Plymouth Magazine February 2020

PLYMOUTH’S BIGGEST MONTHLY CIRCULATION MAGAZINE - 47,000 COPIES

plymouth magazine the

ISSUE 188 FEBRUARY 2020

Former art teacher Geri launches her new venture

Plymouth mum’s life-changing treatment with Nuffield Health What’s On guide

On Course pull-out guide inside this issue Travel Matters

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Exciting times ahead for city These are exciting times for Plymouth - and not simply because of the momentous programme of events and activities to commemorate Mayflower 400.

The city has around £400 million worth of development in the pipeline which will have a major effect on Plymouth and its economy.

The £40 million investment in The Box - the largest cultural development in the South West for years - is expected to attract 300,000 visitors a year, bolstering the attraction of the city centre.

Work is already well under way on the £60 million redevelopment of Derry’s Cross, while Urban Splash will be investing £35 million to transform the former Civic Centre.

Added to this are the £80 million plans to create a new gateway at Plymouth Railway Station, as well as the £40 million upgrade of Old Town Street and New George Street which is set to start shortly.

The ongoing development of Millbay, including the new boulevard linking the city centre and the waterfront, is further evidence of the growing confidence in Plymouth. There are also plans to revitalise the West End, which has so much untapped potential.

All this vital activity is likely to be overshadowed - at least during 2020 - by the huge number of Mayflower 400 events which are expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city, many of them among the 30 million direct descendants of the Pilgrim Fathers, who sailed from Plymouth in September 1620.

It could provide a £250 million boost to the local economy and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

And that’s great news….

Publishers: Chris Girdler and Ian Pilkington Editor: Debbie Girdler Design: Leah-Maarit Jeffery and Matthew Bowker Photography: Laura Joint Contributors: Laura Joint, Anthony Goord, Derek Anderson and Janet Stirling Advertising sales: Karen Pilkington, Dave Simpson, Jessica Bennett, Glenda Charitos, Michelle Blackhurst, Esther Cole and Chris Etherington Distribution: Chris Etherington Artwork: Sarah Simpson Finance: Karen Pilkington and Kim Strachan Front cover: Geri Coles, who has launched The Printery on Mutley Plain. Photo by Stanley and Rose Photography.

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The views expressed in the plymouth magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this magazine.

However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in the magazine.

The Plymouth Magazine is distributed free to 45,000 homes across Plymouth each month, with a further 2,000 copies strategically placed in leisure and retail outlets in Plymouth, Saltash and other locations.

Published by Cornerstone Vision, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY Tel 01752 225623 Fax 01752 673441 e-mail info@cornerstonevision.com web: www.cornerstonevision.com Follow us @CornerstoneVis www.cornerstonevision.com

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CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2020 EDITION

HOT OFF THE PRESS

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Former art teacher Geri Coles has launched The Printery on Mutley Plain, a new creative hub for artists of all ages.

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WHAT’S ON

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Our comprehensive What’s On section has details of all the big events in the city along with details of activities for all the family.

LIFE-CHANGING OP

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Plymouth mum Jill Adams talks about the life-changing knee operation she underwent at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital.

www.cornerstonevision.com

@PlymMag

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PORTUGUESE PASSION

Pedro and Elsa Rio are bringing a taste of Portugal to the heart of the city with their A Taskinha restaurant in Union Street.

TRAVEL TALK

Sarah Baines, who created the Instagram travel site BigWorldLittleLegs has joined the team at Peter Goord Travel.

PLAIN SAILING

Plymouth couple Malcolm and Kathy Moody are delighted with their new kitchen supplied and installed by Armada Kitchens and Bathrooms.

The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

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WOMEN AT WORK

Geri Coles with a budding young artist Photos by Stanley and Rose Photography

Hot off the press - Plymouth has a new creative hub for artists!

A professional print studio has been opened on Mutley Plain which is set to become a busy hub for established artists, novice printmakers, schools and community organisations to use.

The studio is owned by Geri Coles, who left her career an arts teacher to launch the business.

Geri, who specialises in Printed Textile Design, is offering courses and workshops as well as open access workspace with printmaking facilities which can be used as part of a membership scheme or hired on a day or half-day basis.

Geri’s vision is for The Printery to become a community of creative people of all ages and experience, whether they’re looking for the company of other artists or simply to access professional equipment.

She is also talking to local schools and colleges to offer their students the opportunity to enhance their portfolio, and to wellbeing charities looking for outreach collaborations.

The Printery is over two floors and is next to Domino’s Pizza in the heart of Mutley Plain. It has equipment for textile and fine art printing including etching, screen printing and relief processes. The main room boasts a huge 6m screenprinting table for textiles and paper, which creative groups can hire.

“I had this idea for a hub two years ago and I can’t believe I’m here now - I’m just pinching myself. I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped and supported me on the journey,” said Geri.

“For 20 years, I was seeing creativity and I just thought ‘do you know what? I’ve got to do something for me’. I had to do something creative. I spent those two years doing market research, finding out what people needed, which area of

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

Plymouth was right, and then renovating the place because it had been unused for two years and was in a pretty poor state.

“But I just felt the location was perfect because Mutley is a community. I got a real sense of that community ethos as soon as we started to renovate the building. So many people popped in to welcome us to Mutley Plain and to offer help.

“Being part of a community is important to me, and we’ll be creating our own little community here, a friendly, creative place for everyone,” added Geri. “For example, we’ll be starting a Little Printer’s Club, as well as Print Clubs in the holidays, so children can get engaged in printmaking at an early age.”

The Printery opened with restricted hours just in time for Christmas, before its full-time launch in January: “I know there is a need for this sort of facility in Plymouth,” said Geri.

“Graduates leaving university or art college find there is nowhere for them to carry on their work in Plymouth, because with printmaking, you need the space and equipment. I think there is only one other place in Plymouth doing this, so we need more of these creative hubs.”

A number of professional artists and designers are running the courses, which include Beginners Textiles, Etching, and Relief/Lino courses. Geri also knows several other artists and designers who are keen to be involved. Workshops, meanwhile, include printing your own cards and wrapping paper: “People say ‘oh, I’m not at all creative’, and I say, ‘I bet you are!’. Come and give it a try. So we’re here for beginners as well as for professional and emerging artists.”

Pride of place at the front of the premises is a vintage printing press, a real talking point and a symbol of the

WOMEN AT WORK

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provenance of printmaking: “It’s so easy in a digital age to upload something and that’s fantastic, there is absolutely a place for that,” said Geri. “But there’s something very rewarding about starting from scratch, having an idea and building up layers - and you never know exactly how the print will turn out. That’s the beauty of it, and the narrative.

“I have gone back to my passion and I’m enthusing people to share that passion - and I know lots of like-minded fine art printmakers who can come together here.”

The Printery is also, explains Geri, a response to a greater need in our communities: “I think my light bulb moment came when I was teaching evening classes. A lot of people had been given the classes as a gift, they were carers, and they were doing something creative for respite, for their health.

That just resonated. It’s why we are doing gift vouchers here.

“It’s also why I am keen to collaborate with organisations where art is recognised as beneficial, such as charities working with people affected by dementia. Printing a photo of a loved one onto something tactile like textile for a cushion creates a living piece of art. Being creative is like listening to music, it has benefits for both the person affected and for the carer.”

Artists who sign up to membership at The Printery will be able to sell their work in the gallery, which also sells materials: “Ultimately, the aim is also to have collaborative exhibitions and events,” said Geri.

All classes include an induction on how to use the equipment and facilities, and induction is also required for non-members who hire the space. Visit the website for details of courses, workshops and membership options or give Geri a call to discuss using The Printery. Look out too, for visiting artists and guest speaker events.

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The Printery 34 Mutley Plain, Plymouth, PL4 6LD 07946 096 367 www.theprinterystudio.co.uk

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Top Tips for Reducing the Stress of Relationship Breakdown New Family Department The start of the New Year, particularly a new decade, is for many people the time to make major decisions about the future and their relationships. It is said that the number of divorces spikes in the second week of January but in reality, it tends to be at the end of the month when the bills from Christmas come in.

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Having some clear practical professional advice at the outset can help you start off in the right direction. It will help to visualise your future, but it is important be realistic about it. If you are able to agree between you how to divide any assets that is clearly the best way forward, but it may be important to have that agreement recorded either in a formal court order where appropriate, or set out in writing so that it is clear. Having some advice about the agreement you have reached could provide reassurance that it is “right” There may be children, property, investments, pensions and so on to be considered. Thinking about what you want to achieve and having a plan will help

your solicitor to help you.

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

06/01/2020 11:27:26

Tel: 01752 255022 www.kfkitchens.co.uk enquiries@kfkitchens.co.uk

Visit our 40,000 sq.f showroom 67 Faraday Mill Business Park, Cattedown, Plymouth PL4 0ST

KF Kitchens chosen to launch exclusive new brand that takes kitchen furniture to “a whole new level”

Iconic British company Burbidge have chosen family-owned Plymouth firm KF Kitchens to launch their new Kitchen Makers™ brand of luxury hand-made painted wood kitchens.

