Area 2
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Myles Lockwood myles@oracle.uk.net
DESIGN EDITOR
Dylan Thain editor@oracle.uk.net
ACCOUNTS
Emma-Jane Corry BS (Hons) emma@oracle.uk.net
SALES MANAGERS
Myles Lockwood
Edward Warne BA (Hons)
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Dylan Thain
PHOTOGRAPHY
Front Cover -Pixabay | Pexels | Freepik
SISTER MAGAZINE
OM Plymouth www.omplymouthmagazine.co.uk
This is my first issue as Editor for OM Plympton Magazine and what a month to start it on. With Easter this month I wanted to bring you all the best content from our local area.
I’ve put my own twist on certain parts of this issue and the eagled eyed amoungst you might stpot the changes to the recipe page in particular.
This months editorials were so much fun do write and I hope you like reading them, I did spend a good amount of time getting the perfect photo for Pet month.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE FOR AS LITTLE AS £60.00 A MONTH IN THE PLYMPTON COMMUNITY MAGAZINE please call sales on 01752 691007 plympton@oracle.uk.net Copyright © 2025 The Plympton Community Magazine. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the expressed written permission of the publisher. We have done our utmost to ensure that all the content is correct and accurate at the time of print, but we emphasise that Oracle Publications accepts no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions in this publication. All opinions expressed in The Plympton Magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not always shared by the publication.
Moving forward I want to continue to put my own spin on these magazines and I also want to here more from you, the readers. If you have any ideas how we can make the magazien better then please email: editor@oracle.uk.net and I will get back to as many of you as possible.
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from happy customer!
With decades of experience in the catering industry between them, Plymouth couple Nick and Tina Garcia know a thing or two about what makes a great kitchen.
Nick was patron chef at the family’s much-loved restaurant, Trattoria Pescatore in Stonehouse, while Tina runs local seafood company, S&J Fisheries. Both are selfconfessed foodies who love to entertain for family and friends. So when it came to looking for a new kitchen for their home on the outskirts of Plymouth, it not only had to be a stunning modern space for the family to enjoy, it also had to offer everything a busy kitchen needs – and in all the right places.
After visiting a number of kitchen companies, they chose Plymouth family firm KF Kitchens to design and fit their kitchen, which was completed just in time for Christmas: “We haven’t left it since, we don’t sit anywhere else!” said Tina. “It’s perfect for how we like to live. It’s sociable rather than formal, with the stools at the breakfast bar. When we sit here in the evening, it feels special, like we’re out to dinner. And our 15-year-old twin boys love it, too.”
The kitchen is at one end of a big sunny room, which has a lounge area at the other end. When Nick and Tina first went to KF Kitchens, the room hadn’t even been built: “It used to be two linked conservatories which had to go,” explained Nick. “So we had them knocked down and had this room built. We wanted this to be our main living area because it’s so light. Our old kitchen, which we’ll now be redeveloping, is much smaller and doesn’t get as much light on the other side of the house.”
Having created the new space, they then needed to find their dream kitchen to put in it. Their search proved successful when they met KF Kitchens’ experienced designers Nathan and Derinda Damarell and their son Connor in the showroom at Faraday Mill. Tina said: “We really liked them, they brought lots of ideas to the table. We went through various options and the design evolved over time – Nathan said it was about building the layers. It’s a process, so you don’t have to make all the decisions at the start. Nothing was rushed. And there was no beating about the bush with the costing, so there were no hidden costs.”
Aesthetically, the couple wanted a contemporary look. Practically, they wanted a lay-out that was efficient and had appliances that would serve them for many years to come.
“We were open to ideas,” said Tina. “When we looked around the showroom we saw this kitchen, but in a different colour and we really liked it. In the end, we went for this colour, lava, because it’s so timeless.”
The kitchen is by German firm Nolte and features antifingerprint doors. It also has the new range of Artwood striped cupboards in coffee colour above the sink area. The island has an additional table area attached, with a work surface that brings the contrast that Tina was ooking for. This, together with the other worktops and splashbacks, was supplied by Plymouth company, Mayflower Stone: “I wanted a contrast to go with the overhead lights I’d bought, and Nathan sourced this worktop with copper tones from Mayflower. And it’s perfect,” said Tina.
The kitchen delivers on all the couple’s “must haves” ample storage space, a multi zone induction hob with retracting island extractor, a Quooker tap with instant boiling water, cold water, and fizzy water, and quality, concealed NEFF appliances. These include a freezer at the end of the island, fridge, microwave combi-oven,
main oven, coffee machine, and a warming drawer. They also opted for a steam oven. Tina said: “We’d never used one before, but Derinda suggested that we might benefit from having one and she was right, we love it.”
