English Riviera Magazine December 2015 by English Riviera Magazine

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EnglishRiviera

December2015/January 2016

magazine

FESTIVE HOLIDAY EVENTS

Christmas with the

National ational Trust WIN!

Dinner at Restaurant 1881

South West Coastpath Memberships

Give It A Go! White Water

Kayaking

Seasonal Crafts at

COCKINGTON COURT FESTIVE

Food & Drink

THE TRAGIC HEIR

Paris Eugene Singer

Gardening with Lis Wallace

Wildlife Walk at CLENNON LAKES

English Riviera Magazine for Residents by Residents

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Welcome

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 Proudly printed in Devon at Polestar Wheatons, Exeter.

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...…to our December/ January issue! We’ve got a very exciting Christmas and New Year magazine for you with lots of festive fun for the whole family. Enjoy our bumper What’s On, Theatre and Pantos roundup plus special features on what’s happening at National Trust properties, at Cockington and at Sharpham. If you are entertaining family and friends over the holiday period we’ve got some favourite recipes for you by top local chefs and English Riviera Magazine readers. But it’s not all about Christmas, we go white water kayaking on the picturesque River Dart, enjoy a bracing walk around Clennon Lakes and meet some fascinating people including Sandy Richards at Brixham Sewing Box who is spreading her family tradition of needlework creativity right across the Bay. We also explore Torbay Rock (not the sticky, sweet stuff) and take a look at the life of Paris Eugene Singer at Paignton’s Wigwam. Catch up with all the news in our Openers and Business sections and see who’s been to which glamorous party in our Social Diary. Please keep sending us your news, photos and story ideas to editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk and do chat to us on Twitter and Facebook.

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We’d love to hear from you!

Don’t forget to visit the website, for more news, social events, competitions and features in between issues.

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In this issue

December 2015/January 2016

Openers

Local news snippets

12 Christmas at the National Trust Seasonal celebrations and events

16 Christmas at Cockington

26 Marvellous Marbles

Crafty gifts and events at the country park

18 Riviera People

We meet Sandy Richards

24 Heritage - Paris Eugene Singer

26 Devonshire Marbles

Charities and Volunteering

30 Festive Food & Drink

Gardening

40 Christmas at Sharpham

Social diary

42 Give It A Go!

Business Breaks

46 Walk

The Briefing

Glamour, the high life and the wigwam

Sumptuous stonework on our doorstep Local chefs and reader recipes Pause at Christmas

Anita Newcombe trys white water kayaking Discover hidden lakes at Clennon Valley

49 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On

Theatre Round Up

Get into the Christmas spirit with a pantomime! Torbay Hospital League of Friends Lis Wallaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green fingered column Local people at local events Local business news Legal news from Wollen Michelmore

30 Festive Spice

Events for December and January

12 Christmas with the National Trust

46 Wildlife walk

42 Give It A Go

24 Paris Eugene Singer englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2015/16

Openers...

Torquay’s Grade II Listed Station Renovation work on Torquay’s Grade II listed Station is now complete in a programme that has upgraded Torbay’s three railway stations on the famous Riviera Line. The work at Torquay Station has included restoration of the historic infrastructure and redecoration in the traditional Riviera colours of poppy red, holly green and honeysuckle cream. Since 2012 Torbay Council, Network Rail and First Great Western have worked in partnership on this project and the award-winning landscaping has also been supported by the community group ROC Aspects. Gordon Oliver, Elected Mayor said, “Torquay now has the station it deserves which provides a beautiful gateway to the English Riviera.”o

Simon Gyde (Network Rail), Tony Garratt (Torbay Council), Mayor Gordon Oliver, Clive Whitfield (Network Rail), Steve Brimacombe (Sisk Rail)

Openers...

RICC’s Aqua Lounge Macmillan Event

The Riviera International Centre (RICC) shared cake and coffee for the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning raising £352 for the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity. The RICC held its own one-hour Macmillan coffee morning in the Aqua Lounge and this was supported by many of the centre’s regular customers and Lifestyle members. Aqua Lounge Manager, Linda Wettergreen said, “It was a great morning and was really well attended. We would like to thank everyone for their support and for their generosity.” Lifestyle Health and Fitness Suite Aerobics Teacher Bridget Rowlands came up with the idea and assisted in organising the event. She said, “I approached the RICC to see if we could support this initiative and am delighted that we were able to work together to pull off such a great event.”o

Riverford’s Sunﬂower Treats Sunflower seed heads grown by Riverford Organic Farm were used to give garden birds and zoo collections an autumnal treat. The flowers were grown on Riverford’s farm in France with the intention of producing oil, but founder Guy Watson felt they were of more value to wildlife. “Watching the Vendéen bird population feasting on my 100,000 bowing sunflower heads and realising it was barely worth harvesting our measly two hectares for oil, I had the idea that people might like to use them as bird feeders” said Guy. Rachel Lovell, from Riverford Organic Farms, said, “We decided to send them out with our veg boxes so people could give their garden birds a treat. We also shared them with a local RSPB reserve and zoological collections like Paignton Zoo and Shaldon Wildlife Trust because exotic birds and small primates love them, too.” Paignton Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said, “Keepers use sunflower seed heads for enriching the diet of various animals, from macaques and other monkeys to agoutis and porcupines.” o 6

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Openers...

Britain’s First Humans

The renowned human evolution expert, author and television presenter, Professor Chris Stringer of London’s Natural History Museum, launched Torquay Museum’s hands-on exhibition, Britain’s First Humans. The exhibition, which runs until 12 December, gives visitors to Torquay Museum a unique opportunity to see two of the oldest human fossils in Britain. It features rarely seen fossils from a touring exhibition, Humans in Ancient Britain, by London’s world-famous Natural History Museum. Torquay Museum is the permanent home of Britain’s oldest fossil of our own species, Homo sapiens, which was discovered in Kents Cavern and dates back 41,000 years. But in a remarkable first, Torquay Museum’s Britain’s First Humans exhibition now brings together this ancient human fossil with Britain’s oldest human ancestor fossil, of the species known as Homo heidelbergensis, which dates back half a million years. Torquay Museum Curator of Collections, Barry Chandler said, “We are very fortunate that the Natural History Museum has loaned us Britain’s oldest human fossil. Few people have had chance to see it outside London.” o

and Sandra Hall and John and Suzy Miles provided support for the tours and tour hosts were Barry Young, Matt Bailey and Rick Smith of Brixham Trawler Agents. Following each tour, visitors enjoyed hearty full English breakfasts at Shipmates and latterly The Old Mission. Dates from March to October 2016 tours are now booking. For more information please email:bfmt2014@ gmail.com o

Baby Mandrill at Paignton Zoo This autumn a baby mandrill, an endangered primate from the rainforests of West Africa, was born at Paignton Zoo to parents Marta and Jumanji. The youngster is another important contribution to the European Endangered species Programme of which Paignton Zoo is a part. The Zoo’s troop includes male Jumanji and females Makemba, Mirjam and Marta, youngsters Jumba, Jabari and Jemima, plus another baby born in January. Despite their fearsome appearance, mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) feed on fruit, fungi, insects, nuts, roots, seeds and small invertebrates. Their colouring is thought to help keep the group together whilst travelling in the rainforest. A single youngster is born after a gestation of 5 to 6 months. o

Brixham Fish Market Tours Brixham Fish Market Tours had a very successful 2015. With 19 tours and over 400 people booking the early morning fish auction experiences, there were many more on the reserve lists. Visitors came from from Austria and the USA as well as the local area. All profit from these tours has been donated to the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen (RNMDSF) and a cheque for £2634 was presented to John Anderson (Superintendant of the Mission) by organiser Christine Hodgetts. Clive englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2015/16

Openers... The Human Jigsaw

Local author Steve Stevenson-Olds recently launched his second novel, The Human Jigsaw at The Flavel in Dartmouth. The Human Jigsaw is a work of fiction that explores how far one might be prepared to go ethically and morally in search of physical perfection. Would you strive with such a burning passion, that your obsession becomes allconsuming, murderous? Despite such intensity, the novel has humour and beauty along with a number of rather explicit ‘blush’ moments and offers a thought-provoking read as we follow the life of the eminently ‘successful failure’ Grayson Mann. The success of Steve’s first novel The Water’s Edge enabled him to quit his day job running his roofing company in Staffordshire and move to Stoke Fleming near Dartmouth with his wife Sarah, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Steve is now writing his third novel The Land of I. o stevenson-olds.com

Man Overboard at Oddicombe

New! Torbay Airshow

750 people joined an afternoon of amateur sleuthing on Oddicombe Beach for Babbacombe Cliff Railway’s highly successful Man Overboard Mystery event. The mystery, set in the 1920s, investigated the death of millionaire businessman, Sir Michael Spencer, who was found washed ashore on Oddicombe Beach. Was it a tragic accident or something more sinister? The suspects were brought ashore, the pathologist called in and help was sought to get to the bottom of who did the dastardly deed. Visitors were encouraged to question the five suspects, which they did with relish. The suspects, pathologist and policeman were inundated with keen amateur sleuths all trying to work out whodunnit. With live music from jazz band, High Society, the event culminated in a finale when all was revealed and the culprit apprehended. The event was part of the Bay’s world-famous International Agatha Christie Festival. Nicky Allen, Marketing Manager for the Cliff Railway said, “This is the fourth year we’ve put on this event and it gets bigger and better each year.” o babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk

An exciting first for the Bay, a Torbay airshow has been planned for 10 - 12 June 2016. It is estimated that 150,000 visitors will attend the event over the weekend. A leading airshow consultant has been recruited to book the planes and it is planned that the airshow will become an annual event. Torbay’s Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said, “The Torbay Airshow promises to be a memorable event – the likes of which have never been seen here before.” The Coastal Communities Fund has provided a start up grant to part fund the cost of the airshow. Other income is being generated from sponsorship and exhibitor space. o torbayairshow.com

December/January 2015/16

Christmas Posting Deadlines. Compiled by Preston Post Oﬃce

UK Inland Services 19 December 2nd Class and Royal Mail Signed For 21 December 1st Class and Royal Mail Signed For 23 December Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed International Standard (formerly Airmail) 4 December Africa, Middle East 7 December Asia, Far East, Eastern Europe 8 December Caribbean, Central & South America 10 December Australia, New Zealand, Greece 15 December Canada, USA, Scandinavia 12 December USA 18 December Western Europe (excl. Poland) englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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Christmas at

National Trust English Riviera The National Trust’s beautiful properties at Coleton Fishacre and Greenway are putting on the glitz this December with breathtaking illuminations, festive events and traditional gifts. Christmas in the Jazz Age at Coleton Fishacre

The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding, at Greenway

National Trust Coleton Fishacre’s garden will be flooded with dramatic new festive lighting as the house, streams, beautiful trees and exotic features of the garden are spectacularly aglow at Christmas for the very first time. Sabina Collier, Marketing and Communications officer for Coleton Fishacre said, “We’re really excited about this, it’s going to be an absolute show stopper!” Visitors can stroll down through the garden, past ponds and trees awash with warm and festive lights. Pause at the quarry, which promises to be magical. At the bottom of the garden you’ll reach the fairy glade and cross the troll bridge, before coming back up the garden to the gazebo to admire the views. The walk should take about 40 minutes. Now you can warm up inside the beautifully decorated house with its fresh foliage and hand made decorations plus 6 sparkling Christmas trees. The dining room table will be laid for Christmas tea, and the Servants’ Hall decked out for Christmas too, giving a glimpse into Christmas both ‘upstairs’ and ‘downstairs’ in the 1930s. Booking essential; call 01803 842382 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

There will also be festive excitement at nearby National Trust Greenway, Agatha Christie’s beloved and simply spectacular holiday home on the River Dart. Greenway is celebrating the delightful tradition of ‘A Christie for Christmas,’ when Agatha Christie’s latest novel would hit the shelves just in time to make its way into your stocking. ‘The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding’ has inspired the Christmas decorations and family activities this year at Greenway. Follow in Poirot’s footsteps as he enjoys his first ‘old-fashioned Christmas’ complete with Christmas puddings. Enjoy decorations throughout the house inspired by the story, and little ones can search for the stolen ruby, which is the challenge to which Poirot has put his ‘little grey cells’ in this mystery.

Coleton Aglow is running on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings in December (excluding Christmas and Boxing Day), as well as 27-31 December.

Saturdays and Sundays from 5-20 December, then 27-31 December. Greenway operates a car booking system: if you would like to travel to Greenway by car, please book your parking space online nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway or by phone 01803 842382. w

Special admission charges for both Coleton Fishacre and Greenway apply for December: £8 adults, £4 children aged five and over, free for National Trust members and under-fives. 12

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Heritage

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December/January 2015/16

Festive Volunteering The National Trust’s creative band of volunteers are pulling out all the stops this year. They will be manning events, arranging flowers and decorations, making Christmas puddings and running school craft workshops. Busy fingered folk from amongst Greenway’s regular volunteers plus craft groups and WIs have been working to create their very own interpretations of Poirot’s famous Christmas pudding. They have been knitting, crocheting and working with felt to make their own designs ranging from a pudding the size of a ping-pong ball right up to a dinner-plate sized version. Youngsters’ completed work will also be added to the decorations at Greenway, all to celebrate Agatha Christie’s short story ‘The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding.’ But it’s not all work for the volunteers, they will be enjoying their annual Christmas lunch together plus Carols in the Courtyard with mulled wine and mince pies. If you would like to help bring Coleton Aglow to life, please get in touch to find out about volunteering as an Event Assistant. Email coletonfishacre@nationaltrust.org. uk or call 01803 842382.

Christmas Shopping at the National Trust There are beautiful gift shops at both Greenway and Coleton Fishacre with a wonderful selection of goodies. Those at Greenway are Agatha Christie inspired and at Coleton Fishacre the art deco house provides the inspiration. Both properties have lovely cafes too. You can also visit the National Trust English Riviera gift shop in Dartmouth for your festive inspiration.

Other Christmas Events

Did You Know? Agatha Christie thought Greenway cost her £16,000; in fact it was only £6,000. The Greenway team fills 10 vacuum cleaner bags a month in the house and spends 40 hours a week cleaning. Agatha Christie is still the third best selling author of all time. In contrast to the Arts and Crafts exterior of Coleton Fishacre, the interior of the house is dramatically 20th-century Art Deco in design. In the 1920s Rupert and Lady Dorothy D’Oyly Carte were sailing along the South Devon coast when they spotted the beautiful valley they were to make into their Coleton Fishacre home. The D’Oyly Cartes were able to afford a substantial staff at Coleton Fishacre - butler, housekeeper, housemaid and cook. Both Greenway and Coleton Fishacre have events programmes throughout the year and the proceeds generated from the events go back into the property helping to fund vital conservation work. Greenway was the holiday home of the famous and much-loved author Agatha Christie and her family. Having looked after the garden from 2000, the National Trust restored the house and opened it to the public for the first time in 2009.