Faraday Mill-based KF Kitchens have expanded their showroom to showcase the Kitchen Makers range alongside their existing offering of beautiful kitchens and appliances.

It’s a huge endorsement for KF Kitchens, which was established 11 years ago by directors Nathan and Derinda Damarell and Simon Rice.

Nathan said: “We’ve been dealing with Burbidge ever since we started and we are very excited to be asked to be their first partnership dealership for Kitchen Makers, and the only one in our region. It speaks volumes about their trust in us and our reputation for customer service and installation skills.

“The brand gives us speciality products that are unique and would sit very nicely in a rural or classic style property. In that sense, this broadens our boundaries a bit more,” he added.

Burbidge was founded in 1867 by Henry Burbidge. Today, Ben Burbidge is at the helm - the fifth generation. The Coventrybased company is renowned for the quality of its design and craftmanship and holds the prestigious Manufacturing Guild Mark, awarded by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.

Traditionally, Burbidge have made timber doors only. With the three Kitchen Makers designs, they are also making the carcases

so when cupboards and drawers are opened, they are just as stylish as the exterior.

Ben explained why he had decided to launch Kitchen Makers with KF Kitchens: “This is our luxury brand and we need our partnership dealers to possess the kitchen design skills and installation skills so that everything is done properly for the consumer.

“We looked at the people we work with nationally, and there are only about 2% at the skill levels of KF Kitchens. It’s about attention to detail and doing things with precision.”

He added: “The main word we use for these products is furniture, not kitchen units. We are doing bespoke furniture-making in a ‘craft-meets-technology’ environment to create what the customer wants. The design clearly looks like furniture, but it combines with the practicalities of what is required in a kitchen.” They replace wall units with on-trend super-length shelving, set against tongue and groove panelling and corbels for extra detail.

They also have beautiful internal drawers, with natural oak and dovetail jointing. And they make every inch count - from solid wood individual larder drawers and corner solutions, to integral bins, door-hung spice racks and lots more.

“The products are built to last - this longevity is all part of the value,” said Ben. “It also makes the products more sustainable, you are consuming less, which is hugely important. You’re creating a great living space and you’re futureproofing it.”

Nathan added: “This is taking kitchens to a different level and it reflects the way that people use their kitchens nowadays. The kitchen is increasingly the focal point of the home, where people spend a lot of their time, and they are demanding beautiful furniture.

And although it’s exclusive, it’s not with the price tag you’d expect.”

The Kitchen Makers range has three kitchens styles: Alderley, Somerton

and Haddon. There are 16 different paint colours or, if you have a specific colour in mind, this can be done at an extra cost.

Everything is made by the craftsmen and women at the Burbidge factory and is delivered to KF Kitchens ready for installation.

Once you’ve chosen your style, designers Nathan and Simon will guide you through the process and offer their expert advice within your budget. Then, the installation team will work with you all the way, to ensure your dream kitchen is just what you want.

“We design your kitchen to your requirements,” said Simon. “But we’ll also question and challenge your decisions by asking ‘if this was my home, what would I do with this space?’ People really do appreciate that. It’s about designing your kitchen to best suit the space, the property and how you use your kitchen.”

Nathan added: “We are very fortunate with the skill sets we have. The guys who install our kitchens are basically furniture-makers who happen to install kitchens. So, from the start of the process to the finish, we offer the very best in production, design, install, customer experience and after service. Every part of it has to be excellent. That’s how we work.

And that’s why Burbidge have chosen us to launch their Kitchen Makers products.”

Give the KF Kitchens team a call to book a chat, or pop into the showroom to view the kitchens on display.

National Award Winning Studio

FOOD MATTERS Walk through the door at A Taskinha in the heart of the city, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in a restaurant-deli somewhere in Portugal.

A Taskinha - a little bit of Portugal right here in Plymouth!

It took owners Pedro and Elsa Rio 12 months to create their new restaurant, which is next door to their previous premises in Union Street. And, just months after making the move in the summer of 2019, all that hard work is paying off, with diners loving the look and the ambience.

The extra space has also seen the restaurant more than double in size, so they can serve more customers and offer a bigger menu: “We were having to turn people away all the time at our old place,” said Pedro. “And to be honest, we are still having to do that sometimes because we are so busy, especially at weekends.

“The other advantage to moving here is that I now have a big kitchen so I can cook more dishes,” he added.

The couple moved to England from their hometown near Viseu, Portugal, in 2003 and opened the original A Taskinha in 2011 - the first Portuguese restaurant in Plymouth. But by 2018, it had outgrown its space. When the Caracamp store next door closed down, they decided to take it on: “It was a big risk, because so much work had to be done,” said Elsa.

“But we are getting much more business and our clientele has been able to grow very quickly. We get a lot of Portuguese customers, but also The open kitchen, in the middle English and people from many section of the restaurant, Pedro cooking on the charcoal BBQ nationalities. It’s nice. We are was designed to enable like a little community here.”

Pedro to cook in a traditional Pedro and Elsa have utilised Portuguese way - pride of place the space by creating four is the charcoal barbeque: “People distinct sections, ensuring a like the way we cook the food cosy ambience in all parts, and over charcoal,” said Pedro. all done to recreate a traditional “When we were next door, we Portuguese eatery. At the front started off doing snacks such as is the delicatessen, bar and hot sandwiches and then people café area, popular during the started asking ‘can you do this daytime for breakfasts and dish, or can you do that dish?’ So, customers wanting a snack or a plate by plate, it started to grow. coffee and cake.

Now, we are able to offer much, This part also has a wide much more.” selection of Portuguese So, what are the favourite produce to buy, including fresh dishes? “Piri piri chicken, meats and cheeses. definitely,” said Elsa. “But sirloin steak (Prego no Prato), pork Beyond the café-deli is a wood panelled room with guitars steak (Bitoque no Prato) and Portuguese sardines are also hanging on the walls, while at the far end of the premises, very popular.” Other favourites are the meat skewers; sea is the main part of the restaurant, with rustic walls and bass; grilled squid; and Pedro’s seafood cataplana, served in fireplace. Elsa said: “People come in and say ‘oh, wow, it’s like a traditional copper dish. we are back in Portugal’. It makes people happy.”

The menu also has a selection of tapas, great for sharing, while the snack menu includes toasted sandwiches and omelettes. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are always available, and there is a children’s menu. The drinks list, meanwhile, includes a selection of wines and beers from Portugal.

The main menu starts at midday and is available right the way through to last orders.

Prices for mains are from £9.50.

Breakfasts and snacks are from £2.50.

Dining at this family-run business is informal and the atmosphere is extremely warm and friendly. Booking is advised, especially at weekends, but walk-ins are also welcomed.

Speak to Pedro and Elsa if you’re wanting to book somewhere for a special occasion or party.

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

FOOD MATTERS Pedro and Elsa Rio

And, if you’re looking for a special present for a food lover in your life, A Taskinha also does gift vouchers.

The couple do most of the work themselves, with Pedro in the kitchen and Elsa front of house, and with additional help from a small team including, sometimes, their 12-year-old daughter Emma: “Yes, it’s hard work,” admits Elsa, “but we are very happy that we have been able to grow - and we are glad we decided to make the move, it has been very good for us.”

Check out all the 5-star customer reviews on the A Taskinha’s Facebook page, which has 2,700 fans. www. facebook.com/TASKINHA/ Opening times are 8am to 10pm, Tuesday to Thursday; 9am to midnight on Friday and Saturday; and 9am to 10pm on Sundays. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

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A Taskinha 54 Union Street, Plymouth PL1 3LU 01752 657863

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WHAT’S ON

The Lyric ROYAL PARADE PLYMOUTH Box Office 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com Jan 20 to 25 PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT Starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for the Outback to put on the show of a lifetime.

Jan 28 to Feb 1 FAULTY TOWERS DINING EXPERIENCE Take a seat in the Faulty Towers restaurant and be waited upon

by Basil, Sybil and Manuel in this fully immersive, highly improvised comedy dining experience. Only a third of the show is scripted, so anything can happen! Expect all the best gags, shambolic service and a 70s style three-course meal.

Feb 3 to Feb 8 I THINK WE ARE ALONE Frantic Assembly are celebrating their 25th Anniversary with a brand-new production by Sally Abbott, co-directed by Kathy Burke and Scott Graham. A delicate and uplifting play about our fragility, resilience and our need for love and forgiveness.

Feb 9 FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS Renowned Cornish shanty singers Fisherman’s Friends present a fresh catch of shanties and songs of the sea as well as a net full of nautical nonsense from Cornwall’s saltiest sea dog singers.

Feb 12 to 22 MEASURE FOR MEASURE The Royal Shakespeare Company returns to Plymouth with a season of exhilarating Shakespeare, direct from Stratford-Upon-Avon. Opening the season is Shakespeare’s dark comedy, Measure for Measure.

Directed by RSC artistic director, Gregory Doran, this intense and compelling production is shockingly relevant for today.

Feb 13 to 20 AS YOU LIKE IT Rosalind is banished, wrestling with her heart and her head.

