ts' s e en on sid sid cti In Re tra rs A t ch e u Vo
Walks • Local Food • Heritage • Nature • People • Events • Arts
EnglishRiviera magazine
April/May 2018
A coastal walk from
110 SPRINGTIME EVENTS
to entertain you...
Kingswear
Spring Festivals
Give It A Go!
Ladies Cricket & Ibex Canoe Club English Riviera Magazine for Residents by Residents DELIVERED FREE TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT THE BAY
ENJOY ! PIRATES GRINAGOG DART MUSIC BMAD EDEN PHILLPOTTS
Giant of literature
We meet
MICHELLE FOX & JOHN COUCH BRIXHAM HERITAGE SAILING REGATTA
Aqua
Adrenaline
Roars into the Bay
two days of great live music & a feast of local food and drink!
Tickets on sale from 13 April 2018 w w w.occombefestival.co.uk
01803 520 022
raising funds for:
Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust
www.countryside-trust.org.uk 01803 520 022
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About us...
Created and Published By Devon Magazine Company Limited Anita Newcombe anita@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01803 850886 Julian Rees julian@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone 01803 842893 Mobile: 07455 206470 Advertising sales sales@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Advertising Copy copy@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Editorial editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Website englishrivieramagazine.co.uk facebook.com/englishrivieramagazine twitter.com/EngRivieraMag ISSN (Print) 2052-8515 ISSN (Online) 2052-8523
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ENGLISH RIVIERA MAGAZINE 69 DAVIES AVENUE PAIGNTON DEVON 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 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.
Welcome
..to our April/May issue! There’s so much packed into this issue with lots of Easter events as well as some spectacular festivals through the May Bank holiday weekends. The Bay is simply bursting with things to do with Brixham’s famous Pirate Festival, heritage sailing, power boating, motorbikes at the beach, music festivals, food & drink festivals, arts events and theatre. English Riviera Attractions, a group of 17 of the Bay’s most exciting places to visit, are feeling the love for local residents this issue by offering our readers exclusive discounts from every one of their members. Treat yourself and your family to some of these very special experiences – you’ll be glad you did! We’ve been meeting some truly inspiring locals: Michelle Fox combines science, saving lives at sea and serious sport; John Couch explains how his estate agency business has evolved over the years and Paul Ginley takes a leap of faith at his new offices in St Marychurch. We also celebrate local resident Monica Bulman, probably the longest serving nurse in Britain and remember local giant of literature Eden Phillpotts. Our suggested walk is a circular route along the coast from Kingswear to Froward Point and back and we’ve got the latest tips to get you active in the garden too. We hope you enjoy reading this issue and if you respond to any of our local advertisers do give us a mention – it helps us to bring your English Riviera magazine to you!
Happy reading and stay local!
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April/May 2018
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In this issue
April/May 2018
33 Aqua Adrenaline
6 Openers
Local news snippets
12 Meet Michelle Fox
Scientist, lifeboat crew & triathlete
16 Meet John Couch Loving selling houses
20 Heritage - Eden Phillpotts A Giant of Literature
22 Brixham Heritage Sailing Regatta The golden age of sail
24 Pirate Festival
Yo-Ho-Ho and a bottle of rum!
27 BMAD Festival
Bikes, music and beer at the beach
29 Valerian & Mayflower
Celebrating Brixham’s shipbuilding
33 Aqua Adrenaline
High octane powerboat racing
34 Give it a go - Ibex Canoe Club Get paddling this season
36 Coastal Walk
Kingswear to Froward Point
69 Fashion
Charity shopping for pre-loved style
70 Meet Monica Bulman A lifetime in the NHS
73 Gardening
Liz Wallace’s green-fingered column
77 Social Diary
Local people at local events
78 Meet Paul Ginley
Putting your finances in order
80 Business Snippets
Local business news in brief
24 Pirate Festival
39 Food and Drink News
Lots to tempt your tastebuds
40 Music Festivals
Two great foot-stomping festivals
43 English Riviera Attractions Not just for tourists
46 What’s On
Our pick of April and May events
61 Give it a Go! Ladies Cricket
27 BMAD
Batting, Bowling & Bubbly
62 Arts Roundup
Creative events around the Bay
65 Support your Local Hospice Make a Will Week
66 Theatre
Who’s treading the boards?
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April/May 2018
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Augmented Reality Mummy
Torquay Museum’s 2,500-year-old Ancient Egyptian boy mummy is the star of the BBC’s first augmented reality app. The app is a companion to BBC Two’s new Civilisations documentary series. Users will be able to view and explore historical artefacts from museums across Britain, including Torquay Museum’s stunning mummy inside its coffin. Civilisations is the epic new BBC documentary series spanning 31 countries on six continents, covering more than 500 works of art and featuring presenters Simon Schama, Mary Beard and David Olusoga. Torquay Museum houses over 400 artefacts from Ancient Egypt, the core of which form the permanent Egyptology exhibition in its Explorers Gallery. The collection features some fascinating items, including the mummified body of a 3-year-old boy from around 600 BC and his coffin, which is one of the finest Ancient Egyptian coffins in a regional museum in the UK. Recent
Champion College South Devon College has been awarded Champion College status in the South West by the National Citizen Service (NCS). The award of Champion College status has been given to those educational institutions that have exceeded expectations in promoting the flagship youth programme as well as recruiting students to take part. The NCS focuses on social cohesion, social engagement and social mobility. Matthew Harbour, Vice Principal Curriculum, Quality and Performance at South Devon College
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research on the coffin, which was re-used by the boy mummy, suggests that its previous occupant may have been the child of royalty. torquaymuseum.org
said, “NCS provide excellent personal development opportunities for young people. It is a great initiative that has supported our learners to enhance their CVs for college, work and life.” Earlier this year, a social impact report using data from UCAS revealed that young people who take part in NCS are significantly more likely to get into university. Higher education participation rates for NCS grads was on average 12% higher than for non-NCS graduates, and there was an almost 50% increase in higher education participation for the most disadvantaged young people.
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Headpiece Designer is the Tops! Claire Austin, bespoke bridal hair accessories designer based in Torquay, has been awarded Best Wedding Accessories in the South West Wedding Awards. Claire hand-makes all of her bridal hair accessories from her home studio by the harbour. A bride can come to her with an idea of a headband or tiara that they want and Claire makes it a reality. She makes hair vines with pearl and Swarovksi crystals and also flower crowns and seashell headbands. Brides can have a matching bouquet, posy or flower hoop and these are also perfect for the bridesmaids and flower girls. Most of Claire’s customers reach her via the internet but she also loves meeting with local brides for a coffee and a chat about their vision. She can also communicate via email and FaceTime, often sending short videos of progress. As well as having an online shop, Claire also sells her headpieces in bridal shops around the bay. claireaustinengland.com
Harvesting the Titan Paignton Zoo’s horticulturalists have successfully harvested seeds from one of the most amazing plants in the world – the giant, pungent, tropical Titan arum. They are thought to be the first UK zoo ever to harvest Titan seeds. Now, their gardeners are sharing the precious seeds with other zoos and botanical collections. In 2012, Paignton Zoo was the first zoological collection in the UK to get a Titan arum to bloom. The gardens team succeeded again in 2015, but 2017 was their best year ever for these smelly giants, with two Titans blooming. Head Gardener Catherine Mortimer said, “Pollination was successful and the bright red berries have been growing for months. We now have around 180 fruit, which is brilliant. Some will have two seeds in, some will have one, and some none at all.” Titan arum flowers can be up to 3 metres high and 3 metres in circumference and smell like rotting meat. Seeds are rare because the plants bloom only once every few years.
New Roof for Brixham Battery
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Photo: Richard Newcombe
Brixham Battery Heritage Centre, which celebrates Brixham’s historic coastal defences built in 1940, has a splendid new roof for its museum building. Funds to support the work, mainly carried out by its hardworking volunteers, were provided by Brixham Co-op and the local Brixham community. The museum’s shop area has also been expanded. The centre is now fully reopen and can be visited free-of-charge on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays from 2-4pm plus special open days (including Easter Monday and VE Day 7 May 11am – 4pm). The museum and grounds receive many school visits each year as well as regular enquiries about Brixham’s wartime history. If you’d like to know more about volunteering, visit the website. brixhambattery.net April/May 2018
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Saving Habitats
Staff from a local conservation charity travelled to Africa recently to see how donations are helping to reduce illegal logging and save habitats and species. Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust runs Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts and Newquay Zoo and has links to the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve in Tanzania. The project is funding local patrols to monitor the area and enforce environmental laws. Dr Amy Plowman, Director of Conservation and Education; Luke Harding, Curator of Lower Vertebrates & Invertebrates; and Dr Andrew Bowkett, Programmes Manager, spent two weeks in the country. Andrew said, “Most people have never heard of the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve. It’s a large area of intact forest, but it has not received adequate protection in the past and has lost much of its wildlife. Despite this, the reserve’s remote location and steep terrain mean that it is still home to many globally threatened species, especially primates and amphibians.” Equipment bought for the patrols includes GPS handsets, binoculars, camera, raincoats, boots, tents and head torches. A number of arrests were made by the WWCT patrol during the charity’s visit.
dance classes for falls prevention and mobility, ‘singing for wellness’ choirs and singing groups for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or similar conditions plus mental health workshops for children and young people, mental health and well-being workshops for older people. Torbay is becoming known as a centre of best practice for these innovative partnerships. Torbay Culture’s work has support from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund. torbayculture.org
Hug a Tree Paignton Zoo has launched a season dedicated to native species called Nearby Nature. There’s a trail of 18 things to do outside, both at the Zoo and at home. Paignton Zoo’s Phil Knowling says, “It’s a great mix of the obvious and the surprising, the serious and the fun. We want to help people discover the natural world right outside their doors.” Number three on the trail is hug a tree. Phil says, “Paignton Zoo has a stand of redwood trees near the zebra enclosure – it would be fun to see how many people it takes to reach all the way around!” There are suggestions for things to do at home: visit your garden at night, build a bug hotel, create a compost heap, put up bird feeders, build a log pile for mini beasts or help bees. Phil says, “My favourite is number 11 - look up at the trees. If you look at a tree, you feel better, simple as that!”
Torbay Culture at Parliament Executive Director of Torbay Culture, Kate Farmery, represented Torbay at an All-Party Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing at the Houses of Parliament. The meeting looked at ways to implement the findings of a 2-year enquiry on how the arts can benefit health and wellbeing. Kate Farmery was invited to represent Torbay in recognition of the significant programme of cultural commissioning work that Torbay Culture has been doing with partners in health and care sectors. This includes 8
April/May 2018
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Coming Coming up up this this Easter Easter Easter Egg Trail
Centre for Creativity • •
• • •
30th March - 15th April, 10am-4pm
•
Craft Studios Tea Rooms Play Area Weddings and Room Hire Manor House 460 acre Award-Winning Country Park and Gardens Arts and Crafts Workshops Visitor Welcome Point and Galleries Free admission, open daily from 10am Free admission, from 10am Torquay TQ2 6XA Cockington Courtopen Craft daily Centre, Cockington, Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA Tel: 01803 607230 www.cockingtoncourt.org Tel:Cockington 01803 607230 www.cockingtoncourt.org Court Craft Centre @CockingtonC Cockington Court Craft Centre @CockingtonC
•
Cockington Court is operated by TDA which is a trading name of Torbay Economic Development Company Limited, a company registered in England and Wales No. 7604855 Registered Office Tor Hill House, Union Street, Torquay, Devon TQ2 5QW
Find the trail of Easter eggs hidden around Cockington Court. £1 for trail sheet and a treat - free for under 2’s.
Sculpture Trail & Installation 27th May - 9th September, 10am-4pm Follow our trail and discover sculptures created by local artists placed within the Court site including the studio areas, Walled Art Garden and Manor House also with a supporting installation in the Kitchen Gallery. After the trail why not pop into the Court Tea Rooms for tasty homemade food using locally sourced ingredients.
WE INVITE YOU TO HAVE A FREE PROPERTY VALUATION
OPEN THE DOOR
TO A BETTER KIND OF ESTATE AGENCY
Available 7 days a week, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays All accompanied viewings Free valuations No sale = No fee Personal service that goes the extra mile
Over the years we have dealt with several Estate Agents but none has been as professional and helpful as Sue, Sara and the team at Saunders and Lingard…It has been very refreshing to find an agent that actually responds to your queries in a timely manner- usually by return – whatever time of day including weekends. We would have no hesitation in recommending Saunders and Lingard to anyone looking to buy or sell a property. Mr Peter Mitchell, Torquay.
01803 611420 www.saundersandlingard.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
April/May 2018
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Stokeinteignhead £845,000 Freehold The property captures the essence of the countryside, its spacious and versatile accommodation individually designed and created for enjoyment of family living. Sitting in beautiful gardens, rising to an orchard to the rear, with a detached garage block having both garage space, home office, shower room, store. The accommodation has 2 reception, kitchen, utility, family room incorporating a kitchen, conservatory, 4 bathrooms, 4 bedrooms, bedroom 5/study, sauna. EPC Rating – D
Torquay
£799,999 Freehold Imposing detached house, its origins dating back to the Victorian era, with further accommodation of Arts and Crafts style. Creating a gracious, private home with 3 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, the principal bedroom incorporating a dressing area. Gardens, swimming pool, garaging and parking. EPC Rating – F
Torquay
£549,000 Freehold Situated in Ilsham Valley, enjoying delightful woodland and valley views, the property offers a detached home set in mature gardens. Traditionally arranged over two floors the accommodation has 2 reception rooms, kitchen, 2 cloakrooms, 3 bedrooms and a bathroom. Two single garages. EPC Rating – D
01803 296500 • mail@johncouch.co.uk 43 Ilsham Road • Wellswood • Torquay • TQ1 2JG
johncouch.co.uk
Michelle Fox
Scientist, Lifeboat Crew & Triathlete It’s not rocket science – or is it? Brixham scientist Michelle Fox is continuing the town’s proud 65-year heritage as a world-class environmental research centre. Anita Newcombe pops in for a chat.
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t’s raining cats and dogs as I pull up at Brixham Environmental Laboratory overlooking Brixham’s beautiful outer harbour. I’m here to meet Michelle Fox who is Head of Ecotoxicology Operations for relative newcomer Scymaris. The start-up, supported by Torbay Development Agency, provides vital scientific data to help global firms register their products for environmental regulations. Scymaris looks at the marine and freshwater habitats but also at land, soil, crops, in fact any aspect of the environment. If anyone ever thought that a scientist’s work might be dull, nothing could be further from the truth. Michelle may work in a laboratory but she also jets around the world, visiting clients from the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and chemical industries. Although Scymaris itself is only two years old, Brixham Environmental Laboratory has been a recognised centre for this type of work for 65 years and has a world-class reputation. Scymaris, currently with 18 employees in three main teams, is expanding rapidly and already has a global reach with clients in Germany, North America and Israel. Michelle tells me, “Sometimes I’ve been to Israel and back in a day!” She explains that Scymaris specialises in working closely with their clients to create bespoke studies. She works out the best approach with the customer, advising and educating them, then heads back to the lab. Michelle study directs regulatory and bespoke studies under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) which underpins the acceptance of test data between countries and ensures the highest standards. The Ecotoxicology team then gets to work and Michelle personally oversees the critical phases such as dosing and testing. Michelle was only the third person to be employed by Scymaris and she is glad to be back in Brixham, which she loves. After taking a degree in Oceanography and Marine Biology at The Southampton University, she completed a Masters degree in Aquatic Resource Management at King’s College London. Following a short stint working
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for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, she came to work for AstraZeneca in Brixham and stayed for 5 years until she was made redundant. Michelle then started commuting to Weymouth working at The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and fully intended to make her home there. She’s still not quite sure why, but the pull of the Bay was too much. So after speaking to Tim Derrington, now CEO at Scymaris, she joined the new startup in June 2016 shortly before the official launch. Michelle has long community links with Brixham and has been volunteer crew on both of Torbay’s lifeboats for the last 6 or 7 years. Although she is an experienced sailor sharing ownership of a 28ft Impala called Impulsive for some years and racing weekly at Brixham Yacht Club, she explains that lifeboat crew don’t have to have any sailing qualifications. One of the key criteria is to be available and easily accessible to the lifeboat station to respond rapidly to ’shouts’. She undertakes regular and continuing training to hone her skills for the voluntary role. Michelle is very keen on sport and last year did the Outlaw Triathlon in Nottingham – this is an amazing 2.4mile swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride and finishing with a marathon (26.2 mile run). She’s always been a keen cyclist and loves swimming but had to train hard for the
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Riviera People
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The local seals can sometimes get a bit too friendly with one tugging her wetsuit boots recently � April/May 2018
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F_BAR_15851 English Riviera Magazine - Mount Tryon - 238 x 165mm (WOW).qxp_Layout 1 11/01/2018 16:29 Page 1
Exciting news! Mount Tryon Care Home has a stylish new look! Following significant investment, the appearance of our home has been carefully designed with the people we care for in mind. Mount Tryon Care Home has beautifully refurbished rooms that are the perfect spots to socialise in, enjoy nutritious three-course meals or take part in our daily activities.
