English Riviera Magazine February March 2016 web2 by English Riviera Magazine

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EnglishRiviera

February/March 2016

SUPER SPRINGTIME JAUNTS

Great Train Robber’s Luxury Torquay Hideout

magazine

LITERARY GREATS!

Robert Graves & Flora Thompson Bay Residents... Dave Bartlett and Brixham’s Big Lift

Meet the Zoo’s

BLUE ARMY

60 Years of Am Dram in Shiphay A Classic Riviera Wedding at Torre Abbey

Gardening with Lis Wallace

Dartmouth COMEDY FESTIVAL

WIN! Dinner

at the Imperial

with our 2016 Reader Survey

English Riviera Magazine for Residents by Residents

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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 February/March issue! We are looking forward to a beautiful English Riviera springtime with Easter fun coming very early this year. This issue we meet Brixham’s Harbour Master and look forward to the sight of yachts dropping back into the Bay for the sailing season. We also chat to the team at Shiphay Am Dram and to Laura Jury at South Devon Players. Could this be the year you take up a bit of acting? We’ve also got plenty for heritage lovers with local links to the Great Train Robbery, Lark Rise to Candleford and famous poet Robert Graves. Our big What’s On and Theatre sections bring lots of Easter holiday ideas for you plus we look at Dartmouth Comedy Festival’s 10th anniversary programme. On the basis that the weather is always fine if you’re well wrapped up, why not try our 5-mile walk along Templers Loop at Stover? This issue we’d love your feedback via our Reader Survey. To tempt you into making the effort, we’ve a delicious dinner for two at the Imperial for one lucky survey respondent. Please keep sending us your news, photos and story ideas and do chat to us on Twitter and Facebook. We always enjoy attending receptions and all kinds of events, so please feel free to invite us along if you’d like your event featured.

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February/March 2016

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In this issue February/March 2016

Openers

Local news snippets

67 Giant Petunias!

Riviera Weddings

Tying the knot in the Bay

12 Riviera People - Dave Bartlett

What’s On

16 Heritage - Robert Graves

Eating Out Guide

20 Arts - Shiphay Am Dram

2016 Reader Survey

24 Heritage - Great Train Robbery

Theatre Round Up

26 Heritage - Flora Thompson

Arts

28 Paignton Zoo’s Blue Army

Gardening

30 Dartmouth Comedy Festival

Education News

32 Arts - South Devon Players

Charity

36 Give It A Go! Crusing

Social diary

38 Walk

Motoring

Business Breaks

The Briefing

We meet Brixham’s Harbour Master Former resident of Galmpton Celebrating 60 years

Criminal mastermind’s Torquay hideout

Lark Rise to Candleford, then Brixham Volunteering on the wild side Laughs across the river

Arthurian legend comes to the big screen Steve Shambrook on life on the ocean waves Templer’s heritage at Stover

Events for February and March Great places to eat local Feedback and win!

Who’s treading the boards Visit Dartmouth Galleries Week Lis Wallace’s green fingered column Snippets from local schools Torbay & South Devon Music Centre Local people at local events The new Mini Clubman Local business news Legal news from Wollen Michelmore

30 Dartmouth Comedy Festival 32 Mordred comes to Brixham

12 Meet Dave Bartlett englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

24 Would you lend this man a book?

A new eight-year-old male Sumatran tiger named Fabi has arrived at Paignton Zoo from Chester Zoo. Fabi originally came to the UK from Prague Zoo in 2009 and is a proven breeder, having fathered seven cubs with Chester’s resident female, Kirana - who was born at Paignton Zoo in 2006. Fabi’s move is part of a European breeding programme for Sumatran tigers, which uses a system of studbooks to match suitable animals to ensure a healthy and genetically diverse population of animals. Sumatran tigers are critically endangered, with just 300 thought to remain in the wild. Their numbers continue to decline due to habitat loss, poaching and human-tiger conflict, meaning the insurance population to be found in zoos is vitally important to the future of the species. Paignton Zoo’s previous male Sumatran tiger, Tenang, had to be put to sleep because of illness, but in his time he successfully sired 4 cubs, including Kirana, that have all gone on to breed at other zoos. Paignton Zoo Curator of Mammals Neil Bemment said, “We hope that Fabi and Shakira will get on well together. He is settling in very quickly to his new surroundings and early signs are good, with lots of encouraging vocalisations.” Fabi travelled the 250 miles via the M6 and M5 in a purpose-built travel crate. The two animals are both important genetically, ranked in the top 15 Sumatran tigers in Europe. Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust Director of Living Collections Stewart Muir said, “We hope that Fabi and Shakira will breed successfully and help us to help the dwindling population of Sumatran tigers.” o paigntonzoo.org.uk

February/March 2016

Ladies - Join the Sleep Walk! S F P M or E EC ag n IA az gl L in ish OF e R Ri FE ea vi R de er rs a !

Fabulous Fabi

Registration has opened for Rowcroft Hospice’s 1980s-themed Sleep Walk, taking place on Saturday 9 July. All English Riviera Magazine readers who sign up online before 29 February will receive an exclusive discount to South Devon’s biggest girls’ night out, securing their place for only £12, instead of the usual £15 full ticket price. Daniel Robson, Rowcroft’s Events Manager, said, “This year’s walk promises to be a night to remember with laughter, music, friends and some amazing 80s surprises along the way!” Ladies can choose either five or ten mile routes that start and finish at Torbay Leisure Centre. Karen Mason, who has completed every Sleep Walk since her sister was cared for at Rowcroft in 2009, said, “The atmosphere on the night will be electric; you’ll make new friends, catch up with old ones, laugh, make brilliant memories (and maybe ache the next day)! But, most of all, you’ll be doing something amazing for people living in your community who really need your help.” All ladies who sign up for the event are asked to raise as much in sponsorship as possible to help the hospice reach its all-time Sleep Walk fundraising total of £1million. Register for The Sleep Walk 2016 today and claim your discount by entering the code RIVIERA16 when registering online at rowcroftsleepwalk.org.uk.o englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Torre Abbey Triumphs

Torre Abbey Historic House and Gardens has had a great 2015, scooping four prestigious awards, playing host to a range of high profile and smaller intimate events and creating a stunning backdrop to many beautiful and unusual weddings. In May Torre Abbey was SW regional winner in The Royal Institute of British Architects’ 2015 Conservation Award. In the same month it received its third TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. It also scooped a gold award for Best Visitor Experience and a bronze in the Tourism Experience category at the South West Tourism Awards. In September it was the hub for the world-famous International Agatha Christie Festival welcoming thousands of visitors attending the various literary and festival events on offer. The Abbey also held a number of successful exhibitions including Mutability and Beaten Early by resident artist Kate Paxman plus an exhibition celebrating The Devon and Dorset Rifles Regiment. The Abbey has illustrious links with the Rifles through the Cary family which owned and occupied the house from 1662 to 1930. Executive Lead of Tourism, Culture and Harbours and Armed Forces Champion, Councillor, Nicole Amil, said, “The Abbey and Gardens are truly wonderful. They tell the story of 820 years of history, between 1196 and 1930, through a clever mix of authentic artefacts and hi-tech interpretation through talking portraits and statues to interactive displays. It is also home to one of the finest art collections in the South West."o

Lucky Winners! Cheryl Rider from Torquay wins dinner for two and a glass of bubbly at Torquay’s Grand Hotel 1881 Restaurant.

Complete our 2016 Reader Survey on page 61 to enter our draw to win dinner for two at the Imperial Hotel’s Regatta Restaurant

Mandy Davies from Newton Abbot, Karen Haslam from Galmpton and Jennifer Brewster from Torquay all won calendars and membership of the South West Coast Path Association

englishrivieramagazine

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February/March 2016

Dates Announced for 2016 Regatta Speed Dating! The Royal Torbay Yacht Club has announced the dates for sailing events at Torbay Royal Regatta 2016. Racing will take place over four days for all yachts, sportsboats, dinghy and junior classes from Saturday 20 to Tuesday 23 August. The Royal Regatta Anniversary Challenge Cup Pursuit Race will follow this on Wednesday 24 August for all classes including Juniors. The regatta will offer competitive racing over four days Saturday to Tuesday with classes for IRC,

Jahzara, a new female cheetah, has arrived at Paignton Zoo where it is hoped she will hit it off with the Zoo’s male cheetah. She came from Beekse Bergen Safari Park, in the Netherlands where she was born at the end of 2013. Paignton Zoo is now home to three cheetah: two year old Jahzara joins male Kasai, who is 11 and female Isantya, who is 4. Cheetah live on average between 8 and 12 years in zoo collections. Jahzara has already met Kasai but Senior Head Keeper of Mammals Matt Webb said, “We are not expecting wonders unless they instantly take to each other and his presence stimulates her to come into season. She is still a bit young.” Breeding cheetah is notoriously difficult. Zoos across Europe work together, swapping animals, pairing them in different combinations and placing them in different enclosures in the hope of stimulating them to breed. Paignton Zoo Curator of Mammals Neil Bemment explained, “It’s possible that Isantya will go to Munster Zoo in the spring if Kasai shows no interest in her, or another male may be allocated to Paignton Zoo by the European Endangered species Programme. Jahzara is young and only just sexually mature, so she has time on her side.” Cheetahs can run at up to 120 km/h (75 mph), faster than any other land animal. The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.o paigntonzoo.org.uk

Unrated Cruisers and Sportsboats. Dinghy classes will race over four days with an additional prize giving after two days for those who only wish to participate over the weekend days. The club also welcomes enquiries from any classes who may be interested in staging their Regional or National Championships as part of this prestigious regatta, being sailed in some of the finest sailing waters in the South of England. Over many years, the Royal Torbay Yacht Club has gained a well-deserved reputation for first class race management, competitive racing, cordial hospitality and shore side entertainment. 2016 will be no exception. Further details of the event will be published on the Royal Torbay Yacht Club website rtyc.org and the Torbay Royal Regatta website torbayroyalregatta.co.uk. In the meantime, to find out more please contact Bob Penfold, Commodore, at Royal Torbay Yacht Club on Commodore@rtyc.org or Phil Rumbelow, Rear Commodore Sailing, Royal Torbay Yacht Club on Rearcommodoresailing@rtyc.org o rtyc.org 8

