Plymouth Magazine March 2019

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

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ISSUE 177 MARCH 2019

Girl power at Mercedes-Benz in Plymouth

Rock Salt’s Dave Jenkins is named best chef in the South West What’s On guide Appeal to raise £10,000 for urgent treatment for three year old Chloe

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EXETER Queensgate House, 48 Queen Street Exeter EX4 3SR David Richardson

Congratulations to chef Dave Jenkins Over the last few years Plymouth has gained a reputation for some fantastic restaurants and eateries - many of them family run by enthusiastic proprietors.

It comes as no surprise for regular visitors to the Rock Salt Cafe in Stonehouse, that its talented chef Dave Jenkins has been voted as the best chef in the South West.

It’s the latest in a series of accolades for Dave and his team - who also run the Salumi eatery in Millbay.

Rock Salt has always been one of my family’s favourite restaurants and I’m delighted to offer our congratulations to Dave, his wife Chantel and mum Jean.

Another of our favourite familyrun restaurants is The Fig Tree@36 in Admiralty Street, Stonehouse. Skilled chef Ryan Marsland and his lovely wife Tanya have created a loyal following since opening The Fig Tree in September 2017.

And we’re delighted that Ryan will be sharing the recipes for some of their most popular dishes in the magazine over the coming months. And what better dish to start with than Sticky Toffee Pudding - it’s their most popular dessert and I’m sure readers will love making it!

You can find Ryan’s reader recipe on page 14.

Elsewhere in this issue we feature the story of little Chloe Stevenson who has a rare condition which has left her unable to use her left arm and hand and also affects other parts of her body.

The condition requires ongoing rehabilitation treatment - currently not available on the NHS - if she is to stand any chance of making a recovery.

Her parents have launched a Crowdfunding page to raise the £10,000 needed for the treatment as the next 18 months are critical in terms of rehabilitation and other treatment.

As this edition of the magazine went to press the fund was heading towards £5,000 - please read Chloe’s story on page 12 and support her cause if you can.

Hope you enjoy the latest issue!

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Publishers: Chris Girdler and Ian Pilkington Editor: Debbie Girdler Design: Naomi Girdler and Leah-Maarit Jeffery Photography: Roy Perring and Laura Joint Contributors: Ryan Marsland, Laura Joint, Peter Goord, Derek Anderson Advertising sales: Karen Pilkington, Dave Simpson, Jessica Bennett, Glenda Charitos, Michelle Blackhurst and Esther Kitto Artwork: Sarah Simpson Finance: Karen Pilkington and Kim Strachan Front cover: Technician Harley Mortlock who has become the first female technician at the Mercedes-Benz branch in Plymouth.

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

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

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

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CONTENTS MARCH 2019 EDITION

8

SUPER CHEF DAVE!

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APPEAL FOR CHLOE

Talented chef Dave Jenkins of the Rock Salt Café in Stonehouse has been voted the best chef in the South West by readers of a leading food magazine.

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Three-year-old Chloe Stevenson has a rare condition which requires urgent rehabilitation == - and an appeal to raise £10,000 has been launched.

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Laura Joint met up with Peter and Jane Jordan at their home in Newton Ferrers to admire their new kitchen installed by KF Kitchens.

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WHAT’S ON

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

IT’S GIRL POWER!

KITCHEN PERFECTION

www.cornerstonevision.com

TOP MARK FOR LUCY

Lucy Findlay, founder of Plymouthbased Social Enterprise Mark CIC has been talking to Laura Joint about her surprise and delight at receiving an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

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One in four of the team at the Mercedes-Benz branch in Plymouth are women - and it’s being celebrated on International Women’s Day.

The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

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FOOD MATTERS Rocksalt chef Dave Jenkins with his mum Jean and wife Chantel

Plymouth’s Rock Salt Café chef Dave Jenkins voted best in the South West

Talented Plymouth chef Dave Jenkins has been named as the best in the South West.

Dave from Rock Salt Café was thrilled to pick up the accolade of Best Chef in what is one of the largest and most highly acclaimed food awards in the South West.

The awards were launched by Salt Media in 2012 through its publication Food Magazine, with the aim of celebrating the very best independent restaurants, cafes, pubs, chefs, hotels, producers, retailers and cookery schools in the South West.

The voters are readers of Food Magazine and www.foodmag.co.uk, and this year saw 25,000 individual votes cast across the 12 categories.

Dave said: “It was such a great honour to win! It felt like all the hard work since starting up Rock Salt eight years ago and then Salumi, had been appreciated by our lovely customers.

I’m so grateful to everyone who voted.”

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

It was Rock Salt’s second time win for the family run business located in Plymouth, who previously won Best Restaurant in 2017. The restaurant also holds two AA rosettes, is featured in the Good Food Guide publication and has had mentions in the Sunday Times Cheap Eats, Lonely Planet Guide and the Sunday Telegraph’s Stella magazine.

Food magazine editor Jo Rees said: “Dave Jenkins from Rock Salt Cafe and all the finalists exemplify the leading, creative and groundbreaking food and drink businesses we have in the South West.

"It was a fabulous evening and we’re thrilled that Dave will now join our list of previous winners which includes Nathan Outlaw, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, Rodda’s Cornish Cream, and Ashburton Cookery School.”

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BUSINESS MATTERS

Lucy’s MBE is a ‘mark of approval’ for Plymouthbased social enterprise body

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

When a letter dropped onto her doormat with ‘Cabinet Office’ stamped on it, Lucy Findlay assumed it had something to do with some work she’d done with the Government department in the past.

So imagine her shock when she opened the envelope to learn she had been nominated to receive an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List for services to social enterprise.

Lucy is the founder and managing director of Plymouthbased organisation, Social Enterprise Mark CIC, the body responsible for the only internationally available social enterprise accreditation.

When Lucy set up Social Enterprise Mark in 2010 – initially as a regionally-funded project in the South West – it was the first time that a clear standard and definition had been set for the social enterprise sector.

Before, there was no accreditation system at all, which meant businesses and community interest companies were self-certifying as social enterprises, a lack of scrutiny that was leading to issues of credibility and trust.

Local organisations accredited with the Social Enterprise Mark include Devon Doctors Ltd (the out of hours service run by GPs), Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise, Real Ideas Organisation, and Plymouth College of Art, which has the enhanced Social Enterprise Gold Mark. One of the first to achieve the Social Enterprise Mark was Millfields Trust, and Social Enterprise Mark CIC is based in an office at the HQ Business Centre in Union Street, which is run by the Trust.

Lucy’s background is in community regeneration, which she gravitated into after starting her career as a geographer working in town planning: “That job wasn’t for me, it was all about land, and I’m really interested in people. But when I was at school and college, social enterprise wasn’t invented as a term. In that sense, I stumbled upon it when I was a geographer because there was a clear need for community regeneration.”

BUSINESS MATTERS

Lucy got a job with a national rural regeneration project, which took her to areas up and down the country, including one, a former coal mining community in South Wales, that made a huge impact on her: “They had a trust that rented out properties and everything was re-invested in the community so that the regeneration didn’t just continue, it grew. I thought: ‘This is amazing, why isn’t everyone doing this?’ Of course, this is exactly what the Millfields Trust is doing in Plymouth, and re-investing in this part of the city.”

Then, as Chief Executive of RISE – the regional body for social enterprise in the South West – her role was to secure support from the Regional Development Agency for businesses in the region that operated with a social enterprise ethos: “This is when I saw the gap in accreditation and set up Social Enterprise Mark CIC. We are putting a fixed marker down.”

So, what does having the Social Enterprise Mark show?

“It’s not just about business ethics, we are very firm that it’s about social impact. For a business to have the Social Enterprise Mark or Gold Mark, they must have a strong social and environmental reason for being. They need to be able to show us: ‘This is why we are here, this is the difference we are making’. We also ensure that their profits are re-invested and doesn’t all go into shareholders’ pockets. That’s the key to sustainability and expansion. So we look at the impact and the constitution of the business.

“For the businesses, they are gaining trust and credibility by being able to show they are operating in a certain way.

They’ve been tested and have proved to the public that they meet the standards of a social enterprise.”

There are currently around 150 Mark holders in 11 countries across the world. The accreditation is for three years, with an annual ‘check-up’ to ensure continuing social enterprise practices. However, a Government report found that there are almost half a million social enterprises in the UK. Lucy said:

CONSULT

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DESIGN

“Yes, but can they prove their model is truly a social enterprise? Do they have people’s confidence and trust that they are doing good?”

This Spring, Social Enterprise Mark CIC is due to launch a new project in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions. The Social Enterprise Disability Employment Mark offers a subsidy for organisations who take on people with disabilities: “The funding is sent to the individual, who passes that on to the approved employer,” explained Lucy. “So this is a real incentive for businesses to employ people with disabilities.”

Internationally, there is a growing number of organisations applying for accreditation, and overseas bodies are keen to replicate the model – including in China and Asia. When we met Lucy, she was about to fly out to Sri Lanka to discuss just that: “There’s also a lovely story in South Africa, where a lady called Louise van Rhyn heard about us,” she said.

“She’s in a network of businesses, the Symphonia for South Africa, and she takes business leaders out to rural areas where they mentor head teachers in leadership skills. The business leaders pay for doing this because it’s part of their continuing development. The money is then re-invested in the project. This is one of the social enterprises that has our Mark and Louise has become a Social Enterprise Mark Ambassador.”

And all of this work is done by just five people, working out of a small office here in Plymouth. When Lucy collects her MBE at Buckingham Palace in June, she says it will be for the whole team: “I have no idea who nominated me, but it’s very lovely of them, whoever they are. It is an honour, but it’s not about me, it’s about our company. It’s like we’ve been given one of our social enterprise marks, our very own stamp of accreditation. And that’s the most important thing.”