Nursing Care • Residential Care • Dementia Care • Respite Breaks
Pop in for a tour any time or call our friendly team for more information:
Call: 01803 701 098 Higher Warberry Road, Torquay, TQ1 1RR
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Riviera People
Michelle on the bow of Torbay’s inshore lifeboat
running part. As she couldn’t afford to get too far away from the Lifeboat Station, she spent a lot of time running up and down Brixham Breakwater! Sometimes Michelle travels further for her sport. A couple of years ago she took part in a 200-mile bike-ride in Mallorca. She also loves skiing and travels to resorts in either Europe or Canada every year. This year she’s doing a range of smaller events and also taking the opportunity to do more open-water swimming. She’s done this for a few years, swimming off Breakwater Beach and Fishcombe Cove. She reveals, “I’m not one of the hardy folk who swim all year-round; and I always wear a wetsuit.” She says that open water swimming has other hazards besides the cold. The local seals can sometimes get a bit too friendly with one tugging her wetsuit boots recently. Gym and yoga are also on her training schedule and she’s a regular at Solstice Studio and Platinum Gym in Brixham. Scymaris’s CEO Tim Derrington has just popped into englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
our meeting to say hello. He tells me, “What we do here is not rocket science – but it’s close to rocket science. With her high level of skills and expertise, Michelle can provide an exceptional degree of interpretation to our clients. This helps them to understand how they can design products which are considerably better for the environment.” Michelle explains, “As a start-up we have to work really hard but we have been very successful in positioning our business as very high quality, client-focussed, bespoke service.” This has led to a raft of new global clients in places like California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The business is set for expansion and is already growing very quickly. Fortunately, there is still plenty of available space at their Brixham HQ. It looks as though Brixham’s illustrious heritage and proud tradition as a world-class environmental research centre is in safe hands. And Michelle couldn’t be happier to be back in Brixham doing what she loves. scymaris.com April/May 2018
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Riviera People
John Couch The Estate Agent
John Couch did what many of his clients do – he moved to Torquay because he loved a holiday he spent here as a child. Anita Newcombe pops by to find out more.
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’m meeting John Couch at his elegant offices in instrument and asked to practise a scale – if he could Wellswood. He likes to work from the open plan achieve this successfully by the following week they would area with the rest of his team but he can retire to his train him. He could – he was accepted and studied the inner sanctum when the occasion arises. This is a rather euphonium until he was 15 years old. plush private office with a large traditional style wooden At the age of 16, John joined the Royal Artillery Band desk, attractive pictures on the walls and his computer and became Musician Couch 23711699. The Royal tucked discreetly away. Over many years, the business has Artillery Band and the Royal Artillery Orchestra are two developed a fine reputation for traditional, very personal of the oldest permanent musical organizations in the service whilst harnessing the power of technology to world, and can trace their origins as far back as 1557. deliver their impressive results. John thrived in the environment and when he came You won’t be half-talking to someone tapping away at out 7 years later, he did some gigging at places like the a computer here. That work starts when John has listened Connaught Rooms, where he and his fellow musicans and fully understood what the client (whether a buyer played for Masonics, formal dinners, ladies’ nights and so or a seller) is looking for. It’s a rather glamorous world on. He did that for a short while but didn’t like having of attractive houses and glossy to hang around Soho’s Greek At the age of 16, John joined the Street, the famous site of many brochures but linked in to a Royal Artillery Band and became restaurants and music clubs, to formidable network of offline and online contacts. And John is get offered gigs. Musician Couch 23711699 keen to point out that whilst he So John moved away from often sells very high value houses, there is no minimum the music world to try his hand at business. He started by house value – you’ll still get the same warm welcome here. selling insurance for a couple of companies but got fed up John tells me that he actually started his working life with all the commuting. On a whim, he decided to ‘up as a musician in Essex. His secondary modern school sticks’ and move to Torquay. This seemed a bold move to had a violin teacher and he found that he took to the one who grew up in Essex and London. John explains, instrument well, learning to play and to read the music. “I had a fortnight’s holiday in Torquay with my parents He didn’t enjoy mainstream subjects like Maths but he when I was eleven and I really wanted to go back.” loved his violin. He knew that he could get work because he was good One day his Mum saw an advertisement for a trombone at sales so he started looking about for someone who player in the local Essex and Thurrock paper. He was only needed an estate agent. Quants in Torquay, was the oldest 10 and couldn’t play the trombone but decided to give it a business in the Bay and in an office just next door, an go anyway. Impressed by his enthusiasm, the bandleader estate agent called Mr Dawson was looking for a new gave him a euphonium and asked him if he could manage team member. There was a young women typing in the to produce a good tone – he could. He was loaned the office and she went upstairs to see if Mr Dawson would
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Conroy Couch Jewellery Repair ad 165x238 #AW.indd 1
10/01/2018 18:25
Riviera People extensive networks both on and offline to ensure an early see John. After a few moments she returned and said, sale at the right price. John Couch is linked into all the best “Mr Dawson wants to know if you can read?” Somewhat online property portals like Prime Location, Right Move surprised John confirmed that he could indeed read and and Zoopla and is also part of MayfairOffice.co.uk, which was told, “Then you should know that the advertisement brings together all the best local estate agencies in one says, ‘Letters in the first instance’.” place. Because Mayfair Office is so well connected, they are Undeterred John asked for a sheet of paper and very good at getting national editorial for their properties wrote out a note to Mr Dawson who, having received and this can help John attract instructions. He says, “When it, immediately came to interview, John. What did the I am making a pitch for new business, I can explain that note say? John had written, “How many houses do you the client’s property will be exposed to all these agencies sell by writing letters?” Mr Dawson was impressed and is also likely to get high value editorial coverage.” and John started work on a commission-only contract. John has seen the best of local property for so many After working there for some time he teamed up with years that I wonder where he and his wife Susan have another employee called Frank Thom and together they chosen to live. Their home is just a mile away in Thatcher set up Thom and Couch Estate Agents in 1971. Having Avenue, a beautiful area and no commuting needed! The left Dawson’s, they stood on the corner and noticed family, including their son Tom, love travel and holidays. a Victorian villa; it was 2 Meadfoot Road. Shipman’s In fact when John and Susan were first together, they took Insurance Broker owned it and they had an office to rent. an 8 month sabbatical with 2 round-the-world air tickets. After 3 years of successful trading as Thom and Couch, Tom went on his first trip at the age of 4 months and a premises came up in Wellswood and John wanted to has travelled with them ever move but Frank wasn’t keen. Undeterred John asked for a sheet since. When the family dines So John bought him out and of paper and wrote out a note to out it’s usually from amongst John F. Couch Estate Agent Mr Dawson who, having received it, their favourite restaurants: The was born. This was obviously a golden age for John. He immediately came to interview, John. Church House Inn at Mardon, The Linny at Coffinswell, and reminisces about how genteel What did the note say? Number 7 Fish Bistro, Amici and gentlemanly the business and The Old Vienna in Torquay. This evening, a happy was at the time. He says, “The local estate agents often purchaser is taking them out to dinner at Orestone Manor. used to meet up for coffee and chat at the Tudor Rose Although his business is somewhat all consuming, John on the harbourside – we would often work together and was inspired recently to do some valuable community share commission 50/50.” work. Thatcher Pines was an attractive tearoom located They advertised regularly in the Herald Express. In on Thatcher Avenue around the 1920s – 1940s. After those days it was a broadsheet and there were no photos the tearooms closed, it became a popular wooden seating of the properties. He explains, “Every estate agent’s ad shelter. In October 2016 the historic building was sadly was in there and we’d be ready for when the paper came vandalised and burnt to the ground. John and Susan out at 12 noon every Thursday. We didn’t close for lunch felt that this was a worthwhile project and so worked on Thursdays as that’s when the calls came in – there was with Gary Kent to get it rebuilt. They held a fundraising no other method.” dinner to raise funds for the construction materials and Things have changed dramatically since then as then worked with South Devon College’s Carpentry and technology has crept in and people browse a lot more Joinery students to make it rise again from the ashes. online. John explains that service is still vital though. He John Couch The Estate Agent has been established says, “Online agencies are very much a self-service option. in Wellswood for 28 years (Bristol and West bought his I love tech but we are a ‘people business’ that uses tech – previous company in 1988). John tells me that he loves we’re not a tech business.” the work. He says, “My life is my business. It’s my hobby Of course, one of the most important things for an and my job.” Susan also works in the office, as well as estate agent is getting the initial householder’s instruction a close-knit team so it’s very much a family thing. His to market the property and this is where John’s experience father was just the same it seems, having worked in his and skill comes in. He makes sure that he listens carefully own printing business until he was 80. to the client’s opinions and needs; he prepares a beautiful printed brochure for each property and then uses his johncouch.co.uk
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Eden Phillpotts A Giant of Literature Prolific author and playwright, Eden Phillpotts penned more novels than Agatha Christie. Although resident in Torquay for 39 years and a Freeman, Eden today remains virtually unknown. Ian Handford of Torbay Civic Society brings us the story.
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n 2007 Torbay Civic Society unveiled a Blue Plaque in memory of Eden Phillpotts on his garden wall at Eltham House in Barton. Later, in January 2018, we again honoured this famous novelist at Magnolia Square in Torre. It was by sheer luck that Barrett Homes and I were able to save the remaining piece of ‘EP’s’ garden wall at Eltham House. The term ‘EP’ was gleaned from his lifelong friend Kenneth Day who during my early years as Chairman of Torbay Civic Society sponsored a Blue Plaque to honour his friend. Eden Phillpotts was born at ‘The Hill of Wisdom’ in India on November 4th 1862 and wrote later, “it may be that an Indian foster-mother’s milk by nurture influenced my nature”. He was the only child of Captain Henry Eden Phillpotts, a Civil Servant in the Indian Army and after his father died early, Eden and his mother returned to England to live at Dawlish. Educated at Mannamead School Plymouth, by age seventeen Eden had moved to London where he spent ten years working for the Sun Fire Insurance Co. In the capital he would daily dress himself in conventional long black coat and top hat, yet forever dreaming of the day he might be an author. His natural talent for writing short stories was eventually noted by Jerome K. Jerome and soon EP was assistant editor of the prestigious Black and White Journal. He would eventually return to the West Country and Torquay in 1890. Always an enthusiastic if not professional walker, EP would over the years capture Dartmoor in extensive notes, even though The End of Life, a thriller, was his first
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book in 1891. By 1896 EP was producing three novels a year and in one year actually completed three plays as well, which, it seems, all ran simultaneously. On arrival in Torquay, EP lived at Cosdonne in Wellswood and it was ten years before he moved to Eltham House in Oakhill Road with its huge garden and later a specially planted Magnolia tree. His daughter Adelaide, who was also an author, recalls her father commenting, “I want you to help me plant - this special Magnolia - because I shall never see it flower, you may, as it will not flower for thirty, forty or fifty years.” Indeed the rare Magnolia Campbellii never did. In EP’s time Agatha Christie lived not 400 yards distant from his house Eltham, and as an aspiring writer she was a regular visitor, in essence her early mentor. Travelling widely over the years ensured that EP became one of our most successful writers of travel books. Yet after his first thriller, an eager public were keen to read his next work, Lying Prophets - a story about the fisher-folk of Cornwall; it became an instant success. A year later in 1898, Children of the Mist - set around the village of Chagford, was quickly followed by Sound Red Earth set around Marldon in Torquay before a plethora of books about Dartmoor and its people were written. His book Widecombe Fair was renamed The Farmers Wife and turned into a humorous play for the theatre. His most famous books titled the Dartmoor Cycle involving 18 novels were centred on Dartmoor. Its characters captured in extraordinary detail, every nuance of every place and every englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Riviera Heritage individual he had visited. With the completion of the 18 books on Dartmoor, the next most acceptable work was Secret Women a tale of adultery and murder. This was one of his more controversial tomes. When dramatised for the theatre it was considered far too strong for public taste by the Lord Chamberlain who was our British Censor. Meanwhile as a long standing resident of Torquay, Eden was honoured when made a Freeman of the Borough in 1921 before our legendary writer spent literally decades to become the UK’s most prolific writer of short stories, essays, novels, theatre plays and most importantly, travel books. A shy, highly private and very stubborn man, EP rarely went out and stayed mainly at his desk. In 1929 the family moved to Broadclyst near Honiton after EP retired. He still survived until age 98, yet throughout life (as I learned from Mr Day), he always hated publicity and during nine decades had only made two public appearances. The first was in 1904 when assisting the unveiling of a plaque at Exeter Cathedral to fellow author and friend R D Blackmore, the second in 1958 when he appeared on television alongside John Betjeman – a man he must have admired, as the interview was truly out of character. That stubbornness had seen him admit to never attending a performance of any of his plays. Ardent readers recognised his books as true “classics of the era” although EP summarised that thought by stating, “ I dub myself a rank-and-file writer”. Of course, the sheer diversity and quantity of his work made it quite impossible for any fan to read everything. They might like
detective stories or travel books but poems, short stories, essays, or philosophical work – too much. When someone asked him how he relaxed he replied, “to hasten sleep I often enumerate famous names and generally choose those most eminent in the arts etc… for instance, tonight I might bring great painters to mind, tomorrow summon a regiment of composers, poets or novelists”. Any concept of counting sheep was never going to satisfy this brain. Eltham House was lost as South Devon College emerged and later when the College itself was demolished, Torre Marine housing emerged, right across the grounds of EP’s house and garden. The tale of our Blue Plaque at Eltham House wall, would finally lead to a second stainless steel plate being unveiled just weeks ago in January 2018, when we unveiled this on the iron guard of the wonderful Magnolia. Both historic plaques are worthy of viewing. EP died at Broadclyst on December 29th 1960 and he left Torquay Library all his first editions. This giant of literature had penned more books than Agatha Christie and today some are still listed by Amazon, although in Torquay he remains virtually unknown. If you raise your eyes when passing Torquay Town Hall - you can still view a commemorative stone tablet to read the carved words: “Read wisely for a good book is a faithful friend Eden Phillpotts 1907.” torbaycivicsociety.co.uk
Members of the Torbay Civic society at the unveiling in Torre Marine this January
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The Golden Age of Sail Brixham Royal Heritage Sailing Regatta will once again take place over the late May Bank Holiday (26/27 May).
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rixham’s famous royal regatta has been held since the 18th century with breaks only for the World Wars. Local fishermen competed fiercely for the accolade of fastest sailing trawler. In fact, they were so well regarded for their sailing skills that they became the favoured crew for His Majesty King George V when he regularly visited with his royal racing yacht Britannia for the local Torbay and Dartmouth regattas. In recognition of their services on Britannia he gave a silver cup to Brixham to be awarded to the fastest Brixham trawler in the local regatta. The Perpetual Challenge Cup was known locally as the King George V Cup or the King’s Cup. Due to the commencement of the First World War, the Cup was not presented until 1919 when Sunny Isle became the first winner. Lord Churston sent his thanks and good wishes to the king on this splendid gift, giving his word that the King George V Cup would forever be held as a very special link between the Port of Brixham and the Throne. Lord Churston’s son, who inherited his father’s title in 1930, subsequently became Brixham Yacht Club’s Commodore from 1957-60 and its President from 1961-62. Brixham Yacht Club is proud to be the custodian of the royal trophy and it is awarded every year for Class 1 Brixham trawlers such as the preserved vessels Vigilance, 22
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Pilgrim, Leader and Provident, who still compete as in days gone by. In 2013, Brixham Yacht Club was privileged to receive a visit from Prince Charles who took charge of his great grandfather’s trophy and went aboard to award it to the crew of the restored trawler Pilgrim, that year’s winner. During the Regatta’s heyday in the 1920s and 30s, the racing provided an incredible spectacle with a large fleet of big ketches and a large number of classic yachts. As well as King George’s own yacht Britannia there were several of the famous J-Class yachts creating a right royal occasion. In 1927, the winning trawler Valerian averaged an impressive 12 knots in high winds around the course. The regatta is tremendously weather-dependent with boats sometimes prevented from arriving from other ports if conditions are bad. 2012 was a fairly hair-raising year with a vicious easterly wind causing a 2.5 to 3-metre swell with a corkscrew effect in the Bay. In the interests of safety, the sailing had to be called off after the first round of buoys. Seasickness, gear failure and common sense called for an orderly retreat to the bar! The Ibex Cup, a long-lost trophy, has recently been returned to Brixham. It was originally awarded to Andrew Upham, the owner of the famous Brixham shipyard who built his design Ibex. This turned out to be the fastest englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Heritage Sailing Brixham trawler of all, winning 29 of the 33 races she entered despite having her sails cut down in size. She won so often that the cup was awarded to her owner in perpetuity. It has only recently been returned by friends of the original Upham family, to its rightful home in Brixham, to be awarded to the fastest vessel of any kind taking part in the regatta. Brixham Royal Heritage Sailing Regatta starts on Saturday May 26th with historic and classic vessels of all shapes and sizes gathering on Town Pontoon in Brixham, courtesy of the Harbour Authority. Crews and friends gather at Brixham Yacht Club for a Saturday evening of sea shanties and traditional fish pie supper, in preparation for the following day’s sailing. Sunday May 27th is the main event with a parade of sail out of Brixham harbour commencing around
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During the Regatta’s heyday in the 1920s and 30s, the racing provided an incredible spectacle with a large fleet of big ketches and a large number of classic yachts. ”
11.30am. Then you can see a sail in company around Tor Bay starting with the largest Brixham trawlers at 12.45pm off Battery Point. Vessels sail across to Paignton then return via Berry Head for several laps of the Bay, continuing until 4pm. The best vantage points to view the amazing sight of a Bay full of traditional sails are from Battery Point or Breakwater lighthouse. All vessels return to Brixham Harbour ready for the traditional prize giving at Brixham Yacht Club, to be followed by a fun charity auction in aid of Torbay Lifeboat. Last year’s event saw over 30 boats entered including junk rigged vessels and over £800 was raised for the RNLI. The organisers are hoping for another bumper entry this year and look forward to providing this traditional event as part of the wider Brixfest celebration. brixhamheritagesailing.org.uk
Don’t miss BrixFest, the annual weekend that celebrates the best of Brixham past and present with fishing trawlers, delicious seafood, live music, Dragonboat Challenge, Kids’ Day and spectacular fireworks. It runs from 26-30 May brixfest.com
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Yo Ho Ho
And a Bottle of Rum
The pirates of Brixham are celebrating after the popular annual Pirate Festival was given the go-ahead for the early May Bank Holiday weekend of 5-7 May.
