The Plymouth Magazine issue 129

PLYMOUTH’S BIGGEST MONTHLY CIRCULATION MAGAZINE - 46,000 COPIES

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ISSUE 129 MARCH 2015

Hayley’s magical moments Focus on Flameworks Georgia’s sweet success Town & Country Lettings lead the way What’s On guide WIN SIX MONTHS LEISURE CLUB MEMBERSHIP - SEE INSIDE

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Encouraging new business in city Readers may remember that we featured Helen Woolley in our December issue and her online business called Rockpool Trading, promoting the work of skilled craftsmen and women from Plymouth and the South West.

We were really pleased to receive an e-mail from Helen in which she said: “Thank you so much for featuring us so prominently; this led to a tremendous Christmas period for us and has really helped boost our business onto the bigger stage!

“As a result of this growth, I’m delighted to announce that we will be opening a Rockpool Trading shop, on the Barbican.”

Helen will be opening her shop in The House That Jack Built in Southside Street on March 7 with an official ‘house warming’ on March 14 just in time for Mothers’ Day - when there will be lots of goodies on offer.

We’re delighted to have played a small part in Helen’s story and wish her every success with the new retail venture.

In this issue we feature two other businesswomen: Georgie Rowe, a talented teeneager, who is running her own cakemaking business and Hayley Bowden who has launched Upon a Wish to bring a sparkle to parties.

When we launched the magazine in 2004 we set out with the aim of highlighting successful local entrepreneurs and new businesses. Over the years we have featured literally hundreds of local businesses, many of which have gone on to bigger and better things.

Some, sadly, failed to survive the recession, but it is encouraging to know that the ‘feel good factor’ is definitely returning to the city, with many new businesses opening up or expanding.

Independent and local family-owned businesses are the backbone of the city’s economy, not only employing thousands of people but also contributing hugely to the prosperity of Plymouth. We wish them well.

Publishers: Chris Girdler and Ian Pilkington Editor: Debbie Girdler Designers: Sven Lauch, Diana Mazuru and Naomi Girdler Photography: Roy Perring, Laura Joint and Naomi Girdler Contributors: Rosie Finnigan; Jon Morcom; Walter Combstock; Anthony Goord; Derek Anderson; Laura Joint; Kerry Cole; Anthony Goord; Liz Crudgington; Lauren Sayer; Naomi Girdler Advertising sales: Naomi Shearer, Sarah Simpson, Tendai Chetse and Dave Simpson Distribution: Tony Hodges and Liviu Stanciu Finance: Karen Pilkington and Kim Craig Front cover: A view of Plymouth from Turnchapel on a crisp February morning.

Photo: Roy Perring.

Contacts: Editorial Tel: 01752 225623 e-mail: chris@cornerstonevision.com Advertising Tel: 01752 225623 e-mail: karen@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 44,000 homes across Plymouth each month, with a further 2,000 copies strategically placed in leisure and retail outlets in Plymouth, Saltash and other locations.

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

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CONTENTS MARCH 2015 EDITION

ROSIE’S HAIR CARE

6

8

Rosie Finnigan, creative director at Plymouth’s Salon X, comes up with five helpful tips for happy and healthy hair

SWEET SUCCESS

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48

19

Features writer Laura Joint meets eighteen-year-old Georgie Rowe who has discovered the recipe for success with her new business

MEET SIMON REEVE

HAYLEY’S MAGIC

We meet Hayley Bowden who has launched her new venture Upon A Wish to bring a real touch of fairy tale magic to children’s parties

WHAT’S ON

Our comprehensive What’s On section has details of all the events coming up in the Plymouth area over the next few weeks

GRAHAM’S TRIBUTE

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Peter Goord Travel are offering three pairs of tickets giving readers the chance to meet popular TV travel presenter Simon Reeve

Former Plymouth Albion chairman Graham Stirling has paid tribute to the ‘Friends of Albion’ and other supporters who helped save the club

Salon is a luxurious salon that caters to those who want the best. Providing exceptional hair, makeup, beauty, nails, tanning and wedding services by using the latest products & equipment. Our hair stylists and beauticians are highly qualified and gain regular extensive training to keep them at the fore front of their expertise

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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BEAUTY MATTERS

Five simple steps to beautiful, happy and healthy hair Rosie Finnigan, creative director at Salon X in Beacon Park, Plymouth has teamed up with Plymouth Magazine to write a regular hair, makeup and beauty feature. Rosie’s experience in these fields has gained her essential tips and tricks, which she uses on a daily basis and would like to share with Plymouth Magazine readers.

Our hair is one of our most valuable assets. It can completely change our appearance We all know the lift we get on good hair days but let’s be honest it can be quite the hassle sometimes. With a few hair tips and tricks up your sleeve, you can make your hair routine faster and easier while still getting the look you’re going for.

I think for the most part, we all want what we don’t have.

But if you can manage your locks better then at least you can learn to love what you’ve got! From working in the hair industry for many years I have come across every single hair type and have learned the right tips and tricks for how to tame any mane!

Here are a few of my favourite tips that make my hair routine just a little bit easier.

Only put conditioner on the ends of your hair Unless you have a really dry scalp, most of us don’t need the extra moisture conditioner provides on our roots. Our scalp naturally produces oil every day, so adding any extra can give your hair a greasy look, especially if you don’t shampoo every day.

Shampoo your hair twice for bouncier and long-lasting hair The reason for this is that the first shampoo only removes product buildup and the odd bit of dust from your pillow. The second shampoo really cleanses the hair to give a squeaky clean finish. The results you will find are that your hair stays

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

cleaner for longer and your blowdry will be bigger and bouncier. Why do you think you always get two shampoo’s at the hairdressers?!

Give hair time to absorb the products The average woman spends about £150 a year or more on styling products, but most of us are not reaping the full benefits! You may allow your conditioner a few minutes to soak into your hair and work it’s magic but the same technique works with your styling products. Once you have washed your hair apply your products right away and let them absorb into your strands for about 10 minutes before you break out your hair dryer and other styling tools.

Massage your scalp Giving yourself a scalp massage in the shower every morning may seem like a waste of time, but it really does stimulate your hair growth and enhance the strength of your roots. So, if you’re growing your hair out, try to do this every day! It feels great! Did you know that the increased blood flow to your scalp from a massage can also put you in a better mood, reduce stress, and relieve pain by improving circulation? Sounds like it’s worth every minute.

Rough dry first The perfect the at-home blowdry is not as hard as it sounds. Start by flipping your head upside down, and shake your hair around while you rough dry, the more you move, the more volume you’ll get.

Once it’s about 80 percent dry, flip your hair back and using a round vented brush, smooth out sections of the hair.

Move your brush and dryer right down to the very end of the strands and use the brush to encourage the cuticle to lie flat.

Take your time and the result will be a lovely shiny finish.

••

For all your hair, makeup and beauty needs you can find Rosie and her team of stylists & beauticians at Salon X in Beacon Park. To find out more information go onto the website www.salonx.co.uk , alternatively you can contact 01752 500101 to make an appointment.

WOMEN AT WORK

Hayley’s magical venture brings children’s characters to life Once upon a time, in a city called Plymouth, a local girl called Hayley Bowden had a dream that one day she’d be bringing magic and fantasy into the lives of children across the south west of England.

Now, after studying for a degree in drama at Bath Spa University and living in London for four years, Hayley’s story has a fairy tale ending with the astonishing success of her business, Upon A Wish.

Plymouth-born Hayley, 27, from Woolwell, had the idea for Upon A Wish when she returned to Plymouth in August 2013.

Within eight months her brainwave had become a reality and less than a year later, she is in huge demand. As if by magic, Hayley and her team appear at parties, dressed as popular characters from children’s stories.

What started off as a ‘one-princess band’ has turned into troupe of eight – including her mum Jacci. “I can’t believe how quickly everything has taken off,” said Hayley. “At weekends we are back-to-back with parties and appearances.”

When Hayley moved back to Plymouth – ‘to be by the sea and closer to my family and friends’ – she did some research into Princess Parties and discovered that although they are very popular in America, at the time there were very few in the UK: “I was really surprised and thought this was just perfect for me,” she explained.

“I wanted to do something creative and I always loved children’s fairy tales when I was a little girl. I used to put on plays with my friends and act out stories. Cinderella was always my favourite.” Now, the former Notre Dame School student gets to do it for real.

Hayley says she always knew she wanted to work in drama: “I started am dram with Plymouth Theatre Company when I was six-years-old and I was convinced I was going to be a famous actress,” said Hayley, who has appeared in programmes such as Doctor Who, Torchwood and Casualty.

Hayley and her Upon A Wish team make every effort to appear exactly as the famous book and film characters, which means studying their accents and mannerisms. The costumes are hand-made by a local seamstress and the wigs and make-up complete the professional look.

And it’s not just for little Princesses – there are characters for boys’ parties too, including Spiderman: “The boys love it as much as the girls,” said Hayley. “For all, the favourite character at the moment is the Ice Queen. She is so popular that we need four Ice Queen gowns!”

The Company also offers a character to read a bedtime story for young children and is increasingly busy with public appearances, meet-and-greets at special occasions such as weddings and christenings, and also events hosted by Upon a Wish. These are held at venues where parents can book tickets for their children so all have the chance to meet their favourite characters and take part in a party. Hayley says these events are proving a real hit and are always sold out.

Upon A Wish supports Jeremiah’s Journey, the Plymouthbased charity for bereaved children, by donating time and also visits the children’s ward at Derriford Hospital. In

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

WOMEN AT WORK

addition, the Upon A Wish Facebook page has regular competitions where people can nominate someone deserving of a visit.

Another idea proving popular is the Upon a Wish Princess Pen Pal Club, where children receive a hand-written letter from their favourite character such as Snow White and they can write back. Upon a Wish are also the official stockists in Plymouth of the popular Disney Couture Jewellery range.

With over 2,000 ‘likes’ on the Facebook fan page, it seems that everything Hayley touches is turning to gold: “It’s really down to word of mouth,” she said.

Of course, there always has to be a down-side to all this success – there are no holidays on the horizon for Hayley for the time being: “It’s completely taken over my life and it’s taken over everyone else’s as well, like my parents. They used to have a guest room at home but it’s been transformed into ‘The Kingdom’. It’s my office-cum-wardrobe and it’s full of

dresses, wigs, Princess accessories and fairy dust!”

But Hayley says all the hard work is rewarded when she sees lots of little faces light up as their favourite character walks into the room: “They completely believe that we are the real characters because of all the effort we take. They run towards you and there are lots of cuddles.

It’s beautiful. For that moment in time, the children have a little bit of magic in their lives. It can be quite an emotional experience for the parents to see their child so happy.

“I love it what I’m doing – and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

••

Contact Upon A Wish: Telephone: 07411 961 592 www.uponawish.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/uponawish

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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I loved visiting Flameworks, maybe because I enjoy hanging out with arty people or perhaps it’s because the set up they have down there in Richmond Walk, Devonport is so interesting. If you’re looking for a fancy, posh gallery you’ll be disappointed, but if it’s a hands on, organic creative experience you’re after, contact them and get on down to one of their workshops.

Flameworks managing director, Gabi Marcellus Temple showed me around a large area of studios that house artists specialising in all sorts By of crafts. Amongst the eclectic mix of skills practised there, metalwork is a major feature.

I learnt that tucked away down in Devonport, things like Viking re-enactment pieces, metal work for movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean and highly skilled glasswork for national heritage buildings are all fashioned.

Gabi and her team were keen to convey to me why what they do is so special.

“Flameworks is unique. It’s a multidisciplinary arts environment with a large helping of academic research and cutting edge archaeological experimentation- working with everything from hand retrieved gabbroic clays to titanium alloy forging, but all in a friendly and open community. It’s a place where artists work full time but the public are also welcome.

“Flameworks likes to be open.

We want people to feel they can participate in what we do – to give access to people who don’t normally get a chance to do arts and craft. We don’t want them to feel they have to just watch an artist at work but to get their hands-on and have a go at

Kerry Cole

orks burning!

blacksmithing or in Rakuing their own ceramic.’

Gabi explained that Flameworks Creative Arts Facility was founded in 2000 by a group of metalworkers looking for somewhere to practise. Once they’d moved in, people in other disciplines soon joined them.

As Gabi took me on a tour of the facility, she told me: “Being based in this former boat building shed, we are able to lease affordable studios to artists and makers in this central, waterfront location.

“We also lease facilities including hot and cold metalwork equipment, jewellery equipment and, soon, we hope to also have an education room available .Our associate members are increasingly involved and exhibit with us, feature on our website and social media and help us out from time to time!’

While I was looking around the building I was introduced to Glenn Carter. Glenn has been working in glass for the last 30 years. His work is sited in churches throughout UK and he was part of the stained glass conservation and restoration department at Lincoln Cathedral working on the highly prestigious C12 Deans Eye rose window.

Glenn explained why Flameworks is such a great facility.

“This place is different – unique. There is such an important skill base here. There is a tradition of skills. People can work together, learn from each other- cross pollinate. The skills housed here are significant, not only for this area, but nationally and internationally.”

Gabi added that one of the main things she wants to encourage is getting people to come down and see what is available to them. “It’s a fascinating place. We run open days where people can see what we get up to and have a go themselves. Plymouth has a tremendous asset in flameworks!”

••

Flameworks 7 Richmond Walk, Devonport www. flameoworks.org 01752 559326

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Call 0843 783 0612 or visit www.mybreast.org The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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FASHION MATTERS

From bridal gowns to prom dresses, the Amica experience is a perfect fit Meet Amy Bellamy and Amanda Atwill – two friends who are behind a sparkling success story in Plymouth.

Just 18 months after opening their Amica Bridal Boutique shop next to Sainsbury’s at Marsh Mills, Amy and Amanda are employing six staff to help them provide the trademark personalised service that has made them the ‘go to’ place for wedding and bridesmaid dresses – and the new big thing, prom dresses.

Alongside the rails of gorgeous bridal gowns is a selection of brightly-coloured prom dresses which are being snapped up almost as soon as they’re put on display.

“Girls started coming in as early as October to order their dresses in their colour – even though the prom season isn’t until the summer,” said Amy. “Last year the prom rush came much later and I think a lot of the girls told their friends about us because it has really taken off.”

