The Plymouth Magazine issue 115

plymouth magazine the

Issue 115 January 2014

WIN! A fabulous break in Cornwall Dance and theatre workshops at the Barbican Theatre Plymouth property news Art matters What’s on

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the plymouth magazine

a big year for plymouth – and for us at cornerstone!

Well, Christmas and the New Year celebrations have come and gone and now it’s time to look ahead to 2014.

Despite the more optimistic economic outlook, there’s no doubt that Plymouth still faces some tough challenges in the coming year.

The public sector accounts for an above average proportion of employment in the city and with deep cuts in Government spending there will inevitably be more job losses in the year ahead. The City Council is doing its best to minimise the impact of the austerity measures, but some difficult decisions will have to be made in 2014.

There is, however, good news for the visitor economy with the development by God TV, the Christian broadcaster, of a prayer centre in the former Millennium Complex which is set to attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city from all over the world.

You can read more about this on pages 10 to 12 with Jon Morcom, chair of Conference Plymouth who has been talking to one of God TV’s directors.

There’s also the prospect of thousands of sailing enthusiasts visiting the city in June for the prestigious single-handed yacht race, La Solitaire du Figaro, which comes to Plymouth for the first time. Details of this event can be found on page 27.

The City Council is also funding two major musical events on The Hoe in July, firstly to mark the 350th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Marines and secondly to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. 2014 is also an important year as it marks 100 years since the coming together of the ‘three towns’ of Devonport, Stonehouse and Plymouth to create the city of Plymouth.

For us here at Cornerstone Vision, 2014 also promises to be a year to remember.

We have just launched our re-vamped website at www.cornerstonevision.com and in May will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Plymouth Magazine.

Cornerstone will also be publishing its first newspaper in Cornwall this year.

You can read more about our plans in a special feature on page 43.

Everyone here at Cornerstone would like to thank our readers and advertisers for their continued support and wish you all a peaceful and

Publishers: Chris Girdler and Ian Pilkington Editor: Debbie Girdler Designers: Sven Lauch and Sam Francis Photography: Roy Perring Contributors: Jon Morcom; Anthony Goord; Kerry Cole and Darren Lawson Advertising sales: Naomi Shearer, Sarah Simpson, Tendai Chetse and Dave Simpson Distribution: Tony Hodges and Sharon Hodges Finance: Karen Pilkington and Kim Craig Front cover: A group of youngsters taking part in one of the dance and theatre workshops run by the Barbican Theatre 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: wwwcornerstonevision.com

the plymouth magazine

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january 2014 edition

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36

green light for amber

10

Amber McCarthy has given up the security of a well-paid job at Plymouth University to run own her own photography business called Liberty Pearl Photography

vegetarian enterprise

17

A young Plymouth couple, both committed vegetarians, have achieved their dream of opening their own vegetarian and vegan restaurant in the city centre

kerry’s novel venture

38

Art Matters columnist Kerry Cole is celebrating the publication of her first novel Exit Darcus and describes the journey into print

visitor boost for city Jon Morcom, chair of Conference Plymouth meets up with Fergus Scarfe, regional director of Christian broacaster God TV who are converting the old Millennium complex

what’s on in plymouth

Our comprehensive What’s On section has details of all the events coming up in the Plymouth area over the next few weeks, including shows, music, sport and family activities

travel matters

Andrea James of Peter Goord Travel reports on her recent visit to China which included a visit to The Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors

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women at work

green light for amber’s photography business Giving up the security of a well-paid job to run your own business takes plenty of courage and determination.

That’s exactly what Amber McCarthy did in November when she took the plunge and left her job at Plymouth University to concentrate full time on running her own business called Liberty Pearl Photography, named after her five year old daughter.

Photography has always been a part of Amber’s life with her father and mother both working as photographers.

She studied photography at Plymouth College of Art and then travelled for a couple of years before taking a degree in conservation biology at Bristol University.

“During my travels I photographed nature and animals and decided that I wanted a degree that underpinned my interest in the environment,” said Amber.

During her six years in Bristol she did voluntary work for the Avon Wildlife Trust and worked in a variety of roles for the University of the West of England.

Amber McCarthy...took the plunge to launch her own business

After six years in Bristol, Amber returned to Plymouth in 2008 and gave birth to her daughter Liberty Pearl. She then worked for Plymouth University in a number of different posts, mainly in the digital marketing, web and public relations departments and latterly as a research assistant.

“Towards the end of my time at the university I was able to work part-time which enabled me to build up my photography commissions.

“I have always had a passion for photography and while I was in Bristol I started doing photo-shoots for a record label. By chance this led me to doing the photography at a wedding where the couple had been let down by the photographer.

“My style of photography is very informal and more reportage in style, which appeals to many couples these days. I can do the more formal photographs if required, but I really enjoy just mingling with guests and taking candid shots.

“As a mum I am also very happy working with children, which can help put everyone at ease. I launched my website in May last year and also took full advantage of the potential of social media with a Facebook page which enabled me to showcase my style of work. I also attended several wedding fairs to spread the word.

“I guess I never saw myself as a wedding photographer but I found I was getting excellent feedback and many recommendations and referrals. This led to me photographing around 40 weddings during the summer last year.

“This, combined with the fact that Liberty Pearl had started school, gave me the opportunity to run the business on a full-time basis. I also wanted to be flexible enough to take my daughter to school each day and also collect her at the end of the school day.

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“I spend as much quality time with Liberty Pearl as I can and when I am working she is looked after a wonderful childminder who studied with me at university.”

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Amber said that she is delighted with the way the business is developing and she already has a number of weddings booked in 2014. “It’s lots of hard work, but I am really enjoying fulfilling my dream of being a full time photographer.”

As well as her distinctive wedding photography, Amber also photographs couples on special occasions, family portraits and offers an increasingly popular Vintage Amber with daughter Liberty Pearl Booth.

“I have collected a whole bunch of vintage props and take photographs of individuals and groups in a vintage setting,” said Amber. “This is proving popular for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries and is also in demand for corporate events.

“Everybody loves dressing up and I can capture the fun images of guests at weddings, birthday parties and a whole range of other events. I provide prints for all the guests as well as a free photo album for the customer and a copy of all images on DVD. I really enjoy taking photos of people enjoying themselves - the more informal the better.”

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For more information visit www.libertypearlphotography.com

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buoyant property market Demand for property in Plymouth remains strong and continues to outstrip supply, according to one of the city’s leading estate agents.

of the stringent criteria being applied by lenders at present.

Darren Lawson, managing director of Mansbridge & Balment, said that as a result of these market conditions, average property prices in Plymouth had risen during the year.

“However, there are plenty of 90 per cent mortgages available, reflecting the growing confidence that lenders have in the market. The austerity measures have certainly led to people saving rather than spending, which in turn has enabled homebuyers to save enough for their deposits.”

“We have seen asking prices rise in the last quarter of 2013, but prior to that sale prices were very much in line with expectations,” he said.

“The year has ended very strongly with increased activity, underlined by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors reporting the highest level of transactions for six years in the three months to the end of November.

“The country is officially coming out of the recession and this is undoubtedly being led by increased activity in the housing market.”

“Help to Buy is definitely a positive development in the market and I believe it will have an increasing effect in 2014.

Darren said that Mansbridge & Balment had enjoyed another successful year of progress in 2013.

The company had achieved its ‘million milestone’ selling its first house in the Plymouth area for more than £1 million.

“We have also sold a significant number of properties for more than £500,000 breaking our previous highest value property sold record three times this year and there is definitely a strong demand at this end of the market.

He said that the Government’s Help to Buy scheme launched ahead of schedule in the autumn had so far had little impact on market activity.

“Only a relatively small proportion of those applying for mortgages through Help to Buy have been successful because

An architect’s impression of the new Bickleigh Down development of 91 eco-homes which will be exclusively marketed by Mansbridge & Balment

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in plymouth

property matters

have a property to sell in that price bracket,” said Darren.

Mansbridge & Balment have also been appointed as sole agents for two major new home developments in the area.

They will be marketing the Bickleigh Down development of 91 eco-homes in Roborough, the first of which are due to come on stream in the autumn.

“The Bickleigh Down development has attracted a huge amount of interest and for the first time in a number of years we have seen properties there being reserved off plan. It’s a further sign of the growing optimism in the market,” said Darren.

The company will also be marketing a development of 25 retirement bungalows and apartments in Liskeard on behalf of Sunnybank Homes.

“We are delighted to have been appointed by Sunnybank Homes again following our success with marketing their sought-after new homes in Botus Fleming and Roborough.”

Darren said that the company had also published a binding customer charter in 2013 and also developed a new vision statement for the business.

“Our nine point customer service promise is part of our goal to be the most trusted estate agent in the area. We will reduce our fee by £100 every time we fail to meet any of the nine points in the charter,” he said.

And on top of all this, Mansbridge & Balment has been extremely active in the community, being one of the sponsors of the Plymouth Half Marathon and main sponsor of the Plymouth 10k run.

“We are also supporting the appeal to raise funds for Henry Hallam, whose family need to raise £500,000 to treat Henry’s life threatening neuroblastoma in the USA.” For more information contact Mansbridge & Balment, 6 Mannamead Road, Plymouth PL4 7AA 01752 229292. www.mansbridgebalment.co.uk Darren Lawson of Mansbridge & Balment...predicting a buoyant property market in 2014

the plymouth magazine

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plymouth matters

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exciting times for the city in year ahead These are exciting times for Plymouth and there is no doubt we are a city on the up.

In December the City Council announced that it is funding two major musical events in July to mark the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines and the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. These events are expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city – as is the prestigious La Solitaire du Figaro single-handed yacht race, which is coming to Plymouth for the first time in June.

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God TV, the Christian broadcaster, is holding a special event at the Pavilions from January 29 to January 31 to mark the official consecration of its Revival Prayer Centre currently under construction at the former Millennium complex in Union Street.

By Jon Morcom, director of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, chair of Conference Plymouth and member of the board of the Waterfront Partnership

The team at the Pavilions and Conference Plymouth have been working closely with the broadcaster to ensure that visitors to the city make the most of their time here.

An online booking facility has been established by God TV who have also put together a package to encourage visitors to extend their stay in the city. Delegates will be provided with a shuttle bus service to take them to and from their city centre hotels to the event.

I recently met with God TV’s regional director Fergus Scarfe to hear more about their plans for the January event in particular and the creation of the new prayer centre in general.

During our site visit to the building it was amazing to see how much work has already been done.

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Opened in the 1930s as a cinema, the landmark building became a night club in the 90s, before eventually closing down in 2004. It has stood empty ever since.

God TV have secured a 25-year lease on the building and will be spending between

• continued on page 12

Jon Morcom pictured with God TV regional director Fergus Scarfe

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plymouth matters

events will be broadcast live from plymouth to viewers around the world • continued from page 10 £4 million and £6 million over the coming months to convert it to a centre for Christian conferences.

It will not only create up to 100 new jobs, but also provide a huge boost for the local economy.

The centre will feature a 1400 seat auditorium on the upper floor with a cafe, book shop, meeting rooms and offices on the ground floor.

State of the art broadcasting equipment will be installed so that conferences, seminars and other events can be broadcast live and beamed around the world via God TV’s transmission centre in Jerusalem.

Fergus said that they plan to open the new centre in October and will hold up to 50 events each year in Plymouth.

He said that they had been greatly encouraged by the level of support they had received from Plymouth City Council, local businesses and the community at large.