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usiness, community figures and volunteers have rallied round to support the famous festival, one of Britain’s biggest and most charismatic pirate gatherings. All day and all evening pirates and scallywags will be crowding into the harbour and quayside area where the full size replica of the Golden Hind takes pride of place. The quality of the costumes and weaponry is so extraordinary that you’ll feel like you’re on the set of Pirates of the Caribbean. The local shops are overflowing with pirate outfits with piratical Tricorn hats, eye patches, bandanas and much more. The vast majority of visitors are dressed up even if it’s just a bandana and eye patch and I’ve even seen swashbuckling babies and toddlers waving their plastic swords. So avast ye
landlubbers, seadogs and old salts, come along and enjoy the great lineup of bands, the wild piratical goings-on and the fabulous costumes. Brixham is hoisting the Jolly Roger in style! One of the highlights of this year’s Pirate Festival is the arrival of the magnificent replica of the historic flagship El Galeón. Exciting skirmishes, attacks and boardings will be taking place aboard this amazing Spanish galleon as well as on the Golden Hind, the museum ship replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Tudor galleon. The Galeón Andalucía is a replica of the type of ship used by the Spanish Crown for maritime expeditions during the 16th through the 18th centuries. Galleons were expected to discover and then establish trade routes between Spain, America and the Philippines. With an innovative design for those times, galleons were armed merchant vessels with tonnages ranging from 500 to 1200, whereas their length-overall would range from 130 to 200 feet. They were designed to cross the largest oceans as efficiently as possible. For three centuries, these Spanish galleons crossed the Atlantic Ocean back and forth, sailed around the Caribbean Sea and the American coasts, and covered the Pacific route as well. They carried plenty of seamen, merchant traders and settlers, while their holds bore the fabulous loads resulting from American and Asian trade. Galleons were the most universal Spanish ships, which played the lead on forming commercial and cultural relationships. These ships formed the Indies fleet, which sailed from Seville, Spain, to America – Mexico and Panama. Here they linked up with the other great commercial route that extended the navigation to the Pacific Ocean - the Manila Galleon Route or China Route. This last route linked Manila to Acapulco, and brought the rich goods from the Far East to Spain and Western civilizations. Spanish Galleons played the leading role on the longest (in time and length) maritime commercial route of the history of navigation. o brixhampirates.com englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Out & About
The Replica: Replica : El Galeón Andalucía It took three years to research the main historical and maritime archives in Spain and compile all the necessary information about galleons’ shapes, details and measures so that this replica could be built. This historical research was then followed by structural design, a process that took 6 months. The construction of the galleon lasted 17 months and employed 150 people. She was launched in Punta Umbria (Huelva, Spain) in 2009. The replica was designed and built by Ignacio Fernandez Vial, a naval engineer and historian, commissioned by the Nao Victoria Foundation. During construction, a completely original and innovative technique was used. The hull and decks were built up in layers of fiberglass and the whole structure was lined with wood. It was the first time this method had been applied to any ship heavier than 500-tonnes meant for oceanic sailing. Essentially, this is a 500-tonne galleon, with length overall reaching 160 feet and beam 32 feet. Four masts hold 6 sails, which measure almost 11,000 square feet. Her average speed is 7 knots. Since her launch, a crew of between 15 to 35 people has manned her across the seas and oceans around the world. She has navigated the Pacific and Indian oceans, englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
crossed the Atlantic Ocean, and her wake has spread over the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the South and East China Seas, the Aegean Sea, the Bosphorus Strait and the Caribbean Sea, covering thousands of nautical miles in an attempt to evoke her ancestors.
Visiting El Galeón More than 3,400 ft2 to visit (on different decks) Maximum number of visitors per day: 5,000 Length: 164 ft. Main beam: 33 ft. Draft: 10.5 ft. Masts: 3 Sails: 7 Sail Area 10.000 ft2
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BMAD's
Out & About
Paignton Beach Bike Festival Bikers Make a Difference (BMAD) are running their hugely popular biker, music and beer festival on Paignton Green on the Bank Holiday weekend 4-6 May.
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his event is a dream come true for lovers of motorbikes, with gleaming machines lining the seafront, lots of great bands, a beer and cider tent and a selection of interesting trade stands. BMAD has raised £450,000 for charities and good causes over the years and recipients have included St John Ambulance, Torbay Young Carers, Epilepsy Watch, Rowcroft Hospice, Torquay PHAB Club, Devon Free Wheelers (Blood Bikes), Torbay Young Carers a secondary school breakfast club, a young cancer patient, a bereaved family and many more. There are 14 core members in the BMAD team but they do have others that turn up to help at the festival and their regular bike nights. The biggest costs are the bands, the stage, the PA systems, the stage crew, lights, barriers, green room and marquee and they always try to raise as much sponsorship as possible towards these fees. All funds raised from the festival and the bike nights go to the chosen charities. This year the festival bands will appear on two stages: the Biker Bar Stage and the Beach Bar Stage. Amongst the many acts you’ll be able to see are: Sonic Kingdom, Dizzy Lizzy, STOP STOP, The Simmertones, Russell Sinclair & the Smokin’ Locos and Hell’s Bells. Ticket prices are £4 for Friday night (6-11pm), £6 for Saturday (10am-11pm) and £5 for Sunday (10am-7pm). You can also buy a weekend pass for £12. Riders and pillions, who have paid to park on the sea front enter the music marquees free. There will be a vast range of beers and ciders this year provided by one of the leading suppliers in the region, Southwest Bars & Events. At least 50 ales and 20 ciders will be available including: Ales: Naughty Pilchard, Windjammer, Devon Dumpling, Crispy Pig, Brother Rabbit, Old Peculiar and Old Thumper. Ciders: Fanny Bramble, Happy Daze, Navelgazer, Mounts Bay Scrumpy, Black Dragon and Malvern Gold. There’s also a bike show with categories such as: Custom/ Chop/Cruiser; Streetfighter/Sports; Trike/Combination, Classic/Vintage and Best in Show. bmad.co.uk
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Paignton Bike Nights also take place on Wednesday evenings between June and the end of September on the seafront at Paignton from 6pm. Bike Night is intended to be a place to get together with like-minded people and at the same time raise money for charity. However, the event has become very popular with both locals and tourists who are just amazed to see so many bikes in one location.
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Heritage
John Wilson with Valerian
Celebrating Brixham’s
Shipbuilding Valerian BM161 and Mayflower are magnificent models newly displayed at Brixham Heritage Museum to pay tribute to the port’s boatbuilding heritage. The museum’s curator Philip Armitage, tells us more.
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rixham Heritage Museum has reopened after its decidedly unspectacular, scuttled, no longer wanted in the winter refurbishment period with some exciting “old watery graveyard” off Berry Head on 7th April 1955. new displays featuring large-scale ship models in Inspired by Valerian’s history, the late Mr Christopher the Museum’s collections. Led by Christopher Macauly, West (conservation technician at the former Bristol the Museum’s dedicated volunteer exhibition team of Otto Industrial Museum) chose the vessel as the subject for his Schneider, Roy Wilkins and Jim Lambourne has created large-scale model (overall length 1626 mm or 64 inches) spectacular displays for models of Valerian BM161 and the that was entered at the Model Engineering Exhibition, Mayflower: two renowned wooden sailing vessels that have Olympia in December 1996 where it was awarded the Silver strong associations with Brixham’s boatbuilding history. Medal. During modelling, Mr West was able to obtain Founded in 1817, the first-hand information from firm of J. W. & A. Uphams retired Brixham shipwright During WW2 Valerian served as a was the pre-eminent builder Mr Ronald Pillar, who had barge for a barrage balloon protecting of many of Brixham’s worked on the original vessel Plymouth Docks. famous wooden sailing at the Upham’s shipyard; smacks up to 400 tons burthen, including the Valerian ensuring authenticity in the model’s fine detail. Following BM161. Launched in 1923, Valerian represented the the death of her husband, Mrs B. West generously donated ultimate development of the ketch-rigged wooden sailing the model to the museum in 2007 and it now takes pride trawler and was among the last of the working Brixham of place in a brand-new display case in the museum’s sailing trawlers. Maritime Room along with Brixham Regatta trophy cups With a reputation for being the fastest sailing trawler and memorabilia. in Torbay, Valerian was outright winner of the Brixham Unlike the Valerian model, the craftsman who created Torbay Royal Regatta and recipient of the King George V the Mayflower model now displayed at Brixham Museum silver regatta cup eleven times from 1923 to 1939. remains unknown. It was acquired by Topsham Museum During WW2 Valerian served as a barge for a barrage from Devon County Council in 1986 and was used by that balloon protecting Plymouth Docks. For such a splendid museum for school visits to show rigging and sailing ship vessel with many racing laurels, her post WW2 fate was construction. By 2013, no longer required by Topsham
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Mayflower 400
Brixham Heritage Museum is beginning to make preparations for the 400th Mayflower Anniversary and would welcome anyone who was present in Brixham during the building and launch of the Mayflower II to make contact with their stories.
Museum it was kindly donated to Brixham Museum where, owing to the lack of a suitably large display case, it had to be temporarily housed in Brixham Town Hall. Monies subsequently raised by Brixham Museum Fundraisers allowed the purchase of a new case and in September 2017 the model was relocated to the museum in preparation for its display this year. The model now forms a major feature of the Mayflower II gallery (designed by Christopher Macauly), which is dedicated to telling the story behind the construction and launch at Upham’s Shipyard in 1956 – 57, of the fullscale replica of the original Mayflower that transported the Pilgrim Fathers and other settlers to America, in 1620. Sadly, this reconstruction was to be the last major project carried out by Upham’s Shipyard before its closure a few years later. The Mayflower II project was conceived by Mr Warwick Charlton (soldier, playwright and journalist), as a way of thanking the United States for coming to the aid of Britain in the dark days of the Second World War. The re-creation of the Mayflower received worldwide headline media attention, one newspaper account stating, “America awaits with anticipation the coming of the vessel whose historic name has echoed down the ages, as much as a symbol of freedom as the Statue of Liberty”. The choice of Upham’s Yard to carry out this much acclaimed Anglo-American project was due to its reputation as the only remaining shipyard in Britain with a team of master craftsmen with the necessary experience and skills in wooden boatbuilding. Yard owner and manager, Mr Stuart Upham, fifth generation member englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
of the shipbuilding family led the team. Working to plans of 17th-century merchant vessels, painstakingly researched by U.S. Naval Architect Mr William A. Baker, the Brixham shipwrights set to the task. Among them was Mr John Wilson, the last apprentice shipwright trained at the Upham’s yard. Copies of photographs taken in 1956/57 of all of the Brixham shipwrights who worked on the vessel at Uphams are displayed at Brixham Museum. Mayflower II’s launch date was 22nd September 1956, taking place during a thunderstorm. Following further fitting out and a stopover at Dartmouth, Mayflower II finally left Plymouth on 20th April 1957. Despite concerns voiced by some that the replica would be unseaworthy, their fears proved entirely unwarranted and was found to be a “staunch well-built” vessel. Under the experienced command of Captain Alan Villiers (a WW2 Royal Navy veteran) Mayflower II crossed the Atlantic in fifty -five days, with a crew of 30 plus ship’s cat Felix. For over 60 years, Mayflower II, in her new home at the Plimoth Plantation, Massachusetts, has proved a popular tourist attraction and ‘national icon’ of the founding of the United States. In December 2015, Mayflower II was hauled out of the water and transported to the Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport, Connecticut, where restoration work is being carried out. It is due for completion in 2020 so the vessel can be returned to its permanent birth at Plimoth Plantation in time for the 400th Anniversary celebrations, marking the arrival in America of the original Mayflower, in 1620. brixhammuseum.uk April/May 2018
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Out & About
T O U R
2 0 1 8
Over the Bank Holiday weekend of 5-6 May, Torquay will welcome over forty of Britain’s leading offshore race teams as the 2018 OCRDA season gets underway with the awe-inspiring Aqua Adrenaline Tour.
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ast year’s event attracted huge crowds and despite choppy conditions in Tor Bay, competition was fast and furious over the two day, four race programme. The OCR fleet is made up of four classes depending on engine size, the most popular division being Class 3 with 200hp engines which produce speeds of 70mph plus. Torquay is one of the longest established offshore race venues in Britain and the famous Cowes-Torquay marathon was first staged in 1963. Spectators can enjoy a ready-made grandstand, overlooking Tor Bay on Haldon Pier. The boats are lined up on the pier when not racing so why not pop along to meet the crews and photograph the craft at close quarters? Teams have great names like: Who Dares Swims; Enforcer, Red or Dead; SeaFury, The Rock, Licence to Thrill, Vanishing Point, Hyperactive and Bulletproof. The thrills and high-octane excitement of offshore circuit racing is a joy for all watersport enthusiasts, and remember, it’s one of the few sporting events you can enjoy, free of charge. The Torquay event will also include spectacular
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flyboarding demonstrations from James Prestwood and expect to see some fabulous supercars with HR Owen Ecurie in attendance. The OCRDA Aqua Adrenaline Tour takes in five Grand Prix. Torquay kicks off the programme before moving onto Holyhead in Wales, West Bay in Dorset, Howth in Ireland and Herne Bay in Kent. The Offshore Racing Drivers Association (OCRDA) is run by a highly experienced and professional team of dedicated individuals under the leadership of their chairman Bob McCarthy. They are keen to welcome powerboat owners as new members to join the OCRDA racing scene. All you need is a boat, a licence, a strong constitution and nerves of steel! There are also many volunteers and staff who dedicate a considerable amount of time to the association and supply their skills, safety boats and equipment. Get in touch via the website if you’re interested in learning more. There are also some exciting videos to watch. ocrda.com
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IBEX
Canoe Club We are blessed with a spectacular coastline with hidden coves, beaches you can only get to by boat, plus fascinating sea caves. You can learn the skills by going afloat with Brixham’s IBEX Canoe Club. Anita Newcombe went along to give it a go!
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enior Coach and Youth Officer Elaine Vestey has arranged for me to come along on a winter Saturday morning paddle at the end of February. The paddling season starts in earnest in May, particularly for newbies, but the joys of magazine deadlines mean I have to brave the rather chilly conditions. I arrive a little early at the non-profit-making IBEX Canoe Club HQ on the quay at Brixham Harbour (next to the RNLI Station). It’s a brilliant location with parking
nearby. Suddenly members and coaches are streaming in and it is clear that this is a very vibrant club with a large contingent of highly talented and qualified leaders. They are also affiliated to Canoe England so it’s a very safe and professional club as well as being super-friendly. It’s a very welcoming and well-organised environment, with lots of boats and plenty of beautifully stored kit. Elaine doesn’t think I will be warm enough with my 3mm wetsuit, fleece and windproof cag so she kits me up with
Back: Elaine Vestey, Dave Hughes, Dan Hatherley, Ian Andrews, Keelan Norris, Tom Cobain, Luke Hill Middle: Ed Barlow, Steve Longthorpe Front: Luci Reynolds, Katie Wilkinson, Harry Chant
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Give It A Go - IBEX IBEX 2018 Programme Beginners Classes Length: 4 weeks Progression: To 6-week improvers’ courses. When: Mon, Tues & Thurs evenings from 7pm. Objective: Aimed at teaching BCU 2* Kayak. Contact: Simon Berry, Level 2 BCU Coach, Sea Leader. 07791 597925. Email simon.berry@ibexcanoeclub.org.uk
Wednesday Evening Club Night some cosy salopettes and swaps my lightweight cag for a good quality dry cag with latex seals. The necks and wrists of these dry cags are quite difficult to get in and out of but they do keep you dry in the event of a capsize. Suitably dressed, I am offered a helmet and a paddle and head off with Dave Hughes, committee member and coach, to pick out a boat. I am allocated a rather smart looking red sea kayak and am helped to launch off the adjacent slipway. Other members are launching in general purpose kayaks called Wild Things and there’s even an open boat (Canadian Canoe) going out. This morning there is a large contingent from the youth group plus about eight instructors. As the weather is poor today we are unable to go outside the harbour area and I have plenty of time to chat to the various coaches and committee members as we paddle along merrily. Personally I have done a reasonable amount of paddling before but the club is also perfect for beginners. Everyone needs to be a member before they can participate but the annual fee is only £35 for an individual, £70 for a family or £15 for a youth member. There are regular beginners’ courses and these start with some instruction sessions in the warmth and comfort of Brixham pool. Once you’ve got the basics, you can progress to paddling on the open water and this is where the real fun begins. It’s great fun, very sociable and you can learn at your own pace. Once you have mastered your BCU 2*, you can enjoy club paddles around the Bay plus longer coastal paddles. If you’ve kayaked before, you can expect lots of progression here with improvers’ courses right through to instructor level readily available. There are also sociable picnic paddles and regular drop-in sessions where you can practise and improve on open boats, sea kayaks or general purpose kayaks. Regular paddling starts in May but there are paddles all year round on Saturday mornings. To be honest, once you’re togged up and paddling, you’re pretty warm (I was actually quite toasty). The pleasure of being on the water is absolute bliss and discovering all the englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Suitable for: BCU 2* standard. Contact: Luke Hill, Level 2 BCU Coach. 07967 438410
Development Class These sessions are run as needed. Contact: Dave Hughes, Level 1 Coach 4* Sea Leader. 07738 162038
Taster Sessions Suitable for: Anyone who just wants to have a go including tourists and visitors. When: Thursday mornings. Contact Ralph Stobart, 01803 857656 / 07876 134029
Ibex Youth Saturday mornings Suitable for: Ages 11-18 including beginners. When: May - August. Objective: Extending the skills of the current members. Contact: Elaine Vestey Level 2 BCU Coach. Youth Officer. 01803 883454 / 07930 815155
Club Trips (Day Trips or Longer) Suitable for: BCU 2* Kayak and above. Includes river and coastal trips from varied locations. See website for diary details.