There’s another good reason why the girls are so quick off the mark this year: “We keep a register,” explained Amy. “We ask each girl which school they go to so we make sure that they are the only one at their school who will be wearing that dress in that colour. So it’s a case of ‘get in there first’.

“We are the sole suppliers of Ruby Prom dresses in the Plymouth area, so the girls know they won’t be turning up to the ball and seeing one of their friends in exactly the same dress.”

Three of the six Amica staff are seamstresses who are able to make alterations to ‘individualise’ the dresses – and they can use the same fabric and colour to make matching ties for the girls’ prom partners.

This year, navy blue is the ‘in’ colour, with aqua and coral also popular.

“The yellow and bright pink dresses are also doing well and they will look fantastic in the summer months,” said Amy. “In terms of style, a lot of the girls are looking for something a little bit different, something that will ensure they will really stand out from the crowd, such as the mermaid style dresses.”

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Amica has a range of bags and Ruby Prom shoes to provide the finishing touches, making it a one-stop-shop: “We understand what it means to the girls,” said Amy. “Just like the brides, they want to look stunning on their big day.

“Parents also want the best for their daughters and they want their special dress to have a level of quality but without necessarily breaking the bank. We offer all of those things and we can make alterations later so that the girls can wear their dresses to other special occasions too.”

That level of personal service is one of the reasons why brides from across the region have chosen Amica for their wedding and bridesmaid dresses: “For us, it’s important we offer a great experience and a lot of our customers come here because of recommendations,” said Amy. While ivory remains the most popular choice for brides in 2015, there is a trend this year for subtle shades like champagne, blush pink and light gold. With the wedding preparation season now in full flow, it’s all hands to the pump for the Amica team: “Brides traditionally start to look for their wedding dress in the New Year because it can take up to six months to make a dress and then carry out any adjustments, so we’re very busy at the moment.

“Interestingly, some are going for prom gowns instead of bridesmaid dresses because they have a bit more bling and sparkle – that’s another trend we’ve noticed this year.”

Amy and Amanda knew they were taking a huge step when they left their jobs in the marketing unit at Plymouth University to open Amica Bridal Boutique in August 2013 – but Amy says things have worked out just perfectly: “We’re really proud of our shop and our fantastic team; we work together very closely to give our customers a lovely experience and I think we’re ticking all the right boxes.

“The way things have gone has been absolutely fantastic.”

••

www.amicabridalboutique.com Tel: 01752 214040 Marsh Mills, Plymouth Road, Crabtree, Plymouth PL3 6RL

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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Recipe of the month Sponsored by Riverford Organic

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Parsnip & Leek Korma Serves two Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 25 minutes √√ oil for frying √√ 1 leek, finely shredded √√ 1 very large parsnip or more smaller (approx 300g), cut into batons √√ 1 tbsp mild curry powder √√ ½ tsp ground cumin √√ ½ tsp ground coriander √√ 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped √√ 5cm fresh ginger, peeled & grated √√ 50g ground almonds √√ 1 pot Riverford yogurt √√ 1 tin chickpeas, rinsed & drained √√ 1 lime, juice to taste √√ handful toasted flaked almonds √√ handful fresh coriander leaves Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan. Add the leek and fry on a low heat for 5 mins, stirring now and then to stop it catching. Add the parsnip and cook for a further 5 mins. Add the curry powder, cumin, coriander, garlic and ginger. Stir for 1 min.

With the heat right down, add the almonds and half the pot of yogurt. Stir, then add 150ml water and half the chickpeas (save the rest for other meals or lunchbox salads). Season with a little salt.

Bring gently up to a low boil, not much more than a simmer.

Cook for approx 10-12 mins, until the parsnips are just tender.

Keep an eye on the liquid – you don’t want the sauce too runny, but add a splash more water if it looks like it’s getting too thick and gloopy.

Taste for salt, add a good squeeze of lime juice and stir in the fresh coriander leaves to serve. Sprinkle over some toasted flaked almonds to serve.

Recipe courtesy of Riverford Cook Kirsty Hale and www.riverford.co.uk/recipes

••

For more information and recipes contact Liz Ede at www.riverford.co.uk/ sacrewell

FOOD MATTERS Talented baker and businesswoman teenager Georgie Rowe

The sweet taste of success for teenager Georgie Georgie Rowe has always baked, ever since her days as an infant when she was her grandmother’s little helper in the kitchen.

Food tech was Plymouth-born Georgie’s favourite subject at Eggbuckland Community College and her first part-time job was at a baker’s when she was 14-years-old.

So it’s probably no surprise to find her, four years later, running her own café, shop and bakery, Mrs Browns, near the city centre.

Georgie was just 17 when she opened the café and shop in Gibbon Lane, North Hill, and in December she threw a tea and cake party to celebrate its first anniversary.

The café is a cake-lover’s heaven. Walk through the front door and there are temptations everywhere you look. Georgie

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@CornerstoneVis

makes all of the cakes and her own favourite – millionaire’s shortbread – in the bakery area of the café and she also specialises in beautifully-crafted bespoke party, novelty, wedding and vintage cakes.

And, due to popular demand, she recently launched cake-making workshops which are going down a treat with customers.

As if all this wasn’t enough to keep her busy, this year, Georgie will be exhibiting at a number of events and fairs where she dresses up in a vintage outfit.

“This is my dream job and I’m loving it!” said Georgie, who did a one-year food production apprenticeship with Plymouth City College which included a placement at a city bakery.

• continued on next page

The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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FOOD MATTERS Georgie’s popular millionaires shortcake

• continued from previous page “When I was about to leave school I didn’t have a clue what I was going to do so I decided to do something that I really enjoy. When I was 14 I had a little holiday and after-school job at a bakery. I had to catch the bus to get there and I was paid £2 an hour. By the end of my shift I had made £2 profit – and I’d spend that on a cake!

“But that experience taught me a lot and I knew this was something I would enjoy.”

Yet, says Georgie, things might have been very different had it not been for one of her teachers at Plymouth City College: “I used to be very shy to the point that on some days I couldn’t actually go into the college. I’d stay outside.

She came out and chatted with me and talked me into going in. She helped me overcome my shyness and I have a lot to thank her for because I wouldn’t be doing this without her.”

The bright and cheery atmosphere of the café is one of the big attractions for customers – quite apart from the rows of cakes and other goodies: “I’ve made so many friends doing this and it was one of the inspirations behind the workshops,” said Georgie.

Georgie’s recipe for success - follow your passion and work hard “They’re very sociable events. In two hours, people learn how to make the sponges and sugar icing techniques so they can decorate the cakes. Then we drink tea and eat cake!”

The workshops are £15 per person, with a maximum of 10 people.

Georgie is also among a group of local businesswomen who meet for a cuppa and a networking chat at Mrs Browns: “This is a brand new thing that we are doing and it’s a great way for local businesses to cross promote,” she explained.

Georgie, who also makes cakes to order, has been known to bake all night so that everything’s ready for the morning.

When it comes to some of the heavier work that’s needed in the café, her boyfriend Kieran is on hand: “It’s just as well because some of the cakes are so big I can’t even lift them,” she said.

Her mum and dad help out too, while her grandmother – who first introduced her to cake-making all those years ago – remains a big inspiration: “Nanny Pat has been my rock. She still gives me tips and I do a vintage quiche using her recipe. I did her 80th birthday cake, which she really enjoyed.”

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

FOOD MATTERS 5193

2015

Celebrating 80 years of the

Georgie’s teapot cake

GARDEN HOTEL Georgie had hoped to take part in the Great British Bake Off but is ineligible because she is a professional: “I was gutted!”

So with that ambition thwarted, what are her other hopes for the future? A chain of café/shops perhaps? “I just want my shop to be successful and I want to be happy. There’s so much of me in this place that I’m happy to just have this one.

Eventually I’d like to have my own recipe book; that would be great.”

And does she have any advice for other young people thinking of setting up a business? “Don’t be afraid because age doesn’t matter. Follow your passion and as long as you work hard, you’ll be fine. If you enjoy something, do it.”

••

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WHAT’S ON The Lyric Royal Parade Plymouth Box Office 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com Until Feb 28 REBECCA Rebecca is timeless: the book beloved by generations and the iconic Alfred Hitchcock film a classic of the genre. Now Rebecca bursts onto the stage!

A spellbinding new production of Daphne du Maurier’s masterpiece.

March 2 - 14 THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT TIME Christopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain - exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world… This thrilling new stage play is based on the award winning novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott.

March 16 - 21 PETER PAN GOES WRONG The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society set out to present J.M.

Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan, but as the title suggest, everything that can go wrong… does, as the accident prone thesps embark on a thrilling adventure to Neverland with hilariously disastrous results.

Terrific fun for all ages, don’t miss this hysterical laugh out loud comedy.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is at the Theatre Royal in April

March 17 - 21 THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be?

What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger!

Following a smash-hit West End season, the tea guzzling tiger is basic on the road in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem.

March 24 - 25 BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET - MOVING STATESIDE Three ballets spanning nearly a century of US creativity, from George Balanchine’s earliest American creation to one of the Company’s most recent commissions, Moving Stateside, features Serenade, a stunning piece of pure dance from masterchoreographer George Balanchine, Jessica Lang’s Lyric Pieces and

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

the dominatingly energetic Upper Room. A high-octane evening!

March 26 - 28 BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET - COPPÉLIA What is at the heart of a woman?

Eccentric toymaker Dr Coppélius wants to know, and he’s planning to bring his mechanical doll, Coppélia, to life - he just needs the right spell. Peter Wright’s

enchanting production of this joyous and witty ballet is an everpopular celebration of love, with a sparkling score and breathtaking choreography.

March 31 WELSH NATIONAL OPERA’S CHORUS! Chorus! is a fully staged extravaganza as some of opera’s greatest moments. The talents of

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April 12 THAT’LL BE THE DAY It’s party time again as the legendary That’ll Be The Day, that nation’s favourite rock ’n’ roll variety show returns with another opportunity to see its latest 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 hilarious comedy! Prepare for an unforgettable night of nostalgia, laughs and rock ‘n’ roll! soprano Lesley Garrett, centre stage with the stunning WNO Chorus, make this a uniquely entwined and magnificent spectacle. Lesley’s natural rapport with an audience reaches far beyond the opera house. Her superb voice, in union with the Chrous, brings every song to life in a delightful cocktail of music and performance.

April 1 - 2 WELSH NATIONAL OPERA’S THE MAGIC FLUTE Every now and then we need a night at the theatre which just makes us smile. Dominic Cooke’s warm and witty production of The Magic Flute does just that. The combination of Mozart’s sublime music and Cooke’s surreal staging featuring an angry lobster, a newspaper reading lion and a fish that is also a bicycle adds up to an entertaining evening.

April 4 WELSH NATIONAL OPERA’S HANSEL AND GRETEL This deliciously dark interpretation of the well-loved fairy tale will be devoured by anyone with a wicked sense of fun and fantasy. Richard Jones revels in the nightmarish aspects of the story. Deep in the depths of the forest Hansel and Gretel must use all their guile and trickery to avoid a horrific fate.

April 7 - 11 JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Bill Kenwright’s ‘amazing’, ‘wonderful’ and ‘brilliant’ production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues on its record breaking tour having sold www.cornerstonevision.com

April 13 - 18 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Set in the Deep South, Harper Lee’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel sees racial injustice envelop a small-town community. Through courage and compassion, lawyer Atticus Finch seeks the truth, and his feisty daughter, Scout - a young girl on the cusp of adulthood - brings new hope to a neighbourhood in turmoil.

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to date an estimated 15 million tickets. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph and the coat of many colours, this magical musical, and the UK’s longest running, is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me.

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April 19 SEX IN SUBURBIA Claire Sweeney stars in and cowrites this brand new comedy about dating, men and finding Mr Right. Penny Crowe is the host of a late-night radio phone-in and, as Britain’s leading Agony Aunt, she takes calls about every date from hell and the occasional one from heaven. She is more than happy to dish out relationship advice, but is she as happy to take it?

April 20 - 25 DERREN BROWN: MIRACLE This multi-award winning acknowledged master of psychological illusion is back on tour in 2015 with a brand new one-man show, Derren Brown: Miracle. Having confessed that performing live on stage gives him the greatest pleasure, Derren is, once again, looking forward to the challenge that comes with being acknowledged as one of the world’s most renowned live performers.

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WHAT’S ON Out, this spectacular West End production will be returning to the Theatre Royal Plymouth where it wowed audiences in 2011. Top Hat brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the glorious, tapdancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the stage in one of the greatest musicals of all time.

May 1 - 3 DINOSAUR ZOO Direct from the West End, Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome prehistoric creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before! From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, observe and interact with extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative and hilarious live show.

May 11 - 16 THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS Based on the best-selling novel

by John Boyne, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a heartwrenching tale of an unlikely friendship between two innocent boys. Set during World War II, the story is seen through the innocent eyes of Bruno, the eightyear-old son of the commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of

the camp fence has startling and devastating consequences.

May 18 - 23 THE WOMAN IN BLACK The Woman in Black is a gripping theatrical exploration of terror, a masterpiece, thrilling audiences of all ages with its unique bend of suspense, drama and bold stagecraft. Now celebrating 25 years in the West End, The Woman in Black is a marvellous exercise in tension, spun from perfectly paced storytelling that has enthralled over seven million people since its original debut.

May 26 - Jun 6 BARNUM This exhilarating musical follows the irrepressible imagination and dreams of Phineas T Barnum, America’s Greatest Showman. The story of his life and his marriage to Chairy reveals a couple who looked at the world from opposite sides of the spectrum, and also reveals that she was the practical one that made his dreams come true. We follow the legendary showman’s life as he lit up the world with colour, warmth and the excitement of his imagination and finally teamed up with J A Bailey to create Barnum and Bailey’s Circus - the Greatest Show on Earth.

Barnum is at the Theatre Royal in May and June

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Theatres & Shows

a deeply moving and blisteringly witty black comedy challenging what it means to be a mother, and exploring how the choices we make can change our lives forever.