He said that there is a positive ‘can do’ attitude in the city, which is good to hear.

A specialist firm from Belfast has been contracted to carry out the refurbishment of the building. The company has significant experience in the field having converted a number of former cinemas in London to places of worship.

Over the last few months its team of up to 50 workers have been stripping out all

Work under way on the ground floor of the new centre

the remains of the former night club and preparing the building to be fitted out as a conference centre.

Around 48 articulated lorry loads of materials have already been removed from the site and during our visit the workmen were busy with sledge hammers and drills removing all the remnants of the Millennium’s days as a night club.

Talking about the event in January Fergus explained that there would be evening events at the Pavilions and seminars during the day with tour groups being taken literally across the road to see for themselves how the work is progressing.

He told me that the purpose of the event in January is to confirm the building’s change of use from secular to sacred purposes. He said that bookings were being taken every day and they expect up to 2,000 people to attend.

This development, along with the planned refurbishment of the Pavilions in the coming years, is a big boost for the West End of the city. We have already seen the £7m regeneration of the Theatre Royal, the Millbay development continues apace, and the Royal William Yard goes from strength to strength.

Like I said earlier, Plymouth is definitely on the up...

For more information about the God TV Revival Prayer Centre visit www.god.tv/specialevents.

For more information about the Duke of Cornwall Hotel visit www. thedukeofcornwall.co.uk

10 tickets to be won for God TV’s Revival Prayer Centre Consecration event God TV have given 10 day tickets for Plymouth Magazine readers for their Consecration event at The Pavilions between January 29 and 31.

There will be two evening events when the guest speaker will be internationally-known Pastor Benny Hinn, as well as seminars during the day.

Delegates at the event will also be able to tour the Millennium Complex in Union Street, where work is under way to create God TV’s 1400-seater Revival Prayer Centre.

We will be giving five pairs of tickets to the first five names out of the hat after the closing date of January 15.

To stand a chance of winning tickets e-mail competition@ cornerstonevision.com and put God TV in the subject line.

Winners will be notified by e-mail and tickets despatched on receipt of full postal address.

For more information about the event visit www.god.tv/specialevents.

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the plymouth magazine

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Talking openly about concerns and feelings can be the best medicine when coming to terms with living with dementia and alleviating anxiety or depression. Waypoints care home manager Tessa Marriott explains the benefits of ‘talking therapies’ and social interaction.

Being able to confide in a qualified professional about concerns or difficulties can empower someone to identify solutions and understand how their personalities, life experiences, feelings and behaviour can affect others.

Fear about what may happen next or the impact of dementia on close family members can be alleviated by being open about the concern with someone who is non-judgmental or personally involved.

compromising the dignity of the person in their care. We also can help relatives with guidance on how to respond, for example if someone keeps repeating themselves.

Singing and activities can have similar positive benefits as talking stimulating memories which can be an enjoyable experience and lift spirits.

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A popular feature of our homes is ‘Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe’ where jars of There’s a lot to be said for the saying ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ treats remind residents of happy childhood days. (their grand children think and professional support can help you decide how to address an issue. they are great too!)

It’s worth asking your GP or consultant first whether you can be referred to a Our chefs put a lot of thought to menu choices with seasonal and local counsellor or therapist on the traditional dishes but they also NHS who has experience of bake or make whatever they supporting people affected by hear a resident speak fondly dementia. Private therapists of. Homemade pasties or a charge for consultations. cream tea is usually a recipe for laughter and chatter.

The benefits of talking cannot be understated. At Waypoints, Our staff always take their meal staff are encouraged to chat breaks when they are on duty to residents whenever the with residents because dining opportunity arises – it is not together is another opportunity regarded as a waste of their to catch up and check on their time. welfare without being intrusive.

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food matters

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Becca Speare and Joe Wadge

Vegetarian and vegan food may not be everyone’s choice, but it’s proving to be a real winner for a young Plymouth couple.

Becca Speare and Joe Wadge, who are both 24, are committed vegetarians and dreamed of opening a restaurant offering authentic British vegetarian and vegan dishes.

“There was nothing like it in Plymouth and very few genuine vegetarian restaurants in Devon either,” said Becca. “We both have a strong belief in the welfare of animals and have a huge passion for food. We really wanted to start our own business and open a restaurant of our own.

“We have always believed that Plymouth needed an exciting vegetarian place to eat in the city and when the opportunity arose to turn our dream into a reality, we took it!

We also display art works from cool and upcoming artists from the Plymouth area.”

But it wasn’t all plain sailing. They approached their bank and were told they would receive funding to set up their business, only to be devastated when they were turned down after several months of waiting for a final decision.

Looking for a way to overcome their barriers and achieve their dream of opening a vegetarian restaurant they joined the Outset Plymouth programme in 2012.

They were assigned to an Outset advisor who helped them create a more robust buiness plan and a strong financial proposition. Joe and Becca were then referred to the Fredericks Foundation and other funding organisations.

Joe said: “We had to face a Dragon’s Den type of pitch but we were delighted when they agreed to provide the funding which enabled us to open our restaurant.”

They acquired the lease of a former restaurant in Mayflower Street and opened Samphire’s Brasserie in March last year - and they have not looked back since.

Becca said: “We have had to learn a lot very quickly, but it has been a great experience so far.”

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Joe, who is self taught, oversees the kitchen, assisted by a vegan chef, while Becca looks after the overall running of the business.

They employ five part-time staff,

samphire brasserie is a dream come true for young plymouth couple but spend long hours at the restaurant ensuring that their vision is fulfilled.

The lunch menu includes all day breakfast, baps, burgers, pizzas and sandwiches. There is also a special kids’ menu.

They have a growing number of regular customers and continue to introduce new vegetarian and vegan dishes.

The menu is affordably priced and although Samphire does not currently have an alcohol licence, diners can take their own wine. There is no corkage charge.

Joe said: “All of our dishes are home made and everything we serve is acceptable to vegetarians. More than 80 per cent of our food is also suitable for vegans and many gluten free options are also available.”

Becca added: “Because we are so passionate about vegetarian food we are always experimenting with new ideas and new dishes. I make all the cakes and desserts which we serve and Joe has also started to make our own vegan cheese.”

Samphire’s menu is mainly inspired by American vegetarian and vegan dishes. “America is much further ahead of Britain in terms of its vegetarian offering,” said Joe. Every dish is made to order, with the most popular being fast-food styled burgers and pizzas. Main courses on the dinner menu include vegetarian fish and chips, V Bone steak, oyster mushroom and cashew nut pie and South American gumbo.

Starters include mushroom scallops - king oyster mushrooms marinated and pan seared with crispy tempeh and crushed minted peas – spiced potted shrimp made with a soya based pate and sweetcorn fritters.

The restaurant, which has 40 covers, is open from 12 noon to 3pm and 5pm until 9pm from Tuesday to Saturday.

Takeaway food is also available.

On the first Sunday of the month Samphire offers a Sunday roast which is proving extremely popular. Tables must be booked in advance.

A recent review on trip advisor underlines the restaurant’s popularity: “I’m vegan, my mother and daughter are vegetarian, my partner eats meat but is ‘de facto veggie’ and my dad’s a confirmed carnivore. He suggested we give it a try for my birthday and we were blown away. All five of us thought this was outstanding food, catering for both adults and children (especially my very fussy six year old!) and exemplary service.

They deserve every success, and judging by the fully booked-in-advance Sunday roasts and full house the night we were there, are enjoying it already! Bravo to all!”

Samphire Brasserie, 111 Mayflower Street, Plymouth. Tel 01752 263116 www.samphirebrasserie.com

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food matters

recipe of the month sponsored by riverford organic

wheatberry salad with roasted squash Serves 4 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 50 minutes This warm salad works well on its own as a vegtarian main course, or alongside meat. You can add all sorts of odds and ends; try adding roasted chopped nuts or some seeds.

400g wheatberries (wheat grain - or use spelt, farro or barley) 1 large or 2 small butternut squash, peeled & diced olive oil 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves small knob of butter 4 leeks, finely sliced 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 200g mushrooms, sliced 4 shredded sage leaves 100ml veg stock 2 small or 1 large carrot, peeled & grated large handful chopped parsley Preheat the oven to 200ËšC. Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the wheatberries and cook for 45 mins or so, until tender but still chewy. Toss the diced squash in enough oil to coat, with half the thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 35-40 mins, until tender. Heat the butter and 2 tbsp oil in a large pan. Fry the leeks for 5 mins. Add the garlic and fry for 2 mins. Add the mushrooms, the rest of the thyme and the sage. Season. Fry until the liquid from the mushrooms evaporates. Add 100ml veg stock. Stir for 2 mins. Drain the wheatberries and toss into the mix with the squash, grated carrot and parsley. Check the seasoning and serve.

For more information and recipes visit www.riverford.co.uk call Ian + Emma on 01752 790703 16

the plymouth magazine

what’s on?

story, but a love story all the same.

Against the lonely backdrop of London, the worlds of two shy individuals collide, and a charming, delicate and darkly funny story unfolds before your eyes. Directed by Soho Theatre artistic associate and Nabokov artistic director Joe Murphy, Blink was a sell-out hit at Soho Theatre and in Edinburgh in 2012.

theatres & shows Theatre Royal – The Lyric

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

Feb 5 to Feb 8 The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other

Until Jan 25 Robin Hood

The spectacular family pantomime Robin Hood is packed full of action, adventure, and an abundance of comedy as well as heroes and villains aplenty! Star cast includes Lee Mead as Robin Hood, Bobby Davro (Will Scarlet), Nigel Havers (Sheriff of Nottingham) and Jeffrey Holland as the panto Dame.

Jan 30 to Mar 15 The Lion King

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains and to the evocative rhythms of Africa, Disney’s The Lion King is a worldwide theatrical phenomenon. It has been seen by almost 70 million people worldwide and is still drawing sell-out crowds at London’s Lyceum Theatre in its 14th year. In January 2014 this award winning production will begin its long anticipated run at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. A spectacular visual feast, this adaptation of Disney’s classic film transports audiences to a dazzling world that explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. At its heart is the powerful and moving story of Simba – the epic adventure of his journey from wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pridelands.

Mar 19 to Mar 22 The Prince of the Pagodas

Performed by Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Prince of the Pagodas is a classic story that celebrates the power of family love. David Bintley’s breathtaking interpretation of Benjamin Britten’s only commissioned ballet score has its first UK performances.

Spectacular costumes and designs from War Horse designer Rae Smith bring to life the elegance and beauty of the Chrysanthemum Kingdom and capture our imagination in this fantastical journey through the elements.

Mar 23 That’ll Be The Day

It’s party time again as the legendary That’ll Be The Day, the nation’s favourite variety show returns with another opportunity to see its latest

Birmingham Royal Ballet perform Prince of the Pagodas at the Theatre Royal in March

production. This hugely entertaining rock ‘n’ roll spectacular features a fantastic line up of knock-out hits from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, plus loads more zany comedy routines.

Jan 28 to Feb 1 Blink

This is the tale of Jonah and Sophie.

