The Plymouth Magazine issue 98

plymouth magazine the

Issue 98 August 2012

inside this month argyle’s ambitious plans all set for flavour fest sonia’s doing favours what’s on in the city win a washing machine

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A Park Leisure Park

flavour fest is just one of the tasty treats coming up Although the summer weather has so far been pretty miserable, Plymouth still manages to put a smile on the face of visitors and locals alike.

The National Armed Forces Day at the end of June was a great success and Plymouth certainly made an impression on Prime Minister David Cameron - in more ways than one!

The Barbican International Jazz & Blues Festival was under way as this edition went to press - here’s hoping that the sun shines for what is becoming a landmark event in the city. With the Olympics also starting at the end of July, the Big Screen in the Piazza is bound to be a popular place for shoppers to stop and watch the action.

We can now look forward in August to the increasingly popular Flavour Fest, full details of which can be found in our special feature on the centre pages.

There’s also the Champion of Champions British Fireworks event in August to be followed in September with the launch of the Plymouth Marine City Festival, which includes a Seafood Festival on the Barbican, music, exhibitions, conferences and lots more besides. You can find out more about this exciting new event on pages 14 and 15.

It would, of course, be remiss of my not to mention the interview with Plymouth Argyle chairman James Brent on pages 10 to 12. As one of the many thousands of Argyle ‘widows’ among our readers I’m delighted that James has ambitions to provide not only a top footballing experience at Home Park, but also an international standard ice rink, cinema complex, leisure outlets, hotel, restaurants and much more besides.

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Who knows, I might event be persuaded to go to Home Park myself!

Hope you enjoy the latest issue!

Publishers: Chris Girdler and Ian Pilkington Editor: Debbie Girdler Designers: Lawrence Bird and Sven Lauch Photography: Roy Perring Contributors: Anthony Goord; Jon Morcom; Adrian Stroud; Fiona Newton; Derek Anderson and Kerry Cole Listings: Matthew Girdler Advertising sales: Naomi Shearer, Sarah Simpson, Lisette Hicklin Stefanie Clifton-Sprigg and Shakira Floyd Distribution: John Kowalski Finance: Michelle Ghillyer and Kim Craig Cover Shot: One of the popular trade stalls at last year’s Flavour Fest in Plymouth. This year’s event is from August 17 to 19. There will be plenty of mouth-watering attractions on offer.

Contacts: Editorial Tel: 01752 268635 e-mail: chris@cornerstonevision.com Advertising Tel: 01752 225623 e-mail: ian@cornerstonevision.com 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 40,000 homes across Plymouth each month, with a further 5,000 copies strategically placed in leisure and retail outlets in Plymouth, Saltash and Tavistock.

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.plymouthliving.co.uk the plymouth magazine

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‘

‘I could have danced all night Advertorial

Plymouth primary school teacher Jane Dowrick wanted to look her best for her son’s wedding.

And being a keen dancer she was also looking forward to stepping out on the dance floor at the reception.

But there was a problem. As Jane explained: “I can’t wear high heels for more than a short time because I suffer from back pain and hip pain caused by one of my legs being slightly longer than the other. To make matters worse I also have a bunion.

Determined to make the most of her son’s wedding she decided she would splash out on a new outfit for the day and a cocktail dress for the evening. But she was still unsure what to do about her footwear.

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“I decided to visit the store in Royal Parade - and was so glad I did! I spent about an hour with their staff describing my problem and also undergoing a series of tests and scans to monitor my gait.

been more helpful or professional. It was a lovely experience.”

Jane knew that on the big day she would be standing for a lot of the time, but the whole experience was an extremely positive one.

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Visit Foot Solutions at 34 Royal Parade, “To my surprise and delight they had a great range of very fashionable high heeled Plymouth PL1 1DU shoes and I chose ones which would be or call perfect for my son’s wedding. I selected a gold coloured pair of Ziera shoes and they 01752 looked brilliant. With the special insoles 222660 prescribed and supplied by Foot Solutions I was ready for the big day.

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august 2012 edition

building for the future

6

sonia’s party trick

10

14

marine city festival

21 what’s on in plymouth

16

drawn to the valley

48 waterside development

When Sonia Nadin was made redundant earlier this year she decided to fulfil her dream of running her own business, which includes the ‘party in a bag’ concept.

Andrea James of Peter Goord Travel enjoyed a lunch of a lifetime and a four hour trip on the legendary Orient Express when it visited Plymouth recently.

Dozens of local artists will be opening up their studios to the public this summer and revealing just how much talent there is in and around the Tamar Valley.

Plymouth Argyle chairman James Brent talks about the plans to create a new ice rink and other leisure facilities at Home Park.

The popular musical Oliver! is coming to the Theatre Royal. See our big What’s On section for details of this and other exciting events in the city in coming weeks.

Plymouth’s Town & Country Estate Agents have been invited to join a prestigious network of agencies handling waterside properties across the south of England.

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5

women at work

why redundancy did sonia a real favour!

A Plymouth woman who was made redundant earlier this year has fulfilled her dream of running her own business using her lifelong talent for arts and crafts Sonia Nadin used her redundancy money to set up a new company called Favours and Things offering a range of products for weddings, anniversaries and other celebrations.

Sonia, who lives in Weston Mill, designs and makes confetti cones, centrepieces and personalised favours to match any style and budget.

Sonia Nadin with her party in a bag concept and an example of some of the favours she makes

She has also launched a special ‘Party in a Bag’ service for families which provides all the materials needed for themed children’s birthday parties.

Sonia said: “I had worked for Everest for five years when we got the shock news that all 50 of us in Plymouth were going to lose our jobs.

“Being in my mid-40s and with few up-to-date qualifications, I faced some tough questions about the future,” said Sonia.

over the years, I realised that there might be a business opportunity there.

“I had been to a wedding fair where my daughter Jodie was modelling and found that favours and centrepieces were very pricey. As I have always been interested in art and crafts, making cards and other gifts said Sonia.

“So when I married my husband Steve two years ago I made all the tables decorations and favours for our wedding. It encouraged me to start making decorations for friends, but I didn’t really market the service or have my heart in it,”

“When I was made redundant, Steve encouraged me to use my talent and set up the new business. I was always too unsure of myself to set up on my own, but with Steve’s support I decided that if I didn’t do it now I never would.”

Sonia said she received invaluable help and advice from Outset Plymouth and attended their business start up course. “The course helped me to prepare a business plan and also covered areas such as marketing and advertising.

“The people at Outset Plymouth were terrific and they are still always available on the end of the phone to give me advice and assistance,” she added.

“As part of the package I was given a year’s free membership of Enterprising Women and I also plan to join the Chamber of Commerce.”

Sonia promotes her business at wedding fairs and has produced brochures which she has distributed to hotels and other locations. Sonia keeps her costs as low as possible, recognising that budgets are tight these days, and offers a hire service for centrepieces.

She also visits schools to promote her services for proms and also the Party in a Bag concept.

“I have done two school proms already this year and I am confident that as the word spreads I will pick up more of them in the future.”

She hopes that the Party in a Bag service will prove popular and offers 80 themed party ideas.

“Basically I source everything for a themed kid’s party - from the tablecloth, napkins, plates and cups to invites, party bags, games and prizes. Supermarkets offer very limited party theme options but I can offer everything from Hello Kitty to Brave Knights, Pirates and Tangled.

“With Party in a Bag all you have to do is add kids,” she said. “And I have kept the the package extremely competitive aiming at a cost of around £5 per child.”

Sonia can be contacted on 07528 808991 or visit her website at www. favoursandthings.co.uk

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the plymouth magazine

Advertorial Plymouth Hoe

Come rain...

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We won’ t miss Firework British nships io p m a h C ugust 14 -15 A Fest r Flavou ugust 17 -19 A

Family-friendly fun, come rain or shine!

With ever more unpredictable weather dominating our holiday activities, we won’t be able to rely on endless sunny days at the beach to keep the kids busy this summer.

Come rain or shine we need to entertain the family, so we head to Plymouth!

With so much to see and do, indoors and out, we never get bored. There’s loads of entertainment throughout the summer too – most of it absolutely free – making a day out in Plymouth great for the wallet too!

The cobbled streets of the Barbican are a great place to start. We love to browse the galleries and cute gift shops and grab a coffee from one of the alfresco cafés that line the streets and historic quayside. The kids…? typically, they love the ice cream parlours!

From a morning mooch around the Barbican, the National Marine Aquarium is just a short walk over the footbridge. Fantastic for the whole family, discovering the mesmerising underwater world is the perfect way to spend the morning and the ideal place if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

From under the water to on the water, hopping on a water taxi from the Barbican is a fun and cheap way to get out on Plymouth Sound and proves you don’t have to own a yacht to see picturesque Plymouth from the water! We like to take the water taxi to Royal William Yard where there are some brilliant places to eat, including Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall’s River Cottage Canteen and Deli.

Drake Cir

cus Shoppin

After a lovely leisurely lunch we always want to do something active, and in Plymouth there is so much choice. The kids love the Hoe: the big green park overlooking Plymouth Sound is perfect for flying a kite, kicking around a football or playing Frisbee while we watch the world go by. If we take the bikes we head out to the Plymbridge trail, if we fancy a walk then we choose a section of the Waterfront Walkway from Stonehouse round to Jennycliff and there’s also the new Life Centre where we can have a go at all sorts of sports and activities including climbing!

If I can, I like to try and round the day off with a little spot of retail therapy, so I leave the kids having fun with their dad up on the Hoe and head for the shops. The main shopping streets and the Drake Circus mall are just a few minutes walk from the waterfront, which means I can grab an hour or so of much needed me-time – absolute heaven!

Whatever we choose to do I know the whole family loves the time we spend together in Plymouth. So go on, visit Plymouth this summer and see what happy memories you create!

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the plymouth magazine

7

plymouth matters

plymouth proves again it has so for conferences and other It has been a fantastic few weeks for us here at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel.

We have been amazingly busy mainly due to National Armed Forces Day in the city and the week-long Methodist Conference at the Pavilions.

The two events brought thousands of visitors to the city and we, like many other hotels and guest houses, were full to the rafters as a result.

The next few weeks look equally promising with the ever-popular three-day Flavour Fest and British Fireworks Championships in August and the new week-long Marine City Festival in September.

The importance of all these events to the economy of the city cannot be overstated.

As other areas of the economy come under increasing pressure, we need to ensure that Plymouth’s potential as a place to visit and stay is fully realised.

We now have a more realistic budget to promote Plymouth as a conference venue, thanks to the funding provided by the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership. This will enable the city to have a much higher profile next year at International Confex: the premier event for conference organisers.

We also have a dedicated area on the Visit Plymouth website and can offer conference organisers familiarisation trips to the city to see for themselves what a great place it is.

by Jonathan Morcom

Co-owner of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Chair of Conference Plymouth, a board member of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Chair of the Steering Group for the Centre of Vocational Excellence at City College Plymouth Trade Union – who were last here in 2008 – will be returning to the city next year for their annual conference and have indicated that they want to come back again in 2015.

This will bring a much needed boost, with hundreds of delegates staying locally and taking advantage of the city’s restaurants, shops and other retail outlets.

There is more very exciting news on the horizon about another major national event coming to Plymouth - more of that next time, hopefully.

The fact that the Pavilions is to undergo an £83 million redevelopment starting soon can only add to Plymouth’s ability to attract major events to the city.

Conference delegates invariably want to come back again once they have experienced what Plymouth has to offer.

Meanwhile, here at the hotel we’re celebrating more good news. Myself and fellow director Walter Combstock - who took over the hotel 10 years ago - have been elected as Fellows of the Institute of Hospitality, which is a great honour for both of us.

As chair of Conference Plymouth I am personally delighted that the giant GMB

Walter has been at the hotel for 40 years and, like myself, is rightfully proud to have

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Duke of Cornwall directors Walter Combstock and Jon Morcom pictured with their certificates as Fellows of the Institute of Hospitality

much to offer major events achieved the goal not only for himself, but also for everyone at the Duke.

Walter has seen dramatic changes in the hotel industry over the last four decades, but he points out that the qualities we offer at the Duke have stood the test of time and mirror the aims of the Institute, which has a common goal to promote professionalism, best practice and reputation in hospitality, leisure and tourism.

The hotel has also recently been awarded a Silver Green Tourism award in recognition of our environmental and recycling policies, which not only affect the staff but also the guests here at the hotel. We previously held a Bronze Award, but our continued efforts to improve our environmentally-friendly policies have seen that upgraded to a Silver Award.

To reinforce our commitment to reducing waste, we have also recently joined Plymouth’s Food:Logic scheme, in partnership with Langage Farm. All our food waste is now recycled using the cutting-edge facilities offered by Langage Farm’s anaerobic digestion plant.

Last, but by no means least we are currently putting the final touches to a special event to officially launch our ballroom following its recent £40,000 refurbishment. It’s already proved to be an extremely important investment and bookings for weddings, special events and corporate functions are coming in thick and fast.

We will be launching our special Select loyalty card at the same event, so if you would like more information on that please give me a call.

The Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Millbay Road, Plymouth Tel 01752 275850 www.dukeofcornwall.co.uk

the plymouth magazine

9

argyle matters

Argyle chairman James Brent says that work on the new grandstand at Home Park should start next year Photo: Dave Rowntree

we’re building a brighter future for argyle Work on the final phase of the transformation of Home Park should start next year, according to James Brent, chairman of Plymouth Argyle.

