English Rivera Magazine December 2022 publication

Created and Published By Devon Magazine Company Limited Julian Rees

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Next issue 27 January

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ENGLISH RIVIERA MAGAZINE 69 DAVIES AVENUE PAIGNTON TQ4 7AW

© 2018 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 Magazine Company Ltd will not accept liability for loss or damage. Every e ort 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.

Welcome

to the December and January issue...

As we are compiling this edition the news seems to be all doom and gloom. Energy bills are sky high, fuel is super-expensive and the weather has been rather inclement too. All the more reason therefore to stay local and take pleasure in our beautiful Bay. Walking around the shops, treating yourself to co ee and cake at a local café and planning some strolls around our beautiful coast path and green spaces are all good ways of staying warm and jolly.

Many of us will be curtailing our motoring miles this Christmas, doing our festive shopping in our hometowns and looking out for our neighbours. We’re hoping to inspire you with the variety and great value that is available in our local independent shops throughout the Bay. If you take the time to potter and browse our suggested options, not only will it be fun, but you’ll also soon have Christmas perfectly giftwrapped. Local attractions seem to be bouncing back as there’s a huge variety of events taking place throughout the festive season and our What’s On, Arts and eatre listings are full of ideas and fun.

Local news snippets Riviera Christmas National Trust events Cockington celebrates Occombe - festivities on the farm Christmas in Brixham Dartington crafters Local treats Snacks & tipples Heritage - John Slater British character actor Heritage - Pulpit Puzzle A 16th century timber donor? Walk A hilly walk with great views What’s On Our selection of local events Make A Date with Santa Rowcroft at Marldon Christmas Tree Farm Arts Roundup

Exhibitions & arts events eatre

Artist-in-Residence

Helen Snell has joined Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT) as an artist in residence, working on a range of arts activities to enhance the wellbeing of staff. The 18-month residency, funded by NHS Charities Together – Arts in Recovery Funds, will see Helen creating temporary and permanent artworks and installations, collaborating with various Trust teams. Tony George, Radiologist, Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust, said, “I very much look forward to seeing what pieces of art Helen creates to embody the work ethos in the Radiology department.” Helen’s background is in digital art, laser cutting and printmaking and she has worked as an artist and researcher in the heritage, museum, and education sectors. She recently completed a two-year residency with the University of Exeter on a national research project, as part of the UK Research and Innovation’s rapid response initiative to COVID-19.  axisweb.org/p/helensnell

Cheers to Bays Brewery

The limited edition ‘Savanna’ ale created by South West based Bays Brewery has raised £1,608 for Paignton Zoo. Bays Brewery donated 10p for every bottle sold of the special ale, which was available to purchase between April and July and they also installed donation tins in many pubs across the region. The money raised will go towards the refurbishment of the giraffe house at Paignton Zoo. This is the ninth limited edition ale that Bays Brewery has created over nine years, and with this latest contribution Bays Brewery has now exceeded £25,000 in donations to Paignton Zoo. Peter Salmon, Sales and Marketing Director of Bays Brewery said, “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Paignton Zoo. We’ve been working with Paignton Zoo since 2013 and have now created many beers with different animal themes including rhinos, giraffes, gorillas, crocodiles, cheetahs, orangutans and elephants.”  baysbrewery.co.uk

Blossom Cut - Lab Grown Diamonds

Can a lab-created diamond be just as real as a mined diamond? Yes, of course! Lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical composition as mined diamonds, but they are grown above ground using conflict-free practices and without disturbing the ground. Once grown, they are cut and polished by expert craftsmen and certified using the 4Cs - colour, clarity, carat and colour. All diamonds, whether mined or labgrown, are graded in the exact same way. Lab-grown diamonds are visually indistinguishable from a mined diamond and are just as unique. They offer a quality of brilliance, fire and lustre usually only seen in rare, topgrade mined diamonds but at a fraction of the cost. The Blossom Cut highlights the amazing purity of labgrown diamonds by introducing 104 facets to create a beautiful flowering effect. The brilliance created is simply like no other. These stunning gems are then placed in striking settings to create irresistible jewellery for all to enjoy. The combination of this unparalleled beauty with the sustainability of the lab-grown process has dawned a new and exciting era for diamonds. Why not pop along to Conroy Couch Jewellers in Torquay today to see for yourself? 

The three faces of the Blossum Cut: Side, Pavilion and Crown

What happens when you take a beautiful lab grown diamond and make it better? You achieve the Blossom Cut.

Ideal proportions are not enough for Blossom. Our unique cut creates an immense flow of light and a brilliant Blossoming flower effect that shines like no other. Simply stunning – where artistry meets precision. Exclusively available at Conroy Couch Jewellers, Torquay.

Garden Project

Volunteers have created a beautiful new garden at Torbay Hospital’s Breast Care Unit. Collette Charnley, who has created a number of gardens across the Trust, designed a beautiful garden space, now home to an array of colourful plants and flowers. ‘Lightcatcher’, a sculpture created and donated by the internationally renowned Suzanne Redstone sits in the centre of the garden. The one-metre granite obelisk, with a marine stainless cylinder, catches and reflects sunrays and

colours from the plants and flowers. Mr Mike Green, Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon said, “It is a wonderful space and this summer the roses were spectacular. Whether you are a visitor or member of staff - waiting for an appointment clinic, meeting friends or taking a break – you can really appreciate its beauty. Christina Blarney, volunteer and service user, said, “The garden is somewhere peaceful and tranquil to gather your thoughts and have quiet time with family or friends.” 

International Doctors

Eighteen doctors from overseas have recently joined Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust to become NHS doctors through the Medical Support Worker programme. The programme provides a gateway for international medical graduates and refugee doctors from overseas who come to live and work in England. They are fast-tracked into the health service and supported to become registered NHS doctors, while working under supervision. Medical Support

Workers already have the experience and training that, once registered, means they are well placed to move to more senior positions such as physicians, surgeons and paediatricians. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS medical director, said, “Since its foundation in 1948, the NHS has relied on the skill and dedication of doctors, nurses and other staff from around the world and these medicsincluding those from places like Ukraine and Myanmar - are no different, as the health service supports those fleeing persecution to build a new life.” 

Light Up a Life...

This festive season, Rowcroft Hospice is inviting everyone to take part in its ‘Light up a Life’ celebration by dedicating a light on Rowcroft’s ‘Tree of Light’ to honour and remember the lives of loved ones lost. Janie Waring will be dedicating a light for her husband James who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2009, just three weeks after getting married at the age of 38. Father to little Harriet, James underwent seven rounds of surgery but the tumours sadly kept recurring and in January 2012 James’ active treatment was stopped. It was then that the family turned to Rowcroft for support through James’ final year of life. Janie said, “Rowcroft was always on the end of the phone when things felt a bit frightening, and a team of absolute angels would descend when I just couldn’t manage on my own”. Everyone who donates to Rowcroft’s Light Up a Life will be invited to the Tree of Light Illumination on December 4th.  rowcrofthospice.org.uk/light

Rock Compliance Fundraiser

touring between the nine regional offices; a distance of 2,564.4 miles. Each team was made up of eight people, and the distance could be covered by any of the means. Anna Stewart, Bereavement Midwife at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust said, “We are currently raising funds for items for the Mary Delve Bereavement Suite and to refurbish our quiet room, which provides a calming space for families to receive and understand potentially upsetting news.” 

New Garden Waste Collections

Kerbside garden waste collections have commenced throughout the Bay – and you can still sign up. The new service which commenced at the end of October aims to provide the following benefits for residents:

• A convenient way to compost garden waste

• Saves money not having to drive to the recycling centre

• It’s better for the environment and will help raise Torbay’s recycling rates

• A local farm will turn the green waste into compost The scheme costs £50 per year. A brown wheelie bin is provided for your garden waste which will be collected thorughout the year on the normal collection day when general waste isn’t being collected. If you have a lot of garden waste, you can subscribe for up to three brown bins. To use this service you must have room to store your brown bin - you cannot keep it on a public footpath or road. Garden waste for collection can include the following: Grass cuttings, flowers, small tree branches up to 10cm thick, loose leaves, shrub trimmings and hedge trimmings. Sign up for this service at: torbay.gov.uk/recycling/ garden-waste/garden-waste-collections/  SWISCo’s Recycling Support Coordinators promoting the new service in Paignton

Staff members at Torbay Hospital’s maternity unit were delighted to receive a donation of £1,584 from the South West office of Rock Compliance, following their annual Race the Regions fundraising event. The fundraiser was held in aid of the Mary Delve Bereavement Suite, which had supported a Rock Compliance team member and his wife after the loss of their baby son Buddy. Race the Regions is an inclusive company-wide walk, run, swim and cycle challenge,

Christmas at the National Trust

You’ll nd lots of themed Christmas fun at the National Trust properties at Greenway and Coleton Fishacre.

Greenway

Enjoy a festive holiday at Greenway with Agatha Christie’s beloved Miss Marple. Inspired by the Queen of Crime’s hugely popular sleuth, there will be themed Christmas trees, knitted decorations and nostalgic reminders of a traditional Christmas.

Agatha Christie (known locally by her married name Mrs Mallowan) spent many happy years at Greenway, and would gather the family to holiday here once her latest book was complete. Agatha would relax by the river, play croquet and clock golf, and read her latest mystery to her guests. At Christmas they would trim the rooms with traditional decorations and play festive family games. is time of year was also usually when Agatha would release a new novel, and her devoted fans would always make sure to purchase one, prompting the phrase ‘a Christie for Christmas’.