There will be lots more fun events at National Trust English Riviera during the festive season. For more, please read our Festive What’s On section in this issue. For further details about National Trust English Riviera please visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway/ and nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre/

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CELEBRATE YOUR CHRISTMAS MOMENTS

PANDORA Torquay 60 Union Street, Torquay TQ2 5PS Be inspired at pandora.net

CockingtonCourt Christmas at

Cockington Court is a simply delightful place to head for a joyful Christmas shopping experience. Here you can see quirky and creative arts and crafts, meet the makers, have coffee and cakes or lunch and enjoy a stroll around the beautiful country park, all in one perfect day out.

rriving at the historic manor house of Cockington Court, one is in the very heart of Torquay, just a mile from the seafront. However with an idyllic, country atmosphere that’s all its own, you could be miles away in some remote part of the countryside. This is conservation at its best, a beautiful estate of 460 acres set in a village that appears unchanged by the mists of time. There are over twenty craft studios here, a Walled Art Garden, a Tudor rose garden, a contemporary art gallery and a popular children’s play area. It’s always a big treat to watch things being made in the traditional way. Ourglass in The Stableyard is open every day, year round

and you can watch the makers in action, heating, blowing and moulding the glass into an exciting range of shapes and colours that become stunning works of art. It’s always warm here with the furnace roaring away. You’ll find vases, bowls, paperweights and suncatchers. New this year are heart-shaped weights that can be engraved while you wait. I also love the sound of hammering and clanking of metal on metal that emanates from the blacksmith as well as the warmth of another glowing furnace. Rex Latham is a traditional blacksmith, another craftsman who has been at Cockington for years, producing traditional, handcrafted wrought iron. Some beautifully made items you can find here include chestnut roasters, boot scrapers, proper old-fashioned doorbells, bird feeders, plant holders and fire guards.

I also love the sound of hammering and clanking of metal on metal that emanates from the blacksmith The chocolatier at Cockington Chocolate Company is full of delectable temptations. Here you can watch chocolate being ‘tempered’ and made into moulded shapes and see individual ganache filled truffles being made. It’s always handy to have some beautiful chocolates ready for that unexpected Christmas visitor (if you haven’t scoffed them yourself by then!) Do you have any recent additions to the family? Cockington Rocking Horses delivers a wave of nostalgia with these beautiful heirloom pieces and other traditional, handcrafted wooden toys. I loved the wooden ‘Ten People in a Boat,’ the wooden helicopter, the little wooden bi-plane and especially the wooden open-top tractor and trailer – adorable and perfect for the little ones! Another long-time favourite of mine is Luke Ashby’s Tree of Life Jewellery. His pieces are largely inspired by the Celtic ‘Tree of Life’ and his gold and silver collection is stunningly designed and made, often incorporating 16

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Arts and Crafts some beautiful and unusual stones. The talent housed here seems never-ending; Gail Trezise is a ceramic artist who produces lovely pieces inspired by our beautiful coastline with including quirky sculptures of boats, harbours and fish. Deborah Treliving is a contemporary fine artist, painter and printmaker who also offers workshops and master classes in her studio. Marc Heaton is a sculptor who runs his own wonderland, describing his art as a colourful, humorous mix of found objects, materials, paintings and drawings. There are many more. In Cockington’s fabulous Kitchen Gallery there is an exhibition called ‘Desire’ on now and running right through until 31 January 16. This is an exhibition where you can purchase pieces created by local skilled artists and crafts makers. The exhibition has beautiful items for the home plus furniture, mosaic mirrors and plaques, paintings and prints, glassware, metal objects, wall hangings, log baskets, lamps, ceramic sculpture and metal works. You’ll also find some unique table decoration for your Christmas and New Year gatherings including platters, candlesticks, bowls and glassware. The attractive Visitor Welcome Point Gallery will tempt you with highly creative jewellery, ceramics, prints, scarves, embroidered pictures and glass by local innovative makers many of whom occupy the studios at the craft centre. You can also buy bespoke cards and wrapping paper. Both galleries are open 10.30am-4.30pm and are opening later Wednesdays to 7pm during the festive season with free parking in Court carparks 4-7pm (9, 16 and 23 December). ¨

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Cockington Christmas Craft & Food Fayre On Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December from 11-4pm, Cockington’s Christmas Craft and Food Fayre will be buzzing with over 30 festive stalls ranging from crafts, vintage items and food and drink produce stalls plus hot food from pulled pork to mince pies and hot mulled cider and wine! There will be family entertainment including craft workshops throughout the weekend. On the Sunday 6th December, you can bring a jam jar to decorate and take part in the lantern parade at 4pm. Santa! Santa Claus will arrive down the manor chimney on Friday night and be ready to greet children next to the Christmas tree inside Cockington Court from 10am-4pm every weekend from 5 to 20 December. You can also bring a letter to post in the Christmas postbox.

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Riviera People

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How Grandma’s Passion became my Life Sandy Richards was a dedicated police officer who has now become a creative force within South Devon’s sewing community running the highly successful Brixham Sewing Box. Anita Newcombe meets Sandy to hear her story of work, love, play and self-discovery.

he first time I met Sandy was at Brixham Sewing Box, her treasure trove of creative sewing just by the harbour on Middle Street. It’s a rare treat for lovers of needlework, knitting, lacemaking, patchwork, embroidery and all kinds of creative craft. I adore the elegant collection of fabrics, the sparkly threads, the myriad of accoutrements for the keen sewer such as beautiful buttons, colourful wools, pure cotton threads and all kinds of fastenings. Seasonally, Christmas panels and fabrics are doing a roaring trade right now, whereas in January some gorgeous new nautical fabrics will be arriving. This evening, not to be distracted by the bustle of the shop with Sandy greeting her regulars and hearing tales of their latest creative successes, I am popping round to her house for a proper chat. I meet Sandy’s warm and friendly husband Nick who is disabled after a serious diving accident long ago, whilst they were engaged. They subsequently married in 1984 and whilst Nick takes a great interest in the business and is hugely supportive, it’s very much Sandy’s domain. I was interested in why a long-standing police officer who loved her job and spent her last few years in the force working with the CID, came to be running a popular ‘destination sewing business’ in the Bay. Sandy explains that she was born locally at Shrublands Maternity Unit, Torquay and went to school at Furzeham Primary and Churston Ferrers Grammar. Her Grandmother taught as Head of Domestic Science at Windmill School for Girls in Brixham where she taught cookery and sewing, later moving up to the newly built Brixham Secondary School (now Brixham Community College) where she stayed and taught until her retirement. Many of her ex-pupils now come into Sandy’s shop. Her mother also taught at the Brixham Church of England Infants then Eden Park Infants before moving to Stoke Fleming Primary School where she had responsibility for early years. Sandy has one sister, Carole and together, the family

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made all their own clothes partly from choice and partly from the need to economise. She explains, “Grandma was the serious one with her fine needlework and embroidery. She really had all the skills; it was a passion and a love for her, so the sewing machine was always set up and together with lots of family cooking, I grew up immersed in creative, domestic activities.” At school, Sandy excelled in art and music but her father was firm that he wanted her to take academic subjects. During A-level Economics she learned about the principles of supply and demand. However she didn’t really fancy going to university so eventually dropped out of her A-levels and joined the police. This was a career she loved, where she did well and stayed for 14 years. She tells me, “After leaving the police, I had time to think and to re-evaluate life.” She went to South Devon College for 4 years to retrain in Beauty and Holistic Therapy. Subjects included holistics, beauty treatments, aromatherapy, massage and electrolysis. This triggered her first entrepreneurial venture and whilst still training, she set up a small business offering beauty treatments from home. Even so, her love of sewing, creativity and her wish to get out and about more, began to blossom so she set up a market table at Scala Hall in Brixham. At first Sandy was running a single table at Scala Hall just three times per week with a mobile nail bar, doing her clients’ nails and selling nail products. People used to chat to her about the difficulty of buying basic sewing items such as elastic and thread locally and the germ of a business idea evolved. She realised that there was no haberdashery nearby so she set up a second small table offering sewing items alongside her prospering nail bar. These two market tables at the Scala Hall quickly became 5 x 6-foot tables and another market trader was often drafted in to help. With all her diverse stock items, it was taking a full 3 – 5 hours just to set up her displays and she was still working at December/January 2015/16

Always a large selection of antique and pre-owned jewellery available

128 Union Street, Torquay TQ2 5QB 01803 292950

Riviera People home, giving beauty treatments. The market was only open 3 days per week and it was simply taking too long to set up each time, dragging along large wheely bins full of products each time. It was impressive growth for a small business that had only sold £11.79 in its first week, barely covering the £5 table cost. So why was she so successful I ask Sandy? She reveals, “The most important thing was listening. If 2 or 3 people requested an item, I would then stock it. I simply found out what people wanted and then supplied it. She started selling fabrics offering cut lengths from L.G.Brown’s Textiles (known locally as Brown’s) but people started asking for specific fabrics so she started enquiring where to source these. Sandy, who was keen to offer a good service to her customers, then discovered Makower, which became her main supplier of beautiful fabrics including cottons, prints and higher quality threads. Customers were delighted but Sandy now had no choice but to think about logistics. She remembers, “I had to start breaking down early as it took so long to dismantle and put away all my stock. People would pop in and try to purchase items as we were packing up so it all became a bit crazy.” Sandy tried to find a location in town for her rapidly expanding business and agreed to take over premises previously occupied by Twinkletoes (fish pedicures). Clients can buy just one button or safety pin at a time and Sandy always has time to help. Some of the most popular items at this time of year are Christmas fabrics and these are going like hot cakes. Festive sewers are busy creating cushions, table runners, skirts, dresses, tablecloths and napkins. Many customers like to make their own advent calendars and these homemade items often become family heirlooms, being brought out year after year to the delight of the whole family. Sandy is often online late at night looking for beautiful, practical and unusual items from as far afield as France and Japan, rarely available in the Bay. Card makers are an important part of her clientele and the yachting fraternity regularly pops in for fabric destined for curtains and bags. More recently she has been stocking deckchair stripes and heavier weights for upholstery, also popular with yachties. Wedding planners often pop in for ribbons and lace. After lots of requests for sewing courses, Sandy rented the premises next door to Brixham Sewing Box for this purpose but the new space quickly became too small so she now uses local venues. Dressmaking courses usually sell out quickly and other popular courses she now runs include patchwork & quilting, crafts, lacemaking, drawn threadwork, knitting and spinning. Her courses are fun englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

It was impressive growth for a small business that had only sold £11.79 in its first week!

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Riviera People

and friendly, usually including a sociable 2-course lunch with a glass of wine. At the moment courses are being held at Brixham Yacht Club with lunches at Rockfish Brixham it makes for a delightful and practical, full day experience that appeals to all ages. Chatting to Sandy, I become aware that although she has a great head for business and for spotting what her customers want, there is actually something much more important to her than pure retail success. I delve a little deeper and she tells me that she hears a lot of stories from customers about their lives, their holidays, their weddings and so on. She says, “People really like a personal service. As you become middle-aged, you realize that older women in particular are often not listened to or taken seriously enough. I’ve learned that it’s important to listen to everyone.” But it’s more than that, Sandy really has her heart in what she is doing; Brixham Sewing Box is very much her brainchild and she cares deeply about how it does in the future. She explains, ‘I just love to be part of my community and I so much want to leave a legacy, a positive and worthwhile contribution to be remembered by. Sandy is always bubbling over with new ideas and at the moment she is considering offering a printed catalogue for her customers to browse in their homes. Both her husband and her sister have expressed their willingness to process

the orders and man the sales and advice line but this is a project very much at the planning stage at the moment. Her life is not all about work though. Sandy set up Paignton Ladies Hockey Club in 1992 (now Torbay Ladies). Although she has had to step away in recent years due to the demands of her business, she is immensely proud of what she, together with her friend,Tracy Wolff, managed to achieve. Sandy became umpire coach, went all the way to national level, travelled to Europe and also coached Torbay Men’s Hockey Club. She also loves skiing and is planning to travel to Italy with a group of hockey friends to hit the pistes this year. Even though her husband Nick’s mobility is very restricted by his severe neck injury, they manage to do a lot together. They enjoy old-fashioned picnics and visits. They’ve seen Jools Holland, Chris Rea and George Michael together, have been to Formula One Racing and even took a helicopter ride one year. Sandy laughs and says, “ I could spend a whole evening telling you the funny things that have happened to us over the years. We just deal with Nick’s injury. We’re not really special because of it.” Well they certainly seem pretty special to me and this looks like a super-creative family business that will go from strength to strength. Don’t forget – shop local this Christmas! ¨ brixhamsewingbox.co.uk

Booking Now – Next Full Day Course Delight your friends and family with your new-found skills and enjoy a fun, full day experience with a 2-course lunch, wine plus tea, coffee and cakes throughout the day – bliss! All included at just £58. Sewing – Book Cover and Trug Bag Tuesday 8th December Enjoyable day learning to make fabric book covers and a large tidy trug bag suitable for books, toys, sewing etc. Call 01803 883342 to book. Spaces are limited. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2015/16

Paris Eugene Singer Glamour, the High Life and the Wigwam Ian Handford of Torbay Civic Society looks at the life and times of Paris Eugene Singer, famed for his affair with Isadora Duncan and who was an important benefactor to our area.