Winter Paddling Suitable for: Adults and youth. When: September – April on Saturday mornings. Objective: Improvers training for various skill levels including white water. Contact Elaine Vestey, Level 2 BCU Coach. 01803 883454 / 07930 815155
nooks, crannies and wildlife on our lovely coastline makes the perfect day out. Elaine explains as a newcomer, you can start anytime from May and should wear a wetsuit if you have one. If not, then wear shorts and a t-shirt plus some plimsolls or comfy shoes that can get wet. ibexcanoeclub.org.uk April/May 2018
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Kingswear to Froward Point Distance: 5½ miles (circular walk) Exertion: Moderate Hills Time: Allow 3 hours Terrain: Well marked undulating footpaths largely following the Southwest Coast path Dogs: Free to roam, on leads where livestock Refreshments: In Kingswear, or carry refreshments with you. Start postcode: TQ6 0AA
T
his circular walk commences at the Lower River Dart Ferry Slipway in Kingswear and follows the coast path to Froward Point overlooking the entrance to the river Dart and then returns to Kingswear via an inland footpath. There is some on-road parking in Kingswear but beware, as some of these are residents-only during certain times of the day. Before leaving the slipway take a moment to read the inscriptions on the wall leading down to the river. They refer to the clandestine activities of our coastal forces during World War 2. The walk starts under the archway immediately to the left of Kingswear Post Office adjacent to the slipway.
1 Alma Steps climbs steeply from the slipway up
to Kingswear Parish Church. Here we turn right and keep climbing up Church Hill. After a steep climb of about 500m we join Beacon Lane which descends towards the river, giving glimpses between the houses of Dartmouth, the Royal Naval College and, further towards the sea, Dartmouth Castle. 2 After a shor t while the road becomes private and
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April/May 2018
all vehicles except residents are prohibited. This road undulates gently and passes some extremely desirable proper ties. After approximately ½ mile, the road opens out into countryside and we turn right down some steps. These are signposted as Inner Froward Point 1¼ miles. Here we enter Warren Woods; this section of the South Devon Coast path is dedicated to the memory of Herber t Jones VC OBE and was opened in June 1984. 3 The path descends through Warren Woods for approximately 500m downhill on well-constructed steps crossing another private road as we descend to sea level. At the bottom of the path is access to Mill Bay a small-secluded cove. 4 Leaving Mill Cove, follow the path to the right and after a short distance it turns left up some steep steps into woodland. Here we follow the path for approximately 2 miles towards Froward Point. The path is undulating but easy to follow; just keep the
englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Text & photos: Richard Newcombe
Walk
river on your right! There are some very conveniently placed benches along the route where you can take advantage of some wonderful views across the bay to Start Point. The path enters National Trust Woodland Higher Brownstone and after a short while it emerges at Froward Point. The building remains that are visible here formed part of a Second World War gun battery positioned for the defence of Dartmouth. 5 One of the buildings now accommodates Froward Point National Coast Watch Institution. Small boat pleasure boat users and kayakers are among those who may be completely unaware that their safety is being monitored from on high. The duty lookout staff welcome visitors and will give a brief and informative introduction to their work. There is a donation box and a bowl of dog drinking water is always available. 6 Leaving Froward Point, we walk uphill along the roadway towards Brownstone Car Park. After a short distance the Daymark comes into view on our right.
englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
This 25m high structure was built in 1864 as a navigational aid. here is a path across the eld to the Daymark and to appreciate its true grandeur stand immediately beneath the arches and imagine what a feat of construction this really was. 7 Follow the roadway for about ½ mile from the Daymark and after the second sharp turn in the road our path goes to the left and is signposted to Kingswear. It descends a track for about 200m and joins a farm lane at Brownstone Cross where the footpath is signposted left to Kingswear 1½ miles.The path descends past Brownstone Holiday Cottages where it becomes quite steep and rocky. A small stream follows the path and in times of heavy rain this can become quite a torrent. At the bottom we reach a small bridge by some houses and a red telephone box. Here we turn left and follow this well-maintained road back towards Kingswear. After about ½ mile this road rejoins our original outward path where it entered Warren Woods. From here follow the path for about a mile back to Kingswear.
April/May 2018
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EST D 1904
R EDCLIFFE H OTEL PAIGNTON
Redcliffe Hotel
The Babbacombe Inn
Occombe Farm Café
From light bites to a main meal, the Redcliffe Hotel offers everything you need for a perfect luncheon treat. Enjoy the superb views from our sea view terrace overlooking the beach and choose from our extensive lunch time bar menu. On Sundays a 3 course traditional sunday lunch is available in our Paris Singer Restaurant, which again enjoys panoramic sea views. The Redcliffe is also an ideal venue for all types of functions.
The Babbacombe Inn on Babbacombe Downs enjoys one of the most fabulous views around and has a great beer garden. Open daily, it offers an impressive range of tasty pub food in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re after a morning coffee, light snack or meal with family and friends, the Babbacombe Inn has a menu to suit all tastes and budgets. With live entertainment and a weekly quiz, it’s also ideal for a pre-theatre meal or drink. Free parking on site.
Family-friendly café set on an organic working farm. Famous for farmhouse breakfasts, hearty lunches, seasonal specials and Sunday roasts. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor adventure play area and why not explore the farm and walk the 2km nature trail after lunch? All profits from the café go to local charity Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. Open daily from 9am – 4:30pm.
59 Babbacombe Downs Road Torquay TQ1 3LP 01803 316200 www.babbacombeinn.co.uk
CAFÉ CULTURE BY DAY AND AN INTIMATE RESTAURANT BY NIGHT
The Redcliffe Hotel 4 Marine Drive Paignton TQ3 2NL 01803 526397 www.redcliffehotel.co.uk
Occombe Farm Preston Down Road PaigntonTQ3 1RN 01803 520022 info@countryside-trust.org.uk
GREAT FOOD GREAT DRINKS GREAT VIEWS GREAT FUN
summer opening
From 1 April:
Every Day 9am - 9:30pm (last orders)
call to book: 01803 856738 www.brixham-restaurant.co.uk
We’re not aiming to be the ‘Worlds Best’ restaurant… ‘Just Yours’! 38
April/May 2018
englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Why Not Try Some New, Local Food & Drink Experiences? New! Evening Dining at Occombe Farm Occombe Farm Café is well known for its scrumptious breakfasts and delicious range of lunches, afternoon teas and snacks. Now you can dine there on Friday evenings. Commencing 30 March, there will be a new 3-course dinner menu on offer with a selection of appetising starters, tempting main courses and decadent puddings. The food, as always, will be freshly, home made, creative and crammed with locally sourced ingredients. Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust runs Occombe Farm Café and all profits go towards helping look after Torbay’s most treasured places and spaces. Call or email to book 01803 696255, farmcafe@occombe.org.uk
Food & Drink News
Gin Festival If you love gin – you’ll love this great festival on 13 & 14 April, which celebrates all things gin. Enjoy tastings, cocktails, entertainment and eats. Times: Friday 13 April 6.30-11pm, Saturday 14 April 12.30-5pm and 6.30-11pm. Tickets from £11. The Gin Festival takes place at the Town Hall, Castle Circus, Torquay and is for over-18s only. ginfestival.com For lovers of bubbly, why not head over to the Prosecco Festival at the Riviera International Centre on 18 and 19 May? Located within the main hall will be stations offering more than 40 types of Prosecco, Spumante, Cava, Brut, Pink Fizz and even Prosecco cocktails. Standard tickets are £9.50. proseccofestival.co.uk
Bay’s Trunk Ale The magnificent elephant is under threat and populations are sadly in decline due to poaching and a shrinking habitat. As a result, Bays Brewery has once again teamed up with Paignton Zoo to brew a special beer in aid of elephants, aptly named Trunk Ale. Trunk Ale has been brewed using traditional methods with exciting new hops, resulting in well-balanced deep amber ale. Bays are donating 10 pence from every pint sold towards supporting vital conservation work. Last year Crocod’ale raised a whopping £2,650 for wildlife conservation and since 2013 this takes the overall total beyond £15,000. baysbrewery.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Book your tickets for this year’s ever-popular Occombe Festival being held on 15 & 16 June. Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust runs this highlight of the season and it’s an essential fundraiser for the Trust’s protection of 1,750 acres of Torbay’s most beautiful natural places. What started out as a celebration of local ales has evolved to include local foods, regional music and cider, wine, Pimms and Prosecco. Whilst beer has been dropped from the festival title now, it will still be a massive part of the event with over 40 varieties of ales and craft lager to sample. Tickets are on sale from 13 April. occombefestival.co.uk April/May 2018
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Music Festivals
Music lovers are in for a treat with two great foot-stomping festivals on offer After an impressive festival debut last year which saw thousands flock to Torquay, the Grinagog Festival returns for 3 days from 20 – 22 April. This year Grinagog will welcome a host of live bands, solo artists and DJs across multiple stages at two key venues - the historic 12th century Torre Abbey and the Riviera International Centre. Acts include TV and radio legend, BBC 6 Music’s Craig Charles and leading Grime MC artist Big Narstie. Also heading to Grinagog Festival 2018 is Macka B, top of the reggae scene since the early 90s and now bringing his world show back to the UK. Festival organiser DJ Chris Tofu’s Continental Drifts music team’s line-ups at Glastonbury’s Shangri La, Boomtown and Bestival have become some of the most exciting features on the UK festival scene. Chris says, “All my life, I’ve looked at Torquay and seen it as one humongous great festival site… with no mud! The place is like the ultimate festival venue, and I should know because I’ve started loads of festivals. We’re bringing together all the amazing promoters and cultural workers who are in the town and the surrounding area already into one big pot to create a cultural explosion that we hope can really be a place maker for this town.” Grinagog Festival is a partnership project funded by Arts Council England, The Mayor’s Event Fund and Torbay Culture Board. grinagogfestival.com
21st Anniversary This popular music festival takes place in more than 20 indoor and outdoor venues across Dartmouth on 11, 12 and 13 May and this year they are celebrating 21 years of music. If it’s good enough for you, it’s good enough for me and it’s even better for the 2018 Dart Music Festival as they have the fabulous Dodgy, the rock trio, headlining this year. The diversity of musical genre is impressive with over 100 acts. Here you can enjoy classical, jazz, swing, rock, pop, dance, blues, soul, folk, country, choral, sea shanties, concert and big band music. Venues include the bandstand in Royal Avenue Gardens, Bayards Cove Fort, The Flavel Arts Centre, St Saviour’s Church, St Petrox Church, The Flavel Church, Anchorstone Café, Castle Tea Rooms, Royal Castle 40
April/May 2018
Grill Room, The Old Market Square and Café Al Fresco. There are open-air street-based performances making for a constant buzz of enjoyment. All events are provided free-of-charge so don’t forget to contribute into the collection buckets when they come round – the whole event costs £70,000 to put on! The unique premise of the Festival is to cover both contemporary and classical music and offer ‘free entry to all’ performances and workshops for both children and adults alike. dartmusicfestival.co.uk
englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Not Just for Tourists!
Special Oers
for English Riviera Magazine readers from
www.englishrivieradaysout.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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If you haven’t been to the Model Village for a few years, you will discover that many new models and scenes have been added, including a major new city display, due for completion during the spring 2018. www.model-village.co.uk
Enjoy a FREE GIFT with this voucher! To receive your free gift, simply hand the voucher in when buying your Babbacombe Cliff Railway ticket.
www.babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk 01803 328750
Voucher Offer: 20% Admission Discount Terms & Conditions: Valid for up to 6 people against full adult/child/senior rates, only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Thursday evenings, until 30th September 2018. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts.
Terms & Conditions: Voucher redeemable only on purchase of a Cliff Railway ticket. One gift per voucher while stocks last. Cannot be exchanged for cash. Valid until 30/09/18
20% OFF ADMISSIONS WITH THIS VOUCHER See, smell and hear the bustle of Bygones life size Victorian street. Explore 15 shops and 9 period rooms packed full of authentic displays. Continue your journey upstairs for our military, railway and 50s/60s displays. You must present the voucher with payment in order to receive your discount. Not valid with any other discount or offer or for special booking events. Only original vouchers will be accepted. Valid until 30th September 2018.
You are promised an evening of extraordinary entertainment, with the 5-star family variety show, Starshine Enjoy side - splitting comedy, mystifying illusions, powerful vocalists delivering dynamic songs and elegant dancers who are endlessly energetic.
VOUCHER OFFER 2 TICKETS FOR THE PRICE OF 1 on any Tuesday performance + 1 Child FREE with each paying adult
Terms & Conditions: Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Based on the full ticket price of £22. Only on presentation of this voucher at time of booking. Not valid against tickets already sold. No group bookings & subject to availability. Valid From 3 April – 23 October 2018 • TQ Residents Only
Not Just for
Out & About
Tourists!
The English Riviera has probably the biggest and most varied selection of world-class attractions of any UK resort. But they are not just for visitors. We chat to Richard Cuming Chairman of English Riviera Attractions about this issue’s special offers, especially for residents.
S
ometimes it’s easy to overlook the amazing collection of experiences that are on offer right here in the Bay. Perhaps we only think of them when we have visitors. But they can enrich our lives so much, that they are worth scheduling in as often as possible. Richard Cuming explains that English Riviera Attractions is a group of 17 exceptional local businesses that have found working together delivers brilliant results and excellent quality. He tells me, “Locals are really important to all our members. We love to chat to residents and many of them pop by their favourite attractions regularly - meeting friends for coffee and enjoying some pure relaxation time. This is why we’ve decided to include a special offer just for residents from every single attraction in the group – we hope to see you soon!” There’s plenty to inspire you. For history and heritage lovers, there’s a veritable feast: 800-year-old Torre Abbey with its glorious gardens and its famous Spanish Barn; Torquay Museum with a wealth of fascinating exhibits plus the country’s only permanent Agatha Christie collection; Kents Cavern, one of Europe’s top prehistoric Stone Age caves with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular caverns and Bygones, an authentic life-size Victorian street with 3 fascinating floors of pure nostalgia. Going right back in history, Torquay’s Dinosaur World offers some ‘wow factor’ interaction with incredible dinosaurs and fascinating fossils. The National Trust offers some special days out, at both Agatha Christie’s treasured Greenway and at beautiful Coleton Fishacre, noted for its stunning Art Deco interior. Both properties are fabulous to visit and have superb gardens. It’s always wonderful to commune with animals and wildlife – so why not visit Paignton Zoo with its acres of
englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Richard Cuming
gardens, huge numbers of exotic species, reptile tropics, desert glasshouse, undercover bird show and indoor play areas? Prefer to party with the penguins? You’ll soon be chuckling with these cheeky chappies at Living Coasts. And don’t forget the farm animals, nature trail and delightful café at Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s welcoming Occombe Farm. Babbacombe Model Village is beloved by all ages with its 4 acres of award winning gardens, hundreds of model scenes, miniature vehicles and people. A trip to the beach is made extra-special by a ride on the historic Babbacombe Cliff Railway. And don’t miss the historic and ever-vibrant Babbacombe Theatre, which has brought the best of English variety theatre to locals and visitors for over 80 years. Another brilliant day out is to Cockington Court Craft Centre, a working craft centre set in and around the beautiful manor house with its fine country park and popular tearooms. Over in Brixham, piratical swashbucklers of all ages will enjoy the full-sized Golden Hind Museum Ship. How about a refreshing and even super-exhilarating dip? Try Splashdown Quaywest, the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark. As well as the eight exhilarating waterslides there are special areas for toddlers and a 20 metre long swimming pool with sun terraces. Bliss! Also don’t forget the joys of Waves Leisure Pool with its lovely warm water and fun activities for all ages. If you have visitors or just fancy a fun day out, why not try English Riviera Sightseeing Tours with their open-top buses? Now is the perfect time to treat your family to some truly memorable experiences. Take advantage of the special offer vouchers in the centre of this issue of English Riviera – The Residents’ Magazine for some great discounts.
April/May 2018
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#
Treat yourself to something special in Coleton Fishacre or Greenway shop.
Occombe Farm
This voucher entitles you to 15% discount when you spend £10 or more. For more information call 01803 842382 or visit nationaltrust. org.uk/coleton-fishacre or nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway.
Occombe Farm is a working organic farm in Paignton; open to the public and free to visit. There’s a 2km nature trail, nature reserve, farm shop and a charming family-friendly Farm Café.
20% off food in our Occombe Farm Cafe
Offer valid until 30 September 2018. Discount not redeemable in conjunction with any other offer. Voucher must be surrendered upon redemption. Only one voucher per transaction. Parking spaces must be booked in advance at Greenway online or by phone.