February/March 2016

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Dave Bartlett

and Brixham Harbour’s Big Lift At the beginning of April every year, Brixham’s Harbour Master Dave Bartlett organises ‘The Big Lift’ when yachts of all shapes and sizes are lifted from their winter storage at Oxen Cove and refloated for the sailing season ahead. Anita Newcombe finds out more. and details of local tides. Dave says, “We’re always happy I drop in to The Harbour Office on the new fish market to help. Some people do struggle to understand how the to see Dave Bartlett, Brixham’s long-standing, popular and tides work and one lady in particular needed a lengthy well-known Harbour Master. The views from the windows explanation for the rise and fall of floating footbridges of the harbour office are spectacular, affording a close up which she felt had been unnecessarily moved.” view of the working fishing trawlers, which are at the very Today, I am hearing about the ‘Big Lift,’ which is now heart of this close-knit community. actively in the planning for boats going back in the water Dave was born and bred in Brixham and worked on in April. Dave explains that to get the full picture we fishing boats throughout his youth. He then went into the need to start in the first week of October when boats that construction business, working on the new town houses have booked the service, come out of the water for winter at Prince William Quay and the new Brixham Ambulance storage. This protects them from bad weather and gives Station. He tells me, “ When I started work for the yacht owners an opportunity to clean and maintain their Harbour Estate as a Harbour Attendant 23 years ago I only boats on dry land before the following season starts. Dave expected to stay a year whilst I waited for fortunes of the explains, “Sometimes we have to wait until November as it’s construction industry to improve.” He obviously liked it more than he expected as he was subsequently promoted to essential that we have a high tide in the middle of the day.” The planning phase for the Harbour Foreman and then Deputy “ When I started work for the lift-out takes 6-8 weeks. First, Harbour Master. paperwork goes out to the yacht There’s never a dull moment for the Harbour Estate as a Harbour Attendant 23 years ago I owners allowing them to book their harbour team with a large proportion of the work focussing on the needs only expected to stay a year lift and their winter storage space, of the vitally important fishing whilst I waited for fortunes of sending in details of the type and industry. There are many other facets the construction industry to length of their boat. The team also needs to know if it is bilge keel (twin to his team’s work, however, and one improve.” keels) or fin keel (single keel). Then of these is to manage the Harbour careful planning of the order of the lift is done. The very Estate’s yacht moorings, as well as working closely with highest part of the tide is needed to bring the larger boats MDL who manage Brixham Marina. alongside to be attached to the crane. These can be up to 20 Brixham’s outer harbour comprises largely of swinging tons and those with deep fin keels are particularly difficult. moorings, divided by the central fairway plus a small The carpark at Oxen Cove is closed for three days so selection of outhaul moorings. Moorings found on the Oxen Cove side of the main fairway cater for boats from 20 Dave’s team can get the cradles and other equipment into position. Dave says, “Last year it took us three days to get feet up to 100 feet in length. Larger yachts located within all the boats out of the water but this year we managed it the Breakwater side of the Fairway are generally up to 70 in just 1 day. It depends on the number and types of boats feet long. The inner harbour at Brixham is tidal, so boat movement is restricted at low tide. This area offers fifty ‘fore we are moving.” The operation requires a full 12-person harbour team. Three ‘slingers’ work on the water, and aft’ moorings for vessels up to 35 feet long. towing boats alongside the harbour wall and helping The Harbour office is open to the public and yacht owners and other users can pop in at any time for assistance to manoeuvre them into the special slings ready for the lift. A water-taxi service is provided for the day to bring including information on a wide range of harbour services 12

February/March 2016

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Riviera People

owners ashore as needed. There is also a Shore Team including two specialist shipwrights. Dave says, “Professional shipwrights are needed as they have an in-depth knowledge of where the strong points on the yachts are located when attaching the lifting straps.” Then there is the Crane Banksman (Dave) who gives the order to lift when the boat is securely held. A 120-tonne crane is hired in for the occasion; the sight of a yacht swinging high across the car park is an exciting one for onlookers and a crowd often gathers. Of course, the footpath needs to be controlled so the shore team includes those responsible for preventing walkers straying across the lift site when lifting is in progress. Once the boats are on dry land, they can be jet washed and are then safely positioned in Oxen Cove with barriers are erected around them. There is CCTV in the car park to help keep them secure. Dave is quick to point out that the Harbour Authority costs the local taxpayer nothing at all as The Harbour Estate is entirely self-funding. The costs for the Big Lift are quite high but the fees charged make the service cost-neutral and further useful funds are provided from fees for the winter storage. Other income is collected from Fish Tolls (for boats landing), leases, rents and licences plus harbour dues. Now, in early spring, Dave is already planning the April englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

‘Big Lift’ when boats are refloated and taken back to their private moorings. The intended dates for this are notified in December and January although owners do not have to be present when their boat is returned to the water. Many owners do attend though and there is usually a great flurry of activity around the boats a week or two before the lift, as many owners remember that they still need to clean, antifoul and maintain their yachts before the sailing season starts. The week before the lift-in, Dave’s team checks that all the swinging moorings in the harbour are secure. The chain to the seabed and the mooring ring is the responsibility of the Harbour Authority and everything above this is the boat owner’s responsibility. Once moorings are checked, the lift-in can begin. Dave explains, “The critical time is when the boat is first lifted; getting the balance right is absolutely vital.” Once the yacht is settled in the cradle, there is the opportunity for owners to quickly antifoul any parts of the yacht that were inaccessible when they were propped. The boats are then lifted high over the harbour wall and lowered safely back into the water where they are towed (or driven if the owner is present) back to their own moorings. Many of the owners who use the swinging moorings are based in Brixham but they can come from as far afield as Somerset, Gloucester and Birmingham. Dave tells me, February/March 2016

“Very few boats are neglected. Although it is the owners’ responsibility, we do check the pickup gear quite frequently as if a yacht breaks free it can cause great damage to itself and to other boats.” Dave explains that they can advise owners where to get training and often assist new owners in learning how to pick up their mooring buoy when returning to the harbour from a boating trip. He advises, “Always take great care when in the vicinity of other boats; be aware and ready in case you miss it the first time and have to go round again. You can see which way the wind and tide are working by checking the lay of the other boats.” No floating ropes that could become entangled in a boat’s propeller and cause damage are allowed. Many other harbour services are available to owners, of course, including chandlery, clothing and equipment, repairs and maintenance, cleaning, fuelling, custom rigging, a floating dry dock plus training for both sailing and power boating. If you haven’t got a boat and would like to give it a try, beginners courses and yacht charters give plenty of opportunity. Other fascinating aspects to Dave’s role include: supporting the Harbour Pilots who take tankers up and down the English Channel; providing a full Port Security Team for cruise liners visits (10 visits are already planned next year); working with the ferry services and arranging filming permits for various production companies. Fish Town and Trawler Wars have been just two of the shows filmed in Brixham recently. There are also many other harbour users and tenants to support including the Sea Cadets, the Kayak Club, the Angling Club, MDL Marina and the Lifeboat. Dave also frequently takes school groups around the harbour. Somewhat surprisingly with all this going on, Dave does actually get some time to relax with his large family. He lives at Sharkham with his wife Lynsey, is one of 7 siblings and has 4 children and 4 grandchildren. His daughter Stephanie runs a local fruit and vegetable shop with her husband Jake and Lynsey works there too. Daughter Natalie teaches at Eden Park School, daughter Carley is at a Brixham estate agent and son Daniel lives in Somerset. Dave and Lynsey love shooting and have a Springer Spaniel that Lynsey works and trains. They also own an angling boat and Dave takes his 11 year old grandson Josh fishing and spends time watching him play rugby for Brixham Rugby Club. Golf is a hobby that Dave has taken up recently and now loves and enjoys golf breaks with family members. Once a year, the whole family goes away on holiday together, last year visiting Centreparcs at Longleat. Sounds like a perfect life / work balance to me! ¨ tor-bay-harbour.co.uk 14

February/March 2016

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Why not come along and ďŹ nd out how you can get involved?

ROYAL TORBAY YACHT CLUB 12 Beacon Terrace, Torquay TQ1 2BH | 01803 292006 | admin@rtyc.co.uk | rtyc.org

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12/01/2016 12:19

February/March 2016

Robert Graves in Galmpton Celebrated poet and author Robert Graves lived in Greenway Road, in the Torbay village of Galmpton in the 1940s. Local resident, Dianne Richards tells us more.

s a long time Galmpton resident I have often passed Vale House in Greenway Road where the poet and author Robert Graves spent the years 1940 to 1946. Despite the Blue Plaque, I took little interest in this fact until I visited his home in Deia, Mallorca. There I found references to Galmpton – photos and letters, and discovered the story of a fascinating man who was one of the great literary figures of his day. In 1940 Robert von Ranke Graves was 45. He had separated from his wife, Nancy Nicholson, in 1926 and for 10 years had been living in Mallorca with American poet Laura Riding. In 1936, with the outbreak of the Spanish civil war, they were forced to leave Mallorca. Subsequently Robert and Laura separated and in 1940 he was living with Beryl Hodge in Essex. With a baby 16

February/March 2016

on the way, Graves decided to look for a new home away from the danger of bombing. He wanted to live near the sea and as his sister was a GP in Bishopsteignton, was attracted to making South Devon his home. He caught sight of Vale House on a drive through Galmpton and decided on the spur of the moment to rent it. In May, Graves and Beryl moved in. The chief attraction of the dilapidated farmhouse was that it had enough space for all their visitors and for the family of evacuees who, together with a local cleaning lady (Mrs Maunder), provided their domestic help. In the summer of 1940, William was born in Paignton hospital and, as an unmarried couple with a baby, it was not easy to gain acceptance in the village. This was not helped by the fact that Grave’s mother was German. The result was that someone carved ‘Heil englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Local History Hitler’ on a marrow in Grave’s garden and the ‘Heil walked in to call with an archaeological little husband. Hitler’ grew with the marrow! Some friends visited with After twenty minutes Beryl and I realised that she was a Dachshund, which was considered highly unpatriotic Agatha Christie herself.” She called regularly and they and this increased the villagers’ unease. often visited her at Greenway. She dedicated one of her Although Graves had fought with distinction in the books – Towards Zero, to Robert Graves. First World War, wounds and shell shock made him unfit James Reeves (the poet) stayed with the family in 1942 for service in the second. He joined the Local Defence as he had applied for the headmaster’s job at Dartmouth Volunteers (later the Home Guard) and was invited Grammar School (He didn’t get the job). to join the Special Constabulary but the local police There was, of course, a war on and during the evening constable refused to put his name forward. He had his of September 4 1942, three German planes roared over revenge a few months later when the village – one had been shot The result was that someone down over Paignton. his age group was called for medical examination. The policeman brought carved ‘Heil Hitler’ on a marrow The family lived at Vale House in Grave’s garden and the ‘Heil for 6 years. Their first three him an order to appear before a medical board at Exeter and gave him Hitler’ grew with the marrow! children, William, Lucia and Juan, a third class rail ticket. But Robert as were born there and William a pensioned officer knew his rights and refused to travel started at the village school, where his teacher was Miss except in first class as, “the policeman and I might find Horsham. ourselves in the same compartment and it would never Robert enjoyed long afternoon walks to the river do for us to mix socially.” The villagers slowly warmed to Dart, often with one of the children on his shoulders. Graves – he helped them fill in dreary forms for ration Sometimes he swam out to US boats anchored in the books, coal and so on, which everyone had to complete river. The seamen would give him tins of food that had but which few understood. lost their labels and would otherwise be thrown away – Vale House, for the whole of their occupancy, was a the Graves family would then have a surprise meal. hive of activity. There were many visitors and life was Despite food rationing, it was always possible to obtain described as ‘chaotic and rather Bohemian’. One of the rich Devonshire cream, which Robert and Beryl codecallers was in Grave’s words, “a large impressive Mrs named ‘O Be Joyful’, from the farm up the road where Mallow or Mellon or something from Greenway who they bought their milk and they would often walk or cycle

Vale House in Greenway Road, Galmpton

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February/March 2016

to Brixham where there was a plentiful supply of fresh fish, lobsters and crabs on the quayside. In her diary Beryl tells of a great flood in Galmpton, “thunderstorms for 10 hours and rain poured through the roof of The Railway Hotel. A whole field of young turnips was washed away onto the railway line followed by Farmer Tully who was crying like a baby – too late to plant more.”