The design ensures that the sink, concealed bins and dishwasher are all in the same area, while the hob on the island means that the chef is always at the heart of the social hub. KF Kitchens supplied and installed the kitchen and all appliances and did the flooring for the whole room: “Nathan and Derinda helped us with where everything should go,” said Tina, “and the actual installation by their fitter, Kevin, went like clockwork.” KF Kitchens worked closely with the couple’s own tradesmen, RGS Electrical and Maxim Plumbing, to ensure everything went smoothly. “The kitchen is exactly what we wanted,”said Tina.
“Our three words for it are ‘sleek, modern and enjoyable’ – or our ‘new happy haven’. We can’t recommend KF Kitchens enough!”
Book a consultation in the KF Kitchens studio, by email (enquiries@kfkitchens.co.uk) or phone (01752 255022). You can also visit their website (www.kfkitchens.co.uk), and social media on Instagram (@kfkitchens) or Facebook.
The world’s rst 4D hearing aid sensor technology doesn’t just lter and amplify sounds like traditional hearing aids; groundbreaking head & body movement sensors help the user to hear & communicate better in background noise. Against a leading premium hearing aid - Oticon Intent delivers a remarkable 35% speech improvement score in social situations.
Acoustics
Sensors gather 360º sound picture & monitors environmental changes
Head Movement
Sensors monitor how our head moves during conversations
Communication
Body Movement
Physical sensors anticipate our spatial awareness and how we move when listening & talking
The new Oticon Intent, with its latest computer chip and communication sensors combine all the information it receives to now help users engage & hear in the world around them like never before.
This April why not move a little bit more and help
Move more month is as basic as it gets when it comes to fitness-themed activities. It can be as simple as going on a walk when you might not usually, or even extending your normal dogwalking route. Within this little guide I’m going to help you set your goals for the month, track your progress and create a habit for life.
As indicated in the introductory paragraph, Move More Month is all about keeping your heart happy and healthy. We all know why heart health is so important, but to put it into perspective, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death around the world. Just 30 minutes a day, five days a week (150 minutes in total), can be enough to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Whether you think 150 minutes is a lot or not, it’s not always the easiest to fit into a busy schedule. This is where the simplicity of Move More Month shines—unlike other health challenges, Move More Month is simply about getting people out of the house. This can include a walk one day, maybe a bike ride or a gym session.
One of the best ways to be and stay active is by joining a gym, No longer can your level of activity be dictated by the weather outside. Joining a gym can open you up to all sorts of exercises and classes. Going with a friend can be the best way to enjoy the gym for alot of people.
Being more active is scientifically proven to support positive wellbeing by boosting what are known as our ‘happy hormones’ in the brain. Spending time outdoors is also shown to reduce stress and anxiety. So why not join us throughout April and move your way to a happier and healthier life?
Remember, it doesn’t matter how you move—just that you do it a little more often!
Making working out a Habit can be challenge for many people but there are a few ways to make it easier. My first tip would be to start small, going for a small run or maybe a long walk. Putting too much pressure on yourself to get into the habit straight away can be more detrimental than benaficial.
As the days and weeks go on you will find yourself falling into my habit, where people then tend struggle is after a long day or week where maybe they’ve been too busy that they done excersise. This can be a difficult time but as I said before putting too much pressure on yourself can be the downfall. Allowing for a week off and getting back to it the next week is the best thing you can do.
Setting goals is probably one of the most important aspects of a fitness jounrey. Hitting your 150 minutes a week is a great first goal. adding extra, smaller or more specific goals can be a great way to track your progress. Some that I would suggest would be to go on longer bike rides or walks. Another way to measure your progress could be timed actvity; tracking how long it takes you to run 3K or 5K and then comparing your times over the weeks. Seeing this progression can be very motivating and keep you going in those weeks where it can be tough.
Exercising with a friend or parter can be benaficial for multiple reasons. Accountability is the first big benafit, even on those days where you might not feel up for a walk or run having that othr person can give you the motivation to do some activity andd maybe have a catch-up at the same time. Joining a local gym can also be the perfect way to get into fitness, if you find the gym intimidating then being with a friend or partner can help dampen that felling and get you in the right head space to do a workout.
Once Move More Month is over, you might find yourself forgetting why you started this fitness journey in the first place. The aim is not just to hit your goal and stop, but to aim higher and continue progressing towards a healthier and happier life. The real question is why not? Move More Month is the perfect place to start ro get back into exercising regularly.