Visitors to Greenway will nd: handcrafted Christmas decorations, Miss Marple-themed Christmas trees, and vintage Christmas carols on the wireless. Step into Miss Marple’s slippers on an indoor trail with clues dotted around the house. Browse Christmas crafts in the House Kitchen and have fun at the ‘sel e’ station outside in the visitor courtyard.

e winter gardens at Greenway are an ideal spot for a bracing walk, with river views and winter owers. Why not visit e Battery, which was built as a Napoleonic defence in the 1790s, or the lovely Boathouse which was the scene of the crime in the Poirot mystery Dead Man’s Folly?

e National Trust shop will be stocked with festive decorations and foodie gifts such as indulgent chocolates and qua able wines. ere will be gift

ideas to suit all from stocking llers to presents for nature lovers and outdoor explorers. Warm up at the café with a decadent hot chocolate, spiced chai latte or a cup of tea.

No event booking is necessary. If travelling by car, you will need to book a parking space in advance through the website. Greenway is open 11am-4pm (house opening 11am to 3pm) on Saturdays and Sundays in December from Saturday 4 to Sunday 18 and daily from 27-31 December.

 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

Coleton Fishacre

Immerse yourself this Christmas in ‘A Winter’s Tide’ at beautiful Coleton Fishacre. is year visitors will delight at the coastal-inspired theme lled with festive spectacle and magic.

Former owners Rupert D’Oyly Carte, of Gilbert and Sullivan and the Savoy Hotel fame, and Lady Dorothy, the younger daughter of the Earl of Cranbrook, chose the location for their country home while they were sailing. From their yacht they spotted this valley leading down to the sea and work began constructing their new property in 1925. Lady Dorothy and Rupert D’Oyly Carte moved into Coleton Fishacre, their newly built coastal residence, in 1926. e family loved the spectacular location, with sailing trips and swimming in Pudcombe Cove. is Christmas the lovely house at Coleton Fishacre will celebrate its coastal location. e decorations in the house will re ect the sea and be combined with the theatrical heritage of the D’Oyly Carte family to dazzle and delight

visitors. Visitors will enjoy: light displays, soundscapes, visual projections, scents of the sea, themed rooms, nautical decorations and an indoor spotter trail.

e delightful winter gardens at Coleton Fishacre o er wonderful walks with wide sea views and you can extend your walk onto the spectacular coastal footpath. e shop will be stocked with festive decorations and foodie gifts including chocolates and wines. ere will be some lovely gift ideas to browse. Warm up at the café with treats like sea salt caramel shortbread and rum and raisin mu ns.

No event booking is necessary.

Coleton Fishacre is open 11am-4pm (house opening 11am to 3pm) on Saturdays and Sundays in December from Saturday 4 to Sunday 18 and daily from 27-31 December and Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 January 2023.  nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

PHOTOS

© : National TrustLauren Hutchinson

Cockington Court Centre of Creativity

e Stableyard, Sea Change and Cob Barn studios at Cockington Court are a treasure trove of artisan creativity, perfect for a delightful festive day out and some wonderfully imaginative, locally made, Christmas gifts.

ere’s an impressive array of talented makers at Cockington Court in the stunning surroundings of its historic manor house, gardens and extensive estate. A good place to start is Visitor Welcome Point and Craft Shop in the splendid 17th century manor house, which was owned by the Mallock family for 278 years. It’s open daily from 10am until 5pm. Here you’ll nd a truly superb selection of hand made items by the craft centre’s creative community and local artists and craft makers. Also in the main house is Cockington Court’s Kitchen Gallery; it has a growing reputation in the arts world as a contemporary gallery space of regional signi cance, having showcased work by artists of international acclaim as well as emerging local talent. Pop in to view their seasonal exhibitions.

James Murch is the talented Artist-in-Residence working in various mediums including oil painting, printmaking and sculpture. He has a natural ‘painterly style’ and loves to work outdoors in the spectacular country park at Cockington taking inspiration from the surroundings. You can also commission James to paint

a portrait (he originally specialised in portraiture) and he runs occasional guided painting sessions.

In the historic stableyard you’ll nd MooBoo Home making handcrafted lighting and home furnishings with an emphasis on reclaimed timber. At Ourglass you can keep nice and warm watching pieces being blown in the ‘ ery furnace’ and purchase a wonderful array of extraordinarily beautiful glassware including vases, bowls and paperweights. Tulip Wood makes personalised items for the home and traditional wooden toys. Driftmoods o ers a treasure trove of hand crafted slate gifts and home accessories including clocks, placemats,

coasters, house signs and picture frames. Rex Latham is an award-winning blacksmith and you can watch him and his daughter Katie demonstrating the ancient skill of blacksmithing and browse hand forged items for the home and the garden (another great place to soak up warmth from the working forge).

e variety at Cockington Court Craft Centre is simply endless. In the Sea Change studios right next door, Janet Ventre makes fun and uplifting mosaics including splendid mirrors and pictures with spectacular jewel colours, Tez Roberts handmakes amazing ceramics with rusty reds and vibrant greens and blues inspired from nature; she also runs ceramic workshops. Chrystine Jones makes art and jewellery in pewter using a unique process to produce beautiful colours in the metal. Debbie MacPherson Atelier makes hand crafted goods including stunning handbags in the softest leather and in addition to a superb ‘ready-to-wear range’ she takes commissions for bespoke items. Flower La Vita is an enchanting ower workshop with lots of Christmas ideas including wreaths and table displays plus DIY Christmas wreath kits to create your own. Dandelions and Pearls o ers vintage-inspired bridal and occasionwear handmade to order; Ga Interiors & Upholstery produces bespoke upholstery and high quality reupholstery; you can visit the showroom and workshop to view a range of items or make an appointment to discuss your own requirements. Takahashi McGil creates fabulous wooden homewares combining time-honoured Japanese traditions with western techniques.

Chocolate Heaven Made in Devon make wonderful chocolates with exciting avours and llings like under ower Gin and Lyme Bay and Monarch Liqueurs. Surf ‘n’ turf Kitchen specialises in rustic, homemade Scotch eggs and a wonderful range of pasties,

pastries and breads.

C & C Carriage Company also operates from here with a range of unforgettable horse and carriage rides. When you’re ready for a cuppa, some homemade food or a yummy cake; the spacious and popular Seven Dials Café can be found in the manor house; well behaved dogs are welcome.

Do bring walking shoes and a warm jacket for a stroll around the 450-acre Cockington Country Park with its ornamental lakes, woodland and 11th century church during your visit. Dogs are welcome but please keep them on leads in the rose garden, organic garden, Stable Yard Studios and Sea Change Studios. Parking is available right behind the court (cash only). ere is a bus service (62) to Cockington Monday to Friday. It’s a great day out so come prepared for a delightfully memorable experience while you get your festive purchases done.   cockingtoncourt.org

e variety at Cockington Court Craft Centre is simply endless “

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Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our expert local installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s no mess.

Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our expert local installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s no mess.

Garolla garage doors are expertly made to measure in our own UK factories, they’re strong and solidly built. The electric Garolla door rolls up vertically, taking up only 8 inches inside your garage, maximising valuable space. Our expert local installers will fit your new door and they’ll take away the old one too, so there’s no mess.

Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up FREE of charge.

Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up FREE of charge.

Give us a call today and we’ll come and measure up FREE of charge.

CALL

CALL US TODAY ON: 01803 640 155 MOBILE: 07537 149 128

Occombe Christmas on the farm

Visit Occombe Farm this winter for some delightful family experiences. ere will be festive playdates, games and Santa plus a brand-new Occombe Farm Deli.

Occombe Farm Shop is jam-packed with a wonderful selection of seasonal products including some of the finest food, drink and gifts from across the region. Occombe Farm Cafe has a collection of delicious seasonal treats and specials. And there’s lots of great festive fun inside the farm’s Park & Play too.

Book a Festive Playdate with Santa. There will be seasonal games and festive tunes, even animal encounters in the barn. Play snowman skittles or vegetable noughts and crosses. Guess who’ll be dropping by to play too? Ho-Ho-Hope Santa will have time for a quick story or two. Occombe’s Playdates with Santa are evening events, on selected Thursdays and Fridays in December and can be booked in advance. There’s a Finding Santa Trail where you’ll discover the festive clues and solve the Christmas puzzle. It’s on every day from 26 November and throughout the festive season.

Thursdays and Fridays are for late-night farm shopping throughout December. Enjoy a shopping experience with yummy tastings, delightful music by a local choir (on selected dates) and warming mulled drinks. Make a date and shop local this Christmas. Stock up with local cheeses, handmade pies, pasties, quiches, and other mouth-watering delicacies, sourced from across the West Country.

Browse a carefully selected choice of wines, from across the region (and worldwide), beers, ales and ciders; to pick the perfect accompaniment for your Christmas lunch.

There will be Devon-made chocolates and sweets, homemade pastries, brownies, puddings, cakes and mince pies plus an inspiring collection of gifts, books and toys.

You’ll even find handmade ornaments for the best-dressed tree. You can pick up a traditional, real Christmas tree from Occombe too. The Nordmann firs from Dartmoor Christmas Trees will be on sale from the end of November.

There’s also some very big news. From the beginning of December Occombe Farm Shop will become the Occombe Farm Deli, a fabulous new place to eat and shop. In addition to a lovely range of local and regional products to buy, it also offers a great space for a quick bite or drink. The Deli menu will include artisan stone-baked pizzas, filled croissants, rustic sandwiches (all freshly made to order) cakes and bakes, plus good beers and wines and a range of hot and cold drinks too.