After a while most of the villagers accepted Graves – they called him ‘Captain’ and liked it when he introduced Beryl to the vicar as ‘my wife by courtesy’. At the end of the war, Robert longed to go back to his home in Mallorca and in 1946 the family returned to Deia where he lived until his death aged 90 years. On the 10th July 1950 the family returned to Galmpton for the day. They visited old friends, including Mrs Maunder. Beryl recorded in her diary, “Wet and windy weather but the village looked lovely – almost wished we were back.”¨ La Casa de Robert Graves in Deia, Mallorca is open Monday - Saturday throughout the year. lacasaderobertgraves.org

The home in Deià, Mallorca

Did you know? Robert Graves wrote over 100 books and 1200 poems. He is commemorated in Poets Corner in Westminster Abbey. Robert Graves was a Great War Poet and friend of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen. He wrote ‘I , Claudius’ but would prefer to be remembered for his love poetry. Graves went mountaineering with George Mallory (of Everest fame) and Mallory was best man at his first marriage. He had a wide circle of friends including Spike Milligan (a book of their correspondence has been published) and Ava Gardner. Spencer Perceval – the only English Prime Minister to be assassinated, is an ancestor. In Galmpton Graves wrote some of his best love poetry as well as several novels.

February/March 2016

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STAGE UP!

Shiphay Am Dram Turns 60 Shiphay Amateur Dramatic Society (SADS) has been pulling in the crowds since 1957 and, as they prepare to celebrate an amazing 60th season, Anita Newcombe goes along to find out more.

The eldest member, Dorothy Pemble, is an impressive 96 ’ve never been a member of an amateur dramatic but there are members of pretty much all ages with lots society but quite like the idea of crossing the footlights of children playing in the pantos and many more adults and trying my hand at performing. The nearest I’ve playing in their other stage shows. come is rearranging stories to create little sketches for Brenda is still very active indeed, both acting and children to perform at home. I’ve made lots of rather badly directing. The most recent play she directed was The Odd put together, but quite effective costumes and, in our Couple by Neil Simon. The story centres around two household, I do hold the record for the most fairy wings people, (females in this play), who are sharing a flat. One assembled in one evening. is sloppy and untidy, doesn’t cook or clean and prefers So this evening I am meeting Dave Easton, current Chair to socialize. The other is an obsessive, of Shiphay Amateur Dramatic Society Brenda joined SADS in clean and tidy person who loves to be to try and discover how the group has home, and cooks to perfection. They successfully reached the planning stage for 1960 making an amazing 55 years of membership have a group of women friends that their 60th season. This is certainly a huge achievement and something really big to to date and in recognition are invited around each week for a celebrate when lots of societies haven’t of this, she has been made trivial pursuit evening, with plenty of banter. Then one evening Olive survived the inexorable march of time. an Honorary Member. (the disorganized one) invites the two I’m not really sure where St John’s Hall in Shiphay is located but I know that it is on Cadewell Lane Spanish brothers from the upstairs apartment for dinner. That’s when the fun starts! in Torquay so I park next to the church and immediately The society has to purchase the published script and bump into Dave Easton just arriving. The church hall is also pay a licence fee of £60-90 per performance. Other exactly opposite and is lit up with a blaze of lights, looking expenses include hire of the hall, heating and lighting, quite welcoming on this dark, rainy night. This is one of the regular meetings held on Mondays and ticket printing, plus publicity and posters. Brenda explains that Shiphay Am Dram offers local people who have never Thursdays from 7.30pm and I am first introduced to the society’s longest-serving, active member Brenda Loosemore. acted before a real chance to learn the basics. She says, “It’s a very good training ground offering the grassroots of “I’m not the eldest member though,” Brenda confides.

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Arts The society has prided itself on being the very first drama - acting, singing and dancing.” regional theatre to put on new performances including New members can come along and see for themselves, Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh and A Chorus of Disapproval always enjoying a warm welcome. When auditions take by Alan Ayckbourn. They’ve never stuck to the ‘safe’ option place for the next show, they are welcome to read and either. In 1973, SADS hit the national press because they audition and could very well be cast, possibly starting in a put on a show, Not Now Darling that had been banned smaller part to help them settle in and develop their skills. in another part of England. Two of the female performers Each show plays for 3 nights with an extra matinee on the appeared in their underwear as the headlines screamed, Saturday for the pantos. “Banned Play Goes On in Torquay.” Another headline Brenda has acted in or directed 22 pantos ‘on the trot’ read, “The Stripper and the Vicar” after the local vicar and loves the singing, dancing and general merriment. queried the show’s suitability. Unsurprisingly this ensured Although a very friendly and jolly person, she tells me the best audiences ever. Calendar Girls in that by preference she prefers to play 2012 also packed in record crowds. the Wicked Witch, which she finds Brenda tells me that there are around great fun. Brenda joined SADS in 40 regular members although people do 1960 making an amazing 55 years of come and go a bit. Those who are not membership to date and in recognition in the performance usually have a job of this, she has been made an Honorary whether it’s choreography, scene building Member. Her first ever play was The and painting, selling tickets, organizing Heiress in 1960 and her first panto was the ‘front of house’, costume design and entitled Beastie and the Beaut. much more. She says, “ I love the fact Their term ‘Stage Up’ She explains that their term ‘Stage Up’ which they still use today refers to the which they still use today it is not like a traditional theatre here. It’s such an adaptable space offering old days when they didn’t have a proper refers to the old days more variety than traditional theatres.” stage and the performances took place when they didn’t have The hall can seat up to 120 and with atop trestle tables. They literally put the a proper stage and the flexible seating the layout can be altered, stage up! This temporary stage had no wings and exits had to be made from one performances took place allowing performances ‘in the round’. This evening’s rehearsal for the atop trestle tables. They side only or else out of a window, down a ladder and in through the back door. literally put the stage up! forthcoming performance of Cinderella is about to get underway and I’m still The present kitchen was also the men’s sitting backstage behind the closed dressing room and the opposite room curtain with Brenda. Members of the was for the ladies - getting tea to the Props and Costume team come in and audience was rather difficult. At the end I manage to persuade them to show me of one production, the trestles supporting some of the costume creations. We start the stage had begun to spread, causing having fun trying these on and they even the floor to bounce! retain their saintly good nature when, St John’s Hall was built in 1954 and in my excitement, I manage to knock Shiphay Amateur Dramatic Society was one of them on the head with a jauntily founded in 1957 at a meeting of 12 attired false leg. enthusiasts in the home of Mr Reg Ellis But now the curtain opens and I (later the first Chairman) in Cadewell realise that I have suddenly become an Lane. Amongst those present was Mrs uncast extra so I hastily take my leave and head off-stage Betty Wipperman who, in 1960, directed the original to the dressing room area when I meet John Rea who is production of the Heiress. It was reprised for the 40th Co-Director for the next show, Dad’s Army. This show anniversary in 1997. The society’s very first pantomime, will obviously provide lots of fun parts for the gentlemen The Sleeping Cutey in 1960 was prompted by a local although there will be parts for the ladies as well. John will businessman’s request for aid to the Pestalozzi Fund and be co-directing with Richard Arscott. It’s not usual to have raised over £80 (a great deal in 1960!). In 1967, the society two directors but it’s a big show with lots to do. celebrated its 10th anniversary by moving into melodrama John is also a longstanding member (20 years) but has and performed The Murder of Maria Marten. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

February/March 2016

never directed before. In fact he tells me that he doesn’t act, preferring to manage the front of house. His cover is blown though when I hear that he does in fact sometimes act in the shows. John has recently attended a Director’s course and is looking forward to the challenge of directing Dad’s Army. He says, “ I’ve got lots of ideas. It’s all in my head.” There’ll be searchlights and sandbags outside the hall, which will be decorated within the theme. One end of the stage will be Captain Mannering’s office and the other end will be the church hall. When they need to create an outside scene, this will take place in front of the curtain, allowing scenery to be changed behind. Dad’s Army will be playing from 10th – 12th March 2016 and rehearsals are now underway. The show is called The Deadly Attachment and is the episode that includes the immortal lines, “Don’t Tell Him, Pike.” There are not so many parts for women in this show but those who wish to can play German sailors. Following the main performance of Dad’s Army, there will be a shorter performance of The Floral Dance, which will include a ‘sing-off’ between Dad’s Army and the Land Girls. We are now joined by long serving member Louise Bourton who is a committee member and also acting as Assistant Director for Dad’s Army. Louise explains that SADS recently ran a Campaign called Back in the Limelight to help address a membership shortage and this, along with the current panto, Cinderella, has attracted lots of new

people. She says, “People are really nice and friendly and we are very welcoming to new members. They can pop in to see what we do at any time.” Suddenly, John and Louise are called from the main hall and have to dash off to play the front and back sections of a horse in the continuing Cinderella rehearsal. I want to chat to SADS Chair, Dave Easton before I leave this evening but am told that he is rehearsing on stage. He soon appears however and tells me that he’s been a member for 15 years, “since the turn of the century.” The role of Chair lasts just one year and involves committee meetings and co-ordinating many of the key decisions. He tells me, “My whole aim is to get people in to enjoy themselves, whether by acting, behind the scenes or watching the show. Each year we also make a donation to charity; this year we recognise the dedication and work that is carried out by Rowcroft Hospice. Not only have we donated £150 but also at each performance, throughout the season, we are collecting on their behalf.” As Shiphay Amateur Dramatic Society prepares for their 60th season in 2016, it is clear that the group has an important place in the local community and is bringing plenty of fun and joy to its members and audiences. Why not give it a try? ¨ shiphayamdram.co.uk Pictures from top: Brenda Loosemore (longest serving active member), Dave Easton (Chairman), Louise Bourton (Asst Director Dad’s Army), John Rea (Co-Dir. Dad’s Army).

Membership New members are always welcome. Dates: Mondays & Thursdays Time: 7.30pm Fees: Full Season Adult Membership £20, Full Season Child Membership (under 16) £10, Adult Pantomime Membership £5, Child Pantomime Membership (under 16) £1. Auditions are open, but once you have been cast and accepted a role in a SADS show then you would be expected to become a member. This involves filling in a brief membership form and paying your membership fees, which go towards the costs of running the society and putting on shows. Casting for Sylvia’s Wedding is on Monday 14th March.