March 31 SIMON WESTON: MY LIFE, MY STORY Simon Weston; My Life, My Story is a truly inspirational show about one man’s journey from the front life of war and on the edge of death, to today being a happy and contented father, grandfather and national treasure.

April 8 - 11 THE HALF GIRL ‘I know he’s out there somewhere, I feel him. There’s half of me missing, it’s out there calling me, to find him.’ The Young Company return with a mythical journey reimagined for our times. Seeking to heal the broken spirit of her mother, a young girl must face her deepest fears as she steps out into the night to find her father.

April 14 - 18 NATIONAL THEATRE CONNECTIONS Each year the National Theatre asks ten writers to create new plays for performance by young theatre companies all over the country. From Scotland to Cornwall and Northern Ireland to Norfolk, Connections celebrates great new writing for the stage and the energy, commitment and talent of young theatre-makers.

The Theatre Royal Plymouth is delighted to be one of 26 venues across the UK hosting a showcase festival, with companies from across the region.

Castle Street, Plymouth BOX OFFICE: 01752 267131 www.barbicantheatre.co.uk March 7 PERSPECTIVES (DOUBLE BILL) Devised with lighting designer Jamie Smith, How If I? reveals the body and its potentiality through an intricate collaboration of light and movement. It’s a Gender Affair presents a topsy-turvy journey through a fairground world exploring perceptions of gender, created with filmmaker Charlotte Eatock. www.cornerstonevision.com

March 10 to 15 WEST SIDE STORY Plymkids Theatre Company return to Barbican Theatre with their latest production of the classic musical.

March 20 AWAKENING A triple bill featuring original works by award winning choreographer Yael Flexer and Cornwall based company Freefall Dance.

March 14 BETA BETA is a monthly evening of work-inprogress performance curated by New Model Theatre in association with Theatre Royal Plymouth, Barbican Theatre and Plymouth University.

This exciting showcase of new work alternates between Theatre Royal Plymouth’s studio space The Lab, the Barbican Theatre’s auditorium and The House at Plymouth University.

March 28 SHARED INVENTIONS: THE HEAVISIDE CONDITION The Heaviside Condition is a term used to define the best method for transmitting electrical signals over long distance cables without distortion.

This scientific condition was coined for the gloriously eccentric engineer who predicted it: one Oliver Heaviside (1850 - 1925). His ‘peculiar mathematical witchcraft’ would forever change the rules of global communication, yet his final years in South Devon were marred by obscurity, obsession and oddness.

While researching remnants of Heaviside’s life and mind, songwriter-performers Hugh Nankivell, Steve Sowden and Johnny Croose have created a new theatrical song-cycle. Here, they will present their musical investigation as a “shamanic pantomime”, alongside an innovative community choir, to uncover and celebrate the eccentricities inherent in all of us.

April 8 - 11 DICK TRACY The talented Le Navet Bete bring their latest hilarious production to the Barbican Theatre. With their work rooted in the ridiculous, Le Navet Bete’s Dick Tracy is a physical comedy influenced by the world-famous detective incorporating fooling, original live music, plenty of audience interaction, lightning quick @CornerstoneVis

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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WHAT’S ON character changes, incredibly authentic accents spattered with mystery, malice and mischief.

April 25 SAFE ZoieLogic Dance Theatre’s powerful new production is dance theatre at its most thrilling. Set against the imagined backdrop of New York’s world famous, iconic Empire State Building, five outstanding male performers inhabit the world of the heroic construction workers of 1930; the men whose skills, dedication and sheer bravery helped make this incredible building a groundbreaking first. The performance will be at The House, Plymouth University.

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May 8 - 9 KERNOW KING: MINORITY RAPPORT KK, as he is affectionately known, is back this Spring after his sellout success at Barbican Theatre

Theatres & Shows with ‘Splann’ in 2014. KK’s latest show ‘Minority Rapport’ is bound to have audiences in hysterics as he explores the quirks and peculiarities of being a recognised minority.

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Mar 6 HAMER & CO Everything from silky smooth to smoking’ hot jazz music!

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March 11, 25, Apr 8,22 CAFE ACOUSTICA Fortnightly showcase of unplugged talent, hosted by singer-songwriter Jessie Mullen.

March 15 ALASDAIR ROBERTS Alasdair Roberts has had a remarkable career to date, starting his music-making in the mid-nineties (under the band name Appendix Out), collaborating widely with many musicians in the intervening 20 years as well as artists from other disciplines such as film makers, poets and puppeteers.

March 22 WORDS & MUSIC FESTIVAL Peninsula Arts present a special closing show as part of their Words and Music Festival.

April 3 HAMER & CO Everything from silky smooth to smokin’ hot jazz music! Rich Hamer, Frank Hamer and some fabulous special guests unite to form this sublime band, seamlessly combining swing, blues, latin and bebop.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Keith James’ unique concert, haunting and hugely dedicated. A number of years have now passed since singer/guitarist Keith James paralysed the whole country with his stunningly beautiful series of concerts entitled The Songs of Nick Drake. At the beginning of the project in 2001, he was the first artist ever to bring this immaculate and intriguingly fragile music to theatres across the UK in its pure, live concert form. The end result was almost a decade of highly acclaimed tours amount to over 1000 concerts in venues across the world.

April 23 RHYMEWARP WITH MAMA TOKUS Hosted by the inimitable Mama

Tokus and bringing you an excellent array of talent, every one of these will be a unique experience not to be missed.

Mama will be performing her own funky and funny compositions as well as selecting a few of the best poets and writers to perform at each Rhymewarp event.

Millbay Road, Plymouth Box Office: 0845 146 1460 March 3 THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW The Australian Pink Floyd Show are much more than a tribute to the great music of Pink Floyd, and were described by The Times as ‘the gold standard’. The band capture and convey the spirit as well as the sound, and slavish attention is lavished up jawdropping staging.

March 5 PAUL WELLER Having split up The Jam at the height of their powers in 1982 after six era-defining albums, Paul Weller spent the rest of the eighties challenging pop convention with The Style Council releasing five albums during their eclectic career. Forging a solo career in the early nineties, Paul Weller was reinstalled as the pre-eminent songwriter of his generation with a total of 11 solo albums to his name and winning a long list of awards.

March 6 THE DREAMBOYS The Dreamboys present an action packed night of music, muscle, magic and mayhem.

March 11 - 12 OCTONAUTS When there’s trouble under the sea, the Octonauts dive into action! Get ready to embark on an exciting new mission with underwater adventure super heroes Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso, in the brand new live stage show, Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure.

March 13 BRENDAN COLE Brendan, one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most charismatic choreographers and performers, will host throughout as he leads his cast on a journey of music and dance in a spectacular night of theatrical entertainment.

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WHAT’S ON March 14 RUMOURS OF FLEETWOOD MAC Having performed 500 major concert shows to over half a million fans around the world since they formed over a decade ago, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac return to the UK to present a spectacular new stage production celebrating the music of the legendary rock supergroup Fleetwood Mac. March 22 BLUE Lee Ryan, Antony Costa, Duncan James and Simon Webbe catapulted to fame in 2001 with their Top 5 single ‘All Rise’.

The lads, who are now doting fathers, have grown up before our eyes and their bond has only strengthened over time. The tabloids have followed their every step from chart-topping highs to personal lows. Say what you will about Blue, but no matter how many times they’ve been knocked down, they always come back stronger.

April 10 - 11 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Don’t miss another fun-filled Easter pantomime from the same team behind The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan. With a star cast,

impressive music, energetic dance routines as well as plenty of jokes, slapstick and heaps of audience participation! The spellbinding pantomime tells the story of Beauty who longs for romance and adventure, a bad-mannered Prince who is transformed into a Beast to teach him a lesson and a good Fairy who makes both their dreams come true.

April 14 - 16 LORD OF THE DANCE: DANGEROUS GAMES With all the visceral precision and thrills of the original, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games features new staging, new costumes and choreography.

With 40 of the world’s most outstanding young performers directed by Michael Flatley, and new music by composer Gerard Fahy, this latest iteration combines the best of tradition with all the excitement of new music and dance.

April 17 SIMPLE MINDS The band’s 16th album, Big Music sees the band rekindling the energy and attitude, the mystery and magic that made them one of the greatest bands on the planet.

Simple Minds are widely regard as one of the best live bands in

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April 18 AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE Join this all-new riotous romp into the bizarre world of burlesque and cutting-edge variety.

Sashaying Royal Academy-trained burlesque bombshells slip into exotic character as smoothly as they slip out of the most exotic couture costumes to ever grace the stage. Evocative Arabian Nights, fabulous fan dancing fantasies, foxy 40s WAF sirens, bubblegum blowing baseball babes, cheesecake pin-ups… the themes come thick and fast.

May 2 MIKE & THE MECHANICS Following on from their sold-out UK tour Mike & The Mechanics, who have sold over 10 million records worldwide announce ‘The Hits Tour 2015’.

Genesis founding member Mike Rutherford (Guitar) – joins forces with a new generation Mike + The Mechanics which includes one of the UK’s most prolific R&B singer, Andrew Roachford - Lead and backing vocals – (whose previous hits include Cuddly Tour

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

May Day date for Michael Ball at Plymouth Pavilions Michael Ball, Britain’s leading musical theatre star, is appearing at the Plymouth Pavilions on May 1.

The double Olivier Award winner, multi-platinum recording artist and a hugely popular radio and TV presenter released his latest album ‘If Everyone Was Listening’, in November 2014.

The album features 15 tracks chosen by Michael to include a mix of individual classics, award winners and contemporary songs spanning the years 1960 to 2013.

For more than 25 years Michael has been at the top of his game starring in musical theatre productions in the West End and on Broadway winning critical acclaim, a devoted following and awards for his stage work and recording career.

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global success. Their other classic hits will include; Silent Running; All I Need Is A Miracle; Word Of Mouth, Another Cup of Coffee, and the unforgettable Over My Shoulder. For tickets or further information contact Plymouth Pavilions on 0845 146 1460 or visit www.plymouthpavilions.com

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T. 01752 840963 E. sales@jigsawinteriorsolutions.co.uk The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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WHAT’S ON visitors - all welcome. Members £7, full time students £5.

March 6 PLYMOUTH AREA POLICE CHOIR St Budeaux Baptist Church With Saltash Ladies Choir, detail from Bob on 406995

Music March 1 EDUARDO RECK MIRANDA The House, Plymouth University Research Performance Miranda: BioComputer Music (2014) Premiere. Admission free.

March 1 ALEXIS KIRKE Roland Lewinsky Building, Plymouth University Research Performance: Fast Travel (2012). Admission free.

March 1 MIKE MCINERNEY AND SEAN LEWIS Roland Lewinsky Building, Plymouth University Research Performance: Piano Forest (2014) Premiere. Free entry.

March 1 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion Club, Crownhill The Martin Dale Quartet with Roger Marks, tickets £9 for

March 14 UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH CHORAL SOCIETY St Andrew’s Minister Church Conductor Simon Ible, with Laurie Ashworth - soprano. Sarah Pring - mezzo-soprano. David Webb tenor. Adrian Clarke - baritone.

Haydn: Teresa Mass. Tickets £15, Friends of Peninsula Arts £13 March 15 CELEBRATING YOUNG PERFORMERS CHARITY CONCERT Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University This dazzling array of young musicians will perform in a range of musical genres under the direction of Musical Director Sarah Gill of Mayflower Ladies Chorus. Plymouth Soroptimists and the Plympton Rotary Club in partnership with Peninsula Arts are presenting this showcase opportunity showcasing for Plymouth’s finest young

Concerts of contrast Plymouth Symphony Orchestra will be performing two concerts in March. This first will be on Sunday March 22 in Liskeard followed on Wednesday March 25 at Plymouth Guildhall at 7.30pm.

The varied programme includes two American works – firstly the joyful orchestral fanfare Short Ride in a Fast Machine, by John Adams and secondly Leonard Bernstein’s Three Dance Episodes from the popular musical On the Town.

This musical, first produced on Broadway in 1944, is well known for many of its songs including ‘New

musicians whilst raising money for Devon Air Ambulance Trust and Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund

Chorale workshop based on spirituals and gospel music, all invited to participate. Price available on enquiry.

March 15 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion Club, Crownhill The Sopranos. Tickets £9 for all visitors - all welcome. Members £7, full time students £5.

March 21 WORDS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL The Hub, Bath Street Showcase of Plymouth University student singer-songwriters.

Tickets £4, students £2, on the door. Sponsored by Suzanne Sparrow Language School.

March 19 CONCERT: PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT St Andrew’s Church, Plymouth Rupert Bond, conductor.

Programme includes: Edward Gregson: Metamorphosis for Wind Orchestra. Sibelius: Symphony No 3 in C. Berlioz: Hungarian March. Khachachurian: Suite from Spartacus. John Williams: Dartmoor 1912, for strings. Free admission.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

York, New York’ and tells the story of three sailors on 24hour leave in the city of New York.

The major work in this concert is the mighty 5th Symphony composed by Dimitri Shostakovich, which received an ovation of well over 30 minutes at its first performance in Leningrad in 1937. The programme also features two British works – the symphonic poem Tintagel, composed

by Arnold Bax and inspired by his visit to Tintagel Castle in the summer of 1917 and the ballet music to Gustav Holst’s one act opera The Perfect Fool.

The Plymouth Symphony Orchestra is one of the

March 20 STUDENT COMPOSERS’ CONCERT Sherwell Centre Music composed and performed

by Plymouth University undergraduate music students.

Admission free.

March 22 CARLTON BIG BAND Duke of Cornwall Hotel Tickets £7 on the door, £7 in advance from Kerrys, Vibes or from the Duke of Cornwall/ March 22 TALK: SEA-FEVER Sherwell Centre Words and Music Festival. An exploration of songs of sea voyages, romance and adventure.

Admission free. Sponsored by Suzanne Sparrow Language School.

March 20 PLYMOUTH AREA POLICE CHOIR Church of the Ascension, Crownhill Details from Bob on 406995

March 22 WORDS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Sherwell Centre Clare Presland - mezzo-soprano.

Ashley Riches - baritone. Emma Abbate - piano. Paul K Joye: Song Recital: Sea Fever. £12, Friends of Peninsula Arts SPiA £10.