Whether you’re shopping for treats for the family, a special gift for a friend or simply looking to indulge yourself, Occombe has it covered. Simply buying a coffee, a bottle of locally produced wine or solving the Santa mystery, helps support the conservation work of Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, the charity that cares for Torbay’s beautiful green spaces.   occombe.co.uk

Brixham Festive

Christmas and New Year is a great time to browse the very special experience that Brixham can o er. Around the beautiful quayside, up the now super-stylish Middle Street, into Pump Street, Fore Street and along Bolton Street you’ll nd many trendy boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, wine shops, cosy cafés, foodie haunts and much more.

Brixham’s Shopping Experience

ere are lots of fabulous places to visit on Middle Street including: e Colours of Brixham Art Gallery, Maison et Vie, Taste, Real Collections, Luis Boutique, Flotsam 50, Nicky Stevenson Gallery, 5 Doors Up, Port Espresso, e Curious Kitchen, e Wine Loft, L.G Brown & Co (Textiles), e Bottle Shop, Flour Flower, Crafty Cwtch, Clothes Locker, Brixham Maid and many more. In historic Pump Street, Lulubelle, specialises in some really unique contemporary gifts and homewares. Heading along Bolton Street, Mifsud’s Photographic is a great spot to buy gifts for the amateur photographer with a big range of new and used DSLR cameras and lenses. Close by is Ron Campion’s interiors store, trading successfully here for an impressive 57 years with a large range of furniture, beds, sofas, textiles and carpets to get your home ready for festive entertaining. On e Strand close to the harbour you’ll nd Buccaneer Boutique and Sandy Toes gift shop and on e Quay Ula Gifts & Accessories and Inspirations Kitchenware & Home. And while you’re here why not indulge yourself at one of the many cafes and restaurants and foodie outlets?

Berry Head Hotel

With its truly jaw-dropping views and range of dining options and festive events, the Berry Head Hotel is a must-visit in Brixham. Hugely popular for Sunday lunches, afternoon teas and elegant dining, they have a wide range of celebratory options during Christmas and New Year (see our What’s On listings or their website).  berryheadhotel.com

Brixham Steam Packet Company

If you love the era of ocean liners you’ll love this place with its astonishing collection of maritime antiques and vintage collectables. It is also home to the wonderful Chart Room First Class Co ee Lounge, a superb and very special venue that immerses you in the elegant age of steam ship travel. Enjoy home made cakes and savouries, cream teas and co ees. Designed as a serene, gracious and unique experience it’s not suited to children and has a smart casual dress code.  brixhamsteampacket.co.uk

Churston Traditional Farm Shop

A long established and popular farm shop o Dartmouth Road, they sell a wide range of high quality regional produce including fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, deli, wonderful homemade pies, pasties and cakes, not to mention a good choice of tasty tipples in their o licence. Don’t miss their fabulous mince pies and clotted cream and there’s a range of yummy homemade frozen foods like cottage pie to choose from. Order in good time for Christmas.  churstontraditionalfarmshop.org.uk

Home Farm Kitchen

Home Farm Kitchen, based behind Churston Farm Shop, is a great spot to visit with breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas. All their cakes and scones are homemade using only butter. ey also o er gluten free, vegetarian & vegan cakes & meals plus retro ice cream sundaes, ice cream luxury milkshakes and seasonal specialities. ere’s a children’s playground right next door to keep the children amused.   homefarm-kitchen.co.uk

DartingtonA crafty Christmas at

Dartington’s glorious medieval hall will be decked with boughs of holly and lled with over 40 stalls o ering a selection of gifts created by contemporary makers from Devon and beyond. With a long tradition of craft at Dartington dating back to the 1920s it is the perfect setting for bringing artists together to display their work.

Alongside the craft market there will be delicious food and drink to share with friends and family under the glow of Christmas lights. Street food vendors include Bosko Bus, Gourmet Greek and Barbican Boa plus the White

carving your own gifts and toys from wood with local expert Alex Finberg. Or create a stunning festive wreath from natural materials with Grace Allardyce, an event, which includes tea or co ee and mince pies.

Children are invited to let their imaginations run wild and create their own tiny Christmas wonderland from an array of natural, foraged materials with artist Naomi Vincent. ey can try their hand at some fun pom-pom tree decorations, or make a willow star wand to conjure up some Christmas magic.

Hart will be keeping people warm with hot chocolate and mulled wine and cider. ere will also be music and craft workshops for adults and children.

e fair opens at 2pm on Friday 2 December, staying open until 9pm for a special opening night party, with music from local band Družba who play lively Klezmer and Gypsy music from the heart of Eastern Europe. ey will be performing their rousing set from 6pm under the replace in the White Hart. Local community choirs will be performing throughout the weekend performing seasonal classics.

As well as buying Christmas gifts, fair-goers are invited to try making their own, at one of the craft workshops taking place over the weekend. You can drop in and print your own tote bag for just £6. If you book in advance you can try something more involved such as

Dartington’s Great Hall Craft Fair is free to enter and runs from 2pm to 9pm on the Friday, 10am to 5pm on the Saturday and 10am to 4pm on the Sunday. However, there are charges for the workshops and should be booked in advance via the website.

e makers invited to take part have been carefully selected by Annabelle Cruickshank, former senior buyer for the V&A, who now sources products for the Cider Press, Welcome Centre shop, and the bookshop in Totnes; and Lou Rainbow, Arts and Craft Programme Manager. Lou says, “ e makers who are coming are all doing something very special. ere will be a huge choice of beautiful art and crafts from jewellery to ceramics, prints, textiles and much more, there’s something for everyone. And it all promises to be a lot of fun!”   dartington.org

Dartington’s magni cent Great Hall is hosting a very special craft fair from 2 – 4 December.

Christmas Treats Just a few local

The Gift of Beer

Award-winning local family business Bays Brewery with its delicious selection of ales and craft beers is o ering gift cards in denominations of £10, £25, £50 and £100. eir collection includes the superb Devon Dumpling, Topsail and Pure Gold plus Devon Rock, Devon Cove and the low alcohol lager Rock Steady. ey also have bottled cider, hampers, gifts plus their seasonal special Jingle Ale available in bottles and beer boxes. eir online shop also o ers a selection of Devon wines as well as gin, rum and vodka. An ideal gift for someone who enjoys a refreshing tipple!

If you’re struggling for inspiration for someone special this Christmas why not consider a sea kayak gift card from Dartmouth’s Sea Kayak Devon? ey come in any value of your choice and are suitable for any age from complete beginners to those with some experience. To give you an idea, an Adult Hidden Devon Half Day trip from Dartmouth costs £49 and a Child Half Day trip is £35. Full day trips, courses and fully catered overnight kayak camps are also available. e cards have a 3-year validity and are transferable so the recipient has full booking exibility. Sea Kayak Devon is based right by the River Dart at Coronation Park in Dartmouth and they are open all year. Guided trips can include visits to hidden beaches, idyllic coves, seal spotting and lots more with a friendly guide or coach.  seakayakdevon.co.uk

Escape Room Vouchers

e perfect Christmas gift for budding detectives is a beautifully packaged voucher for a Red House Mysteries Escape Room session in either Torquay or Exeter. Each voucher is hand printed, placed in a wax-sealed envelope and presented in a card box with some Red House Mysteries goodies. ey are valid for 12 months. You can buy these for teams of between 2 to 6 people and in addition to making a great treat for friends and family, they are brilliant for team bonding for an inspiring corporate event. e gift can be posted to you or directly to the recipient if you wish.

e Torquay Escape Room options include:

e Strange Disappearance of Arthur Moon or e Last Train to Paris and the wonderfully designed rooms contain a myriad of fascinating clues to challenge your ‘grey cells’. Can you solve the puzzle before time runs out? Order your vouchers online.  redhousemysteries.co.uk

Festive Entertaining

Although the Christmas meal is always the centrepiece of the festive season, there’s so much more to entertaining visiting family and friends. We bring you a selection of ideas from our own family favourite nibbles and drinks. Make sure everyone helps and remember the chef never does the washing up!

Christmas Spiced Meat Pies

ese delicious spiced meat pies have always been a family favourite at Christmas time, and with family members now across Europe and America, their fame is spreading. e early mince pie or Christmas pie was indeed made of minced meat so their festive credentials are assured.

Ingredients

(to make 12 pies)

230g minced beef

1-2 fresh red chilies

1 red pepper

2 tomatoes 1 tsp chopped capers

3 cloves of garlic crushed 2 tsp ground cinnamon 400g pu or shortcrust pastry

Method

Fry the garlic, chopped chilies and cinnamon, add the chopped red pepper and chopped skinned tomatoes. After 3 minutes on a high heat add the meat and capers and cook until the juices from the meat and tomatoes has evaporated, season and allow to cool. Line the patty tins with pastry and fill to the top with meat mixture, put the lids on and cook in the oven for 15 minutes at 220C. Serve hot as a lunch dish with salad. For a very popular variation try substituting the cinnamon for a teaspoon of either chili powder or curry powder and add to the meat mixture.

Festive Gingerbread Biscuits

Get the children and grandchildren helping with these delightful gingerbread biscuits. Even quite young children can have a go at supervised cookie cutting, decorating and, of course, the all-important tasting –yummy!