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

128 Union Street, Torquay TQ2 5QB 01803 292950

...The GreaT Trai Mastermind’s Luxury ‘Hideout’ in Torquay Torbay Libraries are making 2016 a year of Celebrating Torbay with a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Their aim is to engage the local population in exploring and understanding the rich heritage of Torbay, which in its time has played host to more than its fair share of famous historical figures. Not to mention a few notorious ones, as Celebrating Torbay Project Coordinator Ian Carr discovered.

or Great Train Robbery mastermind, Bruce With money diminishing, Reynolds took the risky Reynolds, it was ‘cars, crime and woman’ that decision to return to England to find some criminal inspired him to carry out one of the most work, moving first to London before settling in Torquay, infamous thefts in British history. In the early hours a place that “reminded him of the [French] Riviera”. of Thursday 8th August 1963, Reynolds’ gang held Despite being low on cash, Reynolds was still living the up the London bound Royal Mail train at the Bridego good life. The house he rented in Torquay was a 1930s railway bridge in Buckinghamshire. The robbery netted a modernist villa called Cap Martin, one of the most staggering £2.6 million in used banknotes, worth in the glamorous residences in the town. A previous resident region of £50 million today. had been Carry On star, Sid James. With money diminishing, Reynolds fled the country for Living under another assumed Reynolds took the risky decision name, the family eased themselves Mexico, and was joined by his wife to return to England to find and son. Under assumed names they into local life, but Reynolds some criminal work, moving desperately needed money. Few of lived the life that Reynolds dreamed of, renting a penthouse apartment first to London before settling in his former contacts were willing in Mexico City and holidaying in Torquay, a place that “reminded to work with him because of his Acapulco. Despite the robbery’s him of the [French] Riviera”. notoriety, and life on the run massive haul, Reynolds had to share was taking its toll. Unknown to the money with 15 gang members, leaving him with Reynolds, the law was also catching up with him. £150,000, still a huge sum for the time, but not enough On the morning of the 9th November 1968, police to sustain his extravagant lifestyle forever. When the stormed Cap Martin and his time on the run was over. champagne flutes threatened to run dry, Reynolds went In January 1969 he pleaded guilty to his part in the to Montreal in Canada where fellow robber, Charlie Great Train Robbery and was sentenced to 25 years in Wilson, was living. An attempt to replenish funds by prison. He was released on parole in 1978, and after a raiding a shipment of Canadian Dollars was foiled after brief return to prison in the 1980s, he left crime, if not observations made by the Royal Canadian Mounted the notoriety, behind him. Bruce Reynolds died in 2013 Police forced him to abandon the plan. aged 81 years. ¨

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ain robbery....... Local History

Did you know? As a young man, Reynolds was refused entry to the Royal Navy due to his poor eyesight. “I owned 6 Cadillacs in Mexico City,” Reynolds told Idler Magazine in a 1996 interview. The average weekly wage for a male at the time of the robbery was just under £20 a week. Reynolds had just £3000 to his name when he was finally arrested. His nickname was Napoleon. He was said to be the inspiration for Michael Caine’s character, Harry Palmer, in the movie, The Ipcress File. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

February/March 2016

Flora Thompson’s

Lark Rise to Candleford Novelist Flora Thompson came to live in Brixham in 1940 and completed her celebrated trilogy, Lark Rise to Candleford at Lauriston, her house in New Road, Brixham. The property still exists as a family home today and Torbay Civic Society erected a blue plaque in 2008. Ian Handford tells us more.

took the opportunity to act as a holiday relief in more he acclaimed dramatisation of Lark Rise to distant places including Grayshot, Hampshire, an area Candleford, televised by the BBC in 2008, was where fashionable authors and poets of the era lived. It adapted from a trilogy of novels written in was while providing stamps or dealing with telegrams that South Devon by author Flora Thompson. Her semishe came into contact with famous literary figures like autobiographical classic of Victorian village life recounts George Bernard Shaw and Arthur Conan Doyle. when a post office assistant, Laura, obligingly writes In 1903 Flora married sorting clerk and telegraphist a letter for an illiterate gypsy woman, who by way of thanks, tells the young girl’s fortune, prophesising, “You’re John Thompson and soon after they moved to Bournemouth. John was already strongly disapproving going to be loved, loved by people you’ve never seen and of Flora’s writing inclinations, which he never will see.” These words would prove saw as a waste of time. Yet while raising uncannily true, for the character of Laura a family she continued to secretly study was modelled on the real-life experiences of literature, making use of the recently Flora whose literary genius would flourish established free library service in the area. too late in life for her to appreciate the Writing for her own amusement, she enduring popularity her books would eventually entered a women’s magazine attract. competition, using her essay about the She was born Flora Jane Timms on 5 works of Jane Austen. It was 1911 and she December 1876, in the hamlet of Juniper won first prize before then submitting two Hill, Brackley, North Oxfordshire, the articles for the magazine, which were both eldest of ten children. Their father was published in 1912. This was the year the a stonemason with an ever-increasing Titanic disaster had prompted poet dependence on drink, which She was born Flora Jane Timms Ronald Campbell Macfie to write eventually saw him reduced to being on 5 December 1876, in the an ode in Literary Monthly and, a bricklayer. Fortunately, the family hamlet of Juniper Hill, Brackley, having invited his readers to review had a smallholding and could grow vegetables and keep livestock so that North Oxfordshire, the eldest of the poem, again Flora achieved first prize. Her creative gifts were there was always food on their table. ten children. greatly admired by Dr Macfie and Flora learned to read before he chose to encourage this literary aspirant, which led to a attending school and developed a flair for writing, which life-long friendship. would save her from a life in service. By age fourteen her By receiving payment for doing what she loved, Flora mother had found her a situation with a postmistress at managed to overcome her husband’s prejudice; she the nearby village of Fringford, this being a significant felt she had finally, “earned the right to use my scanty step up the social ladder for a girl from an impoverished leisure as I wished.” The earnings from newspapers and and humble background. The village became an magazines helped put their three children through a inspiration for her stories and later proved a valuable private education. Sadly, she had to concentrate on “small historical record of rural life in a bygone age. Post offices sugared love stories” and even accepted a commission were the hub of village life and this provided our budding to ‘ghost’ the memoirs of a big game hunter. Eventually author with a variety of characters to observe. She now

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Heritage more satisfying work saw her nature essays appearing in The Catholic Fireside and these were used for over twenty years. John meanwhile was appointed sub-postmaster of Liphook in Hampshire in 1916 and Flora produced a volume of poems entitled Bog, Myrtle and Peat - not a commercial success. In 1925 until the outbreak of the Second World War she ran a postal writers’ circle entitled the Peverel Society, which was highly successful. The ever-restless John was appointed postmaster of Dartmouth in 1928 and the family lived in a small cottage, The Outlook in Above Town. By 1937 Flora was writing sketches of her country childhood for The Lady magazine, the first being Old Queenie, a remembrance of the beekeeper and lace maker at Juniper Hill. Flora’s birthplace was renamed Lark Rise and a collection of essays formed the basis of her first novel published by Oxford University Press in 1939, followed two years later by Over to Candleford. John retired from the Post Office in 1940 and the family moved to New Road Brixham. Flora continued to write even during air raids while cooped up in a Morrison shelter in the cellar of their home and Candleford Green emerged to be published in 1943. Two years later, with advance orders of 5,000 for her next three novels, the

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celebrated trilogy Lark Rise to Candleford was published. Her last book Still Glides the Stream although completed in August 1946 was not published due to a paper shortage and had to wait until 1948. The books written in Brixham came as Flora was under great strain, grieving for the loss of her youngest child, Peter, lost when his merchant vessel was torpedoed in 1940. She never really recovered from the loss and as her health deteriorated their small garden at Lauriston house became her retreat, angina preventing any long walks. Fatigue and a failing heart now took its toll and on 21 May 1947 at age seventy, she died alone in her room at Lauriston on New Road Brixham. Her passing did not ever warrant a mention in the Torbay press but her literary achievements were proudly recognised by her husband, who had been her fiercest critic. He arranged for a headstone in the shape of a book to mark his wife’s final resting place at Longcross Cemetary, Dartmouth and sixty one years later on her birthdate Torbay Civic Society unveiled one of its Blue Plaques to honour her at her home Lauriston House. ¨ torbaycivicsociety.co.uk

February/March 2016

Paignton Zoo’s Blue Army The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, which runs Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts in Torquay, as well as Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, says that people who are retired or near retirement are crucial to its ‘blue army’ of volunteers. We find out more.

Take Trish Lilly, who he fact that Devon has topped a league table of places to enjoy a long, healthy and safe retirement volunteers at Paignton Zoo, having retired from British is good news for local charities. The list was Airways when she was 50. compiled by Prudential, using census data and results She enthuses, “I LOVE from their own research to rank the top 20 counties in volunteering at the Zoo! I England and Wales. volunteer alongside delightful At Paignton Zoo, 121 volunteers engaged in 38 people and the role I am in volunteer-exclusive rolest donated just under 20,000 gets me involved with the hours last year. At the much smaller Living Coasts, 32 general public and the chance Trish Lilly volunteers tackled 15 different roles and in 2015 gave to learn so much more about 4,056 hours; that’s equivalent to 580 working days. In the animals and their conservation. I couldn’t think of a addition, the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust has 11 better place than Paignton Zoo to trustees who last year gave 217 hours “Volunteers of all ages are volunteer...Wednesdays are a joy!” between them. important to us. Older Liz Emerson from Torquay Neil Thomas-Childs, Volunteer Co-ordinator for Paignton Zoo and volunteers bring a wealth of life was a GP, now she’s a volunteer Living Coasts tells us, “Volunteers experience and can be good cataloguing library books and do not replace staff, but provide with people and situations and photographs. She says, “I had been interested in zoology ever invaluable support and additional just getting along” since school and am also interested activities, doing everything from in conservation and the environment. Then I met talking to visitors to helping prepare animal feeds. someone who had been a volunteer at Paignton Zoo after Without their time and dedication so much of what retirement.” Liz planned volunteers do would not be possible.” her volunteering before she He explains that 44% of the charity’s volunteers are retired, which came just a over 60 and just over a third are over 65. Over 40% are year early. She explains, retired or semi-retired. So why do older people make good “It’s useful work so you volunteers? Neil says, “Volunteers of all ages are important continue to have a feeling to us. Older volunteers bring a wealth of life experience and of self-worth. You have to can be good with people and situations and just getting fill your time and do things along. They will often stay longer; young people move on you enjoy when you retire, into work or to other situations. Many retired people give and not just sit at home time to a charitable cause once they have more time to n so er Em Liz and vegetate.” In Liz’s case give. For others it’s about keeping active and stimulated her time is spent on music, in retirement, or putting old skills to new use. Some miss travel and her family as well as volunteering. She says, the social interactions of work and volunteer to meet “Paignton Zoo is a very friendly place and the staff people who have similar, or completely different interests. I’ve been in contact with have all been interested and Volunteering is always a two-way thing.”