It’s a love story. A dysfunctional love

Moving, funny, fast and physical – expect an exploration of life as we know it. With over 450 characters; from businessmen to bohemians, soldiers to skateboarders, tourists to transvestites and joggers to jugglers – this engrossing production will immerse you in the life-blood of a city. Finding the beauty and detail in our everyday comings and goings, The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other will leave you wondering what you might be missing every time you wander through the city. The Theatre Royal Plymouth’s People’s Company creates opportunities for anyone over the age of 18 to participate in theatre, including the chance to perform in The Drum

Mar 25 to Mar 29 Welsh National Opera

Performances of Verdi’s La Traviata and new productions of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut and Henze’s Boulevard Solitude are featured during WNO’s visit to the city.

Drum Theatre Royal Parade Plymouth Box Office 01752 267222

Until Jan 18 The Little Red Hen

Making bread is hard work, but it would be a lot easier if the lazy farm yard animals lent a hand! An adaptation of the nursery favourite, featuring a host of animal puppets, sing-along songs and comic routines. It’s a treat for the whole family with no scary bits! From the company who charmed you with The Hare and the Tortoise, The Elves and the Shoemaker and The Enormous Turnip. An early learning classic for everyone aged 2+ and their families.

Jan 22 to Jan 25 Advice for the Young at Heart

The riots of 2011 provoked comment on the morality of youth and the codes by which young people live. Advice for the Young at Heart asks whether this is a new phenomenon, or one that young people have struggled with for generations. the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

dance and theatre workshops for youngsters at the barbican theatre Plymouth’s Barbican Theatre is welcoming young people in Plymouth to join their fun and friendly dance and theatre workshops.

These workshops are a great opportunity for young people to try something new, work with artists in a professional theatre and learn skills in dance and theatre.

Dance and Theatre Moves sessions are for 8-11 year olds and take place on Monday evenings at Barbican Theatre. Dance and Theatre Junction sessions are for children aged 12+ and are held on Thursday evenings at the theatre.

Jules Laville, dance director at Barbican Theatre, said: “Our Moves and Junction workshops are great for building confidence, making new friends and learning dance moves or theatre techniques along the way. You don’t need to have any experience and all styles are welcome, so why not try something new? You are welcome to have a free taster session to see what the workshops are like.”

The new term is starting the week commencing Monday January 6. Dance workshops will be at a different time to Theatre workshops so that young people can focus on one or take part in both.

Mondays 8-11 year olds: Dance Moves: 5pm to 6.15pm; Theatre Moves: 6.15pm to 7.30pm

theatres & shows Barbican Theatre Castle Street, Plymouth Box Office: 01752 267131

eat well

Feb 7 Protest

in the new year with your 3rd vegbox free*

frgeboex* ve

Part of the theatre’s Flourish 2014 programme, Protest is presented by Pilot’s Thumb. Becky is a rebel without a cause; Jo is in it for laughs. Friends and feminist activists, they are clearly out of their depths. Jo’s brother Tommy has been accused of war crimes but old soldier Martin is having none of it. This multimedia production is a heady mix of emotional conflict, heartwarming friendships and a challenging examination of issues very much of our times.

Feb 14 Wonders of the Cornish Universe

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the plymouth magazine

Celebrating all things Cornish, Kernow King takes a very light-hearted look at the less obvious things that makes Cornwall great. With some wonderful multimedia humour thrown in for good measure, the show sold out in Cornwall…and beyond!

Mar 1 Static

After a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, New Model Theatre bring their critically acclaimed show Static to Plymouth. Static brings together brilliant storytelling with verbatim news reports to tell a coming of age story that spans

a decade. From watching the World Trade Centre fall live on television to the top of Tory HQ in 2010’s summer of discontent; through talking to girls at drunken teenage parties and coming home with bloody noses. Part of Flourish 2014.

Mar 28 The Black Album

Presented by Avant Garde Dance, this exceptional triple bill features three distinctly different hip hop choreographies seamlessly woven together like a concept album. The Black Album is music inspired dance.

Experience a new way to listen to dance and a new way to watch music.

B-Bar at the Barbican Theatre Castle Street, Plymouth 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk

Jan 15 Hatters Touring

Brilliantly conceived night of indoor busking. Get in for free and watch some great music, then the artist passes the hat and you can contribute if you liked what you heard. Nobody has to stand around on the street, everybody wins!

Jan 17 Swingology

Swingology perform gypsy swing in the style of guitar legend Django Reinhardt.

The swinging guitars and soaring clarinet solos are evocative of the soundtrack to 1940s Paris.

Jan 22 Café Acoustica

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

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Thursdays 12+ year olds: Dance Junction: 5pm to 6.30pm; Theatre Junction: 6.30pm to 8pm The theatre has trained young people since 1980 and is well known for working closely with new and emerging artists. People who have trained with Barbican Theatre include actress Liz White, who starred alongside Daniel Radcliffe in the film ‘The Woman In Black’ and Zahra Ahmadi, an actress who appeared in EastEnders.

Moves and Junction workshops will be held in the auditorium or the studio at Barbican Theatre, Castle Street, Plymouth. The workshops cost just £60 per term (£6.66 per session) and a small number of bursaries are available for those who are eligible.

If you would like to find out more about Barbican Theatre’s Moves and Junction workshops, go to www.barbicantheatre.co.uk, call 01752 267131 or email Karen Lodge, Young People’s Producer at karen@barbicantheatre.co.uk.

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Jan 24 Tango Sonoro

An evening of tango music and dance. Lyrical melodies, syncopated rhythms and stronglyaccented dynamics make this music exciting and diverse.

Jan 30 Thomas Ford

Electrifying blues talent in the form of this harpplaying, hard blues singing solo performer with a festive special.

Drew Holcomb

Jan 31 Mad About Swing with Rich Hamer Band

A very special treat to tie-in with the Mad About Swing weekender. Rich Hamer of local legends Hamer & Isaacs and more recently Hamer & Co will be collecting an amazing bunch of talent to perform some upbeat swinging grooves.

Feb 5 Comedy Night

Some light relief with the best standups on the UK circuit.

Feb 6 Drew Holcomb

American singer and songwriter who Drew Holcomb grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and now calls East Nashville, Tennessee home. His band Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors have produced a number of top-selling albums and now Holcomb embarks on his first solo UK tour. Holcomb earned a considerable following after his 2005 album, Washed in Blue, was released and had multiple TV placements on Lifetime’s Army Wives. the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

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

Jan 17 James Arthur

X Factor 2012 winner James Arthur arrives in Plymouth on his debut UK and European headline tour.

Feb 11 Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls

The voice of pop classics such as How Long, Tempted, The Living Years, Over My Shoulder and many more, returns to familiar-ground. Fresh from a worldwide tour as featured artiste with old friend, Eric Clapton, Paul will link up with his own amazing Sheffield-based band, to perform songs from his vast catalogue.

Jan 31 Daniel O’Donnell

Feb 16 Bananas in Pyjamas

Three decades into his sparkling career as a top entertainer, Daniel’s star is still shining bright. Daniel has sold millions of his recordings worldwide and is the only artist in the world to claim at least one hit album every year since 1988, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records.

Feb 5 The Classic Rock Show

After the success of their 2013 UK tour and as a testimony to the immense popularity of classic rock music, The Classic Rock Show is back – bigger and better than ever! A virtuoso band of the finest musicians on the planet perform an amazing mix of selected tracks from the ten best selling rock albums of all time – with extra songs added for 2014! the plymouth magazine

British singer-songwriter Tom released his debut extended play, Songs from Another Love in 2012 and won the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award in early 2013. His critically acclaimed debut studio album, Long Way Down, was issued in June last year.

Support acts Fryars and James Bay.

Frank Turner, who headlined Wembley Arena last year and was also chosen to open Danny Boyle’s stunning Olympic Opening Ceremony, has had a busy year even by his own standards. Following the release of his fifth studio album ‘Tape Deck Heart’ in April, he played a sold-out tour of the UK and has been on the road with his band The Sleeping Souls ever since. So far his global tour has taken him across Europe, to the Far East, Australasia and North America. Support from Flogging Molly and Beans On Toast.

Jan 22 Paul Carrack

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Feb 7 Tom Odell

Join B1, B2, Amy, Lulu and Morgan in this brand new, all singing, all dancing show.

With plenty of audience participation and slapstick fun, can you help the Banana Detectives solve the case?

Feb 21 Ultimate Rhythm and Blues Tour

The Ultimate Rhythm and Blues 50th Anniversary Tour brings together a one time line up of British Invasion rock royalty! The Zombies, The Animals, The Yardbirds, Spencer Davis and Maggie Bell clock up an amazing 37 hit records between them and can boast over 300 weeks in the charts!

Feb 25 Rizzle Kicks

Young and fun, Jordan ‘Rizzle’ Stevens

Starring comedy legend Bobby Davro as Smee, Plymouth Pavilions will be presenting Peter Pan the Easter Pantomime in April.

Dreams will take flight at the Pavilions on April 10 and 11 as audiences are invited to join Wendy, Michael and John as they take off to Neverland with the boy who never grows up – Peter Pan. Take part in their adventure and meet a fantastical range of characters along the way; Tinker Bell, the Lost Children, Tiger Lily, Nana the dog, mermaids, pirates, Smee and, of course, the deadly Captain Hook.

easter panto at the pavilions

It’s another spectacular family pantomime from the same team behind last year’s brilliant Easter production of The Wizard of Oz. With a star cast, impressive music, energetic dance routines, lots and lots of laughter and flying that will thrill the child in all of us, come and see Peter Pan soar to new heights at Plymouth Pavilions during the Easter school holidays.

Book early to avoid disappointment. For tickets and information contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com where you can select your own seats. and Harley ‘Sylvester’ Alexander-Sule use jazz-swing jubilance, ska-pop trumpets and bantering wit of a whip-smart MC duo to reflect the trials and tribulations that come with growing up in the 21st century.

Putting on a charismatic and explosive performance, these modern day hip hop legends create a show which is totally mental!

Mar 4 and Mar 5 Miranda Hart

The award winning Queen of comedy Miranda Hart is on stage doing stand up for the first time since her hit series Miranda aired on the BBC. Grab a chance to see Miranda’s laugh out loud genius live, she wants you to join her party!

Expect galloping, attempts at song and dance, and simply - such fun!

Mar 7 Brendan Cole: Licence to Thril

Brendan is once again set to dazzle audiences across the UK with his current show, Licence to Thrill. Join him and his cast of 20 musicians and dancers as they take you on a musical journey of music and dance in this spectacular night of entertainment. One of Strictly Come Dancing’s most charismatic choreographers and performers, Brendan will host you throughout and along with his company will treat you to an evening of Ballroom magic and Latin excitement in this, his live dancing extravaganza not to be missed! With music from across the ages, there will be something for everyone in this sophisticated production.

the plymouth magazine

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john bishop brings his supersonic tour to plymouth Top stand up comedian John Bishop’s national tour is preparing for take off!

After taking eighteen months off to write his autobiography John is limbering up for his next arena mission, and will be zooming into Plymouth Pavilions from October 22 to 24.

His brand new show Supersonic will be sending up a comic boom of guffaws all the way from Plymouth to Glasgow via Dublin and back again.

John is delighted to be getting his stage suit out of the wardrobe again after months wearing out quill after quill putting together his autobiography.

John said: “Stand up is the reason my career is what it is today and I’ve had time to reflect on that this past year. I love the immediacy of stand up and I feel a real closeness to my audience whilst on stage.

“I love nothing more than giving them a laugh and I can’t wait to get back out on the road. My family also can’t wait as I am driving them all mad at home now that I’ve written my book.”