With her cousin by her side, she journeys to a world of exile where barriers are broken down and all can discover their deeper

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A scene from JB Priestley’s classic An Inspector Calls, which is at Theatre Royal Plymouth in March

selves. Kimberley Sykes directs a riotous, exhilarating version of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy.

Feb 18 to 22 THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Justin Audibert turns Shakespeare’s fierce, energetic comedy of gender and materialism on its head to offer a fresh perspective on its portrayal of hierarchy and power, in The Taming of the Shrew.

Feb 24 to 29 THE MOUSETRAP Discover why Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept people guessing for so long, becoming the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre.

Experience shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

Mar 1 THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY Direct from a week-long run in London’s West End, a sold out worldwide tour and standing ovations at every performance, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back! Featuring huge projection photos, original film footage and a full live band.

Mar 3 to 7 AN INSPECTOR CALLS After a sell-out London season and American tour, Stephen Daldry’s multi-award winning production for the National Theatre returns. More relevant now than ever, this is a must-see for a whole new generation of theatregoers.

Mar 11 and 12 887 Written, designed, directed and performed by Robert Lepage, 887

The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

arrives on its world tour following a critically acclaimed visit to London’s Barbican Centre. A truly unique opportunity to experience a theatrical masterpiece.

Mar 17 to 21 HOLES Holes is the brilliant, inventive and creative new stage show based on the multi-awardwinning novel and the Hollywood blockbuster. This hit production is a thrilling and off-beat comedy adventure and is perfect for adults and children aged eight and up.

Drum Theatre ROYAL PARADE PLYMOUTH Box Office 01752 267222 Jan 21 to 25 ONCE UPON A TIME Gonzo Moose are back with a comedy adventure bursting with absurd jokes, physical comedy and magical illusion. Join three daring actors as they switch wildly between a myriad of roles.

Jan 28 to Feb 1 DRINK RUM WITH EXPATS Celebrating their final year as Europeans, island-monkeys Becca and Louise got invited to the European Capital of Culture in Malta, having missed out on Hull the previous year. They went to drink rum with Brits abroad but found a lot more than they expected.

Feb 11 to 15 DRIP DRIP DRIP A story of bigotry, belonging, and a cat called Roger, set in the NHS. The company that broke box

office records at The Drum with their show Spillikin returns with Drip Drip Drip.

Feb 18 to 22 THE DEEP SEA SEEKERS Have you ever dreamt of swimming with a pod of dolphins?

Having an arm wrestle with an octopus? Exploring the depths of the ocean in a submarine? The Wardrobe Ensemble return for an enchanting, interactive journey across the seven seas where YOU take the wheel!

Feb 27 to Mar 14 AMSTERDAM A Theatre Royal Plymouth, Actors Touring Company, and Orange Tree Theatre production.

Amsterdam is the UK premiere of a strikingly original and audacious play. Maya Arad Yasur is a prizewinning playwright, whose work has been produced worldwide. It is Matthew Xia’s first production as artistic director of Actors Touring Company.

CASTLE STREET, PLYMOUTH BOX OFFICE: 01752 267131 www.barbicantheatre.co.uk Jan 25 and 26 THE NUTCRACKER Attitude Dance present The Nutcracker. Saturday at 3pm, Sunday 12.30pm and 3.30pm.

Jan 28 to Feb 1 SLEEPING BEAUTY Geraldine Lamb Dance returns to the Plymouth Athenaeum to present their amazing annual pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

The production includes 80 local young dancers and actors.

Jan 31 SPRING THEATRE PLATFORMS An evening of theatre offering a glimpse at the work the young people and practitioners have been working on since October.

Each piece has been co-created by participants and reflects themes they have wanted to explore. Featuring youngsters from the two Theatre Junction age groups and Company b Theatre.

Feb 28 THE COASTGUARD Performed by Mundic Nation, a writer-led production company based in Cornwall, led by John and Marie Macneill. They seek to connect with audiences who may not normally have access to live theatre, as a result of financial, social, or mobility issues.

Mar 6 THE UNRAVELLING WILBURYS A top tribute show which is more than just a tribute! A great combination of brilliant musicianship, tongue in cheek humour and rave reviews throughout the UK. the band play their songs in their familiar country-rock style whilst stealing a few choice numbers from those famous five icons, Roy Orbison,

George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne! At the Plymouth Athenaeum.

Mar 14 HAGS: A MAGICAL EXTRAVAGANZA Packed full of magic tricks, physical comedy and live music, the magiciennes explore the witch-hunt mania that swept the country and sent hundreds of innocent women to the gallows.

With mind-blowing illusions, stupendous stunts and the occasional disappearing rabbit, ‘Hags’ sets the record straight for thousands of falsely accused women with all the joy, silliness and spectacle they can muster.

Mar 14 ELVIS THE LEGEND JD King’s Elvis The Legend show returns to the Plymouth Athenaeum following his incredible performance in 2019.

Over the course of his 15 year career to date, JD (Jim Devereaux) has performed in every part of the UK and worldwide with his fantastic Elvis tribute show – featuring his Elvis tribute band The Burning Love Band – bringing his passionate, dedicated and dynamic tribute act to audiences of all ages. Elvis Presley was and is one of the most famous

Theatres & Shows

JD King’s Elvis The Legend show is at the Plymouth Athenaeum on March 14

entertainers to ever grace the world. In fact, his popularity has not waned in over 60 years.

The highest rated best Elvis impersonator in the world is JD King; he performs an Elvis tribute

show that even the King himself would be proud of.

Mar 19 YOU’RE IN A BAD WAY When two sisters learn their

“FASCINATING AND MULTI-LAYERED”

A TRP PRODUCTION

The Stage

A Theatre Royal Plymouth, Actors Touring Company and Orange Tree Theatre production

A play by Maya Arad Yasur | Directed by Matthew Xia Translated by Eran Edry

Thu 27 Feb - Sat 14 Mar 01752 267222 theatreroyal.com www.cornerstonevision.com

@PlymMag

@PlymMag

The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

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WHAT’S ON Black Tar Roses are appearing at the B-Bar on February 14

dad has been diagnosed with dementia, they deal with the news in very different ways. This new show by John Osborne deals with themes that are increasingly familiar – but this is an optimistic, positive story. This brand new funny, sad, cosy, beautiful story deals with dementia, family and the role music plays in our lives. Just because something is diagnosed, doesn’t mean it’s the end.

CASTLE STREET, PLYMOUTH 01752 242021 WWW.B-BAR.CO.UK Jan 22 CAFE ACOUSTICA The B-Bar’s long running bimonthly local music night sees great local talent, hand-picked by singer-songwriter Jessie Mullen, perform their own original compositions.

Jan 24 RUE Cornwall-based Rue is a singer-

songwriter who draws upon influences from soul, jazz, rnb and pop. Raised within a creative household, she started playing guitar as a child and found her love for singing in her early teens, and is now on the gig circuit.

Jan 25 LUNACCI Lunacci + The Lunatics is a wonderfully vibrant folk-ish collaboration. Stylistically somewhere between Mumford & Sons and Newton Faulkner,

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

this fun filled trio is bound to make you smile and get your feet moving.

Jan 30 GRACE LIGHTMAN AND ELANI EVANGELOU Two enchanting musicians join forces and conjure an atmospheric twist of indie folk and alt. For fans of Lucius, Big Thief, Sharon Van Etten.

Jan 31 THOMAS FORD AND VINCE LEE No strangers to the B-Bar regulars Thomas Ford ‘the rising star of British Blues’ and Vince Lee ‘the foremost blues ambassador in the area’ team up for a duo show.

Feb 1 and 29 CUBA PARTY Latin tunes and cocktails with our resident DJ Misael.

Music from 10pm until 1am.

Feb 5 COMEDY NIGHT Monthly comedy night featuring some of the best stand-ups on the circuit and some up and coming talent.

Feb 6 FAYE BORDEWIN Delicate and accomplished piano back up a voice that could melt the coldest heart. Stunning original songs which have clocked up millions of views online.

Feb 7 JOINT CHIEFS Modern acoustic based country band, playing classic and original songs with a swinging twist.

It’s music to drink beer by with stories of things that happen all over. Based in Devon, Joint Chiefs are Emily Smith, Phil Rossiter, Joe Gass and Rick Worthy.

Feb 8 RUSH HOUR Blues with the soul and groove to make you move. Four seasoned performers will take you on a journey from raw emotion to rockin’ good times, with an eclectic mix of hidden gems.

Faye Bordewin...at the B-Bar on February 6

Theatres & Shows

Feb 9 SUNDAY SERMON Monthly jazz gig / jam session hosted by the Neil Burns Organ Trio.

Feb 12 and 26 CAFE ACOUSTICA Bi-monthly local music night sees great local talent, hand-picked by singer-songwriter Jessie Mullen, perform their own original compositions. New performers wanted! Contact the B-Bar. Feb 13 ANDY QUICK Land Of The Giants front man Andy Quick stepping out solo and making some intense waves on the scene with his low, sensuous voice.

Feb 14 BLACK TAR ROSES More Valentine’s Day Massacre than St Valentines Day- an alternative celebration with heartbreaky Americana and wicked dark folk from Black Tar Roses.