The construction of a new grandstand – complete with banqueting and conference facilities – will form part of a major development project that will also include an international-standard ice rink, three star hotel, shops, restaurants, bars, medical centre and possibly a state-of-the-art cinema complex.

The long-awaited construction of the new grandstand will complete the redevelopment of the football ground which started in 2001. With an estimated 7,000 seats in the new stand it will give Home Park a 20,000 all-seater capacity, with the potential to build beyond that figure if the club’s fortunes change.

James Brent said that it was hoped that full planning approval for the proposals

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would be achieved by the spring of next year, enabling work to begin during the 2013 close season.

“Coupled with the world-class facilities at the Life Centre, this development can help create one of the finest leisure complexes not only in the region, but also the rest of the country,” said James.

He said that the new grandstand, replacing the ageing and crumbling Mayflower Stand, would provide significant additional revenues for Plymouth Argyle. It will be connected to the new hotel by a footbridge and, with its close proximity to the Life Centre and other leisure facilities, should benefit from income from a range of nonfootball activities.

“The club will not only benefit from free use of the new stand on match days, but will also receive all the income from banqueting and conference facilities on non-match days,” said James.

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“This is an important financial component of our long-term plans to ensure that not only does Plymouth Argyle recover from the disasters of the last few years, but can also move forward and progress from League 2, hopefully to the Championship and, who knows, with a little luck maybe to the Premier League one day.

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“It will probably take several years – maybe even 20 years – to achieve that level of success, but we have seen what clubs such as Norwich and Swansea have achieved and firmly believe that Plymouth Argyle has the same potential.

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“We have a huge catchment area, fantastically loyal supporters and the potential to attract much bigger crowds - as we have seen in the past.”

He said that around 4,000 season ticket sales had already been purchased and he was hopeful that the figure would eventually rise to 5,000 by the start of the new football league season in the middle of August.

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“We have a number of local derbies this season which will boost attendances, but we are confident that we can achieve average home gates of around 8,000 this season. A lot “We have a huge of that depends on how well we are doing on the pitch, but I’m catchment area, pretty sure we will see a different style of play in the season fantastically loyal ahead.

“Last season was all about survival and we achieved that now we want to press on and my board are fully behind me in that respect.”

Mr Brent, who owns the Akkeron Group with interests in hotels, retail and asset management, has brought together a heavyweight board at Plymouth Argyle since rescuing the club from administration last year.

supporters and the potential to attract much bigger crowds - as we have seen in the past.”

James Brent

The board includes non-executive directors David Felwick, deputy chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, Richard Holliday, managing director of the Royal Bank of Scotland and marketing specialist Peter Jones, former Argyle vice-chairman. Interim chief executive Martin Baker oversees the day-to-day running of the club, alongside general manager Jason Turner.

He said that the Argyle Board of directors had given Argyle manager Carl Fletcher a budget that provided the club with a fair chance of promotion from League 2 this season.

“We had four options when we looked at our strategy going forward. The first was to buy success by spending beyond our means, the second was to provide sufficient funds for a team capable of success at this level, the third was to settle for mid-table mediocrity and the fourth was to risk relegation again.

“It only took a few minutes to agree that the second option was the right one for

• continued on next page the plymouth magazine

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argyle matters

ambitious plans for home park leisure and sports development • continued from previous page Argyle and its supporters and we asked Carl Fletcher to plan for the future on that basis. He came back and asked for an increased budget - and we immediately agreed.

“I trust Carl’s judgement in this respect. I have seen that he is cautious and extremely responsible in terms of managing the players budget. If he thinks a player is asking for too much money he will say so and move on to a fresh option.”

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He said that although the club was projecting to make a loss in the year ahead, the deficit was fully funded. “We expect the loss to be less than last year and anticipate that we should break even the year after next.

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“It is all part of turning round the club’s fortunes and we are determined to do everything we can to bring in more fans. We want to see more youngsters and families coming to the club and recognise that we have to improve the match day experience and environment to achieve that.

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“We are looking at every aspect of the matchday experience – from catering to toilets – and recognise that in the Mayflower Stand the facilities are extremely poor.

“However, there is little point in spending vast amounts of money on the Mayflower when our intention is to build the new grandstand. In the meantime we will do what we can to increase the appeal of attending Home Park.”

Mr Brent said that construction of the new 1,500 seater ice rink at Home Park was a key requirement in his company’s plans for an £83 million redevelopment of the Plymouth Pavilions. This will include a major overhaul of the arena facilities and increased capacity for major events along with the construction of a hotel, shops and other leisure outlets.

“We are committed to retaining the ice rink at the Pavilions until the new facility is built at Home Park, so we are keen to see that element of the project under way as soon as possible.

Tel: 01752 676517 Fax: 08704581670

“Our development plans for the Pavilions site cannot be fully implemented until the ice rink is no longer needed, so that’s why the timing of the Home Park plan is so important.”

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An artist’s impression of how the Pavilions re-development may look when completed

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For more information contact Richard Harding on 01752 662 662. the plymouth magazine

13

plymouth matters

A spectacular nine-day festival of seafood, live music, entertainment, aquatic leisure and cultural events has been unveiled as part a unique celebration of Plymouth and its links to the sea.

The inaugural Plymouth Marine City Festival in September is aiming to attract thousands of visitors to Plymouth’s historic quayside areas and to highlight nationally and internationally the city’s standing as a leading European marine city for research, leisure, heritage and food.

Hosted from September 8 to September 16 at a variety of venues, including The Barbican, Sutton Harbour, The Hoe and the Royal William Yard, the event includes the first Plymouth Seafood Festival and the return of the Ecover Blue Mile.

The Ecover Blue Mile takes place on September 8 and 9 (www.thebluemile.org) with hundreds of people taking to the water paddling, swimming and kayaking as well as shoreside events full of information and exhibitions celebrating the marine environment.

The new annual Plymouth Seafood Festival on Saturday and Sunday September 15 and 16 is organised by Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP) and will provide Barbican quayside stalls, live music, street entertainment and a food theatre with top local chefs through both days.

PWP is also launching a Seafood Trail with restaurants and cafés across the Waterfront and Plymouth City Centre signing up to be part of a nine-day food event highlighting the very best in sustainable and locally caught seafood cooked to perfection.

Sarah O’Leary, Plymouth Waterfront manager, said: “It’s a priority for PWP’s Waterfront Business Improvement District to develop a new festival to bring more visitors to the Waterfront with the potential to grow Plymouth’s reputation nationally and internationally as a major visitor destination.

“The Waterfront provides a stunning setting for events and the Plymouth Seafood Festival promises to be a great addition to annual waterside activities and the Marine City Festival programme.”

The Blue Mile returns in September

A detailed programme of music and chefs as well as a full listing of Waterfront venues taking part in the Plymouth Seafood Festival will be announced in the coming weeks.

The National Marine Aquarium and the University will also be making marine science fun by taking family-themed exhibitions and experiments out on to the streets as part of Just Add H2O www.justaddh2o.tv The wide-ranging Plymouth Marine City Festival, organised by Destination Plymouth, brings together visitor events, business exhibitions and the world leading Oceans of Potential marine science conference on the Hoe, an initiative of Plymouth’s marine science organisations and coordinated by Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML). The marine science in Plymouth is world-renowned with one of its organisations, PML, listed 8th of the world in a recent study by Reuters.

The conference includes a public debate on the future of our seas chaired by BBC

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the plymouth magazine

plymouth’s waterfront welcomes new marine city festival broadcaster Monty Halls and a public lecture by a previous Chief Scientific Advisor of the UK Environment Agency.

Other Plymouth Marine City Festival highlights include: •

Endless Summer exhibition at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery – a spectacular look at British surfing over the last 200 years with a focus on Devon and Cornwall.

•

The opening of the prestigious new Marine Building at Plymouth University as part of its 150 year Anniversary

•

Celebrating and experiencing art, music and performance with the City Museum, Peninsula Arts and Plymouth Arts Centre throughout the Festival

•

A major marine business expo on Plymouth Hoe with bespoke events for inward investors, buyers and sellers

•

A programme of music and arts throughout the week

Duncan Currall, chairman of Destination Plymouth, said: “The Plymouth Marine City Festival is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate Plymouth’s unique relationship with the sea, the way in which it defines our history and environment and continues to inspire so much of what we do here.

“The strong programme being developed is aimed at attracting visitors and investors and also lays the foundations for what we want to become: a nationally significant recurring festival which puts Plymouth in the spotlight as the UK’s Marine City.”

Plymouth City Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “Plymouth is well-known for its long maritime heritage, but its links with the sea still influence almost every aspect of city life – from food, leisure and tourism to cutting-edge marine research.

“We have made a commitment to promote Plymouth as a global centre for marine energy, engineering and science. The festival will showcase everything that makes Plymouth’s waterfront location so special and there will be loads to see and do.

“Whether you take to the water in a kayak, get up-close to our marine wildlife or just enjoy the sea air and some locally caught scallops, this is an event not to be missed.”

For further details on the full programme of activities visit www.marinecityfestival.co.uk

the plymouth magazine

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art matters

talented local artists of visitors to their

There are some great art events happening throughout the summer involving many talented local people.

Drawn to the Valley is an artist led collective of 120 members who live and work in and around the Tamar Valley. Creativity is expressed through all manner of mediums by painters, printmakers, ceramicists, sculptors, calligraphers, jewellers and textile artists.

The gifted community are committed to showing the real richness of artistic presence around the Tamar Valley both in terms of numbers of artists and the quality and variety of the work they produce. This summer, 65 of their artists will put on a free event called ‘open studios.’

could consider refuelling with lunch or tea at local pubs and cafés.

People are invited to pick up one of the directories from early August. These are available from tourist information offices, libraries and many other local outlets.

To ease your journey, Drawn to the Valley organisers are committed to providing good signage which will help guide visitors to each venue. Many of the studios are in artist’s homes and there is a focus on trying to make this event as accessible as possible to those with disabilities.

Using a beautifully produced directory as your guide, you can enjoy reading through a clear list of the various local artists involved in the exhibitions and decide whose work you want to go to see.

All participating artists will be ready to provide detailed information to visitors who contact them with questions about access. by Tim Smit, KBE, co-founder Kerry Cole of the Eden Project, has provided a foreword to this year’s directory. He writes: “Artists – whether trained or instinctive – see and capture our world in a different way that is very personal and individual to them.

It’s fun to create your own trail by reading the brief biography or comment that is included on each artist.

A listing of their name and address is contained in the brochure along with an image of their work. If you plan to visit several studios you

Claire Hine with ‘Succession’ which will be will be on display at the ‘Run with Fire’ event in Devonport

“They work under the radar of many people who may think of them as a breed apart but now more than ever we need to value what artists bring to us all in many subtle ways.”

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draw thousands ‘open studios’ Drawn to the Valley have a number of very interesting art projects going on throughout the coming months. To find out more visit www.drawntothevalley.co.uk Another worthy collective of artistic talent are displaying work under an Olympic theme, ‘Run with the Fire.’

Following on from the tremendous success of ‘The Gathering’ Anita Collier has decided not to leave it too long before launching a new initiative engaging the local community in a creative project.

Drawn to the Valley artist Ryan Rodgers who will be taking part in the ‘open studios’ event

Different individuals and groups have been invited to provide a creative piece based on the strong symbols of the Olympic rings or the flame.

The exhibition, which is housed at St Aubyn Church, Devonport, started in July and continues through until September 5.

I have been told a programme is running through the summer with some really exciting workshops, many of which are free of charge or very reasonably priced just to cover the cost of materials.

One of the exhibits, ‘Succession’ has been created by Claire Hine and children from Sir Robert Geffrey’s School.

Claire explained: “This piece is based on the idea of light passing from one person to another. Using a hula hoop as a frame, it naturally lent itself to being the shape of the world. Following on from a piece of work presented as part of an RE project, Jesus Christ is the central figure. He is the light of the world and from his light all areas of life and culture are influenced with love and goodness.

“In this instance the children are portraying that through his light, love, justice, joy and patience etc can be passed, one to another through every area of society.”

To find out more details about the exhibition you can visit www.armyofartists. co.uk or contact Anita Collier on 07890 201856

Kerry Cole is author of an arts style book called The Purple Veil. For more information visit www.thepurpleveil.com

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the plymouth magazine

17

food matters

great food, great great company – recipe for Two years after taking the plunge and launching their new business venture in Plymouth, friends Sue Robson and Sally Baum couldn’t be happier.

The pair are the inspiration, motivation and energy behind Jolly Jacks Bar, Bistro and Restaurant at Mayflower Marina in Stonehouse.

Friends since childhood growing up in Leicestershire, they lost touch for the best part of 25 years – until a chance encounter several years ago rekindled their friendship.

Sue already knew all about Plymouth because her husband’s yacht is moored at the Mayflower Marina. But Sally was a stranger to the city.

Both have spent most of their working lives in the catering and hospitality industry and when they discovered that the Plymouth eatery was on the market they jumped at the chance to relocate their families to the city.

The pair took over the lease in the spring of 2010 and spent several weeks refurbishing the premises, before launching it as Jolly Jacks in May 2010.