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Volunteering helpful. Meeting other people, especially people younger than myself, keeps my brain active!” David Sams, from Paignton, is known locally for conducting nondenominational funeral services, though he had a career in the Navy and worked as a Relate counsellor and in the hospice movement. He reveals, “On my 60th David Sams birthday I did a Keeper for a Day experience and on my 63rd birthday I did Vet for a Day. It was a privilege; I was overwhelmed by the professionalism and total commitment of all the people I came into contact with. After this I was convinced that I wanted to help out.” David started volunteering before he retired, spending either a Saturday or a Sunday at the Zoo. Now he supports the Zoo’s busy in-house veterinary department. He says, “I enjoy spending time with dedicated, professional people who have a passion for their role and have learnt a lot about animal welfare and health care. It is a chance to meet with like-minded people. The volunteers - the blue army - are a great crowd and there are opportunities throughout the year for socialising and to meet informally.” John Tyson’s impressive beard gives the game away – John has been the Paignton Zoo Father Christmas for many years. He says, “I especially enjoy playing Santa - visitors and children appear to enjoy the experience, too!” John, who retired just two John Tyson months early, also enjoys photography and keeping up with the latest technology. “I decided to do voluntary work to feel of some use after retiring. Paignton Zoo was my first choice. I think the Zoo does worthwhile work in preserving threatened animals and I feel I can contribute to the effort.” In her working life Gail Smith supported cancer patients and their families. Now she’s a ‘meet and greet’ volunteer at Living Coasts. She says, “I wanted to volunteer after 40 years with the NHS because I felt I had the capacity and vivacity to spread my wings, explore out englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

of my comfort zone and make a difference to other people and to myself. I only decided to volunteer after I retired because I was not aware of all the opportunities that were available beforehand. I have found my time at Living Coasts a life-enforcing, multi-varied experience, staff have made me feel very welcome, my views as a volunteer are listened to and appreciated and I feel it is a mutually beneficial experience for all concerned.” Although The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust draws volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds, professions, ages and interests, many older volunteers have experience Gail Smith of the public health or service industries. It seems that, in retirement, those who spent their careers caring for people often enjoy supporting a charity caring for animals.¨

To find out more about volunteering at Paignton Zoo or Living Coasts visit: paigntonzoo.org.uk livingcoasts.org.uk

February/March 2016

Dartmouth’s 10th Comedy Festival Dartmouth’s Flavel is celebrating its 10th sidesplitting comedy festival from 8-12 March with a hilarious lineup that will deliver exquisitely crafted gags and laugh out loud comic turns. Most shows take place at the Flavel but there are also comedy evenings with supper at the legendary Café Alf Resco and the rollicking Royal Castle as well as a post-show supper at the Seahorse on gala night. Tuesday 8th March Gary Delaney: There’s Something About Gary Gary Delaney thinks a good joke should be like a drunk Glaswegian, short and punchy. The show is expected to be great for people who like lots of jokes but also fun for people who enjoy getting offended by jokes too. Gary is a regular on Mock The Week, a double Sony Award Winner and a Chortle Award Nominee.

Time: 8pm, tickets £12.50 Wednesday 9th M arch

Gala Night – A Comedy Genius This is a film tribute to Rik Mayall created especially for The Flavel by festival patron Peter Richardson and there will be surprise guests. Ticket includes a glass of Prosecco.

Time: 6.30pm, tickets: £14. There are also a limited number of special tickets to include a post-show supper at the Seahorse restaurant for £80 (call 01803 835147) th March Thursday 10

Red Richardson & Friend Peter’s son Red Richardson will be doing his thing at Café Alf Resco. Red is an up and coming young standup comedian who has been performing consistently on the U.K comedy club scene for the past year. In that time he has been a finalist in So You Think You’re Funny?, The Sqwauker Awards and Golden Jesters stand up award.

There will be supper available if you book in advance but this is not included in the ticket price (call Café Alf Resco on 01803 835880). Time: 8.30pm, tickets £8 30

February/March 2016

Gary Delaney

Thursday 10th March Steve Hall – Zebra The best-educated third of beloved Fringe losers We Are Klang, and one of the main writers on Russell Howard’s Good News, Steve has opened for Russell Howard and Lee Mack on tour, and was the first ever stand-up guest on Good News. He is a regular on Frank Skinner’s Absolute Radio show where he is usually quite good. The evening’s support act is Jack Barry.

Time: 8pm, tickets: £10

Friday 11th March Croft & Pearce Comedy Show This show is held in the Royal Castle Hotel and tickets include a curry supper, either at 7pm or 9pm. Croft and Pearce are the stars of BBC Radio 4 (The Croft & Pearce Show, Sketchorama) with a unique and hilarious brand of sketch comedy. Rising stars of the UK comedy scene, Croft & Pearce have performed sell-out shows in London, Edinburgh and New York.

Time: 8pm, tickets: £20

Arts

Shazia Mirza

to Great Britain, this is a laugh out loud show that is both thoughtful and smart as well as brilliantly silly!

Time: 5pm, tickets: adult £12, under 18 £10, family (multiples of 4) £9.50 each

Saturday 12th March Rob Beckett

Friday 11th March Shazia Mirza – The Kardashians Made Me Do It

Beckett’s back with a brand-new show of funnies and he’s taking on the big issues like Kit Kats and flatbread! Star of BBC1’s Live at the Apollo, BBC2’s Mock the Week & Channel 4’s 8 out of 10 Cats.

Time: 8pm, tickets: adults £14, under 18 £12, concessions £12

“My mum can’t find me anyone to marry. My friend Matthew looks at me with great concern and says, ‘You’re not thinking of becoming a Jihadi Bride are you?’ Would I do that? The weather in Britain isn’t great, and the sunsets and landscape in Syria are meant to be very romantic... I’ d get a husband, wouldn’t have to work, and would definitely get a place in heaven. Yes I’d miss my hair straighteners and hot pants, but that’s a small price to pay.”

Time: 8pm, tickets: £14 (concessions £12) Saturday 12 th March

Patrick Monahan – The Disco Years The family’s favourite funnyman (and occasional disco dancer) is on tour across the UK with his brand new stand-up show! Charged by Patrick’s memories and reminiscences of being an immigrant

Rob Beckett

Early booking advised as shows do get very quickly booked up. The Flavel Arts Centre is a registered charity and sponsors for Dartmouth Comedy Festival include: Red Paddle Company, The Royal Castle Hotel, The Seahorse restaurant, Simon Drew Gallery, Plugprints, Café Alf Resco and Dart Marina Hotel & Spa. The Flavel, Flavel Place, Dartmouth TQ6 9ND 01803 839530 theflavel.org.uk February/March 2016

King Arthur’s Arch Nemesis

Mordred!

Torbay based South Devon Players Theatre & Film Company will be producing its first serious feature film based on the Arthurian Legend of Mordred, King Arthur’s brother. Richard Newcombe meets its Director, Laura Jury to find out more.

coming in the form of £80 raised at a local car-boot ever afraid of a challenge, the company that sale. They went on to grow and in 2010 won the Torbay brought us Zorro! The Panto and transposed Together Arts in the Community Award. Romeo and Juliet from Verona to 19th century Today’s company numbers some 30 players, a very Brixham featuring warring families of fishermen and small number of them performing purely technical roles. farmers, is now working on a film production of They are a unique company Mordred, the Arthurian legend. with ages ranging from 9 to The South Devon Players are an 70 and all share a deep-rooted award-winning, family-friendly, theatre desire to perform, though and film team, based in Brixham; with many of their members join an offshoot casting agency for vetted through an initial interest experienced actors seeking speaking in local history and this roles in local film and theatre. They has inspired many of their perform theatre shows around Torbay productions. and create dramatic films based on Previous work by the historical events and legends, on a company includes the 2013 profit-share basis. production of Les Miserables: When I met Laura Jury, the The Memoirs of Jean Valjean, energetic and enthusiastic co-founder a 3-hour non-musical stage of the South Devon Players Theatre adaptation and the 2015 and Film Company, she was typically Laura Jury Survivors of the Titanic. This eyes-down on her iPad planning and featured, in the first half, the re-working ideas. It was in 2005 over drinks in the familiar story of the sinking of By her own admission, her interest in the theatre started in her teens and pub with like-minded friends that the ship followed by a much has become something of an obsession, they realised the only way to get lesser known reconstruction shaping her life. into a company that suited their of the Board of Trade Enquiry, After graduating from Plymouth Art talents and desires was to form which took place in Plymouth examining the evidence of College in 2004 with a degree in one themselves. many of the surviving crew. Photo, Media and Design, specialising The technical challenges of performing the dramatic in film making, she joined Plymouth’s Western College sinking scenes against a backdrop of actual footage of Players and it was their non-musical version of Tim Kelthe ship were particularly noteworthy. The stage show, ly’s Les Miserables that cemented her performing desires Robin of Sherwood, was also staged at The Edge, Brixham and helped her regain her acting mojo. in January 2016. She later returned to Brixham and it was in 2005 over South Devon Players’ latest production Mordred drinks in the pub with like-minded friends that they will be their first serious feature film based upon realised the only way to get into a company that suited the Arthurian legend of Mordred, the brother of their talents and desires was to form one themselves. King Arthur. There will also be a series of theatre South Devon Players was born, with initial funding

February/March 2016

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Arts performances in Torbay and the Southwest. Mordred is set in the 6th century, and is based on very early Arthurian legends, being filmed in and close to many sites linked directly to Arthurian legends, as is possible, and tells the tale of King Arthur’s son, Mordred, who in the much earlier legends, is a much more ambiguous character than the pure villain seen in medieval and later interpretations. It is a dark, gritty drama, with a team who are really passionate about the production, style and subject matter. The schedule for Mordred proposes that casting will be completed in February 2016, rehearsals in March with filming at the end of May 2016. Anticipated screening will be in Autumn 2016 and it is planned to send the film to various local and national film festivals. Filming will be set in Dartmouth and across Devon and Cornwall and will exclusively feature local people. The leading roles have been cast but there are many smaller speaking roles yet to be filled; open casting sessions for these roles will take place on 28th February 2016. For those not wanting to tread the boards the company are keen to meet volunteers who, ‘want to make things happen’ in terms of filming technology, costume and fundraising. The main thrust of fundraising to date has been through eBay sales, tombola and the proposed Excalibur Film and Fantasy Convention taking place in March 2016 at the Red House Hotel, Torquay. The soundtrack for the production is currently being prepared by Michael Klubertanz, the noted German film and theatre score arranger and will feature only music played upon historically accurate musical instruments of the Arthurian era. Anyone wanting more details or offering their time for involvement in this or any other project is asked to visit the website. Auditions take place 2 or 3 times per year and for those less confident who still wish to become involved, there is potential to be cast as an extra in crowd scenes, for all the enjoyment without the pressure to learn lines. ¨ southdevonplayers.com

Guillaume Rivaud, co-stars as Arthur

Open Auditions Mordred Date: Sunday February 28 2016 Time: 4.30pm Venue: Chestnut Community Centre, 1-3 Poplar Close Brixham TQ5 0SA Age range: 16-70 englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

February/March 2016

Arts

Rich Sandford from Torquay stars as Mordred

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February/March 2016

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Too Young to Cruise? For some, the idea of going on a cruise is something for their later years when they can sip sherry, nibble cucumber sandwiches and indulge in the odd game of deck quoits. Steve Shambrook gave it a go!

something out of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, y first experience of cruising came some years ago, my new parents-in-law had made an offer and we stopped off a number of times at the many parks and to view the statue of the Little Mermaid. It was a for us to accompany them on a Baltic cruise wonderfully relaxed day of sightseeing and it was followed that they were planning. My feelings were mixed to say next day by a visit to the beautiful Estonian city of the least, it was an incredibly kind and generous offer, but Tallinn, before going on to the highlight of the cruise, two a cruise at my age! I was in my early forties and thought days in the Russian port of St Petersburg. For the only that I had a good twenty years before I should consider time on the cruise, we had to go through passport control cruising. How wrong I was! before entering the country; the unsmiling Russian It was a sunny August day, I had put away my immigration officers waved us through and onto the tour preconceptions and we were heading off on the long bus heading into the city. We passed through street after journey from Exeter to Harwich to board Royal street of drab concrete apartment blocks on our way to Caribbean’s ship Brilliance of the Seas. As we embarked, I the Winter Palace, the ornate winter home of the Tsars. was struck by the sheer size of the vessel, catering for well The palace expands into the Hermitage museum with its over 2000 passengers. vast collection of western art including works by da Vinci, Our first port of call was Copenhagen and as we Picasso, van Gogh and many others. The contrast between disembarked I noted how incredibly clean and tidy the inside of the museum and the lives of those outside everything looked. Despite having just been on board was striking. The following day we were able to visit ship, we decided the best way to view the city was on three of St Petersburg’s cathedrals one of the barges that meandered Everyone mentions the quantity including St Isaac’s, where around the city’s waterways. The multi coloured buildings looked like of food available at all times of renowned artists of the time had

the day but I was surprised at just how good the quality was.