In 2012 John performed to 500,000 people in his sell-out Rollercoaster tour. With its massive helter skelter set and surprise finale the DVD of that show went on to top the charts. This time he is pouring even more rocket fuel into the tank in an attempt to exceed last year’s excitements. This time he is guaranteed to take you to even higher heights!

Not suitable for under 16s.

To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com where you can select your own seats.

pop sensations little mix Global pop sensations and X Factor winners, Little Mix embark on their biggest UK tour to date in May, with date at Plymouth Pavilions on May 30.

The tour sees them headline some of the UK’s biggest arenas and return to Plymouth after their sold out gig in February last year!

Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirwall recently

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the plymouth magazine

what’s on?

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head to pavilions in may returned with their outstanding second album, ‘Salute’ which follows their hugely successful debut album ‘DNA’. Having already spent two weeks in the Top 10 of the UK album carts, ‘Salute’ presents Little Mix at their exuberant best and is infused with the electrifying energy the quartet bring to every live performance.

Hit single ‘Move’ took the UK by storm in September, and sold over 130,000 copies within the first three weeks of its release in November. Showcasing the girls’ unrivalled ability to create fun and powerful pop music, ‘Move’ is a guaranteed dance floor filler.

Still maintaining elements of the sound that made their debut such a standout, Little Mix also re-team with several other familiar collaborators namely Nicola Roberts, Shaznay Lewis and Futurecut. The result is an album that cements their place as a bold, truly brilliant UK pop act.

Since Little Mix formed in 2011, they’ve had two No.1 singles and a platinum selling debut album in the UK. They’ve also flown the flag for British pop music abroad, with ‘DNA’ certified gold in Australia, and Top 5 in Japan. In the US they broke the Spice Girls’ record for the highest ever US chart debut by a British girl group, entering the charts at No.4. 2014 will kick off with the girls touring the US with Demi Lovato. ‘Salute’ also saw them once again achieve a second top 5 album in the UK. In anticipation of the tour, Little Mix have added, “We’re so excited to be preparing for our first arena tour! It’s incredible to think we’ll be playing for so many people every night. We are going to be pulling out all the stops to make sure it’s as unforgettable for our Mixers as it will be for us.

To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0845 146 1460 or visit www. plymouthpavilions.com where you can select your own seats.

the plymouth magazine

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what’s on?

Dec 31 Plymouth Jazz Club

Peninsula Arts Contemporary Music Festival which takes place from February 7 to February 9 is firmly establishing itself as an important platform in the UK for new music exploring ideas emerging from leading edge research that is helping to pave the way for the music of the future.

Jan 19 Plymouth Jazz Club

Composers who make history have always taken risks and produced works that divided the opinions of the audiences of their time.

music

New Year’s Eve Party with John Shillito’s Select 6. Plymouth Jazz Club’s annual New Year’s Eve Party at Derriford United Reform Church Hall, Powisland Drive, Derriford, Plymouth.

Call 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

The Sussex Jazz Kings. Quality traditional jazz with a touch of fun from a popular long-established band. Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Call 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Plymouth’s largest blinds showroom

Jan 26 Around the World in 80 Minutes

The Hall for Cornwall, Truro Plymouth Gilbert and Sullivan Fellowship with the Band of the Royal Marines, Plymouth. Ticket details 01872 262466. Concert in aid of the RNLI. Feb 2 Plymouth Jazz Club

Quality and choice with the best prices

Charity gig in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support featuring the Dave Hankin Big Band, probably the finest jazz and swing big band in the South-west, who are giving their services free for this charity event. Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill. Call 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk Feb 13 Lunchtime International Concert Series

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus Featuring pianist Mark Bebbington with

EXCLUSIVE LUXAFLEX PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY 263 Beacon Park Rd, Plymouth

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the plymouth magazine

This year’s festival theme Thinking Music invites composers and performers to take risks, to venture into the unknown, and audiences to actively listen, open their minds and emotions to the unheard, and engage in the debate.

Thinking Music is allied to the project ‘Brain-Computer Music Interfacing for Monitoring and Inducing Affective works by Chopin, Haydn, Beethoven and John Ireland. Tickets £10 from the Museum Welcome Desk, on the door or from www.wegottickets.com/ event/208954 Feb 16 Plymouth Jazz Club

Savannah Jazz Band for the annual visit of one of Britain’s most popular traditional jazz bands. Royal British Legion Club, Tailyour Road, Crownhill.

Call 01752 721179 or visit www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Mar 15 University of Plymouth Choral Society

St Andrew’s Church, Royal Parade The choir perform Haydn’s Creation.

Details from Peninsula Arts Box Office, 01752 585050 www.peninsula-arts.co.uk Mar 26 Plymouth Symphony Orchestra

Plymouth Guildhall Conductor Anne Kimber, with violinst Bartosz Woroch. Featuring Mozart: Overture, Magic Flute; Beethoven: Violin Concerto Soloist: John Adams: The Chairman Dances; Stravinsky: Suite, The Firebird (1919 version).

We do our best to ensure the accuracy of listings but please check details with organisers to avoid disappointment

contemporary music of the future States’ led by Prof Eduardo Miranda and Prof Slawomir Nasuto at the University of Reading’s Cybernetics Research Group.

with which the author engaged in the composition of the symphony.

This year the Bergsen String Quartet will premiere Prof Miranda’s unprecedented new work, whereby brain signals from four people on stage will generate the parts to be performed by the quartet in real-time.

The book, which will be launched at the festival, includes the complete score and audio CD recording of the full live recording of the premiere at Plymouth’s Minster Church of St Andrew by Ten Tors Orchestra with mezzo-soprano Juliette Pochin conducted by Simon Ible.

Thinking Music is also the title of Prof Miranda’s new book, which tells the inside story to the choral and orchestral work Sound to Sea. It describes in rich detail the concepts and processes

The festival programme is a showcase for Plymouth University composers Alexis Kirke, Duncan Williams, David Bessell, David Strang, Mike McInerney, and John Matthias.

This year’s guest composer is Lithuanian Linas Baltas who will make his UK premiere with a new work AIR for two string orchestras to be performed by the festival’s resident ensemble, Ten Tors Orchestra.

The Festival will open with a new electronic work by Plymouth University composer Duncan Williams in response to Peter Randall-Page’s concurrent exhibition in both the Peninsula Arts Gallery and Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery.

Concord for Five Elements will be performed in the Peninsula Arts Gallery

at the festival launch on February 7.

Peter Randall-Page is a renowned international artist based in Devon.

His sculptures are inspired by interdisciplinary themes and the exhibition will be his first major retrospective in the South West for 25 years.

For full details call the Peninsula Arts Box Office on 01752 585050 or e-mail: peninsula-arts@ plymouth.ac.uk​ www.peninsula-arts. co.uk

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Plymouth’s Sutton Harbour will host some of the world’s top sailors when the 45th edition of La Solitaire du Figaro arrives in the city next June.

It’s considered to be the world championships for single-handed yachtsmen and women, one of the main training grounds for the famous Vendee Globe race.

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The unique character of the race, the presence of great solo sailors and it being open to amateurs, has made it one of the most cherished races in single-handed sailing.

It is the first time the month-long, four-leg race has ever been to Plymouth. Around 45 sailors, all on identical 33ft boats will arrive in Sutton Harbour at the end of Leg 1 on Wednesday, June 11.

The course and stopover ports change every year. In 2014 the race will start in Deauville in Normandy before crossing the Channel to Plymouth. From Plymouth the fleet will race to Roscoff, then make their way down the West coast of France to Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendee region before finishing in Cherbourg.

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major events League 2 Football

Jan 11 Jan 25 Feb 1 Feb 15

Argyle v Southend Argyle v Cheltenham Argyle v Mansfield Argyle v York

Championship Rugby

Jan 4 Jan 10 Feb 1 Feb 15 Feb 28

Albion v Leeds Albion v Stirling (cup) Albion v London Welsh Albion v Jersey Albion v Nottingham

British Basketball League

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the plymouth magazine

Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 18 Feb 8 Feb 15 Mar 1

Raiders v Glasgow Rocks Raiders v Cheshire Phoenix Raiders v Durham Wildcats Raiders v Worcester Wolves Raiders v Glasgow Rocks Raiders v Cheshire Phoenix

Until Feb 28 Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

The Piazza Plymouth City Centre Piazza is once again transformed into the annual Winter Wonderland Ice Rink. This hugely popular event, organised by Ice Angel Events, has returned for the third year, with skating events and activities for all the family. Visitors can also experience the Ice Café to enjoy the festive treats on offer. So whether it’s a romantic date, an after work catch up with friends or a family treat, wrap up warm, and book your tickets to one of the city’s must-do winter experiences.

Visit www.iceangelevents.co.uk Jan 5, Feb 2 Good Food Market

Royal William Yard The market showcases some of the best local food and drink in the South West. Visit www.royalwilliamyardnews. wordpress.com

what’s on?

to attract thousands plymouth

A NEW YEAR, A NEW SKILL LEARN BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE WITH PLYMOUTH DEAF ASSOCIATION One of the city’s oldest societies is offering you the chance to learn something new for 2014.

Plymouth Deaf Association has been appointed a teaching and examination centre for British Sign Language courses.

British Sign Language (BSL) is a language in its own right, just like English or Welsh. People learn it for many reasons; from wanting to communicate with a Deaf friend or relative, to wanting to gain a career-enhancing skill.

Plymouth Deaf Association is the only organisation in Plymouth to offer both Level 1 and 2 courses - and hold them within the heart of the Deaf Community. They will be run at the Blake Lodge Centre at Plymouth Deaf Association’s premises in Mannamead.

The Level 1 qualification will allow learners to communicate with Deaf people in BSL on a range of everyday topics. Level 2 progresses to develop learners’ ability to communicate about a range experiences.

fleet leaves on Saturday June 14. The sailors will begin Leg 2 with a race inside the breakwater, an incredible spectacle with 45 boats racing between Jennycliff, Mount Edgecumbe and the Hoe.

The Level 1 course starts on 14th January and runs for 22 weeks. It will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 9pm. The qualification is accredited by Signature and the fee of £350 is

Following the success of the America’s Cup in 2011 it is hoped the Solitaire du Figaro will reinforce Plymouth’s positionAvailable as Britain’sfor Ocean City andnow. one of(no the special offers apply) Limited Spaces booking leading sailing destinations in Europe, if not the world.

inclusive of all exams, registration and tuition.

Tutor, Alison Kevern, has been teaching for many years and her students have an extremely high pass rate. BSL is Alison’s first language, which means she teaches BSL in its most natural, fluent form.

Plymouth Deaf Association is a registered charity (number 204626) and offers a vast amount of support and services for members and their families. Its doors are always open to anyone wanting to learn BSL, new members and fundraisers.

For more information on the BSL courses or the Plymouth Deaf Association in general, please contact: 07922 408222 / 07771 514313.

Visit the website at: www.blakelodge.co.uk

Peninsula Arts is…

Gallery, Cinema, Talks, Music, Performance

Box Office: 01752 585050

Visit our website to book tickets for our events

Web: www.peninsula-arts.co.uk E-Mail: peninsula-arts@plymouth.ac.uk

Open to the public FREE Admission to the Gallery Find us Ground Floor, Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, PL4 8AA the plymouth magazine

27

peninsula a – a centre for art the heart Peninsula Arts is based in the iconic Roland Levinsky Building in the centre of the city and is the largest contemporary art gallery in Plymouth.