It has a distinctly New England feel to the place.

“It’s the waterfront that attracted us,” added Sue, “we wouldn’t have opened a restaurant inland. Plymouth is a fabulous city and has so much potential: much of it yet to be fully realised.

“We expected it to take a little while for the business to make its mark - but to our delight we were busy from day one and it has just got busier and busier,” said Sue. They have thrown themselves into the venture with enthusiasm and total dedication.

Head chef Jay Barker-Jones

“We love it, live it and breathe it,” said Sally. “We want everyone to feel relaxed and enjoy the experience. Whether you’re dripping in diamonds or dripping in seawater, there’s a warm welcome for everyone at Jolly Jacks.”

Jolly Jacks caters for families, couples, children, businessmen and women and is open from 9am till late seven days a week, not only for fine dining, but also just for breakfast, a glass of wine or beer, a cup of fabulous coffee or afternoon tea.

All of their dishes are sourced locally from carefully-chosen suppliers, renowned

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Stylish dining area the plymouth magazine

location, jolly jacks success for their quality and freshness, such as Ruby Red beef, whole spring lambs and Gloucester Old Spot Pork from Moonstone Farm of Wembury.

Fresh fish and shellfish feature prominently, as would be expected, including day boat caught fish from Moby Nicks and Exmouth mussels.

The menu offers a superb choice of British and European dishes, with prices that won’t break the bank. Starters from £4.95 and mains from £9.95 are on offer, plus a great selection of freshly-made desserts. Sunday roast lunches are a popular choice with the growing number of regulars who return to Jolly Jacks time and time again.

“Most of our new business comes from word of mouth recommendation, which is the best advert of all,” said Sue. There’s plenty of free parking available in the Mayflower Marina, outdoor seating to take advantage of the sun (when it arrives) and regular events too, such as the monthly live Jazz Sunday. The next one is on Sunday August 26 and features the toe tapping Roger Marks.

Jolly Jacks employ a team of 16 full-time and part-time staff and see themselves as one big happy family.

The eateries’ slogan is ‘Great Food, Great Location, Great Company.’ Few would argue with that.

Sue Robson and Sally Baum...delighted to be in Plymouth

Jolly Jacks Bar Bistro and Restaurant, Mayflower Marina, Richmond Walk, Plymouth Tel 01752 500008 web www.jollyjacks.net

Amy Bonstow and Helen Dean chat to a customer

the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

theatres & shows Theatre Royal

Royal Parade Plymouth Box Office 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com

Jul 31 to Aug 4 42nd Street 2012

Winner of the 1980 Tony Award for Best New Musical and the 2001 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, 42nd Street is the timeless, inspiring tale of small town Peggy Sawyer’s rise from chorus girl to Broadway star.

The popular musical Oliver! is at the Theatre Royal from August 7 to September 8

Starring Michele Dotrice (Some Mothers Do Ave Em), Shaun Williamson (EastEnders, Extras) and Clive Mantle (Casualty, The Vicar of Dibley), this is a classic black comedy, where a sweet little old lady all alone in her house is pitted against a gang of criminal misfits who will stop at nothing…

Aug 7 to Sept 8 Oliver!

Brian Conley stars as Fagin in Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Lionel Bart’s smash-hit musical.

The sensational score brings Dickens’ timeless characters vividly to life and is full of irresistible songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and As Long As He Needs Me. Aug 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 Theatre Royal Tour and Lunch

Take a look behind-the-scenes and view the Theatre Royal auditorium from the stage, see the flexible format of the Drum Theatre, the orchestra pit, the trap-rooms and front of house.

Glimpse inside the dressing rooms, wings and backstage areas and experience some of the theatricality, heritage and tradition of the theatre in the company of our well-informed guides. Finish off your tour with lunch in the Theatre Royal’s restaurant, the mezz. Places must be booked in advance, call the Box Office for more information.

Sep 14 to 22 The Ladykillers

The writer of Father Ted, Graham Linehan, has written a hilarious and thrilling new adaptation of the celebrated comedy The Ladykillers.

Sep 11 to Sep 15 Monkey Bars

Sep 20 to Oct 6 The Astronaut’s Chair

Chris Goode, the award-winning writer of Keep Breathing, Henry & Elizabeth and Hippo World Guestbook asked 30 eight to ten-year-olds to talk about their lives. Their words are spoken by adults, playing adults in adult situations. This is a revelatory verbatim show that’s funny, touching and endlessly surprising.

Directed by Theatre Royal artistic director Simon Stokes, who recently directed the popular Drum productions Horse Piss for Blood and Chekhov In Hell, and written by Rona Munro, The Astronaut’s Chair is specially commissioned by the Drum Theatre.

It follows a gritty, glamorous female aviator who’s the fastest, highest, and

Sep 24 to Sep 29 Blood Brothers

West End star and Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow stars as the Narrator in this critically acclaimed production, alongside X-Factor star Niki Evans as Mrs Johnston. This captivating and moving musical tells the tale of twins who are separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks and meet up again with fateful consequences.

Oct 3 to Oct 6 Beautiful Burnout

This thrilling piece of highly physical theatre immerses the audience in the explosive world of boxing. This award winning collaboration between Frantic Assembly and National Theatre of Scotland will assault your senses and challenge your preconceptions about the most controversial sport of our time.

Drum Theatre Royal Parade Plymouth Box Office 01752 267222

Aug 28 to Sep 1 Blood Tie

This explosive new production by the Theatre Royal Young Company explores what happens when those who challenge conformity have to face the hardest choice: between a desire for control and a need to release their darkest impulses. the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

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festival proves there is such a thing as a free mela!

Plymouth Mela is back and is even bigger, and if possible, even better!

After a hugely successful inaugural year in 2010, Plymouth Mela 2012 will take place on September 23 between 1pm and 5pm in Plymouth City Centre Piazza and promises to be an explosion of colour and culture that will have the people of Plymouth dancing in the streets.

Mela is a free festival of theatre, music and dance showcasing the best of South Asian Arts and features a vibrant palette of cross cultural sound, colour and performance for all the family. Expect high quality acts, food, activity tents and much, much more!

One of the main features of the whole day will be a Bollywood Dance Explosion, which will involve between 300 and 500 young people all dancing at the same time, animating the city with the bright colours and rousing movement of Bollywood dance.

For the youngsters and big kids, there will also be a Big Draw Tent where they will get the chance to take part in a variety of South Asian arts and crafts including drawing, bookmaking, silk painting, henna crafts and badge making.

A film shop will also be screening an exciting selection of short films with a South Asian connection and for a little quiet time, families can sit down and listen to the storytelling. The main stage will host a variety of exciting performances showcasing the best in South Asian theatre, music and dance.

The day will also see a myriad of stalls pop up in the city centre including food stalls that will be serving a great selection of South Asian flavours to satisfy your hunger pangs.

Mela festivals originate from the Indian sub-continent and are now running successfully up and down the country. The word ‘meal’ comes from the sanskrit ‘to meet’ and is related to ‘milana’ the verb to tune. It is commonly used to describe a

theatres & shows

Barbican Theatre

Based on the true story of Cuchito Castro, who forms an all-girl band with her sisters to escape both her father’s and society’s expectations for her life, this musical set in Cuba in the 1930s is full of adventure, fresh talent from Youth Music Theatre UK – the country’s national theatre company for young people – and exquisite Cuban music.

Castle Street, Plymouth www.barbicantheatre.co.uk 01752 267131

B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre

bravest woman in the world with one last race to go – to go into space. But only if NASA and Congress will let her.

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the plymouth magazine

Aug 14 and 15 The Salsa Sister

Jul 31 and Aug 1 The Seventh Muse

Castle Street, Plymouth 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk

There are goddesses in every woman.

Which ones operate in you or a woman you know? The Seventh Muse is a show about love, loss, fear, hope, freedom, desire, honesty and passion.

Presented by Youth Music Theatre UK, this new musical by Lewis Barfoot is a show full of female protagonists. It’s an extraordinary piece of theatre with a cast of 35 talented and unique women.

Aug 1 and Sep 5 Comedy Night

Some light relief with the best stand-ups on the UK circuit.

Aug 2 Otis Gibbs

With a new album just released in the UK, Harder than Hammered Hell folk artist Otis Gibbs will be stopping off in Plymouth as part of his European tour.

large gathering of people celebrating artistic, religious or political events.

Mela project manager Steve Canning said that he hopes the event will help to promote a greater cross cultural understanding in the city.

“I think it is important because it is a landmark festival that promotes under-represented South Asian outdoor performance. Also, it is a free festival for all the family which will give the people of Plymouth a chance to see and understand music, theatre and dance from a different part of the world. That seems like a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in the world outside their front door.”

One of the aims of Plymouth Mela, apart from providing a fabulous day of arts and culture for the people of Plymouth, is to champion diversity in the arts and to provide opportunities for regional, national and international artists to work together.

The Mela is supported by the Asian Arts Agency, Plymouth University, Plymouth College of Art, City College, Plymouth South Asian Society, Barbican Theatre, Marjon’s, Plymouth Dance and PCC Social Inclusion Unit.

For more information contact the Barbican Theatre on 01752 267131 or visit www.plymouthmela.com Aug 8 and Aug 22 Café Acoustica

Fortnightly showcase of unplugged talent, hosted by singer-songwriter Jessie Mullen.

Aug 9 Auntie Pus

An evening of poetry, punk, slick sleek jazz and more besides with Auntie Pus, star of stage, screen and subway...plus some very special guests.

Aug 10 Affinitée

Affinitée is comprised of top class musicians who share a passion for French music. The style is based on the ‘musette’ band, led by accordion, supported by guitar and mandolin and brings the atmoshere of Paris to the B-Bar. Aug 16 Forked

Premium performance poetry and spoken word entertainment, courtesy of Apples & Snakes, England’s leading organisation for performance poetry.

Hosted by Mama Tokus.

Aug 23 Edd Lane

Edd Lane is an accomplished singer-songwriter with an arsenal of self penned modern folk tunes. This event marks the start of his UK tour to promote the release of Edd’s debut EP ‘The Sailor’s Escape’.

Aug 24 Out to Grass

B-Bar’s favourite bluegrass boys apply their amazing ability to well-known tunes. Like Plymouth’s Hayseed Dixie.

But better!

Aug 30 Thomas Ford

Electrifying blues talent in the form of this harp-playing, hard blues singing solo performer. Born in a field 20-something years ago, Thomas Ford is a blues shouter, a guitar picker and a harmonica fire-breather.

Aug 31 & Sep 28 Soulful Gospel Blues

Mama Tokus hosts a night of soul and blues. the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

theatres & shows Plymouth Pavilions Millbay Road, Plymouth Box Office: 0845 146 1460.

Aug 1 & 2 Milkshake! Live

Presented by Channel 5 and Premier Stage Productions, Milkshake Live stars Noddy, Roary, the Bananas in Pyjamas and more!

Aug 21 The Soldiers

The Soldiers created history by being the first group of serving soldiers to hit the British pop charts. They are soldiers first and foremost, having served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.

They have helped raise over half a million pounds for army charities and bring their UK tour to Plymouth.

Support acts are The Military Wives Choir and Travellin Rose.

Sep 18 & 19 John Bishop

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After bringing Sunshine to Plymouth with two sold out shows last year, John Bishop announced his return to the city for two brand new shows this September. It’s your chance to see John live on stage before he takes his new ‘Rollercoaster’ tour to arenas across the UK. Despite performing to over 400,000 fans in a nationwide sell-out tour, topping the charts with the fastest selling stand-up DVD of all time last year, and regularly broadcasting into the homes of over 6.5m viewers in primetime BBC One show, John Bishop’s Britain (deep breath)…the public clearly haven’t seen enough of him yet. As, due to overwhelming popular demand, ‘Comedy Superstar’ John Bishop embarks upon his first ever UK arena tour and makes the official announcement, that he is not…quite…ready for a holiday just yet.

Oct 6 Jake Elwood and the Black Rhino Band

The Best Blues Brothers Show in the world - ever, returns to Plymouth!

Together with the driving backbeat of their award-winning Black Rhino Band, voted the hottest soul band in Europe, Jake and Elwood continue to deliver electrifying, totally live performances in sell out theatres across the UK. Singing all the timeless classics associated with The Blues Brothers, Jake and Elwood will transport you to Chicago with all the moves, and all the attitude!

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the plymouth magazine

Featuring amazing tributes to The Godfather of Soul James Brown, the genius of Ray Charles and Cab Calloway, performed by Buzz D’Angelo, this unmissable show provides a memorable and entertaining evening in a family friendly atmosphere that is second to none!

Oct 20 Kevin Bloody Wilson

Kev returns to the UK for his Cop-ULater tour in 2012, making a welcome return to Plymouth Pavilions. Hailed by Billy Connolly as the world’s funniest Australian, with humour as tough and dry as his outback heritage, his songs shoot down society’s sacred cows with pin point accuracy, while successfully leapfrogging political correctness.

These songs are uniquely Australian, and yet year after year, album after album, tour after tour, people from all corners of the globe keep laughing their guts out at Kevin Bloody Wilson’s completely authentic and original body of work. This unique Australian comedian is a cultural enrichment experience not to be missed! 18+ only.

