Interiors update

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Festive Dartington

A visit to beautiful Dartington makes a delightful Christmas treat with Christmas markets at the Cider Press Centre, festive craft workshops, shows and concerts and seasonal dining.

Head down to e Cider Press Centre, grab a mulled wine and enjoy a fun, festive vibe with their popular Christmas Market weekends in December. ere’s a wonderful range of vibrant and eclectic shops, home to thousands of unique gifts, and these will be joined by lots of fabulous stalls from local makers, artisans and food producers. ere’ll be plenty of Christmas cheer, with music from Dartington’s regular band Shillito plus e Hot House Combo and Banned from the Moor, tipples aplenty via the Rum Bus, and much else besides. ere will also be late night shopping events from 4-8pm on 7, 14 & 21 December.

Pop in to The Cider Press Gallery for art and craft demos and a chance to ‘Meet the Maker’. On Saturday 4 December you can meet potter, Tim Welbourne who will be making ceramic animals. On Saturday 11 December watch printmaker, Caroline Barker demonstrate her calligraphic messages in her handmade books with linocut images. On Sunday 12 December artist, Belinda Reynell will be painting oils on paper with some winter treescapes. On Saturday 18 December jeweller Lucy Behrens will be creating her silver and gold Tiny Notes necklaces and earrings. Then on Sunday 19 December Bridget Arnold will be demonstrating lantern making.

Why not try a Christmas craft course this year? Renowned for its craft courses, Dartington has two special festive weekends (27/28 November and 4/5 December) packed with 2-hour craft courses. Choose from the following to make your own: • Warming winter hand salve • Porcelain ceramic tree decoration • Folk art tree decorations • Festive wreath making • Carved wooden gifts • Snowflake linocut prints • Aromatic festive candles • Gift vouchers for short courses can also be bought online. Or why not enjoy some films and concerts? Try: • ROH Live: The Nutcracker – 9 December at the Barn Cinema • A Dartington Christmas Cracker – 13 December – Dartington Community Choir and The Playgoers Society of Dartington Hall will be performing a concert of readings, music and carols, with mulled wine and cider at the White Hart afterwards • Awake Arise: A Christmas Show for Our Times – 22 December - Award-winning folk trio will be celebrating the riches of varied winter traditions and reflecting on the hope and resilience in music and song that can bring joy to all in the darkest season. Featuring traditional songs, folk carols, spoken word and newly written music. 

 All events are online at

Dartington.org/Christmas

Woodland

Old & New

Distance: 2 miles Exertion: Moderate Time: Allow 1 hour Terrain: Woodland pathways Dogs: Free to roam Refreshments: Bring a fl ask Accessibilty: Robust pushchairs Start Postcode: TQ3 1QR

Living in an area with so much beautiful coastline it’s often easy to neglect the woodland and countryside right on our doorstep. Nestled in three valleys between Torquay and Paignton are the Heartwoods, comprising Occombe, Scadson and Cockington Valley woods. e woodlands connect Occombe and Cockington and provide some of the most accessible and enjoyable walking and cycling routes in the Bay. ey also make a great place to walk o some of those holiday calories! We visit Occombe Woods for this walk and nd out that Occombe, loosely translated means ‘valley of the oaks.’ ere have been woodlands recorded here since the 1600s and they are classi ed as ‘ancient semi natural woodland’ making this one of very few blocks of woodland in the country that have survived unchanged for so long. Perhaps due to their importance to the local community. e area is thickly carpeted with ferns and bracken as well as being home to ancient plant species such as WoodSorrel, Moschatel, Pignut and Yellow Archangel. e woods can be accessed from several di erent points so routes are many and varied but all centre around the stream at the valley oor. For our stroll we arrive via the Occombe Valley Road entrance and head uphill with the stream to our right until we reach the rst crossing point, a concrete bridge, where we cross and continue to follow the stream, now on our left. e valley oor is carpeted with a thick mat of fallen oak leaves that crunch beneath our feet. But beware, as hidden beneath are a mass of tangled roots, slippery with autumnal mud just waiting to trip the unwary!

Although the day is damp, the winter sun pierces the lea ess canopy lling the space with shards of sunlight that dance along with the swinging boughs, a sight to lift

the heart as the dark wet winter gathers momentum.

We come to a further crossing, this time in timber and follow along uphill. We reach the edge of the wood, tra c at Marldon and the ring road now audible and pass through a gate going toward Preston Down Road. A fellow walker points out another path to the right which allows for a circular detour of a half mile or so through an area of young oaks, planted I would estimate within the last twenty years and now extending the reach of the trees further towards Windmill and for future generations.