•• |

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

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FAMILY MATTERS

Chloe, three, in need of critical treatment following rare illness Like most fun-loving three-year-olds, Chloe Stevenson loved going to the swimming pool every week and was a non-stop bundle of energy. Last September, she’d just been to her first ballet lesson and couldn’t wait for the second class, when she developed a very high temperature – the first warning sign to her parents Vanessa and Ross that something was wrong.

“Her temperature was in the 40s so I took her straight to the GP,” Vanessa told the Plymouth Magazine. “She said it was a normal virus and that Calpol and Ibuprofen would help clear it up. But the next day, we were about to give Chloe a bath and her left arm went floppy. She couldn’t undress and we thought she was messing about. But when we tried to lift her arm, it was a dead weight. At that point, we went straight to A&E at Derriford Hospital.

“We had no idea what was happening. Until then, Chloe had always been absolutely fine. She was always very active and had earned lots of swimming badges at Turtle Tots. So this was all very sudden.

“Initially, doctors at A&E thought Chloe might have had a stroke. But then, more and more consultants came in and they were confused by the unusual symptoms, so they admitted Chloe to hospital.”

An MRI scan raised a number of possibilities, including ADEM, an inflammatory condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. Then, after almost a week at Derriford, Chloe was referred to specialists at Bristol Children’s Hospital. They ruled out ADEM and other potential causes and in October, Chloe was sent back to Derriford Hospital.

Four days later, however, and she was back at Bristol Children’s Hospital to undergo a course of plasmapheresis treatment to filter the blood. Vanessa said: “That was horrible and it made Chloe very weak.”

Finally, in November, doctors at Bristol diagnosed acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), an extremely rare condition that attacks the spinal cord and nerves: “When Chloe first had

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

the illness, she was a solitary case,” explained Vanessa. “But in November, there was a cluster of cases in the UK and that led to them diagnosing it.

We understand that there have only been 28 cases in the UK and as far as we’re aware, Chloe is the only one in Plymouth.”

In Chloe’s case, the condition developed as a result of the viral infection and centred towards the top of her spinal cord. At first, it affected her legs and her core as well as her left arm and hand. While regular physiotherapy, occupational therapy and hydrotherapy at Bristol Children’s Hospital improved her legs and core, her left shoulder, arm and hand remain paralysed.

Since leaving Bristol Children’s Hospital in January to return to the family home in Derriford, the NHS rehabilitation has been drastically reduced. Vanessa and Ross fear that Chloe’s chances of recovery are being damaged by the reduced rehab and have set up a £10,000 Crowdfunding page to raise money to pay for additional sessions.

“Any recovery that occurs is likely to happen in the first 18 months, so getting the rehabilitation sessions now is absolutely critical,” said Vanessa. “Chloe had physio and occupational therapy every day in Bristol, which is what got her walking again. And the only time we get any temporary movement in her left arm is when she’s in the hydrotherapy pool. Then, she gets partial movement from her elbow to her wrist and some movement in her shoulder.

“But now Chloe is an outpatient in Plymouth, she will only

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FAMILY MATTERS get a weekly 30-minute session of hydrotherapy with an NHS physio, for six weeks. She will also get a one-hour weekly session of physio and the same for occupational therapy, but those sessions haven’t started yet, and we don’t know how long they’ll go on for.

“The most important thing is to get Chloe more hydrotherapy, but it’s expensive to hire the pool and pay for a physio privately, which is why we’ve set up the Crowdfunding page. The pool costs £70 for 30 minutes and the physio is another £70 for an hour.”

In December, Chloe spent some time at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, which has the UK’s leading spinal rehab unit.

Vanessa said: “That’s where we were told about the 18-month time frame for recovery. While Chloe was there, she tried out a mobile arm aid which was very good, but we’re not sure we’ll get funding for one in Plymouth because it’s a postcode lottery. It could take months before we get a decision and the decision might be ‘no’.”

As a result, Vanessa and Ross might have to buy an arm aid, as well as a Full Electronic Stimulation Suit which can help with immobility but isn’t funded by the NHS. Each piece of equipment costs around £4,000. The couple are also hoping to pay for Chloe to have electronic stimulation treatment at a specialist clinic in London, which costs £90 an hour.

The biggest concern is over the complete loss of movement in Chloe’s wrist, hand and fingers: “Long-term, we know that Chloe will never get all the movement back in her left arm,” said Vanessa. “And there’s also some muscle wastage in the left shoulder and a general weakness in her core.

“She has good days and bad days and the medication she’s taking isn’t great for her immune system. She gets frustrated, which is understandable, but in the main, she’s adjusting well.

She’s very resilient and still has her bubbly personality. As her parents, we just want to give her every chance of the best possible recovery.”

••

You can donate at www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/chloe-stevenson15

The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

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FOOD MATTERS

Ryan's reader recipe!

Introducing a new magazine feature in which talented chef Ryan Marsland of The Fig Tree@36 restaurant in Stonehouse shares a recipe for one of their popular dishes.

In this issue Ryan introduces readers to one of their mouthwatering desserts.

Ryan said: "Sticky Toffee Pudding is by far our most popular dessert, so we decided to share a little bit of The Fig Tree@36 with you. This is the recipe we get asked for the most."

Ryan says he is more than happy to try some readers' samples..so take them in to The Fig Tree@36 and he will give you his professional opinion. Happy baking!

Sticky Toffee Pudding Stage 1

√√ 85g pitted dates √√ 225ml water √√ 175g self-raising flour √√ 20g dark chocolate √√ 1 shot espresso (25ml) √√ 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1.

Line your tray with baking paper and pre heat oven to 180 degrees.

2. Put dates and water into sauce pan 3. Bring to boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Add chocolate and espresso to date mix.

5. Whilst date mix is still hot, add the bicarbonate of soda. The mix will fizz up, transfer to a tray or bowl and allow to cool to room temperature.

Stage 2

√√ 145g dark brown sugar √√ 145g butter, softened √√ 2 large free eggs, beaten √√ Pinch of cinnamon and ginger

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

6. Beat butter and sugar together until it becomes light and increases in volume.

7. Gradually add eggs, continuing to beat, until combined fully.

8. Fold the flour, cinnamon and ginger into the egg mix, use a light touch for this but make sure all flour is combined.

9. Now again folding gently, add stage 1 and stage 2 together.

10. Pour the mix into your prepared tray, the mix will appear to be quite wet, and bake for about 40 minutes.

11. The pudding should be golden brown and firm to the touch.

12. To test your pudding, insert a skewer, if it comes away clean, the pudding is cooked. √√ Sticky toffee sauce √√ 50g butter √√ 100g brown sugar √√ 100ml double cream 1.

Combine all ingredients together in a sauce pan and heat gently, about 5 minutes or so, until it takes on a saucy appearance.

2. When the pudding is cool, slice into portions.

3. Arrange on a tray, cover with some sauce and bake in a hot oven, until hot and crispy.

4. Serve with more sauce and a more than generous scoop of clotted cream or vanilla ice cream….or both

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

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WHAT’S ON

THE LYRIC Royal Parade Plymouth Box Office 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com Feb 19 - 23 HORRIBLE HISTORIES: AWFUL EGYPTIANS From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. Are you ready to rumble with Ramesses the Great? Dare you to enter through the Gates of the Afterlife? It’s the history of Egypt with the nasty bits left in!

Feb 19 - 23 HORRIBLE HISTORIES: TERRIBLE TUDORS From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope.

Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audiences!

Feb 25 - Mar 2 GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS Well loved and acclaimed TV and stage stars Mark Benton and Nigel Harman are the deal-chasing cutthroat salesmen in this ‘razor sharp’ revival of Mamet’s Olivier and Pulitzer prize winning masterpiece, Glengarry Glen Ross. Set in an office of cutthroat Chicago salesmen, pitched in high stakes competition against each other, four increasingly desperate employees will be do anything, legal or otherwise, to sell the most real estate. As time and luck start to run out, the mantra is simple: close the deal and you’ve won a Cadillac; blow the lead and you’re screwed.

Mar 3 DRACULA: THE BLOODY TRUTH This critically acclaimed, multi five star awarded hilarious comedy will be presented by Professor Abraham Van Helsing and his three idiotic actors as they stage a life-changing, theatrical production surrounding the true events of Dracula. Will they pull it off? It’s highly unlikely! With four actors playing over forty characters and directed by one of the UK’s most exciting comedy directors, you will die laughing!

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

Mar 6 - 9 BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Witness transformations, wild waltzes, soaring birds and a relationship between Belle and the Beast that is at first terrifying, but ultimately serene and beautiful.

Mar 8 BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S FIRST STEPS BEAUTY & THE BEAST This interactive show, specially adapted for children aged 3+, features ballet excerpts from Beauty and the Beast, performed

by Birmingham Royal Ballet’s amazing dancers and orchestras.

A feast of dance, music, costumes and lots of fun - the perfect introduction to ballet.

Mar 9 BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET’S CLASS ON STAGE Ever wondered what a ballet dancer does to prepare for a day of rehearsal and performance?

This is your chance to watch an open company class on stage and find out.

Mar 11 - 16 CLUB TROPICANA Welcome to the vibrant Club Tropicana Hotel - the 1980s answer to Love Island, where the drinks are free and the whole family is invited to join the ultimate holiday musical, celebrating all that we love about the 80s.

Mar 18 - 23 ROUGH CROSSING Two famous, but desperate playwrights are stuck on an ocean liner headed for New York, feverishly trying to rehearse their latest show before reaching land and opening night. But they are constantly distracted by their delicate composer’s attempts to end it all, having overheard his lover confess her feelings to the leading man. Add an absurdly unorthodox waiter, a mistimed lifeboat drill and a vanishing glass of brandy and soon the sharp Atlantic winds turn to world-class gales of laughter as these colourful characters become tangled up in a typically Stoppardian string of absurd events.