Oct 21 Deacon Blue

2012 marks the 25th anniversary of the release of Deacon Blue’s debut album ‘Raintown’. To celebrate, the band are reuniting to record a new studio album and head out on a full UK tour in October, heading to Plymouth Pavilions • Cont on page 27

paloma faith set for sell out gig in plymouth Following her sell-out Plymouth gig two years ago, Paloma Faith has announced a series of UK tour dates for next year and will return to Plymouth Pavilions on Friday February 15 2013.

Paloma’s incredible second album ‘Fall To Grace’ reached No.2 in the UK albums chart when it was released back in May. The album was beaten to the number 1 spot by Gary Barlow’s Diamond Jubilee record by only 5000 copies!

The 2013 dates will be the first full tour of ‘Fall To Grace’, however Paloma is appearing at a series of live events over the summer, including two headline dates at London’s Somerset House last month.

Marketing officer at Plymouth Pavilions, Robert Maltby said: “We can’t wait to have Paloma back in Plymouth. Her 2010 show received rave reviews and Paloma’s eccentric theatrical costumes have to be the best we have ever seen on stage. It was vocally and visually an amazing live show.”

For tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit the website at www.plymouthpavilions.com

the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

Plymouth

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nation’s tenor alfie boe heads for plymouth as part of new UK tour

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jason pulls the strings Having charmed thousands of fans across the UK with his smash hit nationwide tour Cirque Du Byrne, Jason Byrne returns to these shores to ‘pull the strings’ of his audience once more as he brings his brand new show ‘People’s Puppeteer’ to Plymouth in November.

Irish comedian Jason will be appearing at the Plymouth Pavilions on November 7 and less than two weeks later will release the highly anticipated DVD from his smash-hit Cirque du Byrne tour.

Jason is renowned the world over for his onstage exuberance, rib-tickling stunts and ability to cultivate the farcical antics of his audience.

Jason commented: “It was my first British solo tour ever last year. I was really worried that no-one would turn up, but you did turn up Britain, turned up in your own weird, wonderful, sometimes normal way. I love gigging here and I can’t wait for this next tour, as I’m sure there’s plenty of madness in store for me, and you lot too.

The biggest selling comedian at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival, Jason’s inspired, original brand of high-energy intelligent lunacy ensures that there is no other comedian like him and his sell out shows have attracted accolades including Chortle Award for Best Headliner 2007, Perrier Newcomer Award Nomination 1998 and Perrier Award Nomination 2001.

Suitable for age 16+ To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com for print at home.

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the plymouth magazine

Following his triumphant performances at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert, Alfie Boe will be embarking on his biggest UK tour to date next year, including a return visit to Plymouth Pavilions on Sunday March 31.

Watched by nearly 17 million viewers and in front of a 20,000 strong crowd at Buckingham Palace, Alfie performed ‘O Sole Mio/It’s Now or Never’ and duetted with soprano Renee Fleming performing ‘Somewhere’ on the palace balcony. Alfie has also teamed up with Gary Barlow to appear on his ‘Sing’ album. ‘Sing’ is a special commemorative Jubilee album celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee featuring musicians from across the Commonwealth including the Military Wives Choir, Hayley Westenra and Laura Wright and is at Number 1.

2012 looks set to be another massive year for Alfie. He recently signed a book deal with Simon & Schuster, with the autobiography ‘My Story’ due to be released in late August, recounting Alfie’s amazing story. A live DVD of his ‘Bring Him Home’ tour which won over fans and critics alike was also released earlier this year. And, to end the year, the Alfie has announced a full US tour, which is already selling out venues.

His 2013 UK tour sees Alfie performing at the likes of Manchester Arena and the celebrated London Royal Albert Hall. The tour follows his new studio album and is expected to be released in early November 2012.

Alfie said: “I’m so excited to follow up the Bring Him Home Tour which was one of the highlights of my career so far. To be performing in arenas is a dream come true and I can’t wait to get back on the road and see all my fans again in 2013.”

For tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit the website at www.plymouthpavilions.com

theatres & shows • Cont from page 24 on Sunday October 21. The anniversary tour will take place in 15 UK cities and will feature songs from the forthcoming album as well as Deacon Blue’s Greatest Hits. Ricky Ross says: “Our 25th anniversary has been looming, and I hoped that the band and I could release new material to celebrate. I’ve been writing songs with Deacon Blue in mind for a few years now, and it’s great to be back in the studio in Glasgow getting these tracks down. I can’t wait to get them out on the road!”

Oct 26 Vampires Rock

Steve Steinman plays the supremely evil Baron Von Rockula in this Classic Rock Spectacular! Owner of the Live and Let Die club, and in search of a new bride, the Baron must convince the unsuspecting Pandora who auditions for the new singing position, to cross over to the dark side and live forever in Rock N Roll Hell. Along with Steve Steinman, a full cast of superb singers, dancers and a formidable band blast their way through some of the greatest ever rock anthems including We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Highway to Hell, Total Eclipse of the Heart, Devil Gate Drive, I Love Rock n Roll, Poison and many more!

All teamed with an amazing stage set and pyrotechnics, this rock spectacular is not to be missed! the plymouth magazine

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turning back the clock at mount edgcumbe

The popular Military Vehicle rally returns to Mount Edgcumbe on August Bank Holiday weekend

chance to learn more if you’re interested in art If you are interested in art history, art lectures, fine arts or learning new skills, the South Devon Decorative and Fine Arts Society could be just what you are looking for.

The Society was established more than 30 years ago and has over 250 members. Its activities include three visits a year to houses, gardens or places of particular interest, study days with two or three related lectures and a programme of monthly lectures from September to May. These lectures are held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Post Graduate Centre, Derriford Hospital at 7.30pm.

The Society is keen to attract more members and is holding an introductory meeting at the Royal Western Yacht Club at Queen Anne’s Battery on Friday September 7, starting at 7.30pm.

The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. There will be a short talk by a lecturer from the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Society as well as the opportunity to meet committee members. There will also be free coffee and free parking.

The South Devon Decorative and Fine Arts Society is for anybody interested in the arts or architecture, icons or Impressionists, music or mosaics, vases or Vermeer.

For more information about the Society or the introductory meeting in September contact membership secretary Mike Inman on 01822 852672.

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the plymouth magazine

Mount Edgcumbe will be stepping back in time during August with the Classic Car Rally exhibiting cars through the ages and the Military Vehicle Trust bringing memories of the war years.

Sunday August 5 will see the 18th Annual Summer Fayre and Vintage, Classic and American Car Event, organised by the Friends of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park and Cornwall Hospice Care back bigger and better than ever.

As always there will be a huge range of vehicles to feast the eyes on as well as the Fayre stalls and a car boot sale. There will also be bouncy castles and rides for the children to enjoy.

Entrance to the event is free and car parking is £5 per vehicle. All proceeds from the event go to the two registered charities – Cornwall Hospice Care and the Friends of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park.

Tamar Cruising and Cremyll Ferries will be operating extra ferries from Plymouth, to confirm sailing times call 01752 822105.

The Bank Holiday weekend of August 25 to 27 sees the ninth visit to Mount Edgcumbe of the Military Vehicles Trust.

The trust members are dedicated to sourcing, restoring and showing military vehicles that would normally finish up on the scrapheap. A number of the vehicles have seen service in some of the major conflicts of the 20th Century.

The vehicle owners are more than happy to talk to visitors about the history of their particular vehicles. So if you are an former member of the armed forces or someone who is interested in history, make a date to visit Mount Edgcumbe on the Bank Holiday weekend. Entrance is free.

For more information on any of the events please contact Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park on 01752 822236 or visit www. mountedgcumbe.gov.uk.

The Friends of Mount Edgcumbe website ican be found at www.friends-of-mount-edgcumbe.org.uk

Artists of the Tamar Valley

Open Studios

25 August to 2 September 2012 www.drawntothevalley.co.uk

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The South Devon Decorative and Fine Arts Society... ...are holding a special introductory meeting in

The Royal Western Yacht Club

Queen Ann’s Battery Marina, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0TW

on Friday 7th September 2012 from 10.30 – 12 noon.

This meeting has been financed by a grant from the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies www.nadfas.org.uk

All will be welcome, no charge Please call Mike on 01822 852672 or email mike@inman.force9.co.uk for more information

what’s on?

the heat is on at plymouth jazz club in september

Open term times: Monda y-Frida y 9am–1p m inc. lunch club

music

For 2 – 5 yr olds funding for 3+ At Little Owls our qualified staff are committed to providing quality early years education and care for your children. We have a large hall, garden and a great variety of activities to cater for all needs.

Feel free to pop in or call Tracey, our manager, to find out more.

Find out more at

www.littleowls.org

Contact us at

info@littleowls.org Emmanuel Church Hall Compton Avenue Mannamead Plymouth PL3 5BZ

Places available for September 2012 01752 319525

Aug 5 Plymouth Jazz Club

The Matchroom Suite, Plympton Bohemian Ragtime Jazz Band. For details or tickets call 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Aug 8 Rame Peninsula Male Voice Choir

On the green at Kingsand, Cornwall joined by Polperro Fishermen’s Choir, with Jonathan Delbridge. Also at The Bound in Cawsand on Wednesday August 15 and Tavistock Parish Church on August 25.

Aug 17 Riverboat Shuffle

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The Matchroom Suite, Plympton John Hallam & John Wurr with the Craig Milverton Trio. Contact 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk Sep 15 Choral Concert

St Nicholas’ Church, Saltash Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir with Saltash Ladies’ Choir. Concert in aid of church restoration fund.

Sep 16 Plymouth Jazz Club

The Matchroom Suite, Plympton New Orleans Heat. Contact 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk Sep 27 Jubilee Concert

Plymouth Jazz Club with Graham Trevarton. Depart 4.30 pm from The Barbican, Plymouth. Tickets: visitors £12, members £10, contact 01752 774343.

St. Andrew’s Church, Plymouth Featuring the Brent Singers with a programme which includes Handel’s Zadok the Priest and other Coronation Anthems. Tickets £10 from Jill Barber, on 01752 892703

Aug 19 Plymouth Jazz Club

Sep 28 and Sep 29 Anniversary Concert

The Matchroom Suite, Plympton The Gambit Jazz Band - traditional jazz. For details or tickets call 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk the plymouth magazine

Sep 2 Plymouth Jazz Club

Elburton Methodist Church Featuring Laira Youth Band, musical director Tony Hollick and compere Jean Davies. Also featuring guest young musicians including Laura Deignan and

wis er Gwyn Le Cornet play e-up lin t ea H s Orlean

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New

New Orleans Heat – a seven piece band playing the old style New Orleans jazz – will be headlining at the Plymouth Jazz Club on September 16.

The Midlands-based band will be in Plymouth following a summer tour of Sweden. They travel extensively throughout the UK and Europe playing jazz clubs, theatres, hotels and church concerts,.

They recreate the music of the crescent city, be it a stomp, blues, hymn, spiritual or pop song of the day in the style of the late great, Bunk Johnson, George Lewis and Kid Thomas bands. The band’s motto is ‘helping to keep the real jazz alive’.

For more information about the gig contact Plymouth Jazz Club on 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Oliver Bredemeyer. Tickets £7 (under 16s £3) from Jean Davies on 01752 404239, through the band or church members. Proceeds to charity including Action for Children Sep 29 Cathedral Visit

Plymouth & District Organists’ Association visit to Exeter Cathedral for a talk and demonstration by David Davies, a chance to play the organ and then Evensong at 3pm. For details contact 01822 854884

Oct 11 International Concert Series

City Museum & Art Gallery, Plymouth Featuring Julian Lloyd Webber - cello, John Lenehan - piano and Peter Cigleris - clarinet. Works to include John Ireland’s Cello Sonata and Fantasy Sonata and Brahms Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano, Op. 114.

Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £25 to include wine or soft drink, from Museum Shop (Tues - Sat) and at the door. Supported by the John Ireland Trust.

Oct 6 HMS Pinafore

St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth Plymouth Gilbert and Sullivan Fellowship present a concert performance of HMS Pinafore in aid of the RNLI. Tickets £9 from 01752 829176 or online at www.plymouthgilbertandsullivan.com or by post to RNLI, West Rock, The Cleave, Kingsand, Torpoint PL10 1NF (Please send cheque payable to RNLI and sae) or at the RNLI shop, 18 Southside Street, Plymouth Oct 7 Plymouth Jazz Club

The Matchroom Suite, Plympton Mark Nightingale with the Craig Milverton Trio. Contact 01752 774343 or visit www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk

Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber the plymouth magazine

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flavour fes

all set to be bigger an better than ever The South West’s leading food and drink festival is returning to Plymouth for the ninth year in 2012 with more food, fun and entertainment for all the family.

From Friday August 17 to Sunday August 19, Plymouth City Centre will be taken over by over 100 food and drink producers from across the Westcountry, bringing the sights, sounds and mouth watering smells of a bustling continental style market.

Visitors can expect everything from fantastic fruit and veg to outstanding organic meat and everything in between including home baked cakes, artisan bread and pastries, jams, preserves, chutneys, cheeses, beers, cordials and wines plus much more.

What’s even better is that at Flavour Fest you can always try before you buy, so come hungry and ready to sample!