Method

Ingredients

300g plain our 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

125g slightly salted butter

100g soft brown sugar

85g golden syrup (about 3tbsp) festive shape cookie cutters

Preheat the oven to 180ºC (gas mark 4) and line two baking trays with baking parchment. Sieve the flour, bicarbonate of soda and spices into a bowl. Melt the butter, sugar and syrup in a pan over a low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Stir into the dry ingredients until it forms a stiff dough. Transfer the paper from the baking sheets to a work surface and

place a portion of the dough on each. Roll to about 5mm thick, then cut out the shapes pre-dipping the cookie cutters into flour.

Place the festive shapes onto your lined baking trays and bake for about 12 minutes until light golden brown. Leave to cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then move to a wire rack. Ice the shapes and then decorate with sprinkles, silver balls and other small festive decorations obtainable from most kitchen shops.

Cafe Sonic

is is a wonderfully refreshing and energising cocktail – it’s a great way to get started on round two of the Christmas festivities after the carb coma of the main meal!

Ingredients

1 part cold brew co ee

1 part your favourite Gin

2 parts tonic

1 sprig rosemary

Method

Fill your glass with ice. Pour in one part gin over the ice. Pour over one part cold brew coffee (if you don’t have access to cold brew then use espresso that has chilled in the fridge. Finally, add the tonic with a spring of rosemary for the scent.

Mulled Wine

(with a non-alcoholic version)

Why not try a local wine from nearby Sandridge Barton? Often known as Glühwein “glowing wine”, the aroma of mulled wine will make your home feel truly festive and get you into the Christmas spirit.

Method:

Put the ingredients (except the optional rum, brandy or amaretto) into a large saucepan and warm very gently for 15 minutes, ensuring that it doesn’t boil. Add any optional spirit you’ve chosen. Serve with an orange slice. For a lighter version add some water or orange juice to the mix.

John Slater

British Character Actor

John Slater was a British actor of stage, radio and television, who retired to Brixham and helped save Brixham eatre. Ian Handford of Torbay Civic Society tells us more.

Born John B. Slater on August 22nd 1916 and educated at St Clements Dane School London, John made his rst appearance on stage at the age of eight, in the Gilbert & Sullivan opera HMS Pinafore. After leaving school John became a travelling salesman and later when interviewed on radio he would recall his experiences ‘on the road’. It was to be these insightful comments that saw him become a popular storyteller on Radio Luxembourg and later BBC Radio. By the age of twenty-six John had appeared in various British lms undertaking ‘bit parts’ before achieving his rst major debut in a play titled Salt of the Earth at the West End Vaudeville eatre.

John is recorded as having dark hair, ‘beetle style’ eyebrows, thin lips and generating a ‘shadowed aspect’ due to the narrowness of his features. He met his future wife Betty Levy (an actress) when he was seven and attending Sunday School. ey married on April 20th 1941 but due to the constraints of World War II no honeymoon was possible. en in 1946 with the war over and still working in London they decided to enjoy a weekend honeymoon in Paris. Little did they anticipate that decision would nearly cost them their lives as the Dakota aircraft crashed at Le Bourget. John, amazingly, was thrown right out of the Dakota without major injury, re-entering the fuselage to rescue Betty who was

On visiting Brixham to lm e Devil’s Pass - concerned with a small shing town and lifeboat - Betty and John immediately fell in love with the town and in 1960 purchased a holiday home at Westcli Terrace

struggling to release herself. Having exited together and safely on the ground they heard the two fuel tanks explode and witnessed the fuselage blow up. Badly burned but miraculously alive, later in the hospital, they discovered that only two others had survived the crash from the full complement of twenty on the aircraft. roughout life John was a highly superstitious person, to the extent of never turning away a gypsy at his door without rst crossing their palm with silver. Like many of his profession he would also refuse to open telegrams before any performance, leaving whatever the urgency might be until the show was over. e Slaters had two children. Roger was born on April 19th 1944 and Simon on April 13th 1949 (Simon was sadly lost at an early age in March 1965). By now John had joined the Shakespeare Memorial eatre Company at Stratford and established himself as a character actor. It was while living in Stratford the couple heard that their home was a place where “happenings” occurred. Yet it would not be until after they had moved that a friend and neighbour approached Betty asking if she had ever witnessed a “Lady in Blue” at the house. Betty replied that she had experienced vivid dreams of such a person. Years later on a return to the Stratford area, they heard that the mysterious “Lady in Blue” ghost was still in residence.

John appeared in a number of lms for Ealing Studios, always insisting that his name was quoted asB. John Slater (a play on words) although after the lm Love on the Dole the company nally dropped his ‘B’. Appearing in literally dozens of lms it seems the most important to him were: It Always Rains on Sunday, Against the Wind and Passport to Pimlico. At the same time he was acting in smaller roles, appearing in Gert and Daisy’s Weekend, e Saint Meets the Tiger, Pimpernel Smith, e Common Touch, We Dive at Dawn and others, while on the stage he also appeared opposite Brian Rix in his wonderful comedy farces in the West End.

On visiting Brixham to lm e Devil’s Pass - concerned with a small shing town and lifeboat - Betty and John immediately fell in love with the town and in 1960 purchased a holiday home at Westcli Terrace. He was performing comedy roles on stage, radio and lm when television discovered him, and that brought his most prestigious role, playing Sergeant Stone in BBC’s TV series Z-Cars. is popular show ran during two decades in the 60s and 70s.

Always, hyperactive, as late as 1963 John was appearing on radio, in feature lms and on TV. His marvellous voice and delivery was always in demand for narrative work and voice-overs of documentaries like Mining Review and lms including e Wrestling Games and Pig Tales. Yet overwork took its toll and a series of heart attacks struck. e rst was in 1971 when he collapsed at the stumps while playing cricket.

at led to major surgery and a replacement heart valve. ree months later he had a second attack; he had returned to his busy schedule too early.

He recovered again and decided to part-retire to a new home in Brixham called Breezes Play (now Lyme Bay) on North Furzeham Road. en in 1972 a refurbished Brixham eatre was about to become a Bingo Hall when John stepped in and purchased its lease to save the theatre. His rst play was Wanted - One Body and although there was opposition to him owning the lease (mainly from the amateur operatic and dancing groups) nevertheless he completed a rst season of plays. en the following year he produced Dry Rot and Reluctant Heroes, being repeats of what he had performed with Brian Rix twenty years previously at the Whitehall eatre.

John worked hard to save Brixham eatre while continuing to work for radio and television. Meanwhile, Betty knew that the work would take its toll. She recalls John saying his “spirit would live on, whatever the future”. His nal stage appearance came as a guest on is is your Life in 1974 to honour his great friend Ray Cooney. His nal heart attack came that October and though the National Heart Hospital tted yet another pacemaker days later, John died on January 9th 1975. Betty would survive long enough to see a Blue Plaque to John mounted at Brixham Town Hall in 2008, unveiling it with her son Roger, for Torbay Civic Society.   torbaycivicsociety.co.uk

John, far left, in the hit 70s TV series Z Cars

With sta and actors at Brixham theatre in the early 70s

PHOTO © : Derek Smith

Cockington Church’s Pulpit Puzzle

A fascinating Torquay legend suggests that the pulpit within Cockington Church was salvaged from a Spanish Armada ship. Kevin Dixon examines the evidence.

Anumber of modern sources repeat the legend, “ e wooden pulpit was allegedly salvaged from a ship of the Spanish Armada that became grounded in the Torbay region.”

Speci cally the claim is that the timber came from the captured Spanish Armada ship the Nuestra Senora del Rosario; the imprisoned mariners later lent their name to Torre Abbey’s Spanish Barn. But we know that the Nuestra Senora del Rosario wasn’t wrecked or grounded in the Bay. She also wasn’t plundered. On 28 August 1588 George Cary gives a detailed inventory for the disposal of the stores from the ship then in Dartmouth Harbour.

So what do we know? e Torquay historian Ellis states that the pulpit is fteenth century but doesn’t record any

Armada link or an associated folk tale. He probably would have, even if just to dismiss the idea. e story isn’t mentioned in John Stabb’s ‘Some Old English Churches’ in 1908.

It may further be signi cant that Cockington isn’t alone in the story: St Andrews Church, North Kilworth, Leicestershire; the Hoy Kirk, Orkney; and St. Mary’s Church at Avington all have supposed Armada pulpits; while the gallery at St Saviour’s Church in Dartmouth is another contender. ere seems to be a tendency to link a number of

The 16th century pulpit at Cockington Church

sixteenth century objects with the attempted invasion of England, a time when England’s self-identity was being forged. Such an association is also there in the ‘Armada Chest’, the Victorian name for seemingly any Early Modern large chests found in churches and then repeatedly and romantically associated with Armada treasure.

So is the ‘Armada Pulpit’ just a Victorian myth?

Certainly there do not seem to be any references to the Armada pulpit story before the late nineteenth century. However, the dating may be signi cant.

Contradicting Ellis, Historic England describes a, “Good late C16 timber pulpit with ‘wine glass’ stem and panelled sides enriched with Renaissance ornament, said to come from Torre Church”.

Indeed, Cockington historian Robin Emdon notes that the pulpit was originally in Torre Church. Around 1825 it was moved to a barn at Cockington Court, there to function as a “turkey house”. In 1881 Richard Mallock paid for signi cant improvements to the church, presumably then installing the pulpit.

But perhaps we shouldn’t completely write o the Armada story.

While we have discounted the Nuestra Senora del Rosario as the source of the timber, it is possible that the raw materials came from another Spanish vessel.

