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Allotment Life in essen ia
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aa
summer 2017 |
RHS Rosemoor
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DEVON AIR AMBULANCE TRUST
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Devon’s Castles
We meet Racehorse trainer
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Nigel Hawke erami s
s Gar ens
r history
er
Nic Saintey
Inspiring stories of patient survival Celebrating Devon Food
mmer Stroll at
with
Richard Hunt
Mount Edgcumbe
Meet our
2017’s
Fantastic Fundraisers
Big Events
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LOTTERY See inside e
r ra n mman
Why not get involved? Andy, happily back on his bike
n ir m
an e s er
e i e a es i a a en e
n County Magazine
Rear Garden
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Paignton - Helipad - PAIAD04 - June2017.indd 1
22/06/2017 10:58:20
summer 2017 | WELCOME
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WELCOME | summer 2017 Heléna Holt
Read Heléna’s story www.
n . o
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o ee a e e nall e e and what an exciting time we have ahead. As Devon Air Ambulance celebrates 25 years of life-saving work and nearly 25,000 on a ended we e e on ow a the service has come. From the early days, a n o ee ea da we o ld affo d e el o n o lea ed el o e o own n el o e and n o 0700 to midnight every day! To help us celebrate, we have a family fun day planned for Saturday 9th September at Dart’s Farm, Topsham, near Exeter, from 10am to 4pm. Both our aircraft will be operational from Dart’s Farm while we are there and there will also be an emergency services demonstration, live music, storytelling for youngsters and plenty of local produce and refreshments available. Please do come along and help us celebrate.
If you normally receive tickets for our Grand Summer Draw with your Summer Helipad and you would like to get them next year we will need you to opt in to receive these from 2018 due to a change in the law. You can do this by completing the form on the reverse of the carrier sheet sent with your magazine, by email to fundraising@daat.org, in writing or by ticking the ‘opt in’ box on the ticket stubs. n a d ffe en no e e een al ed n o taking part in this year’s Royal Marines Commando Challenge – for anyone not a e eno o on o an alwa egg us on with some sponsorship! www. n . o nd a n e o e o o ando
Debbie Gregory Helipad Editor The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice we’ve made some slight artistic changes for this issue. We hope you like the new look and we welcome any feedback or comments for future editions. Along with our regular stories in this issue, we also take a look at some of Devon’s most notable castles, meander through e o nd o o n d e nd o what’s growing in our allotments and meet some interesting Devon characters. I am always so moved to hear from the
patients we have helped and it’s great to be able to pass on your thanks and feedback to the aircrew who attended. Please do let me know if you, or a loved one, has been airlifted by Devon Air Ambulance. My thanks, as always, to everyone who has contributed or allowed us to include their story and, of course, huge thanks to all our fundraisers. I wish there was space to publicly thank you all! Happy reading
GET IN TOUCH! Devon Air Ambulance Trust Unit 5 Sandpiper Court Harrington Lane Exeter EX4 8NS
01392 466666 info@daat.org www.daat.org
Registered Charity No 1077998 Registered Company No 3855746
Fundraising & Events
fundraising@daat.org
Lottery
lottery@daat.org
Volunteering
Cara Jones
c.jones@daat.org
Patient Contact
Debbie Gregory
d.gregory@daat.org
PR
Sarah Burden
s.burden@daat.org
Night Landing Sites
Toby Russell
t.russell@daat.org
Operations
Nigel Hare
n.hare@daat.org
Magazine Advertising
Anita Newcombe
a.newcombe@daat.org
© All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form without prior permission of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, Devon Air Ambulance Trust will not accept liability for loss or damage. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of our content but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any omissions, errors or alterations or for the consequences of any reliance on these details; neither can they vouch for the accuracy of claims made by any advertiser. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers.
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helipad | www.daat.org
CONTENTS | summer 2017 32
Selling the Dream
The cal agazine of Devon Air Ambulance Trust Celebrating the best in Devon 50,000 copies covering the whole county. 35,000+ delivered direct to our supporters Also available online at www.daat.org Contributors Neil Devons Sarah Chesters Richard Hunt David FitzGerald Dave Dungay Alison Simpson Chris Abrahams
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Historic Devon
OUR WORK Star Prizes
Photographers Bec Davey Adrian Colston Terry Ife Julian Rees Sean Constable Emma Wills Photography Daniel Stribley Matt Austin Tiverton Museum Anita Newcombe English Heritage RHS/Anna Brockman RHS/Carol Sheppard RHS/Graham Titchmarsh RHS/Leigh Hunt
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Junior Crew
Publisher Heléna Holt h.holt@daat.org 01392 466666 Editor Debbie Gregory 01392 466666 ext 135 d.gregory@daat.org Advertising Sales Anita Newcombe 07718 884482 Advertisement Copy copy@daat.org Design & Print Management Silver Foxes Publishing 07455 206470 Distribution & Mailing Silver Foxes Publishing 07455 206470 ISSN (Print) 2055-2343 ISSN (Online) 2055-2351 Next Issue 25 August 2017
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Business On Board
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Devon People
46
Nearest Or Most Appropriate
is published by DEVON AIR AMBULANCE TRUST
21
Congratulations to Dylan, Louis, Guy, Gillian and Andrew and with thanks to Black Tor Brewery, Pebblebed Vineyards, World of Country Life and Crealy Adventure Park
In it from the start el ad ee e new a en year old lad
n
dland one o o e on w e e e d d
o e
en w o n a e o nd a a
Caitlin was airlifted from Dartmoor while youngsters around the county get involved with fundraising We say a big thank you to companies, large and small, from around the county who show their support in various ways Every issue, we are amazed by the antics of our fundraisers. We are grateful to each and every one for the funds raised – and hope you all have a fantastic time while you’re doing it! Nigel Hare, DAA’s Operations Director, explains why we sometimes a en o a e al en e a e an n e o e nearest hospital.
Join Our Weekly
LOTTERY
22 Lottery Sign Up Form
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Devon People
summer 2017 | CONTENTS
5
BEAUTIFUL DEVON 14
Quintessentially British
Helipad chats to allotment owners from around the county and discovers what motivates them to get their hands dirty and grow their own…
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A Blaze of Summer Colour
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It’s a Funny Old Game
24
Time to Relax
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Historic Devon
You can’t go wrong with a hydrangea, as Sarah Chesters from RHS Rosemoor explains Helipad meets Nic Saintey, Ceramics and Glass Specialist at Exeter Auctioneers, Bearnes, Hampton & Littlewood The days are long, the sun is out. Beware of the perils in your garden and stay safe this summer Helipad takes a look at some of the historic castles around the county – from the genuine medieval homes of royalty to the whim of a wealthy entrepreneur
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Selling the Dream
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Summer is Here
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Horse trainer Nigel Hawke of Thorne Farm explains how joining the Nigel Hawke Racing Club means you, too, can enjoy the thrills and spills of horse racing As the season brings nature’s bounty into overdrive, Chef Richard Hunt tempts us with a tasty crab and asparagus tart
PATIENTS 10
Paramedic Dave Dungay takes us to to one of his favourite haunts, the magical Mount Edgcumbe
Back Chat
BBC Presenter and DAA Patron, David FitzGerald despairs at his broken mobile phone screen
Volunteering
We introduce Cara Jones, Volunteer Manager, w o e la n w eff and a a e lle a e o happy to volunteer in our Totnes shop
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Summer Events
40
Coming to a Town Near You
Support your local Air Ambulance and attend one of their events this summer DAA’s Toby Russell explains how you can get involved with ensuring that your town or village secures its own Community Landing Site
Love and Hope Keep the Family Strong
Melanie Paul’s life was turned upside down when she learned that her daughter, Charlotte, and and on lo ad een n ol ed n an o oad a oll on
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I Just Wasn’t Thinking
25
Crash Landing for Sarah
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A Lot of Broken Bones
Just over the Border
GET INVOLVED 9
40 Coming to a Town Near You
Doug Miller explains how a straightforward job of oll n a a ad lon e on e en e Sarah Palk is airlifted at a Land Rover 4x4 competition, then her Grandad and cousin both need the service too a e n needed e on lan e a e falling from his horse and his friend, Richie, was the pilot who arrived in the aircraft
On The Cover Issue No.16 Summer 2017 Dartmouth Castle © English Heritage Next Issue: Souvenir Special Celebrating 25 years of DAA 25 August 2017
Devon_Life_Half_Page _Adaptions_Layout 1 10/10/2016 12:13 Page 1
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helipad | www.daat.org
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The official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Mazda2 range: Urban 43.5 (6.5) - 74.3 (3.8). Extra Urban 68.9 (4.1) - 88.3 (3.2). Combined 56.5 (5.0) - 83.1 (3.4). CO 2 emissions (g/km) 117 - 89. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. These are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving results. Model shown: Mazda2 75ps SE, OTR from £12,595. Model shown features optional Soul Red Metallic paint (£660). OTR price includes VAT, number plates, delivery, 12 months’ road fund licence, first registration fee, 3 year or 60,000 mile warranty and 3 years’ European Roadside Assistance. ºTest drives subject to applicant status and availability. Details correct at time of going to print. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless specified.
summer 2017 | STAR PRIZES
Star Prize Winners e a e ano e o a e w nne ew o d ffe en o e With thanks to Crealy Adventure Park, World of Country Life, Pebblebed Vineyards and Black Tor Brewery for their kind donations.
Funds raised by Holne Books
Fundraisers start young Sarah Vantreen wrote to us in May to let us know that her grandsons, Louis (5) and Guy (3), had a novel idea for fundraising. Making paper bags with helicopter stickers for their wares, they sold fircones for kindling and home-made fairy cakes outside their village shop in Lustleigh and raised £24.20 for Devon Air Ambulance! Well done boys! We are delighted to offer tickets for Crealy Adventure Park for a great day out for the whole family.
Dylan’s Dragon Dylan Rooks-Haste was airlifted after a quad bike accident in May this year and sent a fabulous drawing to say thank you to the aircrew. Dylan wins a family ticket to World of Country Life, Exmouth.
Hilltop Holne TQ13 7RT
Dear Devon Air Ambulance
April 21st 2017
We have pleasure in sending you a chequ e for £650. Mike and I worked hard all over the Easter holidays (4 days) and made £650 on the Holne Books (second hand). This Easter all the money we raised we are giving to Devon Air Ambulance. Thank you for all of your splendid work .
Gill and Mike Cunniam
Holne Books, selling good quality secon d hand books of every genre, is open all year – do pop in if you’re passing
Thanks! Gillian and Mike will receive a voucher for a Winery Tour and Wine Tasting at the beautiful Pebblebed Vineyard in Clyst St George.