Mar 27 - 29 LOOPSTATION From the creators of A History of Everything and Fight Night, Loopstation is a large-scale performance with live music that explores some of the familiar patterns that shape our lives - our daily routines. Nine performers build a world on a revolving stage, where today is always a bit like yesterday, but not necessarily like tomorrow.

Mar 30 NISH KUMAR: IT’S IN YOUR NATURE TO DESTROY YOURSELVES Nish Kumar is taking his brand new show on a nationwide tour of the UK. There will be jokes about politics, mankind’s capacity for self-destruction and whether it will lead to the end of days.

Theatres & Shows

Birmingham Royal Ballet perform Beauty and The Beast at the Theatre Royal in March

Apr 7 AN EVENING OF ERIC & ERN A brilliant homage crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, that hits all the right notes! It’s a show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches, and of course, a musical guest.

Apr 9 - 13 THE WORST WITCH Long before Harry Potter, there was Mildred Hubble. An ordinary girl who found herself in an extraordinary place: a school for witches. Now in her final year, accident prone Mildred and her fellow pupils are about to embark on their biggest and most important adventure yet.

Apr 3 WELSH NATIONAL OPERA: UN BALLO IN MASCHERA Love, power and politics collide in Un ballo in Maschera - based on the real life assassination of King Gustav III of Sweden, who was shot at a masked ball in 1792. Riccardo (Gustav) adores Amelia, but when her husband discovered their love affair, he plots against the king, leading to murder on the dance floor.

Apr 4, 6 WELSH NATIONAL OPERA: THE MAGIC FLUTE The mysterious Queen of the Night coaxes Tamino to rescue her beautiful daughter Pamina from the grip of the evil enchanter Sarasota. With a magic flute and a set of magic bells for protection, he sets off on his journey aided by Papageno, the bird-catcher. But as they overcome a series of challenges, it becomes apparent that all is not what it seems - will they complete their quest and find true love?

Apr 5 WELSH NATIONAL OPERA: ROBERTO DEVEREUX Roberto Devereux has been accused of treason. In order to gain his freedom, he simply has to present the ring his lover, Queen Elizabeth I, has bestowed upon him. But Devereux is secretly in love with Sara, who he refuses to renounce, leaving Elizabeth heartbroken and compelled to sign his death warrant. www.cornerstonevision.com

Apr 14 THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY Now seen by over a quarter of a million people across the world, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is a critically acclaimed concert style theatre show about two young boys from Queens, New York who went on to become the world’s most successful music duo of all time. Using state of the art video projection, incredible lighting and a full live band, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is a moving and powerful concert featuring all the hits.

Drum Theatre ROYAL PARADE PLYMOUTH Box Office 01752 267222 Until Feb 23 YOU STUPID DARKNESS! Everything’s been falling apart for a while now. In a cramped, crumbling office, four volunteers spend a few hours every Tuesday night on the phone to strangers telling them everything is going to be ok. As the outside world disintegrates around them, Frances, Joey, Angie and Jon teeter on the edge of their own personal catastrophes. Their hopes and fears become entangled as they try, desperately, to connect with the callers and with each other.

Mar 7 - Mar 23 GOD OF CHAOS God of Chaos is an outrageously funny and provocative new play about the world of online censorship. @PlymMag

@PlymMag

The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

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WHAT’S ON Apr 2 - 6 KITE Stuck in her Grandma’s obsessively tidy flat, a recently orphaned girl discovers a kite which comes to life and takes her on a wild adventure. Little does she know that Grandma has her own brand of magic and the wind will bring them together in ways they would never have imagined.

Kite is a play without words, with originally composed music, dance, puppetry and of course, kites.

Apr 11 - 13 CREEP Creep explores fear, what it feels like and why we enjoy it so much…

turn indeed…

Castle Street, Plymouth BOX OFFICE: 01752 267131 www.barbicantheatre.co.uk Mar 8 JOHN PEEL’S SHED/CIRCLED IN THE RADIO TIMES Writer and theatre maker John Osbourne returns to Plymouth, with a double bill of two unique storytelling shows. John Peel’s Shed features a selection of records previously owned by the late John Peel. Many are very rare recordings by obscure and

Theatres & Shows

now defunct bands, and this is a unique opportunity for any Peel fans. Circled in the Radio Times is a new storytelling show about finding a pile of old copies of the Radio Times and piecing together someone’s life by the programmes they have circled.

Mar 9 MY GENERATION: THE WHO STORY An interactive celebration of the greatest band of all time! This one of a kind tribute show takes you on a journey through the decades from The Who’s origins as the kings of mod, through their ground-breaking albums, right through to the present day.

Mar 23 JD KING’S ELVIS The highest rated best Elvis impersonator in the world is JD King; he performs an Elvis tribute show that even the King himself would be proud of.

JD King’s Elvis performs at the Barbican Theatre in March

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

Apr 26 THE BEEGEES LIVE IN CONCERT (at Plymouth Athenaeum) Renowned as the original and very best Bee Gees tribute show, and the only Bee Gees tribute show that have actually performed with the original Bee Gees! In 1997, Gary and Darren from Jive Talkin performed live on Heart FM with The Bee Gees and received great compliments from both Maurice and Barry Gibb. As with the original Bee Gees, Jive Talkin is very much a family affair, with brothers Gary and Darren Simmons taking the roles of Maurice and Barry Gibb, with Darren’s son Jack joining the group in 2014 and taking on the role of Robin Gibb. The guys are supported musically by a four piece band with lead guitar, violin, cello and drums, to ensure that

every note in every song is just right!

CASTLE STREET, PLYMOUTH 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk Feb 27, Mar 13, Mar 27, Apr 10, Apr 24 CAFE ACOUSTICA The B Bar’s long running local music night sees great local talent, hand picked by singer songwriter Jessie Mullen, performing their own original compositions.

Mar 1 SWINGOLOGY Swingology perform gypsy swing in the style of guitar legend Django Reinhardt. The swinging guitars and soaring clarinet solos are evocative of the soundtrack to 1940s Paris. Swingology will be performing as a quartet of two guitars, double bass and clarinet.

Mar 2 BLACK FRIDAY For over a decade, Black Friday have been playing their foot-stomping mix of high energy, homebrew folk across Cornwall, Devon and far beyond. Their music is influenced by their celtic roots and folk heroes and their catchy original folk-punk songs take on folk favourites by the likes of Flogging Molly and Pogues that will keep you dancing all night.

Mar 6, Apr 3 COMEDY NIGHT Comedy night features some of the best stand ups on the circuit, showcases some great up and coming talent and is always a sell out show.

Mar 7 THE TREES Plymouth’s four-woman supergroup play with vocal harmonies and their wide-ranging inspirations to offer a unique and special show.

Mar 8 WE ARE LEIF Led by the songwriting team of

John avoids painful foot injections In 2011 John Cain retired from his role as Head Stevedore at Victoria Wharf in Plymouth. After 40 years working outdoors in a physically demanding job, he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife Sue, enjoying the good times ahead, including plenty of walking.

Fast forward to 2016 and John started to experience serious footpain, which his doctor diagnosed as arthritis in the balls of his feet. “She said it was not something that would get better, so I tried to put up with it,” said John.

The pain got worse until he reached the point where his doctor recommended a series of painful cortisone injections to ease things. The thought of injections in to sensitive areas of his feet was less than appealing, but was the lesser of two evils so he agreed and waited for his appointment date to be set.

Just before Christmas in 2018, Sue got a call from John who was walking their dog, Sam. “He was at the end of Mountbatten pier,” said Sue, “and the pain had got so bad he couldn’t walk home. I had to go and collect him in the car, and that’s when I remembered seeing Foot Solutions shop on Royal Parade.”

They made an appointment for a free foot assessment between Christmas and New Year, and after carrying out a range of examinations Foot Solutions’ advisor Lauren recommended John should try an over the counter insert with a pair of Brooks trainers for walking, and ordered a specifically designed custom orthotic.

“The improvement in just one day was wonderful,” said John.

“The pain immediately reduced and after a couple of days I called my doctor, who agreed that there was no point having the cortisone if the insert and trainers were working so well.”

When the custom orthotic arrived, it was another level of improvement altogether. “It’s changed my life around,” said John.

“Walks with Sue and Sam are now a pleasure again.

You can’t get rid of arthritis but my Brooks trainers and custom insert from Foot Solutions have made such a difference to us.”

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t: 01752 222660 www.footsolutions.co.uk/plymouth

WHAT’S ON Comedian Jack Barry is appearing at the B-Bar in March

vocalist, Louise Victoria, and drummer, Mark Whitlam, We Are Leif deftly span the balance of jazz sensibilities with the groove and sound world more associated with neo soul, r’n’b and down tempo genres.

Mar 9 FREE CUBA PARTY Latin tunes and cocktails with the B Bar’s resident DJ playing the best in salsa, merengue, bachata, son and more.

Mar 14 JACK BARRY - COMEDY IN THE B BAR Acclaimed stand-up and compulsive over-sharer, Jack Barry presents a show with thrills, spills, and slip ups. It’s good clean fun, but don’t take your parents.

Mar 15 WILDWOOD JACK Wildwood Jack are a unique acoustic guitar and ukulele duo from Kent. Their melodic songs blend the acoustic guitar and ukulele with outstanding finger style playing, drawing influences from folk, country and world music.

Mar 21 ELANI EVANGLEOU Singer songwriter and guitarist brings the jazzy tones of Amy Winehouse covers, combined with her blues and folk original songs, and even occasionally rapping.

Mar 22 GOZER GOODSPEED & DAVEY DODDS Gozer Goodspeed is a Plymouthborn blues-folk singer songwriter

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

who has been described as ‘a wonderful storyteller and a riotous rabble-rouser’. Davey Dodds was the frontman, singer and songwriter for prog rock band Red Jasper, until he left the band in the 90s. Enjoy a successful resurgence with a solo prog-folk powerhouse.