Sponsored by Suzanne Sparrow Language School.

March 21 PLYMOUTH PHOENIX CHORALE St Peter’s Church, Wyndham Square Musical Director: Marcus Alleyne.

March 22 PLYMOUTH PHILHARMONIC CHOIR The Guildhall, Royal Parade Verdi: Requiem. Tickets £17 on

Music

longest-established orchestras in the country and the present conductor, Anne Kimber, is only the sixth conductor to have taken up the baton in 138 years. The orchestra attracts many distinguished soloists, with Ralph Kirshbaum, Guy Johnston,

Tasmin Little, Joanna MacGregor and Jennifer Pike amongst the most recent performers to play with the orchestra.

the door; child/student £5, £15 in advance from St Andrew’s Minster Church. See centre pages

by Suzanne Sparrow Language School.

March 22 JO MANGO AND FRIENDS B-Bar, Barbican Theatre Singer songwriter Jo Mango and friends as part of the Words and Music Festival, £4 on the door, students £2. Sponsored

••

For ticket information visit www. plymouthsymphony. co.uk.

March 23 TALK AND PERFORMANCE: EWAN MACCOLL Jill Craigie Cinema, Plymouth University The Man and His Songs. Sam Richards & Mick Bramich.

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WHAT’S ON March 25 PLYMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The Guildhall, Royal Parade Conductor Anne Kimber. See concert details and ticket information in the feature on pages 26 and 27 .

March 28 DR CLARE GRIFFEL Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery Chair of the South West Early Music Forum and participants.

Workshop: participants will learn to sing Catches from the 18th Century.

March 26 PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA St Andrew’s Church Spring Concert. Rupert Bond conductor. Programme includes: Edward Gregson: Metamorphosis for Wind Orchestra. Sibelius: Symphony No 3 in C. Berlioz: Hungarian March. Khachachurian: Suite from Spartacus. John Williams: Dartmoor 1912, for strings. Admission free.

March 31 SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS CHOIR Mount Gould Methodist Church Directed by Jenny George, The Armed Man, by Karl Jenkins. A Silver Jubilee presentation.

March 27 JEANIE MOORE INTERNATIONAL CONCERT SERIES Duke of Cornwall Hotel Featuring internationallyrecognised guitar duo Pete Oxley and Nick Meier. For tickets contact 01752 770345 or via email at jeanie@jeaniemooremvo.co.uk.

For more information about events at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel visit www.thedukeofcornwall.co.uk Tel 01752 275850

April 1 SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS CHOIR Crownhill Methodist Church, Directed by Jenny George. The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins.

A Silver Jubilee presentation.

Collection in aid of ‘Water Aid’; further details from Maureen Blatchford on 01752 292118 April 5 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion Club Crownhill Slide by Slide Quintet. Tickets £9 for visitors, members £7, full-time students £5 - all welcome. Full information via 01752 721179 April 18 PLYMOUTH PHOENIX CHORALE St Peter’s Church, Plymouth

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

‘The Josh’ celebrates 25th anniversary with concerts and new CD The Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir, affectionately known as ‘The Josh’, is by no means the largest in the Plymouth area, but is, probably, the most versatile.

This versatility has taken the choir away from the stereotyped image of a choral society while still retaining the ability to sing good choral music, together with a wide variety of other musical genres.

The choir was formed in 1989 from an adult education class of some 15 members and named after the Sir Joshua Reynolds Centre where they met.

Although the centre has since closed, necessitating a move to its new home at Colebrook Methodist Church, the choir has gone from strength to strength, increasing in size to a membership of around 50 members, one of whom, Dorothy Allen, The choir at its first-ever concert in 1989 is the one remaining founder member.

Under the capable direction of Jenny George, herself an established singer, and ably accompanied by Anne Kalas, the choir no longer concentrates solely on choral works, but produces three varied programmes each year.

Each year there is a Christmas presentation - always a sell-out. The major choral works can be heard in the springtime, Founder member Dorothy often in celebration of Easter, and, Allen by way of complete contrast, the summer/autumn season sees the choir in a somewhat lighter mood with a programme of light classics, excerpts from the musicals, popular songs, even some jazz numbers, often interspersed with the odd comedy item.

Musical Director: Marcus Alleyne.

Workshop: Schumann Requiem Mass 9.30 - 4.30pm Informal concert at 5pm. More information 07971 169335 April 19 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB The Royal British Legion Club, Crownhill Des Bacon’s Red Hot Syncopaters.

Tickets £9 for visitors, members £7, full-time students £5 - all welcome. Full information via 01752 721179 April 26 FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, FLOWERS AND FOOD Devonport Park Bandstand

Live music and good local food stalls and a variety of activities.

Admission free - see www. friendsofdevonportpark.com April 29 DIVERTIMENTO STRING QUARTET The Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Plymouth Mary Eade, Lindsay Braga violins. Andrew Gillett - viola and Vicky Evans - cello. Beethoven: String Quartet: Op 18 no 2.

Dvorak: Cypresses. Wolf: Italian Serenade. Puccini: Crisantemi.

Shostakovich: Polka. Tickets £10 from the Duke of Cornwall Hotel 01752 275850 or from Divertimento 01803 863677

Music

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Apart from the obvious benefit to the membership of enjoying the music and the social aspect, the choir has made some significant contributions to various charities. More recent contributions have amounted to nearly £5000. Whilst the diary is normally quite full, the choir will consider any request to perform from organizations that Musical director Jenny have a suitable venue.

George The choir is celebrating in several different ways. They have produced their first CD, entitled ‘Celebration 25’ which is an eclectic mix from their repertoire.

Some years ago, the choir was proud to be the first in Plymouth to perform ‘The Armed Man’ by Karl Jenkins.

In view of its popularity and success, they have decided to present it again as their spring series. It can be heard at Wembury, Mount Gould and Crownhill.

This will be followed in the Summer by a Gala Concert at Harewood House, which will, inevitably, be a sellout so early booking is advised.

••

Further details can be found by visiting the choir’s website: www.sirjoshuareynoldschoir.co.uk

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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WHAT’S ON

Talented singer take centre top tenor

Local schoolgirl Alice Vickery is taking the choral music scene by storm after winning a professional contract through the Plymouth Music Accord Young Musician’s Platform, writes Naomi Girdler.

Devonport High School for Girls student, Alice Vickery stepped centre stage for a 20 minute audition landing herself a place at the 22nd International Concert Series, organized by Jeanie Moore to be held at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel in the autumn.

“It was pretty nerve wracking, I had already auditioned for the Rotary Young Musician competition, and it was a great experience to Alice Vickery learn from. After 20 minutes of singing your voice gets tired, so that’s something that I wanted to work on. I needed more control so along with my singing teacher Catherine Hamilton, we made sure to correct that.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Music

Alice all set to stage with David Webb

“I’ve never been paid to sing in front of an audience, but it’s such a great opportunity. I’ve already got some other concerts coming up, ranging from small meetings to singing at Marjons.”

Bright and bubbly Alice keeps herself busy with not only her A levels but a whole range of extracurricular activities.

“I’ve always been singing and acting but it all really began when I played in the nativity production at school in Year 2. I was nine at the time. I keep myself busy with playing piano, doing drama at Theatre Royal’s Young Company based out at TR2, being part of the Writing Squad Kernow and taking part in the Scouts Explorers.

“I think my parents are pleased that I’ve landed this contract because it means I can finally get paid! I do a lot, so it’s nice to have something pay off!’

Alice who currently studies English, Drama and Maths, hopes to study English and Creative Writing at university later this year, having already received an unconditional offer from University of East Anglia.

“I’ve been looking into Nottingham and Kings College London too, but to have an unconditional offer already is really encouraging.”

Alice doesn’t do things by halves, having achieved a distinction in Grade 8 Musical Theatre, soon to take her Grade 8 Singing, and as well as winning two cups at the Plymouth Music Festival.

It’s thanks to the Young Musician’s internships scheme, run

by Plymouth Music Accord, that Alice has had the opportunity to work alongside the Plymouth Philharmonic Choir, adding to her experience as well as the opportunity to be mentored through the group of not only a choir, but also a professional orchestra and soloists.

“I really enjoyed the experience of the disciplined rehearsal, the welcome from the choir, the constructive criticism and help from my mentor, and the infectious enthusiasm of conductor Christopher Fletcher.”

Having been inspired by her time with the choir, she’s set up her own sixth form choir at Devonport High School for Girls.

As well as performing her own solos, Alice will be singing a duet with Plymouth-born David Webb, an operatic tenor and model, who sang at the recent Glyndebourne Festival Opera.

“I’m very nervous! I’ve never su ng in a duet before, so that’s something I need to be prepared for! Not only is he a professional tenor, but also a model, and I’m not sure which one is more nerve wracking! We’re going to be singing a song from West Side Story and since there’s talking parts too, I think it’s going to be great.’

There’ll also be an opportunity to see Alice in the forthcoming charity concert ‘Celebrating Young Performers’, organized by the Plymouth Soroptimists and Rotary Club of Plympton on Sunday March 15 at the Roland Levinsky Theatre at Plymouth University.

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22nd March - Easter Craft & Gift Fair (Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth) 27th March - Shopping Evening (Grosvenor Casino, Plymouth)

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John Adams Holst Bax

Leonard Bernstein Shostakovich

Sunday 22nd March – Public Hall, Liskeard, 5.30pm £12.00 Concessions £10.00 Children/students £5.00

Wednesday 25th March – Plymouth Guildhall, 7.30pm Balcony £17.00 Concessions £15.00 Ground floor £15.50 Concessions £13.50 Children/students £5.00

Tickets: Vibes Music, Mayflower St, Plymouth wegottickets.com or on the door www.plymouthsymphony.co.uk

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Such is the popularity of largescale classical choir music that in the last few weeks membership of the Plymouth Philharmonic Choir has increased by ten percent to more than 150 members who span every generation.

One of its latest recruits is Christine Denner. Originally from Bohemia in Germany where singing seems to run in the blood, she first came to Plymouth in the early nineties and joined the choir way back then.

Life took her away from the city but now she’s back and has re-joined the choir because she enjoyed it so much first time around.

“I know I really don’t like singing pop songs or songs from musicals, as they do in the Military Wives choirs and many others” said Christine.

“However, I love singing and do enjoy classical or gospel singing.”

So why choose the Plymouth Philharmonic Choir? “Because I think it is a good choir – probably the best in Plymouth of its kind – and I enjoy singing the choral works it rehearses.

“Our conductor Christopher Fletcher is very able and good at what he does. I get a great introduction to classical choral work and hopefully I will also develop my singing skills!”

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir is also firmly committed to developing promising young singers, and so is part of the Young Musicians’ Internships scheme run by Plymouth Music Accord.

Under the scheme, two young singers have joined the choir, free of charge.

They have a mentor, who helps them experience performing with this large highly-regarded choir and an excellent professional orchestra and soloists.

Kimber Leader Paul Mathews

Next Concert

Short Ride In A Fast Machine The Perfect Fool Tintagel 3 Dance Episodes from On The Town Symphony No.5

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Alison Kettlewell

Catherine Hamilton

Roderick Hunt

Plymouth Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra will be performing Verdi’s Requiem at Plymouth Guildhall on Sunday March 22 with soloists soprano Catherine Hamilton, Alison Kettlewell, mezzo, Adriano Graziani, tenor and Roderick Hunt, bass-baritone.

all the right notes Intern Alice Vickery, 18, sang in Haydn’s The Seasons in November.

“I really enjoyed the experience of the disciplined rehearsal, the welcome from the choir, the constructive criticism and help from my mentor, and the infectious enthusiasm of conductor Christopher Fletcher,” said Alice.

She has been so inspired by her time with the Phil, that she has set up her own sixth form choir at Devonport High School for Girls.

Alice has been joined as an intern by Josie Frappart, a student at Plymouth University, who is busy rehearsing with the rest of the choir to sing Verdi’s Requiem on Sunday March 22 in Plymouth Guildhall.

Josie said: “I have been singing in choirs since the age of five. Now I’m with the Philharmonic choir and I am really enjoying the experience.

“My friendly mentor, Anne-Marie Smith, is always eager to help me and answer questions. I love singing Requiems and Masses as they have such a powerful feel to them. I am really enjoying Verdi’s Requiem, and everyone seems very friendly.”

Although reading music is not a prerequisite for choir membership it does help as Josie explained: “I sing soprano and I love the challenge of sight reading, I would say that with everyone’s support in the soprano section, the parts are easy to get to grips with.

“I am hoping to achieve my singing diploma in the near future and in the more distant future I hope that I will still be part of a prestigious choir and perhaps have the potential to sing a few solos every now and again. “ The choir is always on the lookout for new singers, especially men! Information about how to join and about future concerts can be found on the choir’s website at

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Tickets for the concert can be purchased online by visiting www.plymouthphilchoir.org or by calling 01822 853791

0845 363 1177 ONLINE

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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WHAT’S ON Events, has returned with skating events and activities for all the family.

Major Events Various dates LEAGUE 2 FOOTBALL Mar 7 Argyle v Northampton Mar 21 Argyle v Newport Apr 3 Argyle v Burton Albion Apr 11 Argyle v Mansfield Apr 14 Argyle v Wimbledon Apr 25 Argyle v Tranmere

Various dates CHAMPIONSHIP RUGBY Mar 21 Albion v Yorks Carnegie Apr 11 Albion v Bristol Apr 25 Albion v Doncaster Various dates BRITISH BASKETBALL LEAGUE Mar 15 Raiders v London Lions Apr 4 Raiders v Newcastle Apr 12 Raiders v Manchester Apr 19 Raiders v Glasgow Until Mar 1 WINTER ICE RINK Plymouth Piazza Plymouth City Centre Piazza is once again transformed into the annual Winter Wonderland Ice Rink. This hugely popular event, brought to you by Ice Angel

March 14 and 15 PENNYWELL FARM EVENTS Dan the Hat will be at Pennywell Farm for the weekend with workshops for all the family. Learn to master the art of juggling, plate spinning, diablo and tricks with hats. His step by step guides are great fun for children and adults and he’ll also be putting on a show. On March 15 every mum visiting on Mother’s Day can enjoy a delicious Devon Cream Tea, courtesy of Pennywell.