Dear Devon Air Ambulance, We live on Dartmoor, up a bridle path above the village of South Z eal. We are only little people and our house is built into the bottom of a tree. Here is a pictures of our house: Children often visit us. They call us pixies or fairies and leave us presents, but some of these are metal discs with pictures on and we don’t know what to do with them. We asked some big people who live near us what to do and they suggested giving them to you. They said the metal discs are called money and with money you can fly through the air to help people in trouble. We liked that idea and asked them to collect this money and send it to you. The big people say it is £25. We hope it does lots of good. From the Pixies of Prospect Lane (and the Children who visit us)
With thanks to Andrew and Pamela from Sticklepath for alerting us to the fundraising activities of the Pixies that live at the top of the lane near their village. They receive a gift pack of ale from Black Tor Brewery.
THINKING OF FUNDRAISING? See our GETTING IN TOUCH section on page 3
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helipad | www.daat.org
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summer 2017 | GET INVOLVED
VOLUNTEERING r mai
e Cara Jones
olunteer
anager
nes@daat.org
Cara joined us in April 2017 and is responsible for steering and coordinating volunteering across Devon Air Ambulance Trust, supporting the recruitment, induction, a n n and o o o ol n ee wo n n o o and e o n .
When Volunteering a s
Margaret & Jeff Lilley
argaret and Je illey are volunteers in otnes who have been donating their time to the AA since eb 2015. ittle did they know that two years later the evon Air Ambulance would be airlifting their year old grandson yan illey to erriford ospital following a scooter accident.
M
argaret originally started volunteering at our Totnes shop after seeing a poster at the local hospice she worked at and thought it might be a nice way to meet new people. When Jeff retired from his 43 years in road maintenance he joined the volunteer team too. They both agree volunteering was a perfect way for them to meet new people and they love hearing customer stories, especially those who have had direct experience of being airlifted or know of family or friends who required our service. Never in a million years did they think they would be sharing the story of their grandson Ryan. When Margaret received the call from her daughterin-law Anna, saying that Ryan had lost his balance whilst scootering downhill causing him to tumble and lose consciousness, she couldn’t believe her ears. When the ambulance crew arrived, Ryan had started to choke and the paramedics called for the Air Ambulance to transport him to hospital as a matter of urgency. Margaret
immediately made her way to the family home to comfort Ryan’s five siblings. Ryan’s elder sister Katie was beside herself. Thankfully after spending a night in hospital Ryan made a full recovery. The family were very happy with the care he received and Ryan and his family were later invited to the airbase to meet the team who attended him. They all had a wonderful day seeing the helicopter and meeting the aircrew. Ryan’s 16-year-old sister Katie now also volunteers at the shop and continues to do so between her college commitments. It has increased her confidence and will be considered valuable experience on her CV for future career prospects. Margaret and Jeff said the incident has changed the way they feel about volunteering and they are incredibly grateful for the night flying operations that are now in place which allowed the aircrew to safety transport Ryan during evening hours.
Margaret, Jeff and Katie now appreciate why their volunteering efforts are so important to DAA. Without our DAA volunteers, we would not have the service we have today. DAA welcomes flexible
volunteering and will work alongside your own commitments. A couple of hours a week is more than enough to help in one of our 17 shops, service our collection boxes or attend our events. o
The Lilley family at Exeter Airbase
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? See our GETTING IN TOUCH section on page 3
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Love and hope gave strength to the whole family On 12th October last year, Charlotte Paul, 24, from Barnstaple and her one year old son, ylo, were involved in a road traffic collision that shocked everyone who knew them...Charlotte tells their story.
I
’d love to tell you all exactly what happened but the last date I can remember is the 3rd of October as it was Mylo’s 1st birthday. So my story is told through my friends and my family. On the 12th of October, whilst driving near South Molton, Mylo and I had a high impact collision with a coach. I suffered multiple injuries and many broken bones. The local emergency services and members of the public did a great job helping us both. They managed to remove Mylo from the car and the fire services managed to free me some time later. Devon’s two Air Ambulances were called and quickly arrived on scene, along with a Critical Care Car, also containing Devon Air Ambulance paramedics. Assessing our injuries it was very apparent we both needed to get to hospital for treatment. In my case, I’m told it was a matter of life or death. I was found to have a bleed on the brain and spleen and had broken my legs, ribs and an arm. I urgently needed to get to a hospital with specialist equipment and expertise in order to save my life. I was flown by the Eaglescott aircraft to Derriford Hospital
in 30 minutes, a journey that could have easily have been the best part of two hours by road. Once they managed to stabilise me at Plymouth I was put into an induced coma and the following day I went through 14 hours of surgery. I spent 4 weeks in Derriford before being moved to North Devon District Hospital.
“ The local emergency services and members of the public did a great job helping us both ” Meanwhile, Mylo was airlifted from the accident by the Exeter-based air ambulance to Bristol to be cared for in the Children’s Hospital. Thankfully, his top-of-the-range Recaro car seat protected Mylo well and fears of internal injuries were unfounded. But it must have been so difficult for our family as we were taken to two separate hospitals, miles apart and both miles from North Devon!” Melanie Paul, Charlotte’s mum, remembers the day all too well. “I had been waiting to meet Charlotte
as I was due to babysit for Mylo and my heart started thumping when she didn’t turn up. I just sensed something was wrong. When I found out about the accident I just didn’t know which way to turn first. Fortunately, a police officer drove me to Derriford while Mylo’s dad, Jack, went to Bristol. With limited mobile reception and phone calls that kept getting cut off; it was a catalogue of horrors – fear of the unknown was dreadful. I was so grateful to reach Derriford and with every bone in my body I was just willing Charlotte to stay alive. I was too frightened to ask any questions of the medical team, I didn’t want to rock the boat!” Charlotte continues, “When I eventually came round I learned that all my family, including my two brothers and two sisters, and four good friends had spent hours and hours sitting with me and chatting; there was so much love and support I’m sure that would have helped my recovery. I personally had no idea before this accident that Devon Air Ambulance Trust is run purely on donations which is amazing and we’re so lucky to have such a fantastic service with two air ambulances! They most
definitely saved both our lives. While I was still in a coma my partner Jack decided that he wanted to do something to raise money for Devon Air Ambulance, which of course all the people closest to me were wanting to do to say THANK YOU. So a group of friends have decided to take part in the 3 Peaks Challenge this July. Myself and some other ladies will be joining them for the last mountain as I don’t think I’m physically ready just yet to do all 3 but we will take all the glory on the last one, haha! The team doing all 3 Peaks on the 8th of July is Jack Waldron, Sam Duncombe, Ben Paul, William Fanthorpe, Scott Fanthorpe, Joe Thomas, Michael Paul, Richard Blunt, Ben Woodward, Ben Moss and John Wellham. If you would like to donate that would be great as I think we are very lucky to have this service, and you never know when it might help someone close to you. Thank you. www.justgiving. com/fundraising/charlottepaul2 Amazingly, Charlotte and Mylo have both recovered well from the accident and are looking forward to being reunited with members of the aircrew later this year. o
summer 2017 | PATIENTS
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THE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE Charlotte’s partner Jack, her brothers and a group of friends will attempt the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge in July this year in aid of Devon Air Ambulance. Their JustGiving page is at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charlotte-paul2
Melanie and Mylo
Jack, Mylo and Charlotte
“ I just sensed something was wrong. When I found out about the accident I just didn’t know i a rn rs ”
WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY? See our GETTING IN TOUCH section on page 3
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helipad | www.daat.org
Honiton Get Involved! Agricultural Show The 127th
Secretary: Marcelle Connor
Bank house • 66a High Street honiton EX14 1PS
‘Where farming comes first’
Thursday 3rd August 2017 8am-6pm
There’s a great variety of ways to join in the fun this year...
HORSE AND PONY CLASSES • HEAVY HORSES CATTLE AND SHEEP CLASSES PRIVATE DRIVING • VINTAGE TRACTORS DOG SHOW OVER 400 TRADE STANDS • CRAFT TENT FOOD HALL RURAL SKILLS • COUNTRYSIDE AREA DONKEY RIDES • YOUNG FARMERS CLUBS BEES & HONEY • ACTION PACKED MAIN RING INCLUDING BOLDDOG LINGS FREESTYLE TEAM JOSEPHS AMAZING CAMELS VIPER AEROBATICS SOLO PITTS FLYING DISPLAY RIDGESIDE LURCHER DISPLAY
Advanced Tickets just £14.50 Gates Open 8am
Free Entry for under 16’s when accompanied by an adult
Celebrate 25 years with us Darts Farm, Topsham 9 September 2017 — 10am-4pm Free for all to attend. Helicopter(s)* will be stationed here for the day and there will be a live emergency services demonstration.
visit our web site
www.honitonshow.co.uk Join Albert the Dog on adventures to the past at
*subject to operational duties
Live music, refreshments including our own Down Draught ale, pop-up shops, activities for the kids. A big thank you to ALL our sponsors!
#DAA25 Our grateful thanks go to Vospers Mazda who have continued their support in 2017
Fore Street St Marychurch Torquay TQ1 4PR
01803 326108
20%
DISCO WITH UNT T ADVE HIS RT*
www.bygones.co.uk *You must present this advert with your payment in order to receive your discount. Valid until 31/12/17. Not valid with any other discount or offer.
Aptly, to celebrate 10 years of supporting our Grand Summer Draw, as well as our 25th anniversary, Vospers have provided us with a smart aluminium silver Mazda 2 SE for one lucky winner. Since 2008 this has raised over £0.5m for the Charity! Tickets are still only £1 each and are available at all of our shops and at all our events and the shows we are at this summer, where you will also see the fantastic Mazda 2 SE that Vospers Mazda have kindly loaned us. Our special thanks also go to the following for donating our 2nd, 3rd and 4th prizes: Mr D Quick for donating a week’s luxury lodge break; Holiday Cottages for a £500 holiday voucher and Crealy Adventure Park & Resort for a weekend lodge break.
The 2017 Grand Summer Draw will take place on 22nd September 2017
summer 2017 | GET INVOLVED
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Motorcycle Ride Out 9 July 2017 Sponsored by Bridge Motorcycles. Registration and start at Trago Mills, Newton Abbot. Fully-marshalled 80+mile route finishing at The Den, Teignmouth. ÂŁ5 per entrant, all pre-registered entrants will receive a FREE Ride Out t-shirt. Online entries close at 4pm on the 6.07.17. Register on the day from 8.30am. Registration will close at 10am. Live music, trade stalls, refreshments at The Den from 1pm. Everyone welcome!
