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August is here, and with it comes the golden heart of summer. The days are warm, the gardens are in full swing, and there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors before the season begins to wind down. In this edition, I’ve gathered a range of late-summer garden tips to help you make the most of this vibrant time—whether you’re tending to your blooms, harvesting fresh produce, or simply soaking up the sunshine.
This month, I’ve placed a spotlight on features that celebrate the richness of August. You’ll find seasonal recipes perfect for relaxed outdoor dining, along with thoughtful pieces that capture the essence of summer’s slower pace and simple joys. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there’s inspiration waiting for you here.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve put together this month and hope it brings you as much enjoyment as it brought me in creating it.
As always, your feedback is invaluable. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or ideas to help us make the magazine even better, don’t hesitate to reach out at editor@oracle.uk.net. I’ll do my best to respond to as many of you as I can.
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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.
National acclaim for a local kitchen firm goes beyond awards—it reveals dedication, skill, and a commitment to lasting quality. At KF Kitchens in Plymouth, these values shape every project, creating spaces that stand the test of time.
Proudly rooted in Plymouth, KF Kitchens has achieved a milestone year, earning finalist positions or winning honours in five prestigious national awards—across design, service, and innovation.
On 6th June 2025 at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms, KF Kitchens was celebrated for exceptional customer care—voted by peers and suppliers throughout the UK kitchen and bathroom industry.
£25k–£50k –
KF Kitchens are also shortlisted in the KBSA Designer Awards for their Furse project, announced among the top contenders nominated for the October 2025 ceremony.
The Melvin Project’s striking yet functional island layout was recognised at Neff’s awards—highlighting KF Kitchens’ flair for sociable, beautifully-engineered kitchen islands.
Designer and Managing Director, Nathan Damarell, was shortlisted at Häfele’s June awards held at London’s Natural History Museum, honoured for creativity and client-first design vision.
Their “MasterPartner” submission earned finalist status, distinguishing KF Kitchens among elite Neff showrooms for excellence in appliance expertise and interactive demos.
Lewis and Kylie Furse entrusted KF Kitchens with reimagining their open-plan home in St Austell, centered around vaulted ceilings and a traditional British aesthetic.
The bespoke Burbidge Chartwell kitchen features a black island with brass accents, Neff and Liebherr appliances, Silestone worktops, Rangemaster Belfast sink, and a Quooker Flex tap. Thoughtful design elements—including glass shelving, a bar area, dual dishwashers, and family-crafted oak and stone details—combine to make their kitchen “truly the heart of the home,” according to Kylie. The project was beautifully delivered before their September wedding with praise for the team’s flexibility, attention to detail, and installer Kevin’s “nothing’s too much trouble” attitude.
These five award recognitions—spanning design, service, and specialist partnership—aren’t simply trophy cases. They celebrate a consistent dedication to detail, client collaboration, and doing things properly.
KF Kitchens’ success isn’t about a single style or passing trend— it’s the result of a practice rooted in independence, care for craft, and pride in partnerships, whether with Neff, Häfele, KBSA, or the homeowners themselves. Each finalist project is a testament to thoughtful planning, close listening, and professional delivery.
When a local business earns national recognition across multiple fronts, it’s a sign not just of scale—but of stability, integrity, and a rooted ethos. That’s the kind of excellence you can discover behind the showroom doors in Plymouth—where quality isn’t just celebrated, it’s a daily standard. For a deeper look at our award-winning projects and design philosophy, visit the KF Kitchens studio, email enquiries@kfkitchensco.uk, or call 01752 255022. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @kfkitchens. Read our reviews
It’s been a good summer so far. July brought long, golden evenings, more sun than showers, and just enough breeze off the water to keep things feeling fresh. Now August arrives with that familiar, easy rhythm— the kind that invites you to slow down, stretch out your days, and spend more time outdoors. And in a city like Plymouth, there may be no better way to enjoy it than on foot.
There’s something timeless about walking. It costs nothing, needs no equipment, and offers more than just physical movement. Walking lets us experience the city in a way that cars and buses can’t—up close, with all the small details, quiet corners, and hidden gems that we so often overlook. In a place as layered and alive as Plymouth, walking becomes a way of seeing, not just getting somewhere.
From the waterfront to the hilltops, this city is meant to be walked. Take the familiar route from the Barbican to West Hoe. Most of us have done it
people differently when you’re walking—eye to eye, often with a smile, a nod, or a brief chat. In a time where many of us feel disconnected from each other, walking restores that most basic sense of community.