We circle around the new stand and drop back down into the main wood, picking up the brookside path heading downstream. e path rises as the brook’s babbling fades below us and we contour the hill toward the entrance at Green Park Road. It’s more shady here and an abundance of fungi litters the woods. We cross a second tributary on wooden boardwalks and rejoin the main path to return to the valley bottom. e woods here are certainly a tonic for when a countryside x is required and the variety of routes mean you could spend half an hour or several hours wandering but be aware that the paths can be steep and very slippery in winter so take care! 

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Green Park Road entrance

Occombe Valley Road entrance

Combe Road entrance Preston Down Road entrance

Lindsay Road entrance

Merryland Close entrance

At Abbeyfield people are at the heart of everything we do Supported Housing for Independent People

Supported Housing for Independent People

ABBEYFIELD SOUTH WEST SOCIETY

Sheltered Housing for Independent People over 55

Both Abbeyfield houses are situated in lovely areas, boasting their own beautiful grounds. Park House in Paignton is situated directly opposite a beautiful park and is a five minute walk from the beach. Sanders Court in St Marychurch, Torquay, has a wonderful large private courtyard and the local precinct is just a five minute walk away, with all the amenities you would expect. Both sites offer good public transport services close by, so it is nice and easy to go and explore. At our Abbeyfield houses residents find friendship and support without losing their independence and dignity. The rooms are unfurnished with en-suite facilities and a kitchenette area. The houses have a communal laundry, dining room, lounge and beautiful garden. Each house has a small and friendly committed To arrange a visit or for more information telephone the Manager at: Park House, Paignton 01803 557732 or for Sanders Court, Torquay 01803 316164. Or visit our website: www.abbeyfield.com Registered Society No: 23413R under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014

ABBEYFIELD SOUTH WEST SOCIETYBoth Abbeyfield houses are situated in lovely areas, boasting their own beautiful grounds. Park House in Paignton is situated directly opposite a beautiful park staff, consisting of a Manager, cooks and a cleaner and is a five minute walk from the beach. Sanders who all work together to ensure residents are happy and content. Court in St Marychurch, Torquay, has a wonderful There are various activities, events and entertainment large private courtyard and the local precinct is just a that take place throughout the year which the five minute walk away, with all the amenities you would residents can join in if they wish. expect. Both sites offer good public transport services close by, so it is nice and easy to go and explore. Traditional home cooked meals are provided in the dining room every day and breakfast provisions are provided for residents to have in their rooms. At our Abbeyfield houses residents find friendship The weekly charge covers all utilities and food, so and support without losing their independence there are no bills to worry about, other than a BT telephone line which is necessary for the residents, and dignity. 24hr emergency pendant to work, so all concerns The rooms are unfurnished with en-suite facilities and a kitchenette area. The houses have a communal about running a house are taken away. Each room has its own 24hr emergency call system for residents peace of mind. laundry, dining room, lounge and beautiful garden. Each house has a small and friendly committed To arrange a visit or for more information telephone the Manager at: Park House, Paignton 01803 557732 or for Sanders Court, Torquay 01803 316164. Or visit our website: www.abbeyfield.com

staff, consisting of a Manager, cooks and a cleaner who all work together to ensure residents are happy and content. There are various activities, events and entertainment that take place throughout the year which the residents can join in if they wish. Traditional home cooked meals are provided in the dining room every day and breakfast provisions are provided for residents to have in their rooms. The weekly charge covers all utilities and food, so All bills are included, except telephone line & calls there are no bills to worry about, other than a BT telephone line which is necessary for the residents, 24hr emergency pendant to work, so all concerns about running a house are taken away. Each room has its own 24hr emergency call system for residents peace of mind.

DIARY. Social

Gala Dinner

Paignton and Newton Abbot branches of the Royal British Legion held a joint gala dinner at the Livermead House Hotel to celebrate the Legion’s 100th birthday. is was the rst meet up since the long lockdown and the rst of many joint events to come.

David & Nicola Cair, Jess Fereday Jones, Richard Underhill and Ann & Chris Jones 

 Eddie Jones, Cllr Nicole Amil, Paul Toovey, Major Ron Goodwin OBE (President Paignton Branch) and Richard Underhill MBE (Chairman Newton Abbot Branch) (Chairman Newton Abbot Branch)

 Sadie & Andy Grainger-Gove, John & Jeanette Rogers, Major Ron Goodwin and Richard Underhill

 Mark & Sue Small, Doris & Major Ron Goodwin, and Jackie & Wyn Davies  Ged Sarsfield (Chairman Paignton Branch), Kevin Foster MP, Donna Fortune (Secretary Paignton Branch), Colin Fortune and Kevin Jeffery (Devon County Chairman)

Film Awards

e lm industry headed to the English Riviera for the 5th International English Riviera Film Festival Awards at South Devon College’s High Tech and Digital Centre Cinema.