RIDE OUT 2017
#DAATrideout
Devon Air Ambulance
www.daat.org/event/motorcycle-ride-out-2017
Dragon Boat Festival 24 September 2017 www.daat.org/event/dragon-boat-festival-2017 Part sponsored by The Exeter. Exeter Quay, 10am-4pm. Boats still available! Teams of 17 (16 paddlers plus a drummer). Email Tracy at t.owen@daat.org to reserve your boat.
#RMCdoChallenge
#DAATdragons
5k or 10k
Individuals & Teams
er Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 Octob 5k or 10k routes through the Royal Marines training course at Woodbury Common.
www.commandochallenge.co.uk/signup
e if L d o o G e g n i y o j En There are few people who are not well disposed towards the idea of allotments with their abundance of home-grown produce including fruit, vegetables, salad crops, herbs and owers. here is something delightfully uirky and uintessentially ritish about these little patches of individualistic colour and urban greenspace.
summer 2017 | OUT & ABOUT
lthough allotmentstyle gardening dates back centuries, the modern allotment really entered the public consciousness in the 19th century; as industrialisation crammed people into densely populated neighbourhoods without gardens, land was made available to the poor to grow their own food. Allotments proved their worth in both World Wars giving real meaning to the campaign slogan ‘Victory is in the Kitchen’, helping to maintain essential food supplies as enemy action at sea sunk supply ships or blockaded food imports. Today, in most cases, allotments generate communities of like-minded enthusiasts who benefit from healthy exercise, camaraderie, the chance to forge their own relationship with nature while providing useful habitats and highways for wildlife and, above all, by providing superb, freshly grown food with a cast iron provenance and not a food mile in sight. Helipad visited three different Devon allotments and spoke to some of the allotment holders.
Lapford Steve & Jaine Keable Steve & Jaine’s plot in the centre of the mid-Devon village of Lapford is in walking distance from their cottage, which is just as well as it is not blessed with a water supply so they can often be seen transporting large bottles to the allotment in their distinctive pink wheelbarrow!
According to Jaine, they grow “all the vegetables that survive well without too much care and attention” but their output is nevertheless prolific in a constant 52week operation growing potatoes, brassicas, leeks, sweetcorn, parsnips, beetroot, carrots, rhubarb and a variety of beans. They like to experiment and try something new each season; last year it was chayote squash and this year it’s yams. They also grow salad plants, peppers, aubergines and tomatoes in a poly tunnel at their cottage. The motivation behind their allotment is driven by a number of factors. They love having beautiful, tasty food on their plates grown a stone’s throw from home and it’s also very sociable; although it’s not adjacent to other allotments, it is on the main road through the village and people stop, chat, ask questions and inevitably go away with an armful of fresh produce. Gardening provides them both with regular exercise and, importantly, gives them a great feeling of personal fulfilment or what Jaine calls the “antidote to work”. She said: “We enjoy the relationship between the work we put in and the rewards we get. It’s a pleasure to see our food on our plates and because we also source meat locally, we go to the supermarket less and less.” The proximity of their modest 60’ x 20’ (approx 108m2) plot was also an important factor for them when they took it on around
seven years ago because it’s not an expedition each time they want to tend it. Steve added: “Part of the enjoyment lies in the planning. We read up on different techniques and experiment and we are now keeping a garden diary. Having an allotment is a steep learning curve and you must be prepared to be disappointed now and then. There are elements in gardening that you can’t control so you have to accept what you get and be grateful for it.”
Bishopsteignton Tony Page & Robin Selby Tucked behind hedgerow alongside the Teign Estuary at Bishopsteignton is a relatively new site of allotments. Demand from local residents secured the site in 2014 with around 30 members now managing plots of 125 m2 or 60 m2. There is also a community plot accessible to all which is often tended by local scouts and guides, inspiring young people to connect with nature and wildlife. Sheds on the site were funded by the National Lottery and the RSPB also aided site ‘set up’ costs by funding boundary hedge planting designed to encourage local Cirl Buntings. Two regular enthusiasts are Tony Page and Robin Selby, both of whom have been involved since the site was established. Robin’s engineering background was to be of great value when he designed their water distribution system; harvesting rainwater from
“ Today allotments generate communities of like-minded enthusiasts who benefit from healthy exercise, camaraderie and the chance to forge their own relationship with nature ”
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Hazel Parkhouse
Jaine and Steve Keable
Gerald Tallamy Robin and Tony
summer 2017 | OUT & ABOUT
the roofs of the sheds which is piped into tanks across the site, all funded by a grant from the Co-Operative Community Fund and local Councillors. Tony has always enjoyed a love of the land and has tied his professional interest with a productive leisure pastime, attending his plot as often as possible. His colourful array of flowers, lovingly tended include sweet peas, marigolds, foxgloves and a range of native wildflowers, all sitting alongside a wide variety of vegetables and fruit. “The fruits make great smoothies and any surplus fruit and veg is given away to friends and relatives,” Tony said. Robin’s interest began as a youngster when his father had an allotment and Robin went along to help. Enjoying the planning and planting for 12 months ahead, he now grows a variety of fruit and veg ensuring supplies all year round. “I rarely buy any veg now,” he explained. “I love experimenting with what I’ve got available – it’s amazing how self-sufficient you can be.” Contending with the vagaries of the local climate, pests and diseases keeps all the members on their toes and sharing their experiences and enthusiasm has formed a bond between them all. “There’s a real sense of community spirit here,” said Tony. “Our owners have such diverse backgrounds and skills that there’s always someone to help or ask advice.” Robin added, “Time spent here can be very social or you can enjoy the escapism of working alone,
along with the reward and satisfaction of tasty, healthy, home-grown produce.”
Guys & Hylton, Exeter Hazel Parkhouse & Gerald Tallamy At the other end of the scale, Exeter’s Guys & Hylton allotments form part of the St Thomas Allotment Association and boasts over 400 members! The area is vast, despite losing approximately a third of the plots for the development of housing in recent years. This site, previously run by Exeter City Council, is now run by a Committee on a Let & Inspect basis. Committee management is obviously paying dividends as the number of vacant plots has dropped from 48 two years ago to just 6 today. Their current plot owners range from couples with young children to a long-retired gentleman in his 90’s! One local couple have been ‘growing their own’ at Guys for 45 years. Ron and Hazel Parkhouse first took on an allotment in the early 70’s and have enjoyed the fruits of their labours ever since. Since Ron has recently had a hip replacement, Hazel now manages the plot and explains “It’s definitely a 12-month job; I’m here every day, sunshine, rain or snow. But it gets me out and keeps me active – as well as saving a fortune on food!” In any one year, they will have a supply of potatoes, onions, turnips, broad beans, runner beans, salad crops, cabbages and peas, along with fruits such as apples, pears, cherries,
raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, gooseberries, loganberries and rhubarb. Committee member Gerald Tallamy echoes Hazel’s comments. He is also a veteran allotment owner, at Guys & Hylton for the past 17 years and at Cowick Lane for 25 years previously. With his wealth of experience, he says that things have changed recently. “You have to adapt. It can be frustrating from year to year and the weather can definitely catch you out. Our winters have become milder which can have an impact, so you have to react accordingly.” As in Bishopsteignton and Lapford, there is a huge variety of produce grown at the Exeter site. Whilst Gerald and Hazel both grow many of the same crops, Gerald also grows squash, pumpkin, courgettes, parsnips and cauliflower as well as brightly coloured dahlias. Using fleece covers to protect his early summer potatoes, Gerald will start picking them in early June and will have sufficient supplies right through to end of March next year! With dedication and commitment, it’s clear that The Good Life is well and truly available for all. If you are inspired to ‘grow your own’, contact your local council to check availability at your local allotments.o
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helipad | www.daat.org
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summer 2017 |
aa
RHS Rosemoor
mmer ra
e ffi ia ma a ine
G ri
DEVON AIR AMBULA
r
We meet
Devon’s Castles
Racehorse trainer
Nigel Hawke erami s
s Gar ens
NCE TRUST
er
rne r history
Nic Saintey
Inspiring stories of patient survival Celebrating Devon Food with
mmer Stroll at
Richard Hunt
Mount Edgcumbe
Meet our
Fantastic Fundraisers
2017’s
Big Events
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r ra n mman
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an e s er
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Why not get involved
See inside
on his bike
n County Maga zine
For more information contact:
Anita Newcombe 07718 884482 a.newcombe@daat.org Grow your business with county-wide advertising in Devon Air Ambulance’s very own County Magazine
summer 2017 | GARDENS
19
Summer brings a blaze of vibrant hues Although I dislike saying goodbye to the freshness of spring, summer brings such a rich variety of colours and autumn a blaze of vibrant hues, that I can’t really complain!
A
shrub which everyone knows and gives such good value for summer, autumn and even winter, is the Hydrangea. I used to be very dismissive of it and then a few years ago while driving down to Cornwall I passed a house with three hydrangeas in full flower at the front red, white and blue – it was stunning. It made me realise, again, that sometimes we just need to see a plant in the right place in prime condition or combined in a beautiful planting combination, for us
to reassess its worth. It’s also a very good reason to visit open gardens. I planted three hydrangeas in my new garden last autumn and as I write, have just been admiring the healthy foliage and anticipating the floral display to come. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Vanille Fraise’ is a delight, with creamy flowers appearing in mid-summer and aging through various shades of strawberry-pink until the deepest pink in mid-autumn. It flowers on the current season’s growth,
so can be allowed to grow into a medium-sized shrub or you can prune it to a woody stump each spring to restrict its size. Hydrangea quercifolia, the oak-leaved Hydrangea, is adorned with large clean white drooping panicles of flowers, followed by rich red autumn leaves. To prune, just remove the dead flower heads and occasionally the odd wayward side stem. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Merveille Sanguine’ is good enough to grow for its
foliage alone, which is a dark purplish-green, turning red in autumn. In late summer and autumn it has deep pink flowers, or pinkish-purple if planted in acid soil. All take easily from cuttings, so when friends admire them you can proudly present them with a plant, and all need the minimal pruning of removing just the dead flowerheads. Don’t be in a rush to do this as they fade eventually to beige and can look very attractive in the garden until a little after Christmas. o
Advice Line Make sure you take plenty of cuttings through the su mmer, this saves money, helps you to develop your borders and is always a lovely gift. Keep removing the dead flower heads to encourage a few more flowers, but keep the later seedheads for autu mn interest and to keep the birds happy.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Merveille Sanguine’
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Vanille Fraise’
Hydrangea serrata ’Bluebird’
Hydrangea quercifolia autumn leaves
GARDENS r
e Sarah Chesters - Education and Learning manager at RHS Rosemoor
Listen in to BBC Radio Devon every Sunday morning from 9.00 – 10.30am, when Sarah Chesters, from RHS Garden Rosemoor, will answer your gardening questions.