Along with stalls representing the finest local produce, there’s another packed programme of cookery demonstrations lined up, featuring some of the region’s top chefs at the Castles Kitchens cookery theatre.

This year’s line up will see both festival favourites returning and some exciting new faces joining the bill. Already confirmed are Plymouth boys and television celebrities Chris and James Tanner, Master Chef of Great Britain Peter Gorton and festival founder Jacques Marchal, along with Thom Hunt from Three Hungry Boys representing the River Cottage and Saturday Kitchen and UKTV Food star Manju Malhi.

Speaking about giving her first demonstration, Indian chef Manju Malhi said: “I’m very much excited about cooking at Flavour Fest in Plymouth this year as it will be lots of fun to add a touch of spice to the proceedings. I’ll be demonstrating how easy it is to jazz up food with a few basic spices and I’ll be demonstrating how to make a quick Kashmiri Chicken Korma, Spiced Green Beans and Mumbai Potatoes. I like to make cooking a relaxed and stress free experience with accessible ingredients and easy methods to spice up your life.”

The Food is Fun Pavilion will also be returning, offering plenty of exciting activities to keep budding young cooks busy over the weekend. Face painting and

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the plymouth magazine

what’s on?

Summer Exhibition 2012 Now On Inspiring jewellery from 9 new designers: Anna Baldwin Alice Bo-Wen Chang Anna Wales Emma Palmer Hannah Davies Mirri Damer Leoma Drew Jana Reinhardt Sally Grant

Image: bracelets by Mirri Damer

Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery 39 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth Phone: 01752 220011

For more Jewellery, Online Shop and Jewellery Workshops (Including “Make Your Own Wedding Rings”) visit us at: www.victoriasewart.com

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r... refreshments will jostle with colouring, bread making and other interactive activities to encourage kids to take an active interest and understand what goes into their food, and in turn promote healthy eating.

Organised by Plymouth City Centre Company, Flavour Fest is now in its 9th year and has grown to become one of the largest and most successful food festivals in the South West. It is one of the highlights of Plymouth’s events calendar and the free entry event is set to attract more than 100,000 visitors to the city over three days.

While in Plymouth, why not explore some of the city’s other fabulous foodie offerings - recently named the UK’s new gourmet hotspot by Conde Nast Traveller magazine, Plymouth has a wide range of cafés, bars and restaurants with everything from exquisite fine-dining to exotic global cuisines – a true foodie’s heaven!

Also being launched this year is the inaugural Plymouth Seafood Festival.

Building on the success of Flavour Fest, the Plymouth Seafood Festival will take place from Friday September 14 to Sunday September 16 as a part of the Marine City Festival, and will celebrate Plymouth’s fantastic local sustainable fish and talented seafood chefs.

For more information and the latest updates on Flavour Fest, visit www.shopplymouth.co.uk or follow @FlavourFestSW on Twitter. the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

major events League 2 Football

Aug 4 Argyle v Birmingham (friendly) Aug 8 Argyle v Preston (friendly) Aug 14 Argyle v Portsmouth (Cup) Aug 18 Argyle v Aldershot Sep 1 Argyle v Northampton Town Sep 15 Argyle v Port Vale Sep 29 Argyle v Southend British League Speedway

Aug 3 Devils v Ipswich Aug 10 Devils v Workington Aug 17 Devils v Redcar Sept 1 Devils v Somerset Sep 14 Devils v Berwick Championship Rugby

Aug 3 Albion v Cornish All Blacks (friendly) Aug 11 Albion v Taunton (friendly) Aug 18 Albion v Redruth (friendly) Aug 18 Albion v Exmouth (friendly) Sep 1 Albion v Doncaster Sep 15 Albion v Leeds Sep 28 Albion v Rotherham Aug 2 and Sept 6 Plymouth Bike Night

Plymouth Hoe All types of motorcycles, trikes and quads bikes can be seen along with various trade stands, fast food outlets and a live band playing on the big stage. Everyone is welcome. All public donations raised during the evening will support Help for Heroes and Afghan Heroes charities as the city of Plymouth has such strong historical, local and family connections with HM services.

Aug 12 Plymouth Megaride

Plymouth Hoe Postponed from June, this popular fund-raising event will now take place in August. Thousands of motorcyclists will take the route from Lee Mill to Marley Head and then back to The Hoe where they will be welcomed by thousands of spectators, trade stands, catering stands, live music and even bouncy castles for the kids and many other attractions. Charities benefitting this year are Macmillan Cancer Support, Devon Freewheelers, Drakes Sailing Club and Operation Henry Pancreatic Cancer.

Aug 14 & 15 British Firework Championships

Plymouth Hoe The most anticipated event in the city’s annual events calendar will see thousands

of spectators heading up to the Hoe for two evenings of entertainment culminating in spectacular fireworks displays.

Aug 17 to 19 Plymouth Flavour Fest

Plymouth City Centre A packed festival of great food, drink and entertainment. See special feature on centre pages.

Sep 7 Heritage Open Days

Various locations Enjoy free admission to Elizabethan House and Merchant’s House – two of the city’s most historic houses – to mark Heritage Open Days 2012. Last entries 30 minutes before closing (11.30am and 4.30pm).

Sep 8 to 16 Marine City Festival

Plymouth Waterfront From 8th to 16th September 2012 Plymouth will celebrate its unique marine culture with an exciting programme of events to entice residents, visitors, scientists and adventurers alike to explore Plymouth and discover all it has to offer. See special feature on pages 14 and 15.

For more details visit www.marinecityfestival.co.uk Sep 29 Vintage Fair

Plymouth Guildhall Over 60 Vintage inspired stalls including clothes, home wares, furniture and lots more. Live music by ‘Just Misbehavin’. Spectacular Vintage catwalk, demos, tearoom and lots more. Charity raffle in aid of Help the Heroes. Call 01803 213837 for more details. the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

family stuff Events at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus Wild About Plymouth

Aug 5: Surf’s Up Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon TQ7 4AZ Take a look at the natural history of the Bigbury and River Avon area and, if you’re adventurous enough, combine it with a two-hour surf lesson! Families can come and join in with the natural history activities free of charge and then cheer on our budding surf dudes.

Admission is free for the main event.

The price for the surf lesson is the discounted rate of £24 for a two-hour lesson. Children must be aged 6+ and able to swim 50m. Board and wetsuit are provided. Advance booking and payment are essential if you wish to take part in the surf lesson.

Sep 15: Wild Foods 10am to 1pm at Batten Bay, Mount

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the plymouth magazine

Batten, Plymouth. Get back to nature!

Sample some wild foods on the beach whilst exploring the rock pools for local marine life. This event is held in partnership with the Blue Sound Project, which is launching a series of beach guides about Plymouth Sound in a range of languages including Kurdish, Mandarin, Arabic, Farsi, French and English. On-street parking and a series of small car parks are available around the Mount Batten area. Meet us at the bottom of the beach steps.

Holiday Activities

Family fun sessions for the holidays.

Aimed at children aged 4 to 11, but wrigglers and siblings are welcome.

Admission is free and there is no need to book (apart from the film on July 31).

All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Drop in for as little or as long as you like. These sessions can get busy. All sessions are from 10.30am to 1pm unless stated.

Aug 1: Hot Pots Design a pot, plate, jug or other object inspired by the Plymouth Porcelain collection and the beautiful new artwork

by British ceramic artist, Clare Twomey.

Aug 2: Surf Dudes Put together a paper surfer and surfboard in connection with the ‘Endless Summer’ exhibition.

Aug 7: Beetles, Beetles, Everywhere Why are there so many species of beetle and how did they evolve? Go along and find out by playing a beetle evolution game and design your own beetle from the future!

Aug 8: Surfer On a Stick Create a cool card surfer inspired by the dudes in our ‘Endless Summer’ exhibition.

Aug 9: Making Waves Create a collage inspired by the mighty oceans.

Aug 14: Grimms Fairy Tales 11am to 12pm. 2012 marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of the world-famous Grimms Fairy Tales. In this fun, interactive session, storyteller David Heathfield (dressed as Jakob Grimm) tells the fairy tale of ‘The Fisherman and his Wife’ and then leads us into the forest for ‘Hansel and Gretel’.

Aug 15: Life’s a Beach Design a picture of your ideal beach hut.

Aug 16: Rock Pool Collages Create a rock pool collage filled with sea creatures.

Aug 21: Beetle Mania Beetles have been around for thousands of years. The Egyptians thought they were sacred and the Japanese kept them as pets! Make beetle hieroglyphics and write the story of the scarab, as well as a stained glass window and some beetle origami.

the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

family stuff Aug 22: Paper Boats That Float The title says it all! Come in and add your creations to the paper boat fleet.

Aug 23: Beetle Mobiles Make a mobile inspired by the Museum’s ‘Beetlemania’ exhibition.

Aug 28: Grimms Fairy Tales 11am to 12pm. Storytellers from around the globe are taking part in ‘The Project Grimm’ to make sure the whole collection of over 200 Grimms Fairy Tales is performed during 2012. In this fun, interactive session, storyteller David Heathfield (dressed as Wilhelm Grimm) tells the fairy tale of ‘Mother Holle’ and then takes us on a flight of the imagination with ‘The Three Little Birds’.

Aug 29: Wish You Were Here Make beach and surf themed postcards to send or keep.

Aug 30: Big Boards and Small Boards Make surf board designs on paper including giant ones that will stay in the Museum and small ones to take home.

Various dates Contemporary Craft Workshops

Develop your creative skills with these sessions, which are suitable for all abilities and run from 10.30am to 3.30pm. All materials are supplied unless otherwise stated, but please bring your own lunch and an apron if you have one. Booking and payment in advance are essential. Call 01752 304774. Workshops are £30 per person.

Aug 18: Hand Made Books Use traditional coptic bookbinding techniques to design, stitch and create your own hardback notebook/journal/ scrapbook/photo album. Choose from fabric or paper covers, use traditional tools and techniques to produce a small number of books during the day.

Sep 8: Colour and Collage Explore shape and colour inspired by the Museum’s collections to create mixed media pieces using a variety of materials and techniques. Please bring along art materials such as pastels if you have them. Using collage cut outs, paint, pastel, ink and recycled materials we will play with shape and colour. This is a workshop for all abilities….perfect for those who ‘think’ they can’t draw!

Family Event

Heritage Open Day: Tales From the Sea Sept 8: 1.30pm to 2.15pm and 2.30pm to 3.15pm. As Plymouth holds

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the plymouth magazine

its first-ever Marine City Festival, join Heathfield the Sailor as he sets sail on an amazing voyage across the high seas and meets a Pirate Captain, a Mermaid and an Island King. Why not dress up as a pirate or a mermaid for these fun storytelling sessions?

Heathfield will be judging the best outfits at each and giving out prizes. All stories are suitable for children aged four years and up. Wrigglers and siblings are welcome too. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No need to book.

Saltram Plympton 01752 333503

Various Dates Boredom Busters

A range of activities to keep the boredom at bay including crafts, trails, games, den building and self-led activities.

Various Dates Mini-beast Safari

Join the warden team to explore the pond and hunt for the mini-beasts that live in and around its watery depths.

Various Dates Family Costume Day

Dressing up fun for all the family.

Transport yourself to the age of elegance with Georgian and Regency costumes and accessories.

Aug 2 ‘The Twits’

Open-air family theatre in the garden brought to you by Illyria. All the fun and excitement of Roald Dahl’s thrilling children’s classic.

Aug 7 Children’s Wood Workshops

Children’s workshop with professional local artist and wood carver, Nic Ridley.

Use tools to create your own bug, bird or beast out of wood, to take away with you.

Aug 8 & 22 Wild in the Wood

Join the Forest School leader for a creative day of woodland activities and games. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Aug 13 Elfic the Jester

Tricks and giggles for all the family with Elfic, the cheekiest jester around. Show followed by circus skills workshop.

Aug 21 Rattlebox Theatre

Fun for the whole family with folk tales, animal stories and puppetry for all ages with Rattlebox Theatre. Part of the Book Week activities.

Sep 3 Bats About Saltram

Detect bats at Saltram with the National Trust wardens and learn about the habits and calls of each species on a bat watch around the grounds. Booking essential.

Sep 8 Heritage Open Day

Free entry to the house and garden for everyone. See the house brought to life with costumed guides, explore the garden, find out more about what the National Trust has to offer.

estate. Take a torch and dress warmly.

Booking essential. Sorry no dogs.

Sep 30 Michaelmas Cider Making and Feast

Celebrate Michaelmas by helping to collect apples from the Saltram orchard and then having a go at making cider.

Enjoy other rural skills demonstrations

Sep 16 Fun Run & Family Fair

and entertainment from the Dartington Morris Men with traditional food and drink. Booking essential.

Buckland Abbey Yelverton 01822 853607

Various Dates Mucky Masterpiece

Mix up mud, twigs, leaves and feathers

and what do you get? A masterpiece!

Collect material from around the estate and see if you can create a beautiful picture.

Aug 3, 24 & 31 Food is Fun

The Abbey’s chef will be delivering a series of mouthwatering cookery demonstrations. Pick up some handy tips and try some tasty samples.

A fun event for all the family.

Aug 5 & 10 Treasure Trails

A fun day for all the family organised by the British Heart Foundation, Plymouth YMCA and the National Trust. Take part in the 5k fun run around Saltram Park and raise money for heart research and patient rehabilitation or enjoy the family fair with all sorts of stalls and activities.