Mar 28 ALEX HART & BECCA LANGSFORD Alex and Becca perform the perfect blend of country and blues music. So far they have toured the UK and Europe as a duo, and played extensively in other projects including their band, The Trees.

Mar 29 ELIZA ACTY With her unique vocal style, Eliza performs a wide range of folk, blues, American old-time, original and contemporary songs that span over a century of music.

Apr 4 GEOFF LAKEMAN B-Bar regular Geoff Lakeman, dad to famous folk stars Seth, Sean and Sam, plays again his inimitable blend of West Country, American and Irish folk, Americana and even 20s/30s jazz, showcased on his rare duet concertina.

Apr 5 CIRCE’S DINER Dedicated to self-penned, honest, roots tunes, the music from the Diner touches base with country, Americana, folk and pop traditions, yet the presentation and lyrical content draws

Theatres & Shows

inspiration from everyday life through wondrous tales of love, loss, friendship and tigers! These acoustic alchemists will take you on a most intoxicating journey that will leave you feeling thoroughly charmed!

Apr 11 BILAL ZAFAR Best Newcomer nominee 2016 and Hackney Empire (NATYS) winner is back with a brand new show! Social media has been taken over by bots spreading hate, fear and influencing how we vote. In Lovebots, Bilal has made his own bots to fight back, except these bots only want to spread love and compassion. As seen and heard on BBC Three, Channel 4, MTV and BBC Radio 4.

Apr 12 SOLANA Since their formation in Valencia in 2012, fusion project Solana have been enchanting listeners with their original compositions inspired by folk traditions from around the world, klezmer, flamenco and contemporary jazz.

Apr 18 FORKED Poetry and spoken word from internationally renowned artists, with cabaret, comedy and film to complement.

Apr 19 JOANNA COOKE Joanna’s successes to date include supporting charttopping artists Paloma Faith, Rag ’n’ Bone Man and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, plus

Beth Rowley, Jo Harman and J P Cooper. She has released three well received EP records, enjoyed national BBC radio airplay across all 40 local BBC stations and co-wrote and sung on number one club chart dance tracks in Australia and South Africa.

Apr 20 ANDY QUICK Andy’s Band create a cocktail of feel good funk, roots and wild blues. The tunes have a life of their own and the sound is impossible to pin down. Andy is a multifaceted songwriter and as with his first project Land of the Giants, this new live show has evolved into a fascinating mash up. Think soulful vocals, playful lyricism and enormous choruses wrapped around big beats and throbbing bass.

Apr 21 AGS CONNOLLY & LEO RONDEAU Ags Connolly returns to Plymouth with Texas-based Leo Rondeau to bring a night of intimate acoustic country.

Influenced by David Allen Coe, Johnny Paycheck and Guy Clark, Ags is a traditional country singer songwriter, who proudly supports the Ameripolitan movement, which is the rise of new music with traditional roots influence. Leo Rondeau deals in stories candid, honest and plainspoken. While country music is ostensibly known for wearing hearts on shirtsleeves, Rondeau is a musician for whom the man and the music are inextricable.

Country singer songwriter Ags Connolly is appearing at the B-Bar in April

www.cornerstonevision.com

@PlymMag

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

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WHAT’S ON

MILLBAY ROAD, PLYMOUTH Box Office: 0333 772 7727 Feb 21 PETER ANDRE CELEBRATING 25 YEARS The Celebrating 25 Years tour will see Peter encompass his musical journey through the years, performing his best loved hits from his early years to his most recent tracks.

Feb 28 PROFESSOR BRIAN COX Professor Cox makes challenging ideas accessible to all, exploring the vast, possibly infinite universe and our place within it from earth to the edge of the cosmos.

Now sold out - but back at the Pavilions on September 17.

Mar 2 BRIT FLOYD: ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL Brit Floyd, the world’s greatest Pink Floyd tribute show, returns to the stage in 2019 with its most ambitious and best production yet, a very special 40th Anniversary retrospective of Pink Floyd’s iconic rock opera, ‘The Wall’. The Brit Floyd show has truly become a phenomenon, a show that is as close as fans will get to experiencing the magnificence of a Pink Floyd show live.

Mar 7 DARA O BRIAIN: VOICE OF REASON Dara is one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, as host of the hugely successful Mock the Week, Star Gazing Live, Robot Wars and Go 8 Bit. Catch one of the most charismatic, intelligent, fast-talking and downright funny live performers in this brand new show.

Mar 8 BILLY OCEAN: THE BEST OF BILLY OCEAN Following his sold out tour, British soul icon Billy Ocean will be performing the best of his greatest hits and favourite tracks. Billy Ocean is the biggest selling black recording star Britain has ever produced and has sold over 30 million records in his lifetime to date. Having achieved extraordinary success as both an artist and a songwriter, Billy has collected multiple Gold and Platinum records across the world and hit the number one spot worldwide in the pop charts

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Sounds Musical present Funny Girl

Kate Stables and Kristian Lopez play the lead roles

Sounds Musical Theatre Company will perform the Broadway award winning musical show Funny Girl in March.

Sounds Muscial is the first musical amateur dramatic company to bring this show to Plymouth and it will be performed at the iconic Devonport Playhouse from March 13 to 16 .

The Company is based in Plymstock but draws cast members and audiences from a wide area from Plymouth, Cornwall and surrounding areas, helping to keep local theatre a key feature of live entertainment in the region.

Funny Girl is a musical classic, set against the backdrop of the Ziegfeld Follies and is the semi biographical story of Fanny Brice whose vocal and comedy talent sees her rise from the obscurity of New York’s Brooklyn music hall to the glittering Broadway stage.

However, her tempestuous relationship with Nick Arnstein, suave gambler, unscrupulous entrepreneur and cad threatens to seriously undermine her bittersweet quest to find her place in society.

Kate Stables and Kristian Lopez play the roles of Fanny Brice and Nick Arnstein supported by Malcom Rowe as Ernie Ryan, Fanny’s confidante and friend. Emma Jane Wooding as Fanny’s aspirational and pushy mother Mrs Brice vies with her critical friend Mrs Strakosh played by Debbie Jarman to provide snappy banter and brazen humour.

The production once more sees the winning partnership of musical director Marcus Alleyne and producer Amanda Paddison.

Tickets are available from Box Office 01752 343472 and more details can be found on Facebook, Sounds Musical Theatre Company and website, www. soundsmusicaltheatrecompany.co.uk including the USA, Australia, Germany, Holland and the UK. Mar 16 PAVILIONS INTRODUCES: HAUNT THE WOODS AND WILDWOOD KIN Haunt the Woods are an exciting prog rock band from Cornwall, incorporating an eclectic blend of soaring vocals, beautiful melodies and spellbinding guitar.

Wildwood Kin are a family trio whose sound is characterised by extraordinary harmonies.

Influenced by their early folk leanings, they’ve delved deep into other genres, featuring both electric and acoustic instruments, and boast inventive sonics and spectral atmospherics amongst their hypnotic threepart harmonies.

The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

Mar 29 MIKE AND THE MECHANICS Having sold over 10 million records worldwide, Mike and the Mechanics embark on their nationwide ‘Looking Back Over My Shoulder Tour’ in 2019.

Apr 2 SONGFEST The Cornwall Music Education Hub is proud to present Songfest 2019!

This concert will celebrate songs of the stage and screen with a collection of songs, arranged

by Lin Marsh, performed by local schools as well as performances by young soloists and youth choirs.

Apr 5 UB40 As part of their 40th anniversary celebrations, Britain’s world-

Theatres & Shows

famous reggae band UB40 released their first new studio album in five years in September 2018, before embarking on an extensive nationwide UK tour this year.

Apr 11 MILKSHAKE! LIVE Milkshake Monkey can’t wait to put on a spectacular new musical for you all! But when stage fright hits, his favourite Milkshake friends come to help, creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen! Be part of this fantastic production as you learn the amazing songs and dances with your favourite Milkshake friends, and watch as the music, the lights, the costumes and stage come together.

Apr 13 ANT MIDDLETON - THE MIND OVER MUSCLE TOUR Ant Middleton, best known as the chief instructor for Channel 4’s hit shows, SAS: Who Dares Wins, Mutiny and Escape is hosting a brand new fully immersive show for 2019. The show will recreate what mental strength it took behind the scenes to complete his recent SAS series and his huge Everest challenge. Plus Ant will take the audience through a motivational journey of self-help and self-discovery.

Apr 19 THE SPECIALS One of the most electrifying, influential and important bands of all time, release ‘Encore’, their first new music release for 37 years. 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of The Specials and the legendary Two-Tone label in Coventry in 1979, and also marks 10 years since the band reformed to play some of the most vital and joyous live shows in recent memory.

Apr 27 THE VAMPS The Vamps have picked up over 2 billion streams globally and have 8.4 million monthly listeners and 1.7 million followers on Spotify.

May 3 FASTLOVE Original band members come together to celebrate the music of George Michael! Direct from London’s West End and touring around the world, Fastlove has quickly become a worldwide phenomenon, bringing to life a respectful and moving tribute to the late great George Michael. A show not to be missed for fans of the late George Michael.

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WHAT’S ON

Music

Mar 16 UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH CHORAL SOCIETY AND SINFONIA St Andrew’s Minster Church, Plymouth Musical Director: Alice Dennis.

Playing J.S. Bach: Magnificat, Handel: Zadok the Priest, Handel: The King Shall Rejoice, and a selection of baroque duets from the 18th century masters. Tickets £15 (U26 £6) from 01752 585050 or email theartsinstitute@ plymouth.ac.uk

Feb 22 PLYMOUTH AREA POLICE CHOIR St Stephen’s Church, Saltash at 7.30pm. In aid of church funds.