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PATIENTS | www.daat.org
Dear Devon Air Ambulance
Doug Miller was attended by the air ambulance in March last year at his parent’s home near Callington. He wrote to us to tell his story.
I
just wanted to contact you to thank everyone involved in helping me on the day of my accident. On 19th of March 2016 you were called to an incident at Mornick, near Callington, to help me after a granite roller crushed my leg. I was just doing what started as a routine job for my mother, by rolling the field to flatten it out after the wet winter we’d had. I had almost finished when the granite roller became
detached from its frame and started rolling down the hill. I stopped the tractor and quickly ran after it in case it went over the hedge at the bottom of the field and onto the road. I managed to catch up with it and, without thinking, put my foot out to try and slow it down. Before I knew it the roller was on top of my leg and I was stuck, without my phone on me. My parents found me after 10 to 15 minutes and my father
“ Almost exactly a year after the a i en na r n mending the roller ”
managed to lift the roller just enough so that I could slide my leg out. They then rang 999, answering the operator’s questions, and while he was still on the phone the Air Ambulance arrived. The team that attended the incident, paramedics Adrian Parker and Grant Thompson with pilot Ian Payne, were really good and so kind and reassuring. I suspected, which turned out to be correct, that my leg was broken, and the bone had come through the skin causing an open wound. They put a line in my arm and gave me Ketamine, which was very helpful as I didn’t feel anything while they were sorting my leg. The next thing I remember was being stretchered to the Air Ambulance and being told it would take 6 minutes to reach Derriford Hospital.
I was taken into A&E where my leg was x-rayed and plastered. I was then taken to theatre and had an external fixation frame fitted to my leg. I remained in Derriford for 2 weeks in which time I had a tibial nail inserted and a skin graft from my other leg to cover the hole left by the injury. This wasn’t without its complications but thankfully has subsequently healed well. I was discharged on the 1st of April and there followed almost a year of outpatient appointments and physiotherapy. Almost exactly a year after the accident I finally got round to mending the roller, creating a new, safer frame for it! I’ve been thinking a lot since about the day of the accident and wanted to thank the air ambulance and all the crew that helped me on that day. o
WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY? See our GETTING IN TOUCH section on page 3
summer 2017 | LOTTERY
21
LOTTERY r
e Tracy Owen - Fundraising Manager
Email: t..owen@daat.org Tracy has been with DAA for over 10 years and oversees all aspects of fundraising, including working with those who have nominated us as their Charity of the Year, business supporters and our own in-house Lottery.
In it from the start... Our Lottery agents can be found around the county in a variety of locations, such as hairdressers, Post ffices, greengrocers and newsagents. hey o er our supporters an easy and often sociable way to take part in Devon Air Ambulance’s weekly Lottery. Many members pay their weekly newspaper bill at their local newsagent and add £1 to play the DAA Lottery at the same time. One such agent meeting regular DAA supporters is Jim Cridland who runs Bulpins Newsagents in Westexe North, Tiverton. The traditional newsagency has been in business for over 50 years and Jim first worked there as a newspaper-boy when he was just 12 years old. In Jim Cridland at Bulpins News
Bulpins Newsagents
2000 he actually bought the business and has been serving customers ever since. Jim’s involvement with his local Air Ambulance came about when DAA took over the running of their Lottery in 2001 and invited Bulpins to be an agent. Aware of the importance of such a service and knowing friends and customers who have been airlifted, he was very willing to offer his support and soon had around 100
regular members. However, with a change in newspaper culture, Jim was aware that his Lottery players were dwindling. Keen to turn things around, Jim recently did a letter drop to customers who still have newspapers delivered to their homes and, in turn, has already had an increase of a further 10 members. This is great news for Devon Air Ambulance as Tracy Owen, Fundraising Manager, explains: “ We are
i
very grateful to everyone who plays our Lottery which has grown from strength to strength since we started. We now have over 38,000 playing members in our weekly draw which has raised millions for us over the years! We couldn’t have done this without the support of all our agents around the county, such as Jim at Bulpins News, and, of course, all our fantastic weekly members, so a very big thank you to you all.” o
To find your nearest agent or to join our Lottery, visit www.daat.org/lottery or complete the form over
LOTTERY FACTS On average 75p in the £1 is donated back to the Charity from each membership, with the remainder covering prizes and overheads
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helipad | www.daat.org
Lottery Membership Application The sum of (tick one box only) 1 Chance Number £4.34 Monthly
DAAT Lottery Office, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 4NS The above postal address is all you need when contacting us by post.
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Lottery promoted by Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Devon Air Ambulance Trust is licensed by the Gambling Commission, Number 000-0005032-N-308657-001. Responsible person: C. Creer www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk Please gamble responsibly. For advice visit www.gambleaware.co.uk DAAT is a member of the Lotteries Council and is committed to promoting a responsible approach to gambling. Contact us at : T: 01392 469 886 E: lottery@daat.org www.daat.org
Administration Office: DAAT Lottery Office, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 8NS. You will shortly receive a letter from us showing your lucky number/s. There is no need to claim as all prizes are paid automatically. All proceeds go to support the Devon Air Ambulance Trust Charity No 1077998. Your subscription is greatly appreciated as the charity needs to raise £5.5 million a year to keep both helicopters flying. We receive no Government funding nor do we qualify for a National Lottery grant. We rely on your support, to help us to continue our essential life saving service. Results are printed in the Plymouth & Devon Sunday Independent and published every Friday afternoon on our website at www.daat.org. Thank you for your support - you are truly making a difference.
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I nstruction to y our bank or building society Please pay Devon Air Ambulance Trust Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with The Air Ambulance Lottery Society and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society. Signature(s)
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• All customer funds intended for the use in future gambling and or lottery subscriptions will be held in a separate bank account or accounts relating to the relevant affiliated charity lottery and will be completely separate from the Charity’s trading income. • We are required by our licence to inform customers about what happens to funds which we hold on account for you, and the extent to which funds are protected in the event of insolvency. www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/consumers/protection-of-customer-funds.aspx We hold customer funds separate from Charity’s funds. This means that steps have been taken to protect customer funds but that there is no absolute guarantee that all funds will be repaid. This meets the Gambling Commission’s requirements for the segregation of customer funds at the level: medium protection. • The licensee operates a strict no ‘cash policy’ to prevent the risk of crimes such as money laundering, to avoid the giving of illicit credit and to provide assurances that gambling activities are being conducted fairly. Banks and building societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.
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DAAT would keep youyou informed about our work, how your how support hassupport helped keep helicopters the helicopters air and how you canair be involved in the DAAT wouldlike liketo to keep informed about our work, your hasour helped keepinour in the and how youfuture. can
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summer 2017 | DEVON PEOPLE
It’s a funny old game... So says Nic Saintey of Exeter auction house Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood, about the wonderful world of antiques. The sale room in Okehampton Street, Exeter, is a fabulous warren of rooms, over owing with a cornucopia of furniture, paintings, porcelain and interesting collectables.
N
ic has over 20 years in the antiques business and is currently a Director and Head of Ceramics and Glass; you may even have seen him on Flog It and Bargain Hunt! He always had a love of all things old and interesting – as a boy, he enjoyed digging old bottles out of farmers’ hedges and was proud to leave school with an A level in Pottery. However, this interest didn’t seem to provide a suitable career path so he joined the army, first as a paramedic, then as a parachuting paramedic! After 12 years as ‘Action Man’, Nic hung up his parachute and medical bag and studied for an Open University degree in art history. He also had a thatched property in Somerset to furnish so he started to visit the local auction house, methodically learning about antiques and renewing his interest in glass and porcelain. He was initially turned down when he asked them for a job but, undeterred, he later went back with an offer they couldn’t refuse – to work for 3 months without pay.
Needless to say, the auction house took him on as an unpaid porter and Nic never looked back! Nic loves all porcelain - however, his particular interest is in Donyatt and North Devon pottery. While Nic Saintey
some may think it too rustic and unrefined, Nic is fascinated with items of pottery that were made ‘for people by people’ and feels a real connection to the past with every visible brush stroke and thumb print. During his long career, the internet has perhaps brought the most significant change in the way auction houses operate and antiques are sold. Now, all the items can be viewed – and bid
for – online and in real time, without any need to even come to the auction house. Consequently, Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood now regularly sell and ship items all around the world, as far afield as China, Australia and New Zealand. His advice for anyone who has never been to an auction or wants to start collecting, is to come along to Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood’s sale room and just sit and watch how it all works. Some people worry that they might accidentally end up buying something because they scratch their nose at an inopportune moment, but Nic says this never happens (well almost never!). His advice to any new antique collector is to ‘buy what you like’ and just enjoy it and, you never know, one day you might come across an unexpected gem. And as for Nic and his own personal ‘holy grail’, if anyone out there has a North Devon Bideford or Barnstaple Harvest Jug, he would be delighted to hear from you! To find out more, visit BH&L website at www. bhandl.co.uk o
“ After 12 years as ‘Action Man’, Nic hung up his parachute and medical bag and studied for an Open University degree in art history. ”
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STAY SAFE | www.daat.org
in the garden As Devon’s Air Ambulance crews await each job in the busiest time of the year, Helipad takes a look at how to avoid hazards closer to home.
I
t’s the time of year for sitting out and enjoying your garden with a cold drink of your preference, but how safe is your garden? There are hundreds of accidents every summer and while, thankfully, most of them result in nothing more serious than a cut, bump or bruised ego, others can be much more serious. ROSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) publishes some truly alarming figures for accidents in our gardens. For example, over 10,000 people a year are hurt by lawn mowers, electric hedge trimmers and shears and over 5,000 people suffer an injury caused by garden forks and spades. Who would have thought that something
as innocent as the humble flower pot could also cause over 5,000 injuries! It’s easy to imagine what injuries could occur but many are easy to avoid. When you’re gardening, always make sure trip hazards like hosepipes or electric cables are clearly visible for all to avoid or, perhaps, lay a flat rug over it. Always check electrical equipment and leads before use. If damage is found then take it to the recycling centre for safe disposal! If your equipment is safe, always use a Residual Current Device which will protect the user from getting an electric shock by cutting off the power supply. Most gardeners will have a supply of potentially dangerous chemicals in the
Stay safe and enjoy your garden is summer!
form of pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, solvents, adhesives etc. Always store these as recommended by the manufacturer and if the guidelines says wear protective clothing, do so, as chemical burns can be nasty. Always wash your hands thoroughly after using these products as even a small residual amount can sometimes cause serious harm. It’s also barbecue season but do keep your barbecue away from any structures like sheds, trees and fences. It’s embarrassing and expensive, not to mention life-threatening, if these catch light. And definitely DO NOT use lighter fluid on your barbecue as it can result in an uncontrollable fire and serious burns to the user.