The whole family can join costumed characters to go on a voyage of discovery about life in times past based on 16th century nursery rhymes.

Sep 22 Family Bat Walk and Twilight Ramble

Aug 6 to 9 Mini Olympics

Go along and try out the alternative Olympic challenges; with events

Go along to make a jam-jar lantern and bat-related crafts before joining the wardens and hunt for bats around the

FREE

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what’s on?

sky ride goes local family stuff including under hurdles and obstacle courses, you won’t be bored!

Aug 13, 14 & 16 Bear Hunt

Can you trek through the Buckland woodland and find all the bears? Why not have a picnic and bring your teddy along too?

Aug 15, 18, & 19 Mini Beasts!

Can you find some of Buckland’s smallest inhabitants? Pull on your wellies and join the hunt!

Aug 17 Servants Day

A hands-on event for all the family to learn about life below stairs with the Drake Family in Victorian times.

Through rousing choruses, catchy melodies and moving ballads Armadadrama recounts the events of 1587/88 in a quirky cantata by awardwinning composer David Haines.

Sep 23 50 Things in a Day!

Find out just how many things you can do on the Buckland estate. Join us for den building, campfires and much more!

Cotehele Saltash 01579 351346

Various Dates Look Sharp

Take a closer look at the bladed weapons in Cotehele House.

Various Dates Summer Fun

Join in every weekday afternoon for pond dipping, making sculptures, swords, trails and lots more.

Watch the warden create amazing sculptures from wood cut on the Buckland Estate.

Various Dates Bushcraft Workshops

Travel back in time to 1471 for a day!

Join the Medieval Free Company as they take you back to the fifteenth century. Meet archers and millers, cooks and tavern owners as you take a journey through everyday life in years gone by.

Sep 18 Woodland Walk

Join the Warden on this guided walk through the woodland and learn about the plymouth magazine

Sep 22 Armadadrama

Aug 22 Chainsaw Carving Demonstration

Aug 25, 26 & 27 Welcome to the Middle Ages!

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woodland management and wildlife.

Keep your eyes peeled and you might even see some deer.

Try your hand at den building, knot tying; learn how to make a proper fire and even cook sausages on it! After lunch learn how to map read and find the hidden treasure.

Sep 8 Heritage Open Day

Go along for the free entry day and learn about how an estate is cared for

by Cotehele’s enthusiastic staff and volunteers.

Sep 15 Apple Weekend

A weekend of all things apples, including tastings, trails and family fun.

Thousands of cyclists of all ages took part in the Plymouth Sky Ride in May

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Plymouth City Council in partnership with Sky and British Cycling are hosting weekly group cycling activities throughout the summer.

Sky Ride Local rides are fun, free community bike rides that offer a great way of getting out and exploring your local area and meeting like-minded people.

The rides are tailored for specific age groups and cycling abilities and are led by a British Cycling trained ride leader. They will be on hand to provide support and give a few tips on how to improve cycling.

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Whether you’re looking for a leisurely off-road family ride, a challenging ride uphill or a cycle for women, only there is something for everyone. They range from approximately 2.4 miles up to 23.2 lasting 30 minutes to just over two hours.

The breeze rides are designed for women and are led by women, helping to build confidence when riding a bike. Once you have decided which Sky Ride Local ride you would like to join, you will need to register.

Ride Easy: The easiest rides: slow-paced and traffic-free; Age group: All ages Ride Steady: Leisurely rides to relax and let yourself go; Age group: All ages Ride Well: Great rides with some roads and some hills; Age group: Over 16 or 11 to 15 (accompanied by an adult) Ride Strong: Challenging rides on the road; Age group: Over 16 or 13 to 15 (accompanied by an adult) Breeze: Women only rides; Age group: All ages A new social network – social cycling groups – designed to help cyclists connect with like-minded cyclists in the local area is also on its way. Social cycling is a new programme to encourage people who would normally cycle alone the chance to buddy up with other cyclists to enjoy a ride together on a date, time, distance and duration to suit.

A summary of rides is shown below. For full details of all the rides available and to register for free, visit the Sky Ride page on the council website at www.plymouth.gov.uk Ride Easy Steam along the Plym Valley at Plymbridge on August 12 from 2pm (2.4 miles) Snake and twist at Central Park on September 9 from 2pm (3.3 miles) Ride Steady Plym Estuary ramble at Coypool on August 5 from 2pm (5.1 miles) You little devil at Stonehouse on August 12 from 10am (6.9 miles) Plym Estuary ramble at Coypool on August 26 from 2pm (5.1 miles) What goes up must come down at Plymbridge on September 2 from 2pm (9.9 miles) Plym Estuary ramble at Coypool on September 23 from 2pm (5.1 miles) Ride Well Devil’s Point to Plymouth Hoe at Stonehouse on August 5 from 10am (12.2 miles) Air to moor at George Park and Ride on September 16 from 10am (13.8 miles) Ride Strong Down the Plym Valley at Devils Point on August 19 from 10am (23.2 miles)

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For more information about Sky Ride visit www.goskyride.com the plymouth magazine

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exhibitions & other events Events at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus Various dates Art Bite Tours

Fancy spending your lunchtime taking a bite-sized look at the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’s collections and changing exhibitions? Then why not join members of staff or ‘Young Explainers’ at 1pm on the dates below for a 30-minute tour? Admission is free but places are limited. Collect a ticket from the Museum’s Welcome Desk or contact the museum and they will post or put one aside for you.

Sep 26: Art in Endless Summer Until Sept 8 Beetlemania

See different methods of how beetles are imaged and how the order known as ‘coleoptera’ has been portrayed in popular culture, science and myth in this exhibition produced by the

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the plymouth magazine

Collections Team at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, in partnership with Plymouth University. The exhibition will also use two important contributors to the Museum’s natural history collections to illustrate how beetles have been studied in recent decades: Jack Spittle, who donated a number of beetles preserved in alcohol along with notebooks and illustrations to the Museum, and James Higman Keys, whose pinned beetle collection contains over 30,000 different specimens. The collection is the most well researched natural history collection at the Museum and has been described as “probably the most comprehensive collection of beetles from South West Britain”.

Until Oct 6 Endless Summer: The Evolution of Surfing

Surfing and its influences are part of everyday life for many people and the evolution of this extreme sport in our region will be explored in this exhibition produced by the Programmes Team at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.

A timeline, interactives, paintings by artist Kurt Jackson, boards from private collectors and the Museum of British Surfing plus images and vintage

what’s on?

magazine covers from renowned surf photographer, Alex Williams will show how different elements of the sport have evolved since the early 1900s.

Sep 22 to Dec 15 In Pursuit of Art

Charles Eastlake’s Journey from Plymouth to the National Gallery.

Charles Eastlake (1793-1865), painter, scholar and arts administrator, was born in Plymouth and went on to become President of the Royal Academy and the first Director of the National Gallery, London. This exhibition will investigate his artistic development and his activities as a central figure of the Victorian art world and is being produced in partnership with the National Gallery.

from our collection by artists such as Stanhope Forbes, Henry Scott Tuke and Norman Garstin.

Unti l November 2013 Women in Art

See an impressive selection of works from our permanent art collections

that either portray or were created by women. From Renaissance times to the modern day, from muses and models to portraits and 20th century ceramics, this exhibition is dedicated to the memory of the museum’s late Keeper of Art Maureen Attrill, who sadly passed away in February 2011.

Endless Summer: The Evolution of Surfing looks at the surfing world in a special exhibition at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery until October 6

Oct 22 to Jan 12 New Light on Newlyn

This exhibition will explore the art that has been created in and around the Cornish fishing port of Newlyn, both past and present. New artworks produced by selected members of the Newlyn Society of Artists will be displayed alongside historic paintings

Until Sep 30 The Childhood Toy Collection Exhibition

Mount Edgcumbe House Head for Mount Edgcumbe House and see Mike Cavanagh’s delightful collection of childhood toys from times gone by which is currently on loan to the Museum.

To stay upto-date with Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’s exhibition and event programmes visit www.plymouthmuseum.gov. uk or call 01752 304774.

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food matters

recipe of the month sponsored by riverford organic hispi cabbage, summer greens, broad beans and lentils

This is a very fresh-looking dish using the best greens available at this time of year, combined with broad beans and a few lentils. Summer greens have quite a short season, but chard can be used instead. You can add spring onions right at the end of cooking, if you like.

Serves 4 to 6 150g broad beans, shelled weight 25g unsalted butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 Hispi cabbage, cored and finely shredded 1 bunch of summer greens, shredded 2 tablespoons cooked Puy lentils 1 garlic clove, crushed sea salt and freshly ground black pepper extra virgin olive oil, to serve handful of shredded mint or basil

This delicious dish

by Jane Baxter, the original chef of the Riverford Field Kitchen, is perfect for summer and serves 4-6 people, from Everyday and Sunday Recipes from Riverford Farm

Blanch the broad beans in a large pan of boiling water for 3 minutes or until tender.

Drain. Melt the butter and half the olive oil in a large pan. When hot, add the Hispi and cook quickly, stirring all the time, for 2 minutes. Add the summer greens and continue to cook for 5 minutes, until wilted. Add the broad beans, lentils and garlic.

Mix well and season. Cook for a few more minutes until the cabbage is tender.

Remove from the heat, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and scatter with herbs.

for more information and recipes visit www.riverford.co.uk

call ian + emma on 01752 790703 44

the plymouth magazine

WHAT DO BEST QUALITY WINDOWS

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Teresa & Tony would like to thank all their customers for their support over the years - the fact that customers recommend us is fantastic and makes us very proud. We have many testimonials from satisfied customers and letters people take the trouble to write because they have been delighted with the service they have had from quote through to installation. We offer all aspects of upvc including porches, upvc doors, composite doors, french doors, patio doors, vertical sliders and conservatories: all products are made to a high standard and made to measure to fit your required design, then fitted by fitters who take pride in their work - look out for our vans working in your street! If you would like a free no obligation quotation without being pressured to sign up on the day, then give us a call on 607373 or visit our website bestqualitywindowsltd.net, our prices are competitive all year round.

Alternatively, you can pop into our showroom on St Levan Road.

We would like to assure all our customers that the gas works have gone but we are not moving and apologise to customers visiting the showroom for any inconvenience caused by lorries going in and out and the noise and dust. Plenty of free parking for visitors.

Tel: 01752 607373

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www.bestqualitywindowsltd.net

the plymouth magazine

45

moving home? here’s five very good reasons for choosing a local law firm

By Adrian Stroud of Thompson & Jackson Solicitors

Moving home is one of the most important events of your life. Make sure you use the right local law firm to help you on your way - as swiftly and smoothly as possible. There are many good reasons for this.

Here are five of them.

1 Local knowledge Why discuss matters with a faceless voice based in a conveyancing ‘factory’ many miles away? Time and again, the value of having someone based locally is brought home to us. For example, if there is a query over a boundary or a planning matter, we can visit the property with you to examine the position.

If an estate agent or financial advisor is suggesting that you use a conveyancer in some other part of the country …. Just say NO! The usual reason is that they are contracted to the conveyancer in question and are paid a commission for each referral. Take a look at a consumer review website such as www.ciao.co.uk and look up their recommended firm to see what other clients make of them!

Here at Thompson and Jackson, we are proud members of Fastmove – an initiative for faster and smoother home moves involving 21 law firms, 17 estate agents and many more local companies in the Plymouth travel to work area.

Fastmove lawyers can save you up to £1000 on your conveyancing* and are all committed to making your move as stress free and smooth as possible.

2 We use plain English... ... to explain all aspects of the transaction. It is important for you to fully understand what is happening at all stages. We provide regular updates and a face-to-face meeting to discuss all aspects of the transaction.

Please compare this with a centralised call centre conveyancing operation where you will be lucky to speak to the same person twice.

3 Our service is cost effective We aim to supply a quality, value for money professional service. We do not seek to be the cheapest - the level of client care that you deserve is impossible to provide if corners are cut.

Our experienced lawyers specialise purely in residential conveyancing - please compare this to conveyancing factories where one qualified lawyer has a team of a dozen or so paralegals with limited experience and authority. Choose us and we promise there will be no hidden extras.

Beware of cheap estimates that have a nasty habit of bearing no relation to the final bill that is sent to you!

4 We offer free marketing advice With our wealth of local contacts and experience in the property market, we can advise you on the choice of an estate agent best suited to market your property and a surveyor to carry out an inspection on the property you wish to purchase.

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legal matters

5 Our clients recommend us Most of our work comes from former clients returning to us or recommending their friends and colleagues. The facts speak for themselves.

One of our clients, Mrs W F, says: “We were tempted to use ‘cut price conveyancers’ – NEVER AGAIN! When we could get through on the telephone we never spoke to the same person twice! No one seemed at all interested in our transaction. They were so slow and inefficient we almost lost our sale.

“By comparison you have been excellent, your advice clear and precise and our transaction smooth and pain free. We will not hesitate to recommend your services to friends and relatives.” * Based on the average charges made by a sample of five Fastmove conveyancing firms for a couple selling and buying freehold properties at £175,000 and £249,000 respectively compared with a leading national conveyancing organisation (figures accurate as at August 2010 and reviewed at June 2011).