MaR 21 PLYMOUTH SCALE MODEL SHOW 2015 Plymouth Guildhall This annual show, hosted by three local model clubs, will take place at the Guildhall in March.

Numerous clubs from around the South West (and beyond) will be displaying their talents in scale model making. Various traders will also be there selling models, paints, tools and much more.

Mar 28 and 29 THE STYLISH HOME AND GARDEN SHOW Mount Edgcumbe Country Park Organised by Miss Ivy Events the

Stylish Home & Garden Show at Mount Edgcumbe If the winter weather is getting you down a visit to The Stylish Home & Garden Show in March will certainly provide a blast of inspiration.

The show is 0rganised by Miss Ivy Events and her team and takes place at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cremyll on Saturday and Sunday March 28 and 29.

The Stylish Home & Garden Show brings together the best regional businesses and design talent to offer a unique and energising weekend of workshops, demonstrations and shopping opportunities, all in the very special surroundings of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park.

The event will showcase the pick of local design talent, with high quality themed home and garden stalls, including Helen Round (contemporary textile design), Annterior (specialist antique dealers) and Bilsborough & Strankalis (modern furniture design).

There will be over 60 stands to wander around, plus mouthwatering local food stalls and cafes, and musical entertainment to serenade while shopping, eating and enjoy the surroundings.

There will be a range of workshops and demonstrations, with topics including tree grafting, mixing home scents, and how to create an interior mood board. Fiona Wilson from the British Interior Challenge will also be talking about interior design on a budget.

2015 is the 500th Anniversary of Mount Edgcumbe receiving its Royal License from Henry VIII. As part of these celebrations, talented local artist AJ Art Ltd. will be showcasing a dress made from fabric and wallpaper, launched at the Stylish Home & Garden Show and on show to attendees for the weekend.

The Stylish Home & Garden Show is supported by Hennings Moir Estate Agents, The Upcycled Home Co, Number Five @ 15, Cornish Interiors and Mount Edgcumbe Country Park.

••

For more information and advance tickets visit www. stylisheventssw.co.uk Tickets are £4 per day and include all workshops and admission to the house.

show will feature the best of local design talent. See panel above for full details.

April 17 PLYMOUTH LIVE MUSIC NIGHT The Piazza Live Music Night sponsored by ‘C and G Catering’ will happen on a Friday evening on the Piazza in the City Centre. With four local bands taking to the stage each night with a bar and food available this show promises to be a fantastic night out to enjoy some live music.

April 25 ALL THINGS VINTAGE AND LOVELY Plymouth Guildhall With over 65 vintage, retro, antique and artisan stalls including fashion, memorabilia and lots more! Live music with the Drat Pack, swing dancing with Mad about Swing, tearoom with JoJo’s Home Bakery, beauty parlour, demos and lots more.

Entry £2 (under 12’s free).

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Mar 28 to May 30 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery Witness the Natural History Museum’s annual exhibition which celebrates the drama and splendour of the natural world, with striking, creative and thought-provoking wildlife photography. This year’s exhibition marks the 50th anniversary and blends new and historic award-winning images to tell the story of how photographing the natural world has changed. With challenging documentary, intimate portraits, animal behaviour and atmospheric landscapes, ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ showcases the power of images to magnificent effect, bringing the talent and vision of each photographer to all who visit. A ‘Focus on Nature’ photography competition in three subject areas (landscapes, animals and plants) for adults, primary and secondary schoolchildren runs until March 12.

The Mansbridge Balment Prize Conundrum Welcome to another conundrum challenge courtesy of Mansbridge Balment – Plymouth’s number one estate agency. You know the drill. Find the eight words or phrases highlighting what it is that sets us apart from other agents in the city and you will win £100 - if you have them all correct and your name is first out of the hat!

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WHAT’S ON

EVENTS AT PLYMOUTH CITY MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY, DRAKE CIRCUS

and see if you can be a wildlife photographer too. Bring your smart phones. Best images will be uploaded to our photostream.

THE IMAGINATION STATION ‘Imagination Station’ Every Wednesday during term-time between 10.30am and 12 noon from February 25. After an enjoyable 10 years, the Imaginator sessions are taking a break in 2015 - but the Museum’s Imagination Station will be available for all rising fives and their adults to enjoy. This is a self directed activity so there is no need to book. Just come and have fun meeting other rising fives to share activities and play together. The Imagination Station will appear in different galleries so ask at the Welcome Desk when you arrive to find out where it is. Remember to collect an Imaginator leaflet with ideas to help you use the Station.

MARCH 14 British Science Week 2015: Giant Wave Breaker Come and help our guest illustrator create a huge college in the shape of the giant wave breakers on Plymouth’s Breakwater - an amazing feat of engineering - that has inspired our New Expressions 3 artist, Keith Harrison. Free. Drop in.

WILD ABOUT PLYMOUTH Super Science Mar 21: Join us as we mark British Science Week 2015. See and discover more about specimens from the natural history collections, enjoy some interactive activities and meet and chat to local scientists too! Free. Drop in Wildlife Photographers Apr 10: 11am to 1pm. Look around the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition with our professional photographer and then go to the recently-restorec Drake’s Reservoir

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Beauty & Power Books Apr 1: 10.30am to 1pm (last entries at 12.30pm).

Make beautiful minibooklets inspired by the works of the great Sir Joshua Reynolds and the many items on display in the Beauty & Power exhibition.Free. Drop-in.

Photography in Focus Apr 2: 10.15am to 12.15pm and 2pm to 4pm. Fun, interactive photography master classes for 11 to 16 year olds. Work with a professional photographer and take some

Detailed information at your fingertips

experimental images, inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. £3.50 booking advised.

FAMILY EVENTS Bunnies & Baskets Apr 4: 11am to 12 noon; 1.30pm to 2.30pm

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and 3pm to 4pm. Decorate Easter cards and baskets using craft materials and images from the social history collections.

Make a mask in the shape of Plymouth’s famous Gus Honeybun.

Free. Booking advised.

Animal Planet Apr 8: 10.30am to 1pm (last entries at 12.30pm). Bring in pictures of animals or pets and use collage to create a unique animal scene inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Free.

Universe of Fun Apr 9: 10.30am to 12pm and 12.30pm to 2pm. Help decorate our giant rocket then visit Plymouth University’s Immersive Vision Theatre for a tour of the universe. £2.50 per child booking advised.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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For more information and extra tickets please contact: Castang Wine Shippers. Pelynt.

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There will some 350 wines, Champagnes and Spirits to taste, representing most of the worlds wine growing regions, styles and grape varieties.

The fair takes place in a relaxing and friendly environment with many specialists available for help and advice. Tasting books will be available on arrival listing all of the wines.

These will be available for purchase at competitive prices, including free delivery in Cornwall and Devon.

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March 28 - 30 PLANT IT, GROW IT Tick off #41 from the 50 Things list as the whole family is invited to come and create an organic plant pot and sow heritage pumpkin seeds to take home and grow.

Bring your pumpkins back on Saturday 31 October and enter Buckland’s Pumpkin Competition.

Will you win the prize for biggest pumpkin, best carved pumpkin and best in show?

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April 3 - 6 CADBURY EASTER EGG TRAILS Cadbury Easter Eggsplorer trails return this year for more fun in the garden. Did you know that the very own fifth Earl of Morley, Monty Parker was something of an Indiana Jones? This Easter all intrepid eggsplorers are invited to make like Monty and hunt for Cadbury treasure in the garden.

Trails are available for £2 over the Easter weekend. Garden admission fee applies, members and under 5s have free entry to the garden.

April 10 WILD IN THE WOOD This spring sees the return of the woodland discovery days at Snowdrop Woods with forest school activities and games.

Saltram woodland will just be wakening after its winter sleep and with so much new growth and activity now is the perfect time to get outdoors and explore nature.

The Forest School leader will inspire you with fun activities and outdoor play.

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March 31 COSTUME DAY Get into a get-up that has a story to tell as our resident Costume Group take out their authentically made costumes for all the family to try on.

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March 8, April 12 PEDAL POWER SOCIAL CYCLE RIDE A Sunday morning social cycle ride for all the family. Led by a qualified instructor who will take you on a journey through Saltram and the Plym Valley. Wear suitable shoes for cycling, your bike, helmet and comfortable clothes.

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March 6, 13, 20, 27 BAKING IN THE GREAT KITCHEN Saltram will be firing up the Aga for cooking demonstrations where visitors are invited to taste delicious dishes from traditional, seasonal recipes.

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March 1 - 10 SPRING IN TO 50 THINGS Spring is the perfect time of year to start ticking off some of your 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4. Saltram will be waking up after winter so there’s lots to discover. Get outdoors and closer to nature this spring by hunting for frogspawn, climbing trees, planting seeds or creating some wild art. Guided and self-led activities available daily.

Relics from Saltram’s lost garden are waiting for you to piece the past together. This Easter break, you’re invited to discover the secrets of Saltram’s lost garden using archaeology fragments and historic photographs.

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WINE FAIR E2015 E FREE INVITE TO WINE FAIR

March 15 MUM’S THE WORD Take Mum out on a day at Buckland Abbey, as Mum’s get free N all day! Treat entry to the property TIO A T Mum V with a delicious meal in our I ST. MELLION INTERNATIONAL RESORT, SALTASH IN restaurant, spend some quality time together whilst exploring the Tuesday March 10th 2015 1.00pm to 8.30pm gardens and estate or spoil her Wednesday March 11th 2015 11.00am to from 7.00pm with a gift our shop.

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April 1, 8 FAMILY FELT Join Clare Packer from The Wet Felting Company for a drop-in family friendly felting workshop.

WINE FAIR 2015 ST. MELLION INTERNATIONAL RESORT, SALTASH FR

Tuesday March April 10th 3 - 6 2015 1.00pm to CADBURY’S EASTER EGG TRAILS Follow in the footsteps of Sir Francis Drake as you head out into the grounds of Buckland Abbey to discover hidden treasures. Think you’ve found them all? Hot foot it back to base camp to see if you can claim your Cadbury chocolate Egghead reward.

Wednesday March 11th 2015 11.00am

THE LARGEST WINE TASTING IN THE SOUTH WEST

March 17, April 21 WALK ABOUT Admits Four - Over 350 wines toCOSTUME taste and enjoy Meet costumed characters from Incorporating regional cheeses & other food products years past in and around the Abbey.

See the mistresses prepare Fair organised by CASTANG WINE SHIPPERS Wine Merchants. Looe, Cornwall. Established 1979 and cook the master’s dinner between 1-2pm.

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FREE invitation Tues March 10th 2015 1.00-8.30pm Wed March 11th 2015 11.00am-7.00pm THE LARGEST WINE TASTING IN THE SOUTH WEST Admits Four - Over 350 wines to taste and enjoy Incorporating regional cheeses & other food products Fair organised by CASTANG WINE SHIPPERS Wine Merchants.

Looe, Cornwall. Established 1979

Tel : 01503 220359 Email : sales@castang-wines.co.uk

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Admits Four - Over 350 wines to taste

Incorporating regional cheeses & other fo

March 18, April 1, 15 April 3 - June 28 IN-DEPTH TOUR THE WOODLAND ARMADA Join one of the knowledgable Discover over 100 ships decorated Fair organised by CASTANG WINE SHIP Room Guides as they take you by visitors as they set sail across on an in-depth tour of Buckland the bluebell sea in The Great North Wine Merchants.

Looe, Cornwall.

Establish Abbey.

Wood.

March 22 JEREMIAH’S JOURNEY - TEDDY BEAR TODDLE Local charity Jeremiah’s Journey returns for a second year to host their Teddy Bear Toddle. Head out onto the one mile child and teddy bear friendly walk to help raise money for a good cause. Please wear suitable footwear.

April 6 - 10 EGG-STRA TIME: CADBURY’S EASTER EGG TRAILS Missed the big Easter weekend?

There’s still a chance to complete the Cadbury’s Easter Egg Trails as it continues until Friday 10 April. Bring suitable footwear and an empty stomach (to enjoy your Cadbury’s Egghead reward afterwards!)

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/39

WHAT’S ON

Exhibitions and Other Events

Throughout 2015 IN THE FRAME: PLYMOUTH’S PORTRAITS REVEALED Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery An exhibition that delves more deeply into Plymouth’s portrait collection and presents new research into some of the characters that are new or rarely seen. ‘In the Frame’ features our newest acquisition – an early self-portrait by Plympton-born 18th century artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds. This is set amongst other paintings of artists including self-portraits by James Northcote and Edward Opie.

Come face to face with some of Plymouth’s maritime greats too – from Hawkins and Raleigh to 18th century Admirals and George Gibbon, the Lieutenant Governor of Plymouth in the early 1700s, painted by Thomas Hudson.

Until Mar 12 OPEN FOR BUSINESS Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery In 2013, Multistory and Magnum Photos commissioned nine of the world’s leading photographers to document contemporary British manufacturing. Their photographs take us from traditional, handmade crafts to modern, intelligent automation; from foundries and assembly

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition opens at Plymouth Museum & Art Gallery in March

lines to research laboratories and high tech cleanrooms, showing an economic sector of extraordinary resilience and diversity. During a period of great economic instability, and where questions are being raised about the strength of western economies within the worldwide market, there has never been a

more relevant time to explore the condition of Britain’s manufacturing future.

Until May 9 BEAUTY AND POWER: PLYMOUTH’S GREATEST GIFT – THE COTTONIAN COLLECTION Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Cottonian Collection’s arrival at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery. This exhibition provides a unique insight into the stories behind it and brings together some of its most significant and less seen items from over 600 years of art.

Racing Fixtures 2015 Wednesday 25 March Easter Saturday 4 April Monday (Eve) 20 April Thursday (Eve) 30 April Thursday 7 May Tuesday (Eve) 19 May Wednesday (Eve) 27 May Friday 12 June Tuesday (Eve) 23 June

Friday 3 July Sunday 19 July Monday 27 July Wednesday 12 August Saturday 22 August Tuesday 1 September (Twilight) Friday 18 September Monday 28 September Friday 9 October

Admission Prices: Course £12 / Paddock £18 Children 16 and under plus students with valid photo student ID go FREE The following discounts apply for Paddock Enclosure tickets only booked in advance of the day.