inheritance before coming of age in November 1888. aris Eugene Singer was the third son of Isaac Success was celebrated by holding a glittering Ball at the Singer and his second wife Isabella, who had Oldway Arena with the room suitably lit by electricity, a moved from America in 1867. He was born real novelty in that era. Impulsive and fastidious and yet on the 20th November 1867 and destined to become a generous benefactor to Torbay, Paris set out to become the architect behind the Palm Beach area of Florida in a businessman with a huge number of interests; the high America before returning to the Singer family home in Paignton to complete his father’s, so-called “Wigwam”, a life had arrived. Having studied architecture, he obtained a degree house today we call Oldway Mansion. but became more a patron than a practitioner of his art. Paris inherited his father’s artistic and physical A notable exception would be No.3 Cadogan Gate in characteristics and being 6’3” was an unusually tall London, which much later he gave Edwardian. Like his father he was a handsome and distinguished Residing in Devon, he formed to his daughter Winnaretta on her man who sported a beard. At age the Paignton and District Land marriage to Sir Reginald Leeds. seven, his father died and Isabella Development Company, which The building is now the head office of the Incorporated Society of was principal legatee, but the will created the districts of Preston, Valuers & Auctioneers. was subject to protracted legal Barcombe and Marldon Paris was an enthusiastic proceedings from a mistress, Mary supporter of the motor car, being Ann, who was still supporting ten a founder member of the Automobile Club de France in children by Isaac. Now Paris, his sister Winnaretta and 1895, the RAC in 1897 and eventually Chairman of the his brothers Adam Mortimer and Washington, would City and Suburban Electric Carriage Company. He even also become involved in litigation due to Isabella having drove from London to Paignton in an English Napier, remarried in France. before in 1901 he had “the honour of driving Queen Made a Ward of Court in England to protect his Alexandra in one of his many horseless carriages”. Now inheritance from this stepfather, Paris at age sixteen, mixing in high society, the Daily Express described him attended Cambridge University until eventually moving as “a rich, clever and successful man ...who understands to Australia with a tutor. In 1887 he was still under the practical part of automobilism…and is fond of age but he married Lily Graham of Hobart, without music, a good musician and one of the chief supporters the permission of the British Court. He then had to of Covent Garden Opera.” return to England to sort out the legal position of his 24

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Heritage loss. Paris would continue to financially support her Residing in Devon, he formed the Paignton and even though their affair was over by 1917. Despondent District Land Development Company, which created and now in poor health, Paris moved the districts of Preston, Barcombe to Palm Beach, Florida where he was and Marldon. Eventually he also diagnosed as suffering from general completed his father’s “Wigwam” exhaustion and a lung disorder. He in 1907 - Oldway Mansion with its adored Florida and in 1918 his dream splendid triumphal arch and sphinxes to rebuild became reality. Joan Bates in the driveway (still visible). “White’s the nurse who had tended him in - Directory of Devon” says the estate England came out to join him and has one of the finest conservatories soon their project, a convalescent in Devon and even recalls “Achille hospital for shell-shocked Officers, Duchene a famous French landscape “The Touchstone Convalescents architect, was specially brought here Club,” was complete. In 1919 the to build a mirror image of the gardens club was further developed to create at Versailles in miniature.” the famous “Everglades Club” before By age forty-two, Paris and Lily Paris married Joan. Years later, this era were separated and while residing was referred to as the “The Golden in France, Paris met the celebrated Age of Palm Beach”. dancer, Isadora Duncan. This led to In 1927, Paris Singer learned that an eight-year love affair following his ex-lover Isadora had died in a freak their first summer sailing to Italy, in accident strangled by her own scarf, Paris’s yacht, “Lady Alicia”. Its crew which had been caught up in the of fifty daily laid a “table set with wheel of a hired tourer; like Patrick she crystal and silver” opulence that must died in France. The same year, Paris have seemed amazing to Isadora, who was arrested for alleged fraudulent even as they journeyed to Alexandria advertising and a year later a hurricane and sailed the Nile, found she was brought disaster to his yet unfinished pregnant. In May 1910 she gave birth “Blue Heron Hotel,” later named to her first child Patrick. The Wigwam’s “Singers Folly”. Finally, the Wall Street Although Paris wanted to marry oppulent interior Crash of 1929 saw Paris, like many Isadora, he was always rejected. The Evergaldes Club others, bankrupt in America and he Having suffered a stroke he iin Palm Beach left the country forever. always had to have a doctor and He settled at Cap Ferrat, France nurse at his side but he brought and although he did visit Paignton in Isadora to England to show off his 1929 to found the Torbay Country Paignton Mansion in the autumn Club at Oldway, he left instructions of 1910. Isadora loathed the town’s that on his death the mansion would parochialism and our awful weather be offered for sale to the Local stating, “in an English summer it Authority. Paris and Joan travelled rains all day” and in spite of Paris widely from 1930 onwards and it arranging lavish parties and much was while visiting his heart specialist entertainment Isadora wanted in London that, at age 64, he died. nothing more than to return to her His body was interred in the Singer artistic life and after a few weeks family vault at Torquay Cemetery returned with her child to France and and in accordance with his wishes, Paignton Urban then America where life to her was more exciting. District Council purchased the Oldway Estate on 18th It would be in 1913 that their son Patrick and his December 1946 for just £45,000.¨ half sister and a nurse were drowned in the Seine torbaycivicsociety.co.uk following a car accident. Isadora was distraught at her englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2015/16

The Coast of Marble What brings together British Royalty, a French Emperor, an American inventor, a controversial trendsetter, some dynastic local families and rich coral seas? Well, the answer, unexpectedly, is Torbay Rock. Professor Gordon Walkden tells us more.

ot the sticky sweet kind, but the hard, unyielding, to London, where they soon learned of his rock-saw invention. It received a silver medal from a prestigious grey quarried stuff in the cliffs. It cradles London Society that promoted invention, but it was a bad Torbay by forming the headlands at Torquay time to open a coastal quarry in the late 1700s and early and Berry Head, once called the ‘Coast of Marble’ by 1800s. The south coast was under the threat of a certain Richard Polwhele, an 18th Century Devonshire historian. Napoleon Bonaparte, intent, along with what seemed In the mid-to-late 1800s, this ‘English Riviera’ not only like the rest of the French nation, upon the destruction of provided a haven for grand and wealthy holidaymakers, Britain and its empire. it exported grandeur on an industrial scale in the form of Ambitious as ever, Fulton soon viewed his British brightly coloured Devonshire marble for mansions, public enterprises as doomed and he departed our shores buildings, churches and even humble fireplaces. in 1797 to work for the said General Bonaparte, It is an industry long since vanished, as have the coral developing submarines, torpedoes and explosives. In seas that formed the rock that the marble came from in the the meantime, a local cliff-line holiday home owner, first place. It is almost by accident that what we call the John Hubbard, re-opened Fulton’s quarry and in 1809 ‘English Riviera’ with the hints of permanent sun, white sent some samples to the same London organisation beaches and warm sea actually did once exist. The sun was that had rewarded the now absent Mr Fulton. They tropical, the sand broken coral and the warm sea stretched liked the marbles from Petit Tor right across South Devon, from so much that they awarded them Torquay to beyond Ashburton and They liked the marbles from their Gold Medal for the year down as far as Plymouth. Petit Tor so much that they It is easy to get time muddled. awarded them their Gold Medal and that started a 19th Century Devonshire marble rush. Several On the human scale 100 years is for the year and that started marble family dynasties became a long time; on the archaeological a 19th Century Devonshire established, prominent amongst scale 100 thousand years is a long marble rush which were the Grants, the time, but on the geological scale it Woodleys and the Blacklers. is 100 million years that is a long The greatest of these artisans was John Woodley. By the time. These English Riviera coral seas go back even further mid 1800s he was widely-known, his marble works in St to around 400 million years ago, when the most advanced Marychurch famous, regularly described in local tourist animals were sea scorpions and toothy fish. These sparkling guides. He exhibited his work at the ‘Crystal Palace’ Great coral seas were no place for Doctor Who or his assistants to Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park, London where he won bathe, but they are relatively safe now, and the fossil corals a coveted Prize Medal for a round ‘Arthurian’-style fossil can be seen in the rocks exposed on rocky foreshores, for and marble-inlaid stone table. This table has just been example at Hope’s Nose and in the sea wall at Meadfoot re-discovered in a gallery at the Natural History Museum Beach, or in pebbles that come from them. in London. So where do all the famous real personalities come into Now here comes Royalty. Not content with being one this story? We have to zing forward to the human timescale for that answer. 200 years ago an American inventor named of the Great Exhibition organisers and exhibitors, Prince Albert just had to visit Mr Woodley. In 1852, the Royal Robert Fulton ‘over here’ to check out the latest British Squadron of three ships, including the Royal Paddle Yacht industrial inventions, got to hear of Devonshire marble and Victoria and Albert, slid into Babbacombe Bay. Albert the money it could make. He quickly took over Petit Tor rowed ashore and paid an incognito visit to Woodley, Quarry in the cliffs at St Marychurch, east of Torquay and whilst Queen Victoria stayed on board. The result was installed some innovative horse-powered machinery to that Woodley dispatched as many as 30 marble ornaments slice the stone into slabs. The polished stone was shipped 26

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Inset: Robert Fulton, American inventor, the first Devonshire marble entrepreneur, in the early 1800s Main image: A chancel pillar in Devonshire marble, St John the Apostle Church, Torquay

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Heritage

December/January 2015/16

to the Queen’s holiday residence, Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, of which one, a delightful platter with the image of a chaffinch inlaid in marble, found its way back to Torquay Museum where it is presently on display with a number of other marble items. Goods sold signed, sealed and delivered to the monarch usually lead to the award of the Royal Warrant, carrying with it the right to display a Royal Coat of Arms. Woodley’s is still to be seen – a giant example above a humble porch that now belongs to the Babbacombe Sailing Club on Fore Street. This is all that is left of John Woodley’s famous marble works. John Woodley and his marble mason father Daniel are still remembered by prominent grave markers in St Mary’s Churchyard, but much of his marbled church interior was lost during a bombing raid in the Second World War when 23 people inside the church lost their lives. In the later 1800s, the marble works was taken over by Andrew Blackler who invested heavily in new buildings and steam power. He surfed a fashionable wave of Gothic Revival design that influenced architects and church builders in the British Empire worldwide. The fashion was promoted, above all, by Oxford art and architecture critic John Ruskin. The two finest examples of such churches, both supplied with stone by Blackler, are the ornate All Saints Church in Babbacombe, and the more stately St John the Apostle Church above the harbour in Torquay. Both have magnificent Devonshire marble interiors well worth a visit and a generous donation. John Ruskin is the ‘controversial trend-setter’ introduced earlier, who enters this tale with honour. It was he that not only promoted the use of marble in buildings, leading to the popularity of Devonshire marble, but he also likened the rocky, marble-adorned Torbay coast to the Italian Riviera. This soon gave rise to the name English Riviera. We have a lot to thank John Ruskin for, but he may well have thought that himself! Even Napoleon Bonaparte saw similarity in the cliffs of Torbay to his former exile, the Isle of Elba just off the coast of Tuscany. Following his final defeat at Waterloo in June 1815, 200 years ago this year, he was sequestrated aboard the 74-gun ship of the Line, Bellerophon, right beneath the guns of the Berry Head fort. Bonaparte was ferried to and fro along the coast every now and then and had ample opportunity to admire the rugged ‘coast of marble’ before his imprisonment came on the island of St Helena, a thousand miles from anywhere in the South Atlantic. No more Devonshire marble for him. ¨ 28

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Petit Tor Quarry

A new 2-volume book, Devonshire Marbles, their Geology, History and Uses was launched by the author and the Geologist’s Association at Torquay Museum in October. Copies are available at Torquay Museum and through the website of the Geologists’ Association. Gordon Walkden is a retired Professor of Geology at the University of Aberdeen. He is the author of the book ‘Devonshire Marbles’ noted above and a long-term expert in rocks and decorative marble. geologistsassociation.org.uk/guidesales.html torquaymuseum.org englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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December/January 2015/16

Festive Season Entertaining

Want to cook something special for visiting family and friends over the festive season? Try our fabulous recipes supplied by local chefs and English Riviera Magazine readers.

Festive Fish – From Brixham’s Famous Fish Market

Fish is a wonderful choice when entertaining visitors this year. We loved these delicious recipes from Andy Sewell, Head Chef at the Quayside Hotel in Brixham.

Devon Mussels

Everywhere you go in Devon you will find mussels on a menu in one form or another. The South Devon coast has some of the best mussels in the land. My favourite are from Brixham Sea Farms who grow their mussels on ropes in the beautiful clear waters off Elberry Cove just outside Brixham harbour. Serves 2 Ingredients 1 small onion 1 small leek 1 small stick of celery 1 clove garlic 50g butter 1kg mussels 250ml good local cider 100g clotted cream

“Make sure you’ve got some crusty bread at hand to mop up all those juices!”

Method First you need to prepare and check your mussels to make sure they are alive. 0n the straight edge of the mussel you will see what is called the beard - this is what it uses to cling to the rocks. Remove this with a knife or your fingers. lf the mussel is closed then it’s ok, if it’s open then just give it a little tap on the worktop - if it doesn’t close then discard it as it is dead. Scrape off any barnacles with a knife and rinse under cold water. Finely dice the onion, leek, celery and garlic and put in a deep pan with the butter and gently sauté for 2 minutes until soft. Add the mussels and cider, put a lid on the pan and simmer until all the mussels are open (approx. 5 minutes) shaking the pan regularly. Just before serving, stir in the clotted cream to warm through but do not let it boil as this will split the cream. Discard any mussels that stay closed after cooking. Enjoy with crusty bread, skinny fries and a glass of local cider. o 30

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Festive Food & Drink John Dory with Samphire Salsa

John Dory is known as the king of all fish and, as legend has it, was the fish used to feed the five thousand. lf you look closely you can see the thumbprint left by Jesus as he handed them out. John Dory is a very spiny fish, so handle it with care. lt is notorious for being difficult to fillet so ask your fishmonger to prepare it for you. Serves 2 Ingredients

100g fresh samphire 1 tomato deseeded and diced ¼ red pepper diced ¼ green pepper diced 1 spring onion chopped Splash of olive oil Squeeze of lemon Salt and pepper 250g new potatoes 10g butter 2 large John Dory fillets Seasoned flour for dusting Oil for frying Method Snap the samphire in half and place in a bowl with the tomato, peppers and spring onion. Splash over a little olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and season to taste. Samphire is quite salty, so be careful. Cook the new potatoes. ln the meantime, dust the John Dory skins with the flour. ln a heavy based pan, heat a little oil until smoking and fry for 2 minutes each side, pressing down constantly with the back of a fish slice. Drain the potatoes, add the butter and gently crush. Place the John Dory on top and dress with the salsa. o

Editor’s Tip

You can buy your ﬁsh right by Brixham Fish Market. There is a counter run by David Walker and Son just along to the left side of the market units. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm and ﬁsh can be sealed in ice for you if necessary.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2015/16

Scallops in Shells

Try to find scallops that are still in their shells - this will guarantee freshness. Ask your fishmonger to clean them for you and give you the shells back. They should be firm, creamy in colour and smell sweet. They will come with a pink roe on them, which I like to remove but some people prefer it left on.