It also has one of the most unique cinemas in the South West, a year round programme of music concerts, dance and theatre productions and fascinating talks and debates from leading experts and well-known authors.

Peninsula Arts also runs family arts and craft workshops led by practicsng artists and usually suitable for all ages. Full details are available at the Peninsula Arts website.

Gallery If you haven’t already visited the Peninsula Arts Gallery then make sure that you make the trip this February as artist and sculptor Peter Randall-Page will be filling the Gallery with five large-scale sculptures, each skilfully carved from beautiful Italian marble.

Peter is probably best known for his gigantic sculpture, ‘Seed’, at the Eden Project, one of the biggest sculptures in history made from a single piece of rock, which started life as a 167-tonne boulder extracted from De Lank Quarry, Cornwall.

The exhibtion provides locals with the opportunity to experience these extraordinary sculptures from one of Britain’s most famous sculptors.

Cinema The unique Jill Craigie Cinema gives film lovers the opportunity to join in with discussions with film directors and experts in their field around the varied film programme. The specially curated programme takes the audience by the hand on cinematic odysseys into the history, and through current trends, of world cinema. A visit to the Jill Craigie Cinema can be much more than going to watch a film.

Music Fans of classical music can attend one of the Ten Tors Orchestra concerts, featuring works from Beethoven to Tchaikovsky.

The Ten Tors Orchestra, along with special guest soloists, enthral audiences all year round. For those who are more experimental in their music tastes the Contemporary Music Festival 2014 in February, combines the latest computer music research with more traditional instrumental pieces.

Theatre and Dance The contemporary dance and theatre programme features many top British and International performing artists as well as showcasing the talent of the Plymouth University theatre and performing arts students.

Jill Craigie Cinema

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the plymouth magazine

Family workshops

what’s on? arts t and culture in of the city

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Visit Peninsula Arts on the ground floor of the Roland Levinsky Building, Drake Circus in Plymouth City Centre, open all year round Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturdays 11am to 4pm, opening late on event nights.

For full details of the programme for 2014 and to book tickets online visit www.peninsula-arts.co.uk or contact the Peninsula Arts Box Office on 01752 585050

0800 0433 493 Theatre and dance

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what’s on?

family events Events at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus The Imaginators

Admission free. Booking essential.

Free, fun creative learning sessions for pre-school children and their parents/ carers. 10.30am to 11.30am or 1pm to 2pm on Wednesdays (term time only).

Advance booking is essential. Call 01752 304665 to reserve your place.

Wild About Plymouth

A Cold World Jan 18 11am to 4pm (last entries at 3.30pm) Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.

Brrrrrrrr! Come and discover some of the strange creatures that live in the coldest places on the planet. From giant sea spiders to woolly rhinoceros teeth fossils - there will be plenty to

see! You can also enjoy a range of fun activities in the warmth of the Museum such as creating your own woolly mammoth and making a giant sea spider of your own! Admission is free and there is no need to book. Drop in for as little or as long as you like.

Bugs on the Move Feb 15 11am to 1pm. Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University, Drake Circus

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Admission £2.50 per adult/£1.50 per child/under 3s go free. Experience firsthand how and why different mini-beasts move! From millipedes with a hundred legs to springtails pushing their tails, this unique event will make you look at insects in a completely new way!

We will also be working with dancers from the Barbican Theatre to develop some dance movements inspired by these incredible creatures.Meet at the reception desk in the Roland Levinsky Building. Tickets are available from the Museum Welcome Desk.

Amazing Nature Mar 22 11am to 4pm (last entries at 3.30pm) Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery Celebrating National Science and Engineering Week 2014. Drop into the Museum for as little or as long as you like and enjoy a variety of interactive sessions with scientists from across the city. Real specimens from the Museum’s natural history collections will be out on display for you to see and discover more about. Different activity tables will be full of interesting hands-on science. Admission is free. No need to book.

Make and Take

Make something then take it home with our seasonal creative sessions aimed at children aged five to 11 (all of whom must be accompanied by a responsible adult). Sessions run from 11am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Admission is free. Advance booking is essential on 01752 304774.

Call on the day to see if any last-minute places are available - although there is no guarantee any will remain.

Chinese New Year 2014: Happy Horses Jan 25 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm Help us prepare for the start of the Chinese New Year (the Year of the Horse), which begins on 31 January,

with some fun arty activities including masks, lanterns and decorations.

Lent 2014: Mardi Gras Mar 8 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm Did you have pancakes on Tuesday?

Did you know that what we call Pancake Day in the UK is known as Shrove Tuesday, Carnival and Mardi Gras in other parts of the world? Come in and make carnival masks and jester hats in our fun creative sessions as well as a paper pancake man to take home.

Mother’s Day 2014: Marvellous Mums Mar 20 11am and 1.30pm Mother’s Day takes place on 30 March this year. Come in and make little handmade gifts to surprise your mum with on her special day. Sessions last for 60 minutes. Admission is free but donations are welcomed. Advance booking on 01752 304774.

Adventures in Music

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery Join in for more of the fascinating world of folk music events for the under 5s and their grown-ups! These 45-minute events feature live music and participation in a child-friendly atmosphere, providing fun introductions to different types of music, instruments and cultures as we listen and learn together.

This series is supported by PRS for Music Foundation.

Nice Warm Socks and Other Songs with Wren Music Jan 31 Come and have fun and join in with this concert led by two of the finest folk music performers and song leaders in the South West. Sarah and Paul from Wren Music will bring songs from projects they have been involved with - from the hugely popular Nice Warm Socks to the more recent Songbox - as well as new tunes for you to enjoy.

There will be audience participation

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A special free screening of The Croods will take place at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery during half term on February 18

family events including singing and a chance to make an instant band! Wren Music will provide some instruments, but please bring along your own as well if you have them. Anything from shhooshhing shakers, tinkling tambourines or strummed stringy things are welcome!

Voices will be accompanied by a variety of instruments including guitar, piano accordion and fiddle. This one-off performance will also feature songs from the traditional Westcountry archive made by Sabine Baring-Gould as well as newly written pieces - we’ll probably even make up a new song or two at the event! Online ticket sales available on the www.wegottickets.co.uk website.

Tickets will also be available to purchase from the Museum Welcome Desk. 11am to 11.45 am Adults £4.50, Children £3. Booking essential.

Family Holiday Activities

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery National Storytelling Week 2014: Tales from the Wild Wild West Feb 1 1.30pm to 2.15pm and 2.30pm to 3.15pm. Admission free and no need to book. Join our professional storyteller for fun tales about the wild occupants and wilder landscapes of the ancient Westcounty kingdom, as we mark National Storytelling Week and the opening of our new exhibition of work

by Devon-based artist and sculptor, Peter Randall Page. Sessions are suitable for children aged 4+ although wrigglers and siblings are welcome.

Donations welcomed.

Film Screening: The Croods (PG) Feb 18 1.30pm to 3.15pm Join Grug, Ugga, Eep, Thunk, Sandy, Gran, Guy and Belt as they leave their cave for the first time and take a journey of lifetime. Then see if you can complete a trail around one of our galleries. If you find all the answers you could win a small prize! Admission free.

Donations welcomed. Advance booking advised by calling 01752 304774.

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the plymouth magazine

Drop In: Inspired by Nature Feb 19 10.30am to 1pm (last entries at 12.30pm) Look closely at all kinds of patterns and create beautiful colourful pictures based on our natural history collection and our exhibition of work by Peter Randall Page. Admission free. Donations welcome. No need to book. Drop-in for as little or as long as you like.

Bookable Workshop: When in Rome Feb 20 10.30am to 12pm Have a fun time with one of our Education Officers finding out all about

the Romans! Try on some armour and make a mask or helmet too! £2.50 per child. Advance booking advised by visiting the Museum Welcome Desk.

Film Screening: Turbo (PG) Feb 22 1.30pm to 3.15pm He’s fast, they’re furious! Follow the adventures of Theo, an everyday garden snail who dreams of becoming a racer and an Indy 500 champion. Then see if you can complete a trail around one of our galleries. If you find all the answers you could win a small prize! Admission free. Donations welcomed. Advance booking advised call 01752 304774.

what’s on?

You’ll be able to tick off some of your 50 things with wild art making, cooking on a campfire and bushcraft activities.

Booking essential.

Feb 19, Apr 9 and Apr 16 Bushcraft Fun

Build a den and hide in it, light a fire and toast marshmallows. Booking essential.

kinds of enjoyable self led activities and information. Celebrate spring at Lydford and enjoy the wonders of nature at this time of year. Take a look at a list of 50 things to do before you are 11 3/4 and go along to complete as many as possible during your visit to earn more stickers.

Lydford Gorge

Saltram House Plympton 01752 333500 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram

Jan 18 Wassail!

Bring whistles, pan lids and wellies for the annual ritual. Visit the Saltram Orchard to scare away the spirits and bless the crop for 2014 in the ancient custom of wassailing. Spend the rest of the evening in the cafe to sample the fruits of last year’s crop with apple cakes, juice and ciders whilst watching or joining in with the Dartington Morris Men. Sorry no dogs. Booking essential.

Feb 15 to Feb 23 Half Term at Saltram

Make the most of half-term this February and join the team at Saltram for games, activities, trails and tours inside and out, everyday! House activities at the weekends only.

Cotehele House Saltash 01579 351346 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ cotehele

Feb 18 to Feb 20 Half Term Fun

Pull on your wellies and have some fun in the outdoors during half term.

Tavistock 01579 351346 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ lydford-gorge

Feb 16 Bird Box Day

In celebration of National Bird Box Week why not go along to Lydford Gorge to make your own bird box with help from the National Trust ranger team? Collect a 50 Things booklet, earn your sticker and make a home for a wild animal.

Mar 20 to Apr 30 Spring Has Sprung

This year Lydford Gorge is celebrating the changing seasons starting on the first day of spring on March 20 through to the end of April visitors will find all

Celebrate Bird Box Day with the National Trust rangers at Lydford Gorge

the plymouth magazine

33

world in Devon and Cornwall with this new selection of works by members of the Plymouth Society of Artists. The content on show is always varied and includes works on paper, oil paintings, landscapes, portraits and more. The majority of works on display will be for sale.

exhbitions & other events Events at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, Drake Circus

Feb 1 to May 10 Peter Randall-Page: New Sculpture and Works on Paper

Until Jan 11 Hidden In Plain Sight

The term ‘abstract’ can mean many things – to remove, to summarise, to be difficult to understand, to be impersonal – all of which can apply to abstraction in art. It can refer to art that has an object or landscape as its subject or starting point, or it can use forms that have no source from the visible world. This exhibition will focus on abstraction from our collection, including work by Patrick Heron, Ian Davenport, and Justin Knowles. It will also include previously unseen footage of Patrick Heron in his studio from the late 1950s.

Jan 11 to Feb 13 Plymouth Society of Artists

Get a glimpse of the diversity of the art

cold war bunkers provide inspiration for artist peter felmingham An exhibition of work by artist Stephen Felmingham entitled The Violet Club is being staged in The Gallery at Plymouth College of Art from January 6 to February 1.

See a special joint exhibition between Peninsula Arts, Plymouth University and Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery that celebrates the work of internationally recognised artist and sculptor, Peter Randall-Page.

Presented as one show displayed across the two city centre venues, ‘New Sculpture and Works on Paper’ is Peter’s first major exhibition in the region for twenty five years.