Contact Steven Hookway 07855 600241 Mar 2 WEST DEVON CHORALE Plymouth Roman Catholic Cathedral Music for Lent featuring organist Richard Line and including works by Vaughan Williams and Haydn. Details 01752 776479 or at www.wegottickets. com/westdevonchorale Mar 3 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion Club, Crownhill ‘1959, The Golden Year of Jazz’. A celebration of the most creative year in jazz history. The Neil Maya Quartet celebrates one of the greatest years in jazz history, covering the release of iconic albums by Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, John Coltrane, Bill Evans and others of the period. Details 01752 721179 or visit www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk Mar 9 LONDON MOZART PLAYERS St Andrews Minster Church, Plymouth With Robert Taub on piano.

Playing Mozart: Seranata Notturna in D major, K.239, Mozart: Piano Concerto No.20 in D minor, K.466, Mozart: Symphony No. 41 in C major, K.551 ‘Jupiter’. Tickets £12/£10/ Friends go free /UoP students free via YAP, book online via thearts-institute.cloudvenue.co.uk/ musiclondonmozartplayerswith drroberttaub or call 01752 585050 Mar 14 PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA St Andrew’s Minster Church, Plymouth Music for full orchestra and also for the string, woodwind and brass sections individually. Free admission, booking advised online via the-arts-institute.cloudvenue. co.uk/musicuniversityofplymouth orchestraspringconcert or from 01752 585050

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Mar 15 PLYMOUTH AREA POLICE CHOIR Elburton Methodist Church In aid of church funds. Contact Jenny Weymouth at 01752 404407

Mar 17 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion Club, Crownhill Black Cat Jazz. Welcome return of this great and very popular traditional jazz band. Details 01752 721179 or visit www. plymouth-jazz-club.org.uk

Renowned violinst to perform in Plymouth Talented violinist Savitri Grier will perform with Plymouth Symphony Orchestra at a concert in the city in March.

Join the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra on March 20 at 7.30pm in Plymouth Guildhall for a programme of Beethoven, Rachmaninov and Bruch, featuring the young violinist.

The concert begins with Beethoven’s powerful and expressive Egmont Overture, originally written as a set of incidental music pieces for Goethe’s play of the same name. The overture has become a popular orchestral piece and is often performed in its own right.

Savitri Grier joins the orchestra for the extremely well-known Violin Concerto No.1 in G Minor of Max Bruch. During the last year Savitri has returned to Wigmore Hall as both soloist and with the IMS Prussia Cove Ensemble.

In 2019 she undertakes a complete Beethoven Sonata series in Scotland as part of a Tunnell Trust award with pianist Richard Uttley. This work is one of the cornerstones of the violin repertoire and was dedicated to Joseph Joachim, the preeminent violinist of the 19th century.

It is surprising that Rachmaninov ever composed his magnificent Symphony No.2 in E minor, as he was shattered by the disastrous reception of his first symphony in 1897. After years of suffering chronic depression, he sought help from a psychiatrist in 1900 and in 1901 completed the triumphant premiere of his famous second piano concerto performing the piano solo himself.

The Symphony No.2 was premiered in St Petersburg in 1908 to great acclaim. This expansive, brooding symphony is lush and impassioned and has remained one of Rachmaninov’s most favoured works.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

For ticket information visit the website at www.plymouthsymphony.co.uk.

Mar 24 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion Club, Crownhill Alan Barnes with the Craig Milverton Trio. Alan Barnes is widely regarded as the UK’s top jazz saxophonist, here backed by one of the finest jazz trios in the country playing well known jazz standards. Details 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk Mar 27 - Mar 30 PGS PRODUCTIONS: EVITA THE MUSICAL Devonport Playhouse Previously The Plymouth Gilbert and Sullivan Fellowship, PGS Productions presents Evita The Musical, directed by Mark Sidey and musically directed by Dr Paul Foster. Tickets from www. plymouthgilbertandsullivan.com or the Box Office on 01752 842197.

Mar 29 UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH BA MUSIC STUDENT COMPOSERS CONCERT University of Plymouth Sherwell Centre Music composed and performed

by University of Plymouth BA (Hons) Music students, reflecting the breadth of styles and genres taught on the BA (Hons) Music course. Free admission booking advised online via the-artsinstitute.cloudvenue.co.uk or from 01752 585050

Apr 7 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion Club, Crownhill The Carlton Big Band. Plymouth’s premier band for music styles from Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Glen Miller to Frank Sinatra and Van Morrison. Details 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouthjazz-club.org.uk

Apr 14 PLYMOUTH PHILHARMONIC CHOIR Plymouth Guildhall Bach: St Matthew Passion. £17 in advance, £19 on the door, students and children £5 from 01822 853791

Music

Apr 17 THE SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS CHOIR Woodford Methodist Church, Plympton Directed by Jenny George.

‘Seeking the Rainbow through the Rain’. A compilation for Easter.

Full details to be advised.

Apr 21 PLYMOUTH JAZZ CLUB Royal British Legion Club, Crownhill New Orleans Heat. A very popular seven piece traditional jazz band with a national and European reputation. Details 01752 721179 or visit www.plymouth-jazzclub.org.uk

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Talented guitar duo at Duke of Cornwall Talented guitarists Pete Oxley and Nicholas Meier will be performing in Plymouth in March as part of the International Concert Series, organised by Jeanie Moore.

The concert takes place at The Duke of Cornwall on March 24, starting at 3pm. Performing works from their fascinating album ‘The Colours Of Time’ Oxley and Meier aim to recreate live their broad palette of sounds, bringing at least ten different guitars with them, including nylon seven-string, steel string, fretless, 11-string fretless, sitar-guitar and 12 string.

They will perform a dazzling display of contemporary fare, ranging from Turkish panache to soundscapes of latin America.

For their live gigs, the Oxley-Meier Jazz Duo aim to entertain by playing with a spontaneity and an intuitive interplay between them that keeps them fresh and fired up from gig to gig. The duo therefore comes to the performance with what they hope are the audiences anticipations: to expect the unexpected!

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Tickets £15 available from The Duke of Cornwall Hotel, Millbay Road, Plymouth, 01752 275850 and www.wegottickets.com/event/457789.

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WHAT’S ON Mar 9 WILD ABOUT PLYMOUTH: BIRDS IN FLIGHT The Devon Bird of Prey Centre, Newton Abbot Join in the special expedition to find out more about the birds at the Devon Bird of Prey Centre and the journeys they would take in the wild. Remember to bring your camera - this is an event you’ll want to remember. Booking includes entry to the Centre, a guided tour, and travel to and from Plymouth via coach. Drop off/pick up point is Milehouse Park and Ride. £8.50 per person. Booking essential.

Saltram House Plympton 01752 333500 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram Feb 16 - 24 FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN Rain or shine, there’s something fun to do every day this half term at Saltram. Free event, but normal admission charges apply. Booking not needed.

Mar 31 MOTHER’S DAY SNOW DROP PLANTING Mother’s Days are made of moments like these. Treat your Mum to a blooming lovely day out at Saltram and plant a snow drop in the garden together. Free event, but normal admission charges apply. Booking not needed.

Apr 6 - 22 CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT This year, Saltram will be running the eggcellent Cadbury’s trail for the whole two weeks of the Easter holidays. £2 entry, booking not needed.

May 25 - Jun 2 MAY HALF TERM Something to keep you going until summer! Pick up a 50 things activities booklet at the Welcome Centre and get cracking on a range of activities and trails. You can dress up in the house and explore

Fun in the park with Soapbox Theatre The Soapbox Children’s Theatre in Devonport Park will be hosting a number of performances in March and April.

Story Stomp on March 8 is a parent and child session with an adventure in the park, followed by a craft session with the nature that has been collected. This is followed by an original storytelling performance by the The Soapbox’s resident story teller. A parent and child session and each Story Stomp is different.

The Mermaid’s Magical Purse is featured from March 14 to April 6 when Pirate Captain Penelope and Bosun Bill set out across stormy seas looking for treasure and come across the Mermaid’s Purse. Inside the purse are enchanted pearls, which when cracked open are full of rich stories beyond their wildest dreams, from all around the world; with unicorns, dragons, mermaids and the park with its bike pump track and play trail. Booking not needed.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply.

Mount Edgcumbe Cremyll 01752 822236 www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk Mar 2, 9 LEARN THE CRAFT OF CROCHET A friendly two week course for beginners. Week one, learn the basic stitches, take some time to practice, then week two will be all about reading the patterns.

A kit will be provided with hook, yarn and instructions to get you started. Places are limited, so early booking is essential. £25pp.

Mar 2, 20 CAMELLIA WALK An opportunity to join the Curator of the National Camellia Collection, held by Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, on a conducted tour of the collection that currently numbers approximately 1,000 cultivars.

Meet at the Dry Walk Car Park.

Tickets £5pp. Suitable walking shoes and clothing is a must on this outdoor adventure.

giants. What more can you wish for? Join this magical adventure of storytelling theatre with amazing puppets, delights and surprises along the way.

An Easter themed Bubblicious is lined up for April 19 with a Baby Rave from 1pm to 3pm and Family Rave from 4pm to 6pm. Rave along to old school tunes with the kids. Free UV face painting and chill out area.

Caterpillar between May 1 and 11 is a theatre show for babies from six months to the age of eight years. Created to delight and immerse tiny audiences and their big people! The show follows the tale of two caterpillars, Bob and Bob and the journey that they go to become butterflies. With live music – a delight for the senses!