Taking the ‘salvaged from the Armada ship’ claim at face value, the only invasion ship to actually be wrecked in England was the San Pedro El Mayor. She carried 20 cannon, 30 sailors, and 100 soldiers.

Wrecked at nearby Hope Cove, locals set about pillaging her. An eye-witness at the time wrote: “ e ship is not to be recovered; she lieth on a rock and full of water to her upper

decks.” And another report: “ e ship being run upon the rocks by the Spaniards, is now through the tempestuous weather broken in pieces and scattered on the seashore.”

JT White in 1878 records an Armada vessel wrecked in Hope Bay and “plundered by the country people”.

It may then be of consequence that the Cockington pulpit lacks overtly religious ornament. As Robin writes, “ e rst big clue is that the carved symbols are not Christian. So that at least con rms that the timbers have been repurposed from something non-religious in origin.”

On the other hand, anything suggesting Catholicism may have been anathema. ere was limited pulpit preaching during Elizabeth’s reign, but in 1603 James I issued a Canon ordering a pulpit to be set up in every church where one was lacking. Hence, new pulpits were not uncommon and may well have avoided overt religious symbolism. Will we ever know?

Robin writes, “We could attempt to establish the origin of the symbols on the pulpit. If they are Spanish that would clearly lend some credence to the story.”

at’s one way. Another would be dendrochronology, which would give a very accurate date. Radiocarbon dating can be used for any wood species with a precision of a few decades. We’re fairly sure that the wood is sixteenth century so that should con rm or deny this; pre- or post- 1588. Tudor or Jacobean? e technique, however, is destructive. We would need to start drilling holes in the pulpit.

We would still need to guess at the origin of the timber. Even if it was from Spain, could we then say for certain it was from the Armada?

So, at the moment, we can’t give a de nite answer... though it remains an evocative Torquay legend! 

The Spanish eet, defeated o Start Point during 1588

As ships steam by...

Need to know

Distance: 3 miles

Exertion: Moderate with some steep sections.

Time: Allow 2 hours

Dogs: Free to roam

Refreshments: Bring a flask

Accessibility: Mainly gravel pathways. Not suitable for pushchairs or mobility scooters

Parking: Sharkham Point Car Park

Start: SX 93215 54738

/// exist.basically.post

From Sharkham Point to Man Sands is a well-trodden section of the South West Coast Path that was regularly patrolled by the coastguard in years gone by. Sharkham Point, now a managed nature reserve, has seen many changes over time and whilst there is still some evidence of adits and mine workings, the majority of the works were lled more recently as the headland was formerly the refuse tip for Brixham.

e iron-rich middle Devonian shales that stretch back along the coast to Berry Head are fossil bearing, making a diversion down to St Mary’s Beach at the beginning of this walk an entertaining one, especially if you have excited youngsters with you!

ere are more than often light coloured plumes of silt washing out to sea as the gently sloping soft shales behind the beach are slowly leached away.

is is a hilly walk in parts so plenty of opportunity to take a breather and watch all manner of craft passing by - sailing boats making passage along the coast to Dartmouth, trawlers bound for the Atlantic and freighters steaming their way up the channel. At the right time of year you might even spot a basking shark.

Walking boots are recommended for this walk as the steep inclines can be slippery in wet weather!

1 From the car park at the far end of St Mary’s Road take the path to the left of the car park as you face out to sea. After 150 metres one can take the path through the kissing gate on the left out around the headland or proceed downhill for another 50 metres to the steps that lead down to the beach under the watchful gaze of St Mary, a wood carving by local artist Isabel Coulton.

2 The coast path around the headland to Sharkham Point affords great views along the coast to Berry Head and off the silty out-wash that gave rise to the old name for this area, Mudstone Bay.

3 The path skirts the promontory and on reaching the southern end there are benches to take in views of the coast toward Dartmouth. The path goes eastward downhill across open ground to a stone stile and follows a narrow winding cliff top path.

4 Another bench is situated here before taking the switchback path upward on to the National Trust owned Southdown Cliff, the highest point on the route.

5 At this point the path descends very steeply to Man Sands. Take care if it’s wet as the ground can be very slippery.

6 Man Sands has many points of interest. An inhabited coastal cottage and ancient lime kiln can be found at

the southernmost end of the beach. Behind the beach a reed-surrounded ley of fresh water stretches out with pleasant views up the valley. The return route follows the same path for most of the way; however you might take the choice of a shorter path directly to the car park once you get back to the Sharkham headland. 

©Crown copyright 2022 Ordnance Survey. Media 059/22

AROUND THE BAY What’s On

Please check before travelling as events are subject to change.

Christmas Around the World Exhibition

26 November - 24 December (daily except Mondays)

This seasonal exhibition explores some of the quirky and fun ways people celebrate Christmas around the world. Exhibition included in Torre Abbey admission fee, suitable all ages. Free Christmas Garden Trail (weather dependent) for children; pick up a trail sheet at reception.

Torre Abbey, The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE torre-abbey.org.uk

Carols in the Caves

Selected dates in December ‘Yours In Harmony’ and the ‘Torbay Police and Community Choir’ will perform Christmas Carols and showcase festive songs underground. Start seated in the Vestibule Chamber and hear the amazing acoustics of the choir and then take a walk around the magnificent cave system singing carols by candlelight. Finish with mulled wine or hot chocolate and festive treats in the Great Chamber. This very special festival experience lasts two hours; booking essential, suitable for ages 12+. Discounts for members.

Kents Cavern, Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF kents-cavern.co.uk

Bay of Lights Illumination Trail

On till 8 January

Taking place throughout Torquay, Paignton and Brixham the whole ay will sparkle with a flurry of illuminated events. The star of the show will be an accessible 1.5-mile illuminated trail along Torquay Seafront. Torre Abbey will be lit up with colour and light, there will be a Walk of Wonder, Mirror Ball Magic, The Frozen Lake (feel the temperature drop), The Garden Arch tunnel of light, The Illuminated Bridge The Curly Bridge and Old Maid’s Perch), Glowing Gardens, The Magic

Roundabout and more. Runs daily from 4.30pm with sound elements until 9.30pm and lights till 11pm. Various locations. englishriviera.co.uk

Train of Lights

On till 30 December

Enjoy this hugely popular festive experience where the train with vintage carriages awaits you decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out. The 450-metre Greenway tunnel leads you to the enchanted forest, transformed by a multitude of lights with wonderful feature displays. After a turnaround at Kingswear and with the opportunity to disembark and take photographs from the platform, you will be on your way back to Paignton to experience the spectacle from a different direction. For full details see the website. Dartmouth Steam Railway, Queen’s Park Station, Paignton TQ4 6AF dartmouthrailriver.co.uk

Meet Santa & Mrs Claus, Paignton

Selected dates in December

Children can meet Santa, Mrs Claus and their elves in his magical grotto at Paignton Zoo. Times: 10am-4pm (10.30am-2pm on Christmas Eve). Cost: £12.50 per child up to age 15 to include a gift. Grotto cost does not include zoo entry so ticket must also be booked unless you are a zoo member. There will also be free storytelling sessions with Mrs Claus hourly from 11am-3pm. Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU paigntonzoo@wildplanettrust.org.uk

Winter Wonderland Grotto

Selected dates till 24 December

Meet Santa and his elves in this festive grotto with an awardwinning animated display, run by volunteers to raise funds for local Rotary charities. Family tickets for up to six people include a tour of the grotto, a chat with Santa, one present for each child (up to a maximum of four children) and a souvenir 7”x5” mounted photograph to take away. Bookings via Eventbrite - Fleet Walk Santa’s Grotto. Gallery Level, Fleet Walk Shopping Centre, Torquay TQ2 5EA fleet alkgrotto

The Polar Express Train Ride

Selected dates in December

Enjoy an exciting festive train ride to the ‘North Pole’ and theatrical adventure with characters from the film including the conductor, the singing chefs and Father Christmas. Booking essential, tickets from £29.95. outh evo a l a u k a tle gh outh evo ra l a the olare re r e. o

RNLI Reindeer Run

Throughout December

Run 24 miles during December, raise funds for the RNLI and once you’ve collected £100 you’ll get your medal in the post. You’ll be helping to keep the RNLI crews safe and save lives at sea. r l .org e eer u r l .org.uk

Festive Afternoon Teas, Berry Head

t ll a uar

Enjoy a selection of festive treats, tea and a glass of Prosecco at this stunningly located Brixham hotel. Times: between 3 & 6pm, cost: £25 per person. err ea otel err ea oa r ha err hea hotel. o

Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market t ll e e er

Taking place on the iconic Cathedral Green, Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is a winter wonderland set among a labyrinth of winding lanes, festooned with fairy lights and laced with the seasonal sights and smells of festive chalets. There are festive activities and performances including seasonal singing from Exeter Cathedral Choir as well as free admission to experience awe-inspiring architecture and Advent services inside the Cathedral. e eter athe ral.org.uk

Christmas at Pennywell Farm

Selected dates in December

During the festive season, the farm is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, hundreds of Christmas trees and plenty of Christmas sparkle. The Christmas experience includes: a visit to the elf’s sweet shop, visits to Santa, a gift, a walking nativity journey, mince pies & warm drinks, animal cuddles, trailer and tractor rides. Book on website.

o er ea u k a tle gh e ell ar . o.uk

Christmas Party Nights, Berry Head

Throughout December (Fridays & Saturdays)

Joiner Christmas Party Nights with 3-course menu, coffee, novelties & DJ. Cost: £30.95 per person. err ea otel err ea oa r ha err hea hotel. o

Buckfast Abbey Christmas Market e e er

Free to enter and with on-site parking, this family friendly Christmas market offers a range of Christmas stalls with food & drink and handmade crafts. Visitors can also explore the stunning abbey grounds and beautiful abbey church.