Take care when you’re climbing or reaching and always ensure that ladders and steps are in good condition. Remember, always wear sun screen when you are outdoors even if it is slightly overcast. And always keep hydrated, if you start to feel faint or dizzy, go indoors and have a glass of water. Even gentle gardening can cause dehydration and if you don’t start to feel better in around fifteen to thirty minutes, seek medical attention as you may have the beginnings of heat or sun stroke. Always keep a watchful eye on toddlers and young children if you are near water – ponds and streams are fascinating to watch but can be dangerous.o
summer 2017 | PATIENTS
25
Sarah and friend, Lauren Hutchinson, at the end of the Torbay Half Marathon
One family, three airlifts!
When Sarah Palk chooses a charity to raise funds for, Devon Air Ambulance invariably springs to mind. Perhaps it’s not surprising as the charity has airlifted Sarah as well as her Grandad and her cousin!
S
arah, from Paignton, regularly navigated in Land Rover Comp Safari races and was taking part in an event at Hemerdon Quarry in Plymouth in September 2011 when the afternoon didn’t go quite as planned. Despite waking up that morning with a premonition of a bad day ahead, Sarah perked up when she and her driver, Morgan, took part in the pre-race parade and felt the excitement as they waved to spectators. They were on Lap 2 and the race was going well when Sarah saw the jump ahead – and remembers nothing more until she woke up in Derriford Hospital some hours later. It transpired
that their Land Rover had crash landed at speed from the jump, nose first into the concrete below. A nurse was quickly on the scene and held Sarah, still harnessed into the seat, until paramedics from a land crew and the Air Ambulance arrived. With concerns about possible spinal or neck injuries, Sarah was airlifted to the high dependency unit at Derriford where she had CT scans and X-rays to assess the damage. Amazingly, there were no broken bones and Sarah was discharged the following day – although the whiplash, severe bruising and a shoulder injury led to four weeks off work and it was two years before Sarah had
the confidence to return to 4x4 racing. Sarah’s next association with the Air Ambulance was in June 2015 when her grandfather Jack, a sprightly and active 86 year old farmer, had an accident with a hay baling machine and was knocked unconscious by a bale. Jack suffered a bleed on the brain and was also flown to Derriford where complications led to him contracting meningitis. Finally recovering, Jack was released after 6 long weeks and returned to his beloved farm. Sadly, Jack passed away last November but Sarah explains that the whole family are grateful that they had an extra 15 months
with him that they might otherwise not have had. Since then, Sarah’s cousin Andrew has also been airlifted following an agricultural accident on his farm! Having had such a close involvement with the service, the whole family are keen to support the Air Ambulance. So far, Sarah has organised a pig racing evening, taken part in three Commando Challenges, run a half marathon and organised two fundraising birthday parties. “There’s not a day goes by when I’m not grateful to Devon Air Ambulance,” Sarah explained. “We owe you so much – fundraising however we can is just one little way to say thank you.” o
“ There’s not a day goes by when I’m not grateful to Devon Air Ambulance ”
WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY? Sarah and Grandad Jack visiting Exeter Airbase last year
See our GETTING IN TOUCH section on page 3
Castle Drogo
summer 2017 | HISTORIC DEVON
27
An Englishman’s home
is his castle… This old adage – meaning homeowners should be safe to do what they please in their own homes - has passed into popular parlance and many of us recognise the sentiment, however modest our homes are and however lacking in crenulations, moats and dungeons!
C
astles in England were built over a period of about 900 years, initially as fortified structures built for defence and occupied by nobles, but their importance declined from the 16th century when they were replaced by more diverse structures - artillery forts for defence and luxurious manor houses for more comfortable living. From the 18th century, a renewed interest in the romantic ideal of the castle flourished, and the ‘mock’ castle was born, a private residence complete with crenulations, towers and moats. Many of the buildings
we think of today as ‘castles’ are, actually, more modern than they look! Here in Devon, there are some wonderful examples – medieval and ‘mock’ - all of which are historically interesting and have a rich and varied heritage which make them fascinating places to explore. Helipad visited a few castles across the county to find out more about them, their intriguing history, their dark secrets and the role they play in the 21st century.
Exeter Castle There have been a thousand years of history associated
with Exeter Castle so it’s quite surprising that many of the residents of Exeter know very little about it and it remains one of the city’s ‘hidden gems’. The building, now known as Rougemont Castle, is built on a plug of volcanic rock, high above the city barely 100 metres from the High Street in Northernhay Gardens. The castle, which was originally built by King Athelstan, has had a very colourful past, populated by important historical figures and immersed in political intrigue. It is said to have been destroyed by the Danes in 1003 before
being besieged by William the Conqueror, seized by Henry III, visited by Richard III, taken by the Royalists in the English Civil War and retaken by Parliamentary forces in 1646. After it ceased to be a military installation, it housed a courthouse where four ‘witches’ were infamously tried before being executed at nearby Heavitree. More modern times saw it used as a prison, courts and council offices before being taken back into private ownership. Today it provides hospitality space for weddings and corporate events, and you can even stay at Rougemont and live
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Exeter Castle
like a real noble (albeit in considerably more luxury than in the old days!). The castle also hosts special events, including the everpopular Exeter Festival of South West Food & Drink.
Powderham Castle Situated on the Exe Estuary – south of Exeter near Kenton - amid an ancient deer park and picturesque woodland, Powderham Castle can trace its history back over 600 years. Powderham Castle
Powderham came to the Courtenay family in the dowry of Edward I’s granddaughter. It was her son, Sir Philip Courtenay, who began building the castle as a fortified manor house in 1391. Though fortunes have ebbed and flowed, Powderham has remained home of the Courtenay family and recently welcomed the new Earl and Countess of Devon and their children, the 28th generation to move in.
Today, there’s much to see and do at Powderham – you can take a guided tour of the house or stroll in the beautiful grounds, stopping to admire the American Woodland Garden, the prominent Belvedere tower and the Rose Garden. You can also take a tractor ‘safari’ to see the 600 resident fallow deer and enjoy spending time in the café, country store and courtyard gift shop. You can even get married in its sumptuous rooms. Powderham also has a national reputation for hosting special events, notably open air concerts with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Elton John, Status Quo and Cliff Richard. In May 2016, it hosted the Radio One Big Weekend festival.
Castle Drogo The Grade 1 listed Castle Drogo is perhaps one of the more curious buildings to be called a castle as it is a relatively modern recreation, yet has all the traditional and well-known features of the idealised castle. Castle Drogo was the brainchild of the wealthy
“ Many of the buildings we think of today as ‘castles’ are, actually, more modern than they look! ” retail entrepreneur Julius Drewe. His first cousin was the rector of Drewsteignton and Julius decided to build his ‘castle’ high above the Teign Gorge in mid-Devon. Drewe engaged the eminent architect Edwin Lutyens – who was not only instrumental in the design of the Cenotaph in London, but also designed The Drum pub in Cockington - to create his dream home, incorporating touches of medieval and tudor design. Work commenced in 1911 and took 19 years to complete; unfortunately, poor Julius only enjoyed it for a year before his death in 1931. The Drewe family, however, continued to live in the castle until 1974 when, along with 600 acres including fine formal gardens, it was passed to the National Trust. In 2013, a major
summer 2017 | HISTORIC DEVON refurbishment programme commenced, primarily to make Drogo watertight and prevent any further damage to the structure. Although that work is ongoing (with a planned end date in 2018) the castle remains open to the public, and there are a number of freshly refurbished rooms and new displays to see and explore. Castle Drogo also has two important ‘claims to fame’. It was the last ever castle to be built in England and is also believed to be the last private residence built entirely of granite.
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Okehampton Castle
Okehampton Castle Another lesser known gem is the Grade 1 listed Okehampton Castle, the ruins of a genuine Norman motte and bailey castle with a stone keep. The property, now run by English Heritage, is a scheduled Ancient Monument and the largest medieval castle in Devon. Built soon after the Norman Conquest, the castle is located on a rocky outcrop above the River Okemont and once dominated the valley above the main route linking Devon and Cornwall. The castle was converted into a sumptuous hunting lodge by the Courtenay family (of Powderham Castle fame) but, when the last owner lost his head after falling out with Henry VIII, it declined into the ‘haunted’ ruin we see today. It is now run as a tourist attraction by English Heritage, boasting a tranquil riverside location, which is a haven for wildlife, birds and wild flowers. The magnificent show of spring bluebells in the woodland is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Visitors can enjoy a number of beautiful walks around the castle, taking the free audio tour and learning more about the castle’s intriguing past. But the big question remains – is it really haunted? You’ll
just have to visit and find out for yourself.
Watermouth Castle Watermouth Castle near Ilfracombe in North Devon is not a true castle but a late Georgian family residence built in 1825. Like Castle Drago, with its thick stone walls, towers and crenulations, it is the epitome of the medieval structures that inspired it. The Bassett family, who commissioned the castle, continued to live there until 1945 but, in 1977, the building was acquired by the Haines family who turned it into a family tourist attraction. Today, it houses a collection of Victorian antiques centred around domestic tools, a pier
complete with ‘amusements’, a family theme park including rides and play areas, landscaped gardens and holiday apartments. One noteworthy attraction is the castle’s underground Water Show Extravaganza. Originally built for the 1951 Festival of Britain in London, this is a spectacular performance of lights and fountains, all synchronised to music played by the original 1920s Mighty Mortier organ.
Totnes Castle Standing high and proud above the town, Totnes Castle boasts a remarkable Norman motte and bailey, and is justifiably thought to be one of the finest examples of its type in
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Watermouth Castle
England. Dating from just after the Norman Conquest, Totnes Castle passed through various noble hands during its long history, including the de la Zouche family from Northampton and Cotehele’s Sir Richard Edgcumbe. During its long history, it went through periods of disrepair and refortification, but eventually became redundant again at the end Totnes Castle
of the War of the Roses. This wonderful Grade 1* listed building is a scheduled Ancient Monument which has been owned and managed by English Heritage since 1984. Today you can climb the steps to the top of the circular keep and get a full view over the town and beyond. Visitors can also enjoy the tranquil grassed area of the courtyard or take the moat
walk around the outside of the castle where you’ll get an even better idea of the power of the structure and the extent of the defences.
Dartmouth Castle Built as an artillery fortress to protect the ships and commerce of the thriving port, Dartmouth Castle enjoys a spectacular location at the mouth of the River Dart estuary.