Feb 15 PAUL ARMER AND JACK COOKSON A collaboration of two wonderful young musicians, both hardworking craftsmen who have found themselves working together on new music. Expect a solo set from each with a few songs together.

Feb 19 WEDNESDAY NIGHT MAGIC Regular showcase of talented local magicians as well as an ever-changing line-up of special guests and brand new talent.

Feb 20 KEITH JAMES Songs by Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and more by the world’s foremost Leonard Cohen interpreter. Anthems of vision, hope and change – a concert in support of organizations and individuals who are sacrificing their time in order to promote the awareness of Global Climate Change.

Feb 21 MARKY DAWSON Marky is a charismatic showman with a big voice which can cover musical theatre, jazz and rock and piano chops to make Jerry Lee Lewis blush.

Feb 22 THE KINGSTONS With vocal harmonies, a horn section, keyboards, skanking guitar and a tight rhythm section www.cornerstonevision.com

all pumped and thrusting, The Kingstons infectious songs and grooves will get everyone up and dancing.

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Feb 27 LIAM JORDAN Folk-rock/Americana singersongwriter based in the southwest. He started out playing in various folk clubs and bars, honing his craft and learning from his musical mentors on the local scene.

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Feb 28 MATTHEW GORDON PRICE An alternative folk musician who provides an emotional narrative, with an honest and heartfelt performance.

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MILLBAY ROAD, PLYMOUTH Box Office: 0333 772 7727 www.plymouthpavilions.com Jan 24 CIRCUS OF HORRORS The new Circus of Horrors show will be an immersive celebration of its astounding 25 years. It will include an amazing amalgamation of acts, driven by a rock n roll sound scape. The almighty cast that stormed into the finals of Britain’s Got Talent is now a West End and worldwide hit.

Jan 27 KAISER CHIEFS PLUS RAZORLIGHHT Kaiser Chiefs have announced the release of anthemic new single ‘People Know How To Love One Another’ alongside details of a UK arena tour in 2020. ‘People Know…’ is the lead single from the Kaiser Chiefs new album Duck and follows hot on the heels of Record Collection, which gave fans their first taste of the new album. Duck, released last year through Polydor, is the sound of one of the most successful British guitar bands of the millennium reclaiming the creative swagger that underpins their strongest work. “It’s undeniably fantastic and undeniably Kaiser Chiefs,” says frontman Ricky Wilson.

Feb 8 WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? Tina Turner fans should get ready to party as the smash hit touring show What’s Love Got To Do With It? arrives in Plymouth in the second year of its massive UK tour. Launched in 2019, the show has been selling out theatres @CornerstoneVis

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

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WHAT’S ON in towns and cities across the UK. Now, as part of the 2020 tour, What’s Love Got To Do With It? is set to wow fans in Plymouth.

Theatres & Shows

Dick and Angel Strawbridge

Feb 22 BETH HART Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Beth Hart is as real as it gets. In a music industry full of glossy production and airbrushed photoshoots, this is one artist who throws down her cards, shares her darkest secrets and invites you to join her for the ride. With support from Kris Barras.

Feb 29 MILTON JONES Milton brings his Milton Impossible tour to Plymouth, revealing the truth about being an international spy, before being given a disappointing new identity which forced him to appear on Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo. But this is also a love story with the twist, or at least a really bad sprain.

Just gloriously daft nonsense or is there a deeper meaning?

Mar 6 DICK AND ANGEL: DARE TO DO IT Dick and Angel Strawbridge, the stars of Channel 4 hit ‘Escape to the Chateau’ embark on their first ever tour. During this highly entertaining evening, the duo explains who they are, where they have come from, how they met and why they dared to do it! Millions of viewers across the world have been enthralled over the past few years by their adventures, but retired army officer, engineer and chef Dick and

show. Featuring Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy, this specially adapted theatre production will include many of their greatest hits.

his entrepreneur and designer wife Angel, still have many untold tales to tell. They may be an ‘odd couple’, but the charismatic pair have a love story to share and will reveal how they ended up in a beautiful castle, with a beautiful family, in a beautiful part of France.

Mar 7 BOYZLIFE Two of the world’s biggest bands Boyzone and Westlife come together, for the very first time, with a full band production

Mar 8 RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, the world’s finest tribute to Fleetwood Mac, returns to the stage in 2020 with a brand new show celebrating the very best of Fleetwood Mac, including a very special blues set paying tribute to Fleetwood Mac’s legendary Peter Green era.

Mar 17 PAVILIONS INTRODUCES: MAD DOG MCREA In a St Patrick’s Day Special, Mad Dog Mcrea blends a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz and bluegrass. From selfpenned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs.

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WHAT’S ON

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are to perform in Plymouth on February 5

Music

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Jan 19 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Featuring The Dart Valley Stompers. Tickets 01752 721179 or from www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk.

Jan 26, Feb 23 and Mar 22 CARLTON BIG BAND The Duke of Cornwall Hotel at 12.30pm. Tickets £8 from the Duke of Cornwall 01752 275850 or £9 on the door.

Jan 28 PLYMOUTH CLARION CHOIR St Budeaux Methodist Church concert for senior citizens.

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

Feb 2 FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE Elegance Duo Ekaterina Shetliffe - piano and Yulia Northridge - violin, with Russian virtuoso balalaika player Sergei Kosov. Programme will include compositions by Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Mussorgsky, Rachmaninov, as well as popular Russian folk tunes with unique arrangements. Tickets £12 from www.ticketsource.co.uk/elegance or from 07505 884271 or on the door Sunday lunch will be served before the concert at 12.45pm Feb 2 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion, Crownhill.

Featuring Derek Nash - featured saxophonist in Jools Holland Big Band, with the Martin Dale Quartet. Tickets 01752 721179 or from www.plymouth-jazz-club. org.uk.

Feb 5 BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Plymouth Guildhall at 7.30pm. conductor Marta Gardolińska, with Alfredo Ovalles - piano.

Featuring Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.4 and Symphony No.6 ‘Pastoral.’ Tickets £17 - £22 from 01202 669925 or online at BSO. Limited selection of seats available from the Theatre Royal Box Office 01752 267222.

Feb 7 ENSEMBLES CONCERT Sherwell Centre Concert by school ensembles taking part in this year’s Plymouth Music Accord’s tuition project.

6.30pm free admission.

Feb 16 THE SKYLARKS Duke of Cornwall Hotel at 3pm.

Part of the 26th International Concert Series organised by Jeanie Moore. Tickets from 01752 275850.

Feb 16 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion, Crownhill.

Featuring The Riviera Ramblers.

A welcome return of John Shillto’s swinging hot rhythm jazz band which was a big hit on it’s first visit to Plymouth Jazz Club last year. Tickets 01752 721179 or from www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk.

Music Book tickets for these shows & more at barbicantheatre.co.uk

Packed full of magic tricks, physical comedy & original music, Hags sets the record straight about the 1682 Witches of Bideford

Barbican Theatre Sat 14 Mar 7:30pm Tkts £11.50 | £13.50

Feb 16 DEVON BAROQUE Dartington Hall at 3pm. 20th Anniversary Concert featuring music for multiple violins by Valentini, Saloman Rossi, Telemann and Vivaldi. Tickets Dartington Box Office (01803) 847070 or visit www.dartington. org/whatson Feb 22 DIVERMENTO STRING QUARTET Sherwell United Church Mary Eade and Lindsay Braga violins, Andrew Gillett - viola and Vicky Evans - cello. Featuring works by Mozart, Anton Webern and Beethoven. Tickets £15 on the door, £13 in advance from Divertimento 01803 863677.

Under 25s free.

Mar 1 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Featuring University of Plymouth Big Band. Swing and jazz from a talented and enthusiastic group of young musicians. Tickets 01752 721179 or from www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk.

Mar 7 WEST DEVON CHORALE Plymouth Roman Catholic Cathedral at 7.30pm. Director Michael Johnson, organist Richard Line. Music for Lent with works by Poulenc: Four Easter Motets and Litanies à la Vierge Noire; Duruflé’s Gregorian Motets and Requiem.

Tickets £12, (£10 in advance), children and students £3 from 01752 776479, or online at www.wegottickets.com/ westdevonchorale www.cornerstonevision.com

Mar 15 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Featuring The Jabbo Five - traditional jazz based on the music of Jabbo Smith recorded in New Orleans in 1929.

Tickets 01752 721179 or from www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk.

Mar 18 PLYMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Plymouth Guildhall at 7.30pm.

Conductor Anne Kimber, with Maria Wloszczowska - violin.

Featuring Bernstein’s Overture Candide; Sibelius’ Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5. Tickets: Balcony £18 on the door, £16 in advance. Ground floor £16 on the door, £14 in advance, Children £5, from Mannamead News, 6 Eggbuckland Road, Plymouth PL3 5HF 01752 661451 or wegottickets.com or on the door.

This brand new funny, sad, cosy, beautiful story deals with dementia, family and the role music plays in our lives.