Serves 2 Ingredients 6 fresh scallops in shells For the Pesto Â˝ bunch of fresh basil 2 tbsp hazelnuts 2 tbsp grated parmesan 3 garlic cloves 125ml olive oil. For the crust 8 sunblush tomatoes 2 slices of white bread 50g butter melted Deep fried wild rocket to garnish Method Put the pesto ingredients into a blender and blitz to a paste. Spoon a little pesto into each shell. Any leftover pesto will keep for up to a week in a sealed jar in the fridge. Tear the bread into pieces and place in a blender with the sunblush tomatoes and the butter. Blend until you have a thick paste. Dry the scallops with paper towel, heat up a little oil until almost smoking and cook the scallops for 45 seconds on each side. Place into their shells and add a little tomato crust to each one. Grill for 30 seconds and garnish with fried wild rocket. o

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Festive Food & Drink

Mysterious Eastern Spices for Christmas

The scent of fragrant spices is an absolute winner at Christmas and this wonderful Lamb Tagine recipe from Noor Alam, Head Chef at Brixham’s Berry Head Hotel is sure to be a big hit with family and friends.

Lamb Tagine with Roasted Vegetable Couscous Serves 4 Ingredients

For the Lamb Tagine 4 lamb shanks 3 tbsp olive oil 1 onion thickly sliced 2 garlic cloves peeled & chopped 1 tsp ras-el-hanout 2 tbsp harissa paste 2 cinnamon sticks ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp smoked sweet paprika 1 tsp ground cumin ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper ½ tsp ground turmeric 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp clear honey ½ tsp saffron 350ml chicken stock 125g stoneless dried apricots halved 110g green olives, stones removed 100g flaked almonds (leave a few for garnish) Salt and freshly ground black pepper 25g fresh coriander For the Roasted Vegetable Couscous 350g couscous ½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp ground cumin 450ml hot vegetable stock 3 tbsp finely chopped mint 3 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 tbsp olive oil juice and zest of 1½ unwaxed lemons 50g Cheshire cheese 50g pine nuts lightly toasted 1 red onion peeled and cut into wedges 1 red and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into 1½cm pieces 250g butternut squash peeled deseeded and cut into 1cm dice 3 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped 2 tbsp thyme leaves 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp cumin seeds. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Method For the Lamb Shank Tagine, preheat the oven to 160C/315F/gas mark 3. Mix the ras-el-hanout, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, smoked sweet paprika, ground cumin, freshly ground black pepper and ground turmeric together in a bowl. Add the lamb shanks and turn in the mixture to coat them evenly. Heat a large pan until smoking hot, then add a tablespoon of the olive oil and sear the lamb shanks on all sides for 2-3 minutes, or until goldenbrown all over. Remove the lamb shanks from the pan and set aside. Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan and fry the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Add the lamb shanks back to the pan and stir well, then add all of the remaining tagine ingredients - except for the coriander and salt and freshly ground black pepper - and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat, cover the pan with a lid and place in the oven for two hours, or until the lamb is tender. Remove the lid and cook for a further 30 minutes, or until the tagine is slightly thickened. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper, chopped coriander (keep some for garnish). For the Roasted Vegetable Couscous, preheat the oven to 200°C, 400°F, gas mark 6. Put the red and yellow peppers into a roasting dish with the butternut squash, onion, garlic cloves and thyme. Sprinkle with the olive oil, then add the cumin seeds, if using. Season with black pepper and toss together to coat. Roast for 20 minutes, then turn over the vegetables and add the pine nuts. Roast for a further 10 minutes. Whilst the vegetables are cooking, put the couscous into a large heatproof bowl and add the stock, lemon juice and zest, turmeric and ground cumin. Leave for about 10 minutes, then fluff up with a fork. When the vegetables are ready, tip in the couscous and add the chunks of Cheshire cheese. Stir gently to combine then share out between four warm plates. Scatter with chopped mint leaves, parsley and serve at once. o December/January 2015/16

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Festive Food & Drink A Glamorous Christmas Cocktail

Christmas is the perfect excuse to dust off the cocktail shaker. Kaye Sonley, Bar Manager at Brixham’s Berry Head Hotel shares her favourite Christmas cocktail.

Cranberry Margarita Crushed ice Tbsp crushed cranberries 25 ml Tequila 25 ml Cointreau Squeeze of fresh lime Sugar rim of the glass. Add crushed ice, Tequila, Cointreau & lime in a shaker and shake. Add the crushed cranberries to bottom of the glass. Pour over crushed ice. Garnish glass with a slice of orange, sprig of rosemary & fresh blackberry. Serve & enjoy! o

Yummy Festive Brownies

These delicious Christmas treats by reader Linda Jeyes will have the whole family clamouring for more. Serve with a festive glass of bubbly or sparkling elderflower for the non-drinkers and youngsters. Ingredients 300g dark chocolate chopped, 250g unsalted butter chopped 5 eggs, 400g caster sugar, 150g plain flour, 50g cocoa 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp orange extract, 3 tbsp mincemeat 2 tbsp dried cranberries, icing sugar to serve Method Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/ gas mark 4 or 160°C for fan ovens. Grease and line a shallow 20cm x 30cm baking tin, leaving a bit of the paper overhanging the lengths of the tray. Melt the chocolate and butter in a bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, stir occasionally until smooth (make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water and steam doesn’t get into the bowl of chocolate and butter). Allow to cool. Put eggs and sugar in a large bowl and using an electric mixer beat for 3-4 minutes, until pale and fluffy, then beat in the cooled chocolate mixture. Sift in the flour, cocoa, baking powder and a pinch of salt, and fold in gently with a large metal spoon until smooth. Gently fold in the mincemeat. Pour the mixture into the tin and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until firm to the touch but still slightly moist in the centre. Allow to cool in the tin, then remove, sprinkle with icing sugar and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container if they last that long! o

December/January 2015/16

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Festive Food & Drink Cape Brandy Pudding

Delicious for celebratory entertaining or as an alternative to traditional Christmas pudding, Sascha Diamond Head Chef at Occombe Farm Café brings us this favourite festive recipe. Serves 6-8 Ingredients For the Pudding 225g dates 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 285ml boiling water 125g butter softened plus extra for greasing 200g caster sugar 2 eggs beaten 225g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 160g chopped walnuts. For the Syrup 250g caster sugar 15g butter 150ml water 1 tsp vanilla essence Pinch salt 125ml brandy

Method For the pudding preheat the oven to 180C, fan oven 160C, gas mark 4. Grease a 20cm round baking tin with butter. Put half of the dates into a container with the bicarbonate of soda and add the boiling water. Leave to cool. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar and add the beaten eggs. Beat together until creamy and smooth. Sieve in the flour, baking powder and salt, fold well and set aside. Take the cooled date mixture and add in the remaining dates. Pour the contents of the container into the cake batter and fold in. Pour the mixture into the greased baking tin and bake in the oven for 40 mins, or until you can place a skewer into the centre of the cake and it comes out clean. To make the syrup heat the sugar, butter and water in a pan for 5 minutes on a high heat. Remove from the hob and stir in the vanilla essence, salt and brandy. Remove the pudding from the tin and pour the sauce over the top. For best results, leave the pudding to soak up the delicious sauce and reheat before serving. Serve with lashings of clotted cream. o

Win! An AA Rosette Dinner for Two The Grand Hotel in Torquay is offering one lucky reader (plus their guest) the chance to win a superb AA Rosette dinner for two at the fabulous 1881 Restaurant to celebrate the arrival of their new Head Chef Scott Harrison-Jones. The prize includes 3 tastebud-tantalising courses plus a glass of Prosecco per person. Scott moved from Le Bistrot Pierre where he was extremely successful before joining the Grand. Scott’s aim is to further elevate 1881 to a 2 AA Rosette restaurant and the Brasserie to a 1 AA Rosette standard. He’s revamped the menus to reflect his inspirations and experiences. The style of food is English and French classical with a modern interpretation. He takes his inspiration from living in South Africa, Australia, France, travelling in India and around the UK.

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To enter just answer the following question: Why is the Grand’s AA Rosette Restaurant named 1881? Email your answer to: editorial@englishrivieramagazine. co.uk or enter online at englishrivieramagazine.co.uk We also accept written entries to: English Riviera Magazine, 69 Davies Avenue, Paignton TQ4 7AW. All entries must be received by 12 noon on 15 January 2016 and the winner will be the first correct entry selected at random. Prize must be claimed by 30 June 2016. Full terms and conditions on website

December/January 2015/16

Eating Out

Guide

The English Riviera is fast establishing a fantastic foodie reputation. With more and more high quality restaurants establishing themselves in the Bay there’s never been a better time to hang up your apron and sample what’s on offer!

EST D 1904

R EDCLIFFE H OTEL PAIGNTON

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Redcliffe Hotel

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.

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.

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

Why not advertise your restaurant or eatery in our guide? All entries have the same simple format to help our readers. You supply a photograph plus 60 words describing your food, facilities and any offers. Rates start at just £76 plus Vat per insertion for 6 x bi-monthly inclusions over a year. This will highlight your business to 72,000 potential diners.*

The Babbacombe Inn The Babbacombe Inn on Babbacombe Downs enjoys one of the most fabulous views around. Open daily, it offers a great range of tasty pub food in a cosy, welcoming environment. Whether you’re after a light snack or looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion the Babbacombe Inn has plenty of buffet and function options on offer. With live entertainment and a weekly quiz, it’s also ideal for a pre-theatre meal or drink. Free parking on site.

59 Babbacombe Downs Road Torquay TQ1 3LP 01803 316200 www.babbacombeinn.co.uk 38

December/January 2015/16

English Riviera Magazine is independently delivered to 12,000 homes and businesses across the Bay every 2 months including: Torquay, St Marychurch, Babbacombe, Wellswood, Ilsham Valley, Willows, Barton, Cadewell, Edginswell, Kingskerswell, Rock End, Livermead, Cockington, Chelston, Preston, Paignton, Collaton St Mary, Marldon, Broadsands, Galmpton, Brixham, Berry Head, Furzeham, Hillhead and Kingswear. In a recent survey 76% of our responding readers said that they ‘always or often’ took account of advertising and 100% enjoyed reading the magazine.

Call 01803 850886 for a chat today - it’s a great way to gain year-round promotion for your restaurant or eatery. * based on National Readership Survey averages for similar publications

Shop Local

Eat Local englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

XMAS IS COMING – PARTY TIME at the QUAYSIDE! ¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯¬¯

quayside

We have a lovely Restaurant open to Non Residents and a lively Bar with music and quiz nights. Both offer excellent food and friendly, attentive service.

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Ring the Hotel for an Xmas Party Menu at £16.95 and to book your table

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01803 855751

reservations@quaysidehotel.co.uk

www.quaysidehotel.co.uk King Street, BrixhamTQ5 9TJ

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December/January 2015/16

❁Hang On a Sec! ❁❁

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With the Christmas season just kicking off to its most frantic, we pause and take a look at mindfulness courses and themed retreats at the beautiful Sharpham Estate near Totnes.

think we all know someone who might love a mindfulness course or retreat as a gift, even if it’s ourselves! Ben Ballard Programme Manager for Sharpham Trust said, “Instead of buying your loved ones more ‘stuff,’ consider gifting them the opportunity to develop insights and techniques that will last them the rest of their lives, helping them to consider their thoughts, to give themselves space to just breathe and regain control over over-busy minds and actions.” Well it sounds tempting as a festive gift but it’s not just something you can expect someone to pack into a tight space in his or her schedule. As Ben explained, “If you are planning to buy someone a mindfulness retreat, it’s important they’re receptive to it, because the experience is

really valuable when they are.” Retreats planned for next year at Sharpham House include Mindfulness with Art, Conscious Cookery and Mindful Eating, as well as the popular Beginners’ Mindfulness, Yoga and Walking Retreats. The Trust has extended its themed retreats to include new areas of art and food as these are an integral part of the vision at Sharpham. It has always been a place for the arts, and their approach to mindfulness is rooted in developing an appreciation for the natural world. In terms of food, they grow a lot of the produce served to retreatants in their own gardens and their vegetarian food has received high praise from visitors. Harvesting, preparing and cooking good food is considered an excellent path to mindfulness. ¨

❁ Christmas and New Year Retreats Sharpham House and the Barn Retreat Centre are both hosting mindfulness retreats over Christmas and New Year. There is also a 2016 season of themed retreats at The Barn Retreat Centre on the Sharpham Estate, beginning in January, including Loving Kindness, Transition and Transformation, Discovering the Boundless Heart, Embodied Mindfulness and Buddhist Mindfulness - What Is It? Draw Breath – a New Mindfulness through Art Retreat. January 14-17 This is designed to help you pause and engage with the present moment, helping you to use drawing and mark-making to explore, express and communicate the experience of mindfulness meditation, explore or rediscover your natural creativity in a supportive and non-judgmental setting and immerse your senses in colour, shape and form. This retreat takes advantage of the rich visual setting at Sharpham as other artists have done in the past. The estate has a long history of supporting the arts dating back to the 1960s when the Ash family who owned the house at the time were generous patrons of the arts. Creating Space – Creative Retreat for Women. February 4-7 A women-only retreat exploring mindfulness 40

December/January 2015/16

through creativity, is a new addition to Sharpham’s programme. The retreat includes creative exercises to find different ways to respond to stress and anxiety, and techniques to develop mindfulness through creativity. It is ideal for women who feel stuck creatively or who want to explore their natural creative flow in a supportive, female environment. Moments to Savour – Conscious Cooking and Mindful Eating. April 7-10 and July 7-10 New food-centred mindfulness retreats are also on the menu at Sharpham. You can explore mindful awareness with the food that you’ll harvest, cook and eat on retreat at Sharpham House. These retreats are partly in response to positive feedback from retreatants responding to the vegetarian food grown and served at Sharpham House. They offer the chance to connect with the land, the process of food preparation and oneself. Regular Retreats and Courses Sharpham offers regular 8-week Mindfulness for Health & Wellbeing courses. There will also be 1-day introductions to Mindfulness. Woodland retreats will be available in 2016 too, offering people the chance to explore mindfulness outdoors in the Trust’s tranquil campsite. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Courses and Retreats

“Instead of buying your loved ones more ‘stuff,’ consider gifting them the opportunity to develop insights and techniques that will last them the rest of their lives”