February/March 2016

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Give it a Go! Cruising

collaborated to create the most magnificent decorations. The second half of our cruise took us on a tour of Scandinavia. Firstly to the Finnish capital of Helsinki with its interesting architecture, where we visited an ice bar, then on to Swedenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second city Gothenburg, where I visited the Volvo museum. Our third port of call, Oslo, was the most memorable for me, not so much for the time spent in the city itself but more for the time spent sipping a glass of wine on our balcony on board as we left port in the early evening sun. The breath-taking scenery of the Oslo fjord was truly magnificent and is something that I will always remember from my first cruise. Prior to the cruise I knew from the itinerary that I would enjoy visiting the many interesting destinations, but life on board proved to be equally enjoyable. There was so much to do on days at sea that there was no danger of becoming bored, and we rarely saw my teenage son who was having a great time. Everyone mentions the quantity of food available at all times of the day but I was surprised at just how good the quality englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

was. After an excellent dinner we would head off to the on-board theatre where the entertainment was varied and of a high standard, not at all like the old cruise ship stereotype. The highlight came when we were docked in St Petersburg and the cruise line arranged for a local Russian Folk Dance group to perform a number of renowned works. These were splendidly well received by the audience with a standing ovation at the end. Nowadays there are so many different cruise lines catering for just about everyone. You may be looking for a five star all inclusive resort at sea, or one of the more exclusive high-end luxury cruises where you may be more driven by interesting, exotic destinations. River cruising is becoming more and more popular and is seeing huge growth in numbers. My next cruise may well be by river, I really like the look of a cruise down the Douro River in Portugal with excursions to vineyards, and in the evenings the on-board chef matching the local wines to sumptuous dinners. Â¨ Find out more about cruising from Steve Shambrook on 01392 675477 or see page 56 February/March 2016

Templers Loop Distance: 5 miles Exertion: Easy, all flat Time: Allow 2 hours Terrain: Gravel pathways and field paths. Suitable for more robust pushchairs. Dogs: On leads in lanes and where there is livestock and water fowl. Refreshments: Sampsons Farm Nearest Postcode: TQ12 6QQ

his issue we go further afield to Stover Country Park for a five mile walk that takes in the lake and plantations of the country park, a stretch alongside the River Teign, crosses the still waters of the bygone Stover Canal and enjoys the views laid out by the Templer family. This is a straightforward trek with virtually no hills and very good way-marking. The Stover Estate was bought by a wealthy merchant, James Templer, who had made his fortune in India in the 18th century. He built Stover House (now Stover School), the lake, landscaped the grounds and planted many exotic trees and shrubs many of which make up the country park. Later Templer's son, also James, exploited the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rich ball clay deposits and built the Stover Canal that took the raw material, via connection with the Teign, to Teignmouth docks. After the death of James Templer II, his son George further utilised the local resources and built the Haytor Granite Tramway that brought stone from Templerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quarries at Haytor to the canal head at Ventiford. The estate fell into decline in the early 20th century when it was sold to the Forestry Commission and was then bought by Devon County

February/March 2016

Council in 1979. The council turned it into a country park in recognition of its diverse flora and wildlife. The park is now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has its own Nature Interpretation Centre, an aerial walkway for wildlife viewing and a poetry trail featuring the work of Ted Hughes. This walk takes in a loop section of the Templer Way. The more adventurous might want to walk its entire length of 18 miles from Teignmouth to Haytor. The route can be walked in either direction. o

1 From the information centre in the car park take the path left to follow the lake shore around its most westerly point. Follow the lakeside path along its length until the first humped footbridge. 2 Cross the bridge and turn left at the first Templer Way sign and follow this waterway until it stops at a cascade where the path turns right into the plantation. Follow the path until it reaches the far corner of the planted woodland and a kissing gate onto the road. 3 Turn right then almost immediately left into Summer Lane. After 100 metres follow the road right and over a railway bridge. At the T-junction at Ventiford Cottages turn right and follow the road until it reaches another T-junction. 4 Turn right and then right again onto a track that runs beside a brook under a railway bridge and follow the

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Walk 2 N 7 1

3 4 5

6 1 Waypoint

Viewpoint

path, through a kissing gate, straight on into open pasture towards the banks of the meandering Teign. Follow the river bank. 5 At the second footbridge you can cross for refreshments at Sampsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm. Follow the riverside for another 100 yards then as the river takes a 90 degree turn to the left follow the way-marked path across the open fields to a kissing gate and bridged ditch then across this pasture to another gate. 6 Turn right then left over a narrow bridge that crosses the Stover Canal. Follow the pathway through the cottages on the edge of Teigngrace. At the road turn right then right again 50 metres up the road through a metal gate. The path crosses a field then onto a plantation fire road adjacent to the clay works. Turn right and follow the main trail all the way back to the country park, passing the school on your left and enjoy the fine views of Haytor. 7 As the path reaches the lake once again turn left and follow its southern shore to return to the car park. Note: When we walked this route some parts were very waterlogged, Wellington boots strongly advised!

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Stover Canal at Teigngrace

The footbridge at Sampsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm

February/March 2016

Weddings

“We didn’t really have a style or theme in mind but wanted our wedding to remind people of spring. We assumed it would rain (it didn’t!) as it was in April so we incorporated wellies into our décor.”

Jen and Rob’s Perfect Wedding Day in Torquay

Jen and Rob Haggis celebrated their beautiful spring wedding at St John the Baptist Church in Shiphay followed by a reception in the Spanish Barn at Torre Abbey. Local photographer Will Reddaway was on hand to capture the day.

he bride wore a lace Kitty Chen dress that she with lots of friends and family helping, which meant had found at a wedding fair in London, together it wasn’t a chore for anyone. Jen’s cousin made some with a plain, chapel length, single layer veil chalkboard signs and her dad cemented some of them and pearl drop earrings. The groom and groomsmen into pots. Rob designed Polaroids of every guest for favoured a relaxed look with their own choices of lounge the table plan and they had pictures of themselves at suits but with matching ties and corsages. different ages decorating the table numbers. A friend’s Jen’s chief bridesmaid wore grey with the 3 other business supplied some small wooden hearts and they bridesmaids wearing cobalt blue and the three young spent hours sticking maps of Torquay to them to give to flower girls in gorgeous flowery dresses. Jen’s cousin, a guests as favours. Jen’s mother had been collecting glass professional makeup artist was in charge of the makeup jars and Jen decorated them with ribbon and stickers whilst hair for the bridal party was for the table flowers. Rob is not 800-year-old Torre Abbey is fond of icing so the happy couple done at WO Salon in Torquay. A talented family friend took a stunning place to explore so went for a ‘naked’ cake made by a charge of the flowers and put friend of the family. It was a classic guests were able to wander together the lovely bouquets, table around during the afternoon. Victoria sponge but Jen does love arrangements, decorations and marmalade so one layer had that church flowers. The Spanish Barn is so beautiful that instead of jam. it didn’t need much decoration so the couple focussed 800-year-old Torre Abbey is a stunning place to on smaller details such as signs, table plans and favours. explore so guests were able to wander around during the Rob is a graphic designer so he was able to design all the afternoon. As it was an Easter wedding, Jen’s brother wedding stationery. dressed up as the Easter Bunny and they had an Easter Jen said, “We didn’t really have a style or theme in egg hunt in the gardens for the children (and adults!). mind but wanted our wedding to remind people of The band, ‘The Look’ was one of the highlights of the spring. We assumed it would rain (it didn’t!) as it was in day and people filled the dance floor for most of the April so we incorporated wellies into our décor.” evening. A large proportion of the wedding was homemade Many people think that the photographer is one of

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February/March 2016

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February/March 2016

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Weddings

the most important things to get just right for the big day. Would Jen and Rob recommend theirs? They said, “Definitely! Will was friendly yet professional from the start, answered all our questions and showed us some excellent examples of his work. Before the big day he visited the venues and took time to find out any specific photos we required. On the day we barely noticed he was there (which is what we wanted from a photographer) yet he captured the most amazing shots

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of every aspect of the day including both formal and natural photos.” Jen’s top tip for other brides is, “Relax and enjoy every minute! Everyone told me to do this and I kept nodding and saying I would, but on the day I didn’t realise how hard it is to do. Make sure you have a good friend who can remind you to step back every now and then to take it all in.”¨ Photos: willreddaway.co.uk

February/March 2016

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February/March 2016

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Weddings

Jen’s top tip for other brides is, “Relax and enjoy every minute! Everyone told me to do this and I kept nodding and saying I would, but on the day I didn’t realise how hard it is to do. Make sure you have a good friend who can remind you to step back every now and then to take it all in.” englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

February/March 2016

February & March

Around the Bay Paranormal Experience, Torquay Museum 5 February Following last year’s highly eventful paranormal evening at the museum (during which fingerprints were discovered on the inside of the mummy case, resulting in national media coverage and coverage on BBC’s Have I got News For You), you can explore the ghostly side of one of Torquay’s most iconic buildings. Join the Real Investigators of the Paranormal on a spine-chilling ghost hunting night at Torquay Museum. Learn how the experts investigate the paranormal, get trained in ghost-hunting techniques, and hear about supernatural encounters. Then round off the evening by trying to communicate with ghosts using the Spirit Board. 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HF 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Treasure Hunters, Torquay Museum 6 February The Museum’s Monster Saturday is all about treasure hunting this month. Learn about the amazing treasure hoards that have been found and how metal detectors work! Make your own treasure chest and gold coins! Included in entrance ticket, no booking needed just drop in. Time: 11am – 3pm. 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HF 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

The Devon Wedding Show, Torquay 7 February A visit to The Devon Wedding Show in Torquay is an absolute must for all those planning their perfect wedding! From dresses, to flowers, cakes, honeymoons and cars, find all you need under one roof. Browse a large selection of exhibitors - providing thousands of inspirational ideas for your big day. Enjoy glamorous catwalk shows. Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay, TQ2 5LZ 01803 299992 rivieracentre.co.uk

Made With Love, Cockington 6 February - 6 March An exhibition of art and craft on the theme of love. Kitchen Gallery, Cockington Court, TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org

