tart tin. Put the butter in a bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until soft. Beat in the sugar, then stir in the lemon zest and ginger.

2.

Recipe from www.bbcgoodfood.com Image from www.taste.com/au

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Stir in the flour and work with your hands to form a soft dough. Tip into the tin and press into an even, flat layer with your fingers. Prick all over with a fork and bake in the oven for 40 mins until pale gold. Cut into wedges then leave to cool completely in the tin. Remove from the tin and dust with caster sugar to serve.

November 2016 27

Leisure & Events

Remembrance Sunday On Sunday 13th November, we will stand together to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves to protect and secure our freedom. Here’s what will be happening in Plymouth on that day...

T

he Lord Mayor, Councilor Pauline Murphy, and Lord Mayor’s Consort will be joined by the Deputy Lieutenant of Devon, Deputy Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor’s Consort, Leader and Chief Executive of Plymouth City Council at this year’s Remembrance Day Service on Plymouth Hoe. The service will remember all those who lost their lives in both World Wars and in all conflicts, with a two-minute silence which will take place at the Royal Naval Memorial at 11am.

The Deputy Lieutenant of Devon will lay a wreath on behalf of the County of Devon, followed by The Lord Mayor laying a wreath on behalf of the people of Plymouth. This will be followed by the Flag Officer Sea Training and other representatives of the armed forces.

A member of the Military Kids Club Heroes (a support group of service family children from across the city) will also lay a wreath, followed by pupils from High View Primary School, The Co-operative Academy, Ford Primary School and Plymouth College.

28 November 2016

The Bishop of Exeter, Rt Rev Robert Atwell, will conduct the service, which will last for around 20 minutes.

Members of the public and local organisations will be invited to pay their respects and lay their personal wreaths at the end of the service, on the north side of the memorial, following the departure of the civic dignitaries.

The processional party will then take their places at the Civilian Memorial in Lockyer Street, where the Bishop of Exeter will say a prayer. Wreaths will be laid around the civilian memorial by the Lord Mayor, the Flag Officer Sea Training (on behalf of the Services), and Gary Streeter MP (on behalf of all the local Members of Parliament) followed by civilian representatives.

Members of the public are reminded that parking around the Hoe is limited. Some spaces will be available on the promenade for blue badge holders but this will be on a first come, first served basis.

Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councilor Pauline Murphy, said: “Remembrance

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Day is always a very important date in Plymouth’s civic calendar and this year is even more poignant as it marks a number of significant anniversaries.

“As well as being the centenary year of the Battle of Jutland and Battle of the Somme, 2016 marks the 75th Anniversary of the Plymouth Blitz.”

At the conclusion of the Royal Naval Memorial service, further Acts of Remembrance will take place with the Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and 29 Commando Monuments, as well the Merchant Navy Memorial stone. Finally, a service at the Polish Memorial will be held in the Belvedere Garden at 12 noon.

Remember to pick up your poppy from sellers across the city and wear it with pride.

Visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/events

Learn more about Remembrance Day and the Poppy Appeal at www.britishlegion.co.uk www.omplymouthmagazine.co.uk

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November 2016 29

Health & Beauty

A Day at Gaia Spa On the beautiful grounds of Boringdon Hall, nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, lies an oasis of tranquility. The Gaia Spa is the perfect place to take away all the stresses of modern day living and allow your body to reset and recharge. This month I was lucky enough to be given the chance to review this beautiful new spa.

By Emma-Jane Corry

30 November 2016

With a very happy tummy I left the restaurant and made my way to the changing rooms, excited to experience Gaia’s amazing heat rooms. Each of the lockers contains a fluffy robe, towel and flip flops, all designed to make your experience totally relaxing.