Valid until 30th September 2018. Excludes evening menu. Excludes beverages and cakes unless purchased with main meals. No cash alternative offered. Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
£1 OFF
standard single admissions Fantastic Flume Rides Great for Groups Heated Water Free Wet Suit Hire To redeem, please present your completed voucher before purchasing your tickets. Not valid with any other offer, discount or special event. Valid for up to 4 people. Expires 02/09/2018 Office Use Only: ERM2018
£2 OFF per adult & £1.50p OFF per child, senior citizen or student Valid until 31/03/19
Keep In Touch - We’d like to keep in touch with you following your visit. Please tick the boxes below if you would like to receive communication from Paignton Zoo. You may opt out at any time by contacting us. Your details will not be shared with any other party. To view the Paignton Zoo Privacy Policy please visit our website.
News
New products
By post Events
By email Offers
NEW
FOR 2018
Brick Built, a family-friendly LEGO® models exhibition 25th May – 8th September
Voucher Offer
20% off Admission Price Valid for up to 5 Visitors Voucher End Date 30th September 2018
SIGHTSEEING TOURS 10% DISCOUNT OFF A TICKET
T&Cs: Hand in voucher before you pay to receive discount. This discount applies to all full price tickets and is not valid with any other offer or special events.
I would like to receive the following:
Travel back through 400 million years of time at Torquay Museum- a family-friendly visitor attraction, with lots to see and do for children and adults alike.
Fundraising
Name: ............................................................................................................................... Email: ................................................................................................................................ Address: ........................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................ ................................................................. Postcode: ......................................................
Explore the English Riviera on our beautiful vintage open-top bus. It’s a perfect way to relax and leave the driving to the local experts while you enjoy a trip around the bay. Discount applies to full ticket price, is not valid with any other offer, and has no monetary value. No photocopies. Valid for up to 6 people. Expires 30th September 2018.
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£1 OFF per adult & 50p OFF per child, senior citizen or student Valid until 31/03/19 T&Cs: Hand in voucher before you pay to receive discount. This discount applies to all full price tickets and is not valid with any other offer or special events. Keep In Touch - We’d like to keep in touch with you following your visit. Please tick the boxes below if you would like to receive communication from Living Coasts. You may opt out at any time by contacting us. Your details will not be shared with any other party. To view the Living Coasts Privacy Policy please visit our website. By post
I would like to receive the following: News
New products
Events
15% OFF a swim at Waves Leisure Pool
By email Offers
Fundraising
Name: ............................................................................................................................... Email: ................................................................................................................................ Address: ........................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................ ................................................................. Postcode: ......................................................
Craft Centre
In Cockington Court’s Manor House you’ll find our traditional Tea Rooms. Open all year from 10am, we offer a warm welcome to customers and their dogs, whatever the weather. Enjoy a morning coffee, a light lunch or afternoon tea in this magnificent setting. Free admission, open daily from 10am 10% OFF Court purchases in the Torquay Tea Rooms Cockington Craft Centre, Cockington, TQ2 6XA Tel: 01803 for up 607230 to fourwww.cockingtoncourt.org guests per voucher Cockington Court Craft Centre
Located within the Riviera Centre. The 30ºC pool features a unique sloping floor, wave machine, flume and water activity centre.
Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Admission policy applies. Subject to availability. No cash alternative offered. Expires 28/2/19
Coming up this Easter STEP E INTO TH
STONE
AGE
20% OFF PER PERSON
Terms & Conditions Valid for up to 6 people. Valid for daytime tours and the Summer Evening Ghost Tour.
@CockingtonC
Valid until 30 Sept 2018
Alcohol, retail items or specials are not included. Valid until 30th September 2018
25% OFF per person or group admission
Torquay, Devon TQ1 2JF
01803 215136
WWW.KENTS-CAVERN.CO.UK
Stay local this season and enjoy the South West’s best attractions!
Visitor Attraction of the Year South Devon & English Riviera Tourism Awards 2017/18 Valid on full price tickets only until 30th September 2018. Open 7 days a week. Not valid with any other discount or offer or special events. Subject to availability.
torre-abbey.org.uk
www.englishrivieradaysout.co.uk
April & May Around the Bay
Dinosaur Easter Egg Hunt, Torquay 24 March - 15 April Explore the dinosaurs, discover fascinating fossils and find out who has been stealing the dinosaur eggs. Use the clues to solve the mystery and win a special Easter Edition Dinosaur Expert Certificate, a selection of real 160 million-year-old fossils, and a chocolatey treat. Plus, win a Dinosaur World T Shirt and a Dinosaur Goodie Bag full of toys, models and fossils with the Easter Card competition. Times: 11am - last entry 3.30pm (close 5pm). Torquay’s Dinosaur World, 3 Victoria Parade, Torquay TQ1 2BB 01803 298779 torquaysdinosaurworld.co.uk
Babbacombe Model Village Easter Egg Trail 29 March - 15 April Can you find all the hidden eggs? A chocolately treat for all successful young eggsplorers! Best to arrive no later than 3.00pm. Remember to bring a pen/pencil for the spotter sheet. Not available on Thursday evenings or when returning using the free return visit. Times: 10am – 4pm. Babbacombe Model Village, Hampton Avenue, Torquay TQ1 3LA 01803 315315 model-village.co.uk
Berry Head Easter Egg Hunt 30 March-2 April An Easter Egg Hunt with fun for all the family around Berry Head’s North Fort. Instructions from the Guardhouse Cafe. Times: 9am-5pm. Cost: free but donations to Shoalstone Pool at £2 per child suggested. Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Gillard Road, Brixham TQ5 9AW 01803 855778 guardhousecafe.com
Eggs-cellent Easter Weekend, Living Coasts 30 March – 2 April Enjoy some Easter fun amongst the penguins! Follow the 46
April/May 2018
Easter trail to find fun facts about the animals and you’ll receive a chocolate treat at the end. Standard admission charges apply. £1.50 per trail sheet, chocolate available whilst stocks last. Beacon Quay, Torquay TQ1 2BG 01803 202470 livingcoasts.org.uk
The Really Wild Egg Hunt, Paignton Zoo 30 March – 2 April Find all the bird eggs hidden in the Zoo grounds to learn more about the nature around you and receive a special Easter treat when you leave. £1.50 per trail sheet. Available whilst stocks last. One chocolate per trail sheet will be given. Standard admission charges apply. Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU 01803 697500 paigntonzoo.org.uk
Dinosaur Quest – Easter Underground, Torquay 30 March – 15 April Can you find all the all the dinosaur panels around the site? Find each dinosaur to learn more about these magnificent beasts. Complete the cave tour and find all the missing eggs or climb on our cave dinosaur and get your picture taken! Activities are included in the cave admission price. Kents Cavern, Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk
Cockington Explorer Challenge 30 March - 13 April Collect a challenge pack from the Visitor Centre and set off on an adventure around the park with your little explorers. Time: 11am-3pm daily, cost: £2. Managed by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. Cockington Visitor Centre, Cockington TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
What’s On Easter Activities at Cockington Court 30 March - 15 April Enjoy a fun Easter trail around Cockington Court. Trail sheet is £1 and you’ll get a treat at the end! Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org
Easter Egg Hunt, Greenway 30 March – 15 April Can you find the hidden chocolate eggs? Follow the clues; a treat will be waiting for you at the end. Cost: Child £2.50, booking not needed, admission applies. Times: 10.30am – 4pm. Dogs on leads are welcome. Parking must be prebooked. Greenway House, Kingswear TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationatrust.org.uk/greenway
Easter Egg Hunt, Coleton Fishacre 30 March – 15 April Can you follow the trail of clues around the garden to lead you to your chocolate reward? Cost: child £2.50, booking not needed, normal admission applies. Dogs on leads welcome. Times: 10.30am – 4pm. Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 national-trust.org.uk
Occombe Spring Quest 30 March – 13 April
Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AJ 01803 853225 berryheadhotel.com
Pilgrim Open Day, Brixham 2 & 8 April and 14 May Pilgrim is the oldest surviving trawler built and rigged in Brixham. Come aboard and see how they did things in 1895 and explore Brixham’s unique fishing and sailing heritage. Free guided tours. Times: April dates 10.30am-3.30pm, May date 1.30-3.30pm. Town Pontoon, opp. Prince William Pub, Prince William Quay, Brixham TQ5 9BP 01803 858148 pilgrimofbrixham.co.uk
Meet the Occombe Farm Animals 2, 6, 9, 13 April & 28 May Enjoy this fun and educational Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust event. Discover the farm animals of Occombe and even get the chance to feed some of them. Time: 1011am, cost: £3, suitable for: all ages. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Book online. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Can you solve the clues on Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s Springtime quest? Please note: the nature trail and orchard will be shut off to all those not attending the Quest. Time: 10am-3pm, cost: £2.50, all ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Babbacombe Cliff Railway Easter Trail 2 April
Easter Holidays Egg Hunt, Bygones 31 March – 15 April
Brixham Battery Easter Open Day 2 April
Enjoy hunting for the hidden eggs and then claim your own. Normal admission applies. Bygones, Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4PR 01803 326108 bygones.co.uk
Pop in to see Brixham Battery’s fascinating heritage centre and grounds with its education centre & museum plus war shelter, ammo tunnels, gun emplacements and more. Free entry. Time: 11am – 4pm Fishcombe Hill Road, Brixham TQ5 8RU 01803 852449 brixhambattery.net
Easter Sunday Lunch, Berry Head Hotel 1 April Enjoy a traditional 3-course carvery lunch with coffee at £18.95 per person. Outdoor Easter egg hunt for children and live jazz on the terrace from 12 noon. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Take part in a fun Easter Treasure Trail at the Cliff Railway and on the beach. Free to join in and a chocolate treat for those who successfully complete the trail (while stocks last). Babbacombe Downs Road, Torquay TQ1 3LF 01803 328750 babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk
Caves & Cosmos, Torquay 2 April Join Rob from astronomy charity Dartmoor Skies for an April/May 2018
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insightful, fun and interactive talk, which will explore what previous inhabitants of Kent’s Cavern would have seen when they gazed skyward. After hot drinks, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the night sky with telescopes. If the weather is bad then a guided cave tour will take place. Tickets: £10, book online. Kents Cavern, Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk
The Torbay Tornado, Torquay 2 April This adults’ dinghy regatta with approximately 40 dinghies racing off Torquay is part of the Sailing Southwest Winter Series championships. Royal Torbay Yacht Club, 12 Beacon Terrace, Torquay TQ1 2BH 01803 292006 rtyc.org
Rockpool Ramble, Paignton 3 April & 29 May Join Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s marine ranger and explore the incredible marine life that lives in Torbay’s rock pools. Discover feisty crabs, slimy anemones, wriggly starfish, sneaky prawns and more in the rock pools of Middlestone. Times: 2pm – 3.30pm on 3 April / 12 – 1.30pm on 29 May. Cost: £3.50, suitable for: all ages. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Dress for getting wet and the elements. Book Online. Meet: Opposite Seashore Centre, Tanners Road, Paignton TQ4 6LP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Farm 2 Fork Day, Occombe 3 & 10 April, 31 May
Go behind the scenes on England’s Seafood Coast to view the hustle and bustle of Brixham’s world famous Fish Market. Enjoy the early morning fish auction where over £25 million worth of top quality fish is landed and auctioned daily. Your tour will be followed by a delicious breakfast at Rockfish. The market is regretfully unsuitable for wheelchairs. Over 14 years only. Time: 6am prompt, cost: £15 includes breakfast and donation to the Fishermen’s Mission. Email: bfmt2014@gmail.com to book. The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW
Wild Wednesdays, Coleton Fishacre 4, 11 April & 30 May Enjoy Wild Wednesday at Coleton Fishacre, where the team of National Trust Rangers lead ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities in the garden. Time: 2-4pm, normal admission charges apply. Dogs on leads welcome. Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 national-trust.org.uk
Greenway Garden Blitz 4 April & 2 May On the first Wednesday of each month the garden team blitz an overgrown or neglected area of garden - can you help? The work involves cutting down or digging out weeds, brambles, overgrown shrubs and moving debris to the shredder or bonfire. No gardening skills needed, fun & sociable, tea and cake provided. Time: 9.30am-4pm. Greenway House, Kingswear TQ5 0ES 01803 661905 nationatrust.org.uk/greenway
Britannia Royal Naval College Tours, Dartmouth 4, 9, 11, 16, 23, 25, 30 April & 2, 7, 14,16, 21, 23, 28, 30 May
Join Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust for a whole day of fun on the farm learning where our food comes from and what makes an organic farm so special for wildlife. Includes: baking in the kitchen and helping feed the farm animals plus growing vegetables in the garden and helping with wildlife projects. Time: 10am – 4pm, cost: £34, suitable for: 8-13 years. Children can be left unattended once paperwork is complete. Book online. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Join Britannia Royal Naval College’s expert resident tour guides on a revealing voyage from past glories to the present day. They will take you into the heart of the college, from the elegant chapel, through to areas including the Quarterdeck, Parade Ground, Senior Gun Room and Britannia Heritage Museum. The Monday tours listed are at 10am, the Wednesday tours at 2pm. Cost: adult £13, child £6.50, senior/student £11.25. Book online. College Way, Dartmouth TQ6 0HJ britanniaassociation.org.uk/tours
Brixham’s Famous Fish Market Tours 4 April, 9 & 30 May
Families for Children Adoption Events 4 April & 2 May
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What’s On Families for Children Trust is a Specialist Adoption Agency and charitable trust based in the South West. They are holding adoption information sessions where you can learn about becoming an adopter and how the charity can support you for life. Time: 10am-12.15pm. Higher Mill, Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0EE 01364 645480 familiesforchildren.org.uk
Pirate Thursdays, Brixham 5, 12 April & 31 May Pirate Thursdays are held under the Old Fish Market on Brixham harbour side. Enjoy piratical fun for the young and young at heart. It’s a great opportunity to join in the amusing antics and have a great free day out. The naughty deeds include Soak the Pirate as well as balloon modelling, puppet shows, arts & crafts workshops, fancy dress competitions, photo shoots, live music, plus much more. The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AJ brixhambuccaneers.co.uk
Murder Mystery at Torquay Museum 7 April Torquay Museum is the unique setting for an exciting and unusual fully interactive Ancient Egyptian Murder Mystery evening. A priceless Egyptian artefact has been stolen - the Stone of Amenhotep. A murder has been committed. Is this the infamous Curse of Amenhotep or is it a robbery gone wrong? Tickets: £25, booking essential. Times: 6-8pm or 8.30-10.30pm. Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org
Pooch Pop-Up, Cockington 8 & 14 April From canine first aid, to dog behaviour and training, plus pop-up stalls for pups – join Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust at Cockington Visitor Centre for a series of different talks and events for you and your pet. Time: 1.30pm, suitable for: adults and children over englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
10 years. Booking essential (online). Free but donations welcomed for the Cockington Green Heart Appeal. Cockington Visitor Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk
Lectures - The Arts Society Torbay 10 & 12 April The first lecture entitled Tribal Rugs: Treasures of the Black Tent will be given by Brian Mac Donald, Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society. In the second lecture, Julian Halsby introduces Misia Sert, patron and friend to numerous artists for whom she posed. She was also a friend of Coco Chanel. Time for both events: 2.15pm, cost: £8, visitors welcome. (The society is also organising an outing to NT Kingston Lacy in Dorset on 26 April – call 01803 200703). Peter Larkin Hall, St Matthias Church Centre, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HW 01803 298440 or 01803 311648 torbay.theartssociety.org
Kids’ Spring Bake Off 11 & 12 April Are you a star baker? Complete the challenge and receive a certificate to celebrate your baking achievements. Time: 10am – 4pm, cost: £32, suitable for: 7-12 years. Children can be left unattended once paperwork is complete. Book online. Run by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Countryside Walk, Coleton Fishacre 19 April & 25 May The ranger team will be leading spring countryside walks from Coleton Fishacre to Pudcombe Cove, along the South West Coast Path to Ivy Cove, and back to Coleton Fishacre via Coleton Camp. On the way they’ll be talking about the wildlife that thrives on this stretch of coast, and the work that the National Trust does to care for it. Time: 11am – 1pm, free event, admission applies for venue. Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 national-trust.org.uk
Blue Walnut Film Club, Chelston 19 April & 17 May In April the film is Upside Down and in May, The Bourne Identity. Time: Doors open 7.15pm, film 8pm. Tickets for non-members: £6. Call to book. Blue Walnut Café, 14 Walnut Road, Chelston TQ2 6HS 01803 394113 bluewalnuttorquay.co.uk April/May 2018
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EASTER DISCOVERY TRAIL Occombe Farm family fun this EASTER HOLIDAY! Meet Our Animals
Various dates in April, 10am - 11am £3 per person. Suitable for all ages. Booking essential.
Kids’ Farm 2 Fork Day
Tuesday 3 & Tuesday 10 April, 10am - 4pm £34 per child. Ages 8-13yrs. Booking essential.
Kids’ Easter Cookery Thursday 5 April, 10am - 4pm
£32 per child. Ages 7-12yrs. Booking essential.
Kids’ Spring Bake Off Cookery
Wednesday 11 & Thursday 12 April, 10am - 4pm £32 per child. Ages 7-12yrs. Booking essential.
Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust
www.countryside-trust.org.uk 01803 520 022
English Riviera Magazine 0318.indd 1
OUS WORLD FAM
The OCCOMBE SPRING QUEST Friday 30 March Friday 13 April 10am - 3pm
Follow the trail and solve the clues on our epic Spring Quest. Discover how the farm wakes up after the long winter months... £2.50 per person. Fun for all ages. We welcome visitors to Occombe Farm all year round, but please note that during the Easter Trail access to the Nature Trail, Animals and Orchard will be restrticted to those participating in the Occombe Spring Quest during the period and times specified. For more information about these events and more call us or visit our website.
08/03/2018 16:59:28
IL, A TR TO G EG29THTH R TE CH IL 15 S EA MAR PR 2018 A 50
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What’s On Indian Night, Berry Head Hotel 19 April Enjoy a themed Indian evening with an all-you-can-eat buffet at £13.95 per person at this stunningly located Brixham hotel. Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AJ 01803 853225 berryheadhotel.com
Spring Walk With a Ranger, Greenway 20 April Why not join one of the countryside rangers for a walk through Greenway garden out to part of the estate? On the walk you will find out about the work that the National Trust rangers do to care for this special place. No booking. Time: 11.30am -12.15pm. Free event but admission applies for venue, parking must be booked. Children and dogs on leads welcome. Greenway House, Kingswear TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationatrust.org.uk/greenway
Spring Stars & Planets, Occombe 21 April Join astronomer Chris Proctor for a night under the spring sky. You will tour the late winter and spring constellations and use telescopes to look at sights including the mountains and craters of the Moon, the inner planet Venus and other sky sights. If cloudy the group will walk around the reserve to look for deer, moths, bats and other night-time wildlife. Hot drinks provided. Time: 8.30-10.30pm, cost: £10.50, suitable: 15 years+, booking essential. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk
South Devon Choir Concert, Torquay 21 April South Devon Choir will be singing Rossini’s Stabat Mater and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria. Although they are religious pieces they are operatic in style and easy on the ear. Tickets: £12 on the door (students under 19 free) or from the Box Office via phone or website. Time: 7.30pm. The Central Church, Tor Hill Road, Torquay TQ2 5RD 01803 846058 southdevonchoir.org/tickets
and all abilities from 8 years+. Registration from: 9.30am. Clennon Valley, Penwill Way, Paignton TQ4 5JR 07974 243965 sportivaevents.co.uk
Trust10 Trail Run, Coleton Fishacre 22 April & 27 May A free monthly 10k trail run along the rugged South West Coast Path and through Coleton Fishacre garden. Free, fun, informal and for everyone. This route has a number of steep ascents and descents throughout, which will get the heart pumping. There are two 5K loops so you can stop after one if you wish. Dogs on leads are welcome. Time: registration at 8.30am, starts 9am. Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 national-trust.org.uk
Tots Go Wild, Occombe 23 April & 21 May April event is for little gardeners with seed planting and craft activities. May event is learning about minibeasts and creepy crawlies. Events are run by Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. Cost: £5, time: 9.30-11am, suitable for: toddlers-5 yrs, (babies can come free). An adult must accompany children. Dress children warmly. Book online. Occombe Farm Yurt, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk
Ape and Cake, Paignton Zoo 25 April Join this exclusive opportunity to eat cake with the apes at Paignton Zoo. Enjoy presentations and a guided tour of the orang-utan, gorilla and gibbon enclosures. Tickets: £22 to include tea and cake, suitable for: adults and children over 8. Time: 7-9pm. Booking essential. Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU 01803 697500 paigntonzoo.org.uk
Torbay Triathlon 22 April The totally traffic-free triathlon is the perfect way for anyone to start in the sport, with a pool-based swim, followed by a Velopark ride on smooth tarmac and a parkland run. There are categories for juniors and seniors englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
April/May 2018
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What’s On Unwritten Archives, Torquay Museum 28 April The Friends of Devon Archives are holding their Spring Meeting with tea/coffee at 9.45am and a series of talks throughout the day. Tickets: £12.99 (FoDA & Devon History Society Members £10). Lunch can be booked at Pengelly’s Café (book direct with museum). Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org
Eddie the Eagle Comes to Torquay 28 April The one and only British ski jumper who was ‘hero’ of the 1988 Calgary winter Olympics will be telling his entertaining story at a Torquay Rotary Club charity fundraiser - a rare opportunity for all winter sports enthusiasts to meet one of the legends of the ski world. Time: 7pm, tickets: £10 – call or email to book. The Little Theatre, St Marks’ Road, Torquay TQ1 2EL 01803 201679 Email: geoff.randall@freeuk.com
Brixham TQ5 9EG 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Angels Ball, Torquay 28 April The Angels Ball is organised by the Sputnik Team from the Rotary Club of Babbacombe and St Marychurch and raises money for chosen charities. Black tie event with welcome drink on arrival, 3-course dinner, silent auction and live entertainment. Tickets £40 (table packages available). Time: 7pm-12.30am. Imperial Hotel, Park Hill Road, Torquay TQ1 2DG 01803 212805 angelsball.co.uk
Spring Forage and Cook, Occombe 29 April Join Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust for a gentle ramble around the nature trail at Occombe. You will collect a wonderful variety of wild edible plants under the expert guidance of a Trust ranger. Then you’ll learn to rustle up some fresh and tasty creations in the cookery school kitchen including: wild garlic pesto; spring leaf and flower salad with salsa verde, nettle, rosemary and sea salt ciabatta plus primavera risotto and honeyed flower fritters. You will also make a variety of fresh leaf teas including: nettle and mint; cleavers; hazel and hawthorn leaf. Time: 10am – 4pm, cost: £60, suitable for: 18+ years. Book online. Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Wedding Showcase, Imperial Hotel 29 April & 20 May
Nature Photography Workshop, Berry Head 28 April Learn how to make expressive digital photographs with Outdoor Photography Tutor Phil Hemsley. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from a true expert, with a mixture of classroom and field-based activities. Berry Head provides a great diversity of wildlife to photograph including flying birds, butterflies, coastal flowers and possibly marine mammals. Time: 10am – 4pm, cost: £35, suitable for: 18+ years. Book online. A Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust event. Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Gillard Road, englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Guests will be welcomed to this special wedding showcase event with a glass of bubbly. The beautiful wedding options will help inspire your perfect big day. Times: 3-6pm. Imperial Hotel, Park Hill Road, Torquay TQ1 2DG 01803 294301 theimperialtorquay.co.uk
Push the Boat Out, Kingswear 6 May Have you ever longingly watched people having fun out on the water and wanted to join in? Well, now is your opportunity. From rowing boats and paddleboards to motorboats and racing yachts, you can give it a go. Time: 10am-4pm, cost: free national event, suitable: all ages (children must be accompanied by an adult). A free river April/May 2018
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Stretch legs Add someyour colour to at your weekend this Coleton Fishacre
autumn at Gibside Coleton Fishacre's RHS accredited garden is filled with spring colour, set against a backdrop of enticing Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest sea views; perfect for walking, teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking routes for all ages and abilities. running and playing in. Call 01803 842382 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre When youvisit, visit, donate, volunteer join the National Trust, When you donate, volunteer or joinor the National Trust, your your support usafter to look after special places in <like the English support helps ushelps to look special places <in the region> Riviera as Coleton Fishacre, ever, propertysuch X, property Y and Proeprty Z>for in for ever,for foreveryone. everyone. © National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent registered charity, number 205846. registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Photography © National Trust Images\Chris Lacey. Images.
#nationaltrust #nationaltrust
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What’s On Living Coasts will be running this beach clean at Preston Beach from 9-11am. This free event will give you the chance to help the environment and learn more about local species, biodiversity and the shores around us. Preston Beach, Paignton TQ3 2NJ 01803 202470 livingcoasts.org.uk
Cliff Railway Day 12 May
taxi will run from Dartmouth to the RDYC club and food with wonderful terrace views available all day. The Royal Dart Yacht Club, Priory Street, Kingswear, TQ6 0AB 01803 752496 royaldart.co.uk
This brand new event is to celebrate the wonderful world of Babbacombe Cliff Railway. With entertainment on the beach and a few fun surprises planned. Babbacombe Downs Road, Torquay TQ1 3LF 01803 328750 babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk
Brixham Battery – VE Day Opening 7 May Pop in to see Brixham Battery’s fascinating heritage centre and grounds with its education centre & museum plus war shelter, ammo tunnels, gun emplacements and more. Celebrating VE Day. Free entry. Time: 11am – 4pm Fishcombe Hill Road, Brixham TQ5 8RU 01803 852449 brixhambattery.net
Italian Night, Berry Head Hotel 10 May Enjoy a themed Italian evening with all-you-can-eat buffet at £13.95 per person at this stunningly located Brixham hotel. Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AJ 01803 853225 berryheadhotel.com
Dawn Chorus & Spring Arrivals, Berry Head 12 May Join local bird expert Mike Langman at Berry Head for a dawn chorus. The headland and woodlands should be alive with bird song including many of our summer migrants just back from a winter in Africa. Mike will help you pick out the various songs. Time: 5.30-8.30am, cost: £16 including full English breakfast at the Guardhouse Cafe, suitable for adults, book online. A Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust event. Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Gillard Road, Brixham TQ5 9EG 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Coastal Clean-Up, Preston Beach 12 May englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
POSH Regatta, Paignton 12 & 13 May Paignton Open for Single Handed Dinghies offers 3 races per day over 2 days. Entry before 5 May is £30 – after 5 May it’s £35 – enter online. PODD event for doublehanded dinghies takes place on 26 & 27 May. Paignton Sailing Club, South Quay, The Harbour, Paignton TQ4 6DT 01803 525817 paigntonsailingclub.co.uk
Paignton Society Talk 17 May Ian Handford tells us about George Soudon Bridgman, an important Paignton architect. Cost: members £3, non-members £4, refreshments included. Time: 7.30pm. Gerston Christian Centre, Gerston Place, Paignton TQ3 3DX 01803 523434 paigntonsociety.webs.com April/May 2018
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Park Hill Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 2DG 56
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What’s On Book Club, Greenway 18 May Bring a picnic and relax whilst discussing one of Agatha Christie’s novels. The evening is a good chance to enjoy good company and lively discussion at Agatha Christie’s holiday home. Booking advisable, parking available, time: 5-6.30pm. Free event. Greenway House, Kingswear TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationatrust.org.uk/greenway
Torbay Race for Life 5K 20 May Walk, jog or run 5K to help Cancer Research UK. Register online, cost: Children £10, women £14.99, under 6 years (girls and boys) free and no registration needed. Suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Time: 11am. Torbay Velopark, Penwill Way, Paignton TQ4 5JR raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
million year old limestone cliffs. Time: 8pm-9.45pm, cost: £5, suitable for adults and over 13s. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Book online. Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Gillard Road, Brixham TQ5 9EG 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Wild About Cockington Exhibition 26 May – 3 June Enjoy this Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust temporary exhibition highlighting the wild side of Cockington Country Park. Time: 11am – 3pm daily, cost: free – donations welcome for the Cockington Green Heart Appeal, suitable for: all ages. Cockington Visitor Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk
Wildlife Tracker Quest, Occombe 26 May – 1 June Do you have what it takes to track down the critters at Occombe just from the marks and signs they leave behind? Complete the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust Wildlife Tracker Quest this half term. Please note that the nature trail and orchard will be shut off to all those not attending the quest. Cost: £2.50, suitable for: all ages, meet at kiosk. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Wild About Cockington 20 May Discover Cockington’s wilder side with activities and walks for all ages in the country park. Cost: free but donations welcome for Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s Gree Heart Appeal. Suitable for: all ages – children must be accompanied by an adult. Cockington Visitor Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk
Bat Walk, Berry Head 25 May A unique opportunity to see the rare Greater Horseshoe bats at Berry Head, actively protected here by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. The Greater Horseshoe bats live in the caves formed in the 400 englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Enchanted Woodland Day, Greenway 26 May Why not dress up as an animal, elf or fairy and drop into this day of woodland games, animalthemed crafts and activities? Cost: £3, normal admission applies, time: 2-4pm. Children welcome when accompanied by an adult. Dogs on leads welcome. Greenway House, Kingswear TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationatrust.org.uk/greenway
Dinosaur Birthday Half Term Celebration 26 May – 3 June Celebrate Torquay Dinosaur World’s 8th birthday with Toby T-Rex, Derek Deinonychus and friends. Brave the exhibition to see full size and scale dinosaurs, discover incredible fossils, sit on deadly dinosaurs, and enjoy the April/May 2018
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What’s On fun Birthday Explorer Quiz. All little explorers will get a Dinosaur Expert Certificate and a free 100-million-yearold fossil! Cost: £6.96 per visitor plus get Paleo Pass with free unlimited re-entry for 3 months. Times: 11am to last entry 3.30pm – close 5pm. Torquay’s Dinosaur World, 3 Victoria Parade, Torquay TQ1 2BB 01803 298779 torquaysdinosaur world.co.uk
Geopark Festival 26 May - 3 June
Marvellous May Cookery, Occombe 29 & 30 May Get ready because summer is coming, so join Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust in the kitchen to make a perfect picnic ready for the beach or countryside. Treats will include mini tortilla quiches, chocolate brownies, ploughman’s sausage rolls and a ginger lemon fizz. Time: 10am – 4pm, cost: £34, suitable for: 7-12 years old. Book online. Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Celebrate The English Riviera UNESCO-recognised Global Geopark at this year’s Geopark Festival. There’s a range of events all week that can help you enjoy, explore and experience all of the different aspects of the Geopark. Various locations around the Bay. englishrivierageopark.org.uk
BrixFest, Brixham 26 – 30 May An award-winning, free family festival, BrixFest celebrates all that is best about this iconic fishing town with its fascinating heritage and strong community values. Around Brixham Harbour brixfest.com
Tea with the Tigers, Paignton Zoo 30 May Come along after hours for an exclusive opportunity to learn all about Paignton Zoo’s majestic tigers and lions. Watch them at feeding time, meet their keepers and enjoy presentations. Tickets: £22 to include tea and cake, suitable for: adults & children over 8. Time: 7-9pm. Booking essential. Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU 01803 697500 paigntonzoo.org.uk
Ice Fest, Kents Cavern 27 May-2 June This Geopark Festival Week, take part in the Kents Cavern Ice Fest. The Stone Age School gang are back for Ice Fest during May Half Term. Join their Stone Age sessions to discover what life was like for people during the coldest period of Earth’s history - the Ice Age. Learn about different techniques that Stone Age people would have used to make fires as well as having a go at them yourselves. Ice Age Session Times: 11am12.15pm or 2pm-3.15pm, suitable for: 6-12 years, children must be accompanied by an adult, book online. Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk
Holding an event in June or July?
E-mail us at editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk and we’ll list it in the next issue
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Looking for a venue with breathtaking views, period charm and a dedicated events team? The Paignton Club, established in 1885. It’s perfectly placed to capture panoramic views across the bay and is open six days every week for wining, dining and relaxing.
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April/May 2018
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£17.95 PER PERSON
Sunday 1st April A delicious, home-cooked 2 course lunch. The perfect way to treat the whole family! Our famous breakfasts will also be available all day, plus kids’ menu, including a special roast lunch for £8.50 per child.
TO BOOK BY EMAIL farmcafe@occombe.org.uk PHONE BOOKINGS 01803 696 255 15/03/2018 12:22:41
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Ladies Cricket
Give it a Go! Cricket
After we gave Ladies’ Cricket a go last year with Paignton Cricket Club’s hugely popular Wine & Wickets, there’s another chance to join in the fun starting in May.