Indian Feast Cookery, Occombe 7 February The fragrant food of India, deliciously spiced, creamy and full of flavour will be a feast for your senses and the course will take you on a sensory adventure to this colourful country. From the spicy heat of Rajasthan to the aromatic flavours of Kerala, participants will be creating an Indian feast. Led by Tim Harris this hands-on workshop will open up a whole world of fabulous Indian food. Time: 10am – 4pm, cost: £75, includes lunch, booking essential. Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust event. Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Brixham & Paignton Stamp Club 8 February Informal meetings and philatelic presentations on the second Monday of each month. Time: 7.15 – 9pm Chestnut Community Centre, Poplar Close, Brixham TQ5 0SA Tony Key 01803 858018 wessexpf.org.uk/Brixham

Trust Members’ Evening, Occombe 10 February This is an exclusive event for Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust members. Enjoy cheese and wine whilst hearing about the work of the Trust from the Director Damian Offer. You’ll also hear about the various conservation projects that the Trust is involved in across the Bay from key members of staff and other local conservation groups. Time: 6pm - 8pm, cost: free, booking essential as places are limited. Occombe Farm Cafe, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Half Term Mammal Madness, Paignton Zoo 13 – 21 February Join us this half term to celebrate the launch of

February/March 2016

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What’s On Marvellous Mammals 2016, there will be special talks, trails, activities and more. Plus, don’t forget to stop by and say hello to new male tiger, Fabi. Activities include a special Red Panda talk, 12 noon daily, create your own animal puppet and activity booklet (collect at entrance). Totnes Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EU 0844 4742224 paigntonzoo.org.uk

Super Half Term, Living Coasts 13 – 21 February 2016 is the year of Super Sea Heroes at Living Coasts. Help them celebrate the launch with a variety of activities that include crafts, talks and a superhero trail. Plus, if you visit dressed up as your favourite superhero you could win a great prize. Beacon Quay, Torquay TQ1 2BG 0844 4742226 livingcoasts.org.uk

Valentines Hearts Trail, Cockington 13-19 February Have a go at this fun Valentines Hearts Trail around Cockington Court Craft Studios and finishing at the Visitor Welcome Point. Suitable for families. Cockington Court, TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org

Claws Exhibition, Torquay Museum 13 February – 3 September The exhibition will explore the relationship of cats and humans from distant prehistory until the present day, including cats in Ancient Egypt, Myth & Magic and Man-Eaters. 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HF 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Is Your Love for Rill? Coleton Fishacre 14 February A delightful Valentine’s event that invites you to chance your luck and choose one of the ready-to-use love boats or take some time to write your own personal message for that special someone, before floating it down through Coleton’s Rill garden. Time: 11am – 1pm. Brownstone Road, Kingswear, TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

Swashbuckling Pirate Adventure Trail 16 – 18 February Arr me ‘earties! Join with your young scallywags for an adventure trail this half term. Fancy dress is highly recommended! No need to book - just drop in and take part! Time: 10am - 4pm, cost: £3.50 per child (5 - 14 yrs). Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Zoo Academy – Reptiles, Paignton 18 February As part of Paignton Zoo’s Academy, you will get to spend the day amongst the keepers, educators and vets and will take part in a behind the scenes tour of some of our reptile enclosures. You will also design and make a reptile enclosure, talk to the vets about reptile husbandry, create some reptile enrichment and watch the impressive crocodiles being fed. 13-16 year olds only, time: 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m, cost £45, booking essential. Totnes Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EU 01803 697510 paigntonzoo.org.uk

Kids Indian Cookery, Occombe 19 February Leave the kids at Occombe Farm for a day of cookery fun! Kids will learn how to make an indian feast, including naan bread, samosas, korma and more! Time: 10am 4pm, cost: £30.00 (7 - 12 yrs), booking essential. Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Stone Age School – Fire Maker, Torquay 20 February Try your hand at making fire. Stone Age people couldn’t rely on lighters and matches, come and make yourself a bow drill and see if you’ve got what it takes to make a englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

February/March 2016

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What’s On spark. All children leave the session with what they have made and a badge confirming their new Stone Age skill. Times: 10.00 - 12.00 or 14.00 - 16.00, suitable ages 6 – 12, booking essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult free of charge for up to 4 children). Cost: £5 (season pass also available). Kents Cavern, 91 Ilsham Road, Torquay 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk

Dartmouth Beer Festival 20 February Enjoy Dartmouth’s 2nd beer festival. With a fantastic line up of beer, cider, music and food, what more could you ask for on a cold February Saturday? Music highlights from jazz, to dixie and will be from The Lazy Cow Ukulele band, Mike Jones, Lucy Hingston, Steve Ashworth, and the Firkin’ Footstompers, plus many more! Entry ticket includes festival glass and 4 half pint beer tokens. Additional tokens can be purchased, £5 for 4 half pints! Food available from Wild Artichokes. Tickets: £8.50. Camra Members £7. Over 18s only. The Flavel, Flavel Place, Dartmouth TQ6 9ND 01803 839530 theflavel.org.uk

Wedding Fair, Brixham 21 February Enjoy Lupton House’s second Wedding Experience, it will be a chance to see Lupton House in all its glory and experience how magical your wedding at Lupton could be! Lupton House, Brixham Road, Churston Ferrers, Brixham TQ5 0LD 01803 852608 discoverlupton.com

The Lonely Universe, Torquay Museum 24 February Professor Chris Lintott (originally from Torbay) will be giving a lecture entitled The Lonely Universe: An Astronomer’s View of Aliens. Time: 2:30pm, ticketed event - free to Torquay Museum Society members and £4 to non-members from museum office. 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HF 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Tots Go Wild Outdoors 24 February Parents come along with your tots and experience the great outdoors at Occombe Farm. You’ll get to explore the farm with your little ones, collect wood, light a fire and toast marshmallows! Time: 9:30am - 11:30am, cost: £5 per child (age range toddlers to 5 year olds, babies can come along free of charge), booking essential. Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Paignton Society Talk 25 February Ian Handford will give a talk entitled ‘Edwin Beer - why was he celebrated?’ Tickets: £3 members, £4 non-members. Gerston Centre, Gerston Place, Paignton TQ3 3DX 01803 556969 paigntonsociety.webs.com

Music Makers at Torre Abbey 27 February 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

Wedding Day at Cockington 28 February Cockington Court is a truly romantic place to be wed. Enjoy a special day out to see what this lovely venue can offer and order bespoke gifts from the resident craft makers. Cockington Court, TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org February/March 2016

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February/March 2016

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LAST FEW SEATS!

HARROGATE & YORKSHIRE DALES 18th-22nd September 2016 4 nights half board at the Yorkshire Hotel, Harrogate Excursions included £350 Per person based on 2 sharing.

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What’s On Open Auditions for Mordred, Brixham 28 February Mordred is an Arthurian-era feature film and theatre production, being directed by Laura Jay. Time: 4.30pm. All successful cast will be required to attend combat training. Profit share. Majority of parts are for ages 15 -70 – this is not a children’s production. For more information, see main feature in this issue. Chestnut Community Centre, 1-3 Poplar Close, Brixham TQ5 0SA 07855 090589 southdevonplayers.com

Build a Clay Oven & Wood Fired Cookery, Occombe 4 March The course, run by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust will give you the skills to build your very own clay oven and give you an introduction to cooking using a wood fired oven. Cost: £100 + VAT, includes lunch Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

King Arthur, Torquay Museum 4 March The Museum’s Monster Saturday is all about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table this month. Family activity day is included in entrance ticket, no booking needed just drop in. Time: 11am – 3pm. 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HF 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Richard III – Concert & Talk, Torquay Museum 5 March The main act ‘The Legendary Ten Seconds’ will be performing music from their albums and talking about the songs inspired by the life and times of Richard III. The supporting act ‘Renaissance Folk’ will be singing traditional British folk songs and performing renaissance englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

music. Doors open at 6.15pm, first peformance at 7pm. Tickets £7.50 or £8.50 on the door. 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HF 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

The Delicious Dart Trail, Totnes 5 March The Delicious Dart Trail is a trail running event with a difference. Starting at Totnes, participants will run to the coastal town of Dartmouth, sampling a wide variety of the finest local produce along the way. By the time they reach Dartmouth, participants will have clocked up 15 miles of spectacular riverside trail and tasted more than a dozen different beers, wines, liqueurs, savouries and puddings. An alternative 10 mile route which stops short in Dittisham and includes transportation by ferry to the finish in Dartmouth is also an option. The Delicious Dart Trail supports CHICKS, a wonderful charity which provides respite breaks at its centres in Devon and Cornwall for disadvantaged kids from all over the UK deliciousdarttrail.co.uk

Optimist Spring Championship, Paignton 5 & 6 March The annual weekend event draws competitive members of the class together, following the winter season training, and attracts over 250 of the country’s top young sailors. For those that have not seen over 200 oppies on a start line, it is a sight to behold. Competing in these ranking events is tough. The National Squad and Team all compete for places in the new round of rankings to obtain renewed squad places in the forthcoming year. Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Beacon Terrace, Torquay, TQ1 2BH 01803 292006 rtyc.org

Fabulous Fossil Walk, Sharkham 12 March Discover Torbay’s fascinating fossils right on your doorstep! A Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust ranger will guide you on this walk at St Mary’s Bay. Time : 1pm - 3pm, cost: £3.50, booking essential. Sharkham Point Car Park, Brixham TQ5 9RL. 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk 51

February/March 2016

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What’s On Britannia Royal Naval College Tours, Dartmouth 14, 21, 23,28,30 March

Greenway, Brixham TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

Enjoy a guided tour of this iconic building, which allows you to fully appreciate its history, role and relevance and gain an insight into the naval training that is undertaken here. Cost: adult £12, senior/student £9.50, family (2 adults/2 children) £32.50, photo ID required for access. College Way, Dartmouth, TQ6 0HJ 01803 677565 britanniaassociation.org.uk

Excalibur Film & Fantasy Convention, Torquay 19 March

Talk – HMS Formidable, Brixham 14 March Steve Dunn will give a talk on HMS Formidable. Time: 2.00 for 2.30pm start, cost: members £1, non-members £2. Brixham Museum, New Road, Brixham TQ5 8LZ 01803 856267 brixhamheritage.org.uk

Brixham & Paignton Stamp Club 14 March Informal meetings and philatelic presentations on the second Monday of each month. Time: 7.15 – 9pm Chestnut Community Centre, Poplar Close, Brixham TQ5 0SA Tony Key 01803 858018

Spring Flower Walks, Greenway 16 & 24 March Join the gardeners at Greenway for a walk through the glorious woodland gardens filled with spring flowers. Greenway’s romantic woodland garden is renowned for its spring flowers - from camellias to rhododendrons, as well as swathes of spring bulbs. This walk and talk is a great way to find out all about what’s in flower, and the history of the garden. Dogs on leads welcome. Times: 11.30am and 1pm. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Enjoy stalls and collectables, photo opportunities for Star Wars fans with the Torbay Troopers, cosplay competition and medieval / fantasy combat masterclass. You can also meet the stars of Mordred, the Arthurian film for which this event is raising funds. Red House Hotel, Rousdon Road, Torquay TQ2 6PB 07855 090589 southdevonplayers.com