“

I could feel my body start to unwind

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O

n arrival I was greeted by my host Megan who gave me my welcome guide and a tour of the spa. Megan was fantastic and took the time to explain all the features including the impressive selection of heat rooms, the fully equipped gym and the gorgeous changing rooms with all the complementary toiletries a girl could want. Making sure I knew where everything was, Megan then left me in the beautiful Spatisserie where Chef Ben bent over backwards to accommodate my vegan diet. Nothing was too much trouble for Ben and his team who explained all the dishes and even agreed to rustle me up some vegan scones for my afternoon tea. I settled on the Beetroot and Lentil Salad and the Citrusy Adzuki Bean Stew.

While I waited for my meal I had the chance to take in the breathtaking views of both Plympton and Dartmoor. The food was beautifully cooked and I would thoroughly recommend the bean stew.

I headed in to the Laconium, as Megan had explained that this was the best room to start my journey. The room is heated at 30°C - 35°C which slowly raises the body’s temperature and tricks your body into thinking you are starting to get a fever, this in turn helps improve your immune system.

As I took in the relaxing aromas along with

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the soft coloured lighting, I could feel my body start to unwind.

After a quick rain shower I headed into the herbal sauna which uses Eucalyptus and lemongrass plant oils to create a healing aroma. This sauna is slightly cooler than a standard sauna allowing you to use it for a longer period and really make the most of the medical benefits.

Next up I ventured into the Crystal Salt steam room - the softer heat of this room with the added benefit of the salt inhalation injection system is particularly great for the respiratory system and skin.

This room was definitely my favourite heat experience, my skin felt wonderful and my breathing was so much more relaxed.

Knowing scones and champagne where waiting for me after my treatment I decided to do a few lengths of the pool… best to burn those calories before!

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The pool was the ideal depth at 1.2 metres and the water was set to the perfect temperature. With a few lengths performed (clearly the amount of a scone) I made my way to the hydrotherapy pool which has an indoor and outdoor section perfect for all weathers! Thankfully the sun was shining so I had the chance to experience both the indoor and outdoor section. After all that swimming, lying on the hydrotherapy beds was the perfect way to relax before I headed to the treatment area.

“

Lying on the hydrotherapy beds was the perfect way to relax

“

A quick, brave dunking of the cold water bucket and I’m ready to head to the treatment room to start my Gaia Raindrop Therapy. I was greeted by my therapist, Jasmine, who explained that Raindrop therapy is a healing technique using pure essential oils. The ritual combines aromatherapy oils and moist heat to bring total balance, harmony and body wellness mentally, physically and emotionally.

Techniques are used through the massage to release toxins and lymph, boosting the immune system and bringing the body back to its natural alignment. Jasmine started my treatment

with a welcoming foot ritual and consultation to decide which oils would best suit my current needs. The foot ritual included a lovely foot scrub and massage which is definitely the perfect way to get you relaxed and ready for your treatment.

The 2 hour treatment includes a full body massage in which the purest essential oils are added as droplets to the back, spine and feet. Jasmine was clearly a very experienced therapist who made light work of all my knots and soothed my tired, tight and aching muscles. With the warmth of the bed and Jasmine working on every area of my body, including a scalp massage, I could feel my body becoming more and more relaxed until I drifted off into a light sleep.

Straight after my treatment Jasmine led me to the relaxation room which is a beautiful room filled with soft beds and pillows. Its the perfect to area to help you ease back into the real world. I was given a cup of Gaia Tea - the tea blend was selected to complement the oils I had chosen for my treatment. As I sipped my tea and allowed my body to wake back up, I enjoyed the beautiful garden views whilst snuggling up with a copy of Vanity Fair.

Next it was off to find my vegan scones and champagne, thanks to the Spatisserie being a private area for members and guests only, I could enjoy my bubbles while still wearing my fluffy robe and flip flops. The scones were amazing and topped off my day of relaxation perfectly.

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I left Gaia Spa feeling relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. Anyone looking for a stress-free atmosphere, somewhere to wind down, a gift for a loved one or just in need of a little me-time, then I would thoroughly recommend booking in to the Gaia Spa for the ultimate luxurious way to unwind.