The abbey will also be holding a special festive programme of music on the Saturday after the market closes.

Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0EE buckfast.org.uk

Cockington Court Christmas Fayre 3 December

Twelve market stalls will join Cockington’s creative makers for this delightful fayre. A handpicked selection of local makers will be selling a beautiful selection of handcrafted gifts to tempt you. There will be a Christmas choir singing traditional carols as well as face-painting and Lego building with Torbay Lego Masters to keep the children entertained. estive treats will be available from the Seven Dials Caf . Time: 11am-4pm.

Cockington Court, Cockington Lane, Torquay TQ2 6XA

Winter Bird Walk, Broadsands 3 December

Brush up on your gull, diver and grebe identification skills with bird e pert Mike Langman. You’ll also look out for wintering chiffchaffs and visit Mike’s winter Cirl bunting feeding station. Meeting point: roadsands car park grid reference S at . am event finishes at noon . Suitable for ages . ook on website, cost: £14.

Broadsands Carpark, Broadsands Road, TQ4 6HX countryside-trust.org.uk

Christmas Craft Sale, Torquay 3 December

A car boot sale with festive refreshments. Free entry for buyers from am- noon.

Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, Shiphay Manor Drive, Torquay TQ2 7EL tbgs.co.uk

Tis the Season Christmas Fair 3 & 10 December

With stalls selling high-quality local products, you can buy all your Christmas gifts and stocking fillers while enjoying the angelic voices of children’s choirs; partake in the yummy festive food and drink from the Museum Caf and join the Education Team for Christmassy crafting for all ages. There will be live entertainment too. Times: 10am to 4pm, cost: £3 adult, £1 child (museum entry ticket is not required).

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG torquaymuseum.org

Children’s Hospice South West Christmas Fair 3 December

Browse a delightful range of stalls selling: cards, crafts, wreaths, jewellery, driftwood gifts, books, cakes and more plus balloon sculptures and the local children’s ukulele band, Dashing Devon Dukes. Time: 10am - 3pm. A fundraising event for this vital children’s charity. The Old Market, Victoria Road, Dartmouth TQ6 9QD Contact Sue Tweed: tweed833@btinternet.com 07955 197721

Santa in the Caves 3-24 December (selected dates) Become an elf and go on a quest through the toy workshop to find Santa. An interactive performance throughout the caves finishing in Santa’s rotto. Kents Cavern, Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF kents-cavern.co.uk

Tropical Rainforests 6 December

A Torquay Museum Society lecture by oger Hamilton explaining how rainforests are organised and what makes these immensely complex environments tick. Time: 10.45am – 12 noon; free to society members; non-members £5 (payable on the door).

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Rock Choir Live 7 December

Devon Rock Choir Christmas Concert will take place in the Centenary Hall at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School. The programme will include modern rock and pop classics plus Christmas favourites. Time: 7pm (doors), 7.30pm start, tickets: adult £11/under 16s £6. Parking available. Held in aid of Rowcroft Hospice and Mental Health Foundation. Shiphay Manor Drive, Torquay TQ2 7EL tinyurl.com/mwna38m5

Brixham Yacht Club Coffee Morning 7 December

A fundraising event for Torbay Lifeboat. affle and home made cakes available. Time 10am – 12 noon. Overgang Road, Brixham TQ5 8AR torbaylifeboat.co.uk

The Physics of Piracy 7 December

A Torquay Museum Society lecture by Dr Jonty Depp. Do pirate movies get the science right? Have you ever wondered if pirates needed gold and silver for more than just their riches? Go on a unique journey through the worlds of piracy and physics – unusual bedfellows. Time: 10.45am – 12 noon; free to society members; nonmembers £5 (payable on the door). Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Sing We Yule 8 December

An Arts Society Lecture with Sarah Deere Jones, this is a musical portrait of a medieval Christmas with readings, songs, carols and dance tunes. Free entry to members, nonmembers £8 to include talk followed by tea. Time: 2.15pm. St Matthias Church Hall, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HW 01803 526942 theartsocietytorbay.org.uk torbay.arts.soc.pl@gmail.com

Murder Mystery Dinner, Imperial Hotel 8 December

A fun night of mystery, dining and disco. Can you guess whodunit at this murder mystery evening with Candlelight Theatre Company? Time: 7.30pm, tickets: £55 per person to

include drinks reception, 3-course dinner, tea, coffee & mints, murder mystery and disco. Booking essential. Parkhill Road, Torquay TQ1 2DG 01803 294301 theimperialtorquay.co.uk

Cold and Magic – Winter Baroque Concert

8 December

Experience the music of 17th and 18th century Europe, with a distinctly icy and mysterious tone. Join countertenor Joe Levy accompanied on the piano by Leila Kermani for a selection of Baroque pieces. Time: 7-9pm; booking essential, cost: £10 adults, £8 concessions. Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Celebration of Carols & Songs 9 December

A Torbay Lifeboat Fundraisers annual event. Time: 7pm. All Saints Church, Church Street, Brixham TQ5 8HG torbaylifeboat.co.uk

Christmas at the Model Village

Selected dates from 10 December

Enjoy delightful miniature Christmas scenes, miniature

Santas and naughty elves, sparkling illuminations, fire breathing dragon and crazy golf. Booking recommended, discounts for local residents (Ts & Cs apply).

Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe TQ1 3LA model-village.co.uk

Dartmouth Farmers

10 December

Market

Local farmers market selling fresh seasonal produce and artisan food products. Time: 9am-2pm. The Old Market Square is an ancient, picturesque, cobbled pannier market. The centre of the square is open air and is surrounded by artisan shops and eateries.

Old Market Square, Victoria Road, Dartmouth TQ6 9QD

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop, Dartmouth 13 December

You will be greeted with a glass of mulled wine followed by a demonstration by local gardener and florist mma Louise Hutchinson. She will then guide you to make your own wreath. Materials included but bring your own secateurs or sharp scissors and any ribbon and decorations you might like to use. Times: 2pm or 7pm (2 hour sessions), tickets: £35.

The Flavel, Flavel Place, Dartmouth TQ6 9ND theflavel.org.uk

Tots Go Wild Christmas Special 13 & 14 December

Bring your tots to a very Christmassy morning at Occombe Farm. There will be festive story telling, a glittering Christmas tale and seasonal crafts to create. Cost: £7 for toddlers up to 5 years, babes in arms free, all children must be accompanied by an adult, time: 1011.30am book on website.

Christmas Ornament Course 11 December & 18 December

Learn how to make beautiful and delicate hanging decorations with this 2-session course in The Learning Lab. Perfect as a gift or for hanging on your tree. Cost: £25, time: 2-4pm, suitable for all ages.

Torre Abbey, The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE torre-abbey.org.uk

The Christmas Star & Advent of the Calendar 13 December

A Torquay Museum Society lecture. In this festive themed talk engineer and amateur astronomer Dave Norman examines the reality and myth of the Christmas Star, exploring the origins and development of the calendar. Time: 10.45am – 12 noon; free to society members; non-members £5 (payable on the door).

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN countryside-trust.org.uk

Christmas Wreath Making 14, 20 & 21 December

Create your own Christmas wreath using greenery sustainably sourced from Torre Abbey Gardens in a 2-hour craft session in The Learning Lab. Cost: £15 per wreath, time: 2-4pm, suitable for all ages, perfect to hang on your front door.

Torre Abbey, The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE torre-abbey.org.uk

Family Theatre – Once Upon a Christmas 15 December

Sitting by the festive fireside, a merry elderly couple, with help from some cheeky elves and The Gingerbread

Man, share their memories and stories. With scents of Christmas spices triggering the senses, they invite the audience to help make paper chain decorations whilst singing along to familiar old songs. Tickets: £8, time: 11am and 4.30pm. A multi sensory performance for children aged 2-8 and their families. Torre Abbey, The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE torre-abbey.org.uk

The Holly Ball

16 December

Torquay Rowing Club hosts the Holly Ball every year. This year Bill Ding and the Skyscraper as well as London based band Unswung Heros will be performing plus Tim Weston on his saxophone. The fantastic Future Media DJs will be playing throughout the evening. Tickets are £30 per person. The Grand Hotel, Seafront, Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2 6NT torquayrowing.club/hollyball

Christmas Eve Dinner, Berry Head

24

December

Enjoy a candlelit dinner to include 4 courses and coffee plus Prosecco and canapés on arrival. With live music from Margaret Duffy before dinner. Cost: £42 per person. Or, join the Christmas Eve Bar Party for a drink or brasserie food. Neil and Edward on the piano for carols and singalong. 9pm onwards.

Berry Head Hotel, Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AJ berryheadhotel.com

Coffee Morning With A Difference!