It also gives us time back. Not in terms of minutes saved, but in the way it stretches out a moment. When you walk, you’re not being pulled toward the next task. You’re just there, exactly where you are. That’s something rare—and it’s something Plymouth gives freely, if we only choose to take it.
This summer, while the sun lingers and the days remain kind, consider walking as more than a way to get from A to B. Walk to explore. Walk to feel. Walk to remember what it’s like to be rooted in place. Our city has always been shaped by movement—by the tide, by the wind, by the journeys of those who arrived or departed. But some of the most meaningful journeys we take don’t involve distance at all.
They start right outside our front door, and they begin with one simple, deliberate step.
dozens of times, but walking it slowly—really slowly—changes everything. You start to notice the way the sunlight hits the old stone, the stories held in the cracks of the harbour walls, the conversations drifting out of open windows. The sea air tastes better when you’re not rushing.
Head inland and you’ll find just as much waiting to be seen. North Hill, usually busy with student traffic, is a little quieter in August. The hum is still there, but the pace softens. If you look around, there’s a richness in the ordinary: chalk messages on pavement slabs, small community gardens tucked behind rows of houses, and the occasional street musician filling the air with something unexpected. It’s not a postcard-perfect view—but it’s real, and it belongs to all of us.
Then there are the green corridors—the gentle veins of wildness that thread through the city. Central Park in August is a burst of life. Trees arch overhead like canopies, the grass hums with insects, and birds flit between shaded branches. Dogs run free, children roll down hills, and time feels slower in the best possible way. When you walk through places like this, the city feels softer, more generous.
One of Plymouth’s greatest gifts is its access to the sea. The South West Coast Path begins right here, with miles of rugged coastline spilling out from the edges of the city. A walk from Jennycliff to Bovisand doesn’t just offer spectacular views—it gives you space. Space to breathe, think, or just be. You don’t need a destination, only the willingness to let your feet carry you forward.
Even everyday walks—the ones we barely think about—can shift in meaning when we choose to be present. The school run, the walk to the corner shop, the trip to catch the bus: all of these moments are chances to look up and see what’s around us. When we stop moving at speed, we notice things. A door painted a different colour. A new tree planted. A neighbour’s quiet wave. The city stops being background noise and starts feeling like home again.
What’s more, walking is one of the few things in life that is equally available to almost everyone. You don’t need special gear. You don’t need a plan. You just need to step outside and go. And whether you live in Stonehouse, Efford, Plympton or Peverell, you’ll find paths—both literal and figurative—that connect you to the wider fabric of the city.
There’s something democratising about being on foot. Everyone moves at the same speed. You meet
When Austin last discussed plans for Continue, he was in the process of seeking permission to expand the premises. After some time, approval was granted to knock through the wall to create a larger space. Originally, the plan was to close for a few days during construction, but the team found a way to remain open throughout. The contractors involved were careful and considerate, ensuring minimal disruption to the business.
This venture is quite different from Austin’s previous work in Florida. While people often assume he’s deeply immersed in the gaming world, he considers himself more of a hobbyist. Though he played many of these games growing up, he’s not particularly technical when it comes to the inner workings of machines.
Austin recognised a shift in the arcade landscape. Modern arcades tend to focus on ticket redemption and prizes, often at the expense of genuine gameplay. He saw a gap in the market since the 1990s, arcades dedicated to classic games have largely disappeared,
This venture is quite different from Austin’s previous work in Florida. While people often assume he’s deeply immersed in the gaming world, he considers himself more of a hobbyist. Though he played many of these games growing up, he’s not particularly technical when it comes to the inner workings of machines.
Austin recognised a shift in the arcade landscape. Modern arcades tend to focus on ticket redemption and prizes, often at the expense of genuine gameplay. He saw a gap in the market since the 1990s, arcades dedicated to classic games have largely disappeared, even though the demand remains. Austin believes these “new” arcades often act as a gateway to gambling for children, prioritizing profit over play. He anticipates government regulation will eventually address these concerns.
There were several potential names early on, including “Joy-pad,” but Austin ultimately settled on Continue Arcades, a name that evokes nostalgia for gamers who remember the iconic “Continue?” screen. The brand is built around that retro gaming spirit, offering players the chance to “continue” not just their games, but their connection to a beloved era of entertainment. Austin strongly believes that the success of the brand owes a great deal to its name, logo, and identity, which have all played a significant role in its rapid growth.