Mar 1 to May 10 Laura Knight Portraits

Dame Laura Knight (1877 –1970) was one of the most popular and pioneering British artists of the twentieth century. Her artistic career took her from Cornwall to Baltimore and from the circus to the Nuremberg Trials.

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the plymouth magazine

Knight used portraiture to capture contemporary life and culture, and her paintings are remarkable for their diverse range of subjects and settings.

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Sculptor Peter Randall-Page at work on one of his distinctive sculptures

Fancy spending your lunchtime taking a bitesized look at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’s collections and changing exhibitions?

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The Plymouth Society of Artists – January 22 The China Connection – January 29 Peter Randall Page Exhibition – February 12 The Atrium Gallery – February 26 The Work of Peter Randall-Page – 12 March Laura Knight Portraits: Newlyn, Baltimore, Friends and War – 26 March

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Stephen presents a new body of work made in response to the Cold War bunkers of the Royal Observer Corps that still exist, abandoned, across the UK. Using the possibilities of drawing as a ‘sensitive detector’, he sets out to investigate the trauma of the generation that lived through this most dangerous time in man’s history.

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The bunkers have been an enigmatic presence in the landscape for Stephen since childhood and now, as an artist, they have provided him with objects and contexts as conceptual ‘laboratories’ for experiments into the subtle field of perceptions that form his work.

The work in The Violet Club continues Stephen’s exploration of the abilities of drawing to hold cultural memory and anxieties.

By drawing the bunkers and their objects from his peripheral vision he brings forth the haunting and uncanny forms that populate the edges of his vision while in the bunkers.

Admission is free and is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm.

One of Peter Felmingham’s works from The Violet Club the plymouth magazine

35

art matters

A novel way to end A very ‘Happy New Year’ to all of you who enjoy reading my Art Matters feature in the Plymouth Magazine. For this January 2014 issue I am very pleased to announce the launch of my first novel!

I wasn’t expecting to write a book. It literally ‘came upon me.’ One day, while I was browsing in a local art gallery, a scene and a character popped into my mind.

It was quite out of the blue and not related to any picture that I was viewing. But I knew instantly that I had to start to write.

One year, nine months later, I have finished the novel.

The creative process was amazing. As I got into the flow of the story, I found I most liked to work between 11pm and 3 o’clock in the morning! I was never a coffee drinker up until then, but found it very useful to have a strong mug-full always at hand.

As the novel developed, I started doing strange things. I’d be in my car, driving along on my own and would speak out loud what my characters would say to each other.

I’d be in the gym and hurry back into the changing room, grab my hand-bag out of the locker and scribble some inspiration down on the back of an old receipt. It was a lot of fun but also very painful.

As I got more involved with my characters, I would find myself weeping at what they had to go through; I went to some very deep places within myself to bring the book to life.

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the plymouth magazine

So here it is: Exit Darcus, a paranormal, romance. A few words to describe it

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my creative journey

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Kerry Cole with her newly-launched novel Exit Darcus

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A safe haven to relieve her inner demons proves harder to find, but is shown to be possible by the disclosures of a sexy young artist who is willing to strip his soul naked before her.

With its many twists, turns and layers this book is compelling reading and is powerfully unlocking.

Exit Darcus is, in many ways, the culmination of a creative journey that I have been on for sixteen years.

A poem that I wrote called ‘The Purple Veil’ became a stage production at the Cross Rhythms festival and later an arts and poetry book in 2011. A friend of mine painted twelve large oil paintings which illustrate the poem. Exit Darcus contains some elements of The Purple Veil.

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the plymouth magazine

37

so many memories of my trip of a lifetime to china China has always been on my ‘to do list’ so I was delighted when I was invited to experience this fascinating country with Wendy Wu Tours.

I left on November 7 and my trip involved most of the major highlights China has to offer.

Our first stop was Shanghai. After a 12 hour flight we arrived in Shanghai and were met by our two guides, Sam our national guide and David our local guide. Sam accompanied us throughout the whole trip – his organisation skills By and knowledge not only proved to be invaluable, but Andrea James he was also a good friend to everyone by the end of of our trip!

Peter Goord We spent two nights in this modern, vibrant city but it just wasn’t long enough. During our stay in Shanghai we visited the Shanghai Museum, took an evening cruise along the Huangpu River and walked along ‘The Bund’.

Travel

My highlight was a visit to the Beautiful Yu gardens, which were built by a government officer during the Ming Dynasty as a gift for his parents to enjoy in their old age. After wandering through the gardens you can spend time exploring the bazaar outside where you can find everything from local delicacies to Rolex watches.

We also had the chance to take a ride on China’s fastest train, The Maglev. This is a magnetic levitation train which reaches a maximum speed of 431 kmh (268mph) on its seven minutes 20 seconds journey to the airport!

Our evening was rounded off by a visit to Xintiandi, a trendy eating and entertainment district on the centre of Shanghai. Drinks here are expensive by Chinese standards (around £6 per drink) but worth it for the fantastic atmosphere!

Whilst in Shanghai we had a surprise visit from Wendy Wu herself. It was lovely to be able to meet her in person and be able to tell our customers that she really does exist!

We then took an early morning two hour flight to the beautiful city of Guilin, which is renowned for its surrounding limestone hills, often described as the most picturesque place in China.

During our stay in Guilin we visited the Reed Flute caves to admire the colourful stalactites and stalagmites and observed traditional cormorant fishing in the evening.

The following day we took a river cruise to Yangshuo and during the four hour journey we had plenty of opportunity enjoy the landscape of the limestone hills, fishing scenes and picturesque villages along the way.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Yangshuo but I loved it. It’s a lovely traditional town with cobbled streets filled with shops, café and restaurants. This area is particularly popular with backpackers due the range of outdoor activities it offers such as cycling, trekking and rafting.

Our next stop was Xi’an – home of the Terracotta Warriors – and a highlight for

38

the plymouth magazine

travel matters

Andrea experiences the wonder of The Great Wall of China

lots of people on our trip. We arrived after a two hour flight and spent the afternoon cycling along the old city walls on a tandem ( a must do). In the evening we enjoyed a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty Dancing.

• continued on next page

the plymouth magazine

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travel matters

terracotta warriors and the great wall • continued from previous page The next morning was the day we had all waited for, we were off to see the Warriors.

During our coach journey to the site our guide Sam explained how they were built over 2000 years ago by the First Emperor, Emperor Qin Shihuang, to protect him in his afterlife and how they remained buried and undiscovered until a farmer uncovered them in 1974 when digging a well.

Once they were discovered the government wanted to display them in a museum in Beijing but soon realised the enormity of the site so decided to build the museum on the original site.

They estimate that they have only uncovered around 20 per cent so far, but excavation has stopped until they find a way to preserve them in their original state.

This sight really has to be seen to be believed, and is now regarded as the 8th wonder of the ancient world.

Our stay in Xi’an was finished off with a trip to the Muslim Quarter where the Mosque is located and the area surrounding it has a mix of great food stalls, shops and street vendors.

After another two hour flight we arrived at our final destination, the capital of China, Beijing.

Beijing isn’t as modern as Shanghai, but is home to some of Chinas most iconic sights. During our time here we visited Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City and The Summer Palace, but the highlight for me was definitely the Great Wall.

The Great Wall stretches approximately 5,000 miles from East to West China and was also created by the First Emperor. He linked a series of smaller walls to protect him from his enemies. The Great Wall was listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1987.

We had free time to climb as much of the wall as we could. This isn’t as easy as it sounds, the steps vary greatly in depth and it can get crowded. It’s definitely worth persevering though, as the higher you climb, the crowds disperse and the scenery becomes even more spectacular. There’s even a coffee shop on the way for you to buy a souvenir T-shirt or an ice cream!

All too quickly it was time for our farewell dinner which was the local delicacy, Peking Duck. It was very good!

Before this trip I would have said that touring holidays weren’t for me, but I really feel this is the best way to see China (you certainly wouldn’t want to drive yourself!)

With Wendy Wu tours everything is included starting with your visa fees, local and national guides, entrance fees and every meal, so it is fantastic value.

The best time to visit China is in the Spring or Autumn. Summers can be extremely hot and winter temperatures in Beijing can drop to well below freezing.

NEW NOVEL from

K L COLE

Author of The Purple Veil

As we travelled in early November our weather was perfect and as it wasn’t high season we avoided the crowds which makes visiting the sights much more enjoyable. Whenever you choose to go, make sure you allow yourself some time to sit back and watch the locals go about their everyday business, from transporting a whole family on a moped to practising Tai Chi in the park, it’s a fascinating country to people watch.

Oh, and don’t forget the shopping…it has everything, especially at the copy markets. Needless to say there were lots of ugg boots and bags coming home with us.

FAITHFULNESS JUST GOT VERY SEXY

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to China and I would definitely return. It’s a pity that we didn’t get time to visit Chengdu to see the Pandas but that was probably their intention, to leave us wanting a little more…

We had a huge interest following my last article about my day trip on The Orient Express.

It has recently been announced that it will be returning to Plymouth and Exeter on Saturday April 26. This is a fantastic experience and is ideal for a special birthday, anniversary or if you just feel like spoiling a loved one (or employee, perhaps!).

Please contact our office for more details on the number below.

also available as paperback on Amazon

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the plymouth magazine

Peter Goord Travel Tel 01752 364186 www.petergoordtravel.co.uk

cornerstone’s vision for further growth in 2014... and beyond Cornerstone Vision is set for an exciting year of growth in 2014 with the launch of a new website for the business, the publication of the company’s first newspaper in Cornwall and the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the highly-successful Plymouth Magazine.

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Cornerstone Vision was established in 2000 following the amalgamation of Cornerstone House Advertising & Marketing Agency, and Vision Communications, which brought together decades of experience of serving the commercial and charitable sectors.

Today Cornerstone Vision is a one-stop resource in Plymouth for publishing, advertising sales, design and print, as well as a range of marketing services.

It not only publishes the Plymouth Magazine – delivered to 40,000 homes across the city each month – but also the Plymouth Shopper series of community newspapers, seven separate area editions of which are distributed to more than 60,000 homes every month.

Cornerstone Vision also publishes, under contract, six newspapers for Church of England Dioceses across the South of England and Home Counties with a combined circulation of more than 135,000 copies.

Cornerstone Vision’s managing director Ian Pilkington said: “Over the last 13 years we have seen the business continue to grow from strength to strength and are now responsible for publication of nearly 250,000 newspapers and magazines each month.

“We have invested in a major re-launch of our company website to reflect the scale of the business and also provide detailed information on the wide range of services we can now offer locally, regionally and nationally.

business matters

Cornerstone Vision managing director Ian Pilkington

In addition to Cornerstone’s full range of publishing, advertising and design services for local companies and organisations, the company can offer: • A publishing service to organisations wishing to develop their own communications through magazines and newspapers.

• An advertising sales service to selected publishers wishing to outsource this aspect of their work • A graphic design service including web design • Copywriting, employee communications and media relations • Print buying and project management • Marketing and fundraising services, including desk research, bid preparation and campaign management • Database management, including data entry, database design and optimisation.

Ian said: “All of the above comes under the heading of Firm Foundations – it’s the side of our business where we can provide companies with a firm foundation so that they can build their own business well.

“Our heart and our core business is in Plymouth, and we have a wealth of experience in the corporate and charitable sectors at national level too.

“Previous ‘blue chip’ clients include Sainsburys, Agusta Westland, and Boots the Chemist as well as UCB, Cross Rhythms and Gilead Foundations in the charitable sector.