Call: 01752 344455 Email: info@gaiaboringdon.co.uk Visit: www.gaiaboringdon.co.uk Find: Boringdon Hill, Colebrook, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 4DP

November 2016 31

Health & Beauty

32 November 2016

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November 2016 33

Law & Finance

25 Years

So Much Has Changed!

25 years is a long time in anyone’s book. It’s around a third of the average lifespan – a sobering thought. So much has changed over the last 25 years, with technological advances getting faster and faster. And there have been a lot of changes to The Family Law Company, currently celebrating 25 years as a specialist family law firm. Here are just some of the highlights: 1991 - The Family Law Company started life in 1991 as Hartnell & Co after being founded by Norman Hartnell, who saw the need for dedicated help for family law issues. Always a trailblazer, Norman was the first arbitrator in the South West region for finance, and more recently, children.

�� Anniversary th

In other news; Stella Rimington become the first female director general of MI5 and Bryan Adams ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You was a constant soundtrack spending 6 months in Top 40.

1997 - Jump forward to 1997 when Jane Chanot joined the company. Jane has since proved an amazing force in family law, particularly representing clients involved in international child abduction – she is a member of the ICACU, only one of eight in the country. This was also the year when another talented woman JK Rowling published the first Harry Potter novel.

1998 - In 1998 the Family Mediators Association was founded, helping the public to find information on their local mediators. It now represents over 400 family mediators.

2001 - This year was a game changer when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPod. We have always embraced technology, and were the first law firm in the country to have computers on every lawyer’s desk.

Communication became more immediate with the introduction of first Facebook in 2004 and Twitter in 2006. We are active on both Twitter and Facebook.

2008 - In 2008, Barack Obama, the USA’s first African-American President was elected, and in 2009, The Equality Act came into effect, consolidating legislation requiring equal treatment in access to employment and services regardless of gender, race, health, disability, sexual orientation, belief and age. We work to make family law available to all, with French, German and Spanish speakers in house, and two lawyers trained in British Sign Language.

2011 - In a complex case in 2011, the Supreme Court ruled on an unmarried couple’s property dispute, giving Patricia Jones a 90% interest in a family home owned jointly with her former cohabitee. One of our Partners, David Cobern, has just written a book, “Living together and the Law” to advise unmarried couples on their legal rights in just this type of situation.

2013 - In 2013, we rebranded as The Family Law Company to better explain what the company specialised in. This was, sadly, also the year that private family law lost eligibility for legal aid funding.

2016 - Our 25th year as a specialist family law company has been a year to remember. Jane Chanot’s team won ‘Team of the Year’ in the inaugural Devon & Somerset Law Society Awards. We are finalists in this year’s Family Law Awards and Modern Law Awards.

Visit: www.thefamilylawco.co.uk

Email: enquiries@thefamilylawco.com

Call us: 01752 674999

Find us: The Family Law Company, Princess Court, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2EX 34 November 2016

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November 2016 35

Law & Finance

How Much is my Life Worth?

By Mike LeGassick

H

ave you ever considered how much you or your business is worth? What price would you put on the value of your own life? I bet you’re struggling to put a figure on it. Answer this question honestly. How would your family cope financially if you weren’t here?

Protecting Your Family and Your Business Life insurance and critical illness cover. The importance of having it and the consequences of not.

Firstly, read this passage: A Legacy of Love We hope the worst won’t happen, but sometimes it does I didn’t expect to die at such a young age I must admit Getting life assurance was on my list of things to do – a priority The truth is I never got around to doing what I knew needed to be done No one can say Life is going to be okay financially for my family It seems almost certain Every day will become a struggle

Now read the passage backwards, sentence by sentence from the bottom up. This piece does a great job extolling the virtues of protecting your family and how nobody should have to reflect on it being too late. I have shown this to many clients and it really does make them think.

The mechanics of life insurance are very simple really. You set up a special account and put in, say, £100 a month.

My company sets up a special account and puts £500,000 in it. Should something happen to you tomorrow, next week, next year, we trade accounts. You take mine and I’ll take yours, but mine will always be worth significantly more than yours.