 Milly Green and Samuel Green the 2021 South Devon College Film Makers of the Year South Devon College Film Makers of the Year  Lewis Carter (Director) and Kate Beasley (Producer) Best Foot Forward  Karen Marshall (Producer) and Amanda Bluglass (Director) Agatha Swims

AROUND THE BAY What’s On

Please check before travelling as events are subject to change.

Far Side of the World, Torquay Museum

On till 5 February 2022 This exhibition explores the u ture o the ifi islands of Fiji, and the extraordinary lives of three men who retired to Torquay after careers on the islands. They collected beautiful and fascinating artefacts, eventually leaving these collections to the museum. 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Train of Lights

On till 30 December Enjoy this festive illuminated steam railway experience that takes you on a return trip and magical show to Paignton,

Churston and Kingswear, via the sparkling, twinkling enchanted forest. Pre-booking essential; wheelchair access available; assistance dogs on y in udes shing ights mu tip e dep rture times. 01803 555872 dsrrbchristmas.co.uk

Carols in the Caves, Kents Cavern

2, 7, 9, 14 & 16 December Join a magical Christmas carol concert with Yours In Harmony or Kents Cavern Carolers. You will start seated in the Vestibule Chamber and hear the amazing acoustics of the hoir nd then t e round this m gnifi ent ve system singing carols by candlelight. Finish with mulled wine or hot chocolate plus festive treats in the Great Chamber. Cost: £17 per person (discount available for members) lasts 2 hours, dress warmly, sensible shoes, age limit 16+. Book online. 91 Isham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk

Meet Santa at Paignton Zoo

4, 5, 11, 12, 18-24 December Visit Santa at his magical grotto at the zoo – tickets £12 per child (plus admission fee) includes a gift; book online. Plus, all visitors can enjoy free festive events on these dates (included in admission): join Mrs Claus as she reads a magical Christmas story and then makes magical reindeer food children can take home for Christmas Eve.

Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU 01803 697500 paigntonzoo.org.uk

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4 December Enjoy a Christmas Fair in aid of Children’s Hospice South West with gifts, cakes, crafts, jewellery and more. Time: 10am-3pm. Contact Sue Tweed on tweed833@ btinternet.com. The Old Market, Victoria Road, Dartmouth TQ6 9QD 01803 770730

Percy the Park Keeper Winter Trail, Greenway

4-19 December (Saturdays & Sundays) then daily 27-31 December Join in the fun with Percy and his animal friends and give nature a helping hand this winter. Pick up a trail sheet for £2 on arrival. The trail includes clues to follow around the garden, with winter tasks, games to take part in and a prize at the end. Times: 11am-3.30pm. Booking not required; normal admission charges apply. Car parking must be prebooked. Trail also available at Coleton Fishacre. (same dates as Greenway but also open winter weekends 8-30 January). Greenway Road, Galmpton TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

Brixham Seaside Santa Run

5 December Enjoy the spectacle of over 100 Santas running around the harbour, along the Breakwater and back. Or enter by 3 December via runbritain.com Time: 11am start, distance 3K. Santa suit included in run fee of £13. Brixham Harbour, Brixham TQ5 8AW

Paignton Harbourside Christmas Markets

5, 12 & 19 December Enjoy a festive atmosphere on the harbourside with over 20 stalls and live music. Time: 10am-5pm. Paignton Harbour TQ4 6DW

Fougou Jazz, Paignton

7 December Enjoy a jazz event with Tom Ollendorff Trio with Tom on guitar, Marc Michel on drums and Conor Chaplin on Bass. Tickets: £12 (book online), time: 8pm. Preston Conservative Club, 299 Torquay Road, Paignton TQ3 2EY 07967 790358 fougoumusic.com

Tom Ollendor

Festive Afternoon Tea, Lupton House

8-16 December (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) Enjoy festive afternoon tea in the library at Lupton House from £15 per person. Time: 12noon – 4pm, booking essential. Brixham Road, Churston Ferrers TQ5 8LB 01803 845800 discoverlupton.com

Adoption Event

8 December Are you considering adoption but not sure where to start? Families for Children is holding an online information session to give you the opportunity to fi nd out more. Open to everyone. Time: 6-8pm. Email devon@familiesforchildren. org.uk or phone to book. 01364 645480 familiesforchildren.org.uk

18, 19, 21, 22, 23 & 24 December Meet Santa and his elves in their wonderful Christmas underground grotto experience with gifts for children at Kents Cavern. Various times. Book online. 91 Isham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF 01803 205136 kents-cavern.co.uk