For a FREE initial discussion, call Thompson & Jackson on (01752) 665037.

Thompson & Jackson 4-5 St Lawrence Road Plymouth www.thompsonandjackson.co.uk

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47

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A Plymouth estate agency established little more than a year ago is going from strength to strength recruiting more staff and also joining a prestigious network which specialises in marina, coastal, riverside and waterfront homes and commercial properties in the UK, Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Town & Country Estate Agents has been chosen to become an affiliate of the Waterside Properties Network which will ensure that waterfront properties in the city are marketed to an even wider audience.

Town & Country is one of three Devon firms to join the influential network alongside The Coastal House in Dartmouth and Luscombe Maye in Newton Ferrers.

The network has offices in Hampshire, Sussex, Dorset, the Isle of Wight, on the River Thames and on the Caribbean island of Antigua.

Nick Byrne, director of Waterside Properties, said that membership was only granted to estate agents who could demonstrate the ‘very highest standards of professionalism and customer service.’

Gareth Forrest, director of Town & Country, said: “Plymouth has seen huge investment and regeneration in recent years, especially along the waterfront, resulting in some superb homes being built. Joining the Waterside Properties Network means we can more easily attract purchasers from outside the area and show them the unique lifestyle the Plymouth waterfront offers.”

Gareth, who has extensive experience of marketing waterside properties, said that the Town & Country Estate Agents website now features a dedicated area containing full details of its New recruit...Rebecca Bartlett waterfront properties. “As part of our increased presence in the waterside market we will also be attending the Southampton Boat Show as part of the Waterside Properties Network stand.

“It will be a great opportunity for Town & Country to showcase the fabulous waterfront facilities and properties in Plymouth to a hugely important audience,” he said.

The latest coup for Town & Country Estate Agents comes little more than a year

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property matters

town & country join prestigious waterfront network after it was launched. It has been founded on the reputation, experience and professionalism of its well-established sister company Town & Country Lettings, focusing first and foremost on customer service.

Town & Country director Richard Rabin, who has more than 20 years experience in the local property market, said that he was delighted with the appointment to the Waterside Properties Network.

“Although we have only been trading for just over year, Town & Country Estate Agents has already established an excellent reputation in the Plymouth market.

We are currently experiencing our busiest-ever period for sales and have already expanded our staff to cope with the increased demand. We anticipate having to recruit additional staff in the near future as well.”

The newest recruit to the team is 20-year-old trainee Rebecca Bartlett. She joined the business in May and is currently studying for an NVQ in business administration. “Although she is only a trainee, Rebecca has already proved that she has the dedication and personality to be a big success for us,” said Richard.

Rebecca, who qualified as a dance teacher after leaving school, said that she had chosen on a different career path with Town & Country as it brought her into direct contact with the public and enabled her to enhance her customer service skills.

And she made a big impression on her bosses by achieving a sale with her very first property viewing. “I’m really enjoying the job,” said Rebecca. “Town & Country Estate Agents is a great place to work.”

Town & Country Estate Agents, 52 North Hill, Plymouth Tel 01752 200909 Website www.tandcestateagents.com the plymouth magazine

49

exclusive bungalows in provide ‘lifetime’ living Award-winning Sunnybanks Homes have completed their latest exclusive development of bungalows in Plymouth.

The Woolwell scheme is believed to be the only development of brand new four bedroom bungalows – or single storey contemporary homes as they are better known – in the whole of Devon and Cornwall.

Only two of the luxury properties are still available and there is already plenty of interest in the remaining bungalows, which are priced at £460,000 and £495,000.

The secluded site in Woolwell Drive was chosen by Sunnybanks Homes as it is a ‘little oasis’ close to facilities and yet hidden away as part of a cul-de-sac of executive style detached homes.

Family-owned Sunnybanks Homes, located near Saltash, was founded more than 40 years ago and has won numerous awards for its work.

The company has probably built more bungalows in recent years than any another developer in the Devon and Cornwall area and has become reknowned for providing a quality product at a reasonable price.

Bungalows built by Sunnybanks Homes often achieve an additional premium when they are re-sold.

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The bungalows at Woolwell have been designed to meet ‘lifetime’ standards and are ‘future proofed’ to meet the requirements of level access, adaptability and wheelchair accessibility. Fully tiled wet rooms are standard as a master bedroom en-suite. Each guest bedroom also has an en-suite.

Each property is large enough to accommodate the needs of buyers who want to downsize from a larger home, but still need space to entertain family and friends.

The homes are extremely energy efficient with running costs anticipated to be half that of a comparable older property. The Energy Performance Certificate estimates an annual running cost of heating, hot water and lighting of around £550 per year which is exceptional for a large four bedroom property.

All the principal living accommodation is south facing with doors out to patio areas from a generous kitchen, dining or family room. Lounges are double aspect with feature fireplaces.

Each home is uniquely designed in a contemporary style using materials such as natural stone and natural slate with stylish high performance powder coated aluminium windows for style and energy efficiency.

Graham Clark, planning director at Sunnybanks Homes said: “We have built over 2,000 homes in Devon

property matters

woolwell standards and Cornwall and have established a reputation for building quality, award-winning homes.

“We believe that our development of four bungalows at Woolwell Drive in Plymouth is one of our best yet.

Graham Clark, director of Sunnybanks Homes, pictured outside one of the luxury bungalows in Woolwell.

Below: kitchen and wet room

“We have tried to combine a contemporary style, using natural materials, with all the accessibility requirements you would expect from a ‘future proofed’ home.

“Many aspiring bungalow purchasers can never find a property big enough to downsize into. We designed the properties with people in mind who want a property that will meet their future needs, is in a very convenient, yet secluded position and is of a size that allows their family to visit in comfort and accommodate their belongings.

“As far as we are aware this is the only development of brand new four bedroom bungalows for sale in Devon and Cornwall and it is unlikely that any comparable sites will be developed in the near future.”

For more information contact the agents, Mansbridge & Balment on 01752 791333 or visit the Sunnybanks website at www.sunnybankshomes.co.uk

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51

education matters

first class way to literacy and

Scores of children have improved their numeracy and literacy skills, thanks to an educational enterprise launched in Plymouth a year ago.

education for the last eight years, I am entirely aware of the need to develop good literacy and numeracy skills,” said Lesley.

Lesley Price and her daughter Bianca opened the First Class Learning Centre in Hartley last summer and since then have been delivering after-school programmes in English and maths, linked to the national curriculum.

The Plymouth Centre caters for children aged from 5 to 16 and has achieved considerable success with the youngsters who have embarked on their learning programme.

Lesley has more than 20 years experience in the education sector, firstly as a primary school teacher, then working one-to-one with challenging children before qualifying as a social worker, where she again spent much of her time working with children and families.

One of the pupils who attends First Class Learning is Elishia Parker-Walshaw, a pupil at Goosewell Primary School in Plymstock.

She started extra maths and English tuition last summer to boost her confidence and has astounded her tutors with her hard work and success.

Her daughter Bianca was looking for a new challenge and a business that works around her children.

The programmes are designed by a team of maths and English specialists based in Middlesborough with a wealth of experience in primary, secondary and special needs education and are supported by the British Dyspraxia Foundation.

“Children attend the centre every week for about 30 minutes for tuition, and then support this by completing a short piece of work at home every day which should take around 10 to 20 minutes,” said Lesley.

“As a mum of four children and having worked in

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“In this way numeracy and literacy skills are developed very gradually and consistently.”

Lesley said: “Lots of schools do an excellent job, but there are children who need extra help. For example, they might be slightly behind, or lack confidence, or be way ahead and need more challenging work.

Elishia proudly shows off her First Class Learning certificate

“Elishia is an exceptionally clever girl, but I do want to highlight that more children can do well given half a chance. We are constantly being told that our children are falling behind in maths and English. Well here is someone who clearly demonstrates that given a little support, our children can succeed.

improve numeracy “Elishia used to lack confidence in the classroom, worried about saying an answer in case she got it wrong. Her school is great but her parents just thought a little bit of extra guidance and tuition would help her.”

Elishia’s recent school report reflected the progress she has made since attending First Class Learning.

The school report stated that Elishia placed full stops, commas and speech marks accurately in her writing, which was neatly joined up of an even size.

She also reads very well.

The report confirms that she enjoys learning maths and is consistently accurate with her calculations. Her mental arithmetic is strong and she is quickly developing her ability with her times tables.

Elishia’s father Garry said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the progress Elishia has made since joining First Class Learning. She has been able to learn at her own pace which has given her the self confidence she needed to move ahead in both English and maths.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that First Class Learning has helped Elishia to greatly improve her literacy and numeracy skills. I would recommend it to any parent who feels that their child could be doing better at school.”

First Class Learning which operates across the country, runs the sessions at The Trinity Church, Tor Lane, Hartley, Plymouth on Tuesdays after school, with the aim of helping children develop good numeracy and literacy skills.

For more information, contact 01752 930553 or 07884 273689 or visit www.firstclasslearning. co.uk/centres/plymouth

Lesley Price with her daughter Bianca – they launched First Class Learning in Hartley last year

the plymouth magazine

53

travel matters

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The idea of a ‘staycation’ as it has become known has been particularly popular this summer not only because of all the exciting events taking place, but also because of continued economic difficulties.

In the travel industry we have therefore witnessed an expected fall in bookings of foreign holidays but, interestingly, we have also noticed a trend with many customers confirming their 2013 holiday arrangements much earlier than usual.

In recent years, the ‘great’ British summer weather has enabled the travel industry to recover from some very poor early summer booking levels to a virtual sell-out situation when the weather has deteriorated throughout July and August.

If you haven’t yet booked a holiday for this year and still fancy a break in late September or October, there are still plenty of options available with local departures from Exeter and Bristol. We can also offer some substantial savings on cruise holidays. Departing from Southampton, P&O Cruises still have availability on cruises featuring destinations such as the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic capitals and the Mediterranean. With more than double the usual level of cabin discounts on offer, some of these cruises represent great value for money.

I hope you are enjoying an insight in to the recent travel experiences of our staff members. This month, I have pleasure in including a feature written by Leanne Tregidgo who was fortunate enough to visit the Caribbean recently to enjoy the beautiful island of St Lucia, courtesy of Kuoni. Leanne writes: “My journey began at Gatwick airport on board a Virgin Atlantic flight which took a total of eight hours to reach St Lucia. The flight actually felt quite luxurious with menus, pillows, blankets and complimentary drinks.

By Travel Expert Anthony Goord

“After the eight hour flight from Gatwick, our initial views of the island were truly breathtaking with its lush vegetation and mountainous background and it was hot, hot, hot!

“We met our Kuoni St Lucia representative and climbed aboard our transfer bus. We travelled the length of the island from the airport to our hotel in the north and what an experience! Our driver kindly gave us a guide to all the sights along the way; from pineapples and grapefruits to cotton and eucalyptus plants, they grow it all: apart from mushrooms!

“As we arrived and checked-in to our first hotel, The Morgan Bay Beach, we were greeted with a traditional Rum Punch and shown to our rooms. We were staying in a pleasant and spacious one bedroomed suite and had a nice bottle of red wine and fresh fruit waiting for us.

“This hotel is particularly suitable for families and offers a great all inclusive package including water sports and a kids club. Of course, these great sports facilities had to be put to the test so I made sure that I took a ride on a banana boat, which turned out to be very entertaining and great way to see that part of the island from the sea!

“For the next two days we had an opportunity to visit a few hotels nearby including The Calabash Cove, which was lovely and peaceful, the adult only Rendezvous, which is situated on a superb two mile stretch of beach and the East Winds Inn, and is made up of beautifully furnished and spacious cottages.

For our next hotel stay, we moved further north to The BodyHoliday, which specialises in health and relaxation. Guests have unlimited use of all the activities and gym facilities, so we naturally made full use of these and participated in a boxercise class down on the beach followed by a more relaxing yoga class.

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“Not only do you have full use of all the facilities but The BodyHoliday also have their own spa with 25 treatment rooms and guests have a complimentary 50 minute spa treatment every day.

“After our two night stay at The BodyHoliday we were ready to explore the south of the island. We stopped in Rodney Bay en route which has a vast amount of shops and restaurants along with a full size shopping mall and is apparently the place to head for a bit of nightlife.

“After passing through Castries, which is the main port on the island and therefore where all the cruise ships stop, we arrived in the fishing village of Soufriere. From here, we took a boat transfer to the secluded hotels Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain. If you are a diving Leanne enjoying one of the and snorkelling enthusiast, many water-based leisure this is definitely the area of activities in St Lucia St Lucia for you.

“All rooms are open air and each is uniquely different.

They offer fantastic views of the famous Pitons and are great for travellers who want to be at one with nature.

“We were then fortunate enough to take a speedboat ride to our final destination, the beautiful Jalousie Plantation at Sugar Beach.

Nestled between the two Pitons, Petit Piton and Gros Piton, this hotel offers a very high standard of service and comfort.

“All rooms have butler service and our butler, Montgomery, was extremely helpful with everything from ironing to warming our plunge pool. Guests are given two Firefly phones upon arrival with their butler’s number installed so that they can be on hand whenever needed.

“This hotel really felt like paradise and offered something for everyone. We were able to sample the spa here too.