From the writer & performer of John Peel’s Shed & Circled In the Radio Times

Barbican Theatre Thu 19 Mar 7:30pm Tkts £11.50 | £13.50

Plymouth Babylab has been set up by the School of Psychology at the University of Plymouth in 2006 in order to study language and cognitive development in children.

If you have children aged between 0-6 years, we would love to hear from you! All year long, we carry out fun and interesting studies with young children, in our Babylab next to Drake Circus. Your child leaves with a balloon, a certificate, and a Babylab toy or clothing.

01752 584865 www.psy.plymouth.ac.uk/babylab/ Top sax man Derek Marsh is at the Plymouth Jazz Club on Feb 2 @PlymMag

@PlymMag

Contact Prof Caroline Floccia • School of psychology, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA plymouthbabylab@plymouth.ac.uk The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

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WHAT’S ON

Major Events

St Luke’s Men’s Day Out is on March 28

Major Events Various dates LEAGUE TWO FOOTBALL Jan 18 Argyle v Mansfield Jan 28 Argyle v Crawley Feb 1 Argyle v Newport Feb 15 Argyle v Crewe Feb 22 Argyle v Cambridge Mar 3 Argyle v Grimsby NATIONAL LEAGUE RUGBY Jan 25 Albion v Rosslyn Park Feb 15 Albion v Cambridge Mar 7 Albion v Darlington Mar 28 Albion v Richmond

William Yard. Download your trail map from the Visit Plymouth website or pick it up from a participating business. Learn lots about climate change along the way and by finding the cubs, you’ll be in with a chance of winning some brilliant prizes.

BRITISH BASKETBALL LEAGUE Feb 7 Raiders v Surrey Feb 16 Raiders v Leicester Feb 28 Raiders v Cheshire Mar 13 Raiders v Glasgow

Jan 20 to Jan 24 RESEARCH FESTIVAL:CREATING AN IMPACT FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL Returning for the third year, the annual festival showcases the outstanding research carried out by the University of Plymouth

Until March 1 POLAR BEAR EXPLORER Set off on an exciting journey across Plymouth’s waterfront this winter, in search of the 20 polar bear cubs hidden in businesses from the Barbican to Royal

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

in collaboration with colleagues and partners locally, nationally and internationally. The weeklong programme spans the breadth of research undertaken at the University, from global environmental challenges and our relationship with the ocean, to examining the brain, the body, and the role of technology in improving healthcare; from digital visualisation, arts and heritage, and digital rights, to marking the Mayflower 400 commemorations with a contemporary response to our history and heritage. Join the conversation online with #PlymResFest and reserve your place today via www.plymouth. ac.uk/research-festival. All events are free to enter, however many have limited spaces and so advanced reservation is recommended. For more details or bookings call 01752 586005.

Jan 24 to 26 BRITISH DIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS The event at Plymouth Life Centre is the most prestigious domestic diving event in Great Britain, with GB’s top divers competing for the British titles. The British Diving Championships is also often used as a selection meet for the senior team for the major championships later in the year. To find out more about the event and download entry documents, go to www. britishswimming.org Feb 29 GINS & FINS National Marine Aquarium.

Dozens of local and regional gins to be sampled, food, live music and singers, specialist talks, goody bag including gin glass, eco companies selling their products - even mermaids in the aquarium tanks! Cost £20 including £5 donation to Ocean Conservation Trust. Tickets include admission to the National

Marine Aquarium which means the attraction can be enjoyed by adults without having the children around. Tickets can be purchased from www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/73854965189. See separate panel on page 24.

Mar 12 DUKE MINI COLLECTION Calling all brides and grooms-tobe to the Duke of Cornwall Hotel’s special wedding fair between 5pm and 7pm. For details call 01752 275850.

Mar 19 PLYMOUTH BIKE NIGHT First meeting of the season on Plymouth Hoe Promenade with gates opening at 6pm. All motor cycles and scooters welcome.

Proceeds to local charities.

Mar 28 MEN’S DAY OUT Plymouth’s biggest and best Men’s Day Out is back for 2020!

Join hundreds of men on the move, supporting St Luke’s and helping us to be there for more families who need us at the toughest of times. Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion RFC, the walk kicks off at 10am and follows a planned route taking in some of Plymouth’s most famous sights, including the Barbican and Plymouth Hoe waterfront.

Walkers then return to Albion’s ground in time to see their notto-be-missed clash with their Richmond rivals. Registration is still £32, which includes t-shirt, pasty, pint and entry to the rugby match - it’s the additional money raised through sponsorship that makes the real difference to patient care in the community.

Places at this popular event are always in big demand, so beat the scrum and register as soon as possible. For details or to register visit www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/ mensdayout/

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Family Events

Jan 31 TWILIGHT TALES Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park. A fun evening for children who love stories up to the age of 10. Enjoy a before bedtime snack of toast and warm milk and snuggle up to a story telling performance from our house story-teller. Why not wear your pyjamas so you are all ready for bed when you get home? This is a parent and child session and each story has a different theme. Tickets from www.stiltskin.org.uk Feb 1 MEDIFEST Plymouth Guildhall from 10am to 2pm. A free show for all ages to have a go at some fun and interactive experiments and activities. Highlights include: Mad medical mayhem in Nick Arnold’s Horrible Science Show; Discover deadly diseases and their cures in our terrific talks; Handson virtual, augmented and mixed reality demonstrations; Gory and gruesome fake wound workshop;Use your pedal power to create smashing smoothies; Free health checks; Pick the brains of real scientists;Find out about a vast array of health related professions. Celebrate the past, present and future of health and science. Fun for all the family! Details on Facebook.com/medifestplymouth2020 or follow on Twitter: @medifestp

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

Feb 6 HARRY POTTER BOOK NIGHT Central Library from 9am to 7.30pm. Help celebrate Harry Potter Book Night! Join in with Harry Potter themed fun and activities, plus fancy dress competition with prizes for four to 11 years, 12 to 16 years and 16 years+.

Call 01752 305902 for more information. Free event.

Feb 12 to 14 DINO-SAW Soapbox Children’s Theatre, Devonport Park. Join baby Dino on an adventure: an immersive theatre show for babies, toddlers and woddlers from Stiltskin Theatre Company at the award winning children’s theatre, The Soapbox. Suitable for six months+ and their big people! 11.30am and 1.30pm. Bookings and details at www.stiltskin.org.uk Feb 15 to 23 SPOT BRUNEL FAMILY TRAIL Bridging the Tamar Visitor Centre, Pemros Road, Plymouth from 10am to 4pm. Go on a hunt to find Brunel in and around the centre this half term.

See if you can find his hiding places as well as discover a few facts about this historical figure and the man who designed the Royal Albert Bridge.

Free entry. For details visit www.bridgingthetamar.org.uk Feb 15 and 16 SHERK AND THE BEANSTALK Presented by Plymouth Children’s Theatre Workshop at The House, Plymouth University. Saturday 6.30pm; Sunday 12.30pm and 5pm.

Tickets 07760 467857.

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

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WHAT’S ON Saltram House Plympton 01752 333500 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram

Family Events

Photo: National Trust

Throughout January WINTER WALKS Wrap up warm and discover Saltram’s parkland this January.

After an estate walk, pop into the café for a winter warmer. Why not visit the garden to complete the children’s trail too? This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Jan 25 WASSAIL! Join the ranger team in this ancient tradition of Wassail to bless the orchard for the 2020 crop.Gather round the bonfire to help to bless the orchard for a bumper crop.

Hear from the Wassail King and Queen how to ‘toast’ the trees and join in with the ancient tradition of wassailing. This is a chance to take part in an atmospheric and fun event, in the not-oftenvisited Saltram orchard. Children aged over eight are welcome.

Unfortunately dogs are not welcome at this event. Meet at the duck pond at 5pm where you will have a bit of a rough terrain walk to the orchard. Wear wellies and warm, waterproof clothing. Bring anything noisy, whistles, pots and pans and rattles! Due to the nature

of the walk it is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Please note that this event is held in the evening and it will be dark.

Booking essential.

Cotehele Calstock 01579 351346 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ cotehele Mar 14 to 22 DAFFODIL FESTIVAL See the wonderful collection of daffodils grown on Cotehele Estate. Over the week there will be a range of activities including displays of historic and new varieties of daffodils, guided daffodil tour in the garden on

weekends and daffodil sculptures too from 10am to 4pm. Children’s activities will run on the three weekends and the Daffodil Discovery Trail runs every day.

Sculpture building in the garden begins on Wednesday March 13 and the full displays are ready from Saturday March 16. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Buckland Abbey Yelverton 01822 853607 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ bucklandabbey Jan 25 to Feb 18 WINTER FAMILY TRAILS Collect a star chart from Visitor

Welcome and head out on an adventure around the garden.

Find all 13 star constellations that helped Francis Drake navigate the seas and mark these down on your sheet. Head to Visitor Welcome to collect a special sticker. £1 per trail.

Weekends only.

Feb 15 to 23 FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN Get together as a family and enjoy a walk around the estate or head up to the play area to enjoy the zip wire? Take part in one of the seasonal trails or join in with some family crafting in the school room.