Parties of 8-19 10% off £18 - £16.20 Parties of 20-39 12.5% off £18 - £15.75 plus 2 free tickets Parties of 40 or more 15% off £18 - £15.30 plus 5 free tickets

For bookings telephone 01626 353235 or go to www.newtonabbotracing.com

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Mar 28 to May 30 WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Witness the Natural History Museum’s annual exhibition which celebrates the drama and splendour of the natural world, with striking, creative and thought-provoking wildlife photography. This year’s exhibition marks the 50th anniversary and blends new and historic award-winning images to tell the story of how photographing the natural world has changed. With challenging documentary, intimate portraits, animal behaviour and atmospheric landscapes, ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’ showcases the power of images to magnificent effect, bringing the talent and vision of each photographer to all who visit.

Admission free.

May 23 to Sep 26 FALLEN EMPEROR: NAPOLEON IN PLYMOUTH SOUND IN 1815 In the summer of 1815, for nine

dramatic days, HMS Bellerophon was anchored in Plymouth Sound with the self-styled French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte on board. Napoleon had been defeated at Waterloo and surrendered himself into the care of the Royal Navy. The lengthy and costly Napoleonic Wars were over – but what to do with Napoleon now? During the wars, ‘Boney’ had been portrayed as a ‘monster’ and ‘disturber of the peace’ – yet he was a folk-hero to the lower classes of all nations, even those he fought against. The exhibition will be centred on the popular painting from our collections by Jules Girardet and will explore the differing perceptions of Napoleon on his journey to Plymouth. It will also look at the ship (commonly known as the ‘Billy Ruffian’) and the scenes in Plymouth Sound. Why did so many people flock to see Napoleon? Were they curious or sympathetic? Was he a celebrity or a threat?

WINE FAIR AT ST MELLION The 21st Cornwall and Devon wine fair organised by Castang Wine Shippers of Looe will be held on March 10 and 11 at the prestigious St Mellion International Resort.

Entrance to the event is strictly by ticket only, but tickets are available free of charge on application to Castang.

Probably the largest wine tasting in the south west with over 350 wines, champagne, ports, madeiras and spirits available to taste and purchase. Growers and winemakers will be arriving from the continent including Luis Marculeta from Rioja and wines from around the world will be represented while local wineries Knightor (Cornwall) and Sharpham Estate (Devon) will be at the fair with their latest vintages.

There will be a welcome return of local food products to the fair. Award winning cheeses, Cornish Blue and Cornish Gouda can be matched with wines, together with Kernow Chocolate, Cornish sea salt, Cornish Meadow preserves , Cornish Gin and many others.

The fair is a great day out in a relaxing environment providing the opportunity to taste and learn more about wines and to purchase at the same time.

For the hotel, pub and restaurant industry it is the major regional event affording the chance the taste and select wines for the new season wine lists.

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For more information call 01503 220359 or visit www.castang-wines.co.uk

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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BUSINESS MATTERS

Hyde Park Electrical are powering ahead After 20 years working as an electrical and mechanical engineer for leading companies such as British Aerospace, Nortel and Toshiba, Dave Isherwood could see the writing on the wall.

“More and more manufacturing was going overseas and I could only see the situation getting worse,” said Dave. “I decided it was time for a change.”

He took the decision to set up his own business as an electrician - and has never looked back.

It was in March 2005 that Dave established Hyde Park Electrical, investing in ‘a little red van’ and setting out to provide a first-class service to domestic customers.

Ten years later Dave’s foresight and business acumen has proved a successful formula, with a well-established reputation for customer service and quality of work.

Three years after setting up the business Dave was so busy that he decided to recruit Sam Rowe as an apprentice. Sam, now fully qualified, remains as a key member of the Hyde Park Electrical team.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

In 2011 Dave saw the potential of solar energy and launched into the installation of solar panels, initially for domestic customers. Again the business expanded and in 2013 Dave recruited experienced electrician Ryan Cross, the former Plymouth Argyle defender. He was soon joined by another apprentice Conor Cummings.

Hyde Park Electrical’s most recent recruit is experienced builder Andy Cheetham, who had previously worked with the company on a sub-contract basis.

Dave said: “We have added Andy to our team which has added another dimension to the work that we do. We also want to expand into more renewable technologies and home automation whilst maintaining our focus on the electrical and solar installations.”

The Hyde Park Electrical team also includes Ka Rayment and Helen Moore who run the office and administration aspects of the business. “A growing business also grows paper work and I would be lost without their hard work in a sea of paper!” added Dave.

The next step is to recruit another apprentice - this time to work with builder Andy.

Today, Hyde Park Electrical boasts a large customer base of around 1000, which uses its services in the fields of electrical installation work. The customer base in and around Plymouth includes clients from private individuals to Plymouth City Council and the Plymouth Energy Community (PEC).

Hyde Park Electrical’s work with the city council and PEC has grown steadily over the last 18 months with a significant number of solar panel installations at schools and other buildings - including Efford Crematorium. Extensive installation of low energy LED lighting has also been undertaken by the company.

Hyde Park Electrical is now the most established solar installer in Plymouth, installing nearly 1000 panels in the last 12 months for the Plymouth Energy Community alone, along with a large number of domestic installations across the city.

Its success has not gone unnoticed outside the city. Hyde Park Electrical has just secured its first contract from Exeter Community Energy - with the prospect of further business up the A38 to follow.

Meanwhile another recent business coup saw Dave and his team playing their part in lighting up Plymouth - literally.

Hyde Park Electrical has been part of the team carrying out trial lighting of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as Smeaton’s Tower, the Mayflower Steps, Mount Batten Tower and Charles Cross Church.

It is part of an ambitious plan by the city council to light up parts of the waterfront and city centre to attract more tourists and local residents to the city centre.

Now Dave has his eye on expansion into the home automation business. “The development of smart phone technology represents huge potential for the development of home automation,” said Dave.

“Heating, lighting, security and other electrical appliances can now all be remotely controlled from a mobile phone or similar device. The cost of the equipment is coming down all the time and there’s no doubt it represents a significant business opportunity in the future,” said Dave.

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years now and see its potential not only in domestic, but also commercial settings, where the energy savings alone can be huge.

“At Hyde Park Electrical we are always looking for new business opportunities, such as home automation. We have the technical ability to handle this type of work and it provides the team with the opportunity to gain new experience and extend their skills.”

While Dave continues to develop the business through organic growth, he emphasises that his domestic customers represent the real core of the business.

“By looking after your customer base, you get referrals and recommendations, not just from our customers, but from their families and friends. When other companies were quieter during the recent recession, we grew and built on our reputation.”

Another plus point of Hyde Park Electrical is that the company offers great value for money. “We charge a reasonable price to customers,” said Dave. “Customers get what they pay for, only pay for what they actually need, and often get a little more!

“Our unique selling point is honesty,” said Dave. “We are completely straight with people, who know exactly what we are doing, and why. We explain the procedures and regulations involved in each job in an honest and straightforward manner.”

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/43

PROPERTY MATTERS

Town & Country Lettings setting new standards in property management

The Town & Country Lettings team (from left) Rebecca Bartlett, Tony Targett, Penni Dart, Richard Rabin, Cheryl Reuben, Tracy Brady, Hugo Oliveria and Chelsea Parrott

A leading Plymouth residential letting agency has introduced a ground-breaking initiative in the city designed to benefit its landlords.

Town & Country Lettings manages hundreds of properties on behalf of around 250 landlords and has now appointed a team of property managers who provide a single point of contact for their respective landlords.

Tracy Brady, managing director of Town & Country Lettings said: “We are constantly looking at ways of improving the service we provide and have regular dialogue with, and feedback from, our landlords.

“This highlighted the fact that landlords were keen to have one person within the organisation who could deal with all aspects of their property management.

“In talking to other letting agents in London and other big cities about this issue, it became clear that dedicated property managers offered the perfect solution. It is something that is well tried and tested elsewhere, but we believe we are the first lettings agency in Plymouth to appoint property managers.”

Tracy said that prior to this latest initiative, the team at Town & Country Lettings had specific areas of responsibility, such as maintenance, negotiating, inspections and referencing.

“While this has worked well in the past, our portfolio of properties is increasing all the time and we are working with more and more landlords in the city.

“Our property managers are now responsible for dealing with all aspects of the relevant property, including viewings, securing tenants, referencing and regular inspections. They liaise directly with their landlords in all these areas, as well as

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

dealing with issues such as maintenance.”

The four property managers are Tony Targett, Hugo Oliveria, Rebecca Bartlett and Chelsea Parrott, while Penni Dart as key account manager represents landlords who have significant numbers of properties.

Each property manager is responsible for up to 100 properties clustered on a postcode basis. They have a dedicated personal mobile phone number which ensures landlords have rapid access to their respective property manager.

The new initiative is the latest by Town & Country Lettings aimed at setting the highest standards in a rapidly-growing and increasingly competitive market. It launched a five-point

Rebecca Bartlett

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customer charter in 2014 which provided guarantees of performance and responses.

Tracy said: “We are also affiliated to the Association of Residential Letting Agents, which sets down a strict code of conduct, as well as offering client money protection and redress schemes.

"The letting industry is not currently subject to any government legislation, meaning that anyone can set up as a letting agent or manage a property on behalf of a landlord.

Potential tenants should always ask if their agent is affiliated to a professional organisation such as ARLA," added Tracy.

“Unlike some letting agents we operate a client money protection scheme and our client accounts are independently audited.”

The team of property managers has undergone an extensive training programme, overseen by business development manager Cheryl Reuben, to provide them with in-depth information on all aspects of property management.

All of Town & Country Lettings’ landlords have been contacted by their manager to introduce themselves and explain the benefits of the new initiative.

The new structure has been enthusiastically welcomed by the team members. Tony Targett, who was previously responsible for all maintenance issues, now looks after properties in PL1 on behalf of nearly 90 landlords. He joined Town & Country Lettings last year and has more than eight years experience in the lettings market.

Tony said: “I obviously know all about maintenance, but now I am familiar with all the other procedures and processes involved in handling a property on behalf of a landlord. I already know a good number of my landlords and I am rapidly getting to know the others.

“I am looking forward to building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with all my landlords,” added Tony, who is currently studying to become a member of ARLA. Rebecca Bartlett has been with Town & Country for three years, having joined Town & Country Estate Agents as an apprentice. She transferred to the lettings business two years ago and was previously a negotiator. She works with landlords in the PL8, PL9 and PL21.

Rebecca said: “I was already very familiar with procedures such as viewings and advising landlords on rental potential, as well as preparing floor plans and property details. The major addition for me has been taking on maintenance issues, although I already had some experience in this area through covering holidays and weekends.

“I’m really enjoying the increased responsibility and getting to know all my landlords.”

••

For more information Town & Country Lettings, 52 North Hill, Plymouth Tel 01752 201010. www.townandcountryproperty.com/lettingagents

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Order Online: www.totemtimber.co.uk The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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FAMILY MATTERS

Wow the whole family with this luxurious chocolate cake!

This month’s recipe is for chocolate cake. It’s a great recipe for a moist cake that never seems to fail! You can make it into a tray bake or a traditional two tier cake for a birthday. Children love to make cakes and this one really is so simple to make, young children can easily help you and older children could even make it by themselves.

Here’s the recipe √√ 8 oz (225g) butter or margarine √√ 8 oz (225g) sugar √√ 4 large eggs √√ 6 ½ oz (185g) self-raising flour √√ 1 ½ oz (45g) Cadbury’s drinking chocolate powder

By Liz

Crudgington of the Roundabout Day Nursery

For the icing you’ll need to either: - Mix icing sugar with drinking chocolate powder and water to make a water based icing (as in the picture) or – Mix a tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of milk with icing sugar and drinking chocolate powder to make chocolate butter icing.

Method: Cream the butter and sugar together either in a mixer or by hand with a wooden spoon. Beat the 4 eggs into the mix. Add the flour and hot chocolate powder.

Put the mixture into either one tin or two smaller ones if making a two tier cake. (Line the tins with greaseproof paper first.) If you’ve got all the mixture in one tin it will take longer to cook – up to an hour. If it’s in two smaller tins it will take about 40 minutes.

This cake smells great when it’s ready too!

Leave the cake to cool and decorate as you wish.

What can younger children do?

• Help mix the ingredients • Crack the eggs into a bowl before putting into the mixture • Help decant into the tin and lick the bowl!

• Help decorate

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

DO YOU YOU NEED NEED HELP HELP DO WITH SOMEONE’S SOMEONE’SAFFAIRS? AFFAIRS? WITH ASK US US ABOUT ABOUT OUR OUR NEW NEW ASK BEREAVEMENTASSISTANCE ASSISTANCESERVICE SERVICE BEREAVEMENT When dodo I pay the bills?

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TRAVEL MATTERS

Chance to meet Simon Reeve Here’s a chance to meet popular BBC TV presenter Simon Reeve, who is coming to Plymouth in April.

Well-known for his series of travel documentaries Simon will be talking to an invited audience about his many fascinating experiences at the National Marine Aquarium on April 14.

Peter Goord Travel are offering an exclusive prize to Plymouth Magazine readers with three sets of tickets for three couples to be won. The winners will attend the evening, meet Simon before the event and also receive a signed copy of one his books.

To enter the competition simply e-mail competition@ cornerstonevision.com and put Simon Reeve in the subject line.

Please give your name, address and telephone number for contact purposes. The first three entries drawn out of the hat after the closing date of March 31 will be invited to attend.

Exclusive travel insurance deal for Plymouth Magazine readers When you own a local business trying advertise what you sell and the service you give is getting harder and harder.

The Plymouth magazine has always supported me but with other press advertising becoming so expensive I try and find different avenues.

For many years now I have been happy to talk to local groups and Society’s including the WI, Rotary and Probus to name but a few.

I am also very fortunate to be the Travel Advisor for BBC Radio Devon,

By Travel following in the footsteps of my Expert father.