“We were invited to a Black and White evening event and after a superb five course taster meal the chefs emerged and introduced themselves to ensure we had enjoyed our food. What a nice finishing touch on our last evening in St Lucia!

“On our last day we were all feeling a little sad to be leaving so the hotel provided us with a ride on the ringos. How I didn’t fall off, I will never know! One thing for sure, I was holding on for dear life! On our way back to the airport we stopped at the island’s live volcano, Mount Gimie, where you can take a visit to the sulphur springs, which are a little smelly but great for your skin.

“A few things to ‘know before you go’. Unlike many overseas holiday destinations, the water on St Lucia is completely safe to drink so there is absolutely no need to stock up on bottled water. I was also surprised to discover that the hotels’ electrical sockets are the same as ours in the UK so again, no need for plug adapters!

“The local currency in St Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. However it is best to travel with US Dollars. For weather, the best time to travel is during the period from November to August making it a great year-round destination.”

Happy holidays!

Peter Goord Travel Tel 01752 364186 www.petergoordtravel.co.uk the plymouth magazine

55

plymouth matters

tracey is appointed to top job at plymouth city council Plymouth City Council has confirmed that it has appointed Tracey Lee, currently managing director at Newport City Council, as its new chief executive.

The announcement follows an extensive national search following the retirement of Barry Keel.

Earlier this week, a shortlist of four candidates were put through their paces at an assessment centre and final interview by a cross-party panel of councillors, chaired by council Leader Tudor Evans.

Tracey brings a wealth of local government experience to the role. In Newport she has overseen the modernisation of services including the opening of a multi-agency one stop shop for residents and a transformation programme which has protected outcomes for people but delivered savings of £36m over three years.

Under her leadership, a large city centre retail scheme is on track for starting on site in 2013, one of only four live schemes in the UK. She was also part of the successful team that attracted the 2010 Ryder Cup to the city and attracted significant new private sector jobs to the area.

Tracey Lee...taking over the top post at Plymouth City Council

She originally joined Newport City Council in 2008 as corporate director and the following year was appointed to the role of managing director. At the time of her appointment to the top post in Newport it was reported that she had been selected from a short list of four candidates.

Newport’s council leader at the time said that she had demonstrated a strong vision for improvement and a clear ability to deliver.

Tracey started her local government career at Test Valley Council where she was an environmental liaison officer, before joining Tamworth Council in 1997 where she became environmental services manager responsible for grounds maintenance, waste management and environmental improvement.

“I hope to bring a In 2000 she was appointed head of Street lot of new ideas Care for the London Borough of Havering. to the city and I look forward to She then became corporate director at Ipswich working across Borough Council, responsible for corporate all sectors in the services, housing, leisure and environmental city to focus on services. She spent seven years at Ipswich. developing the Tracey is looking to move her family to economy, Plymouth, where the family already has local growing jobs and ties, when she takes up her new role in the making the autumn this year. council even Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “We are more effective really fortunate that Plymouth attracted such and efficient.” a strong field of candidates for this important TRACEY LEE role.

“We really were able to get the pick of the talent. Tracey demonstrated convincingly her ability to get on and deliver and build partnerships and really showed her passion for Plymouth. She will bring some great ideas and will pick up an already fast moving agenda as we seek to transform the council.”

Tracey said: “I am really pleased to be given the opportunity to join Plymouth City Council. The council and the city have a good reputation, and I was attracted by the ambition that we can do more and be even better.

“I hope to bring a lot of new ideas to the city and I look forward to working across all sectors to focus on developing the economy, growing jobs and making the council even more effective and efficient.”

The appointment was due to be formally put to a meeting of the full council at the end of July where councillors were expected to confirm her appointment and contractual arrangements.

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57

beauty matters

from tattoo artist to cosmetic artist... is certainly raising eyebrows!

Lisa McMullin was a trainee tattoo artist when she left school - but she was never able to complete her training because she fell pregnant with her eldest daughter Sophy.

Lisa then had a second child and eventually returned to college to study interior design.

But she never lost her love of tattooing and some 10 years later Lisa saw a TV programme about cosmetic tattooing procedures which give the effect of perfectly applied make-up.

artist certainly helped and I was delighted to gain my qualification as a cosmetic artist,” added Lisa. She later became a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals.

That was more than a decade ago and Lisa has been providing semi-permanent make-up treatments ever since.

She converted the garage at her Plympton home into a studio and has a growing clientele of women of all ages – including top models from London.

The Plympton mother of two said: “I was fascinated by the programme and wanted to know more. I discovered that cosmetic tattooing - also known as semi-permanent make-up - can be used to define the eyes, eyebrows and lips to give a soft, natural finish that imitates perfectly applied make-up which lasts for years.”

“The pigments we use are non reactive and virtually limitless in the choice of colour available. The procedure is perfectly safe and has been approved by doctors and written favourably about by many respected beauty writers.”

She then went further and had the treatment in London on her own eyeline.

“I could see the advantages of such treatment and decided I wanted to take it further,” said Lisa. She went to Harley Street to be trained by the leading cosmetic artist Dawn Cragg One of Lisa’s clients demonstrates MBE. “The experience I gained during my training as a tattoo

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Explaining how the procedure works, Lisa said: “The effect is achieved by using a state-of-the-art cosmetic tattoo machine to infuse hypoallergenic pigments into the dermal layer of the skin. This is known as micropigmentation.

Lisa said that, prior to treatment, clients are invited to a free consultation and assessment. “The consultation is designed to ensure that the client will have no allergic reactions and provides the opportunity to assess the client’s colourings and face shape,” she said.

the effectiveness of semi-permanent Treatments can be carried out on the eyebrows, eye line or lip line‚ with eyebrows by far the most popular. make-up

Lisa McMullin at work in her Plympton salon

lisa mcmullin Lisa said that semi-permanent make-up treatment is ideally suited to women who have little or no time for applying make-up every day, or have hair loss due to alopecia or who have very sparse hair growth.

Semi-permanent make-up can be used on the eye line to create a defined line or subtle shadow. “Emphasising eye colour and making lashes appear thicker can help eyes to appear larger and more striking,” said Lisa. “It’s especially suited to women who suffer with allergies to pollen or conventional make-up and for those with contact lens sensitivities.”

Lisa said that many of her clients were mature ladies who have over-plucked their eyebrows over the years or who have very sparse eyebrows.

“My oldest client is in her 80s, but I have a growing number of younger girls who want the dramatic eyebrows which have become fashionable because of programmes like The Only Way is Essex.”

Lisa said that treatment usually lasts around an hour with a follow-up treatment after between two and four weeks.

“Clients also return from time to time to have their eyebrows or eye line touched up.

It’s always busy in the summer too, with lots of women wanting to look their best for the holidays - without all the time taken on conventional make-up.”

Lisa is very flexible in terms of appointments and is happy to see clients after work or at the weekends.

Contact Lisa McMullin on 01752 249604 or 07796 828818 or visit www.lisamcmullin.com

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Tel: 01752 771820 the plymouth magazine

59

great days out at the lost So the sun came back then the rain came back and the wind seemed to stay forever – just a normal British summer!

Fortunately we had good weather for our coach trips to Rosemoor and The Lost Gardens of Heligan, leaving in the rain and arriving in the sun for the latter.

We had a wonderful time at Rosemoor, especially in the rose garden. It’s hard work sniffing all those roses – at least that’s what we told the rest of the team who were flat out at the garden centre!

by

Fiona Newton and Derek Anderson of Plymouth

It is nice to get out of the garden centre every Garden Centre once in a while though, as its gives you time to get some perspective and inspiration. Derek and I came back with lots of planting and display ideas, plus at Rosemoor we were in delphinium heaven - bright blue ones in stock now as per your requests!

I forgot just how much there was to see at Heligan too. As usual I loved the tropical jungle area and those steep hills were good for walking off the cream tea.

I ventured over to the wildlife area this time to watch all the birds feeding by the pond and to see if there was any activity in the nesting boxes. It was really lovely.

We have set up several feeding stations behind the coffee shop at the garden centre so if you are interested in birds you can sit and watch them while enjoying a cup of coffee. It’s very peaceful up there. We also have a number of nesting boxes including owl boxes we put up last year and hopefully in due course we will be able to film any activity and link it to the coffee shop TV! So what’s looking good in August? Once again Derek and I have picked out some favourites and here are Derek’s tips!

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The wonderful rose garden at Rosemoor

August for me is probably my favourite month for the garden.

Many months of hard work will be rewarded as my plants erupt and burst will colour.

It is the start of a show that will go on right through to the frosts and if we are lucky possibly to the beginning of November.

Beautiful delphiniums

For a lush exotic feel to the borders, I use Cannas. I love the foliage they produce, it comes in a range of colours including pale green, dark green, green and cream variegated, bluish green, red, bronze, red striped and orange and purple stripes.

The leaves are large and banana-like adding instant height and drama to any border or pot. It produces flowers at the top of the foliage. The flowers vary in a range of sizes from small and subtle to large and showy.

Cannas are very greedy feeders, so dig in plenty of rich compost and give a fortnightly feed throughout the summer. They like a lot of water but will rot if kept soggy, so add a bit of grit when planting to ensure good drainage. They are on the tender side so either mulch heavily in the autumn or lift and store in a frost free place and plant out in spring after fear of frosts has passed.

For continuous colour I like to use dahlias. They are easy to grow Cannas and flower non-stop and profusely.

Dahlias make superb cut flowers for the house as well, and the more you cut them the more blooms they will produce. They come in a wide variety of colours and flower shapes, with some producing showy, dinner plate sized flowers and others producing small, dainty flowers.

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I like the dark leaf varieties and my favourite is Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’. It has beautiful dark red almost black leaves with bright red medium sized single flowers.

It is a beautiful and eye catching combination.

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There is a dahlia for nearly any sunny spot in the garden as they range in height from 15cm (6”) to 150cm (60”). As with Cannas, they like a rich, fertile soil so dig in plenty of compost or manure when planting – the tubers need to be dug up and stored in a dark frost free place during winter.

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Possibly the easiest plant I grow is Crocosmia: they require very little care and attention, thriving best on near enough neglect – would make a perfect choice for Fiona, great colour and simple to take care of! They need a sunny well drained

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gardening matters

gardens and rose gardens

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

position and survive quite well in poor dry soils. Crocosmias have green, thick, grass like foliage from which the flowers emerge.

The flowers look like miniature lilies and are formed on a branching stem with as many as 20 flowers per stem. It comes in warm colours ranging from pale yellow to blazing orange. They are completely hardy and multiply quite readily in the garden and are also useful in pots on the patio. Crocosmias range in height from approximately 60cm (24”) to 120cm (48”). The most popular varieties include Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, ‘George Davidson’ and ‘Emily McKenzie’.

For the middle of the border I like to use Penstemons. They are easy to grow, attractive, evergreen and hardy. Grow them in any fertile, free-draining, relatively moist soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot. Penstemons flower profusely from mid to late summer through to the first frosts, producing tubular, bell shaped flowers all the way up a tall stem similar to a fox glove in shades of white, pinks, red, purple and blue.

from 45-180cm (18”-60”) in height and 30-60cm (12-24”) in spread.

We’re hoping to see some lovely pictures of readers’ gardens next month and we will choose a couple of winners from those submitted. Let’s hope for good weather and the chance to get our barbecues out. I roasted a couple of pork joints the other day on our Weber Charcoal BBQ for a birthday party – in the rain I might add! The meat was so tender. So any barbecue fans out there wanting any tips – pop in and see us.

Don’t forget our August Bank Holiday discount event – for Gardener’s Circle members – who will get their invites in the post. But if you would like to join the club for free and take advantage of discounts then pop in and see a member of staff! Happy gardening – Fiona and Derek.

Keep dead heading them to encourage them to continue flowering. They are highly attractive to bees so would be a perfect addition to a wildlife garden. Penstemons grow to approximately 45-60cm (18-24”) in height and 45cm (18”) in spread.

Perennial Lobelias such as Lobelia ‘Queen Victoria’ or Lobelia ‘Russian Princess’ make superb plants for pots and borders with dark burgundy foliage topped off with brightly coloured flowers in shades of scarlet and pink, complimenting the foliage beautifully.

Penstemons

They also come with flowers in shades of purple, blue and burgundy with green foliage sometimes tinged with red. Ideal for fertile, damp soil, they thrive particularly well around the edge of ponds or in clay soil. They are easy to grow in a sunny or partially shaded pot and require very little maintenance. Growing to approximately 60-100cm (24-36”) in height and 30cm (12”) in spread, Lobelias make great stately plants for the middle to rear of the border.

At the rear of the border I love to grow delphiniums. They are truly spectacular and majestic, coming in a wide range of colours from white, blue, purple, pink and red – but I go especially for the rich, velvety blues.

No other plant can compete for the deep royal blue flowers which are abundant on spires of stems up to 1.8m (6’) in height. Reliably hardy and easy to grow, delphiniums require a fertile, moist but free-draining soil in full sun or dappled shade. There are a lot of different cultivars and varieties available but most grow Plymouth Garden Centre in Fort Austin Avenue, Crownhill is open from 9am to 5.30pm weekdays and 10.30am to 4.30pm Sundays Tel: 01752 771820. www.plymouthgardencentre. co.uk the plymouth magazine

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