Christmas Wonderland Illuminations, Babbacombe

18-24 and 27-31 December Enjoy evening illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village with lots of Christmas sparkle and new lighting for 2021. Enjoy some delightful miniature seasonal scenes all day, as the little folk celebrate Christmas. Lights on from 4pm-6pm (park open 10am to last entry 4.30pm; park closes 6pm). Note: Santa will not be there. Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe, Torquay TQ1 3LA model-village.co.uk

Breakfast with Santa, Bygones

23 & 24 December Have some festive fun with entry to Victorian Christmas displays, children’s hunt, breakfast and visit to Santa’s hideout with gift for children. Breakfast served at 10am (see website for details). Cost: £15 per person with non-refundable deposit of £7.50 per person, booking essential. Fore Street, St Marychurch, Torquay TQ1 4PR 01803 326108 bygones.co.uk

Paignton Lions Boxing Day Walk into the Sea

26 December Join hundreds of charity fundraisers to participate in this sponsored walk into the sea at Paignton seafront with the starter’s signal at 12 noon. If you are not able to collect sponsorship you can still participate for an entry fee of £10 adult and £5 for under 16s (accompanied by adult). Preregistration and sponsorship forms online. Registration on the day opens 10am. Fancy dress encouraged with judging at 11.45am. Paignton Sands, Esplanade Road, Paignton TQ4 6BW 07977 348163 paigntonlions.org.uk/events

New Year’s Eve Swim, Shoalstone

31 December Enjoy a very special New Year’s Eve swim at Shoalstone Seawater Pool, the historic 53-metre natural rock swimming pool on Brixham seafront. Time: 11.30am. Shoalstone Pool, Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9FT shoalstonepool.com

New Year’s Eve Celebrations, Berry Head Hotel

31 December Celebrate with a 5-course dinner followed by dancing to ‘Freeway’ plus DJ with bubbly and mince pies at midnight. Cost: £85. Christmas events and New Year’s Day roast lunch with live jazz also available. Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AJ 01803 853225 berryheadhotel.com

If you are holding an event in February or March let us know and we’ll list it here!

Email the details to: editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Deadline for submissions is 7 January.

CURTAINS UP! Theatre

Princess Theatre, Torquay

Box Offi ce 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick MOSCOW CITY BALLET – SWAN LAKE 24 January he onder u Moscow City Ballet returns, presented in classic Russian style with a full orchestra and breathtaking choreography. Also worth seeing… Cinderella – 10 December - 2 January Elkie Brooks – 28 January Box Offi ce 01803 328385 Editor’s pick STEP INTO CHRISTMAS On till 01 January A festive party extravaganza to get you into the spirit of Christmas. Also worth seeing… The Bohemian Queen’s Greatest Hits – 3 December Jason Manford: Like Me – 28 January

at Babbacombe Theatre

Director Colin Matthews has once again excelled himself with a fabulous family Christmas show that brings us all a treasure trove of yuletide sparkle and audience participation. Fun and comedic frolics abound with the lovable antics of favourite characters from Snow White; hilarious laughs featuring the humour of well-beloved comedy character Mrs Brown; nd onder u p rody o the fi m it ni . omedi n ndy O ey is oined y spe i guest s omedy impressionist hi o en nd e u s i musi maker Paul Fordham. Some wonderful musical numbers include show songs from Sir Andrew Lloyd e er s indere rom the test mes ond epi fi m o ime to ie ro en nd rom pop ssi s and seasonal favourites from across the decades in uding hits rom ir ton ohn i h e u he ee nd rrie nder ood he pi e ir s ei i mond nd ir om ones. he ho e sho is a visual feast with exciting lighting effects, superb choreography including some phenomenal dance routines from Danze Fantastique plus wonderfully Christmasssy costumes throughout. On selected dates unti e e r s y.

Box Offi ce 01803 665800 Editor’s pick JACK AND THE BEANSTALK 18 December - 2 January Enjoy the sparkle of Christmas with this magical traditional panto from Paignton Pantomime Productions with professional musicians, dazzling costumes, delightful dancing and lots of fun. A wonderful production as Jack scales the beanstalk to rescue the princess from the scary giant with the help or hindrance of pantomime characters; some good, some bad! Also worth seeing… ock for Heroes – 4 December

Little Theatre, Torquay

Box Offi ce 01803 2 330 THE LADYKILLERS 13 - 18 December A comedy thriller by TOADS Theatre Company. Mrs Wilberforce, a sweet little old lady, rents out a room in her lopsided house to Marcus, a professor of music. She is blissfully unaware that he is actually a maniacal criminal ho is putting together g ng o misfi ts ho i stop at nothing to commit the heist of their careers. Unable to thin o suit e fi n st ge to their p n r us de ides to involve Mrs Wilberforce, unwittingly, as the perfect getaway ruse. Also worth seeing… Snake in the Grass – 17-22 January