The earliest parts of the castle date from the 1380s and centuries of naval threats from across the channel have ensured that it remained fully active, guns and all, until World War II. It had previously been an important part of Henry VIII’s defensive network of artillery towers, had seen action in the English Civil War and was garrisoned in the Napoleonic conflict.
summer 2017 | HISTORIC DEVON
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Dartmouth Castle
Dartmouth Castle looks like a typical coastal military installation with its thick walls and gun tower and if you take one of the Dart’s boat trips past it, you’ll get a real feeling for its sheer scale and dominance from the water, and why any potential invader would have thought twice before launching an
attack from the sea. The castle, which incorporates the Church of St Petrox, is owned and managed by English Heritage and provides a fascinating day out. It’s home to a fascinating collection of complex defences, including the Victorian Old Battery with its remounted heavy guns,
guardrooms and maze of passages. The lower floor even shows evidence of where a chain could have been stretched across the estuary to thwart any unwise ‘visitors’ who might have tried to sneak by the castle and sail up the river. We hope you have enjoyed this wander around just
a few of the fascinating castles of Devon. Whether Medieval originals or later homages, they all afford us a fascinating window into history and, rather than be the preserve of the wealthy nobles and entrepreneurs who created them, are now accessible to us all for a great day out. o
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Selling the Dream Helipad visited race horse trainer Nigel Hawke at his stables near Tiverton to find his passion for the sport goes deeper than just winning races.
A
ccording to Nigel Hawke, the most important people in racing are the owners. Without owners, there would be no trainers, no jockeys and, in fact, no racing. While running a racing stable is a business which is ultimately focussed on winning races, Nigel derives an undisguised pleasure in the passion and excitement that the sport generates for race horse owners and he is on a mission to get more people into experiencing it. The result is the Nigel Hawke Racing Club which offers a part share in four horses in training for a modest annual fee but a full share in the thrills of ownership and all that goes with it including being in the paddock at race time and enjoying the considerable social side of the sport. Nigel has around 70 horses in training at his stable at Thorne Farm Racing; a hidden gem of a place at Stoodleigh which he and his wife Katherine bought 5 years ago. From an old farm without electricity they have built an enviable facility on the 220 acre farm which
includes two gallops - a 7.5 furlong carpet fibre track which starts at the bottom of the valley rising to just below Stoodleigh Beacon, the highest point between Exmoor and Dartmoor, and an all-weather 3.5 furlong grass gallop. There are also schooling facilities, two horse walkers and a staff of up to 15. Nigel said: “The whole idea of buying this place was to build it up in exactly the way we wanted. Normally if you want to set up a racing yard, you buy a business where you have to work round the existing facilities but we started with a blank canvas so we were able to do what we wanted and when we wanted to suit the system we envisaged. It’s still a work in progress but it’s as good a facility as you’ll find anywhere in the country and being only 20 minutes from the motorway, it’s great for the welfare of the horses.” The stable managed an impressive 28 wins in the last season but Nigel is the first to admit that you are only as good as the staff that support you and in assistant trainer Eddie Buckley and
Head Lad Poul Andersen, he has two of racing’s most experienced characters. Their day starts early with a planning meeting half an hour before everyone else is due in. That way everyone knows what needs to be achieved that day and their role in it leaving Nigel the challenging task of deciding which races he might enter, what horses are right for which races and the logistics of getting them there. Inevitably, he is away a lot but uses his time in the horse transporter which might take him as far as Perth or Carlisle to catch up on paperwork with the confidence that the team back at Thorne Farm are getting on with it. “We’re in the business of training winners,” said Nigel. “But we are not a rich stable that can buy proven horses so we tend to buy young horses and bring them on ourselves and we have brilliant staff capable of doing that. We are always under pressure to produce more winners than we did in the last year. Our challenge is to keep improving, increase the number and quality of horses and increase the
range of owners.” There is a sense of commitment and resilience about Nigel Hawke which suggest he’ll achieve his ambitions. He has had his fair share of highs and lows in his time from riding a Grand National winner to having his career as a jump jockey ended after an accident but he believes in making your own luck, weathering the storms that you are confronted with and learning from them. “You have to experience the lows before you can enjoy the highs,” he said. “Racing is a fickle old game but a fascinating one. To be a good trainer is more than just knowing how to bring horses on. It’s also about handling people, both your employees and owners. It involves knowing how to get the best out of people and horses and it’s about managing expectations. But there is immense pleasure in it when it goes right. “I want to train for people who have a passion about their horses and about racing. Dreams do come alive and that’s what I’m doing – selling the dream.”o
summer 2017 | DEVON PEOPLE
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“ The whole idea of buying this place was to build it up in exactly the way we wanted. ”
The view from the top of the gallop
Assistant Trainer Eddie Buckley and Head Lad Poul Andersen,
Yearlings enjoying time out in the paddock
Nigel Hawke
www.nigelhawkethornefarmracing.co.uk
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...well on and off! So the County Show is a distant memory and thankfully the weather gods smiled on the weekend with just the odd drop of precipitation scattered amongst the sunshine to keep us all honest. So what else does the favoured season have in store for us? ummer brings nature’s bounty into overdrive, whether it’s the first of the awesome English strawberries, laced with clotted cream or popped into a summer cup, through to heady spears of asparagus from North Devon. Wonderful crisp lettuce, fiery radishes and the first of the sun-ripened tomatoes, all asking to be placed in a bowl with some crispy croutons, a few nuggets of Sharpham rustic cheese and dressed with some fresh herb vinaigrette. A tasty delight ready for those barbecues firing up all over the county, the wondrous smells of char-grilled chicken and the finest porky sausages searing over those hot coals. One of the biggest things to remember, whoever is doing the cooking, let those coals
burn to white before putting your food on as otherwise it will be burnt offerings all around and a quick trip to the takeaway! Why not have a go at your own BBQ relish, just follow a few simple steps and leave the rest to your own taste bud’s desire: Cook lots of chopped onions and garlic in either butter or rapeseed oil, add your bulk item say tomatoes, peppers or apple, then add your seasonings; chilli, smoked paprika, coriander seed, dried herbs etc. Add a good splash of vinegar (cider or balsamic it’s up to you) then some brown sugar to create that lovely sweet and sour flavour, reduce to a lovely consistency of your choice, season with some salt and pepper and away you go. You can always finish with a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a dollop of HP just to add another dimension! Try also making
your own dry rub for any of the meats especially if you want to slow roast on the barbecue, smoked paprika, chilli or no chilli, dried herbs, salt and pepper, garlic granules, fennel seeds, coriander. It’s really a blank canvas, go Far Eastern, Caribbean, Creole, Indian it’s up to you, have a go and find a recipe that fits your taste.
“ Whilst the weather is good, pack the car, get the cool box out and fill it with all those classic picnic goodies, ” Our summer fruits are beginning to make the most of the sun’s rays and deliver delicious juicy and sweet delights. Wonderful apricots, nectarines and peaches all asking to be lightly poached or roasted on the barbecue and served with a good dollop of crème fraiche or some whipped cream with a hint of vanilla. A much maligned fruit of the summer is the ‘Goosegog’ as my Gran would call them or the humble gooseberry ready to be stewed with just enough
sugar to take the edge off the sharpness and finished with a great oat and nut crumble topping or turned into a fabulous jam with the rest of the summer berries ready to be enjoyed during those long winter days. Try making the gooseberries into a compote and serve with some oily fish, it really does work, I promise! My thoughts turn to my childhood, going to the beach at Thurlestone and after a really long swim and rummage in the rock pools sitting on the open boot of Dad’s Cortina whilst mum boiled the kettle on the gas stove as we tucked into all sorts of tasty goodies. Whilst the weather is good, pack the car, get the cool box out and fill it with all those classic picnic goodies, pork pies, scotch eggs, prawn sandwiches, scones and cream and a great quiche - this is the recipe I have chosen for this edition as it has all the ingredients of summer with a real hint of luxury and indulgence. You can also serve it as a starter for a dinner party with perhaps a crisp apple coleslaw on the side. Have a go, eat it by the seaside or on the moors and it really won’t disappoint. Have a great summer and happy eating. o P.S. Real men do eat quiche!
summer 2017 | FOOD & DRINK
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FOOD & DRINK r
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e Richard Hunt - Chef
Devon born and bred, Richard Hunt, consultant Chef and culinary judge has worked in renowned restaurants and hotels across the UK and in Europe and is now proprietor of Devon Scone Company
!
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helipad | www.daat.org
Mount Edgcumbe originally a little corner of Devon Paramedic Dave Dungay takes us to one of his favourite destinations…
C
oming from the historical Naval port of Plymouth, it feels appropriate to start this journey by stepping aboard a boat. This boat is the Cremyll ferry which transports foot passengers from Admirals Hard in Stonehouse across the River
Tamar to Mount Edgcumbe. Much of the pleasure is in the journey, is a phrase that applies to this waterborne leg. The 10-minute crossing allows intimate views of the Royal William Yard’s Georgian structures, and a Captain’s perspective of Plymouth
Sound. This terminates with the arrival at Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. Mount Edgcumbe estate was presided over by several Earls of Edgcumbe dating back to the 1500s until the family succeeded in the early 1970s. The estate itself sits
on the Cornish side of the natural boundary between south Devon and Cornwall, namely the River Tamar. Interestingly, this was not always the case, with the estate forming a corner of Devon on the Cornish side of the river until 1854. Today the
summer 2017 | BEAUTIFUL DEVON
“ On disembarking the ferry you first notice the Edgcumbe Arms pub, which can serve as a perfectly good first and final destination ” idyllic estate is open to all with the house and gardens owned and managed by Plymouth city and Cornwall n n is On disembarking the
ferry you first notice the Edgcumbe Arms pub, which can serve as a perfectly good first and final destination, but if you like to earn your pint then the estate provides m m i ai n n in e As you enter the park grounds you are presented with the impressive façade of Edgcumbe House sitting atop a long grass slope flanked by a deciduous r er arr n in e Italian gardens and stop for lunch in the Orangery, or throw a coin in the fountain to make a wish (make sure you ee i se re Onward along the coast you come across Napoleonic
cannons guarding the a r a es e am a e Look at the French engravings on them and rest your hand on a piece of craftmanship that began life as a weapon of Napolean’s Navy until captured following battle and put to use for the other side, as was common ra i e rin a eri Carry on through the grounds and breathe in the mixed scent of diverse flora and sea air until your next s e n e pond sits in an amphitheatre of trees which more than fits the quote from Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ inscribed near a se ere r a
WALK r mai
e Dave Dungay - Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care n a @daat.org
Dave has been with DAA since 2014 and is currently studying for a Masters degree in Prehospital Critical Care Retrieval and Transfer
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while and enjoy a picnic if you have it, then on again and climb the hill to our last es ina i n e As the name eludes, this structure is a fabricated ruin placed in a perfect spot that gives panoramic views over e area n a ess a to the north east one can see er m e rs Dartmoor and to the south Plymouth Sound and the Eddystone Lighthouse and e n i a an en the views, or take advantage of the high ground to fly your kite, then back whence you came to the Edgcumbe Arms and enjoy that hardearned pint! o
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JUNIOR CREW | www.daat.org
Junior Crew
It’s always great to learn about the activities of our young fundraisers, here we meet just some of Devon’s local youngsters who have raised funds for DAA.