Following the expansion, Continue? began offering party bookings, including catering. The space has hosted everything from children’s parties to hen dos. Private hire is available mid-week and Sunday evenings from 9 PM to 10:30 PM, and weekday mornings from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. The cost is £300 for up to 100 guests.
Data shows that the average visit lasts around two hours, although some guests spend the entire day. Popular games include Time Crisis, air hockey, and whatever is featured on the large upstairs screen. Some visitors come specifically for classics like Space Invaders or Pac-Man, and are content to spend hours immersed in those alone.
Interestingly, Continue Arcades sells more adult tickets than child ones, a reflection of the intended retro audience. Weekends attract families, while evenings see a surge in adults and couples, with the arcade also becoming something of a date-night destination. One unexpected but welcome audience has been older adults in their 50s and 60s. Austin’s favorite feedback comes from grandparents who say Continue has helped them connect with their grandchildren through shared gaming experiences, bridging generational gaps in a fun and engaging way.
Alcohol is available but not heavily promoted. There are seven or eight alcoholic options, with canned cocktails proving particularly popular, but the focus remains squarely on play rather than drinking.
Continue distinguishes itself with a wide mix of entertainment. Beyond rare finds like Donkey Kong and vintage pinball machines, the venues also feature pool, air hockey, and shuffleboard. This blend of retro and social games is part of what makes the space feel both nostalgic and fresh, encouraging guests to play laugh, and interact. From competitive showdowns to casual play, the environment caters to everyone.
The team behind Continue is made up of eight dedicated employees, all of whom share a deep passion for both new and retro games. This shared enthusiasm creates an ideal environment for them to thrive in, which in turn adds to the venue’s genuine, unpolished charm. The staff treat the arcade as if it were their own, fostering a welcoming, communityoriented atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the impersonal, often sterile vibe of corporate chains. Their genuine love for what they do is reflected in the vibrant energy of the space, making it feel like a home away from home for both staff and visitors alike.
Looking ahead, Exeter is next in line to open, with plans to expand through franchising in Bournemouth, Brighton, the Luton area, and Manchester. While not all of these locations may come to fruition, the demand is certainly strong and growing steadily. Austin built the brand with franchising in mind, but even he didn’t anticipate such rapid growth, which speaks to the undeniable appeal and success of the concept.
Plymouth Stable, 90 Little Vauxhall Quay, The Barbican, Plymouth, Devon, Wednesday 6th August
Ahoy, you're invited to hop aboard the Sailorette and join the lively crew of The Old Time Sailors this summer for an evening of music, dancing, pint clinking and harbourside fun.
We're turning back the clock to the 1800's with a 21-piece band dressed in full sailor gear, bringing you an energetic night of sea shanties and foot-stomping folk tunes. Expect a proper musical voyage – live, upbeat, and totally unique.
Grab a few friends and roll up for a night to remember! The music kicks off at 7:30pm, so swing by early, snag your spot and fuel up with pre-gig pizzas and pints before the drunken sailor shenanigans get underway.
Club Argyle, Home Park Stadium, Mayflower Dr, Outland Road, Plymouth, Wednesday 13th August
Calling all young superheroes! Join us between 10am – 12pm for our Heroes and Heroines party on Wednesday,13 August. Don your capes, crowns, and costumes and join us for a magical morning of fun and games.
What to Expect: A warm welcome from 10am, superpowered fun begins at 10.30am with special guests Spider-Man, Anna, and Elsa
Party games, character interactions, and heroic highfives
Each child receives a party bag full of surprises
The Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Millbay Rd, Plymouth, Devon, Saturday 9th August
Welcome to the ABBA Tribute Evening! Get ready to dance and sing along to all the classic hits from the legendary Swedish pop group. Join us on Sat Aug 09 2025 at 7:00 PM at The Duke of Cornwall Hotel for a night filled with nostalgia and fun.
Come dressed in your best 70s attire and prepare to be transported back in time to the era of disco and glitter. Our talented tribute band will have you on your feet all night long, belting out tunes like "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia."
Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of music and entertainment. Grab your friends and make it a night to remember at the ABBA Tribute Evening!
Gardening tips and landscaping trends.
We always mention how gardens are an integral part of the home if you’re lucky enough to own one, therefore, it’s important not to neglect it or simply ‘put up’ with it. We have gathered together some useful tips for planting, sewing and landscaping your garden for the winter into spring.