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For details and bookings visit www.soapboxtheatre.org.uk

Mar 9 HATS AND FLOWERS CROCHET WORKSHOP Learn how to create a basic beanie hat, and how to make flowers to decorate it with. You will need to bring a 3-3.5mm hook and 70-100gms of double knit yarn in a colour of your choice. A variety of colours will be provided to create a contrasting flower with which to embellish your hat when finished. Places limited, so booking essential. Tickets £15pp.

Apr 1 HOUSE OPENS FOR THE SEASON The House is open Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 4.30pm.

Last admission at 4pm.

Apr 14 ANNUAL CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT Hosted by the Friends of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park group, details to follow.

Apr 17 BACK TO THE TUDORS What was life like 500 years ago?

Discover why Mount Edgcumbe House was so modern and unique

Family attractions at River Dart Country Park River Dart Country Park is just a quick trip up the A38 to Ashburton for a great day out for all the family.

The award-winning tourist attraction boasts 90 stunning acres of parkland, with woodland, scenic walks and beautiful lakes. It’s the perfect location for outdoor activities, including adventure playgrounds, bounce zone, mini zip wire, pirate ship and lake with

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desert island, assault course, pump track and Lilliput for toddlers.

Supervised outdoor Dare Devil activities are also available including water sorbs, high ropes course and mega zip wire, available at extra cost.

River Dart Country Park has also announced a calendar of exciting events throughout the year.

The Dartmoor Bike Fest will be hosted at the park on

The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

March 30, followed on June 2 by the popular Picnic at the Park and Bounce at the Park on September 29.

The VW Oktoberfest will be held over the weekend of October 4 to 6 and the 2019 calendar of events ends in style on November 2 with the spectacular bonfire and fireworks display.

For more information visit www.riverdart.co.uk or call 01364 652511.

when it was built. Look at the collections to find out more about this fascinating period in history.

11.30am - 12.30pm. Tickets £5pp and include entry to the House and Earls Garden on the day.

Apr 24 SPRING GARDEN TOUR Take a tour of the Grade I listed gardens and historic buildings while they are surrounded by beautiful spring blooms. 11am 12.30pm. Tickets £5pp. Meet at Cremyll Gate.

Cotehele Calstock 01579 351346 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele Feb 16 - 17 APPLE GRAFTING WEEKEND Come along for a weekend of apple grafting workshops. Cotehele staff will show you how to graft your own apple tree. There will be more than 20 local apple varieties to choose from. No need to book, just drop in. You’ll be able to take away a grafted tree for only a fiver, limited to a maximum of two per person.

Feb 16 - 24 HALF-TERM TRAIL AT COTEHELE Wrap up warm and get out and about on the Cotehele estate on this fun free trail.

Mar 15 SPRING PUDDINGS AT THE EDGCUMBE TEA-ROOM Join in for an evening of sweet treats inside the historic Edgcumbe tea-room on the banks of the river Tamar on Cotehele Quay. Start with a bowl of soup, then indulge in four homemade desserts created from the best of the season’s ingredients. If you love puddings, this is a night out you won’t want to miss. £20pp, book via 01579 351346 Mar 16 - 17 DAFFODIL WEEKEND AT COTEHELE Delight in the variety of daffodils across the estate. Come and see the wonderful collection of daffodils grown on Cotehele Estate. There will be a display of historic and new varieties of daffodils plus a guided tour of daffodils in the garden and daffodil sculptures. This event

Family Events

is free, but normal admission charges apply.

Apr 6 - 25 CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNT AT COTEHELE Win a Cadbury chocolate prize on this annual hunt around the garden. Pick up a map, follow the clues and use your senses as you explore the garden. The trails are suitable for ages 3 and up and is fun for a family to do together. £2 entry, booking not needed.

Apr 25 - 26 NANCY BELLE BOAT TRIPS FROM COTHELE QUAY Climb aboard the 22ft Nancy Belle and take a ride up the river. The Shamrock’s support boat Nancy Belle will head up the river Tamar past riverside woodlands, under the railway viaduct, past Calstock and deeper into the valley towards Morwellham Quay.

Throughout the trip, there will be commentary on the valley’s fauna, flora and history. The trip will last approximately two hours. £15pp, booking essential.

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WHAT’S ON Major Events

Major Events Various dates LEAGUE ONE FOOTBALL Feb 23 Argyle v Rochdale Mar 9 Argyle v Luton Town Mar 12 Argyle v Shrewsbury Mar 23 Argyle v Bristol Rovers Apr 6 Argyle v Charlton Apr 22 Argyle v Barnsley May 4 Argyle v Scunthorpe NATIONAL LEAGUE RUGBY Feb 16 Albion v Rotherham Mar 9 Albion v Darlington Mar 30 Albion v Moseley Apr 13 Albion v Loughborough

Mark Steel

BRITISH BASKETBALL LEAGUE Feb 17 Raiders v Worcester Mar 3 Raiders v Surrey Mar 17 Raiders v London Lions Mar 31 Raiders v Manchester Apr 14 Raiders v Worcester Apr 21 Raiders v Bristol

I Think I Am revealed that his natural father was a world backgammon champion. Now the star of Radio 4’s Mark Steel’s in Town, and newspaper columnist of the year, Mark is back on the road with a new show that is guaranteed to make the world seem even more mental than it is.

Further information and tickets: www.offthekerb.com or www. marksteelinfo.co.uk

Feb 24 MARK STEEL ON TOUR Red House Theatre Mark’s sell-out show Who Do

Until March 3 POLAR BEAR EXPLORER Polar Bears need our help and they’re bringing an important

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

message to Plymouth this winter. From now until March 3, a total of 20 Polar Bear cubs will be let loose across Plymouth’s Waterfront. The cubs will be hiding in Sutton Harbour, The Barbican, Hoe, Millbay and Royal William Yard. Each cub will have a Bear Fact with them, telling us about the Arctic and the oceans, how plastic is affecting their home and how we can all help. Your task is to become a Polar Bear Explorer and find each of the Polar Bear cubs with their Bear Facts. For more information and to download the Polar Bear Explorer brochure and map go to www. visitplymouth.co.uk Mar 23 RICH HALL’S HOEDOWN Red House Theatre, Millbay Rich Hall’s critically acclaimed new show begins its second leg of touring. There has never been a better time to be an American comedian in the UK. Tickets from www. laughablecomedy.com Mar 24 TAMAR BRIDGE 10K A new running event staged by the organisers of Britain’s Ocean City 10k and Britain’s Ocean City Half Marathon. A chance to make

history by taking part in the first 10k challenge across the Tamar Bridge. The race starts at 8.30am at Kings Tamerton Community Centre and the route takes runners across the bridge and along a circular route around St Budeaux before finishing at Kings Tamerton Community Centre.

Registration is now open at www. runplymouth.co.uk Apr 6 RETRO RUM AND GIN FESTIVAL Plymouth Guildhall Miss Ivy Events is pleased to bring the first Gin and Rum festival to Plymouth. On offer will be a bar with 40 different gins and rums, plus a cocktail bar serving an array of different cocktails to suit all taste buds!

On arrival, you will receive a welcome drink of either rum and coke or gin and tonic. Get your dancing shoes on as there will be live 70s and 80s music throughout the day from local artists including the ever popular Little Miss Mojo. Feel free to dress up in retro era costume and have your photos taken in the photo booth! Prize for the best dressed couple! For more information visit www. missivyevents.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Exhibitions and Other Events

Stunning new exhibitions at Host Galleries

Plymouth’s Host Galleries has two major exhibitions in the coming weeks.

First up, between February 23 and March 10 is a stunning exhibition titled ‘Synergy’ featuring the work of Marc Todd.

His signature is a vivacious use Artist Marc Todd of colour with a light and subtle application of texture.

Visitors can meet the artist in person at a VIP Preview Night on February 22 between 7pm and 9pm. For a personal invitation call the gallery on 01752 241234.

Marc will also be in the gallery performing a ‘live studio’ on February 23 between 12 noon and 4.30pm where he will be working on a new painting.

The next exhibition features the work of Chris DeRubeis, one of America’s best selling artists. Entitled ‘Fine Art of Metal’ the exhibition opens on March 23 and continues until April 7.

Currently ranking very high in the art world, his artwork is collected around the globe. His signature style is what makes him so well known to the art world and has earned nominations by First Annual Fine Art Awards televised live from the MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Nominated in the Mixed Media and

New Movement categories, he earned the MUSE Award in New Movement and is now known as ‘The Father of the Conceptual Movement.’

There will be a VIP Preview event on March 22 from 7pm to 9pm. For a personal invite call the gallery on 01752 241234.

For further details visit www.hostgalleries.co.uk

Our family, serving yours

Tel: 01752 603552 Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week •

Local Exhibition

Until Mar 16 BIRDS, ROCKS, RIVERS, ISLANDS Levinsky Gallery, Plymouth University Birds, butterflies, streams, pastures, moors, beaches and seas around us fill many bookshop shelves and the pages of critical reviews. Such preoccupations have also flourished within the visual arts, in particular fine art and photography programmes in universities such as Plymouth.

Jem Southam, who was Professor of Photography at the University of Plymouth until 2018, and one of the UK’s leading photographers, has contributed enormously to this field with a series of extended photographic works which explore the social and cultural legacies of post-industrial landscapes. In this exhibition, he shows, for the first time, a series of studies which he has made while travelling and walking, featuring a number of key natural features, as well as using a number of different cameras and capture systems, and a variety of printing methods.

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TRAVEL MATTERS

Forget Florida - head to Abu Dhabi for the latest family attractions Now that the usual busy start to the year is over, it’s time for the travel industry to take a sigh of relief that sales were better than expected.

With uncertainty in the news on a daily basis, retail as a whole can be affected by consumers deciding not to spend their hard-earned money.

I have seen a decrease in bookings in the family market, particularly for the main months of July and August. I feel there are a few reasons for this.

Firstly, last year was one of the best summers on record.

Next, some families may not be in a strong financial position and are waiting to see how their finances look before booking or are waiting to see if our weather can surprise us again.