“We would be delighted to hear from companies and organisations who want to raise their profile through advertising or marketing or need professional help and guidance in communicating their messages to internal or external audiences.”

For more information contact Ian Pilkington on 01752 225623 or visit the company’s website at www.cornerstonevision.com

“We also continue to invest in our leaflet distribution service, which is one of the longest-established independent services of its kind in the city.

“We can now deliver advertising and publicity material to over 100,000 homes each month, not only in Plymouth, but also in Saltash, Ivybridge and Torpoint.”

Ian said that the recent appointment of Tony Hodges as distribution manager was a significant milestone for the business.

“Tony has a wealth of experience in management and business development and we believe he can take our distribution business to new levels,” said Ian. “We are also delighted to announce that we will take over responsibility for publication of the Torpoint Advertiser newspaper in 2014, which is our first title in Cornwall.

“The Advertiser has been published for more than 30 years and we are pleased to have been given the opportunity to take on responsibility for its publication from the previous publishers, Deltor of Saltash.

“2014 is also an important milestone for the Plymouth Magazine which was first published in May 2004. In the last decade it has established a reputation as the best-read monthly magazine in the city.”

Home page of Cornerstone Vision’s new website the plymouth magazine

41

legal matters counting the cost of separation

Family Law has seen a lot of changes over the past 12 months and that is set to continue.

From April 2013 Legal Aid was taken away for many people and the Government continues to encourage people to try to resolve their differences on separation through means other than court proceedings.

That will increase further in April 2014 when it will become compulsory to have seen a family mediator before starting court proceedings in the family courts.

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LEGAL UPDATE

by Wolferstans Solicitors Legal Aid remains available for those who are financially eligible for mediation. It is also available for those who can show that they were a victim of domestic abuse and in children matters where there are child protection concerns.

Separating from a long term partner is inevitably painful and the process is likely to be stressful. Everyone deals with the stress in different ways and for some the thought of dealing with court proceedings on their own is unthinkable.

For those who cannot get Legal Aid, using a solicitor is their only option if they are unable to reach agreement with their ex partner either through negotiation or mediation.

At Wolferstans we recognise that, for many, a helping hand is what they need but they may want to limit the costs involved in using a solicitor.

Many solicitors charge substantial hourly rates and assessing the likely costs of the case at the outset is difficult leaving clients feeling that they have little control over increasing costs. We are able to offer different payment options.

• We can represent clients throughout the process dealing with all of the negotiations, advising clients throughout the process and representing at all of the court hearings.

• We can advise clients through the case without representing them at the court hearings to minimise costs. In those circumstances the client can take as much or as little advice from us as they require through the case.

• We can represent clients at the court hearings with the client running their own case between hearings.

We recognise that not one size fits all. We are very flexible in taking on those parts of a case that a client feels they need help with leaving them to deal with the parts they are more comfortable with.

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In relation to the work we are asked to take on we can offer to undertake the work either on hourly rates or fixed fees.

We recognise that different people want different things. Some prefer the certainty of knowing what they will have to pay and when and others would prefer to pay for what work is done for them on a time basis. The choice is yours.

We know that not everyone can afford to pay substantial legal fees and we aim to be as flexible as possible to offer a service to everyone within their means.

We offer a wide range of services covering all types of family work including divorce, separation, finances, children and social services. We also offer a mediation service and collaborative law.

For further information about the services we offer please contact Kate Westmacott, Head of Family Department, on 01752 292298 or by e-mail at kwestmacott@wolferstans.com.

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43

health matters

welcome to @ 51 the one-stop shop providing the feel-good factor

By Karen Pilkington So, its that time of year again when you’ve drunk too much wine and eaten your own weight in turkey, pies and chocolate... time for action!

If you are looking for an oasis of calm to soothe your over stretched Christmas nerves, you might want to peep through the door at 51 Houndiscombe Road, Mutley.

The interior is sparkling white, serene and relaxing and the businesses inside are offering a unique approach to helping their customers look after themselves, by offering varied services under the comfort of one roof – no rushing through the sales shoppers to make appointments, no ruined blow dry as you dash to the carpark in torrential rain.

Zoe Moore has worked hard to create an environment that will naturally relax and calm patients and clients with refreshments and trial products on hand.

You could, in fact, spend the best part of a day here and the team will work hard to dovetail appointment times to your best advantage. Many of the businesses can cater for visits at unusual hours too, so a relaxing treatment at the end of a busy day is also achievable.

Starting with, perhaps a long overdue dental checkup – John Moore is well known for his gentle approach and will put the most nervous of patients at ease. Not just a cosmetic dentist, he will ensure that your smile will stay looking its very best throughout the year.

Medical guidelines stress the importance of regular checkups, as whitening alone will not keep your teeth looking good or remaining healthy.

Krissie Staddon, of Nikita Beauty, has a wealth of knowledge on inner and outer beauty.

Passionate about the science behind why one anti-ageing treatment works better than another, she has extensively researched nutritional programmes and found some amazing results for prevention and cure of acne, the benefits to ageing skin of easily absorbed optimal vitamin intake, as well as weight loss and general well being.

As the quest for younger looking skin mounts up each year, more and more of us are looking for non invasive ways of looking our best for longer. Collagen

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the plymouth magazine

Zoe Moore discussing signage with her sign writer

Krissie STaddon of Nikita Beauty @ 51

Annette Ramsey and Claire Daniel of Hair @ 51

Stimulation Therapy is a technique Krissie has recently trained in, which helps the skin, reproduce scarless collagen, as opposed to the thicker scar collagen more often associated by abrasion.

is going to leave you inspired and uplifted.

Krissie believes that its vital to keep abreast of all the modern scientific developments that the beauty industry now has access to, and is not afraid to experiment on herself to see the how the results match the claims of the manufacturers. Ask her about the Juice Plus regime which has had over thirty clinical studies as well as Krissie’s own endorsement.

Many of us have jobs that put our bodies under unnatural strain – office jobs are a prime example, but Michelle also sees a lot of car mechanics too, as well as keen sportspeople suffering from golf or tennis elbow.

Moving on to hair – probably the most instant update anyone can have is a more modern style, and certainly time well spent out of the hectic lifestyles we all have these days.

Annette Ramsey and Claire Daniel have many more years of experience under their belts than you would guess from how they look – so they obviously do each others hair! They are also keen to keep up with new trends, enjoying both young and more mature clientele.

The salon is light and fun and is a great precursor to a night of celebration for any group of people. Hair up is one of Claire’s specialities and with Claire and Annette’s warm personalities and easy going nature, its easy to see why a visit to Hair @ 51

Finally, if the thought of another celebration leaves you wincing in pain, perhaps some attention from chiropractor Michelle Peters is what is needed.

If you’re self employed, or a working parent, you know that pain is something you just can’t afford – but treatment from a GP, or self prescribed painkillers often merely mask the symptoms.

Frozen shoulder is an extremely common complaint especially in middle aged women, which is often misdiagnosed, or dealt with simply by exercises – hard enough to keep up if you’re feeling well and doubly hard if you’re in pain!

Michelle uses the Neil Asher technique to great affect for this condition which helps increase the vascular supply to the affected area.

So if you are on the look out for a place where science and cosmetic treatments are seen in partnership, you can have brains and beauty - @ 51 in Houndiscombe Road is well worth a visit.

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01752 665037 4 & 5 St Lawrence Road Plymouth PL4 6HR the plymouth magazine

45

new enterprise building to create 200 new jobs in city’s union street The process of creating a pioneering urban enterprise hub in historic Stonehouse, which will create 200 new jobs in Plymouth, officially began at a special turf cutting ceremony on Union Street in December.

The ceremony, which was carried out by Council Leader Tudor Evans, marked the start of work on a new £5 million building development for the Millfields Trust which will be constructed next to its thriving HQ business Centre.

Visitors included councillors from Plymouth City Council, representatives from the Local Enterprise Partnership, European Regional Development Fund and members of the local community set to benefit from the improved economic activity the new business hub will inject into the area.

Designed to support emerging, small and medium sized enterprises and creating employment opportunities for local people, the new building will house 32 new business units and a full height atrium with glass lift.

Chris Garcia, chief executive of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership said: “The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership is very pleased to provide funding for this new hub – it will not only provide working space

for businesses, but will help to grow the economy and create new jobs.”

The Millfields Trust, a trading social enterprise which reinvests profits back into the community of Stonehouse, has chosen Midas Construction to be the main contractor for the construction of the high quality four storey building.

Mike O’Neill, divisional director of Midas Construction for Devon and Cornwall, explains, “This new development highlights the increasing investment we are seeing being injected into Plymouth. There is a very positive atmosphere in the business community in the City and this new building in Stonehouse is a prime example of this, we are delighted to be part of it”.

Set to reinforce community cohesion and pride during its construction, it will provide a range of adaptable and functional workspaces when it is completed in Spring 2015 to exacting environmental standards.

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the plymouth magazine

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Youngsters from local schools joined Coun Tudor Evans (seated in cab) and other dignitaries at the turf cutting ceremony

“It has taken many years of hard work to make this exciting venture a reality and it’s very satisfying for all our supporters to see construction work finally start,” said Reverend Sam Philpott, chair of the Millfields Trust.

“This is a real milestone in the process of creating what we are confident will become a long term legacy for Stonehouse, enhancing the lives of local residents, supporting fledgling businesses and creating positive change for Union Street,” he added.

The project will be financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and with great help and support from Plymouth City Council.

Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “This is a great day for the trust, the neighbourhood of Stonehouse and the city of Plymouth as a whole.

“Over the last year we have seen a phenomenal amount of work going on across the city between partners to help people find jobs, set up businesses and really embrace the fact we are now a social enterprise city. We have re-launched the Urban An artist’s impression of the new enterprise building Enterprise in Union Street programme and we are supporting other social enterprises in other parts of the city through the programme and will create a new community economic development trust in the north of the city.

“The Millfields Trust has been instrumental in showcasing social enterprise and helping us create better opportunities. I am delighted that we are now cutting the turf on the next phase of their important work which will provide the foundations, support and space for the next wave of small businesses to get off the ground and we are delighted for them.”

Youngsters from seven local primary schools are currently involved in an art project to decorate the hoarding which will surround the build during the construction phase.

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T. 01752 840963 E. sales@jigsawinteriorsolutions.co.uk the plymouth magazine

47

plymouth group offers a helping hand to the deaf community Deaf people face many challenges in life, mainly around communication and making themselves understood.

While recent technological advances such as implants and software on computers and smartphones have helped, sign language is still one of the commonest ways for deaf people to communicate.

British Sign Language (BSL) is used by tens of thousands of deaf people in the UK, including up to 800 people in Plymouth who are totally deaf.

BSL is a language that is visual and gestural and includes facial expressions, signs and body language.

Deaf people have to be provided with BSL interpreters when they are required to communicate in situations such as hospital appointments and interviews.

There is always a demand for more BSL qualified interpreters and the Plymouth Deaf Association is answering that need by running a BSL course starting in January.

The Plymouth Deaf Association is one of the oldest societies in the city and aims to advance and protect the interests of deaf people by giving them opportunities to express their opinions, raise funds and public interest in the welfare of deaf people, and co-operate with organisations concerned with their welfare.

The Association is based at Blake Lodge in Seymour Road, Mannamead and organises a variety of social activities including sports and social clubs, church services, signing classes taught by deaf tutors and a senior citizens club.