A
fter a successful first season of ladies’ cricket, with over 70 girls and ladies taking part in the club’s various programmes, Paignton Cricket Club is aiming even bigger this year. The plan is for a threepronged attack, offering competitive cricket, social cricket and a straightforward chance to enjoy some light exercise and a glass of wine. Paignton’s chairman Tim Ward is quick to point out, “We want to welcome all standards of player into our cricketing community, to join in the fun!” While the England women’s cricket team were winning the World Cup, captained by Devon’s own Heather Knight, 2017 saw the launch of Wine and Wickets at Queens Park. It was an opportunity for women of all ages to get fit, take part in fun games and learn new skills – before enjoying a free glass of Prosecco! Sessions were hugely popular and resulted in many newcomers taking part in softball festivals with other teams from across Devon. A number of these experienced hardball cricket for the first time and lots of new friendships have been made. The club has had a thriving girls’ setup for a number of years now. Last season, their U15 girls finished as unbeaten league winners while Paignton also fielded strong U13 and U11 teams. According to coach, Trevor Massey, the birth of ladies’ cricket has been built on years of commitment from the club – as well as support from Devon Cricket and the David Shepherd Trust. His own daughter, Charlotte, is one of the girls who played in the club’s first ever girls’
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hardball team in 2012, and is now one of a number of players to represent Devon. She even played men’s cricket for Paignton last year. Trevor says, “When we first introduced our girls to cricket, we had a team of enthusiastic 10 year-olds playing softball cricket. Most of the girls who started out with us still play today. Six years on it’s been a natural progression to offer ladies’ cricket. By focusing on the girls’ enjoyment, we’ve kept a core group together and welcomed new faces too.” This season, for the first time, Paignton Cricket Club will be entering a team in the Devon Women’s Cricket League. Lois Hussey – the inaugural ladies’ captain, whose grandfather played at Paignton and whose father Richard has been involved with the club for almost 60 years says, “It will no doubt be a steep learning curve for us but we’re excited about this new adventure.” Fridays at Queen’s Park have become quite a social occasion, with the bar open and the BBQ fired up. From 11th May and throughout the summer the club’s U11 girls will train at 5.30pm, U13s will be at 6pm, while Wine and Wickets starts at 7pm. Additionally, the club has hardball nets for older girls and ladies on Monday evenings at 6pm. If you’re interested in finding out more, email Nick Harman via nharman1@virginmedia.com or Lois Hussey on 07780 677543, or pop down to Queens Park from May onwards and join in! paignton.play-cricket.com
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ArtsRoundUp
We bring you a roundup of arts events and workshops happening locally. Torquay’s Artizan Gallery & Café Artizan Solo Show - Cristina Ulander 7-27 April Monday-Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm
Through the use of innovative surface materials, artist Cristina Ulander produces uniquely atmospheric landscapes and skyscapes. Techniques produced on
Creative Writing with Harula Ladd 2 April & 7 May 7-10pm Join creative writer and workshop facilitator Harula Ladd in this inspiring space to nurture your inner muse and ‘cook up’ some soul food. Harula says, “I lead workshops using a variety of exercises, writing both individually and as a group, to support people in using writing as a tool for self exploration and creative personal discovery.” Tickets £7 (or £25 for 5 sessions) Contact harulaladd@yahoo.com
Cocktails & Conversation 5 April & 3 May 6.30-8.30pm Artizan Gallery welcomes you to their monthly Cocktails and Conversation, where the networking and the drinks are sure to sparkle! You will be able to exclusively preview exciting monthly exhibitions before they open 62
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Perspex and aluminium, create an airbrushed finish, despite the use of ordinary paintbrushes, resulting in serenely flat works. Low horizon lines and a focus on dramatic, photorealistic, skies, often combined with a candy-esque colour palette, produces works that are at once lifelike and dreamlike.
to the public. You’ll enjoy bespoke cocktails and canapés prepared by the legendary team from Panache. In April guest speaker is Gordon Oliver, Mayor of Torbay. In May guest speaker is Kate Farmery, Executive Director of Torbay Culture Board. The evening will close with a cocktail demonstration from talented mixologists. Tickets include a welcome ‘Bubbles’ cocktail and drinks token for a second drink from the menu. Every month, there will be a new menu of four cocktails. Nonalcoholic options will also be available. Tickets £15 Booking Essential
Artist Previews 7 April & 4 May 6-8pm Pop in and enjoy these preview evenings with a complimentary glass of wine and exclusive preview evening commission reductions, should you be in the mood to buy. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Arts scene. With regular hosts Robert Garnham and Becky Nuttall at the helm, these events are always guaranteed to be a night of wonderful whimsy! Doors Open 7.00pm Performance 7.30pm, tickets: £5
Acoustic Nights 16 April & 21 May
Artizan Raw Art Forum 30 April – 28 May Raw Art Forum members Aidan Cooper, Steve Neill, Jennifer Jayarajah and Fergus Cooper bring a group show of their explorative works to Artizan Gallery. Between them, work spans a spectrum of media including photography, collage, painting, sculpture and various composite works, exploring themes of feminism, visual culture, conflict and the modern media.
Stanza Extravaganza 30 April & 28 May With monthly poetry at Artizan Gallery welcoming a wealth of local talent and national headliners, Stanza Extravaganza is a real highlight of the Torbay poetry
New! Cockington Court’s 2018 Sculpture Trail A raft of specially created work from 18 South West artists will be included in Cockington Court’s 2018 Sculpture Trail. The trail has been established by local artist Phil Dixon and Cockington Court Centre Director, and artist, Marissa Wakefield. Following a selection panel, the successful artists are now creating site-specific work ready for the launch event on 25 May. The artists include: Bridget Arnold, Jane Clift,
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Curated by the fabulous Robert Spence, the Artizan Acoustic Sessions are, an unplugged, open-mic evening of laidback music and melody featuring talented local performers and exciting guest sets. Special guests in April are Harpingmad duo Bill and Susie Tresize. Susie plays the Celtic harp and Bill adds beautifully to the sound by playing Irish whistle, wooden baroque recorder or classical guitar. The May session features Paul Nicholas, a South Wales guitarist and songwriter whose albums ‘Ariel’ and ‘Hold the Line’ have been released to high critical acclaim. His story-telling songs cover subjects as diverse as the First World War and time-travel. Doors open 7pm, performance 7.30pm. Tickets: £4
All at: 7 Lucius Street, Torquay, TQ2 5NZ 01803 428626/07522509642 artizan gallery.co.uk f artizangallery Also check out art-hub.co.uk Tony Fagan, Louise Dixon, Allan Poxton, Deborah Treliving, Zoe Singleton, Vera Stride, Nicholas Bellamy, Malcolm Curley, Rik Pitman, Phil Dixon, Marissa Wakefield, Janet Ventre, Peter Stride, Luci Coles, Jo Golesworthy and Donald Knaack. The Sculpture Trail leads around the grounds of Cockington Court as well as some of the favourite hidden treasures such as the Walled Art Garden. It extends inside Cockington Court, into the Kitchen Gallery and Manor House. cockingtoncourt.org
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14–18 May 2018 Make your Will, support your family, support your local hospice During Make a Will Week, local solicitors waive their entire fee for making or updating your Will, in return for a donation to Rowcroft. Every donation received will provide care and support to patients and families in South Devon living with life-limiting illnesses, enabling them to make the most of every moment they share. Suggested Will writing donations: • £175 for a Single Will • £225 for Mirror Wills 100% of this fee will go directly to Rowcroft Hospice
rowcrofthospice.org.uk/will-week 01803 217405 With thanks to all our local supporting law firms
Support your family and your hospice with Rowcroft’s Make a Will Week
M
aking a Will is important for you and your family, bringing the peace of mind and knowledge that whatever the future might bring, your loved ones are financially protected. To make or update your Will, simply book an appointment with a participating local solicitor and mention Rowcroft’s Make a Will Week. During your appointment, you will be asked to provide all the necessary information for the firm to write your Will, and also to make your donation to Rowcroft. The suggested donation for a single Will is £175 or £225 for a pair of mirror Wills. Though there is no obligation to do so, you may wish to donate more than the suggested fee, or choose to leave a gift to Rowcroft in your Will. However much you choose, 100% of your donation will come directly to the hospice. By taking part in Make a Will Week, and perhaps choosing to remember Rowcroft in your Will, you’ll be helping families like Josephine’s to face the most challenging days of their lives, with the support of Rowcroft’s dedicated health and social care teams. “My sister, Verna died on the Inpatient Unit, aged only 61-yearsold,” explains Josephine. “I remember it to be a sad time, but the care she received couldn’t have been better. It was wonderful that our family could visit her at any time without feeling the pressures of time. To think that so many
patients and their families can spend such precious time together in a quiet, peaceful atmosphere looked after by caring, dedicated people with their loved ones close at hand is such a comfort. “To show my appreciation for that care, I have decided to leave a gift in my Will, because I want to ensure more patients are able to receive the wonderful care that Verna did, at a time when they need it most.” Every pound Rowcroft receives from Make a Will Week goes directly towards supporting patients in South Devon living with life-limiting illnesses to share precious time with their family and friends; helping to make every day the best day possible. Sue Harvey, Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit Manager, explains: “More than 70% of Rowcroft’s funding comes from the local community, and a huge proportion of that comes from gifts in Wills, but however much you can donate to Rowcroft during Make a Will Week, no matter how big or small, is gratefully received and hugely appreciated by all of us.” Secure your family’s future while supporting your local hospice; for more information about making or updating your Will during Make a Will Week, and a full list of local participating solicitors, visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/ will-week.
Rowcroft supports three quarters of patients at home, and also provides care for patients and their family members at its 12-bed Inpatient Unit and Outpatient Centre in Torquay englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Rowcroft’s Make a Will Week, from 14 - 18 May, gives you the opportunity to make or update your Will with a local, South Devon solicitor who will donate the entire fee they’d normally receive directly to Rowcroft Hospice.
Treading the boards Little Theatre, Torquay Box Office 01803 299330 Editor’s pick Steel Magnolias 16-21 April
Flavel Arts Centre Dartmouth Box Office 01803 839530 Editor’s pick RSC Live Macbeth 11 April
Set in a beauty parlour in Louisiana, six women face life’s toughest challenges: the gamut of friendship, marriage, birth and death. They engage in small town gossip but we see a deep strength of emotion when one of the group faces a trauma that affects them all. A TOADS season production.
Returning home from battle, the victorious Macbeth meets three witches on the heath. Driven by their disturbing prophecies, he sets out on the path to murder.
Also worth seeing… Tons of Money 14-19 May
Also worth seeing… The Wind in the Willows Musical 14 & 16 April The Dartmouth Players – The Dresser 25 & 26 May
Theatre Review
Starshine
Babbacombe Theatre Tues & Weds until October
Colin Matthews invited us along to preview his new midweek variety extravaganza Starshine. Fronted by TV comedy talent Ben Nickless, the show barrels along through 26 superb numbers featuring comedy, impressions, illusion, songs from film, the West End and the charts all accompanied by the Danze Chique troop and juniors Shiny Starz. Ben Nickless is a talented front man demonstrating a fantastic range of vocal impressions - Mick Jagger was our highlight! Comedy support comes from popular Welshman David Arnold, whilst vocalists Paul Cobley, Becky Bennet and Sami-Jane perform a range of musical numbers showcasing their broad vocal ranges. Illusionist Alex Jesson’s Matricks act turns tradition on its head by having his glamorous assistant cut him in half! His visual illusions, mind reading and predictive trickery are on par with the best national acts. The whole performance is glamorous and well polished - the backstage team must be exquisitely organised to pull of all those quick changes too. Once again the Babbacombe team have upped the ante and perfectly blended a strong set of individual talents into a variety masterclass!
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RSC Live Macbeth
Babbacombe Theatre Box Office 01803 328385 Editor’s pick West End at the Movies Thursdays 3 May – 4 October With extracts from 29 musical scores West End at the Movies, a fabulous all-new show produced and directed by Colin Matthews, will be something you will not want to miss. This show is a musical journey that will leave you in awe as well as a little star struck by some of the greatest show songs ever written.
Also worth seeing… Starshine Tuesdays & Wednesdays until 24 October All Our Yesterdays 11 May
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Palace Theatre, Paignton Box Office 01803 665800 Editor’s pick Kast Off Kinks 10 May
Also worth seeing… ABBA: Take a Chance on Us 13 April Last of the Summer Wine 25-28 April Princess Theatre, Torquay Box Office 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick Russell Watson – Canzoni d’Amore 15 April
Having sold more than seven million albums worldwide, Russell Watson is firmly established as the UK’s best-selling classical crossover artist of all time. “The People’s Tenor” returns to the stage with his brand-new show. With guest artist, soprano Laura Wright.
Also worth seeing… Vienna Festival Ballet Cinderella 25 April Thoroughly Modern Millie 8-12 May
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Box Office (01803) 328385 April/May 2018
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Fashion
Boutique style charity shops are springing up and pre-loved style is now very on-trend. Rowcroft’s Head of Retail, Caroline Wannell tells us more.
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street. Caroline explains, “Many of our high street shops owcroft’s array of shops across South Devon are stock clothes that arrive with their tags still on. They are a delight with the hospice’s spring/summer 2018 all full of quality brands such as M&S, Wallis, H&M, collection - bright florals, light cover ups and Oasis, Fatface, Topshop, New Look, Monsoon and must-have accessories, all with their own story to tell. more.” The hospice’s more niche boutique shops, located According to a (relatively) reliable source, Kylie in Dartmouth and Wellswood, stock a careful selection Minogue, Julia Roberts and Zac Efron are all fans of of higher-end labels that also rotate seasonally including shopping in charity shops, embracing vintage finds, Phase Eight, Crew, Karen recycling once-treasured Last year, Rowcroft’s 15 shops, including Millen, Coast, Ralph garments and coming Lauren, Burberry, Hobbs, away with totally unique high street stores, boutiques, furniture Reiss, and even the odd wardrobe staples. South outlets, tea room and coffee shop, Mulberry handbag. Devon might not be contributed £350,000 to the running of Caroline explains, “We a hot-bed of A-list the hospice’s services. are incredibly fortunate celebrities, but Rowcroft is to receive some fantastic certain that if the likes of donations from our local Kylie, Julia and Zac were community, without to stumble upon items which our shops wouldn’t from their new spring/ be the success they are.” summer collection they’d Last year, Rowcroft’s 15 be delighted with their shops, including high street finds. Caroline says, “The stores, boutiques, furniture new season provides us outlets, tea room and with an opportunity to coffee shop, contributed showcase the beautifully £350,000 to the running bright spring and summer of the hospice’s services, dresses, skirts and cover ups and are expected to generate even more in 2018. This that have been generously donated for sale in our shops. incredible amount helps to support more than 2,000 local There’s also a unique selection of shoes and accessories people to spend precious moments with their friends and that you won’t find anywhere else.” family during the hardest days imaginable. All year round, Rowcroft’s shops are packed with an View Rowcroft’s spring/summer 2018 clothing array of pre-loved clothing and accessories that rotate in collection by visiting one of Rowcroft’s shops. Find your line with the seasons, ensuring each shop can compete nearest at rowcrofthospice.org.uk/shops with other charity shops, and other retailers on the high
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MONICA BULMAN 66 Years in the Monica Bulman, a Torbay Hospital nurse has retired after clocking up an astounding 66 years’ service for the NHS – almost as long as the NHS itself.
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onica Bulman is one of the oldest and longest serving nurses in Britain and brings a fascinating insight into how the service has developed since its launch in 1948. A Registered General Nurse (RGN), her final role was on Hutchings Ward at Torbay Hospital as part of the specialist outpatient surgical clinic team for Endoscopy. Monica’s retirement in February coincided with national celebrations of the NHS 70th anniversary year. The NHS was launched on 5 July 1948 and Monica has worked for the NHS for 66 out of the 70 years since its creation. Aged just 19, Monica started to work in the NHS in 1952 as a State Enrolled Nurse before undergoing further training to qualify as a State Registered Nurse in 1957 (now known as a RGN). Monica says, “The NHS has been a huge part of my life and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! However, I have decided that it’s now time for me to put my fob watch and belt away to enable me to spend quality time with all my loved ones. I have absolutely loved being a nurse – it has brought me so much pleasure and I have enjoyed every single second. It’s certainly going to take some getting used to with not coming in to work and seeing all my wonderful
patients and colleagues. I’m going to thoroughly miss being a nurse.” After 66 years working as a healthcare professional, Monica has seen many changes. She explains, “Nursing has changed a lot over the years especially the technology, which is wonderful - unless it breaks down! Although we now have much more paperwork to compete, it is fantastic that with the technology we can now look up our patient’s x-rays and test results at the click of a button rather than having lengthy waits for the information.” She continues, “Another change that amuses me is that, years ago the Theatre Nurses, who were all gowned up, had to manually thread the needles for surgery, whereas now these all come in packs, pre-threaded! The uniforms have also changed considerably although I have to admit I did prefer our old uniforms, they were much more glamorous. I bought a belt to wear with my uniform when I qualified in 1957 – I still have and wear the very same belt to this day.” Over the years, Monica will have treated tens of thousands of patients. She started her State Enrolled Nurse training in 1952 at Eltham Hospital, London, before moving to St John’s Hospital, London in 1954
Monica onnt dhaeyr retireme
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Riviera People to qualify as a State Registered Nurse. Upon qualifying in 1957, Monica stayed at St John’s and worked as a staff nurse as well as a theatre nurse until she left in 1959. Since then, Monica has provided nursing care at a number of different hospitals. In 1968, Monica moved to Torquay with her husband and two sons and began to work for a nursing agency. In 1978, she joined Paignton Community Hospital, serving in their casualty department as well as in the outpatients departments. In 1998, aged 65 years, Monica had no plans to retire because she “didn’t want to”. A Sister from the outpatients department at Torbay Hospital asked Monica to work as a bank nurse for a few weeks but she ended up staying. Monica remained at Torbay Hospital for the remainder of her career. Monica reminisces, “I loved my student training at St John’s Hospital. This was my favourite time. After being on night duty, the Sister used to give us (the students) a cup of cocoa every morning after our night shift… she was our ‘mother hen’ and guided and nurtured us
“
I loved my student training at St John’s Hospital. This was my favourite time. After being on night duty, the Sister used to give us a cup of cocoa every morning after our night shift” through our training as well as our personal lives. I have never been unhappy at work and have so many wonderful memories and friendships that will be with me forever.” She reveals, “My job has kept me going and helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. I don’t know what I would have done without my colleagues and a job where I could dedicate myself to caring for others.” Not one for taking it easy, Monica is incredibly active and fit. She regularly attends the gym and spinning classes at Torbay Leisure Centre and puts much younger attendees to shame. Monica is also an avid reader as well as a keen member of a local skittles club. Monica says, “I do like to keep fit and healthy, but I also like to be ‘glam’ - I enjoy going to my local beauty salon as well doing all my hobbies! Most of all though I love spending time with my family and my grandchildren; this is what I enjoy the most.” Liz Davenport, Interim Chief Executive of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, says, “I am sure I speak for everyone at the Trust when I say we are incredibly grateful for Monica’s incredible 66 years of dedicated nursing service in the NHS.” englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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Getting Busy in the Garden
Gardening
Lis Wallace of Dobies of Devon shares some great ideas for spring gardening with tips for tasty fruit, beautiful flowers and the greenest lawns. Spring into Action! April and May are two of the busiest gardening months. There are seeds to sow, emerging weeds to clear, lawns to mow and edges to neaten. Thankfully, working in the garden at this time of year is often a pleasure, providing you manage to escape those inevitable showers. Sweet peas can now be sown direct in the garden and any you sowed in the autumn can now be planted out. But do harden them off first – ‘hardening off’ being the term given to gradually acclimatising undercover raised plants to the outside world and weather. We wait so long for the daffodils to appear yet now they’ll be coming to an end. Deadhead all spring flowering bulbs and allow the leaves to die down naturally. Yes, this may look a tad untidy for a few weeks but is necessary if you want the bulbs to perform well again next year. Space allowing, why not lift the bulbs and replant them somewhere out of sight? Lawn mowing season has started (sigh). Neaten the edges and repair any brown or bare patches. Try Dobies Rapid Green 2 Self-Repairing Lawn Seed.