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

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Time efficient, cost effective private heart screening We are specialist providers of cardiac screening, and a preferred NHS Provider fulfilling the outpatient echocardiogram demand from local hospitals, and GPs in Devon and Cornwall.

We have has been working closely with the local NHS Trust to significantly reduce outpatient waiting times for an echocardiogram by more than 75% from 16 weeks down to 3 weeks. However, the NHS service is only available to symptomatic patients, and there are strict parameters where an echocardiogram scan can be requested.

At Ultracardiac, you are able to self-refer for cardiac screening. There are many reasons why you may want or need this test, but here are a common few:• You may be breathless, or have a build up of fluid • To assess the valves and the pumping function of the heart • To help assess the cause of a murmur • You may have an irregular heart rhythm • You may have a family history of cardiac conditions • As part of medical certification, such as cardiac assessment for athletes (or soon to be athletes!!)

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• Highly experienced and professionally accredited staff • Cost effective service with minimal wait times – you can be seen within days • 100% quality assurance reviews – all scans are peer reviewed before being released • NHS compliant, secure cloud based imaging archive which means all your scan images and report can be shared with any other medical professional in your care pathway almost instantly.

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• £250 – cardiac screening package – echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and medical history questionnaire – assessing the heart structure, muscle and rhythm. The 3 tests will reviewed by a consultant cardiologist. We are not looking for coronary artery disease, but if your questionnaire answers raise concerns, then appropriate onward testing will be recommended.

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For enquiries call or email us: 01752 875 665 info@ultracardiac.co.uk Ultracardiac Ltd Scott Building - Ground Floor Plymouth Science Park, 1 Davy Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BY

The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

/27

WHAT’S ON

Exhibitions and Other Events

Navy man Craig sets his sights on a successful new career - distilling gin and organising gin festivals!

One of the biggest gin festivals in the South West is taking place in Plymouth in February - and it’s being organised by Torpoint’s own ‘Gin Man.’

Craig Brook-Hewitt

Craig Brook-Hewitt has been a fan of gin for many years and has a personal collection of over 400 brands. Last year he launched his own company called Mothers Ruin 1751 to promote the best of Cornish gins and has been attending gin festivals and running a popular gin club at Broomhill Cottage on the Antony Estate ever since.

He has recently taken over a unit at the new South East Cornwall Rural Business Centre in Antony and has ambitious plans to establish a gin distillery and bottling plant on the site in the next year.

And he is now busy organising the event called Gin’s & Fin’s which is being staged at the National Marine Aquarium on February 29.

He hopes the event will be the springboard to expand Mothers Ruin 1751 and will be launching a Crowd Fund Me appeal in the New Year to boost his business plans.

All of which is a remarkable achievement, given that Craig is currently serving as a Chief Petty Officer with Devonport-based HMS Portland!

Craig said: “I have been in the Royal Navy for 19 years and my naval duties always take priority. I have three more years’ service before I leave the Navy and am using that time to build up the business.

“I have seen so many former colleagues leave the Royal Navy and struggle to find suitable employment in civilian life and I wanted to avoid that situation.”

He believes his managerial experience in the Royal Navy has been invaluable in setting up his business and organising the Gin’s and Fin’s Festival.

“I attend all the local gin festivals and most of them offer very little entertainment - so I wanted to do something different. Gin’s & Fin’s will feature around 80 different types of gins as well as food, live music and even mermaids swimming in one of the big tanks in the aquarium. It’s obviously an adults only event which means people who attend can enjoy touring the aquarium without lots of children around.

“The event runs from 6pm to 11.30pm, so there will be plenty of time to enjoy the occasion,” he added.

Craig combines his business ambitions with a strong environmentally-friendly outlook.

“We will have lots of eco-friendly traders there on the night, will be launching our own biodegradable ‘Tipple Box’ and also donating £5 from each ticket sold to the Ocean Conservation Trust.”

•

To book tickets www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gins-finstickets-73854965189

Spotlight on cost of care at special event A special event to provide information and advice on cost of care in later life is taking place in February.

The ‘Cost of Care’ presentation is being provided

by West Financial Management at Boringdon Golf Club on February 11 at 10.45am for 11am.

Helen West said: “As a financial planner, I am repeatedly asked ‘What if I need care later in life’ and I say, ‘What are you saving for?’ We are then back to the ‘what if” scenario.

Many banks and building societies no longer employ qualified financial advisers, meaning some people no longer have easy access to expert advice.

Helen added: “All investments are affected by the rate of inflation to some degree. If your money is in a savings account because you don’t need it right now, you may be getting an interest rate which is less than the rate of inflation.

“This means the value is decreasing in real terms so when

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

you do need the money, say for care, it doesn’t go as far as you had hoped, therefore, careful planning is essential.”

West Financial Management also offers a half hour free finance call or a face-to-face meeting, to help people to discover what they can do for themselves and their families.

This can lead to professional advice that could potentially save some individuals and families thousands of pounds. There is a cost, but the cost of not taking advice could be greater when measured against the potential benefits gained and you may choose to see the cost as an investment for these benefits.

•

To book a free place on the Cost of Care event at Boringdon Golf Club, Plympton, on Tuesday 11 February, 10.45am for 11am or to book a free half an hour finance call or face to face Discovery Meeting go to www.westfm.biz or call 01752 228382.

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

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TRAVEL MATTERS

Great memories of travelling the world with our children Hi! I’m Sarah Baines, creater of @ bigworldlittlelegs on Instagram.

When I decided to return to the travel industry after a 10 year break, I realised that even though I hadn’t been selling holidays for a while, travel and sharing my knowledge of the experiences, has always been in my blood.

Which is exactly what you will find me doing now, alongside the wonderful team at Peter Goord Travel, some of whom I have known for over 20 years and feel very privileged to work with again.

So a bit about me. After 14 years establishing a successful career in the travel industry which started at the age of 17 at Going Places and finished with managing one of the largest Tui Travel stores in Devon and Cornwall. I took some time out (which turned into the 10 years!) to raise a family and travel to destinations I’d spent a lifetime dreaming about.

Now with my wanderlust satisfied and nearly 40 countries visited, I have finally settled and home is always home no matter how far you travel, especially in this beautiful part of our country.

Over that period out of the industry I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy some incredible opportunities and sights, made some amazing friends, and created memories I will cherish forever with my family, as well as increasing my knowledge, tips and advice to share with others.

My two children, husband and I took a sabbatical for eight months last year and completed our biggest adventure yet, opening my children’s eyes to the joys of travel.

So we created an Instagram account called ‘Big World, Little Legs’ to share with friends, family and anyone else looking for inspiration so they could follow our journey and

experiences whilst we were away, some of which I will share with you now.

We travelled extensively in Australia and New Zealand, spending just under four months travelling both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, which is definitely a favourite.

Its pure beauty, raw and wild landscapes, so much space, giant mountains and a lake for every day of the year.

With the friendliest people, there are so many experiences to be taken away. Abel Tasman National Park has to be up there on the list, where renting kayaks is the big thing to do here travelling to bays otherwise difficult to reach.

There are rays everywhere in the water, and don’t miss the incredible Awaroa Inlet in the centre of the park too, the most turquoise white sand paradise of our entire trip.

Piha beach near Auckland, the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel are musts if you have time. You can really escape in New Zealand and feel so tiny, everything is on such a big scale with endless beaches and some really lovely cities to explore with so much going on. Queenstown, The Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea are also incredible. We went horse trekking and mountain biking at the Cardrona Mountain Resort not far from Queenstown which was great in the summer, and I’d love to visit for a winter snow trip one day, now the largest ski area in New Zealand.

Australia is also very near the top of my list, even if you don’t like spiders very much like me! I’ve spent nearly two months there on two separate occasions and Sydney is still my favourite city in the whole world, such a great atmosphere, so clean, friendly and modern with a lot to see and do alongside all the normal sights you must do.

We travelled south of the city last year down to Spectacular scenery at Whitsunday Islands in Australia

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

TRAVEL MATTERS

Kayaking at Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand

Shellharbour and onwards, an area I’d not been before and again, that was stunning with kangaroos on pure white beaches, dolphins, crystal clear water. It is therefore exceptionally sad to see the ongoing crisis with the fires in New South Wales, heartbreaking in such an incredible part of the world.

For most trips to Oz the Barrier Reef is a must see and my advice is to go as far north as you can to escape the crowds and get an outer reef experience with a better variety of coral and sea life. Or as an alternative then get a yacht charter for a few nights in the Whitsunday Islands and sail around the reefs and include the unforgettable Whitehaven beach.

Waking up to sunrises and laying on deck with the sunsets are something to be treasured forever.

This was the biggest splurge of our trip but worth every

penny! (By the way don’t forget your ‘reef safe’ sunscreen!)

The sunshine coast below Noosa is just stunning and with one of my favourite little market towns Eumundi not too far away, there’s something for everyone. The roads are great to hire a car and get to see a bit more, we hired cars throughout Australia and received a lot of complimentary upgrades (not guaranteed!) with super helpful and friendly customer service.

Next month I will continue my journey where I visited Fiji, Japan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore and the orangutans in Sumatra.