Prune and deadhead any dead flowers and plants. Cut back roses that have finished flowering for the year to make room for new growth in spring and to keep it looking tidy.
Pay attention to hanging baskets – deadheading, watering and feeding helps them through autumn.
As the summer begins to fall away from us, we are left wondering if we can plant anything else but the answer is yes, you can! August is actually the best time of year to prepare your garden for the next blossom. I always think the common garden looks a little sad in the winter months which is completely
normal however, there are some great plants to sow that will look fantastic all year round.
Winter flowering pansies add a lovely dash of colour to your garden in the colder months and can be sown now. You can also plant violas and primroses now or in early spring depending on if you want them to flower in winter or summer.
You want to be looking at planting ‘hardy’ plants and flowers during August and September so that they last over Winter to give you gorgeous flowers in spring. Pot marigolds are a hardy flower than can be sown now, ready for spring.
Some other great plants to sow now are Calendula, Nigella, Cerinthe, Papaver, Aquilegia and hardy geraniums. You can also plant some bulbs like daffodils, colchicum and madonna lilies.
Due to the recent worries on climate change, the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, it has made us think very differently on where our things come from. Some fruit and veg is often shipped thousands of miles to get to our plates and does more harm than good to our planet. Lots more people are trying to find out what they can successfully grow from their own back garden which is shaping how our gardens are looking and what is trending.
We are also becoming more considerate about nature and protecting wildlife therefore more patches of wildflowers and slightly overgrown patches are appearing. All animals play a role in our food chain but we are all aware that bees are up there with the most important. Planting lavender,
sunflowers, foxglove etc will all help to attract more bees.
Our gardens are naturally becoming more of a sanctuary for wildlife which is amazing to see, but that doesn’t mean we can’t create space for our own gardening pursuits. Working out what to prioritise, especially if you have a small garden, is tricky, but Man For All Seasons can help you decide what will bring you the most amount of versatility.
Low maintenance gardens and artificial grass are becoming more popular due to the fact that you can get very realistic artificial grass that is pet friendly. Green Scheme Solutions Plymouth offers a complete artificial grass supply service with a range of shades and textures to choose from.
Your garden should feel like an escape from the real-world and a space to relax and unwind, no matter the size. Balconies are being transformed into mini oasis and water features and outdoor living are all trending. If you spend lots of time in your garden entertaining and socialising, a garden sofa might be a brilliant investment to make. If your budgets don’t quite stretch to large pieces of garden furniture, how about a hammock for extra comfort!
Natural/ sustainable materials are ever-increasing in demand as we turn away from plastic. We are seeing far more quality-made garden furniture that is built to last by using steel and sustainably sourced wood instead of plastic.
Fences are often under appreciated in their value and often become neglected. Fencing wraps around your entire garden so it’s important to create a nice backdrop to allow your plants to stand out. ColourFence Plymouth has a huge range of metal garden fences that stand the test of time. The colours they offer are endless so that it will compliment your garden aesthetic.
We hope you enjoy the last few months of summer in your garden!
Cycle to work day is an important event that everyone can get involved in. Read on to find out more!
Do you want to take up the challenge on cycling to work this year? It is a brilliant investment if you are looking to save money from car expenses, get fit or do your part to reduce your carbon footprint. It is an activity everyone should partake in!
Cycle to work day happens every year, this time it is on Wednesday the 6th of August. Don’t worry if you haven’t got yourself on a bike in while, even if it has been a few months or years since your last bike ride.
This day is all about just giving it a go. You could even rent out a bike at Plymouth Bike Hire first to see how you feel or even borrow one of your friend’s bikes before you go out and buy one. Obviously ask for your friends permission first!
There is also a cycle to work scheme the government has been running which is a government backed initiative. This means you can save 25-39% on the cost of bikes, e-bikes, cycling accessories, clothing and bicycle components.
As well as these savings, you can also benefit from spreading the cost interest free (typically over 12 months). This means good news regarding our efforts to reducing our carbon footprint, cycle to work day is something that we should all be considering.
Riding your bike also saves around 270g of Co2 per passenger-kilometre which is what a car emits.
Other benefits aside from the cycle to work scheme include saving a considerable amount of money from annual/monthly vehicle expenses, avoiding traffic jams and health benefits.
It’s safe to say there are plenty more people riding a bicycle in 2025. Following the coronavirus pandemic, more people have put on their helmets and rode across cities and countryside’s now that there are fewer vehicles on the road.