“I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.” Ruth Stout Citrus Fruits After a day spent working in the garden there is something special about plopping a slice of home grown lemon into a glass of gin and tonic or fruit cordial. Here in Torbay we have the perfect climate for growing citrus fruits. They’ll be happy growing outside for most of the year with some varieties being hardy down to -5°. Choose the one you most like to eat from lemon, orange, lime, mandarin and grapefruit. The plants will need feeding; switch from winter to summer feed as soon as the clocks go forward and you’ll be rewarded with healthy glossy leaves, beautifully perfumed flowers and juicy fruits.
Lis’s garden includes a wide range of flowering plants but it is the veg patch and greenhouse that receive the most attention. Lis will share some of the knowledge she has gained from her father (a professional gardener) from working at Dobies and also from her own trial and error. Storm, the Jack Russell is bound to chip in now and then. That’s what terriers do! englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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Flowers for Cutting In the same way that home grown veg tastes better than shop bought so do home grown cut flowers perform better than garage or florist bought. They are fresher, are exactly the colour and variety that you like the best and each time you look at them you’ll have the added pleasure of knowing that they are yours, totally yours. Rob Smith, winner of the BBC Big Allotment Challenge has selected this year’s Dobies cut flower range and tells us, “I’ve always loved growing flowers in my garden and on the allotment, especially when you can cut them and enjoy them in the
Gardening house. This year I have added more of my favourite flowers, from the stunning Mountain cornflower with its beautiful blooms, to the amazing ‘Solar Power’ sunflower with its many flowers; perfect for a vase.” Whether you choose to grow your cut flowers from seed (by far the cheapest option) or from plants, they will mostly appreciate a sheltered, sunny position. You don’t need a huge amount of space with many varieties being happy to grow in tubs and containers. One such beauty is Clematis Rome. Perfect for growing in a container Clematis Rome produces long stemmed light purple blooms, ideal for cutting.
Organic Growing
Diar y Dates
More and more people are appreciating the positive impact that growing organically can have on our environment and wildlife. Organic gardening doesn’t just mean throwing away chemical weed killers and pesticide sprays. It involves feeding the soil, encouraging wildlife and being more creative in managing pests and other
challenges. Growing using organic products and methods is not expensive or difficult – it’s practical, satisfying and rewarding. With this in mind, Dobies are pleased to have recently started working very closely with the charity Garden Organic. The charity brings together thousands of people who share a common belief – that organic growing is essential for a healthy and sustainable world. If you are interested in growing organically, or if you do already, then please visit www.organiccatalogue.com/ or, call us to request a catalogue.
Torquay & District Horticultural Society All talks are held at 7.30pm at the Livermead House Hotel. 4 April Marion Dale ‘Introduction to Arts & Crafts and the Edwardian Garden’. 25 April David Usher ‘Herbaceous Plants for your garden’ 16 May Dennis Balsdon on the ‘Natural History & Cultivation of Carnivorous Plants’
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To contact Dobies please call 0844 967 0303 or email gardening@dobies.co.uk
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Brixham Book Launch
Social Diary
The launch of a new Brixham Heritage Museum publication was held at the Berry Head Hotel. Written by museum Chairman John Scotney, the book is entitled BRIXHAM – Its History and its Place in History.
Edward Bence, Lucinda Chamings and Sarah Bence (Berry Head Hotel)
John Scotney (Author & Chairman Brixham Heritage Museum), and Gordon Oliver (Elected Mayor of Torbay)
Jo Thompson (Brixham Heritage Museum), Simon Raphael and Sarah Hemingway (Torbay Museum)
David Jackson (Trustee Brixham Heritage Museum), Cllr Steve Clutterbuck (Brixham Town Council) and Samantha Little (Vice Chairman Brixham Heritage Museum)
John Risdon (President Brixham Heritage Museum) and Roger Crumpton (Trustee Pilgrim of Brixham)
Maggie Duffy (Singer), Chris Jones (Sound Engineer)
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Golden Vanity
Delightful EASTER & SPRING EVENTS
45 Years On Torbay Guild of Artists
Smugglers!
Celebrate
Watch the wall and let the gentlemen pass by... Peter Newbery-Thornton and his Devon Darlin’
Carolyn Custerson
A Bright Future For Tourism Give It A Go! SPINNING & TABLE TENNIS
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Meet Abbey School's
SYLVIA GREINIG
& New Rowcroft CEO
MARK HAWKINS William Scoresby
Autumn 125 Activities
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DARTMOUTH FOOD FESTIVAL
Give It A Go!
YOGA
Torquay's Naval Architect
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Theatre tickets in our 2017 Readerthe Survey Watch wall and let
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William Froude SHAKESPEARE GOING UNDERGROUND FOR THE TENTH YEAR
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Paul Ginley
Torbay Financial Services
Paul Ginley took a “leap of faith” when he set up Torbay Financial Services in 2011 but he’s now got a portfolio of happy clients and a brand new office in St Marychurch. Anita Newcombe pays a visit.
I
’m meeting Paul and his wife Jacqui at their new premises to find out more about this growing family business. Paul tells me that it was last summer when he saw a sign advertising office space at 66 Fore Street in St Marychurch. It was perfectly located for his needs and so he decided to take the plunge. Last October the new office of Torbay Financial Services opened for business and was celebrated with a well attended launch reception. Paul had wanted a presence on the high street so that he could become more accessible to ‘walkin’ customers who needed advice on their businesses, their investments, their retirement planning and their insurance - and now here he is. Back in 1988 Paul joined Midland Bank and rose quickly through the ranks. When Midland became HSBC, he started a process of study and exams qualifying as a Financial Adviser in 1999. He then worked as a Senior Personal Financial Adviser until 2004 when he took up the role of Senior Commercial Financial Adviser.
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Paul says, “This was when banks first started to give financial advice.” In 2011 having gained lots of experience advising individuals and businesses of all sizes, he decided to set up his own company and Torbay Financial Services was born. Paul explains, “It can take up to 6 or 7 years to reach diploma level on the CII pathway and this means you are really well positioned to help private individuals and businesses to plan and to take key decisions that help them thrive. It was very much the right time for me to set up on my own.” Initially Paul worked from home. He remembers, “You start a business with a blank slate – it’s a real leap of faith.” The business grew from its small beginnings and after 18 months at his home-office Paul took a space with a shared reception on Torquay’s Barton Hill Road. With his Diploma in Financial Planning and wealth of experience, Paul regularly advises a large number of individuals and this is a large and successful part of his business. He works
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Business with high net worth individuals as well as young families and inexperienced first time investors. He also helps many business clients – these may be large, well-established companies or smaller local businesses and sole traders. He tells me, “When someone sets up as a sole trader, they’ve usually left an established workplace with all the guaranteed benefits that provides. Suddenly they need to make their way alone in the business world. Now a raft of things like critical illness cover and income protection become vital elements to consider.” The firm specialises in pension planning, saving and investing, life insurance, critical illness, workplace pensions, business protection and commercial planning pretty much what everyone needs. So what makes Paul so successful? He tells me, “We are local, everyday people who are highly approachable and fully qualified to advise. I want people to feel able to just pop in and have a chance to explain their worries and concerns.” Paul tells me that the first meeting is always free-of-charge and this can be in office hours or during weekends and evenings by appointment. It’s worth remembering that he has worked in financial services in the South West for 30 years so he does have a great network of accountants, lawyers and many other professionals that he can introduce to help his clients as needed. He enjoys building long-term relationships with his clients and wants them to be able to call him when they need to. He now has clients right across the South West. Paul explains that sometimes just a general tidying up of his clients’ arrangements can make a really big difference. He says, “Figures show that if you consult a financial advisor you could increase your wealth by as much as 40%. It really can make your financial future a lot brighter.” Paul’s wife Jacqui started working at Torbay Financial Services last April having previously had a career in social services, working with children. When she joined, Paul sent out an e-letter to his clients with a photo of her wearing a crown and holding up a sign proclaiming, ‘The Boss.’ The couple obviously get on brilliantly and got married 28 years ago after meeting at South Devon College when they were doing their A-Levels. They live in St Marychurch and Jacqui tells me, “We love the area – it’s friendly and feels safe and secure.” They have a son called Charlie who is 24 and works for Devon County Football Association in Newton Abbot. They love to travel; they have friends in Dubai and englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
are just off on a trip to Sri Lanka. Their favourite destination is Italy particularly Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and Rome. Paul and Jacqui get involved in community work at home as well. They both adore football and sponsor two local Devon Cup Finals, a Veteran Cup Final and an Under 15 Girls’ Cup Final. Paul says, “Sponsoring the young is a really good thing. The big money only really swishes around at the elite level.” Jacqui tells me, “I wish girls were offered football when I was at school but noone my age ever had that chance.” Jacqui has set up a Business NetWalking Club via Eventbrite where you can network whilst enjoying a nice walk. What a delightful idea! She tells me, “Networking events need a shake-up – this is much more fun.” NetWalking events are free to attend and you bring your business cards so you can swap contacts and chat along the way. The events are organised by Torbay Financial Services along with Start Point Law in Kingsbridge. torbayfinancialservices.co.uk
Free Business NetWalking with Jacqui and Paul Forthcoming Events Berry Head April 12 – meet Berry Head Car Park – the walk finishes at The Guardhouse Café where you can buy refreshments. Time: 2.30-5pm. Payable car park, site managed by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust (members park free). Dartmouth May 10 - meet at The Bandstand, Royal Avenue Gardens, Dartmouth TQ6 9PJ for a scenic walk to Dartmouth Castle Tea Rooms where you can buy refreshments. Time: 2.30-5pm. Car parking available in town or park in Kingswear and take the ferry across the river. Register for both events free-of-charge on Eventbrite or email jacqui@torbayfinancialservices.co.uk with any questions. Don’t forget to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
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BusinessBreaks... Apprenticeship Awards South Devon College held their Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony at Torquay’s Imperial Hotel with over 200 people in attendance. There were a total of 35 apprentices shortlisted over 18 categories, selected from over 1,300 apprentices on programmes with the college. A total of 27 local employers were also nominated for categories, having been selected from nearly 700 businesses engaged in an apprenticeship. Kevin Foster MP for Torbay delivered a keynote speech that highlighted the incredible benefit apprenticeships deliver. The college also announced the Apprentice of the Year, awarded to Christian Price from Moretonhampstead. Christian currently works with The Grange Restaurant at Buckfast Abbey; he also won Hospitality and Catering Apprentice of the Year. The awards were delivered in partnership with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Heart Radio, Hyundai Torbay and Gooch & Housego.
Wollen Michelmore Opens Exeter Office
significant step in the development of the firm, which began its life as Hooper and Wollen in the same location we have now on The Terrace in Torquay.”
Lifetime Achievement Families for Children, Chief Executive Caroline Davis, OBE, has received a Lifetime Achievement award for her services to children and adoption in the South West. Caroline was awarded the Gareth Marr Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Adoption Week Awards in London. Families for Children’s HQ is based in Buckfastleigh and Caroline has been CEO of the acclaimed charity for the last 25 years. She works tirelessly with other professional bodies and agencies including the CVAA, and has played a pivotal role in the development of the new Regional Adoption Agencies, Aspire Adoption & Adopt South West. In 2014 she was also awarded an OBE by the Queen. Celebrity Chef, Michael Caines MBE has supported the charity for many years. He says, “‘She is passionate in her work and more importantly about people. She has a very special gift in helping people to believe in themselves and to develop their strengths.” familiesforchildren.org.uk
Leading regional law firm Wollen Michelmore LLP will be taking another significant step in its 150-year history by opening an office in Exeter. The thriving law firm has announced a merger with Exeter firm Morgan & Pope, based at Cathedral Yard, continuing the steady growth through office expansion seen over the last 12 years. The merger, taking place on 1st April, will strengthen the firm’s position throughout Devon with offices in Torquay, Newton Abbot, Dartmouth, Barnstaple and now Exeter. Altogether, Wollen Michelmore will have 150 staff including 14 partners, and a turnover approaching £8m. Wollen Michelmore Chief Executive Chris Hart said, “This is without doubt another 80
April/May 2018
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BusinessBreaks...
... Mitch Tonks Ambassador Role
Local chef, fishmonger & restaurateur, Mitch Tonks has become ambassador for The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Overfishing threatens about one third of the world’s fish stocks. British cod’s near-collapse a decade ago shows how easily we can take our seafood for granted. Thankfully, our much-loved British cod was nursed back to health last year and now carries the MSC blue fish label. Consumers just have to look out for the blue fish label when dining out or shopping to be certain it’s from sustainable sources. Mitch says, “People forget that fish is wild caught and harvested. To imagine that in 50 years’ time, my kids couldn’t eat wild seafood? I’d be so sad.” MSC’s George Clark, says, “We’re delighted to have Mitch Tonks as our culinary expert and ambassador; being a seafood advocate, an ocean lover and with a true passion for sustainable eating, there’s no better person to tell our story about eating and cooking sustainable seafood and the importance of ensuring fish for future generations.”
Networking Directory
Get involved with Torbay business! Torbay Business Forum First Tuesday of every month 7.30am RICC Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ Contact: Angela George 07717 316641 info@torbaybusinessforum.org.uk torbaybusinessforum.org.uk @TorbayBusiness Torbay Business Network Last Friday of every month 7.30am Pierpoint Restaurant Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5HA Contact: Anthony Blackaby 01803 299935 events@torbaybusinessnetwork.co.uk @TorbayBizNet You Can Export: How to Get Started Masterclass - Torquay Tuesday 1 May 9:30am – 15:30pm Torbay Business Centre Lymington Road, Torquay, TQ1 4BD tda-business.com/events-and-workshops/
Want New Clients in 2018?
English Riviera Magazine EnglishRiviera Readers are looking for local products and services 109 right now. Advertising campaigns from just £125 plus Vat per bi-monthly Extreme hiking issue. Full design service included to get your message across. Call Anita on 01803 850886 for a friendly chat about advertising options or email anita@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk for a media pack. Walks • Local Food • Heritage Nature • • People • Events • Arts
February/March 2018
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FAMILY FUN hunting Devon Rocks & Stones
Exciting Events
Cockington Court's
Princess Gardens Fountain
James Skeffington
restoration in progress
Indulge!
Brixham's New Chocolate Café
Walk to Berry Pomeroy
Give It A Go!
Riviera Weddings
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Spring Sailing Championships
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the briefing straightforward and honest legal advice to take the stress out of tough situations
Know Your Rights
W
ith an increasing number of people renting rather than owning their home, both landlords and tenants need to know their rights. Being a landlord is normally a business decision and shouldn’t be treated differently to any other business. They should ensure they implement due diligence, correct paperwork and so on. As a tenant knowing your rights is just as important. You should know what the landlord can and cannot do while occupying a property that is your home, but not your house. With information so easily accessible on the internet, many landlords and tenants are given information from inaccurate and unreliable sources. I will usually become involved with a landlord tenant dispute only when matters go wrong. If landlords set up tenancies correctly at the start, then I would have less work. Since the Deregulation Act 2015, there is a whole raft of documents a landlord must provide to a tenant at the outset. Whether a landlord instructs an agent or not, the landlord’s responsibility is to ensure that they, as a landlord have complied with all relevant legislation, whether they know about it or not! A landlord cannot hide behind an agent. Legislation regarding deposits came into force in April 2007, yet I still hear landlords pleading total ignorance of this fact. Both sides need to know what their responsibilities are, and how to terminate the tenancy should they need to. As a landlord, if you engage a letting agent
to act on your behalf, you must carry out due diligence on the letting agent as you are employing them to manage your property. I usually advise landlords at the end of a matter i.e. when they are seeking to regain possession of the property and I am now being instructed at the start of a matter to ensure that the landlord is serving correct paperwork on the tenant to regain possession as quickly and cheaply as possible. Like any business decision, deciding to become a landlord should not be taken lightly and you should carry out thorough homework at the start. I can advise landlords both on the start of the tenancy. This can include provision of a tenancy agreement and advice on which form of notice is the most effective to serve on the tenant at the end. I have also represented many tenants in court often resulting in the claim for possession being dismissed by the judge due to the landlord’s errors. If you would like to make the process of being a landlord as pain free as possible please do get in touch with me. For more information regarding this article, please contact Mark Stokes. Email: mark.stokes@wollenmichelmore.co.uk Phone: 01803 213251
Mark Stokes Chartered Legal Executive @wmlegal Wollenmichelmore
Wollen Michelmore SOLICITORS Barnstaple 01271 342268
Dartmouth 01803 832191
Regional Law Firm of the year South West
Exeter 01392 274006
Newton Abbot 01626 332266
Excellence in Private Client Practice
Torquay 01803 213251
www.wollenmichelmore.co.uk This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (No.565599)
Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only Coastal Zoo
Fun above and below the waves Walk amongst our penguins
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Discover over 2,000 animals
Get stuck into feeding times Run wild in play areas Over 80 acres