While I have found that ‘family’ bookings have decreased, there is no question that couples of all ages are booking well ahead of time. This ensures they have the holiday they want, and they are prepared to pay their deposit immediately to secure it. I have also seen a massive increase in honeymoon bookings deducing that 2019 is going to be a very romantic

year in Plymouth.

When I was a child, my dream holiday was always to go to Disney World in Florida. I know parents and grandparents, at some stage, would like to take their children, or grandchildren, to Florida.

There’s no question that this is a fantastic holiday. One that will be remembered for a lifetime.

This dream holiday does come at a hefty price though, but there

By Travel Expert might be an alternative.

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island has just opened its new attraction ‘Warner Bros. World’, with 29 rides and interactives. This is a billion dollar, 1.65 million square foot indoor theme park. With it being an indoor park, it’s a year-round destination for the whole family.

Yas Island has much more to offer apart from Warner Bros.

Anthony Goord

Warner Bros. World

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

TRAVEL MATTERS

World other attractions include: Ferrari World - a selection of high octane rides at the Ferrari - branded theme park which includes ‘Formula Rosa’, the World’s fastest roller coaster.

Yas Waterworld - a family friendly water park made up of an amazing 45 rides and slides.

Yas Marina circuit- Home of the popular Formula 1 Grand Prix track.

Climb Abu Dhabi - opening later this year, featuring the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, as well as the worlds widest flight chamber, mimicking the experience of sky diving at a width of 10 metres.

I’m certainly not saying this could take the place of Disney and its theme parks, but it could be a great alternative, does make you think!

Cruising holidays are becoming more and more popular creating a massive influx of tourists to different cities, and islands, throughout the world, but only for a short period.

For the very popular but smaller cities such as Dubrovnik and Venice plus the Greek Island of Santorini, this proves a problem with managing their transport and cleanliness.

Venice is poised to introduce an entry fee to the city of up to €10 (£9) for day visitors, a move which has been welcomed by residents and hoteliers alike. The Mayor of Venice said the tax would 'allow us to manage the city better and keep it clean' arguing that the costs of maintaining the city centre have so far been paid only by Venetians.

The city reports that amazingly only one-fifth of visitors spend at least one night in the historic centre. The new tax could generate up to an extra €50 million in landing tax, which is needed to keep it the beautiful city it is.

I’m sure if any of you have ever stayed in Venice, or Dubrovnik, you will have seen how the city’s population can explode when these massive cruise ships arrive. Brilliant for those businesses linked to the companies that arrange the day trip excursions, but not so good for those not involved.

The possible danger of implementing this tax is that it could alert other cities in the world to this idea, therefore putting up the cost of excursions taken from your cruise ship. Already the Mayor of Florence has demanded major destinations across Italy be allowed to impose similar taxes on day visitors. Watch this space.

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Important news on passports Hopefully, by the time this goes to press there will be some solution to where we stand on Brexit. Whatever the situation is, I must stress that EVERY PERSON travelling has at least six months left on their passport if travelling after the end of March 2019. Here are just a few points to check: 1.

You should have six months left on your UK passport from your date of arrival. This applies to adult and child passports.

2. If you renewed a passport before the end of its 10-year life span you will now lose those extra months. New passports are only valid for a maximum of 10 years.

3. To renew your passport it is now quicker, and cheaper, to do this online. Visit the Gov.uk website to see if you are affected.

Finally, on this matter, if your passport needs renewing, I would do this as soon as you can. I’m certain that the closer we get to the end of March more travellers will try and renew, thus creating a back log and delay similar to the situation we had a few years ago. www.cornerstonevision.com

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Jane and Peter’s new kitchen is designed to perfection by KF Kitchens

From an empty shell, to a contemporary kitchen that’s still in keeping with the character of a village home – and all the work completed to a tight schedule. No wonder Peter and Jane Jordan are delighted they appointed Plymouth-based family firm KF Kitchens to create their fabulous new kitchen and utility room.

The couple bought their house in Newton Ferrers last year and one of the first things they did was to completely gut the downstairs, getting rid of the old kitchen: “We ripped it all out,” said Peter. “We wanted to have a much more modern, open plan living area, so the old fireplace had to go to create enough space for a functional kitchen island. When KF Kitchens first came to see us, all that was left was a shell of a room.”

The design dilemma that Peter and Jane faced was that they wanted a kitchen and dining area that was light, bright and had a feeling of space. They also wanted plenty of storage and hi-tech appliances. At the same time, the house is full of character and the kitchen had to reflect that.

Enter Nathan, Simon, Derinda and the rest of the KF

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

Kitchens crew: “The design they came up with achieved exactly what we wanted, a kitchen with straight lines, lots of space and a nice big island area to work on with plenty of practical storage. Basically, Nathan, who designed it, did what worked – and at a very reasonable cost.”

Jane initially emailed KF Kitchens after learning that they are able to fit kitchens by her favoured kitchen brand, Burbidge: “We went into their showroom one Saturday lunchtime and they fitted us in for a consultation there and then. Nathan was very enthusiastic and offered lots of great advice.

“The other thing that impressed us was that Nathan drew up the design and gave us a cost immediately. It’s important to know what you’re getting for your money at an early stage so you can budget accordingly.

“He’d say: ‘My view is this’ or ‘this would work better than that and here’s why’ – and that sort of advice is very helpful. There are so many options, but they guide you through them very well. They didn’t try to sell us anything we didn’t want. They weren’t pushy. In fact, the whole process was very enjoyable.”

The fitting and associated plumbing and flooring all went smoothly, with the work done within the allotted time schedule. The main part of the kitchen is fitted with Burbidge Barnes shaker style white-painted timber doors, with a Blanco ceramic sink and a Quooker boiling tap. The appliances, by NEFF, are a slide-and-hide steam combo main oven; a compact microwave combo oven; a large warming drawer; a built-in dishwasher and a 60/40 fridge-freezer.

Cupboards include concealed waste bin and a larder with attached spice rack and basket-style pull-out drawers.

The island is fitted with Burbidge Barnes shaker style

PROPERTY MATTERS

painted doors in a shade called putty. It has four sets of drawers with pull-outs, and a NEFF induction hob. There is also a feature wine rack and book case at one end to maximise the space. The granite worktops were supplied and fitted by Mayflower Stone, and the flooring is timbereffect Karndean stripwood which has been used through into the hall and utility room areas. The utility room, meanwhile, offers an additional sink and matching Burbidge Barnes style storage cupboards.

Jane explained why she chose two different colours for the kitchen: “I wanted neutral colours and the white makes the main part of the kitchen nice and bright. But we went for a slightly different colour as the kitchen moves into the dining area, so that the island complements the furniture in that area. As the walls and units are neutral, we decided we needed a statement feature to tie the room together, so went for a bold patterned granite worktop. For us, the kitchen works perfectly. It’s a blend of old and new, and we are very pleased with it.”

And she added: “I would definitely recommend KF Kitchens.

From the design stage through to the fitting stage, it was a very positive experience, handled by an extremely capable and experienced team.”

KF Kitchens is an independent family firm that was established 11 years ago by its three directors, Nathan and Derinda Damarell and Simon Rice. Between them, they have over 65 years of experience in the business. Give them a call or pop into their large showroom at Faraday Mill to discuss your dream kitchen.

••

KF Kitchens 67 Faraday Mill, Cattedown, Plymouth PL4 0ST 01752 255022 enquiries@kfkitchens.co.uk www.kfkitchens.co.uk www.facebook.com/kfkitchensuk

How KF Kitchens created Jane and Peter’s kitchen: Burbidge Barnes shaker style painted timber doors in white and putty NEFF induction hob NEFF slide and hide full steam oven NEFF compact combination microwave/oven NEFF large warming drawer NEFF integrated quiet dishwasher NEFF integrated fridge-freezer Blanco ceramic sink and Quooker boiling water tap Granite worktop from Mayflower Stone Karndean flooring www.cornerstonevision.com

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WOMEN AT WORK From left to right: Helen Stidwell, Sheryl Pawley, Nicola Parker, Abigail Wakeling, Shelby Whyte, Louise Kidger, Rachael Slade, Melissa Crocker, Tracy Cheetham and Harley Mortlock

Meet the women who are steering new careers in the car industry PART-TIME, SELF EMPLOYED

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Time was, when a successful career in the motor industry was almost entirely a male preserve. If you came across a woman at a garage or car showroom, she’d usually be the smiling face behind the reception desk. Or the one in admin. Not any longer – not at one Plymouth showroom, at least.

Progress for career women in the car industry has been pretty patchy since the United Nations first adopted March 8 as International Women’s Day back in the 1970s. But at Mercedes-Benz South West’s Plymouth dealership, they’re bucking the trend.

A quarter of the 74 staff at the Derriford showroom are women, among them car mechanics, drivers and managers – each with their own inspiring stories to tell.

Take technician Harley Mortlock, who used to be a hairdresser until she swapped fixing hair for fixing cars.

And transaction manager Louise Kidger, whose passion for fashion saw her doing work for brands such as Ralph Lauren, until she discovered a love of motors. And then there’s Helen Stidwell, who visited the Plymouth showroom to look at cars with her husband and ended up getting a job as a driver!

All three women have the same message to others who’d like a career in the industry but believe there’s no prospect of progression: “Go for it!”

Harley, 22, has just completed her apprenticeship to become the first female technician at the branch. Her route to becoming a Mercedes-Benz engineer was an unusual one: “I always wanted to be a mechanic, but my mum thought I’d never be able to get a job in a garage because I’m a female, so I became a qualified hairdresser instead.

“I was doing hairdressing for three or four years, but I wasn’t happy, so I became a full-time student at Plymouth City College and got my qualifications as a mechanic.” When she spotted a vacancy at Mercedes-Benz in Plymouth, she applied – but assumed the job would go to a man: “The fact that I got the job shows that times are changing,” she said.