The benefits of moving more are clear: increased endorphins, seeing your surroundings in a new light, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications. So, join in this April, and let’s all reach our goals together.
TavisTOcK sTReeT FOOd FesTival
Bedford Square & Guildhall Car Park, Tavistock
Saturday 26thApril
Are you a food lover looking for a delightful culinary experience? Look no further than the Tavistock Street Food Festival on Bedford Square! Whether you’re a fan of exotic flavours or classic comfort food, this festival has something to satisfy every palate.
Behind The scenes TOuR aT The BOx
The Box, Plymouth 24th April
There’s a whole other world behind some of the doors at The Box Join a member of the archives team on selected dates throughout the year for a fascinating glimpse of life behind the scenes in our research room, basement and stores.
univeRsiTy OF PlymOuTh ORchesTRa cOnceRT
University of Plymouth, Plymouth
Saturday 5th April
HonkyTonk Wine Library, Plymouth Sunday 6th April
What are Sunday afternoons made for? Kicking back and soaking up the smooth vibes! Electric Igloo presents an afternoon of soft jazz classics, perfect for unwinding after a busy week. Sip on a glass of wine, indulge in one of our delectable sharing platters, and let the music transport you.
Marjon, Plymouth Friday11th April
A big funky and joyous band, Joey the lips have been on the road for over 30 years. Enjoy the vibes at Marjon university for a fantastic start to your weekend. In the true spirit of funk and soul get on your feet and enjoy the music.
The Box, Plymouth Saturday 12th April
Celebrate this Easter and bring your little ones in to strut your stuff to some fab tunes on our dance floor underneath the Royal Naval ship’s figureheads. Fancy dress is encouraged - especially if it has a carnival or Easter theme!
With a childrens concert at 3PM and a more formal evening concert at 7:30 why not go out and enjoy a day of musical enjoyment for all the family. aBsOluTe amy
Capital DC, Derrys Cross, Plymouth 20th April
A soulful tribute to Amy Winehouse, performed by the amazing Holly Cosgrove. Prepare for a night of soleful hits and unforgettable energy at the UK’s most authentic tribute to Amy Winehouse.
4 weeks of non-stop pet appreciation! April is National Pet Month which means 30 days spent spoiling our furry or scaley friends!
It has been proven that pets relieve stress in work environments therefore we thought we’d hear from some of our Plymouth businesses who work with their pets to find out what they love about it. We also wanted to hear about the funny stories and the unfortunate accidents too!
I don’t know about you but as soon as I catch a glimpse of an animal, I immediately have the biggest smile on my face. Not only do they always look so adorably innocent but all they want in life is to love and to be loved and that is very wholesome. They honestly don’t care about your looming deadlines or workload, what they do care about is your happiness and the time you spend with them instead of leaving them at home all day.
Pets are completely selfless (though some cat owners may disagree) and that selfless energy is radiated throughout the workplace. Research has proven that pets can lower blood pressure, reduce stress/anxiety, prevent loneliness and uplift your mood.
Dogs, in particular, force you to get outside during your workday as they need to be walked or let out for the toilet. Taking time away from your computer and heading outdoors is going to have a huge positive impact on your mental health and stress levels. It allows you time to clear your head, prioritise things and live in the present moment rather than constantly thinking about that deadline in 2 weeks’ time.
It’s hard to think creatively when stuck in an office all day. Walking also increases creativity, perhaps you could take your meetings with you on a dog walk to enhance new ideas.
Pets can be very funny beings to watch and engage with. Whether they are running around in circles with a toy or slyly about to push something off of a shelf, pets always find a way to make us laugh whilst also creating a little bit of mischief.
They can also boost attendance as you won’t need to rush home to look after them. Whether they’re a new pet or they suffer from a bit of separation anxiety, having them with you at work will also prevent any worries as you can always keep an eye on them.
When we think of bringing pets to work, we usually think of our furry four-legged friends, however, there are also health benefits to keeping fish in nerveracking environments to calm people down. Fish tanks in waiting rooms are very popular as it acts as an escapism from the world you are in as you focus on the fish swimming around their home. The sound of the water is also proven to reduce stress and contributes to the act of mindfulness.
As soon as the sun begins to make more of an appearance, something inside of us tells us, it’s time for a thorough clean of the house! We have gathered the best tips to keep your home clean and tidy.
You know the saying ‘Tidy kitchen, tidy mind’. This goes for not only the kitchen but all of the rooms in your house. When you have clutter-free space, you instantly feel calmer and more relaxed, and by having less clutter, it becomes easier to tidy up every day.