Anthony Goord I still find that the best form of advertising is ‘word of mouth’ and by speaking face to face everyone can see the love and passion I have for the industry.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

The topic which always arises more than any other is travel Insurance, not the most glamorous but definitely one of the most important parts of your holiday plans. In the past ten years Travel Insurance has gone from being given free with holidays to now, if people have pre-existing condition, sometimes costing more than the holiday!

This month I wanted to make all of you aware of a travel insurance policy called ‘Latitude’ which has been designed to meet the gap in the market for those of a certain age or that have pre-existing medical conditions.

The traditional model of insurance involves buying a base policy then needing to call and declare your conditions, after which you would be charged a further premium.

Latitude is underwritten differently based on the fact that everyone buying a policy will need to pay a little extra to cover their increased risk, the cost is spread in a much fairer way.

The end result is one competitive price, which automatically includes cover for all your declared conditions. The process can be done over the phone by calling a Dedicated Help Desk Team or on-line anytime.

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It is fully flexible and can cover for European and worldwide destinations for both single and annual policies. Even winter sports and cruise cover is an option on these polices.

I have been able to secure a special Freephone number for ‘Plymouth Magazine readers to call and obtain a quote The free number to call is 0800 781 4083 quoting ‘PLY01’ or to take the policy out online use www.holidayextras.com/ PLYMOUTHMAGAZINE. I hope you will agree once you’ve used Latitude that not only is it quick and easy but also very competitive and comprehensive in comparison to other travel insurance policies.

On a completely different note, I am pleased to announce that Simon Reeve, well known for his documentaries on the BBC, will be coming to Plymouth on the evening of April 14 to talk to a selected audience at the Plymouth Marine Aquarium.

I have been very fortunate to have met Simon before, his fascinating stories plus his friendly manner will make it a pleasurable evening for all those that attend.

I am able to offer three sets of tickets (three couples) as an exclusive prize to Plymouth Magazine readers.

The winners will be able to attend the evening, meet Simon before the event and also be given a signed copy of one of his best-selling books. Please see the entry details on this page.

Good luck with your entry, I hopefully will see you there.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

/49

PLYMOUTH MATTERS

Restaurant makeover reflects best of Victorian elegance

New look...managing director Walter Combstock with director of marketing Leila Nottage discussing the decor

For more than 150 years diners have enjoyed the elegant surroundings of the iconic restaurant at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel.

Many of the distinctive features of the Victorian era remain, even though there have been changes and modifications down the years.

Now the AA Rosette hotel restaurant is to undergo a makeover which will restore some original features, as well as introducing new decor, blinds and chairs.

The five-figure project is the latest stage in an ongoing programme of refurbishment at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel which has seen hundreds of thousands of pounds invested by owners Walter Combstock and Jon Morcom over the last decade.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

In the last two years alone the spacious ballroom, which can accommodate up to 300 people, has been completely refurbished, distinctive new carpeting installed throughout the ground floor public areas – including the imposing staircase – with the reception area and Writing Room also given a makeover.

Alongside this work, the hotel’s 72 bedrooms have been progressively redecorated and modernised - each with their own unique style and features.

Managing director Walter Combstock said: “The restaurant has been the focal point of hospitality at the Duke of Cornwall, ever since it first opened in 1863.

We’re proud of the fact that it is the only AA Rosette hotel restaurant in the city and are committed to setting the highest standards for our customers.”

He said that some of the modifications undertaken in the 1960s and 70s had not been totally sympathetic to the Victorian architecture.

“The domed ceiling was installed at that time - hiding the true magnificence of the room. Some of the original Victorian dado rail was also covered up but as part of the current improvement programme we have fitted new dado rail identical to the original design. Victorian-style screens will also be installed to create a more intimate dining experience,” added Walter.

The current refurbishment of the restaurant is a step towards a major investment programme planned over the next few years to create a re-branded destination restaurant, not simply a hotel dining room.

“This will also involve creating a separate entrance to the restaurant, direct from the street and the addition of a twotier dining experience.”

Jon Morcom said: “Our plans also include making the restaurant available for a wider range of activities, such as concerts, wedding receptions and other functions. It is a stunning setting for a whole range of events.

“For example some of the Jeanie Moore International Concerts will be held in the restaurant later this year. The Writing Room is also an excellent venue for private dining, parties and meetings with the same excellent cuisine available from our AA Rosette standard kitchens,” added Jon. All of the hotel’s chefs have now been trained to AA Rosette standards under head chef Kevin Scargill’s direction.

Kevin and his team are enthusiastic and dedicated, creating some outstanding dishes, such as duck pastrami with chicory, blood orange and Jerusalem artichoke (starter); roast rack of lamb with char­grilled Provençal vegetables, mash, basil and mint pesto (main) and poached pear with white peach granita, fresh blackberries and elderflower sorbet (dessert).

• Lunchtime concerts at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel’s restaurant presented by Jeanie Moore’s 22nd International Concert series include string quartet Divertimento on April 29 and classical guitarist Craig Ogden and flautist Judith Hall on May 20.

The first concert in the series is on March 27 and features the Oxley-Meier Intrernational Guitar Duo in the impressive setting of the hotel ballroom.

••

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

Memories of a bygone era...the Duke of Cornwall Hotel’s restaurant in Victoria times

www.cornerstonevision.com

@CornerstoneVis

The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

/51

ALBION MATTERS

Albion’s Graham Stirling pays tribute to supporters and board as club escapes administration Graham Stirling may have stood down as chairman of Plymouth Albion after eight years, but he remains as committed as ever to the future of the club.

He paid tribute to fellow board members Nigel Theyer, Maurice West, Ron Gingell and Kevin Norris who resigned a week after Albion had avoided going into administration ‘by the skin of our teeth.’

Graham said: “I would like to thank all the members of the club board who have this week stood down. I have worked with most of them for several years and their contribution to running the business has been nothing short of outstanding.

“We have had many challenges, mostly on the financial front, but we have denied all the odds and managed to keep

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Plymouth Albion in the Championship since the competition was formed six seasons ago.

“The activity to stabilise the club and give it a sustainable future has been intense over the past two years and I could not have asked for more support from my board colleagues.

Graham said that resignations were offered because it was thought it might be in the best interest of the club to have a ‘changing of the guard’. By bringing in some new blood at board level, it might open the door for further investment to support the longer term vision for the club. At all times our thinking has been what is best for the club, it is not about individuals.

“It was also time for me to stand down as chairman after a period of eight years but I will continue as a board member and help my new board colleagues as plans for the long term future of the club are developed.

“In most businesses, it is unusual for a chairman to serve more than three or four years. There needs to be change, fresh ideas and energy flowing through the business,” said the former boss of the Baden Corporation in Plymouth.

He said he was delighted to pass the baton as chairman to his good friend Peter Vosper, the club president.

“I know under his leadership we will kick on and flourish and I look forward to working with him and continuing to do my bit.”

Roger Harris, past chairman, has re-joined the board along with Graham Dawe, who was appointed director of rugby on a voluntary basis after Albion announced its intention to go into administration if it could not find new financial backing.

“Graham Dawe will contribute his rugby and business networking expertise to the club and other directors will be appointed in due course,” added Graham Stirling.

Then appointment of the new board came less than a week after Albion announced that it had managed to avoid going into administration, which would have resulted in the club receiving a 20 point penalty and consign it to National League rugby.

The following day Albion’s players responded with a convincing, morale-boosting win over Rotherham Titans at the Brickfields. He said it had been a wonderful positive week in the history of the club.

“We avoided going into a pre-pack administration by the skin of our teeth which made me feel five years younger, then the guys did it in superb style on the pitch with the five point try-bonus win against fifth in the table Rotherham. What a difference a week can make!”

Graham paid tribute to the ‘Friends of Plymouth Albion’ who collectively made a solvent solution possible.

“Well over 1,000 people contributed to the fundraising campaign which was heart rendering and reminded us all how special a club Plymouth Albion are. There have been so many donations and pledges received from individuals, businesses, sponsors and the rugby community. There are so many

wonderful stories to tell, it’s been miraculous.”

He said that steering Albion through its financial difficulties had been far more demanding and stressful than running a multi-national company like Baden. “I have never experienced anything like it,” he said. “It was a huge responsibility because Albion is more than a rugby club, it is part of the fabric of the city and has a proud history and heritage.”

He said that Albion’s plight represented a ‘wake up call’ to the rugby authorities. The level of central funding from the RFU for England’s second tier of the sport has been an issue for a number of years and several clubs have already failed because of the shortage of finance.

“It seems that the RFU are finally taking notice and hopefully increased funding will be forthcoming in the future. Running a professional rugby club in a competitive league like the Championship cannot be sustained without external finance, either through off-field activities or the support of wealthy benefactors.”

With Albion’s performance showing marked signs of improvement on the pitch there is renewed optimism that the club can achieve the ‘great escape’ and secure sufficient wins to move them off the bottom of the table.

Albion had gone 10 months without a win before home victories over Moseley and Rotherham in January moved them closer to safety. However, losses to Bedford and a home draw against London Scottish have put more pressure on the players and club.

The final home game of the season against fellow strugglers Doncaster Knights could be one of the most important in the history of Albion.

Graham Stirling added: “We hope that the people of Plymouth will get behind Albion and turn out in force for our remaining home fixtures at Brickfields. Their support is massively important for the players and the club.”

Albion’s remaining home fixtures: March 21 v Yorkshire Carnegie; April 11 v Bristol; April 25 v Doncaster

••

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

/53

LEGAL MATTERS

Beware of the

DIY divorce

About Thompson & Jackson Established more than 130 years ago, Thompson and Jackson provides a wide range of legal services to clients throughout Devon and Cornwall, including residential and commercial conveyancing, wills and probate, inheritance disputes, business matters, landlord and tenant issues, accident compensation claims, divorce and separation, injunctions and litigation.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Since legal aid for divorcing couples was removed in April 2013, more and more people are turning to online DIY divorce services.

With some internet sites offering ‘divorce starter kits’ from as little as £37, it is easy to see why this is tempting – particularly in these economic times. But do they really offer value for money?

By Lauren With a DIY divorce, you will be provided Sayer of with blank forms and perhaps even some Thompson helpful ‘notes for guidance’, but they are not a proper substitute for tailored legal advice & Jackson from a specialist family practitioner.

In fact, one of the leading providers of DIY divorce materials comes with a disclaimer that it is ‘not a qualified provider of legal services and as such it cannot be replied upon to provide accurate legal advice.’

These services are often run by people with little or no experience of the law and overall process.

DIY divorce packs can help you get things started, but preparing divorce proceedings can still be an arduous and time-consuming task if you are not familiar with them. Simple errors in the wording of your divorce petition, the omission of important documents or a failure to adhere to the rules and practice directions may result in the court rejecting your petition or requiring you to take further complicated steps to get proceedings back on track.

At this stage, not knowing what else to do, people often resort to seeking specialist legal advice which can result in them having to spend more money correcting any mistakes than if they had instructed a Solicitor from the outset!

While an online service may help you progress proceedings, lots of people do not realise that obtaining a Decree Absolute is not the end of the matter. Although you will be free to remarry again once you have reached this point, without addressing your finances on divorce, you leave yourself open to the possibility of your former partner making financial claims against you at some point in the future (for example, if you inherited or won the lottery).

The matrimonial finances are an entirely separate matter and will only be finalised by way of a Court Order.

Some DIY divorce sites may offer precedents that you can complete for a fixed fee. A Consent Order is a complicated document that should be drafted by a specialist family practitioner.

Every case is different and a standard ‘one size fits all’ document downloaded from the internet is unlikely to address everything that is required.

A family practitioner can draft an Order that is tailored to your family’s circumstances and advise you on the appropriate division of the finances. While you might think you have agreed a fair and appropriate division of the finances, that may not be the case if you have not appreciated the importance of pension assets or the value of a business.

Additionally, DIY divorce services do not address the legal arrangements for your children. Where the children should live, what time they should spending with each parent and where they should be during Christmas/the school holidays can be incredibly emotive subjects and, if there is a dispute, they cannot be properly addressed with an impersonal, generalised online service.

There is no doubt that DIY divorces are cheaper in the short term and they may offer a cost-effective option in some cases but, at one of the most emotional and important periods of your life, can you afford to get it wrong?

At Thompson & Jackson, we can offer you specialist legal advice if you have separated. We recognise that it is an unsettling time when your relationship breaks down. If the matter is straightforward, we may be able to offer you a fixed fee. Otherwise, we will ensure that you are given an estimate of costs which is reviewed regularly.

LEISURE MATTERS

Hitting the heights at the Life Centre

Indoor climbing is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, with five million visits to over 350 centres each year.

Anyone from seasoned rock climbing veterans in training for the next big ascent to total beginners looking for a fun and social way to keep fit can be found reaching jaw-dropping heights in climbing ‘walls’ up and down the country. When the state-of-the-art Plymouth Life Centre opened its doors in Central Park in March, 2012, the indoor wall — operated by High Sports — was one of its most exciting features.

Now, three years on, it has become home to thousands of ‘rock geeks’ in the city. The Plymouth Magazine spoke with Henry Forrester from High Sports to find out just what’s ‘up’.

Henry is a typical climber: friendly, cheerful, and positively laid back. He started climbing nine years ago at High Sports Alton, a climbing centre in his native Hampshire. He said: “I was learning to swim, and I saw the climbing wall and decided to give it a go, then I got hooked!”

Alex Tucker Henry started working for High Sports as an instructor, and moved to the South West to work at High Sports Plymouth from the opening.

High Sports has people just as enthusiastic as Henry is about www.cornerstonevision.com

Henry Forrester

climbing up and down the country in 18 dedicated centres.

“We started 20 years ago in a small workshop in Redhill,” he said, “and we’ve been growing ever since.”

In the three years since the climbing wall opened at the Life Centre, High Sports Plymouth have got the city hooked just like Henry.

They have over 6000 members on their books, with around 700 coming through the doors every week. Henry says that these members are climbers of all abilities, from all walks of life: “We’ve got a really varied mix, from regulars who come every day to beginners looking for something different. We work a lot with schools and young offenders’ groups, and also do a lot with the Climbing Club at Plymouth University, so we get a lot of students as well.’

High Sports Plymouth is the tallest wall in the South West at an impressive 16 metres. There is also a huge, rope-free ‘boulder room’ – a shorter wall with a soft crash mat – where climbers can test their skills or just play on the ‘problems’ – short climbing challenges – set by the team.