You send a premium and the life company sends a promise. A promise to pay the sum assured, a promise that nothing can get in the way of.

There’s a price tag for doing nothing about a problem and a price tag on doing something, but the price tag for doing nothing is far greater than the price tag for doing something. The years have a way of making people old. Life assurance has a way of making them secure.

And Money will be tight from now on It can be no longer said My family can continue to live in the home we built Because of my decision My daughter will have to change schools and make new friends And My husband will have to work a second job just to make ends meet It can’t be said A college education will be possible for my daughter

Life assurance isn’t for the dead, it’s for the living, the people you leave behind, so why on earth can’t people see the importance and value in having it in place? Can you imagine your family having to suffer financial hardship right on top of the unexpected death of a loved one?

Most people have the ability to accumulate money for their family. Most do it through working all of their lives, but sometimes we run out of time. Life insurance underwrites and protects that time.

The reality is I didn’t look out for my family first No one can say Buying life assurance was a priority for me…

But I haven’t died yet, there’s still a chance for me to leave a legacy of love and financial security

36 November 2016

Ability is the one thing that you alone can furnish, but you also must have time. No matter how much ability you have, you must have the time to finish. If I could guarantee that you would live for at least another 10, 20 or 30 years, how much would you be prepared to pay for that time? The uncertain factor is achieving

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success in the time you have to achieve it. Life insurance is time - the time you might not have. If you need time then you need life insurance.

Most people hold very close to their heart the welfare of those they love. They want to be sure and have certainty in their lives. But when they try to substitute life insurance, they eliminate certainty. No substitute can get the job done. Quite simply, there is no substitute for life insurance. None at all.

What’s the worst that can happen if you don’t take action? It may cost a lifetime of effort for your loved ones if you don’t.

If you don’t do it - well, you know things do happen. Sometimes the highest price in the world is doing nothing. A lot of people do nothing wrong. They do nothing. And that’s what’s wrong. The cost of a life insurance policy increases each year you don’t have it. The longer you leave it the more expensive it becomes because you are getting older and statistically you are getting nearer your, how shall I say this, nearer your sell by date.

Paying the premium isn’t the problem.

Paying the premium is the solution to the problem.

Life insurance is the only tool that costs a fraction of the thousands it guarantees. It’s a tool that is designed to create and then to conserve. It puts foundations beneath plans. It underwrites and protects that unknown element of time. Better still, if you own your own business you can deduct the cost of your protection and save 20% off the premium via your annual corporation tax bill.

Call Mike now at Manning & Company: 01752 837950 Email: mikel@manningandco.co.uk www.omplymouthmagazine.co.uk

Will Writing

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Family Protection Trusts

No - It’s Not Fair!

Thousands of homes are sold each year to pay for care fees Your will is important but it is not enough Find out how you can protect your home and savings from care fees and many other issues How long will your savings last?

The average cost of residential care is £36,000 per year and this figure is expected to double over the next twenty years. You WILL pay the full amount if you own more than £23,250.

Do you think it is fair?

If you are one of the millions who think the system is unfair and that it penalises those that work hard to provide for their future and for that of their loved ones, we have the solutions.

Attend a FREE Seminar:

We use affordable methods to structure clients’ estates and utilise the legal concessions available - concessions you are probably unaware of. We ensure you and your family will have control of your hard earned wealth and that you are the only ones who ultimately benefit from it.

Plympton Library TUESDAY 29th NOVEMBER at 11am Seminars last around one hour, please arrive early Bookings are essential as there are limited places Refreshments available 30 minutes before start Free consultations at your home or our office

5 Windsor Villas, Lockyer Street, Plymouth, PL1 2QD

To book your place, or for more information, please freephone: 0800 999 4940 Please mention OM Magazine when responding to adverts

November 2016 37

Law & Finance

Sarah Jones Local family run business. Giving an honest, personal service at an affordable fee

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After many years of successfully selling homes under the banner of other estate agents, I have decided to launch Mayer Estate Agents. Giving clients honesty, a personal service, and my experience all for an affordable fee.