Although, as our lifestyles slowly get back to normal and vehicle levels increase, we shouldn’t let ourselves get discouraged to put on our riding gear and cycle to work as there are numerous health benefits to regular cycling.
Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means your heart, blood vessels and lungs all get a workout. This is great if you are looking to stay fit or get fit.
The health benefits of regular cycling include:
· increased cardiovascular fitness
· increased muscle strength and flexibility
· improved joint mobility
· decreased stress levels
· improved posture and coordination
· decreased body fat levels
· reduced anxiety and depression.
Planning for the future isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honoured. Whether you’re creating a Will, setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), or navigating probate after a bereavement, our expert team at Howard & Over is here to guide you every step of the way.
Together, Wills, LPAs, and Probate ensure your affairs are managed exactly as you want:
• A Will clearly outlines how your estate should be managed.
• An LPA allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so.
• Probate ensures your estate is properly administered when the time comes.
For expert advice and support, contact our specialist solicitors at Howard & Over today. Let us help you take control of your future.
proud to be a chartered certified
do
Since going abroad has become a little difficult this past year, we thought we’d bring all the flavours and colours into the comfort of your own kitchen. From Greece to Mexico, get your holiday fix with these recipes.
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• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
• ½ cucumber, deseeded and roughly chopped
• 100g/3½oz reduced fat feta cheese, drained and cut into cubes
• 50g/1¾oz black olives, pitted and drained (in brine not oil and preferably Kalamata olives)
• small handful fresh mint leaves
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 wholemeal pitta breads, warmed
ONE Put the onion, tomatoes and cucumber in a bowl and season to taste.
TWO Scatter the feta, olives and mint leaves on top. Sprinkle over the oregano and toss lightly. Drizzle over the oil and lemon juice and serve with warmed pitta bread.
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1 can of drained and washed cannellini beans
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 red chilli, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed small bunch of coriander, chopped
½ lemon, juice only
salt and freshly ground black pepper
100ml/3½fl oz sour cream
4 taco shells
For the salsa
3 plum tomatoes, de-seeded and chopped
1 red chilli, chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
½ red onion
½ lemon, juice only
1 tbsp olive oil
To garnish
50g/2oz cucumber, finely sliced
50g/2oz cheddar, grated
½ red onion, diced
ONE In a deep pan, sauté the chicken in a little oil until just cooked. Add the beans and onion, chilli and garlic and some chopped coriander.
TWO Add the lemon juice and season, and then mix in a little sour cream. In another bowl, mix the salsa ingredients together.
FOUR To serve, spoon the chicken mix into the taco shells and add some salsa. Dollop a little more sour cream inside, garnish with the cucumber, grated cheddar and red onion.
(Serves 6-8)
• 1–2 tbsp oil
• 12 whole chicken pieces (legs or thighs), on the bone
• 1 chorizo sausage, sliced into 3mm/1/8in thick slices
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushedtomatoes, both halved
• 2 red peppers, seeds removed, sliced
• 2–3 red chillies, seeds removed, chopped
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1.5 litres/2½ pints chicken stock
• 400g/14oz paella rice
• 12 mussels or clams, (optional) cleaned, open and damaged shells discarded
• handful parsley, roughly chopped
ONE Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4. Heat the oil in a large, lidded, heatproof pan or paella pan. Fry the chicken until the pieces are evenly browned, turning them regularly as they cook. You may need to do this in two batches, depending on the size of your pan. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
THREE Fry the slices of chorizo in the pan until crisp. They will release their juices into the pan, which adds a lot of flavour to the dish. Add the onion to the pan, and cook gently until soft, then add the garlic and fry for a further 2–3 minutes. Add the red peppers, chillies and smoked paprika, cook for another 2–3 minutes. Return the chicken pieces to the pan and pour in the stock. Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is tender.
FOUR Add the rice to the pan, cover with the lid and put into the preheated oven. Cook for 30 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked. Alternatively, if using a paella pan which won’t fit in the oven, cover tightly with foil and continue cooking on the stove over a low heat for the same cooking time. If using mussels or clams, add them to the pan for the final 20 minutes cooking time. Discard any shells that remain closed after cooking. Check the chicken is cooked by piercing the thickest part of a piece with a skewer – if the juices run clear the chicken is cooked. Sprinkle with parsley before bringing the pan to the table. Let your guests help themselves.
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