So, is she glad she made the career switch? “Yes, definitely.

I really enjoy the job and it’s an excellent career. My dad was a mechanic and I used to ‘help’ him when I was little – I’m not sure ‘help’ is the right word – but this was always my first career choice.”

For Helen, it was a case of ‘if you don’t ask you don’t get’.

Having been a van driver for a delivery firm for 13 years, she asked if there were any vacancies when she and her husband were looking for a new car: “Three days later, they rang and said: ‘Can you come up for an interview?’ I started the next day as the dealership’s first ever female passenger car driver.”

Helen collects cars for the showroom and drives new cars to customers: “What a job! I love it! Every day is different and what I really enjoy is the rapport with the customers.

Of course, we’ve all had the jokes about how women can’t drive, and women can’t park. But there’s no question that the barriers are coming down, and younger people just don’t think about it. The biggest issue now is self-confidence. It’s their lack of self-confidence that’s holding women back and preventing them from going for these sorts of jobs.”

Louise, meanwhile, studied at the London College of Fashion and designed window displays at major stores in Oxford Street. But when she moved to Plymouth, she found careers for women in the private sector were limited. She signed up with a local temp agency and got some work with Mercedes-Benz South West’s pop-up shop at Drake Circus.

Since then, Louise’s career has blossomed. She became sales executive at Smart, part of the Mercedes-Benz group, and then sales executive at Mercedes-Benz before being appointed the firm’s first female transaction manager in December: “Like Harley, I didn’t think there would be a

WOMEN AT WORK

career for me in the car industry, because I’m a woman. And it was hard to begin with. Customers ask particularly tough questions, checking what you know about the cars, and you have to know all the answers.

“I’m really embracing the management side of things and my approach is perhaps a little different to the traditional forceful management style in the motor trade.” Louise has paved the way for others to follow because since her appointment, the group has promoted a second female transaction manager, Shakira Hunt, at the Exeter dealership.

General manager, Lewis Cudlipp, says it makes sense to make the most of the different approaches and skills that women can bring: “The motor trade is traditionally maledominated, and that isn’t a good thing. Bringing a car in for a service or coming in to make a potentially big purchase, that can be quite intimidating for customers. Having women in senior positions or working as technicians is welcomed by customers because it’s a nicer environment for them to come into, it’s a bit softer.”

The Plymouth Mercedes-Benz showroom is one of four in the South West group and Lewis added: “We’re currently looking to take on more staff across the group and gender doesn’t come into it. Attitude does. Skill-set does. There is an appetite for the industry to change, to be more diverse, and that has been a challenge in the past. But there’s no excuse today. I’m very pleased that we’re among those leading the way in making the change.”

••

www.mercedes-benzsouthwest.co.uk

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GARDENING MATTERS

Back from some fine

By Derek Anderson of Plymouth Garden Centre Well March has rolled around again and it seems to come faster every year!

Here at the garden centre we have been busy giving the site a spring clean, including putting the plant area back together after the winter.

I have also returned recently from Italy where I have been buying more specimen stock after its success last year. I hand chose some wonderful specimen plants that will be perfect for instant impact, screening, hedging or plugging gaps.

The plants I selected are of extremely good quality and excellent value for money.

I chose a broad range of mostly evergreen shrubs that offer year round colour and interest, hedging plants, lollipops, Acers and for a bit of fun a few animal topiaries. I also selected a small selection of very healthy olive plants, something that was extremely difficult to get hold of last year.

The olives are available in a quarter standard lollipop, which stands at approximately one metre and half standard unclipped lollipops that stand at just under two metres and have a more natural look to them. Nothing gives your garden more of a Mediterranean feel than an olive tree.

Often thought of as tender,

these evergreen trees are actually surprisingly hardy: they will survive temperatures as low as -10C and are extremely low maintenance plants. Plant them in full sun and give them extremely free draining soil.

If planting in a pot, I’d recommend using terracotta and

Plant of the month The plant of the month for March has got to be the Azalea.

These beautiful shrubs come from countries such as China and Japan. They are woodland shrubs, so prefer shady spots and ericaceous soil. They flower in spring until early summer and have beautiful trumpet shaped flowers in clusters that completely smoother the entire plant. They end up looking like clouds of colour. They are available in a wide range of colours, from pink, red, orange, purple and white, and tend to stay reasonably compact with a height and spread of approximately 1m (3ft). They will grow happily in beds and borders, but also grow very happily in pots as long as they don’t dry out.

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The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

planting it in John Innes No.2 mixed with 50 per cent grit. If planting into the ground, use Jack’s Magic compost with 50 per cent grit. You can feed your olives at the start of spring with a seaweed feed and if it needs it, give it another feed midsummer with seaweed again, let it dry out between waterings and that’s it. Nice and easy!

If you like the natural look of the olives, leave them unpruned, but if you like them to be a bit tidier, clipped in to balls, then you can prune them in late March to early April.

A great success for us last year was Photinia Compacta, this beautiful hybrid Photinia has smaller leaves and a denser, bushier habit than that of its parent, Photinia Red Robin. It is quick growing and has beautiful bright red foliage in the spring. Unlike Red Robin, which only gets its flush of red foliage in the spring, Photinia Compacta gets a flush of red growth twice a year and after every prune, the tips of the shrub always remain red as well.

This variety will provide a lot more colour year round, making it an attractive asset to have in the garden as a feature plant as well as a hedging or screening plant.

It will grow in full sun to partial shade in most soil types, but a slightly acidic soil will provide the best colour. It will grow to a height of 3m (10ft) with a spread of 2m (6ft 8ins), but responds to pruning really well.

I have also brought in another member of the Photinia family which is a much smaller and daintier cousin to Red Robin, but even more beautiful – the Photinia Little Red Robin.

This is a beautiful, dwarf and compact Photinia that has outstanding colour at this time of year.

The deep, intense red that turns to bright, vibrant red when the new foliage emerges is exquisite. I have bought them in, in a few different forms to offer variety, they are available in shrub form, Pyramids, quarter standard lollipops and half standard lollipops.

Photinia Little Red Robin Happy gardening!

Jobs for the month

• Mulch beds and borders with fresh compost or manure.

• Dig slow release fertiliser into your beds and borders.

• Protect fresh young shoots from slugs and snails.

• Sow hardy annuals directly into the soil.

• Plant summer flowering bulbs.

• Start sowing vegetable seeds undercover.

• Hoe beds and borders before weeds get a chance to get established.

• Plant out seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots and garlic.

• Give roses a spring prune.

•Deadhead spring bulbs that have finished flowering.

With Plymouth Garden Centre

Italy with pickings!

Great gift ideas for Mother’s Day...

PRIDE & JOY The Home and Garden Maintenance Team

Our services include: • hedge & shrub maintenance • weeding • • tree work • lawn care & grass cutting • • creation of flower & veggie beds • • trellis work • shed & greenhouse work • • general garden tidying • pond care • • fencing & gates • patios & decking • The coming months are an excellent time to look after your trees.

Trees are mainly dormant now, the sap is not rising and there are very few leaves on them. It is an excellent time to prune and shape, especially fruit trees, but all trees will benefit from being looked after. Dead or storm damaged branches can be removed and trees can be felled and stumps and root balls removed.

Don’t forget March 31 is Mother’s Day. We will have a great selection of cards, gift wrap, gifts and planted arrangements available. We plant the arrangements in store ourselves and try to provide a wide range to choose from. If you can’t find what you are looking for, the plant team will be happy to plant up a container of your choosing with plants of your choosing. We will also have a great selection of Rose plants with lovely names such as Mum in a Million, You’re Beautiful and Thank You, that will last for years and grow in pride of place in your mother’s garden.

If you would like our experienced tree surgeon and his team to discuss your needs then please get in touch. We offer free, expert advice and our work is always completed to a high professional standard, at competitive rates. We remove all waste if required or can leave wood cut into logs for you to use.

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

01752 721528 / 07773339470 www.prideandjoy-homeandgarden.co.uk

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Full advice and installation service Call 01822 855427 for your free quote The Plymouth Magazine March 2019

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FIVE CHANCES TO WIN A 6 WEEK MEMBERSHIP

The Plymouth Magazine has teamed up with Marjon to offer readers the chance of winning one of five 6 week gym and swim memberships worth £45 Everyone is looking to get fitter in the new year and there is no better way to start with a 6 week membership at Marjon in Derriford.

The membership includes unlimited use of the gym which benefits from an extensive range of cardio, weights and functional fitness equipment and unlimited use of the 25 meter indoor heated pool.

To be in with a chance simply answer the following question – How long is Marjon’s swimming pool?

And don’t worry if you don’t win, the 6 week membership is available to anyone for £45 before the end of February 2019 with no contract and no joining fee.

Terms and conditions – Normal Marjon Sports Centre terms and conditions apply which are available by visiting www.marjon.ac.uk Membership is only available to those aged 16 years or over.

Prizes need to be claimed with one month of being notified you are a winner.

How long is Marjon’s swimming pool?

Please send your completed entry coupon to University of St Mark and St John, Plymouth Magazine, 28 Old Park Road, Peverell, Plymouth, PL3 4PY by the closing date of 15.03.19. Please answer the question and enter your name and contact details below. By entering your data, you agree with Cornerstone Vision holding and using your data for the purpose of running this competition, and for the duration necessary to complete this competition, but not longer than 6 months.

How long is Marjon’s swimming pool?

Name: Address: Postcode:

Tel:

Email: Prize must be redeemed by April 28 2019. Subject to availability.

I confirm I am 16 or over:

Or enter online at: www.competitions.cornerstonevision.com

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Entry Coupon

Prize: Win a 6 week gym and swim membership worth £45

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