Christmas Crafts at Sharpham. 12 December Enjoy a day-long craft session of Christmas wreath-making from 10am to 2pm. Teacher Vivienne Turner will demonstrate how to weave a beautiful Christmas wreath, using a mix of seasonal foliage and natural materials gathered from Sharpham Estate’s gardens. All materials and tools will be provided. Vivienne is a professional basket-weaver and willow-worker, regularly teaching in Totnes and South Devon. Her sculptures have been shown at Birmingham NEC and at the Chelsea Flower Show and she has worked on pieces for the Eden Project in Cornwall. The event will be held in The South Wing of Sharpham House. The workshop is suitable for people aged 16 and over; cost £20. More information and how to book Call 01803 732542 or email bookings@sharphamtrust.org sharphamtrust.org

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December/January 2015/16

Crossing the Eddy Line The Dart is one of the most famous white water kayaking rivers in England. Anita Newcombe decides to give white water kayaking a go and discovers that the journey is much more important than the destination.

gloves. Next, we select our favoured kayaks from the fter two seasons of gentle paddling on the River store and adjust the footrests. The kayaks are loaded Dart between Dartmouth and Totnes with Dartmouth Yacht Club’s kayaking section, I was on top of a couple of vehicles and strapped into place with the paddles going inside. Kit is divided into dry having a very jolly supper with fellow paddlers at the bags and wet bags with vehicles being placed at each Ferry Boat Inn at Dittisham, when white water was first end of our projected river route. mentioned. I seem to paddle with the club every couple By now the beginners among us are starting to feel of weeks during the summer season and never object to quite nervous but hysterical laughter is the only outward paddling some considerable distance as long as there is a sign. Tim calls out a checklist good supper at the end of it. so everyone can make sure I have paddled to the River they won’t arrive without Shack at Stoke Gabriel, the all the essential gear and off Maltsters at Tuckenhay and we go! the Steam Packet at Totnes. I Half an hour later, we have even dined rather well in are at Austin’s Bridge at the camping field at Sharpham Buckfastleigh, our chosen with the help of a handy camp ‘get-in’ point. After posing fire, not to mention enjoying for some team photos we kit a great cookout at Greenway up and launch our kayaks Boathouse; I’ve even paddled off a handy flat rock into a right round to Brixham, nice still part of the river. just to visit the Breakwater He pointed out that kayaking wasn’t Everyone regroups in a gentle Café for their delicious hot just about going to the pub (which eddy just below the bridge. chocolate. rather surprised me because I Everyone except me that is, So white water wasn’t on definitely thought it was) as I have managed to drift off my mind at all that evening down the river a bit, finding myself in my own private at Dittisham. However, our kayaking leader Tim eddy a few yards downstream. This is why I am missing Freeman had other ideas. He pointed out that kayaking the initial briefing which I’m sure is vital. To be honest wasn’t just about going to the pub (which rather even if I could hear the briefing I probably wouldn’t take surprised me because I definitely thought it was). He much in. Just being on this extraordinarily beautiful explained that white water kayaking is apparently ‘the river environment, so close to the water, the wildlife, the thing to do’ during the winter months and somehow I overhanging branches and all the myriad features of the managed to agree to take part in some training sessions. river is an amazing experience. So for three weeks in a row I turned up in Dartmouth Soon my fellow paddlers join me and we head off for the evening’s white water training, which mainly downstream. Entering or ‘breaking-in’ to the current involved paddling behind an ersatz current created by must be done correctly or there is the ever-present risk running an outboard motor. of capsize. Even though the river levels are quite low Now the big day for our first white water paddle and the current is not fast, an unsuspecting beginner has arrived and 6 of us are meeting at Dartmouth can be taken by surprise. We point our kayaks up into Yacht Club to kit up. First we all don our wetsuits the current, gain some paddling momentum, initiate a (these are provided unless you have your own) and ‘sweep stroke’ and execute a ‘low brace turn.’ Everyone wetsuit boots. We also carry thermal tops, cagoules, manages this and we are all still afloat and now steadily buoyancy aids, helmets, spraydecks and wetsuit 42

December/January 2015/16

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Give it a Go! White Water Kayaking

heading down the river. So far, so good… Everything is still very new to us, so our instructors Tim and Roger want us to practise ‘breaking-out’ of the current regularly as we go along. In this way we can be sure we can stop when we need to and gain time to assess any hazards that may lie ahead. This ‘bow rudder’ technique seemed quite easy during the training sessions but now breaking-out of the current at the correct point englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

to stop and rest in a handy eddy seems tricky. In my case this is mainly because my sheer amazement at being in wobbly water has put everything out of my head. Tim starts awarding points for breaking out into the correct spot: ten points for being in the right place, 6 points for being a bit off and just 2 points (my usual score) for landing up somewhere within hailing distance. This wasn’t the only skill we had to grapple with. December/January 2015/16

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Give it a Go! White Water Kayaking Providing more immediate focus were all the many submerged rocks that preferably need to be missed as we progress downriver. One by one we manage to wedge ourselves against a rock with the water lapping ominously over our spraydecks, before managing to break free, sometimes with the assistance of Roger who is shepherding us like a watery guardian angel. We break for lunch and sandwiches, chocolate, tea and coffee come out of the kayaks as we soak up the sights and sounds of life on the riverbank. It feels quite remote, an ancient almost primeval wonderland into which we have somehow strayed. We spot a heron standing majestically on a rock; this really feels like paradise. Back in the kayaks, we raft up and Tim explains how to ‘read the river’ by looking ahead, trying to spot hazards like overhanging branches and picking the best paths to follow. We soon arrive at a spot that Roger tells us is called Davy’s Hole. We feel that this can’t be good; if it has a name there must be a reason. It turns out that the river narrows significantly here and we have to pass over a ledge with a drop off. Roger tells us that the water below the ledge is only a couple of feet down but it could be Niagara Falls as far as we are concerned. Roger tells us to paddle strongly then glide over the ledge and once over, to start paddling again. The beginners set off with Roger bringing up the rear. “Just stay right in the middle and you’ll be fine, he calls.” I am scanning the gap in the river trying to figure out where the exact middle point might be. Despite my worst fears, his instructions work well and we are all soon flying through Davy’s Hole with hardly a wobble or a splash. Most of the new challenges are behind us now and we have a very relaxing and gentle paddle to the ‘getout’ point at Staverton Bridge where we have some fun clambering out of our kayaks and carrying them up to the roadside where our dry car is waiting. Tim now leaps into action, producing a small square of carpet for each person to stand on whilst they dry off and change out of their wetsuits. An ingenious system of changing tents, which consist of not very glamorous, but comfortably enveloping tent-style robes makes us laugh. The effect is quite hilarious to onlookers especially when users top these off with a nice warm woolly hat to keep out any chills. After being quite apprehensive about today’s paddle, I was delighted with my very first experience of white water. It’s a superb autumn winter activity despite the notable lack of pub stops. ¨ englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Kayaking - How to Get Started Whatever your level of kayaking from complete beginner upwards, you can have fun in a kayak. If you live locally (or visit regularly) you can join Dartmouth Yacht Club as a member. Joining the club costs £67 for a single adult and £104 for a family and this gives you membership of the club in Dartmouth and access to all club kayaking activities as well as sailing dinghies. To find out more about kayaking with Dartmouth Yacht Club call Tim Freeman 01803 832663. dyc.org.uk December/January 2015/16

Clennon Lakes

Distance: 1.4 miles Exertion: Easy Time: Allow1 hour Terrain: Gravel and grass paths. Can be muddy. Not suitable for pushchairs. Dogs: Under control around wildfowl Refreshments: Bring your own Start Postcode: TQ4 6LN

eyond the leisure complex, football pitches, Velopark and all manner of fervent activity at Clennon Valley, lies a little known oasis of peace and quiet that is home to a wide variety of wildfowl and

an active group of conservation volunteers and nature lovers. Home to swans, herons, egrets, many species of duck and even a kingfisher plus the Facebook Friends of Clennon Lakes. The lakes lie at the foot of Clennon Gorge, a closed area, part of the Whitley Estate, and are largely maintained by volunteers. If you want a short, peaceful wander then a circuit of the lakes should suffice; if the dog needs tiring then follow the route past the lakes and up into the fields and rough pasture that backs onto Roselands and offers fine views out to sea. Â¨ Find out more about the area, search for Friends of Clennon Lakes at Facebook.com

ÂŠ Copyright Google Mapping Inc Media 059/15

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December/January 2015/16

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Reader Competition A Christmas Gift for the Coast Lover Who Has Everything An ideal gift for the coastal lover this Christmas is the official South West Coast Path calendar 2016, featuring twelve beautiful views from the South West Coast Path - perfect for noting those special dates. It costs £10 including P&P and each copy sold raises a minimum of 25p for the South West Coast Path Association for path improvements. You could even team it with membership of the Association for a gift that keeps on giving all year round. It includes the Annual Guide to the South West Coast Path, monthly e-news, members-only discounts at partner organisations plus a bi-annual printed publication. The calendar and membership can be bought together via the online shop at southwestcoastpath.org.uk from £30. WIN! Three lucky readers can each receive a year’s free membership of the Association and a calendar by answering the following question: How long is the South West Coast Path in miles? Email your answer to: Hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk with your name and address by 31 December. Insert ‘English Riviera Magazine offer’ into the subject line. A winner will be chosen at random from correct entries and notified by Friday 8 January. View terms and conditions online at englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Day Mark, Kingswear - Photo - Richard Frank Taylor © The southwestcoastpath.org.uk

1 From the car park at Clennon Valley head towards the Velopark and turn right. Follow the path in between the cyclists and the all-weather pitch and bear left until you pick up the path that heads through the thicket towards the first lake. The path follows along the left-hand side of the first and second lakes. 2 At this point either continue right around the lakes and back to where you started or take the left fork and head uphill. It can be slippery here when wet so take the steps. 3 Stay left and follow the main path into the woods high above the gorge. It is quite steep so stay well back from the edge. The path emerges from the woods into open fields, popular with dog walkers. Turn left and skirt the field following the paths through the boundaries and wooded area. 4 Turn back into the bracken covered field and head back downhill to the end of the lakes to return.

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December/January 2015/16

WWW.THOMASSABO.COM

01803 292876

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02.11.15 16:58

What’s On around the

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✩ English Riviera ❅

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Holding an event in February or March?

E-mail us at editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk and we’ll list it in the next issue

Santa’s Magical Reindeer Grotto, Torquay On until 24 December Rotary’s award-winning Santa’s Grotto welcomes visitors of all ages to Fleet Walk Shopping Centre for a spectacular sparkling festive wonderland. Gallery Level, Fleet Walk Shopping Centre, Torquay TQ2 5EA

Britain’s Earliest Humans, Torquay On until 12 December Torquay Museum and the Natural History Museum London are collaborating on an incredible joint exhibition, which will bring to life the story of human evolution. It offers a remarkable opportunity for residents to come face to face with the remains of our oldest ancestors. The exhibition brings to Devon, for the first time, a display from the Natural History Museum featuring the UK’s oldest hominid remains from 500,000 years ago. You can also see the oldest modern human remains at 40,000 years old from Torquay Museum’s collection. Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HF 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Santa’s Grotto, Marldon Every Thursday – Sunday until 20 December Santa’s a very busy man, but he’s promised to be at Marldon Christmas Tree Farm. Your ticket entitles your child to a personal chat with Father Christmas, a present of your choosing, and a visit to Santa’s englishrivieramagazine.co.uk 16:58

enchanted Christmas village where you can meet the reindeer. Time: 9am – 7pm, cost £9.95, book online. Marldon Christmas Tree Farm, Totnes Road, Marldon TQ3 1RR 01803 529997 marldonchristmastrees.co.uk

Rifles Exhibition, Torre Abbey 1 – 20, 27, 30, 31 December Torre Abbey Historic House and Gardens is currently hosting an exhibition to celebrate the Devon and Dorset Rifles Regiment. Items on display have been loaned from the Dorchester Keep Museum and Winchester Rifles. The Abbey has illustrious links with the Rifles through the Cary family, which owned and occupied the house from 1662 to 1930. Torre Abbey, The Kings Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE torre-abbey.org.uk

Victorian Christmas, St Marychurch 1 - 24 December Come and experience Christmas in 1897. Bygones, Fore Street, St Marychurch TQ1 4PR 01803 326108 bygones.co.uk

Christmas Cabaret and Boogie, Seale-Hayne 4, 11 December (5 December sold out) This yuletide, Seale-Hayne brings you a series of Christmas party nights with a vintage twist, starring the best of the British alternative cabaret scene. December/January 2015/16

❅ Think magic, comedy, flappers, cancan dancers, a hula hooper, a tap dancing penguin, moustachioed musicians, Christmas jumpers and a whole lot more. Expected to be a fabulous night for a dressed-up retro loving crowd. Doors open at 7pm for the buffet, with the show starting at 8.30pm. Over 18s only. Tickets £25. The Yellow Room, Seale-Hayne, Newton Abbot TQ12 6NQ 01626 325822 discoverhannahs.org

Brixham Folk Club 4 December Organised by Anne and Steve Gill with help from Maggie Duffy and John Miles. 01803 858394 brixhamtheatre.org.uk

Torbay Singers Concert 5 December Unwrap some surprising presents from the Torbay Singers in a celebration of Christmas in Georgian England and Germany. Alongside enduring seasonal favourites from Handel and Bach, they will celebrate a forgotten treasury of carols and anthems from English parish churches in an age when music was rousing and occasionally raucous! Time: 7.30pm, tickets: £12 (free for under 25s in F/T education). St Matthias Church, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HW. 01803 782677 torbaysingers. com

Christmas Wreath Garden Tour, Greenway 5 December Join the Greenway team for a guided tour around the garden, gathering foliage and woodland cuttings as you go and pick up some tips on the way to help you make your Christmas wreaths at home. Normal admission charges apply, time: 1.30 – 3.30pm, cost: £10 adult, £8 child. Car parking must be booked. Greenway, Brixham TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

Father Christmas Visits Greenway 5, 12 & 19 December englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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What’s On Father Christmas will be making an appearance at Greenway to visit all children who have been well behaved ❅ this year. Follow the Christmas trail to find Father Christmas and collect your goody bag from him. The majority of the trail will take place outside so please come prepared. Normal admission charges apply, event cost £3 per child, booking not needed. However, car parking must be booked. Greenway, Brixham TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