30 December

Torbay Civic Society’s monthly coffee morning - catch up with local news and planning, mystery items, a quiz and a famous Devon figure talk. All welcome. Time 10.15am, admission: £4 per person on the door. Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton TQ3 3HF torbaycivicsociety.co.uk

New Year Bird List

1 January

Traditionally birdwatchers often start a Year List on 01 January and county year lists are probably the most

popular and fun. Bird expert Mike Langman will take you to some great sites around South Devon to catch up with some of the best birds available on the first day of the year. All day and half day options, book on website, weather dependent. mikelangman.co.uk

Behind the Scenes at Dartmoor Search & Rescue 10 January

A Torquay Museum Society lecture by Hill Party Leader Alan Pewsey. He presents an entertaining and informative talk on the vital work of Dartmoor Search & Rescue volunteers. ncludes behind-the-scenes film footage and details of callouts, Time: 10.45am – 12 noon; free to society members; non-members £5 (payable on the door). Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

My Butterfly Memories, Spain 11 January

A Torquay Museum Society lecture by naturalist Bill Hudson, who shares his butterfly encounters and beautiful photographs from his journeys around Spain. Time: 10.45am – 12 noon; free to

society members; non-members £5 (payable on the door).

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Cornwall’s Forgotten Arts Centre

12 January

An Arts Society Lecture with David Tovey; this is a history of art in Polperro. Since the 1880s Polperro has been a popular subject for a number of artists. David has spent the last two years researching them and producing two books outlining the rich artistic heritage pre and post 1920. Free entry to members, non-members: £8 to include talk followed by tea. Time: 2.15pm.

St Matthias Church Hall, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HW 01803 526942 theartsocietytorbay.org.uk torbay.arts.soc.pl@gmail.com

The English Riviera

UNESCO Global Geopark 17 January

English Riviera Geopark Coordinator and author Melanie Border gives a fascinating talk on our very own local Geopark here in Torbay, which is rated one of the world’s most beautiful and significant lobal eoparks. Time: 10.45am – 12 noon; free to society members; nonmembers £5 (payable on the door).

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

An Audience at the Palace

12 January

Enjoy a talk from Ian Handford of Torbay Civic Society on Eric Morecambe, the well beloved British comedian and his Torbay connections. He was voted ‘Funniest Man of the Century’ in 1999, Time: 10.30-11.30am, cost: £6 plus booking fee includes a cup of tea or coffee. Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton TQ3 3HF torbaycivicsociety.co.uk

Adventures in Filmmaking 18 January

A Torquay Museum Society lecture by film director Ashley Thorpe, who gives a fascinating insight into his creative influences. Time: 10.45am –12 noon; free to society members; non-members £5 (payable on the door).

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

An Alternative History of Morris Dancing 24 January

A Torquay Museum Society lecture by Robin Springett. An eclectic take on how Morris dancing arrived on these shores and became embedded into the English Folk Scene. Time:

10.45am – 12 noon; free to society members; non-members £5 (payable on the door).

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

news and planning, mystery items, a quiz and a famous Devon figure talk. All welcome. Time: 10.15am, admission: £4 per person on the door.

Palace Theatre, Palace Avenue, Paignton TQ3 3HF torbaycivicsociety.co.uk

Wildlife Highlights of 2022 31 January

A Torquay Museum Society lecture by John Walters with wildlife stories from the south-west and further afield

Kents Cavern

25 January

A Torquay Museum Society lecture by Nick Powe, reflecting on two decades of running Kents Cavern. A fascinating, illustrated talk about Kents Cavern’s place in history and humankind. Time: 10.45am – 12 noon; free to society members; non-members £5 (payable on the door).

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Coffee Morning With A Difference!

27 January

Torbay Civic Society’s monthly coffee morning - catch up with local

including ‘jumping beans’ sawflies, Lunar Hornet Moths and wild hamsters. Time: 10.45am – 12 noon; free to society members; non-members £5 (payable on the door).

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

If you are holding an event in February or March let us know and we’ll list it here! Email the details to: editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Deadline for submissions is 13 January.

Our distribution teams deliver 12,000 copies of English Riviera Magazine to homes and businesses. If you don’t receive one in your area pick one up at one of the following outlets:

Artizan Gallery Lucius Street, Torquay TQ2 5UW Hoopers 5-6 The Strand, Torquay TQ1 2DF Kingswear Post O ce 3 The Square, Kingswear TQ6 0AA Ula Interior Gifts 19/20 The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW Chelston Post O ce & Newsagents 24 Walnut Road, Torquay TQ2 6HS Preston Post O ce 337 Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2EP Preston Down Road Post O ce 111 Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1DS Marldon Cards and News Marldon Cross Hill, Marldon TQ3 1NE

Wellswood Place Post O ce Ilsham Rd, Torquay TQ1 2JG St Marychurch Post O ce Fore Street, St Marychurch TQ1 4PR Galmpton Post O ce Stoke Gabriel Road, Galmpton TQ5 0NH Churston Traditional Farm Shop Dartmouth Road, nr Brixham TQ1 2AF Stoke Gabriel Stores Paignton Road, Stoke Gabriel TQ6 6RD Torquay Library Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT Paignton

Santa at Marldon Christmas Tree Farm

Marldon Christmas Tree Farm has kindly allowed Rowcroft Hospice to take over its much loved Santa’s Grotto to o er a magical experience for local children.

In the enchanted snow-covered grotto at the North Pole, Totnes Road, Marldon, children will be able to meet Santa and his elves, encounter a real reindeer, and receive a special Christmas gift. e cost for the fairy-tale adventure is £16 per child, with all proceeds going to support Rowcroft’s work.

Steve Gribbon of Marldon Christmas Tree Farm said, “Here at Santa’s Grotto you can create a magical memory that will last a lifetime with your family, and together we can make a real di erence for our local community.”

e grotto is a well-established side of Marldon Christmas Tree Farm’s business and this year they have completely handed it over to Rowcroft to run, without any attributable costs whatsoever for services. As all the proceeds in their entirety go to Rowcroft Hospice, every booking goes a long way to help this worthwhile and wellloved local charity.

Steve continued, “We want to really push the ‘true’ meaning of Christmas, which to us, is giving back.”

Sta ed by hospice volunteers, Santa’s Grotto will be open Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 – 16 December, and all day every day between 17 to 23 December.

Asenath Colbourne-Laight, Rowcroft’s Corporate and Philanthropy Fundraiser said, “ is is a fabulous opportunity for local families to truly experience the magic of Christmas in this little wonderland at Marldon Christmas Tree Farm.”

e chance to visit Santa is a unique festive highlight for any child. During your visit, you can enjoy the spirit of

Christmas by choosing your tree, treating yourself to mince pies in the café and browsing the Christmas shop on site.

Oliver Somerville, a father from Newton Abbot with three children aged 7, 5 and 3, said, “Visiting Santa at Marldon Christmas Tree Farm is one of our favourite festive family activities, and this year we get to support the most fantastic charity all while spending time together.”

Asenath explained, “As a charity funded predominantly by the generosity of our local community, it’s vital for us to continue to raise much-needed income to care for our patients and families. Our community’s support at this time is essential because we’re experiencing an increasing demand for our care yet a decrease in donations due to the rising cost of living. We’d like to say a massive thank you to Marldon Christmas Tree Farm for their generosity and for donating the space for our grotto and helping us to raise crucial funds for our care.”

Rowcroft is an independent charity with around 75% of its funding derived from the incredible generosity of local people. e highly regarded hospice supports more than 2000 patients with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon each year. e Rowcroft team currently cares for one in three people with a life-limiting illness in South Devon but aims to expand its care to reach more people. It is hoped that Santa’s Grotto will provide much-needed income for the hospice during this challenging economic time.

You can book your slot at: rowcrofthospice.org.uk/ santasgrotto or by calling 01803 210821   rowcrofthospice.org.uk

ROUND UP. Arts

Please check before travelling as events are subject to change.

Torquay’s Artizan Gallery & Café

Glorious Glass

26 November-24 December

Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm

2022 is the Contemporary Glass Society’s 25th anniversary year. From humble beginnings, it has grown into the UK’s foremost organisation for supporting both established and ‘up-andcoming’ glass artists, and for promoting contemporary glass in the wider art world. 2022 is also the UN designated International Year of Glass. This exhibition allows visitors to appreciate contemporary glass and enjoy its magical colours, textures, use of light and varied techniques and also discover their own local glass artists. Launch event: 25 November 6-8pm. art-hub.co.uk/ex/cgs22

Artizan Gallery & Café, 7 Lucius Street, Torquay, TQ2 5UW

Torquay’s Artizan Collective Gallery

English Riviera Winter Open

On till 24 December

Wednesday-Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm

The six-week exhibition runs right through the festive period up until Christmas Eve showcasing contemporary works from some of the South West’s best-known artists. With a range of original art, innovative sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and greetings cards, the exhibition is supporting artists and makers. ou’ll find unique Christmas gifts for every budget. art-hub.co.uk/ex/erwo22

Artizan Collective Gallery, Unit 5 74 Fleet Street Torquay TQ2 5EB

For more information contact juliebrandon@ artizangallery.co.uk 07522 509642 artizan gallery.co.uk January exhibitions will be posted on the website. Email to be subscribed to newsletter. Also check out art-hub.co.uk

The GALLERY @Cockington Court

10.30am-4.30pm daily

Ongoing selling exhibition showing the region’s leading artists and makers. Items ranging from scarves, jewellery, ceramics, metalwork, artists cards, metalwork, collages, paintings and prints. The fabulous craft studios are a must-see too. Desire exhibition runs from 26 November to 30 January featuring home interior items created by local artists, all for sale. 01803 607230 Facebook @cockingtoncourt

Torre Abbey Collections Tuesdays-Sundays

Torre Abbey holds around 600 oil and watercolour paintings from the 18th to the mid 20th century. Works of note are Pre-Rafaelite paintings by Holman Hunt and Burne-Jones, watercolours painted by William Henry Hunt and Thomas Miles ichardson. There are also fine English glass, pewter and silver collections from the 18th and 19th centuries. The abbey holds a large collection of nationally important from the building’s extensive excavations.