Caitlin collapses on Dartmoor Seventeen year old Caitlin Davies from Cullompton was working towards her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award with a 35 mile trek over Dartmoor when she collapsed. Knowing Caitlin was feeling unwell, her team-mates tried to reach their next check-point but they had become disorientated and were further away than they had thought. Fortunately for Caitlin, a member of Dartmoor Rescue was passing and offered assistance, including a call to the emergency services. Devon’s Air Ambulance
was swiftly on scene and Caitlin was found to be suffering from a lack of food, dehydration and exhaustion. Caitlin was conveyed to Derriford Hospital where she was given an intravenous drip before being discharged later that night. Fortunately, Caitlin made a full and swift recovery and is now back in training to complete her DofE award. As team leader of Street Heat Samba Band and founder of Mid-Devon Rotaract Group, Caitlin is planning to raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance and Dartmoor Rescue.
Caitlin Davies (front left) and Street Heat Samba Band
Honiton Gals, Ellie, Emilia, Hollie, Jaime-Lee, Maicey and Harriet, presented a cheque for £520 to Honiton shop manager Angie Macrae after running a 5K route around Sidmouth in the Easter holidays.
Exeter Cathedral School raises a ma ni their annual charity concert
Jack Drew Jack, from Newton Poppleford, is 11 years old and took part in a 16-mile Exmoor Challenge which involved navigating and hiking across Exmoor in teams of 4 in April this year. Inspired by both his uncle and his cousin who are both paramedics, Jack raised £150 for DAA.
en £2618.54 at
THINKING OF FUNDRAISING?
See our GETTING IN TOUCH section on page 3 If you are planning a fundraising activity of any kind, please do give us a call. We can offer support material such as posters, balloons, collection boxes and/or running vests and we can promote your event on social media.
summer 2017 | PATIENTS
A lot of broken bones… When James Griffin, from Plymtree near Cullompton, isn’t working as a managing partner in the law firm Everys, he and his family enjoy an outdoor lifestyle with horse riding, clay pigeon shooting and skiing. All such activities went on hold, however, after an accident in November 2015 left James with significant head and facial injuries.
J
ames, who has been horse riding for 25 years and had previously never been hurt, was taking part in a riding event in Broadhembury when, coming over a jump, he fell sideways from his horse and was kicked in the face by a shod horse hoof as he landed. A spectator rushed to the scene and called the emergency services. A land ambulance crew arrived, aware that a call had already been placed for Devon’s Air Ambulance. The aircrew, heading back to the base from a previous job on Dartmoor, were immediately diverted to James in Broadhembury. Pilot Richie Tate remembers the day well. On landing the aircraft Richie recognised James’ wife and daughters watching as events unfolded and Richie realised that the patient was his friend James. Paramedics Mark Langley and Richard Walker assessed James’ injuries at the scene and stabilised him for the flight. James had suffered extensive facial and head injuries including frontal lobe damage, a brain injury affecting his memory. He also lost the sight in his right eye
following a crushed optic nerve. After initial treatment in Derriford, he was transferred back to RD&E in Exeter for specialist maxillofacial surgery. He also had treatment in the bariatric chamber in Plymouth’s Diving Disease Research Centre in the hope that it might help the damaged optic nerve - to no avail - but it seemed to help the facial scarring. Another long-term effect of the accident is that he has lost his sense of taste and smell. James was off work for many weeks and initially faced various difficulties, both physically and emotionally, but 18 months on, he believes he is ‘just about back to normal’. Richie continued, “It’s so good to know that James is doing well now. Later on that afternoon we had another job taking somebody to Derriford which gave us a chance to check on James’ progress. We saw the scan of his face, which revealed a lot of broken bones! The family have been amazingly strong, focused and positive. It was very strange to be involved seeing that we all knew each other, but that’s Devon for you!” o
“ On landing the aircraft Richie recognised James’ wife and daughters watching as events unfolded and Richie realised that the patient was his friend James. ”
James Griffin
Pilot Richie (R) with James and Andy Kennaugh (L)
WANT TO TELL YOUR STORY? See our GETTING IN TOUCH section on page 3
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Can you help your community get ready for night landing? We are extremely grateful to all the people that are working hard to enable Devon Air Ambulance to land at night by creating their own community landing site. The network of landing sites continues to expand with 35 sites ready for night landing and a further 130 sites at various stages of development.
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here are many ways people can get involved in developing their local night landing site and ensure we can deliver a life-saving service into the heart of their community during the hours of darkness. Why not first have a look at the community landing sites map at daat.org/landing-sites to see if there’s one being developed near you? If so, there may be details of who you can contact to see what help is required, but if not, please get in touch with us and we’ll be able to point you to someone locally who can help. If there’s no site currently being established nearby could you and some friends ‘start the ball rolling’? In our work with over 160 communities what is clear is that the more people that can help, the quicker a landing site is established. If there’s no potential sites being looked at yet you might be able to help tell us more about open areas in your community, give us a guided tour of potential sites or introduce us to local landowners? You might check that your local Council is aware of our night flying campaign and work with communities in Devon. We are seeing a variety of different sites being utilised for night landing; from sports
pitches and playing fields to recreation areas and grass fields. Although establishing sites on farmland may pose more challenges in terms of access, livestock etc. through practical steps such as fencing and minor changes in land management practices, sites can be developed in unison with farmers to benefit the whole community. The process of selecting sites can take time so we encourage you to contact us early so we can start looking at sites and talking to landowners.
What is clear is that developing a landing site often involves bringing together many different parts of a community and there is a clear role for someone to act as a focal point or co-coordinator. If we need to work with a wide group of people including landowners or their agents, site managers, leaseholder, a funding body (e.g. Town/ Parish Council) and wider community organisations (e.g. Rotary) for example, it is really valuable if someone can help
Community Landing Sites Live and In Development
Live sites
Sites in development
“ If there’s no site currently being established nearby could you and some friends start the ball rolling? ”
summer 2017 | NIGHT FLYING
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COMMUNITY LANDING SITES e oby ussell Community anding ites evelopment fficer
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mai t.russell@daat.org o o ned n w a e o wo w lo al o community can get involved visit www.daat.org.
co-ordinate meetings, ensure actions are followed up and generally have an oversight of the project. The news of DAA’s grants to help set up landing sites has been welcomed by communities with grants being paid to install lighting at landing sites. Grants can also be used to improve access so we can look at a variety of measures to improve a site for night landing. Local fundraising is still required because, despite the grants we can offer to cover labour costs, communities still need to raise funds for capital items and equipment. This is another
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way in which you might be able to help – can you write a letter or application to a grant provider (e.g. Charitable Trust), run an event, or talk to your local businesses that might like to help? The main thing to remember is that every little helps, even just talking about our night flying and need for community landing sites to your family, friends and neighbours. The more people that are engaged in the conversation, the more chance that someone will help support your local project by identifying sites, bringing people together and driving local fundraising. o
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Any community can have a landing site, no matter what size it is or where it is in Devon. In many of our larger towns we will need more than one landing site to reduce time for patients being brought to the aircraft and give our paramedics the best chance of reaching patients quickly if on foot.
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There’s a £1million funding pot to help communities in Devon set up a night landing site – that might include landing site lighting or access improvements.
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We have already been to 37 Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) incidents during the hours of darkness since we started night flying in November 2016. As more community landing sites come on-line, coupled with an extension to our night-time operations in the future, more patients will be able to receive emergency care.
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If you are involved with fundraising for your local landing site please remember you are doing this for your community not Devon Air Ambulance, so things like DAA volunteers, logos, collection buckets etc. can’t be used at those events. We have images and PR material you can use for your landing site fundraising so please speak to Toby.
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If we’ve carried out a HEMS flight into your landing site we’d love to hear from the patient or their family. Please remember we don’t know who we’ve airlifted due to patient confidentiality.
DO YOU HAVE A SITE IN MIND?
If you would like to find out how you can get involved with developing your local landing site please contact our Community Landing Sites Development Officer Toby Russell on t.russell@daat.org or 07943 207673.
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Business On Board! We are grateful to all the companies around the county who continue to demonstrate their support. Here are just some of the ways that local companies have o ered their help Thomson Not only are Thomson continuing to support us in 2017 with their onflight donations, they also increased their fundraising by selling our DAA bags at a charity quiz night in May.
Palladium Building Supplies Airways
Annual Golf Days since 2013 have generated over £4,500 by staff and customers of Palladium Building Supplies of Kingsbridge – cheers guys, your support is very much appreciated!
Masons Kings For a third year running Masons Kings supported us at the Devon County Show with their Gator Experience. Since supporting us with the ‘Gator Experience’, we have received over £3,000 in donations!
ABOVE Tracy, Debbie and Elliot from Masons Kings encourage the Gator rides at Devon County Show
summer 2017 | BUSINESS ON BOARD
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AAAC For national charity support, we work with the Air Ambulance Association. Two new supporters have come on board since our last issue of Helipad: Nationwide Crash Repair Centres, with 5 Devon depots, are enthusiastic to raise significant funds and take part in various events and activities over the next 12 months including a skydive, five-a-side tournament and our very own Dragon Boat Festival. SHB Vehicle Hire and Management have two depots in Exeter and are also supporting us locally.
World Of Country Life Business support comes in a variety of ways and we are most grateful to World of Country Life, Exmouth, for their sponsorship of a supply of smart new stands for our Helipad magazines. If you would like a supply of magazines and a brand new stand please contact us.
Dragon Boat Race
2017 Boats are still available for this great team building event now in its 4th year! Since 2014 it has raised over £40k with this years monies still to come! Contact Tracy Owen if you would like to find out more.
Blakes Coaches nominated the Devon Air Ambulance as their chosen charity in 2016, raising money through various fundraising events throughout the year. In June they filled 2 coaches on a mystery day out, giving all the money taken on the day to DAA and in November and December they sent a teddy bear on each tour and raffled them which raised a considerable amount towards the total. In December they held their annual fundraising event where nearly 300 people enjoyed a delicious Christmas lunch and an afternoon of entertainment & dancing at the Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish Warren. Along with a raffle and all profit for the day given this gave the total raised for the year to £7000.00.