It’s a truly family run business with agents wishing to make a genuine difference. Our team have been very successful, long standing estate agents which is why we find customers referring so many of their family and friends to us.

We pride ourselves on being honest through and through, whether its good news or bad.

We know how to best sell or let your home within both buoyant and stale market places.

We have invested in the latest software technology to ensure all our clients and purchasers receive a first class service without compromise.

We are actively open until late seven days a week to show you properties or value your home.

We offer a very competitive fee of 0.8%inclusive of vat with a minimum of £1200 inclusive of vat.

Searching for your perfect new home can be a daunting process so call our friendly sales team today to discuss your requirements and see why so many people will only use Mayer Estate Agents with their move.

Call us today!

t: 01752 424668 m: 07807 691858

Have You Worked with Asbestos?

Have you ever been employed in a Dockyard or any industry/factory your breathing?

If so you may have been exposed to Asbestos and we can help you to claim the compensation you deserve.

R OVE S’ A E R 25 Y NCE IN S ERIE EXP ESTOSI B AS IMS CLA

Please call for a FREE initial consultation with our Specialist Asbestos Claims Solicitor

Call 01752 785715

Evans Harvey Solicitors 38 November 2016

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www.evansharveylaw.co.uk 37 & 39 Morshead Road, Crownhill, PL6 5AD www.omplymouthmagazine.co.uk

Creative Ways to get a Job in IT, Design & Media If you’re fed up of trailing through jobsites and applying for work that 50, if not hundreds, of other people have applied for as well as yourself, only to hear diddlysquat back from the employer, then it might be time to change your tact. It might be time to exercise those inner ideas that you’ve kept contained for fear of appearing odd or unprofessional. It might be time dress up your portfolio with a big, bright and bashful bow. It’s time to dig out your brain, and place it outside of the box.

The type of job you’re seeking will determine how much scope there is for creativity. The IT, design and media industries are the best examples for imaginative bartering. Seeing as Astra Recruitment specialise in recruiting for the IT sectors, what better way to get an insight into some of the more creative applications they’ve come across?

Tailoring your efforts specifically to the employer in question is obviously a great place to start. Many people do this to a certain degree, using a cover letter to adapt their message to the employer, however, some push the boat out to a whole new ocean.

for new jobs. One of the best examples of this is the interactive CV, allowing the receiver to be taken on a journey via interactive motion graphics, through the applicant’s skills, employment history, achievements and education.

examples of how this could look. Not only does this show initiative but it displays an eagerness to work with existing styles and an awareness to brand development.

One of the most popular and well-talked about example is the interactive online CV of Robby Leonardi, a multi-disciplined designer from New York. Robby Leonardi uses a cartoon depicted as a superhero to jump, fly and swim through his credentials.

You can see for yourself by visiting www.rleonardi.com/interactive-resume.

•

A graduate in media production got frustrated by a lack of response to his job applications. He rented out a billboard and create a social media campaign called ‘Employ Adam’. It worked - he received 60 job offers.

•

A web professional formatted his CV in the style of the Google Search Engine landing page.

•

People applying for roles in art and crafts have been known to produce CV’s in line with the materials they’d be using, IE a knitted CV with applicant details embossed onto the material.

•

Hack your way into the frame.

Although not universally condoned, it can sometimes impress technical heads who appreciate the complexity of hacking into a website or social media page. One of the most famous examples is when a candidate managed to transform Facebook profiles into Myspace profiles.

Initiative Astra have heard just recently about how an individual utilised his videographer and editing skills to apply for a job. He was applying for a video production and editing role for a well-renowned local news outlet, he figured that competition would be tough and the opportunity was too good to miss out on.

So, instead of the traditional CV and cover letter, he took it upon himself to film and edit a video, which acted as a miniature report on a local event in the city – a skill and duty which would feature heavily in the job role he was applying for. After all the editing was complete he attached his work to the application email and also added it onto his personal blog page. A few days after sending, he got the job.