Henry says the best first experience is the one that got him hooked nine years ago, the one-hour taster sessions.

These sessions — just £46 for a family of four — are a chance for beginners to have a go at climbing with a dedicated instructor.

Henry said: “When you come in, you’ll meet your instructor, get the harnesses and learn to tie your knot, then get climbing! Our aim with the taster sessions is to get you climbing for as long as possible. Everyone comes away with a big grin on their faces, and a lot come back after they’ve caught the climbing bug.’

Alex Tucker from Derriford, an artist – his paintings hang all over the indoor wall – visits High Sports Plymouth almost every day: “It’s great because it’s local, everyone’s really friendly, just a fantastic place to come and climb!’ Henry agrees: 'It’s a social, always chatty, relaxed way of getting exercise.’

••

For those who catch the bug, High Sports Plymouth runs a full schedule of clubs every week. For children aged 4-6yrs they run the Pebbles Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm, and 11a.m. to 12pm on Saturdays; the Junior Rock Club is for 7-16 year-olds on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5.30pm to 7pm and 9am to 10.30am Saturdays; and Rockstart is for over-16s on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9pm. There are plenty more activities for different abilities on offer, and the wall is open to all climbers outside the clubs from 12 noon. to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 6pm at weekends. Check the website — high-sports.co.uk — or call 0845 363 1177 for more details and to book a taster session.

The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

@CornerstoneVis

/55

FAMILY MATTERS

Foster carers named in New Year’s Honours offer inspiration to new carers in Plymouth

It’s what life in Plymouth is all about.  Plymouth with Chris & Chris

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or listen online at www.xrhyth.ms/crplymouth

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Two foster carers who have been recognised in 2015’s New Year’s Honours List for services to children and families hope to offer inspiration to potential carers in Plymouth to consider a career in foster care.

Ian and Linda Greener have both been awarded MBEs for their 20 years dedication to fostering over which time they’ve fostered more than 100 young people.

The fostering heroes, who work with Foster Care Associates (FCA) were nominated by two of the young people they have fostered throughout the years.

Sherree Cole, FCA’s registered manager in the South West, said: “We are immensely proud of the incredible work done by our foster carers, and to see Ian and Linda’s dedication to the children and young people they have looked after recognised in this way is wonderful.

“Foster carers are often the unsung heroes of children’s services, but the work they do can make a profound and positive difference to the lives of children in their care. We hope that this prestigious honour will help to inspire potential future carers in Plymouth to consider this rewarding and lifechanging career.”

Commenting on her experience as a foster carer, Linda Greener said: “I have the best job in the world and this recognition is just the icing on the cake for myself and Ian. We’ve had the opportunity to make positive differences to dozens of young people in our care by providing opportunities and encouragement to give them confidence and grow.

“And, thanks to Foster Care Associates we’ve been provided with all the support and training needed to be able to meet the needs of all our looked after children and young people, whatever their situation.”

From the very beginning FCA provides ongoing support to all of its carers, throughout the UK, and is dedicated to providing all the advice they need to make a positive impact on the children they look after.

For the Greeners fostering is a family passion with their own grown up birth children actively involved including their daughter, a qualified social worker who also works in foster care.

According to a recent report from the Department of Education there are more than 395 children in local authority care in Plymouth.

Foster Care Associates want to hear from potential foster families who are keen to make a difference and provide a safe and stable home to young people in the region in 2015.

Anyone interested in fostering is invited to attend an information event at Trago Mills, Stover, Newton Abbot, TQ12 6JD on Friday March 6 between 10am and 12noon.

The drop in event will provide information to people interested in taking the first step into providing foster care.

In addition to finding out about the extensive support the organisation provide to their foster carers, visitors will be able to chat to some of their carers and FCA support team, who will be able to answer any questions.

Sherree Cole from FCA continues: “There are many factors that make up an ideal foster carer – everything from being adaptable, resilient and nurturing to being a good listener and flexible in response to a young person’s needs.

“We’d really like to hear from potential foster carers to take on some of our more challenging placements. These could range from young people with behavioural problems to teenage mothers who want to be fostered with their own child.

“Fostering is an incredibly rewarding experience. We have some amazing people caring for children and young people in the Plymouth area and our regional offices ensure that those local to the area benefit from the support we have to offer whenever they need it.”

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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HEALTH MATTERS

Nick puts a Clinical dental technician Nick Rush loves to put a smile on people’s faces in Plymouth - literally!

Nick Rush of Beautiful Smiles

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Nick launched the Beautiful Smiles Denture Clinic in the city a year ago, adding to his existing clinics in Launceston and Exeter.

He was the first qualified clinical dental technician to work in Cornwall and in 2014 made his expertise available to patients in Plymouth when he opened his clinic at the Armada Dental Practice in St Judes.

Nick started his dentistry career more than 30 years ago, studying and completing the BTEC Diploma in Dental Technology, gaining a distinction in prosthetics (dentures).

Ten years ago he began further studies through an international clinical dental technicians programme, which enable him to be able to undertake all clinical states of denture provision.

Nick said: “During many years running a dental laboratory servicing the profession it became apparent that the cause of denture construction problems was the breakdown of communication between the dental surgeon and the laboratory, this coupled with the fact that the technician constructing the dentures never actually saw the patient who would eventually wear them.”

By using the most advanced techniques and precision materials, Nick has able to use his extensive experience to create natural looking leading edge dentures at his laboratory in Exeter.

“Few patients realise that much better quality life-like teeth are available which can be further personally individually characterised. Added to this is the natural colour tone we are able to individually incorporate to the denture base giving a most natural gum appearance. The new acrylics we use today can most often ensure a much more retentive fit of the denture.

“Dentures have changed significantly in the past few years,” explained Nick. “It’s because the industry has woken up to the fact that we have a growing ageing population.

Today, about 14 million people wear dentures. Not just the elderly but a wide range from people in their early 20s to people in their 90s.”

The appearance of dentures has moved on too. “Before, dentures tended to be white, small and artificial looking. It was very much a case of ‘one size fits all’ in the appearance.

Now, teeth can be made to look more realistic. Modern denture teeth can be made from materials which replicate

smile on his patients’ faces the natural enamel so that the the patients can feel very end results look more real. What self conscious about their I do is to ask the patient if he or appearance, especially if she has a photo showing their they have had unsuccessful original teeth. Using that, we treatments in the past. can then shape the patient’s “When we fit the new dentures, dentures and make them to it makes an enormous difference those specific requirements.” to their self confidence. They One of the main strengths become new people and with of the dentures is the use of their new, uninhibited smile, implants. “As few as two implants they get a sense of renewed self on a lower denture can make confidence. It’s wonderful to see a difference,” explains Nick. “A that journey.” massive change to the denture Nick said that cobalt chrome wearers lifestyle is possible by dentures provided an attractive One of the ultra thin chrome partial dentures (left) and a more the use of implants to stop your alternative to acrylic dentures. traditional acrylic denture dentures moving.

Chrome partial dentures have “One of the biggest problems an ultra-thin metal base or with lower dentures is the sideways movement. In the lower framework that are clipped to the natural teeth with clasps. set of dentures, the two implants hold the teeth in place.

He offers a free initial 45 minute consultation during which he “If you have an upper denture, using implants can give you explains all the options available and an estimate of the costs the roof of your mouth back, a denture clipped in does not need involved. plastic running over the roof of the mouth, this means you can “Costs range from £395 for a partial acrylic denture and from taste your food again and never need to use messy fixatives.” £745 for a cobalt chrome alternative,” he said. “The process of Nick, who is an honorary lecturer at the Peninsula College taking impressions and making the dentures to the patient’s of Medicine and Dentistry, said that many of his patients were complete satisfaction usually takes between four to six weeks.” women aged between 45 and 70 who had either a full set or partial set of dentures made by the NHS as much as 50 years ago.

For further information Beautiful Smiles, 14 Greenbank “Initial consultations can see some people literally come Avenue, St Judes, Plymouth Tel: 01752 662986 or visit in with their hands over their mouths. Initially, some of www.replacementdentures.co.uk

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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GARDENING MATTERS WITH PLYMOUTH GARDEN CENTRE

Enjoy these perennial

Pulmonaria officinalis

Finally spring has arrived, and things are well and truly getting going in the garden.

After the extremely mild autumn we had, things were starting to get ahead of themselves in the garden. Camellias and daffodils where flowering in December, some herbaceous plants were starting to grow again and many shrubs and trees where still clinging to their leaves, but with the frost we had in February, things seem to be back on track again.

The garden in March is buzzing with activity, as spring bulbs and primroses flower their socks off, adorning the garden with a riot of colour. Many of our trees and shrubs are starting to blossom and put out new leaves, and herbaceous plants are starting to wake from their winter slumber, but whilst this is all happening, there is a group of plants that are often over looked and undervalued.

The spring flowering perennials should be the stars of the garden at this time of year.

They provide reliable colour year after year, with minimal care, have attractive foliage for most of the year, flower for a long period and grow in those difficult areas of the garden where most other plants fail.

A great group of plants are the Pulmonarias (also known as Lungwort), these wonderful plants provide masses of flowers in spring, in shades of blue, pink, purple, red and white.

Brunerra Jack Frost They are native to Europe and some varieties grow wild in Britain which makes them perfectly able to thrive in British gardens. The most readily available is Pulmonaria Officinalis, which is often thought of as an old cottage garden plant, however with new recent introductions, such as Pulmonaria ‘Blue Ensign’, they are starting to be viewed as trendy and quite contemporary.

This is a variety that produces green, velvety strap like leaves that the purest blue star shaped flowers stand above, from afar, it resembles a giant gentian. Unlike other varieties the flowers remain blue and don’t fade.

Many Pulmonarias start out blue or purple and fade to pink or red, meaning that a single plant can have many clusters of different coloured flowers at the same time. After they have finished flowering, they then put on a fresh flush of foliage, the foliage in its own right is enough reason to grow them.

The leaves tend to be green, with silver spots, blotches, streaks or near enough entirely silver. They are very attractive and complement summer flowering perennials such as the

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

Doronicum Orientale

By Derek Anderson of Plymouth Garden Centre acid greens flowers of Euphorbias (especially those with plum coloured foliage), the pale green leaves and vibrant flowers of hemerocallis and the pretty golden grasses, such as carex or hakonechloa.

The flowers of Pulmonarias look great with Hellebores (especially the darker coloured varieties), Snowdrops, Cyclamen, Tiarella, Heuchera and Erythronium. The best place to grow Pulmonarias is in a cool, shady place, under trees or shrubs or at the base of a shady wall or fence is perfect.

Pulmonarias hate drying out in summer, this can cause them to get mildew, keep them moist and it won’t be an issue.

Another early flowerer with attractive foliage is Brunner. In early spring, large, heart shaped, green leaves with silver veins and edges appear, followed by sky blue flowers on long stalks in clusters that resemble forget-me-not flowers.

The best variety to grow is Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’, they have the clearest blue flowers and the best variegation in their leaves.

To keep the leaves looking at their best, cut the spent flowers back to ground level and grow them in a sheltered, shady site.

The leaves can scorch and burn in full sun and windy sites, so shade is essential to keep the variegated foliage looking good. Although it prefers moist conditions, Brunnera will tolerate dry soil once established, and will spread to form a large clump.

It makes a striking groundcover plant for the front of a border, or lighting up moist, shady areas under the canopy of trees and shrubs, or for edging a woodland path.

Brunnera is an excellent companion plant to Dicentra spectabilis which also enjoys the same conditions as Brunnera.

Another striking companion is Geranium pratense ‘Hocus Pocus’. Its deep plum foliage and blue flowers are enhanced by the silver foliage of ‘Jack Frost’ long after it has stopped flowering.

Dicentras are the most graceful of the spring flowering perennials. It has arching sprays of, pink or white heart shaped flowers that dangle elegantly above its pale green fern like, foliage. It is extremely easy to grow, it looks great planted in groups in a shady border or as part of a cottage garden

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Dicentra ‘Valentine’

scheme, or as a subtle splash of colour in a contemporary border of architectural shapes.

Dicentra ‘Valentine’ is a new introduction that has red heart shaped flowers. It is a strong grower and the colour is more intense than the traditional pink or white.

It is one of the earliest perennials to flower, but the foliage does start to die back after flowering, so it is best to cut the foliage to the ground after flowering so it can send up new fresh foliage and grow amongst later flowering summer flowers, which can then maintain interest in the border. Dicentras prefer to grow in a shady position, but will grow well in full sun if kept moist. They are happy in any good garden soil that is fertile but not too heavy. If you are on heavy clay, or a stony, sandy soil, add plenty of compost before planting and apply mulch in autumn too. Give it a feed when the foliage starts to appear in the spring.

With bright yellow daisy like flowers, Doronicum is one of the few daisy family members to bloom in spring, and generally flowers when the last of the daffodils are out.

It’s a low maintenance plant that can be used in a flower border or herbaceous border to get the season off to an early start, or for growing at front of a shrub border. Its foliage appears early in the season, so it is wise to plant clumps in front of large flowering daffodils to hide the foliage while it dies down.

Doronicums also look great when planted with Cowslips (Primula veris) on a grassy bank to create a natural spring display. Also looks equally good growing between a mixed grass borders. Alternatively for a contrasting display, plant it with scarlet tulips or with purple wallflowers.

For best results, grow Doronicum in a fertile soil in sun or partial shade. It will grow happily in pots, but it will bulk up more in the garden. It grows to a height of 30-45cm (12-18ins) with a spread of 60cm (24ins).

A group of plants that have a lot to offer, but require very little care or maintenance are the Euphorbias. It is in late autumn and winter that evergreen plants of good structure come into their own, when everything else around them has died back.

None of the evergreen perennials are more elegant and uncomplaining than the Euphorbia family. The stout stems of evergreen foliage stand proudly even in the bleakest of weather and when the plants get covered in frost they take on an ethereal quality.

Euphorbias are an extremely versatile group of plants that can cope with a wide range of growing conditions.

Get out in the garden in March and plant up those areas you’ve always had trouble with and make them lush and hassle free.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2015

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