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Find Santa & Christmas Activities Day, Occombe 5 December Bring the whole family for a day of festive cheer, Christmas crafts, treats and carols as well as a special Finding Santa event for the kids, organised by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. A Christmas fairy will greet you and guide you on a magical trail to solve clues and find Santa in his grotto. Time: 10am - 4pm, cost: Free entry to the farm, £6.50 per child (up to 12 yrs recommended) for the Finding Santa event including gift & activities, booking: essential for Finding Santa. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 445537 countryside-trust.org.uk

Santa in the Caves, Torquay 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 December Santa returns to Kents Cavern this year! He will be joined by some very unexpected and magical friends. Who will answer and open the door this year? tEnjoy an hour-long show, a personal visit with Santa, fantastic Christmas presents, mulled wine and mince pies. Children (2-12) meet Santa and receive a wrapped Christmas gift. Time: 10.30 – 4pm, cost (aged 2+) £10 per person. Kents Cavern, 91 Ilsham Road, Torquay 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk December/January 2015/16

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❅ Father Christmas Visits Coleton Fishacre 6, 13, 20 December Father Christmas will be making an appearance at Greenway to visit all children who have been well behaved this year. Follow the Christmas trail to find Father Christmas and collect your goody bag from him. The majority of the trail will take place outside so please come prepared. Normal admission charges apply, event cost £3 per child, booking not needed. Brownstone Road, Kingswear, TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

£32.95 (three courses), booking essential. Occombe Farm Café, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

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Winter Bird Walk, Broadsands 6 December Broadsands and its surroundings provide the picturesque setting for this wonderful birdwatching walk organised by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. Local expert Mike Langman will be your guide; make sure you bring your binoculars. Time: 10am – 12.30pm, cost: £7.00, booking essential. Broadsands Car Park, Paignton, TQ4 6HY 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Civic Carol Concert 8 December Enjoy this annual carol concert, to get you in the mood for the festive season. Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ rivieracentre.co.uk

Christmas Goodies Fayre, Brixham 12 December Time: 10am – 1pm. Brixham Heritage Museum, New Road, Brixham TQ5 8LZ 01803 856267 brixhamheritagemuseum.org.uk

Christmas at Paignton Zoo 12, 13 & 19 – 24 December Go on a festive adventure this Christmas at Paignton Zoo, meet Santa in his grotto and receive a great present, then ride the Jungle Polar Express (except in severe weather) and make sure you spot all of Santa’s friends to receive a special Christmas goody bag! Booking is essential. Tickets: children up to 15 years £8.50. Normal admission charges also apply. Totnes Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EU 0844 4742222 paigntonzoo.org.uk

Meet Santa at Living Coasts, Torquay 12,13 & 19-23 December Visit Living Coasts this Christmas where you can meet Santa in his magical grotto. For £5.00 children will receive a great present and experience the Magical Mini Penguin Trail - spot them all and they will receive a special Christmas cookie! Normal admission charges also apply. Booking is essential. Living Coasts, Beacon Quay, Torquay TQ1 2BG 01803 202484 livingcoasts.org.uk

Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner, Occombe 12 December

Mixed Media Sculpture Course 12 December

Book a Christmas party with a difference! Can you and your fellow diners solve the festive murder mystery? Enjoy a delicious and seasonal two or three course meal, with entertainment from the Candlelight Theatre Company. Time: 7:30pm till late, cost: £29.95 (two courses) or

Francesca Wyllie (BA Hons) Fine Art, will guide you into creating sculpture with a variety of materials such as driftwood, paper, cemache (a paper based durable modelling material created by Francesca) glass and mosaics. Time: 10am – 4pm, cost: £85, suitable for 16 yrs + Cockington Court, Cockington Village, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org December/January 2015/16

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seeing the best Christmas lights around at Coleton Aglow This Christmas Coleton Fishacre's garden is aglow with festive and dramatic lighting. Discover Coleton Fishacre in a new light, as the house, streams, beautiful trees and exotic features of the garden are lit for Christmas. Inside the house it is dressed for 1930s festivities, and the café and shop are filled with treats to tempt you. Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings in December (excluding Christmas and Boxing Day) and 27-31 December evenings. nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre To book call 01803 842382

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Choir 86 Sings Christmas, Torquay 14 December

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Come and join in with traditional carols, sit back and enjoy entertaining readings, listen to the choir performing some Christmas songs all wrapped up with traditional yuletide refreshments. Time: 7pm – 9pm. Furrough Cross United Reformed Church, Babbacombe Road, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 3SB 01803 203039 choir86.co.uk

Make a Gingerbread House, Occombe 13 December Decorate your very own gingerbread house in these fun, hands-on workshops! All the delicious and colourful decorations that you might need will be provided, so you can create a gingerbread house that you can take home for Christmas. Time: 2 – 4.30pm, cost: £22.50 per house (max 3 people per house), booking essential, Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust event. Occombe Farm Café, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Hot House Four, Brixham 14 December Jazz café at The Smugglers and Pirates welcome back the Hot House Four, jumping jazz at its best. 2 courses at £14.95, 3 courses £17.95. Includes: a glass of house wine, booking essential. 01803 855658 smugglersandpirates.co.uk

Christmas Willow Decorations, Occombe 13 December Join Richard Kerwood of Windrush Willows in this stepby-step guide in making your own stunning wreaths and tree toppers for Christmas. Time: 10am - 4pm, cost: £40, booking essential. Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust event. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Waddles Toddles, Torquay 14 December Once a month Living Coasts holds sessions especially for toddlers, incorporating animal themed crafts, stories and activities. Time: 10:30am until 12pm. Booking essential. One child must be able to walk unaided. Cost:£3.50 per adult with a toddler, includes activity, story, craft and a discount for a drink (£1.75 extra child). Living Coasts, Beacon Quay, Torquay TQ1 2BG 01803 202475 livingcoasts.org.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Evening of Christmas Music, Brixham 14 and 15 December Quay Harmony conducted by professional soprano Donna-Marie Hughes presents a festive evening of music with guest artists including Matt Wilding (tenor) and violinist Sally Taniguchi at Lupton House. Christmas raffle in aid of Brixham Does Care. Time: 7.30pm, tickets £7 (concessions £5). Lupton House, Brixham Road, Churston Ferrers, Brixham TQ5 0LD 01803 845800 discoverlupton.com December/January 2015/16

OPEN Monday - Saturday 10-4.30

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We also run a range of courses and workshops for those just starting out and for the more experienced. Font: James Fajardo Colours: Blue - C46 M16 Y22 K22 Red - C24 M100 Y100 K23

Patchwork & Quilting • Dressmaking & Repairs • Knitting • Machine & Hand Sewing Skills

We can service your sewing machine too!

85 Middle Street Brixham TQ5 8EJ 01803 883342 www.brixhamsewingbox.co.uk

Tel: 01803 215136 56

December/January 2015/16

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Traditional Family Christmas Variety, Hannahs 18 December

Vigilance Carol Concert, Brixham 15 December Enjoy the Vigilance annual Christmas Carol Concert held to thank the people of Brixham for their support. Brixham Town Band and Brixham C of E Primary School will be there plus Father Christmas. Mince pies and warm punch (non alcoholic) will be served and there will be a free raffle. Time: 7pm. The Quay, Brixham, TQ5 8AW 01803 669158 brixhamtownband.org.uk

BATS Christmas Quiz, Brixham 16 December Last year it sold out like the proverbial hot mince pies. Don’t miss out - polish up those little grey cells and book your team’s table for the BATS Christmas Quiz. There are festive prizes for the winning team. All funds raised will go towards painting the auditorium. Tickets £10 a head, including a festive hot supper and a glass of spiced wine or juice drink. Teams of 6 only. 01803 857855 brixhamtheatre.org.uk

Christmas Murder Mystery, Torquay 17 December

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Join in with this traditional family Christmas variety extravaganza for all the family, starring the staff, guests and friends of Hannahs. Expect music and comedy, mystery and illusion, pantomime and puppetry and dancing and song. The show will be followed by Friday Night Out Christmas Special. Time: from 7pm, show at 7.30pm. Cost: Bar Tickets £5 including free entry to the after party. Dress: bad taste Christmas pullovers and hats especially welcome. Hannahs at Seale-Hayne, Newton Abbot TQ12 6NQ 01626 325825 discoverhannahs.org/events

Holly Ball, Torquay 18 December Torquay Rowing Club organizes the Holly Ball, one of Torquay’s largest festive events. Time: 9pm – 2am. Tickets: £25 includes welcome glass of fizz (before 10.30pm) plus live bands and discos and carol singing at midnight. Dress: strictly black tie. Pre-Holly Ball luxury buffet at Grand Hotel at £20 including glass of wine. Tickets expected to sell out fast. Grand Hotel, Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2 6NT torquayrowingclub.co.uk

FORCE Charity Christmas Ball, Torquay 19 December A long-standing fundraising ball in aid of FORCE for cancer support in Devon. Enjoy a buffet dinner, casino, entertainment and bed and breakfast. Tickets: £67.95. Dress: Black tie. Evening-only tickets available £43.50. Livermead Cliff Hotel, Seafront, Torquay TQ2 6RQ 07921 998612 forcecancercharity.co.uk

This promises to be a fun festive night! Can you guess whodunnit? These popular murder mystery evenings with the Candlelight Theatre Company see all guests turn into super sleuths. The action begins over pre-dinner drinks and an exquisite 3-course Christmas dinner. The actors will lay the clues that you need to solve a heinous Christmas crime! It is up to you to investigate and accuse a suspect. Time: 7 – 10pm, tickets: £30. Imperial Hotel, Park Hill Road, Torquay TQ1 2DG. 01803 206159 thehotelcollection.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2015/16

Why not have breakfast with Santa? Each day from Sat 19th Dec until Christmas Eve inclusive New for 2015 Afternoon tea with Santa 22nd and 23rd Dec £8.50 per child and per adult including entry Booking essential 01803 326108 or bookings@bygones.co.uk Step back into a magical Victorian Christmas. In December the Bygones Street becomes a snow covered wonderland with Christmas sights and sounds to delight the whole family!

Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4PR 01803 326108 • www.bygones.co.uk

Christmas Fayre on Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 December 11am – 4pm Join us for a whole range of activities including: Santa’s Grotto, craft and food stalls, choirs, lantern parade, mince pies and mulled wine, face painting and a Christmas quiz. Visit our craft studios and galleries for that special gift and support local crafts makers including: paintings and prints, sculpture, vintage fashion and accessories, ceramics, glass blowers, blacksmith, toy maker, chocolatier, jewellers, textiles, leather, furniture, bags and sewing kits, wrapping paper, handmade cards and more...

Enjoy late night shopping at a leisurely pace on Wednesdays in the run up to Christmas: Wednesday 9th December until 7pm

View the Desire exhibition showcasing the best, unique gifts for you to pick up for Christmas.

Free parking on the Wednesdays shown above between 4-7pm.

Wednesday 16th December until 7pm Wednesday 23rd December until 7pm

Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA Tel: 01803 607230 www.cockingtoncourt.org

December/January 2015/16

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Breakfast with Santa, St Marychurch 19 – 24 December

Paignton Lions Club Walk into the Sea 26 December

Have breakfast with Santa at Bygones including entrance fee, a visit to his workshop and traditional present for children. Two sittings 9.15 and 10.30am. Cost £8.50 per child or adult (under 3s free). Booking essential. Fore Street, St Marychurch, TQ1 4PR 01803 326108 bygones.co.uk

Our Boxing Day Walk in to the Sea started 26 December, 1976 and from what was a one-off, has been a major Christmas holiday attraction ever since. Numerous charities benefit; the event has only once had to cancel due to weather warnings and concerns from the coastguard. Time: 11.00am (please check as provisional at time of going to press). Paignton Sands, Esplanade Road, Paignton, TQ4 6BW 01803 526034 paigntonlions.org.uk

Brixham Town Band 19 December Enjoy the Christmas Concert at 8pm. Brixham Cricket Club, North Boundary Road, Brixham TQ5 8LM 01803 669158 brixhamtownband.org.uk

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80s and 90s Tribute Night, Torquay 20 December Frankie says: Party! This is the festival party that is pure gold, so dress to impress. Fancy dress is positively encouraged. Enjoy a blast from the past at this fabulous event. Sit down to a delicious 3-course meal and then unleash the party animal within whilst a Live band Atomic 80s plus the Resident DJ play all the hits from the 80s & 90s. Tickets: £30. Imperial Hotel, Park Hill Road, Torquay TQ1 2DG 01803 206159 thehotelcollection.co.uk

Shaldon Boxing Day 3-Legged Race 26 December The annual Shaldon 3-legged, fancy dress race takes place around the village of Shaldon visiting all the drinking establishments in the village. Dress up and take part or just come along and watch the antics as entrants race around the village pubs enjoying a quick ‘pit-stop’ at each for a swift half pint (soft drinks for kids!). A hilarious day of fancy dress and fun for all the family to enjoy! Registration forms on the day or from the website. Time: registration 10.30 – 11.30am, judging at 11.30am, race starts noon. Entry fee £2.50 per runner (under 12s free). The Ness, Shaldon, TQ14 0HP 01626 873874 shaldonwatercarnival.co.uk

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, Torquay 31 December Afternoon Tea with Santa, St Marychurch 22 and 23 December Enjoy afternoon tea with Santa at Bygones including entrance fee, a visit to his workshop and traditional present for children. Two sittings 9.15 and 10.30am. Cost £8.50 per child or adult (under 3s free). Fore Street, St Marychurch, TQ1 4PR 01803 326108 bygones.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

See in 2016 in style at this fantastic gala dinner dance. If ever there was an excuse for dressing to impress this is the one!! Enjoy a drinks reception before sitting down to an exquisite four-course meal. Afterwards, the party really gets going as you enjoy music from live band The Gifted and see in the New Year. Suitable for over 18s only. Time: 7pm, tickets: £69. Imperial Hotel, Park Hill Road, Torquay TQ1 2DG 01803 206159 thehotelcollection.co.uk December/January 2015/16

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Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra returns for its traditional glittering New Year celebration with a dazzling array of waltzes, polkas and arias by the waltz-king himself. Including Die Fledermaus Overture Roses from the South Waltz Vienna Blood Tritsch-Tratsch Polka Delirium Waltz Magic Bullets Polka The Blue Danube

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Johann Strauss Gala, Torquay 8 January Celebrate the New Year in style with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s traditional celebration of Johann Strauss, the King of Waltz. Don’t miss your chance to hear his waltzes, marches and polkas as they should be heard – played by a full symphony orchestra! Viennese conductor Aleksandar Markovic will be joined by stunning soprano Rebecca Bottone. Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ 01803 206333 bsolive.com

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easy to make. Tim will also introduce you to some useful Chinese ingredients, where to get ❅ hold of them and how to use them. Time: 10am – 4pm, cost: £75, includes lunch, booking essential. Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

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Clennon Lakes Birdwatching Walk, Paignton 9 January Clennon Lakes offers a refuge for many bird species found nowhere else in Torbay. Enjoy a guided walk whilst you listen, learn and watch some of our most amazing local wildlife. Time: 10am - 12:30pm, cost: £7.00, booking essential. A Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust event. Clennon Leisure Centre, Paignton, TQ4 5JR 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Chinese Cookery, Occombe 24 January Ever wondered how to cook your own stunning Chinese meal? Then join Tim Harris on this culinary adventure to the Far East. China has some stunning food, so much tastier than a typical takeaway; this course will give you all the skills to create your very own Chinese feast. Learn how to make: Twice Cooked Swiss Chard, stir fried broccoli with chilli & Szechuan pepper, braised pork with potatoes, beef with cumin - all healthy & englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Music Makers at Torre Abbey 30 January Music Makers is a vocal and instrumental group for young people run by Torbay Music Hub. If you’re a young person interested in making music, why not get involved? Members meet together to rehearse joint songs, solo songs and even write their own. Performances take place around the bay on a regular basis. This is an opportunity for those who want to develop their solo singing, instrumental and performance skills. Music Makers is open to all young people aged 9 to 19. Cost: £5 07909 805389 torbaymusichub.co.uk

Treading the boards Babbacombe Theatre Box Office 01803 328385 Editor’s pick CHRISTMAS HOUSE PARTY 2, 9, 16, 26, 28 DECEMBER & 1 JANUARY This is a feel-good celebration of song, dance, comedy, glitz and glamour to get you in the festive spirit. Playing host is master of disguise Steve Laister who will be joined by ever-popular Wayne Champagne, Paul Fordham, Lindsey Collard and Lily Laight plus Danze Fantastique. There’ll be fun and laughs galore plus a great musical playlist from the 50s to the present day.