The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE torre-abbey.org.uk

Louise Hawkins Amongst The Water Lilies

Bev Knowlden Totally Blissed

Evoke Exhibition, Dartington

25 November-7 January

Evoke is an exhibition of paintings, prints and ceramics by Louise Rainbow. Louise says, “All of my work is about surfaces and layers, about hiding and finding. want my work to show my energy but don’t really want you to see. Each piece is made up of a million unconscious decisions”.

The Gallery Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6EL dartington.org

Sensing the Unseen, Torre Abbey 1 December – 31 January (Tuesday-Sundays)

Step into ossaert’s Adoration e hibition, a nativity scene originally created by sixteenth-century Flemish artist Jan Gossaert, now presented in impressive 4D, through soundscapes, spoken word and hi-resolution digital imagery. Designed and produced by the National Gallery in London, this innovative and groundbreaking exhibition will be installed in the historic and atmospheric setting of the Spanish Barn. The exhibition will open till 7pm

every evening as part of the Bay of Lights llumination Trail. ncluded in your abbey entry ticket. The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE torre-abbey.org.uk

Made to be Played, Torquay Museum

On till 11 March (Tues-Thurs and Sat)

This festival of musical instruments celebrates music making around the world and through time. The range of instruments on display shows how music is universal to all cultures and also reflects local traditions, available materials and its role in different societies. 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG torquaymuseum.org

Christmas Family Crafts, Dartington

3, 4 & 10 December

Make your own tiny Christmas wonderland using a gorgeous array of natural, foraged materials on this 2-hour, artist-led workshop with Naomi Vincent. Times: 10am or 2pm, cost: £12, suitable for ages 5+, children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult (child tickets only required), discount for members, book online. Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EL dartington.org

Christmas Craft: Woodcraft, Dartington

3 & 4 December

Enjoy woodcarving with Alex Finberg at the Great Hall Craft Fair. You will be making a simple wooden spreader using a wittling knife to carve a freshly cut piece of hazel wood. ou’ll also make a spatula from a piece of straightgrained cherry or ash wood. Time: 10am-12noon or 1.303.30pm, suitable for 18 years+, cost: £45, book online. Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EL dartington.org

We Need Music – Early Years Workshop

19 January

An early years music workshop suitable for toddlers and pre-schoolers (aged 1 -5 years), accompanied by one adult. Children will try out instruments from different parts of the world, enjoying musical games, and creating lots of sounds together. All instruments and equipment will be provided. Cost per child. f you wish to e plore the museum’s galleries and e hibitions you’ll need a valid museum ticket as well.

Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG. torquaymuseum.org

Frederick Yates A Secluded Beach

© Torre Abbey

Princess

Theatre, Torquay

Box Office 0844 8717615

Editor’s pick SWAN LAKE

29 January

allet lovers and newcomers alike will find joy and spectacle in the classical delights of Nerubashenko Ballet’s wonderful Swan Lake. Swan Lake is a timeless tale: Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette, Queen of the Swans but is tricked into the ultimate betrayal, leading to tragedy.

Also worth seeing…

Royal Marines Christmas Spectacular – 4 December Aladdin 9-31 December

Little Theatre, Torquay

Box Office 01803 299330

MOTHER GOOSE

5-11 December

Mother Goose is about to be thrown off her land because she cannot pay the rent to the squire and his bailiffs. Fairy Friendship and Priscilla the Goose both step in to help Mother Goose but Demon Discontent brings trickery and chaos. A TOADs season production.

Also worth seeing…

A Matter of Life and Death – 17-21 January

Babbacombe Theatre

Box Office 01803 328385

Editor’s pick

I LOVE CHRISTMAS

Wednesdays 26 October - 28 December plus Boxing Day & New Year’s Day

Enjoy a treasure chest of joyous entertainment and festive frolics to bring happiness and good cheer. An all-new festive family show with comedian Andy Oakley, ex-Bucks Fizz music maker Paul Fordham, musical theatre performer Joe Stone, singing sensation Claire Waring, and crooner Joe Harris.

Also worth seeing... History of Soul – 3 December

Palace Theatre, Paignton

Box Office 01803 665800

Editor’s pick

CINDERELLA

17 December to 2 January

The multi-award-winning Paignton Pantomime Productions returns to the Palace with Cinderella, a spectacular traditional pantomime full of colour, song, dance, wit and audience participation. The production team has pulled out all the stops to make Cinderella the must-see Torbay pantomime. There are seven matinees so both young and old can enjoy this Christmas feast of pure entertainment.

Also worth seeing… Santas’s Magical Gift – 3 & 4 December Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years (Tribute) – 26 January

Brixham Theatre

Box Office 01803 415987

Editor’s pick

THE NEW JERSEY BOYS

15 December

Featuring the amazing falsetto voice of Einar Vestman and the humour of Gary Gould, this packed two-set programme promises an evening of superb harmonies, stunning solo spots and light comedy. As well as hits from the Four Seasons, the show includes tributes to other legendary performers such as Showaddywaddy, Freddie Mercury and Tina Turner.

Also worth seeing… Hells Bells (AC/DC Tribute) 2 December

JERSEY BOYS

Winter at Torre Abbey Gardens

e heated glasshouses at Torre Abbey are a real delight for visitors in winter and there’s always plenty to see throughout the gardens. Ali Marshall Head Gardener tells us how they keep it looking so good.

Winter in Torre Abbey Gardens is always a busy and interesting time, although not as pretty as I would like. I am always a bit envious of the crisp, elegant pictures I see in garden magazines and co ee table books, where skeletal structures, seedheads and bare branches are covered with sparkling frost. In our mild climate, frost is a rarity and much of the time a Torbay garden in winter is simply soggy. On the plus side we do not have to lift our dahlias, although we do mulch them well.

Having two plant collections in heated glasshouses means that there is always plenty of work to do even in poor weather. Winter is our time for cactus pruning, our least favourite task and one that requires a bit of creativity. Boiler suits and extra thick gloves are essential, but we also make use of old duvets and towels, litter

pickers and even vacuum cleaners to limit the pain.

In the main Palm House, it is time to prune back some of the summer’s growth. During the scorching summer we let the plants grow unchecked to provide extra shade but in winter light becomes the major factor. Our bougainvilleas are a case in point. Planted along the south windows they lter out the erce summer rays and ower wonderfully but need to be hard pruned soon to allow other plants to access whatever strength there is in the winter sun, and give us the chance to clean the windows, of course. It is also the case that pests congregate in the more congested areas where they are less likely to be disturbed so a good thinning out is necessary to disrupt their colonisation. We do have biological pest control and would not dream of using

chemicals, so we aim keep a sensible balance rather than the wholesale destruction of pest populations.

Given the size and maturity of our tropical and subtropical collection the most common question asked by visitors is about how we stop things going through the roof. It is a challenge and each year we need to use a sca old tower to top out several of the bigger trees and plants. e Norfolk Island Pine, the Avocado and the Strelitzia nicolai, the bigger cousin of the well-known Bird of Paradise, are the most regularly pruned and the quickest to recover. Down below, though, winter owers abound. African continent plants like Clivea and the already mentioned Bird of Paradise are often at their best in January and February. In fact, some of our Bird of Paradise had already come into ower by November. I do not really have an explanation for this. It is just something we have learned to accept and appreciate; tropical owers with their bright colour and intensity are a real tonic when it is cold and grey outside.

pruning just before spring arrives, so despite the roses continuing to ower we cannot put it o for too long or we simply will not have time to get round the entire garden.

African continent plants like Clivea and the Bird of Paradise are often at their best in January and February.

Although wet and windy, the autumn thus far has been rather warm, and outside of the glasshouses there is still a surprising amount of growth and owering. Most people are now aware that climate change is confusing and disruptive for many plants, so we have little choice but to accept and adapt our gardening techniques as a result. I have put away the gardening calendar wall chart in my o ce and am encouraging my team to work exibly. If perennials are still owering, we can leave them for a little while longer, especially as there still seem to be bees around. Having said that, there is still a schedule of sorts to keep to. Winter pruning in the gardens always starts with pruning the climbing roses in late autumn and ends with wisteria, apple and grapevine

Working e ciently during the winter months is important to us, not just for the bene t of the garden itself, but because the Abbey continues to hold events and activities throughout the winter so we must keep the garden in good condition whilst also helping to make the season exciting and welcoming for visitors. We had a remarkably successful family Halloween activity with a spooky trail lit up at night; it was exceptionally popular. Clearly the garden team’s homemade zombies, witches and man-eating plants were the main draw. At the end of November is Winter Fest, our Christmas craft festival – an opportunity to highlight our plants for sale followed by a host of Christmas activities, including wreath-making workshops. Don’t miss our Christmas Around the World Exhibition, which runs until 24 December in the Spanish Barn.

Loaned from the National Gallery, ‘Sensing the Unseen,’ is an interactive, multisensory exhibition running from 1 December to 31 January in the Spanish Barn. It’s based around the wonderful nativity scene painted in the sixteenth century by Jan Gossaert known as ‘Adoration of the Kings.’ I am already obsessed with trying to identify the plants in the painting as everything seems to have symbolic value. I cannot wait to get more involved.

Full details of upcoming events and activities are available on the Torre Abbey website.   torre-abbey.org.uk

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