It is important to be mindful when clearing out your unwanted belongings as it will just add to an everincreasing landfill problem. When doing a clear out, make 4 piles; Bin, recycle, give away and put away.
Bin- The bin is for anything that cannot be recycled and is broken or very used, however, this should be a last resort.
Recycle - Clothes and shoes can be recycled by various retailer-run recycling programmes or at your clothes and shoes local recycling bin. Broken items of furniture or damaged electrical appliances can be taken to your local recycling centre. If you are unsure where your local recycling centre or bin is, head to www.recyclenow.com, where they have a useful search tool to find out what types of items you can recycle and where.
Before throwing anything out, ask yourself if you could make anything new from the item. Upcycling is a great way to turn unwanted items into something tailored to your style. Whether that be a dress that you’d like to sew into a top or a cupboard that needs some updating. This is not only an eco-friendly way of adding new life to old items, but it can also be a lot of fun and you can learn a new skill along the way.
If you are unsure about upcycling, there are plenty of inspirational and educational videos on home DIY’s on YouTube to avoid any mistakes.
Give Away- Anything that you don’t use that isn’t faulty or too damaged can go in this pile. When making this pile, think about who you want to give or sell it to.
Charity shops are always after new clothes to sell and they will happily take your unwanted belongings. You can take your clothes to your local charity shop or a charity shop in particular that you’d like to support once they are open on the 12th of April. You can also deliver your items to a charity of your choice free of postage charge. Charities such as British Heart Foundation are asking you to use their freepost service and other charities have asked you to hold on to your items until the shops can re-open.
Somebody in your family or a close friend might take it off your hands and put it to good use, it’s always worth asking them.
If it is in good condition, you could sell it on various 2nd hand shopping sites such as; eBay, Vinted, Depop, Gumtree or Shpock. Make sure the images are clear, the description is honest and don’t forget about the postage and packaging costs.
Put Away- And finally, anything you still need but not for a few months can go into storage. To make things easier for your future self, put the items into a reusable heavy-duty plastic box/ bag or a large cardboard box and write exactly what is inside. You may think you have a great memory, but a few months will pass, and you will have completely forgotten what’s inside!
With these tips and suggestions, we hope to make this year’s spring clean a little easier for you whilst helping you to think more eco-friendlier.
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Rub the chicken breastswith olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
Cook the bacon:
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy Drain on paper towels, then crumble intopieces.
Prepare the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl or on a platter, layer the mixed greens as the base. Arrange the grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in sections over the greens.
Serve:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently if desired or serve with dressing on the side for individual customization.
IngredIenTs:
2 large chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
6 cups mixed greens
4 slices of sugar-free bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for paleo sweetener)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced For the dressing
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
MeThod:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
In a medium bowl, add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and self-rising flour. Mix with a spoon and then finish with clean hands, forming into a round ball of dough. .
Roll out the dough ball on a piece of parchment paper using a lightly floured rolling pin. The dough should form a thin crust. Next, spread your pizza sauce evenly on the rolled out pizza dough.
Add the shredded chicken first, and then top with shredded cheese, pepperoni and veggies.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
IngredIenTs:
Self-rising all purpose flour Shredded Chicken
Greek yogurt/cottage cheese Pizza sauce
Please
Mozzarella Cheese
Toppings
oil, for greasing
100g/3½oz butter, cubed
100g/3½oz golden syrup
50g/1¾oz mixed seeds, such as pumpkin, sunflower, linseed and sesame
50g/1¾oz dried cranberries
50g/1¾oz raisins
50g/1¾oz dried apricots,
250g/9oz jumbo porridge oats
1 large free-range egg, beaten
MeThod:
Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Lightly oil a shallow 20cm/8in loose-based square cake tin and line the base and sides of the tin with baking parchment.
Melt the butter and syrup together in a large saucepan over a low heat, stirring regularly with a wooden spoon. Take off the heat and stir in the seeds, cranberries, raisins and apricots and oats. Stir in the egg.
Spoon into the prepared tin and press until well flattened. (It’s important that the oats are pressed well, so that they stay firm enough to cut when baked. Use the back of a metal spoon to make sure they are fully compressed). Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and lightly browned around the edges.
Mark the flapjack into 12 pieces without cutting all the way through, this will make it easier to cut the flapjack when it's cool. Leave until cold then cut the flapjack with a sharp knife.
Store in an airtight container, interleaved with baking parchment or foil for up to three days.
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