Little Theatre, Torquay Box Office 01803 299330 Editor’s pick THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE 14 – 19 DECEMBER Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy embark on a magical mystery tour to the Land of Narnia through the wardrobe. There they encounter the wicked White Witch, representing the forces of evil, and the King of the Beasts, Aslan the lion, representing all that is good and right. A TOADS season production.

Also worth seeing… Night Must Fall 18 – 23 January

December/January 2015/16

Princess Theatre Torquay Box Office 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick ROYAL MARINES CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 6 DECEMBER The world famous Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines will present a military music spectacular featuring festive music, military marches, big band hits and popular showstoppers. The world-renowned Corps of Drums will demonstrate the precision, accuracy and skill for which they have become famous across the globe.

Also worth seeing… Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs 11-16, 18-24, 26-30 December & 1-3 January Circus of Horrors 17 January

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Theatre & Panto Brixham Theatre Box Office 01803 882717 Editor’s pick PETER PAN 4, 5 DECEMBER Join Dramatically Different Youth Theatre as they take the second star to the right and fly straight on till morning. Follow Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, and Tinker Bell, on their magical adventures in Neverland. This amateur production of Peter Pan is presented by special arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children`s Charity and Samuel French Ltd.

Also worth seeing… Saving Christmas 19, 20 December

Palace Theatre Paignton Box Office 01803 665800 Editor’s pick JACK AND THE BEANSTALK 20 DECEMBER – 3 JANUARY The giant in his castle in the sky terrorizes the villagers of Windy Bottom. Who can rid them of the threat and save the kidnapped princess? Will good prevail or will the giant’s evil henchmen in the village win the day? An 80th anniversary production by Paignton Pantomime Productions.

Also worth seeing… Aladdin 10 January The Dolly Parton Story 14 January

Flavel Arts Centre Dartmouth Box Office 01803 839530 Editor’s pick ROH LIVE - THE NUTCRACKER 16 & 23 DECEMBER A ballet in two acts, The Royal Ballet’s classic production of The Nutcracker opens with the Christmas festivities of little Clara and her family and progresses through a sequence of dreams and enchantments that take Clara on her magical journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets. Peter Wright’s enchanting production with its wondrously growing Christmas tree and a rousing battle between the villainous Mouse King and an army of toy soldiers, retaining exquisite surviving fragments of the original Ivanov choreography, including the beautiful pas de deux for the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.

Also worth seeing… ROH Live Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci 10 & 13 December Dartmouth Players Present Cinderella 27-31 December englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

December/January 2015/16

A Diamond Challenge Torbay Hospital League of Friends has taken on an extraordinary challenge to commemorate their diamond anniversary, an appeal to raise £1.6 million to help equip the new Critical Care Unit at the hospital. We find out more.

Over the 60 years that the league has been in existence, ith the introduction of the National Health it has provided many large items of equipment ranging Service in July 1948, all previous voluntary from a few pounds to half a million pounds and more help for Torbay’s hospital disappeared. As recently, one million pounds. They have bought CT a result, at a Public Meeting held on 4th March of that Scanners, spent a million pounds on upgrading the year it was agreed that the Torbay Hospital League of Children’s Ward (Louisa Cary), contributed substantially Friends should be set up. The first General Committee to the new Horizon Centre to promote education and was held on 26th Apri1 1954. research, and provided a mobile The League started in a small In Her Majesty’s Diamond breast-screening unit. way with gifts (£12 in 1954 for Anniversary year the league The league, as well as being “fruit bowls, picture”) but as the membership increased and with the was honoured by the Queen’s a fundraising organization, has corresponding increase in income, Award for Voluntary Service, over 100 workers at the hospital. it was able to take on larger items. which is regarded as an MBE for Many volunteers work in the newly opened Butterflies Café In 1967 they provided funds for voluntary groups on Level 2 and others help as building and equipping of an Intensive Care Unit at Torbay Hospital, this being one of guides to assist patients reach their destinations. Many the first such Units in the country. The first major appeal supporters contribute hours each week to serve the league and a large number are unknown to the general project undertaken in 1977 was to provide a Cobalt public but serve the hospital by raising funds to meet Unit in the Radiotherapy Department. The league was the cost of projects. They were proud therefore, that in delighted when HRH the Duke of Edinburgh agreed to Her Majesty’s Diamond Anniversary year the league was open this unit. The recent ground-breaking ceremony at Torbay Hospital

December/January 2015/16

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Charities & Volunteering

Hosptal Bed Push for the CCU Appeal Celebrating the 100,000th customer at Butterflies Café

honoured by the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is regarded as an MBE for voluntary groups. This award truly reflects the commitment of so many volunteers working selflessly for the benefit of others in the community. This was emphasised recently when they were selected as overall winner at the Herald Express Pride of South Devon Award 2015 as well winners of the Community Group Award. To commemorate their Diamond Anniversary, they decided to throw their support behind the Hospital’s request to fund the cost of equipment for the new Critical Care Unit (CCU) now being built. When a formal request was made to provide the sum of £1.6m to equip the new unit, the league had no hesitation in saying they would do their best even though it will be a tremendous challenge to raise such an enormous sum. The new unit is a huge project costing in total £14.5m and will deliver a brand new, state-of-the-art CCU with dedicated facilities for relatives. This major investment project will see a 14-bed CCU that will have all the latest technology and equipment required to provide a modern, patient focused environment. It seems only fitting therefore given the league’s support for the first englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

ICU in 1967 they should once again play a major part in renewing the provision of critical care which is so important in a modern hospital. The league has taken on challenges before but this is probably their greatest yet. So far the league has reached £800,000 with about eight months still to go to reach the final total. It is almost certain that everyone in Torbay, either personally or through a relative or friend, has benefited from something the league has provided. This is reflected in the continuing support they have received since being established 60 years ago and, together with the hard work of the members and volunteers, this has enabled the league to raise over £15m for the benefit of Torbay Hospital. They are proud to be able to say that 95p in every £1 donated has gone to the hospital. ¨

Get in touch... For details of how you can donate to the Torbay Hospital League of Friends or to become a volunteer please visit the website at thlof.co.uk or contact Secretary Philip White pfvwhite@gmail.com

December/January 2015/16

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December/January 2015/16

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The Winter Garden I

Lis Wallace from Dobies of Devon reminds us that there’s still plenty that can usefully be done in your garden over the winter months

f you thought you could hang up your wellies for the next couple of months then I’m sorry but you are about to be disappointed. There are still plenty of gardening jobs to be done!

Winter Work Hopefully you’ve already moved tender plants undercover, protected any large tender shrubs with fleece and have raised any pots off the ground to prevent them becoming water-logged. So, what else needs doing? • Plant bare-root roses, shrubs and trees when the weather allows • Prune wisteria back to 2-3 buds • Prepare seedbeds for spring sowing • Finish digging and manure the veg patch • Clear fallen leaves from the lawn and put them in bags to form leaf mulch • Brush snow oﬀ trees and shrubs to stop the weight causing damage • Remember to feed the birds and make sure they have access to fresh, unfrozen water • Remove tough old leaves from hellebores to make room for new blooms in spring • Settle down with your catalogue to select and order what you want to grow in the season ahead

Christmas Houseplants So you’ve filled the house with lovely Christmas flowering plants and now need to keep them healthy and blooming. A warm cosy house with central heating and maybe a log fire is a pretty hostile place for plants but grouping them together and occasionally misting them will help counter a dry atmosphere. Some plants such as azalea and jasmine will do best in a cooler room such as a conservatory or porch. By contrast amaryllis are happy in a warm room. It’s easy to forget to water plants over the Christmas period. The answer could well be a wax-coated amaryllis, which needs no soil and no water! Just turn it often so the stem grows straight. When your Christmas plants finally stop flowering, gradually reduce the watering and come summer, stand the plants outside in a cool sheltered spot. Then bring them back inside in October in readiness for another glorious Christmas display. w

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

December/January 2015/16

tallyho

Picking up in your area! tallyho

Holidays

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5 days, 18th to 22nd February 2016

6 days, 6th to 11th March 2016

From only £339pp Your holiday includes: 4 nights dinner, bed & full English breakfast • Scenic tour of the Cotswolds • Day trip to Oxford • Entrance to Blenheim Palace

From only £385pp Your holiday includes: 5 nights 3 course Table D’Hote dinner, bed and full English breakfast • Day trip to Isle of Purbeck • Day trip to the New Forest • Organised Whist evening with cash prizes.

Call us for full details or a copy of our latest brochure UK & European Coach Holidays | Short Breaks | Days Out | Cruises

Call 01548 854067 or visit www.tallyhoholidays.co.uk 68

December/January 2015/16

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Gardening Shed Time Working in the garden can take its toll on tools and now is the ideal time to give them some care and attention. Brush off any dirt or debris and clean any metal parts with an oily rag. Any rust can be cleaned off using a wire brush and the area then lightly oiled. Wooden handles and shafts will appreciate a rub over with a cloth dipped in linseed oil as this will prevent the wood from drying out and causing splinters. Any blades need to be kept sharp using either a metal file or sharpening stone. If in doubt get this done professionally. Having clean sharp blades on trowels and spades will not only make digging jobs easier but will also take less effort and put less strain on arms and backs. With any electrical tools, including mowers and strimmers, the most important thing is to check the plug and the flex. You are looking for cuts, other damage and signs of wear. Any defects spotted need to be either repaired or replaced. ¨

Dobies’ Christmas Gift to You! Place an order for a minimum of £10 and we’ll give you £5 off (does not include postage). Simply quote offer code S1RIVIERA when ordering. This offer closes on 31 December 2015.

On behalf of everyone here at Dobies of Devon I wish all readers a very Merry Christmas and a successful 2016 gardening year.

Lis

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dobies.co.uk

December/January 2015/16

Greenway Ball Guests dressed up their most sparkling period finery, liveried staff greeted guests with cocktails to die for and chefs created a splendid hot buffet dinner for the Greenway Ball, held to celebrate the Queen of Crimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 125th. A live, historic radio play, The Yellow Iris was performed with renowned actor Roy Marsden playing Poirot.

Ann and Clive Repik

Christoffer and Hannah Adams

Frank and Pat Annable

Anna Farthing and Belinda Smith

Sian Wiggins (Company Stage Manager), Julius Green (producer), Roy Marsden (Starred as Poirot)

Dianne Kelly, David Brawn and Tracey Brawn

Chelsea Prichard and Lydia Stone

Dennis and Wendy Butler

John Curran, Lucy Prichard, Mathew Prichard, Hilary Strong

Natalie and Mitchell Shoemark-Dyer

Nigel and Bindy Wollen

Richard and Genista Davidson

Simon Hinks and Ella Romanos

Steve & Caroline Crowther, Zoe-Anne Hamilton and Chris Turner

Anita Newcombe with yellow iris

December/January 2015/16

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Francis Clark Global Geoparks Conference Evening

Social Diary

Francis Clark Chartered Accountants held a presentation at Kents Cavern for guests to examine the benefits of this world class event.

Paul Butler (Francis Clark), Nick Powe (Kents Cavern) and Chris Hicks (Francis Clark)

Claire Jeavons (Beverley Holidays), Kristine Williams, Sharon Cliff and Michael Jeavons (Beverley Holidays)

Jo Barron and Sarah Prankerd (Richardson Hotels)

Martyn Strange (Babbacombe Inn) and Nicky Allen

Simon Jolly, Viki Thompson (both Riviera International Conference Centre) and Barry Cole (BCA)

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

David Randall (Global Geoparks Conference Director), Frances Hughes (Assistant Director Torbay Council) and Carolyn Custerson (ERTC)

James Twigger (Francis Clark), Dot Doherty (Dotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pantry), Mayor Gordon Oliver and John Doherty (Dotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pantry)

Alex Rowe ( Jelf Group), Tim Godfrey (Bishop Fleming) and Peter Lewis (Boyce Hatton) Jonathan Dickinson (Kitsons), Paul Collings (Francis Clark) and Andrew Gait (PSP Insurance)

December/January 2015/16

On your side We specialise in all types of family law including divorce and financial settlements, complex and high net value cases and a range of children’s issues. For more information contact Gary Watson or Kate Barton on 01803 403403.

58 The Terrace | Torquay | Devon | TQ1 1DE

Professional cleaning of Carpets, Upholstery, and much more!

Carpets Rugs Leather Upholstery Curtains

Seasons Greetings!