Interactive If you work in the web design and development world, then you can definitely be savvy about how you apply

Portfolio Prowess For graphic designers, work is visual.

So why change what you’re good at?

Astra Recruitment have sifted through thousands of graphic design applications and the ones that stand out, and seem to go down well with employers, are the applications which contain a catalogue of graphics and artwork.

These can be examples of previous design work carried out in current or past employment, or even personal design work that you’d like to showcase. Going one step further, some have used this as an opportunity to present would-be work that’s specific to the brand or services.

For instance, if a fashion brand is yet to break into a particular market, say perfume and aftershave, then product designers have been known to mock up

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Other Weird & Wonderful Examples:

Need help finding a job in IT, Logistics & Engineering? Get in touch with the Astra Recruitment team.

Visit: www.astrarecruitment.co.uk

November 2016 39

fantastic beasts & where to find them Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Dan Fogler

guide

Your guide to the films hitting cinemas this month

Follow Newt Scamander in 1920s New York, carrying his suitcase of magical creatures. The beasts soon escape however, causing riot in the muggle world. With help from friends, he sets out to recapture the beasts and return them to their natural habitats. This is the highly-anticipated prequel to Harry Potter, and the first installment of a planned trilogy.

Released: 18th November

a street cat named bob

allied

Starring: Ruta Gedmintas, Luke Treadaway, Joanne Froggatt

Starring: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard

A recovering drug addict is given his last chance to turn his life around, and is given his own bedsit. As he attempts to build a new future, he finds himself with an unlikely companion who helps him to reshape his life in this uplifting comedy-drama. This remarkable true story is based on the internally best-selling novel of the same name, A Street Cat Named Bob

In Casablanca, 1942, two spies from allied nations fall in love during an assignment to assassinate a German official, but the war threatens to destroy their happiness. The conflict follows the pair back to London, and Max and Marianne realise that it’s hard to start a new chapter when the world seems to be tearing itself apart.

Released: 4th November

Released: 11th November

almost christmas

bad santa 2

Starring: Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Omar Epps

Starring: Brett Kelly, Billy Bob Thornton

Almost Christmas is a touching and hilarious story of a family who have reunited for the first time after the death of their mother, and the chaos that ensues. Walter is left with the task of hosting the first Thanksgiving for his extended family since the death of his wife, and the only gift he wishes for this holiday is for his family to get along‌

Bad Santa returns to cash in on the festive season once again with a wicked plan to steal millions of dollars from a Chicago based charity. Along with his fresh-from-jail friend, Marcus, and his old accomplice, Thurman Merman, the obnoxious group leave a trail of chaos wherever they go. This alternative Christmas classic is sure to be a hit with fans of Bad Santa, released back in 2003.

Released: 25th November

Released: 25th November

40 November 2016

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November 2016 41

Pets

Are you looking for great Christmas gift ideas?

Why not sponsor an unwanted or abandoned dog or cat for someone special In common with a lot of rescue centres we find that some dogs and cats stay in our care much longer than others. It can just be a case of being overlooked but more commonly it is because they have specialised behavioural needs that a lot of people don’t have the time for or experience to cope with. As we are a noneuthanasia charity we never give up on an animal and strive to make their time with us as happy and as comfortable as we can until they find a loving new home.

When you sponsor a dog or cat at Gables Farm you will receive;    

A certificate Three issues of our Tails magazine each year A Valentine card, Easter card and Christmas card from your sponsor animal A Gables Farm keyring & car sticker

Your sponsorship helps us to provide all the love and care these special animals desperately need until they are lucky enough to find a safe new and forever home. You can sponsor an animal for yourself or as a gift for someone else.

You can sponsor a dog or cat online via our website or please call us on 01752 331602.

Sponsor a dog for only £4 per month Sponsor a cat for only £3 per month

www.gablesfarm.org.uk 42 November 2016

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FULL & PART TIME DRIVERS REQUIRED! CALL NOW

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November 2016 43

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