Bow Aquatic Centre Set just outside of the market town of Crediton, Bow Aquatic Centre have raised a further £1,311 this year by asking the public to get involved with feeding the giant Koi in their display pond for a 20p donation going towards the charity. Their support also continues with having our collection boxes on all of their tills. MAKE DAAT YOUR CHOSEN CHARITY
See our GETTING IN TOUCH section on page 3
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helipad | www.daat.org
Devon People Real people saving real lives - what could you do to save a life? Massive thanks as always to everyone who has put the Fun into Fundraising in recent months. Those featured in this issue have undertaken a multitude of activities including climbing, walking, skydiving, running, knitting and performing – what an amazing bunch they are!
84-year old Gordon Winsor from Plymouth raised £1,600 from his skydive in May - well done Gordon!
DAA’s Bideford shop manager Emma and her friend John tackle Mount Snowdon and raised over £800!
Teignmouth’s Whistlestop Cafe raised £170 at a Bike Night and promoted our Motorcycle Ride Out into the bargain Oakford Players present Richard Lappas with a cheque for £800 following their performance of Up Pompeii
Kelly Forbes (in black) and her Slimming World group presents £303 to Rory Blair after losing 55lbs between them
Michelle and Jim Bee ran the London Marathon this year and raised over £800
Tracy receives a cheque for £4000 from Masonic Charitable Foundation - taking their total to £41,000!
summer 2017 | FUNDRAISERS
Fran Frost from Somerset ran this year’s London Marathon in memory of her friend Jim White and raised a fantastic £944
Busy knitter, Evelyn Stone, aged 90, from Frogmore, is still creating knitted novelties for DAA - thanks Evelyn
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An afternoon of Music in the Barn with Jennie and Alan Gill raised £850
Katie Pinkerton’s salsa evening, organised as part of her course at Exeter College, raised a sizzling £739.46 for DAA Katherine Govier was thrilled to complete the Women Can marathon, already raising £2,950 with further funds still to come!
Georgia Dennehy raised £1500 at the Bristol 10K in May
THINKING OF FUNDRAISING? See our GETTING IN TOUCH section on page 3
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helipad | www.daat.org Mike Vallis completed the Plymouth Ocean City Half Marathon and raised £600
Morebath After Eights top £7,000 raised from their regular Cream Tea events - what a lot of scones!
Rachel Murphy’s Exe Ascent, organised as part of her Event Management course for Exeter College, raises over £1,200 for DAA
Peter Lewis took to the skies and raised a magnificent £4,400 for DAA
Brothers Connor, Keiran and Osian Rapier and brother in law Oli Handson celebrate their 200 mile challenge from Lands End to Lustleigh
summer 2017 | FUNDRAISERS Sue Naile and Iris Buteux from Exmouth Inner Wheel present their cheque for £200 to DAA’s Peggie Clark
Plymouth Uni Swimming & Waterpolo Club take part in Ocean City Half Marathon and raise over £200
Pilot Richie Tate joins staff and pupils of Honiton Community College at their charity cycle challenge which raised nearly £1,900
Sam Fitzsimmons ran the North London Half Marathon in 1 hr 35 mins and raised £460
William Fanthorpe runs the Bideford 10K for DAA in thanks for saving the lives of his sister and nephew. You can read Charlotte’s story on page 10 of this issue
THINKING OF FUNDRAISING?
i
See our GETTING IN TOUCH section on page 3 If you are planning a fundraising activity of any kind, please do give us a call. We can offer support material such as posters, balloons, collection boxes and/or running vests and we can promote your event on social media..
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helipad | www.daat.org
Have you ever wondered e n a a s the nearest hospital? Being able to transport our team of specialist clinicians quickly to the scene of an incident, whether that is due to a traumatic event or a medical emergency, is one of the advantages Devon Air Ambulance brings to patients. However, there are other factors to consider. Nigel Hare tells us more.
T
he advantage of speed is not limited just to the ability to reach a patient quickly, it also enables us to fly the patient to hospital quickly. Seriously ill or injured patients need to get to hospital in the shortest time possible so that the ongoing care they need to survive is not delayed. Flying at speeds of up to 160mph we can travel around 2½ miles every minute and whereas the route to the hospital by road might involve a meandering journey following the road network, not to mention the need to negotiate congestion and traffic lights which can slow the journey down further, in the air we can fly the shortest distance between two points which is of course a straight line. Alongside the fact that thankfully there are no traffic lights in the sky and through the great support of the air traffic controllers at all our regional airports who, whilst we are responding to or carrying a patient, provide us with priority clearance over other aircraft (thanks team!), there is no congestion for us to have to contend with either. We are also fortunate in Devon that all four of our acute hospitals (North Devon District, Derriford, Royal Devon & Exeter and Torbay) have a helicopter landing site within
their grounds enabling us to land direct at the hospital again reducing the time it takes to get the patient into the Emergency Department. So it might surprise you to learn that whilst recognising the importance of getting the patient to hospital quickly, we don’t always choose to fly the patient to the closest hospital. Instead we sometimes opt to fly our patients to a hospital which is much further away which will invariably take longer to reach. This may seem counter-intuitive but our rationale for doing so is based, like everything we do, on providing the patient with the very best chance of survival. Delivering Specialist Care The NHS has established specialist treatment ‘Centres’ within which highly skilled teams of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals specialise in treating patients with specific life-threatening conditions. Receiving patients from an area much larger than their normal catchment zone means that the number of patients they treat is much greater than would otherwise be possible. This enables the teams at these Centres to become highly specialised in delivering the care they do and through continually reviewing the treatment they
provide, they can fine-tune this treatment so the patient has the very best chance of not just surviving, but also of being able to return to a normal active life. A specialist treatment Centre, however, doesn’t specialise in treating every type of condition a patient may be suffering from. Rather, as their name suggests, they specialise in treating specific conditions such as major trauma, heart attacks (cardiac), burns and emergencies in children (paediatric). For those of us living in Devon, the table below highlights the treatment Centres that provide this specialist care and where they are located.
“ ir raffi n r ers a all our regional airports provide us with priority earan e is we are responding r arr in a patient ”
Centre specialising in
Location of specialist Centre
Next nearest specialist Centre
ar ia
Exeter, Torquay or Plymouth
Taunton or Truro
Adult Major Trauma
Plymouth
Bristol
Bristol
Southampton
Bristol
Southampton
Bristol
Birmingham or London
Swansea
Birmingham or London
ae ia ri a r Trauma ae ia ri seri illness
s
ae ia ri ma r burns Adult major burns
summer 2017 | OPERATIONS
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OPERATIONS r
e Nigel Hare - Operations Director
mai n.hare@daat.org Nigel is responsible for the provision of our operational service, from the initial procurement of the helicopters and their equipment right through to the care that reaches the patient. He joined Devon Air Ambulance in 1997 as an Aircrew Paramedic.
Independent research, as well as our service’s own experience, is demonstrating how specialist treatment Centres are improving patient outcomes and as such when a patient is suffering from a condition for which a specialist treatment Centre exists, we will always seek to convey the patient to that Centre, even though it might be much further away than the closest hospital. The fantastic support we receive from the people of Devon is enabling us to provide our paramedics with
Helicopter Comparative Flight Times
additional medical training which is increasing the scope of practice they can offer patients and alongside the support and treatment our doctors can provide, means we are increasingly able to stabilise patients better to enable them to undertake these longer journeys safely. This is reflected in the number of patients that are taken to specialist treatment Centres – in 2015 this accounted for 28% of the patients we treated whilst so far this year this figure is 40%. o
Patients Taken To Closest Hospital January - June 2017
NO 40%
YES 60%
ILFRACOMBE EXETER 18 MINUTES
is ma s s i e an rea e s e ia is rea men en res
HONITON PLYMOUTH 20 MINUTES HOLSWORTHY BRISTOL 36 MINUTES
TOTNES SWANSEA 35 MINUTES
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helipad | www.daat.org
Phoneless and cordless ...
it finds out that being cordless isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and that old habits die hard...
I
hope summer is treating you well. Already I have turned baboon’s bottom red after two clear days and there is a long way to go of clear skies and beaming sunshine. I have joined a rather non exclusive club in the world of mobile phones. Having lectured Ratboy, the son and heir, about taking care of his mobile, I went and dropped mine with the cover open and promptly smashed the screen. So, off I went in search of a tiny… tiny glazier and was pointed to a shop in the far end of the town who can make things as good as new. So into the shopping centre we went. ‘I’ll meet you back here later,’ said the good lady wife. ‘In about half an hour?’ And then added, ‘Or here abouts….’ Which means that I might or might not be here, or I may be wandering or on the second floor of Debenhams which is half a mile away. ‘I will be back here in thirty minutes,’ I confirmed. ‘Just give me a call,’ she added. ‘I won’t have my mobile!’ ‘But you’ve got my number!’
‘But I won’t have my mobile!’ ‘But you’ve got my number!’ ‘I haven’t a clue what your number is, you are just a button on the phone.’ Probably not the thing to say to your nearest and dearest but undeniably true when it comes to modern day communications. ‘Find a phone box,’ she said. ‘A phone box! Which part of the 1970’s are you standing in?’ I was tempted to look up ‘phone box’ in the urban dictionary on my mobile phone internet access but as the screen was broken, it would be a bit difficult to read. Anyway I suspected it would say….see under freelance urinal. I plodded off and discovered that the shop at the far end of town was closed and then plodded back to discover there was a tiny…tiny phone glazier about five feet from where I had been standing. But that wasn’t the only piece of technology that crept into my life that weekend. I was persuaded to buy a cordless vacuum cleaner. It said on the packaging, mount on the wall so I rummaged
“ I won’t have my mobile! But you’ve got my number! But I won’t have my mobile! But you’ve got my number! I haven’t a clue what your number is, you are just a button on the phone. ” in the garage and got out my cordless drill. Normally at this point the neighbours arrive with a legal deputation that I go no further but I was determinded to do some DIY without the usual trip to A and E. However, I can report that at no point did I cause structural weakness, power blackouts or personal injury. I managed to fit said cordless cleaner, with cordless drill to
the cordless wall. It sat there perfectly and after half an hour it was fully charged and ready to go. I then noticed that I had created a small dusting of plaster and brick on the floor and skirting board. Instinctively I went to the cupboard to get the hoover out to clean it up! I stopped myself! Why didn’t I use the cordless vacuum to... idiot! o
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