For a pre-Christmas spruce up of your Carpets and Upholstery before the relations arrive... or for restoration of your Carpets and Upholstery after the relations have left! Local, Friendly, Professional Service • No VAT charged • Fully Insured & Guaranteed

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info@ccsdevon.co.uk 72

December/January 2015/16

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Brixham Business Show

Social Diary

Brixham Chamber of Commerce held a highly successful business show at the Berry Head Hotel in Brixham with a speed networking session.

Anthony Blackaby (Scribble & Ink), and Nicola Keen (The Hotel Collection)

Be Peace and Laura Jury (South Devon Players)

Josie Staddon (Mare & Foal Sanctuary) and Liz Edwards (TDA / Pop Up The High Street)

Sophie Bower (Millie & Me)

John Rowe, Devon Reynolds and James Twigger (all Francis Clark)

Sue and Chris Slack (Chris Slack Photography)

Great Big Rhinos Sponsorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Reception Paignton Zoo held a reception for supporters of their Great Big Rhino Project. Drinks and canapĂŠs were served and guests were invited to choose a design for their sponsored rhino art sculpture. Funds raised go to protect Critically Endangered rhinos.

Rachel Hill (Trustee), Simon Tonge (Executive Director Paignton Zoo), Andrew Cooper (Trustee) and Jeanne Cooper

Louise Kasprowicz and Gareth Watton (both Ocean Torbay) Viki Thompson, Beth Daniels, Louise Schofield, Sarah James and Simon Jolly (all RICC)

Pippa Craddock (Paignton Zoo) and Charlie Longhorne (Wild in Art)

Mike Wills (Babbacombe Model Village), Sandra Wills, Stephen Pearce (ERTC) and Mike Rhodes (Babbacombe Model Village) Austen Knapman and Heidi Gigg (both Austen Knapman)

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December/January 2015/16

Catch a little luxury this Christmas Travel in style when you’re Christmas shopping with:

£4.90

Torbay Dayrider A day of unlimited travel across the Bay and as far as Totnes

Free WiFi Extra legroom Luxury seats Friendly knowledgeable drivers Torquay to Plymouth return only

£7.30

Add on a child for just

£1

anytime

@stagecoachsw

Gold buses run up to every half hour Monday to Saturday and hourly on Sundays Mondays to Saturdays the first service from Torquay to Plymouth is at 6am and the last service back is at 10.30pm

What more reason do you need to climb aboard?

correct as of November 2015 and liable to change without further notice. SOUTHPrices WEST Child add on not valid with concessionary passes. Visit www.stagecoachbus.com/ southwest for full terms and conditions.

December/January 2015/16

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Rowcroft Networking Night

Social Diary

Rowcroft Hospice held its first business networking event at Rainbow House in Torquay. Guests heard about the hospiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work and also from local businesses about some of the innovative ways they support the charity.

Caroline Wannell (Rowcroft) and Simon Laughton (Lawtz Design)

James Cooper (Chamberlains) and Rachel CayzerBell (Rowcroft)

Cheryl Smith (Boyce Hatton) and Bill Grahamslaw (Rowcroft Trustees)

James Twigger (Francis Clark), George Walker and Jon Hill (both Rowcroft)

Joanne Rendle (Stage Electrics), MJ Desbois and Lynsey Burnett (both Gooch & Housego)

Mike Laukkanen (Herald Express) and Giles Charnauld (Rowcroft)

Jessica Commins, Johno Smith and Natasha White (all Will Waterworth (Purely Devon Hampers), Katherine Elliott Brightsea Print Group) (Rowcroft) and Melanie Elliott

Will Hanbury (Bishop Fleming) and Charlie Siegle (Kitsons)

Daniel Beazley, Rachel Bateman and Jane Entwistle (all Asda)

Jo Pope (Rowcroft), Kelly Harkins and John Crompton (both Brewin Dolphin)

editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk @EngRivieraMag facebook.com/englishriveramag

if you are hosting an event you would like us to include.

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Mandy Heaver and Josh Kelly (both Barclays Bank)

December/January 2015/16

Maximise your potential at

TBGS Sixth Form

Academic excellence in both the International Baccalaureate and A levels. We welcome IB applications from female students.

Where a caring environment and excellence of teaching empower you

«Average IB score 36 vs. World average of 29 «77% A*/B at A level 10 Oxford/Cambridge students last year «75% achieved Russell Group places « Online Prospectus and Application Forms are available from -

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE A VISIT PLEASE CONTACT

plidbetter@tbgs.torbay.sch.uk

TORQUAY BOYS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Is your leather in need of cleaning, repair or restoration? Furniture, Car Seats, Handbags, Jackets and more... • Cleaning Service for all leather ﬁnishes, Pigmented, Aniline, Nubuck, etc... • Repair Service for cuts, scratches, & tears, colour matched using our sophisticated colour reader. • Restoration Service. • Full recolouring service available. • Leather Protection Treatment. • Mould removal.

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01803 844664 76

December/January 2015/16

This chair was recoloured to ﬁt with a new colour scheme!

www.devonleathercare.co.uk

enquiries@devonleathercare.co.uk

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DSA Christmas Ball

Social Diary

The Disabled Sailing Association held its annual Christmas ball and Prize Draw fundraiser at the Livermead House Hotel hosted by Mrs Tarasa Van-Martins. Tarasa Van-Martins, Cllr Ray Hill, Patricia Hill, Kevin Foster MP, Liz Skinner, Mike Clareboets, Shirley Musgrove, Dave Musgrove, Jackie Clareboets and Hazel Noonan

Cllr Ray Hill, Tarasa Van-Martins and Patricia Hill David & Lorraine Roberts, Moris & Viv Watt and Sandy & Julia Ellis

Davinia Allbrook, Martin Hitchcox, Kerstin Doerfler, Anne Massam, Rick Allbrook, Sue Earle and Clint Currie Peter Turner, Elaine Riley, and Fran & Bill Bradley

Peter & Chris Moore, and Mary & Frank Sweet

Alison Davies, Amy Bray and Ivana Smikova

Gerri Ryan, Angie Malin and Lottie Crawshaw

David & Sarah Smith and Len & Helen Skinner Left: Tara VanMartins and Glen Van-Martins Right: Helen and David Ward-Jones Far right: Patricia and Anthony Glanvile

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December/January 2015/16

15 !!! 20 OW R 16 N FOR 20 LL FO FUOOK

the high street

Pop Up the High Street and Shop Up the High street are two high street regeneration projects running across Torbay, working to improve life on the high street for both new businesses and old.

• Pop Up the High Street offers an affordable way for new or online only retailers to experience life on the high street for up to 6 weeks for only £30 per week. Apply via our website.

• Shop Up the High Street is a support programme for existing independent retailers to help them improve marketing and footfall. Visit the website for details of events.

the high street

Email liz.edwards@tedcltd.com

Call 07771974565

www.popupthehighstreet.org www.shopupthehighstreet.org

December/January 2015/16

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Autumn Fashion at Hoopers

Social Diary

Hoopers department store in Torquay held a fashion show for invited customers to view autumn collections from the storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous brands.

Jackie White (Fashion Manager) and Trudi Knapman (General Manager)

Carol Brunyate and Rachel Baker

Carole and Chris Armes

Caroline Skelton and Caroline Skelton

Adam West, Emily Hughes and Sam Hughes

Tina Hoppin and Maggie Coxill

Torquay Academy exhibits artwork Artisan Gallery held a private viewing to showcase and exhibition work from talented sixth-form students at Torquay Academy

Mr Harring (Art Teacher) and Louis Ruegg

Gareth Harries (Assistant Principal), Nicole Sanders (Assistant Principal) and Sarah Pappin (Head of Arts)

Jarret James Simmonds, Julie Brandon (Artisan Gallery) and Shannon Lindsay

William Cheong and Richard Raybould

Phoebe Tape and Georgia Betts

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Mrs Lynch (Art Teacher) and Saffy Jones

December/January 2015/16

BusinessBreaks... Bricks Award for Fusion Cavanna Homes’ Fusion development in Paignton has won one of the most sought-after awards in the construction industry. The 2015 Bricks award is the latest in a long line of honours recognising the high standards in construction and customer service achieved by the Torquay-based home-building firm. The Bricks are organised by LABC Warranty, who work with Local Authority Building Control (LABC), and focus on quality and excellence in construction. The award is particularly sought after as nominees can only be put forward by surveyors from LABC Warranty. o

TV star Alexander Armstrong with Cavanna’s Darren Goodland (Technical Manager), Jamie Horton (Project Manager) and Michael Newman (Development Manager), and LABC Warranty’s Joint Managing Director Jacki Goodman

Mini All Grown Up!

Wollen Michelmore’s New Partner

Ocean Mini unveiled the thoroughly grown up new Mini Clubman to the public at Paignton Zoo. The Paignton dealership, part of the Ocean Group invited guests and their families to the zoo for the day to view the new 6-door range, the biggest Mini ever, in rather unusual surroundings for a car launch. o oceantorbaymini.co.uk

A new partner has been appointed at Devon law firm Wollen Michelmore, enhancing the company’s thriving Private Client Department. Chris Linton’s appointment brings the total number of partners in the firm to 16. Wollen Michelmore is now the fifth largest firm in the Devon & Somerset Law Society area. Wollen Michelmore Chief Executive Chris Hart said, “It’s been several years of rapid growth for Wollen Michelmore, most recently our merger a year ago with Chanter Ferguson’s offices in Bideford and Barnstaple, allowing us to offer our expertise regionally throughout Devon. Ever since the firm was established in 1868, our Private Client department has maintained a strong reputation for sensitive and informed advice, even in the most complex of circumstances.” o wollenmichelmore.co.uk

Louise Kasprowicz (left) Mini Brand Manager and the team from Ocean Mini

Hi Tech Business Scheme is Tops Torbay Council’s Hi Tech Forum has won the Federation of Small Business award for the best scheme to support innovative hi tech businesses. Torbay’s Hi Tech Forum was set up to provide an opportunity for local businesses to network and collaborate. The forum provides specialist advice to support and develop the growth of the sector across Torbay and South Devon. Torbay’s Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said, “Through hard work we have managed to achieve our objectives to grow the hi tech cluster, attract investment into Torbay, create jobs and increase the reach of local companies across Europe.” o 80

December/January 2015/16

Chris Linton with Wollen Michelmore’s Chief Executive Chris Hart

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

BusinessBreaks...

... Bay’s Best Pub Garden

Linden helps ‘Footsteps for Louie’

Local pub and restaurant, The Babbacombe Inn celebrated winning Best Pub Garden in the Bay at this year’s Bay Blooms Awards. The Babbacombe Inn was named as winner of the Best Public House and Restaurant Garden as well as Most Photographed Garden. Owner, Martyn Strange said, “Our gardener, Ron Doidge puts his all into creating the displays for us and is the heart of our garden.” Ron himself was also presented with a Special Commendation on the night. o

Linden Homes raised almost £7,000 for a local Torbay campaign providing much needed funds for a life-changing operation for Louie, a three year old boy with cerebral palsy from Torquay. The operation in America will permanently reduce the stiffness in Louie’s legs, enabling him to walk independently. With the money now raised, Louie has a date for his operation and is having specialist surgery on at St Louis Hospital in Missouri.Nick Skinner, Louie’s father, said, “We are overjoyed that Louie has a date for his operation and are overwhelmed by the support shown from Linden Homes. The operation is going to be life-changing for Louie and we’re excited, scared, nervous and every other emotion rolled into one!” o

Ron Doidge at the Babbacombe Inn

Ready for Export Torbay Development Agency’s Ready for Export project has won the Support for Export category at the 2015 Enterprising Britain Awards. The awards are part of the government’s drive to increase entrepreneurial activity in the UK. The Ready for Export project comprises a series of practical export advice services and clinics which are designed to help businesses which are either thinking of starting to export, at the early stages of exporting or have specific challenges in export markets. o tda-business.com

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Linden Homes’ Alison Kendall with Louie and his parents

New Owner for Dinosaur Attraction Torquay’s Dinosaur World has a new owner. David Hill, who has managed the business since opening in 2010, bought Torquay’s Dinosaur World in a management buyout in October. David said, “I set up the business with the previous owners in 2010, and we have seen Dinosaur World develop into a very popular and well regarded tourist attraction. We have just had our best year ever in terms of visitor numbers and turnover at the same time as consistently achieving 4-5 star reviews on social media, so I am looking forward enormously to developing the business further over the coming years.” o

December/January 2015/16

the brieﬁng straightforward and honest legal advice to take the stress out of tough situations

It’s never too late to protect yourself Ever heard of a Pre-Nuptial? I thought you or enter a civil partnership have simply left might have. What about a Post-Nuptial? No? it too late to sort out a Pre-Nuptial prior to Don’t worry, you’re not alone. As far as public their wedding (a Pre-Nuptial must be signed awareness goes Post-Nuptial agreements are by all parties no later than 21 days prior to still a relatively new concept, but they were in the date of the marriage/civil partnership) or fact legally recognised in 2008 and can and for more mature parties who are in a second often are enforced by the Courts. or late marriage or civil partnership and wish A Post-Nuptial to protect property agreement is the same as and assets for the If you’ve missed out on a Pre-Nuptial agreement benefit of their own doing a Pre-Nuptial agreement relations, children or - a contract between it’s not too late. A Post Nuptial grandchildren. a couple - except that it is drawn up after agreement is a way of securing If you’ve missed out their marriage or civil on doing a Pre-Nuptial a measure of protection. partnership has taken agreement it’s not too place. The document late. A Post-Nuptial provides details of a couple’s agreement about agreement is a way of securing a measure of how their assets and property will be split in protection. the event of them divorcing, separating or For more information about this article, upon death. please contact Elizabeth Foster on 01803 The case of MacLeod v MacLeod 213251 or email her at elizabeth.foster@ concluded in late 2008 that where a wollenmichelmore.co.uk couple choose to enter into a Post-Nuptial agreement and as long as the essential conditions, including obtaining legal advice and financial disclosure are met (just as it is required for a Pre-Nuptial agreement, Deed of Separation and financial settlement Elizabeth Foster within divorce) and the document is properly Family Practitioner executed, the contract can be binding. @wmlegal There are a few circumstances when a PostNuptial could be really useful, for example, Wollenmichelmore when a couple who are intending to marry

Wollen Michelmore SOLICITORS TORQUAY NEWTON ABBOT 01803 213251 01626 332266

Regional Law Firm of the year South West

DARTMOUTH 01803 832191

BARNSTAPLE 01271 342268

BIDEFORD 01237 478751

www.wollenmichelmore.co.uk This ﬁrm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (No.565599)