It has also been appointed a teaching and examination centre for British Sign Language courses.

British Sign Language (BSL) is a language in its own right, just like English or Welsh. People learn it for many reasons; from wanting to communicate with a deaf friend or relative, to wanting to gain a career-enhancing skill.

Plymouth Deaf Association is the only organisation in Plymouth to offer both Level 1 and 2 courses - and hold them within the heart of the deaf community. They will be run at the Blake Lodge Centre.

The Level 1 qualification will allow learners to communicate with deaf people in BSL on a range of everyday topics. Level 2 progresses to develop learners’ ability to communicate about a range experiences.

The Level 1 course starts on January 14 and runs for 22 weeks. It will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 9pm. The qualification is accredited by Signature and the fee of £350 is inclusive of all exams, registration and tuition.

Tutor, Alison Kevern, has been teaching for many years and her students have an extremely high pass rate. BSL is Alison’s first language, which means she teaches BSL in its most natural, fluent form.

The Association’s only non-deaf trustee, retired teacher Andy Aktinson, said that they had decided to run the course because there were so few opportunities available to learn BSL in Devon.

He is learning BSL, but it has not proved easy. “I had to travel to Totnes and Liskeard for two of my courses and the third was done by webcam and Skype.”

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the plymouth magazine

Andy has been a trustee for two years and spends as much time as possible at

hearing matters

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Trustee Andy Atkinson (left) signing with chair Darren Valentine

Blake Lodge undertaking repair and maintenance work.

Association chair Darren Valentine explained, via sign language, that the BSL course was just one way of meeting the needs of deaf people in the city.

The Association has a thriving senior citizens group and also offers a range of social activities. It is also available to help ‘signpost’ deaf people in their dealings with the authorities and other statutory bodies.

Andy said it was hoped to set up an interpreter agency at Blake Lodge in the future as part of the Association’s five year plan.

For more information on the BSL courses or the Plymouth Deaf Association in general, please contact 07922 408222/07771 514313. Visit the website at www.blakelodge.co.uk

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49

sharing research findings on the subject of sharing

By Dr Michaela Gummerum, School of Psychology, Plymouth University Christmas has been and gone, and for most of us this was a happy time of the year.

What makes the holiday season so joyous is not just the prospect of good food and time off, but also the fact that we will share our time and resources with others. We hunt through shops to find the perfect Christmas gifts and make travel arrangements to share time with family and friends.

Humans have been described as ‘natural sharers’. Our proclivity to share with others makes us very special in the animal kingdom. Unlike most other animals, we don’t just share with our relatives, but often mere acquaintances and even people we don’t know and will never meet at all (e.g., when we give to charities).

Sharing makes humans feel happy – we experience a ‘warm glow’ when we do something good for others. Furthermore, sharing might have real health benefits: A recent study found that those people who share their time with others by volunteering have lowered their risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Given the benefits of sharing – not just for ourselves, but also for others and our society at large – many parents are, of course, interested in how to improve or increase sharing in children.

In the Plymouth Babylab we examine the roots of sharing in children. We are interested in whether children share with others, who they share with, and what kind of developmental abilities they need to share.

For a long time researchers believed that young children are not as prolific sharers as adults: When given the choice, children were more likely than adults to give more to themselves.

However, recent studies challenge the idea that children are more selfish sharers than adults. Already 12-month-old children take considerable effort to spontaneously share with others.

Nine-month-old children prefer to play and interact with a person who has shared with others in the past rather than an egoistic person. Preschool children understand that sharing makes people feel happy and, on the flipside, that people who do not share feel bad.

Children’s sharing is based on two abilities: empathy, that is the ability to recognise

and sympathise with others’ emotions, and understanding fairness.

Even two-year-old children react to distress in others. When others feel sad or hurt, they spontaneously comfort and hug them, bring their own cuddly toy for consolation, or try to get help.

Children who are high in empathy also share more, not just with their family and friends, but also with people they don’t know. While feeling empathy with others is

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the plymouth magazine

Talk to the legal experts Kate Westmacott Head of Department

Phil Thorneycroft Head of Divorce Finance Team Alison Challacombe Head of Care Team

Mala Mandalia Head of Mediation Team

research matters

children’s sharing. Most people, young children included, get very upset when they are treated unfairly, for example, when they get less than others. But do we also feel uncomfortable when we get more than others? And do we give up some of our surplus resources to make things equal?

Studies with adults show that this is indeed the case. Adults believe that sharing equally is the best way to allocate resources, and they would rather lose some of their own endowment than share unequally with another person.

Similarly, sharing equally is extremely important for primary-aged children. When asked to share out candies, children rather throw away a surplus sweet than to give one person more.

Can we ‘train’ sharing more directly in children? Or, put differently, should we praise or reward children when they have shared? Interestingly, and maybe contrary to our intuitions, directly rewarding children’s sharing behaviour might actually have negative effects.

In one study, one group of pre-school children were praised when they spontaneously shared with others, one group received an extra reward, and one received neither praise nor reward. Those children who were praised or rewarded shared much less in the future than children who did not get any positive feedback.

Even young children are accomplished sharers. Helping them understand others’ emotions and the implications of unfairness are better motivators of sharing in children than direct rewards.

Just like with Christmas presents, the real joy of sharing comes with spontaneously doing something good for another person rather than doing something that is expected.

something that comes naturally to children, adults can still help children understand others’ feelings.

For example, talking about other people’s emotions, how certain actions make them feel, and why others behave the way they do helps children differentiate between different emotions and makes them understand how emotions can motivate actions.

If you are interested in contributing to research and have a child aged 0 to 6 years, please contact us on 01752 584865 or visit www.plymouthbabylab.org.

Understanding and being sensitive to unfairness is another ability that influences

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the plymouth magazine

51

tree-mendous way to end a Happy New Year! So I guess I should start by saying I shouldn’t give up the day job and become a weather forecaster!

As soon as I wrote the editorial back in late November and said that it always rains when the Christmas trees arrive – of course we have had one of the driest and mildest early Decembers ever. We were selling trees in T-shirts some days!

Fortunately we had some rain overnight for the trees to absorb. I would love to say that this year was completely stress free but it wasn’t.

However, myself and my Dad did find our two favourite trees of 2013 in local growers fields – a 12ft Nordman (supposed to be 9ft) and a 16ft Nordman (supposed to be 13ft). They both went to good – big homes. Check out the pictures.

The garden centre lorry came back in the dark one Thursday afternoon and Lee said: ‘Your Dad has grabbed a 13ft tree’ . Four people later and a measurement in the upright position proved it was a 16ft and a bit to be precise!

by

Fiona Newton

of Plymouth Garden Centre

It was quite a mission to get it through the machine and we had arm ache cutting the bottom off! Real beauties though I have to say, sadly too big for my flat!

If anyone is ever interested in these sizes of tree get in touch early, as I am off to see a number of growers next year to handpick the trees for customers who have already pre-booked their trees. Anything between 8ft and 14ft needs to be ordered: you get the pick of the crop and we can get them freshly cut, literally a few days from field to us. One load was cut and with us within four hours! That’s what you want!

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Getting to grips with one of the extra large Christmas trees...and below Fiona measures up!

What’s new for 2014 We have started refurbishing our original coffee shop counter area which should take about three weeks. We are still operating from our kitchen and new seating area.

It’s quite exciting as this will be the final piece in the jigsaw and then we will finally be able to offer the choice and service we have wanted for many years.

Thank you for all the lovely comments about the new seating area. We have have had a few discussions about the counter colours etc and a few changes.

In fact as I write this I am still not entirely sure I have chosen the right look, but hey ho! It’s such a responsibility and open for critique!

We welcome Daniel and his team from DP Pool services who will be a new tenant on site (Abbey Garden Machinery are leaving and will operate from their main office in Tavistock.) DP Pool services will be providing retail sales and services for swimming pools and spas. They will be open at the beginning of March so if you fancy a hot tub feel free to pop in and meet them.

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the plymouth magazine

• Start forcing rhubarb crowns for an early crop by excluding light from them with rhubarb forcers.

• Prune and remove any dead or diseased branches from trees and large shrubs that are susceptible to breaking from winter winds or heavy snow fall.

gardening matters

busy year at the centre bottom end of the plant area opposite the new coffee shop. So I am hoping this will open the area up and provide a wonderful space for lovely displays!

I look forward to seeing you all soon and once again the whole team here at Plymouth Garden Centre wish all the team and readers of the Plymouth Magazine a very Happy New Year.

Fiona Newton

Going to a good home...one of the largest Christmas trees is prepared for sale

• Check and secure plant supports, stakes and ties to prevent damage by winter weather.

• Sow seeds for summer flowering annuals such as Antirrhinum, Begonias, Cosmos, Lobelia, Salvias, Sweet Peas and Geraniums in a warm and sunny position such as a heated greenhouse, conservatory or window sill.

• Continue to feed the birds as food in the garden is becoming scarce. Feed them high energy foods such as fat snacks as well as seeds and nuts. Make sure their water supply isn’t frozen.

Daphne Odora – provides a spectacular fragrance from dainty pink flowers.

• Winter is a great time to reshape and trim lawn edges as long as the ground isn’t frozen. it is also a good idea to aerate your lawn by spiking it with a garden fork and brushing sharp sand into the holes.This prevents the lawn form being water logged and stops the build up of moss.

• If you missed planting spring flowering bulbs in the autumn then now is the perfect time to plant pot grown bulbs for a fantastic and colourful display of spring flowers.

• Protect tender plants from frost and snow by either bringing them undercover or wrapping them with horticultural fleece.

• Replace or repair any damaged fence posts and panels now before high winds break them.

• Plant late winter and early Spring flowering shrubs such as Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camellias and Viburnums for low maintenance displays. It is also not too late to plant Roses and fruit Trees as long as the ground isn’t frozen.

• Get bare root hedging planted now to give the plants a head start for the growing season. They will establish much better and faster if planted now.

• Mulch borders with compost, manure or bark to protect plants from winter weather and putting nutrients back into the soil at the same time.

Our favourite plant for this time of year (pictured above right) is the Daphne Odora – it provides a spectacular fragrance from dainty pink flowers.

The foliage is evergreen and has a large cream edge to the leaves giving the plant interest and elegance. It grows to a height and spread of 1.2 –1.5m (4-5ft) and prefers a position in sun to partial shade.

So, I wonder what type of gardening year we will have this year. It remains to be seen, but this year I will be in the plant area a lot more and we will be repaving the

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

53

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A 2 night stay at one of Looe’s best guest houses, Trehaven Manor, plus dinner at the award winning Old Sail Loft Restaurant Just 20 miles from Plymouth, Looe offers the perfect escape.

From the Quay side to the coastal path, from the woods to the valley, from the beach to the town, there’s plenty for you to enjoy in or out of season. Crown your day with dinner at one of the award winning restaurants or simply kick back and enjoy a drink beside an open fire at the Old Sal.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

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Q: How far is Looe from Plymouth?

Terms and conditions All winners must be aged 18 or over.

The winners will be contacted w/c 08/02/2014. If the winners do not respond or cannot be contacted by 15/02/14, they will forfeit their prize and another winner will be contacted.

Please send your completed entry coupon to the Love Looe competition, the plymouth magazine, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth PL3 4PY by the closing date of 08/02/14. Please put your name below with contact details.

Question: How far is Looe from Plymouth?

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