If you would like help arranging your next holiday please contact me on sarah@petergoordtravel or follow our Instagram page @petergoordtravel or on Facebook.

Hope to see you soon - Sarah Baines

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GARDENING MATTERS

By Derek Anderson The weather may not always seem to be gardening friendly in February, but it’s actually a great month to get out in the garden plan ahead.

Herbaceous perennials and deciduous shrubs will be resting for winter, so this will give you a nice clear view of the garden and allow you to assess the bare bones and evergreen structure. The garden can seem lacklustre and drab at this time of year, but some carefully placed evergreen plants can really keep the garden looking alive and fresh during the winter months. A few winter flowering shrubs and plants will bring a touch of colour and some will fill the garden with their intoxicating scent. Choose the right plant for the right spot for hassle free gardening.

Choisya ternata is a great shrub for a sunny spot, either in the ground or in a pot. It is a useful and versatile shrub and there are several different varieties, from large, deep green, glossy leaves, to fine, lacy leaves in bright yellow.

Regardless of the leaf shape and Choisya ternata colour, all choisyas have the same type of flowers, white, star shaped, citrus scented flowers produce in clusters.

They mainly flower in the spring (March-May), but can give a second flush of flowers in the autumn. Depending on the variety, they can grow to a height and spread of 60-150cm (2 to 5 ft) approximately. They are very easy to grow and require very little maintenance.

Ceanothus is an extremely useful shrub for the garden, as the vast range of varieties makes them an extremely versatile family. Some will grow in to large rounded shrubs, some are excellent for ground cover, some can be used as

Plant of the month Skimmia is a slow growing evergreen shrub that produces cluster of red buds in autumn that open up to reveal white scented flowers. After the flowers of faded, clusters of highly attractive red berries develop on female plants. It is an easy to grow shrub that is better suited to a shady spot. Perfectly suited to a pot or the garden it only reaches a height and spread of approximately 1m (3ft). It is prefers acidic soil, so plant in ericaceous soil and feed with ericaceous food. Once established, it looks after itself once it is established.

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

Hassle free with shrubs

screening, some can cascade over walls and others can be used as climbers.

They are extremely drought tolerant to, so can be used in those tough to grow areas that have poor soil that gets sun baked. They are evergreen and most tend to have deep green, glossy, oval shaped leaves, but thanks to modern breeding, there are some new varieties that have silver, gold, or lime variegated leaves that add another point of interest.

From late spring to early summer, Ceanothus produces masses of true blue flowers in clusters that can cover the Ceanothus entire plant. They are a huge hit with bees, butterflies and other pollenating insects, so are a great boost to our wildlife. They can be grown in a large pot, but will fare better being planted in the ground.

Euonymus fortuneii ‘Emerald Gaiety’ and ‘Emerald and Gold’ have got to be among the most popular garden shrubs in the UK and that is for good reason. This little unassuming shrub tends to go by unnoticed in the garden, because it is undemanding. It requires very little care and will happily grow away in all but the darkest spots in the garden undisturbed.

It can be used in pots, for ground cover, for a low hedging and it even makes an attractive feature shrub in the garden.

This popular shrub is seen everywhere and with good reason, it is tough, has attractive silver or gold variegated leaves, turns a beautiful red colour in winter and is excellent at suppressing weeds. It is quite happy to grow at the foot of trees and shrubs, providing an evergreen carpet, as well as colour in the garden in winter. It also makes a great companion plant to showier, vibrant plants.

Aucuba japonica Aucuba japonica is a nice evergreen shrub that has stunning bright green foliage covered with yellow flecks. It flowers with clusters of small white flowers in the spring and produces ornamental cherry like fruit in the autumn. It makes a great back drop shrub for a shady corner as its bright foliage really stands out and helps to brighten up dark areas.

As well as being useful as a specimen shrub, Aucuba makes and excellent hedging plant for a shady area.

It is hardy and tough, and can be pruned back in the spring to keep it smaller.

If you are looking for a plant that packs a punch with scent, then look no further than Daphne odora. It has one of the strongest and possibly the sweetest fragrance of all winter flowers (and of summer in my opinion). The best varieties to choose from are Daphne odora ‘aureomarginata’ or Daphne odora ‘Rebecca’.

It starts to bloom from December onwards and has small

With Plymouth Garden Centre

e gardening s like these

attractive pink flowers in clusters that have an extremely strong perfume. Just a few cut flowers in a small vase is enough to fragrance an entire room. It’s not just the smell that it should be grown for, though small, the flowers are attractive in their own right.

The foliage is dark green in colour with a gold rim running around the edge, ‘Rebecca’ has a much larger and stronger golden border to the leaf. The leaves are evergreen and provide colour and interest throughout the winter. It is a slow growing shrub that is perfectly suited to the front of the border or near to the house. Only growing to a height and spread of 1.5m (5ft) it is an ideal candidate for the front garden, where you will be rewarded with its sweet scent as you pass by it. It can be grown in sun or shade and likes a free draining soil that doesn’t completely dry out.

Sarcococca hookeriana, the Christmas box, is a great scented shrub for growing in shade. It is hardier and easier to grow than Buxus sempervirens, which requires pruning several times a year and can be susceptible to frost damage and is blight resistant.

Sarcococca only needs to be pruned twice a year and stands up to the frost with ease. It has evergreen, glossy foliage and is shade tolerant. It will thrive in dense, dry shade where other plants will struggle and die. It is extremely versatile and can be grown in the border, in a pot, used as formal hedging or for effective and attractive ground cover.

It has small white flowers that bloom in December onwards and has a strong, sweet scent that wafts through the garden.

It grows to a height of 60cm (2ft) with a spread of 1m (3ft 3in).

For a larger hedge or back of the border shrub, Sarcococca confusa can be used which grows to a height of 1.8m (6’) with a spread of 1.8m (6’) while retaining the same excellent qualities of Sarcococca hookeriana.

Jobs to do in February 1. Prepare vegetable seed beds. Weed thoroughly and dig in some new fertiliser, then mulch and cover the bed with weed control.

2. Prune Wisteria shoots back to two or three buds and apply a slow release fertiliser to the base of the plant.

3. Cut back deciduous grasses to make way for new shoots.

4. Prepare your seed potatoes for planting in March by chitting them.

5. Sow bean seeds in a seed tray on your kitchen window sill for quick, delicious and nutritious beansprouts.

6. Sow salad leaves in a seed tray on your kitchen window sill for speedy cut and come again microgreens.

7. Plant fruit trees and bushes now before they burst into growth. This will give them a chance to get settled before spring.

8. Wash paths and patios with an appropriate patio cleaner.

9. Clear the build-up of leaves, twigs and other dead plant material from your beds and borders.

10. Plant Lilies and Allium bulbs now for summer colour. www.cornerstonevision.com

@PlymMag

@PlymMag

PRIDE & JOY The Home and Garden Maintenance Team

Our services include: • hedge & shrub maintenance • weeding • • tree work • lawn care & grass cutting • • creation of flower & veggie beds • • trellis work • shed & greenhouse work • • general garden tidying • pond care • • fencing & gates • patios & decking • Wishing it was summer?

How about planning your garden for the summer months to come?

Would you like a new patio laid or does your current one need some TLC ? Our expert landscaping team can design and lay a new patio for you or renovate your current one – we can re-lay wobbly slabs and put in new pointing.

Raised beds can make gardening easier and we can reduce your garden maintenance by putting chippings down on a weed proof membrane. We can design peaceful sitting areas for you; build pergolas and arbours; install barbeque areas; new paths and steps or some trellis for climbing plants or privacy and we can build decking areas.

We are happy to come and discuss your plans with you and give you a firm price that we will keep to.

Call NOW to discuss your needs We can help! One-off or regular service.

01752 721528 / 07773339470 www.prideandjoy-homeandgarden.co.uk The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

/33

HEALTH MATTERS

Mum Jill’s life-c operation at th Health Plymou

Jill Adams - happy to be back on a bike

Plymouth mum Jill Adams is enjoying fitness sessions in the gym and riding her bike again - thanks to a life-changing knee replacement operation at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital.

Keen cyclist Jill, who is 58, suffered knee problems and pain caused by a sporting injury 13 years ago. Jill had always kept fit, but her knee problems got progressively worse to the point that she couldn’t sleep.

Jill said: “Walking was painful, exercise helped it - especially cycling - but I paid for it afterwards.”

Faced with the prospect of a 48-week wait for treatment by the NHS, Jill decided to approach Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, knowing that patients can pay for treatment themselves or fund it through private health insurance.

Jill had private health insurance and decided to speak to consultant orthopaedic surgeon Simon Coleridge, who specialises in knee replacement, hip replacement and sports injuries to the knee.

“I knew of Mr Coleridge because he once operated on my son. When he treated my son, he took the time and trouble to meet with me. I have never forgotten that.

“Nuffield Hospital was my obvious choice because of its reputation locally here in Plymouth, especially combined with the long wait I was offered on the NHS,” said Jill.

“The quickness of being seen and being able to choose my consultant was also very important. I saw Mr Coleridge in September 2018 and he asked me to consider the implications of the operation for a couple of months, but I made up my mind and went back two weeks later to confirm that I wanted to go ahead.”

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

The operation took place in January last year, but Mr Coleridge was unsure whether Jill would have enough movement in her knee to get back on her bike again.

Jill praised the wraparound care offered as part of her treatment at Nuffield Health. This included an extensive recovery programme with four months of physiotherapy, three months of personal training and gym membership, health MOT and diet and fitness Up on her feet the day after the operation - and (below) day 2 of Jill’s advice. recovery Jill said: “My physio Jacob Herman was very good. He knew I had goals and how much I wanted to get back to normal. Jacob is also a cyclist and knew how much I wanted to get back on my bike! Mr Coleridge said he could not guarantee I would get back on my bike, but I did, and we are all thrilled” “My physical trainer, Dave Jack, was brilliant, kind and caring.

“I was up on my feet and taking a few aided steps within 24 hours. I Jill receiving treatment from her physio Jacob

changing knee he Nuffield uth Hospital

HEALTH MATTERS

was walking and had started physio within a week of getting home,” added Jill.

“I have been a cyclist all my life and I’ve also done lots of gym and aerobics too and I was determined to get back on a bike. I am now pain free and can kneel down, which is quite rare, as according to the NHS, only about six people in a hundred can do this following a knee replacement.

“I am doing everyone I was doing before, pain free! It’s been a long road to recovery, but with the wrap around care and if you’re willing to put in the effort – the results can be amazing.

“The whole experience of Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital - including the staff, food, bed and board - far outweighed my expectations.”

• Nuffield Health is the UK’s largest healthcare charity, and for the last 60 years has been working to make the nation fitter, healthier, happier and stronger, all for the public benefit.

•

For more information on the treatments available at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital visit www. nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/plymouth or call 01752 545739.

Jill working out at the Nuffield Health Devonshire gym

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Couple’s fabulous new kitchen was just plain sailing with Armada!

It was a case of third time lucky for Plymouth couple Malcolm and Cathy Moody, when they were visiting showrooms in search of their dream kitchen.

After visiting two big showrooms without any luck, they decided to try independent local firm Armada Kitchens and Bathrooms in Millbridge: “They were able to give us exactly the kitchen we wanted,” said Malcolm, “Everything about it was right - the product, the quality and the price.”

The couple bought their smart, contemporary apartment at Berkeley Square in the city centre 11 years ago, when it was brand new. In the past couple of years, they’ve refreshed much of the property, with the kitchen being the biggest project.

With an open plan kitchen-dining-living space, they wanted a new kitchen that was stylish, practical and blended naturally into the lounge area. But they also wanted additional storage and worktop space.

“The kitchen we had before was pretty standard and most of it was against the far wall,” said Cathy. “The appliances were free-standing and we didn’t have much storage space.

We also had a fridge-freezer and bin against the left wall and the dining table was in the middle of the room. So, while we wanted more storage and worktop space, we also wanted to create a bigger, more spacious feel.

“That was our vision and Armada Kitchens were able to make that real for us.”

The solution was to create an island which doubles up as

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

a worktop and dining table and also houses drawers beneath it.

The bins, meanwhile, Kathy Moody is are concealed in an delighted with her integrated cupboard, new kitchen again allowing for a less ‘cluttered’ space.

“It’s amazing, they managed to double our work surface size and storage space while making the whole room look bigger,” said Malcolm.

“We’ve got three young grandchildren and the island with the stools are just what we needed - and so are the handleless doors on the treats cupboards! It’s a lovely, familyfriendly space now.”

The couple prefer the sleek, minimalist look, so opted for glossy cupboards and drawers and in-built appliances. All the carcases have the same dust grey colour inside, so that they are just as stylish when they are open.

They chose a Neff hide-and-slide CircoTherm oven, Neff microwave and an induction hob. The worktop is Quartz Caesarstone, with a Blanco sink and tap. The integrated dishwasher and washing machine are both by Bosch and the fridge freezer is by CDA. They also treated themselves to a wine cooler which fits snugly into one corner of the island.

“We really liked how the entire project was managed by Jon and James at Armada Kitchens, so we didn’t have to worry about anything,” said Cathy. “We can’t fault a thing. And they were a pleasure to work with, from start to finish. Everything they have done, they have done to suit us. They come up with ideas and suggestions, but ultimately, what we want is what we get.”

The work took two weeks to complete and Cathy said: “We’ve had the kitchen for a couple of months now, and it has made cooking and entertaining so much easier. The quality of the products and the workmanship means we’ll never have to buy a new kitchen here ever again.”

In fact, Cathy and Malcolm were so impressed with Armada Kitchens that they asked them to design and fit a hand-made bespoke media unit for their TV at the other end of the open plan room. And in February, the company is installing bespoke fitted bedroom furniture for them.

“We would have no hesitation in recommending Armada Kitchens,” said Cathy.

“They’re a small local company who really care about their work and their customers.”

Armada Kitchens and Bathrooms have a showroom in Molesworth Road, Millbridge,

PROPERTY MATTERS

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with a range of products on display. All the cabinets are made by an independent manufacturer to the customer’s specific requirements, with specifications far beyond major national kitchen suppliers.

Pop in for a cuppa and a friendly chat about your kitchen aspirations, with business partners Jon and James. Opening times are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 2pm on Saturday. You can also read more at their website and Facebook page, which has 5-star reviews.

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The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

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FOOD MATTERS

Janet Stirling’s...

tomatoes by adding braised leeks and parsley or Mediterranean flavours or just tomato with fresh Basil.

Ingredients: √ Two pieces of flat fish √ New potatoes for two portions √ Olive oil √ Four medium tomatoes √ Handful of flat leaf parsley √ Kalamata olives 5-6 √ Salt It’s funny how Turbot has its own name for the cut of fish.

Usually thick pieces of fish cut across the bone are called a steak. It’s possibly because it is not actually cut across the backbone. Troncs are made by cutting the whole turbot down the centre first then the troncs are cut from the sides which contain both top and bottom fillet and the long thin bones coming from the back bone are sandwiched in the middle of the tronc.

Anyway this is what I did with my two troncs of turbot.

First I heated some olive oil in a roasting dish in the oven at 190C, in the meantime, I boiled the new potatoes for around 10 minutes until almost cooked. I drained and dried them then sliced them in two or three slices.

Next, I tipped them into the hot oil [carefully, of course] and put the dish back into the oven for 10 minutes. When the 10 minutes were up I placed the washed and dried fish on top. I rubbed the top of the fish skin with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and threw in a few slices of lemon. [lemons optional] I turned the oven down to 180C and roasted the fish and potatoes for another 10 minutes or until tender.

While they were cooking I started the tomato salsa.

Because this was a special meal, I did something unusual and peeled the tomatoes first; it makes the salsa so much nicer.

You can cut a cross along the bottom of each tomato and pop them into boiling water for a few seconds then drop them into a bowl of water and ice and when cool in 10 seconds or so you can easily peel the skin off with your fingers. Or you can painfully peel with a knife but I wouldn’t bother as you lose half the tomato or squash them if they are really ripe.

I then chopped the toms into fine dice and added to a bowl with the chopped olives also finely diced, the parsley and enough Olive oil to make the consistency of a salsa. Season with salt and serve it on top of the troncs that are on top of the potatoes with a little Watercress, spinach and rocket salad from the supermarket, dressed with French Vinaigrette.

Enjoy your meal times together! As Mark Twain once said: When you fish for love, bait with your heart, not your brain.

Sunshine Kitchen February is the month for lovers! Valentine’s Day is coming!

I know some couples who don’t send each other cards or buy gifts for each other and others who don’t even buy each other Christmas presents. I think that is sad.

We should never miss an opportunity to tell our spouse how much they are loved. We forget so quickly that we are of great value to each other.

Everyone loves receiving presents even when they say they don’t.

Graham and I have always exchanged Valentine cards and in the early days of our marriage when we couldn’t afford to go out for meals, even on special occasions, I used to make a romantic meal at home for the two of us when the kids were in bed. I made anniversary, birthday and Valentine’s Day meals.

So for February I have made a light main course for two, of turbot with a fresh tomato sauce/ salsa, in case you want to have a starter and dessert, for your special meal.

Once a year I buy Turbot. It is very expensive, probably the most expensive fish known in England. I only buy it for special occasions and every time I am slightly underwhelmed at its flavour. It is quite firm in texture and very mild in flavour.

Personally I prefer, Brill, or Lemon Sole or Dover Sole so I really don’t know why I buy it. I think I keep hoping that one day it will live up to it’s reputation and be ‘out of this world’ delicious.

Turbot is so mild that there is usually a light champagne butter type of sauce with it, something with a mild flavour that doesn’t overwhelm the Turbot.

As you know, my husband is dairy free so I have made this fresh tomato sauce/salsa to spoon over the fish. This fresh tomato sauce/salsa can be used on any flat fish, by the way. I make various flavoured salsa type sauces with fresh

Tomato salsa on turbot

38\

The Plymouth Magazine February 2020

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