Stone Age School – Builder, Torquay 19 March The people of the Stone Age didn’t only live in caves, they had to build shelters to live in as well. How quick do you think you could build a basic shelter if you needed to get out of bad weather?All children leave the session with what they have made and a badge confirming their new Stone Age skill. Times: 10.00 - 12.00 or 14.00 - 16.00, suitable ages 6 – 12, booking essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult free of charge for up to 4 children). Cost: £5 (season pass also available). Kents Cavern, 91 Ilsham Road, Torquay 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk

Babbacombe Model Village Easter Egg Trail 19 March – 10 April Can you find the hidden eggs? A chocolate treat for all successful young explorers! Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe, Torquay TQ1 3LA 01803 315315 babbacombemodelvillage.co.uk

February/March 2016

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Middle Eastern Cookery 20 March

Choir 86 Concert, Torquay 22 March

Tim Harris has lived in Jerusalem and loves the cooking of the Levant. Middle Eastern cuisine uses fresh ingredients and fantastic flavours. In this hands on masterclass, Tim will guide you through how to cook some of these delicious dishes such as musakhan - a baked chicken dish, baba ghanoush - a smokey aubergine dip, sfiha - an Armenian ‘pizza’, as well as show you how to use Middle Eastern influences in the rest of your cooking. 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

Choir 86 will be performing Faure’s Requiem, Time: 7.30 – 9.30pm. Furrough Cross United Reformed Church, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 3SB 01803 203039 choir86.co.uk

Mapping the Devon Manor House, Torquay Museum 23 March Abi Gray, a local archaeologist, will be giving a lecture entitled “Project Donn: Mapping the Devon Manor House”. Time: 2:30pm, tickets free to Torquay Museum Society members and £4 to non-members. Torquay Museum, 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HF 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Anderton & Rowlands Fun Fair, Paignton 24 March – 10 April Enjoy all the fun of a traditional fair. Paignton Green, Paignton TQ4 6BW

Paignton Society Talk 24 March Nick Pannell talks about “Shipwrecks of Torbay” Tickets: £3 members, £4 non-members. Gerston Centre, Gerston Place, Paignton TQ3 3DX 01803 556969 paigntonsociety.webs.com

Torbay Schools Festival of Performing Arts 21 – 23 March See the young people of Torbay shine as they perform their best music with their schools, clubs or individually. A wide variety of groups, choirs, orchestras, bands, percussion group, and dance can be seen. Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ 01803 299992 rivieracentre.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

February/March 2016

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What’s On Easter Egg Trail, Paignton Zoo 25 – 28 March Enjoy an Easter Egg Trail amongst the animals! Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU 0844 4742224 paigntonzoo.org.uk

Easter Hockey Festival, Paignton 25 – 28 March Torbay Easter Hockey Festival is celebrating its 66th Anniversary in 2016. They welcome hockey players both old and new. There will be stalwarts of the festival returning to battle against old rivals plus new teams to challenge the old. The Festival’s focus is excellent competitive hockey played with true sportsmanship. All games are played on astro pitches with all facilities. Penwill Way, Paignton TQ4 5JR 01803 208873 torbayhockeyfestival.org.uk

Easter Fun at Greenway House 25 March – 10 April Join National Trust Greenway for a host of exciting activities, including a trail round the garden leading to your own Cadbury’s Egghead, and other fun things to do. Greenway, Brixham TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ greenway

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Easter Fun at Coleton Fishacre 25 March – 10 April Join National Trust Coleton Fishacre for a host of exciting activities, including a trail round the garden leading to your own Cadbury’s Egghead, and other fun things to do. Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear, TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

Meet the Occombe Baby Farm Animals, Occombe 25 March – 8 April You can help to bottle feed Occombe’s lambs, feed the piglets and hold the fluffy chicks. Time: 10am -11am, cost: £1.75 per person (children must be accompanied by a paying adult), booking essential. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Hopping Bunny Easter Trail, Occombe 25 March – 7 April Come along to Occombe’s Hopping Bunny Easter Trail. Follow the trail that the mischievous Easter bunny has left and solve the clues to win a yummy chocolate prize! No need to book - just turn up! Time: 10am - 4pm, cost: £2.50 (5 - 14 yrs). Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk February/March 2016

There’s plenty of good reasons for a QUAYSIDE treat!

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

tallyho

PICKING UP IN YOUR AREA

Holidays

Relax, we’ll take you there...

Where will this New Year take you...? There’s an exciting Tally Ho Holiday for you in our 2016 programme.

Call us now to get your copy!

www.tallyhoholidays.co.uk • 01548 854067 UK & EUROPEAN COACH HOLIDAYS • SHORT BREAKS • DAYS OUT • CRUISES 58

February/March 2016

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What’s On Easter Activities at Cockington Court 25 - 28 March

Kids Holiday Club Day, Occombe 30 March

Enjoy an Easter Trail around Cockington Court collecting a chocolate egg upon completion and then stroll around the beautiful country park. Cockington Court, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org

A fun day of den building, cookery, games, activities and lots more! Leave the kids at Occombe Farm for the day with our rangers. They’ll make friends, learn new skills and come home full of stories to tell you! Time: 10am 4pm, cost: £30.00 (7 - 12 yrs), booking essential. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Brixham Fish Market Tour 30 March Why not try an exciting Fish Market Tour this year? Come and see the auctions in action, as featured in the Sky Atlantic series ‘Fish Town’. You will be guided around by Barry Young of Brixham Trawler Agents, who has years of experience in the fish trade. After the tour the group will head off to Shipmates for an English breakfast. Cost: £12.50 includes tour, breakfast and a donation to Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. Start time: 6am sharp. Unsuitable for under 14s or wheelchairs. Booking essential. The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW 07973 297620 or email bfmt2014@gmail.com

Day in the Life of a Zoo Vet , Paignton 31 March As part of Paignton Zoo’s Academy, you will get to spend the day amongst the keepers, educators and vets and will take part in a guided tour of the Vet Centre. You will also learn to identify animal from x-rays, practise blow pipe techniques, take part in animal CPR training and learn to use veterinary equipment. 13-16 year olds only, time: 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m, cost £45, booking essential. Totnes Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EU 01803 697510 paigntonzoo.org.uk

Kids Easter Cookery School, Occombe 31 March Drop the kids off for a full day of Easter themed cookery, including chocolate chicks, hot crossed buns and lots more. Time: 10am - 4pm, cost: £30.00 (7 - 12 yrs), booking: essential. Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Holding an event in April or May?

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

February/March 2016

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

«««

Redcliffe Hotel

Harbour Kitchen

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.

Perched on Torquay Harbourside, there are few more idyllic spots to enjoy dining than at Harbour Kitchen. Sourced from the local area, the food is exceedingly fresh, seasonally-changing and affordable.Try our Cocktail Bar, Lunch Offers, A la Carte Dining, Sunday Roast and Tasting Menus. Crab & Cocktail Tuesdays £13 Beer & Burger Wednesdays £13 Fish & Fizz Thursdays £13 Spring Opening Friday 12 February.

The Redcliffe Hotel 4 Marine Drive Paignton TQ3 2NL 01803 526397 www.redcliffehotel.co.uk

16 Victoria Parade Torquay TQ1 2BB 01803 211075 info@harbourkitchen.co.uk www.harbourkitchen.co.uk

Why not advertise your restaurant or eatery in our guide? 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

Occombe Farm Café

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.

Family-friendly café set on an organic working farm. Famous for farmhouse breakfasts, hearty lunches, seasonal specials and Sunday roasts. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor adventure play area and why not explore the farm and walk the 2km nature trail after lunch? All profits from the café go to local charity Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. Open daily from 9am – 4:30pm.

59 Babbacombe Downs Road Torquay TQ1 3LP 01803 316200 www.babbacombeinn.co.uk 60

February/March 2016

Occombe Farm Preston Down Road PaigntonTQ3 1RN 01803 520022 info@countryside-trust.org.uk

English Riviera Magazine is independently delivered to 12,000 homes and businesses across the Bay every 2 months. 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

Win! Dinner for 2 at the Imperial

Reader Survey

The Imperial Hotel in Torquay is offering one lucky reader (plus a guest) the chance to win an award winning dinner for two at their fabulous Regatta Restaurant. The Regatta, with its understated elegance and its incredible views of the Bay, is the jewel in the Imperial’s crown. The prize includes 3 delicious courses plus a bottle of house wine. You will be entered into the prize draw when you complete our Reader Survey, which closes on 31 March 2016. Prize must be claimed by 31 October 2016 and table booking is subject to availability.

How do you obtain your English Riviera Magazine? Through the door Local pickup point Subscription Other (please specify)

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February/March 2016

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Thank you for your feedback and good luck!

What national magazines do you enjoy?

Post your completed form to: English Riviera Marketing 69 Davies Avenue Paignton TQ4 7AW 62

February/March 2016

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OPEN Monday - Saturday 10-4.30

Your creative adventure starts here! GET CRAFTY THIS EASTER!

NEW SEASON fabrics in stock from Makower and Lewis & Irene

Font: James Fajardo Colours: Blue - C46 M16 Y22 K22 Red - C24 M100 Y100 K23

We run a range of courses and workshops for those just starting out and for the more experienced - check our website for details. Patchwork & Quilting â&#x20AC;˘ Dressmaking & Repairs Knitting â&#x20AC;˘ Machine & Hand Sewing Skills

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

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February/March 2016

Treading the boards Babbacombe Theatre Box Office 01803 328385 Editor’s pick TENORS UN LIMITED 10 March Hear the best songs from the world’s opera houses, Broadway theatres and concert halls as the ‘Rat Pack of Opera’ takes you on a musical journey from Venice to Vegas. Tenors Un Limited’s soaring vocals and lush harmonies combined with fun, personality and a sense of humour provide a great night out.

Also worth seeing… Starstruck Every Tues/Wed from 9 February Brian Conley Alive & Dangerous 27 March only

Brixham Theatre Box Office 01803 882717 Editor’s pick BRIXHAM COMEDY GROVE 13 February Brixham Theatre’s popular Comedy Grove returns with stars of the professional comedy circuit. The show features four top comedians and promises be a night of quick fire repartee and fun, compered by Cerys Nelmes who had the audience roaring with laughter at the opening of Brixham Comedy Grove last year.

Also worth seeing… Mother Goose 17 -20 February Bob Drury presents ‘Viva Neil Diamond’ 5 March only

Flavel Arts Centre Dartmouth Box Office 01803 839530 Editor’s pick NTLIVE – AS YOU LIKE IT 25 February Palace Theatre, Paignton Box Office 01803 665800 Editor’s pick BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE 10 – 13 February This Bijou Theatre Production is a delightful comedy by Leonard Gershe about the struggle between an over-protective mother and her son’s bid for independence. When son, Don, moves into an apartment on his own, he makes a ‘contract’ with his mother that she will not visit him for at least two months…

Also worth seeing… The Wonderful Wizard of Oz 27 March only 64

February/March 2016

Shakespeare’s glorious comedy of love and change comes to the National Theatre for the first time in over 30 years, with Rosalie Craig (London Road, Macbeth at MIF) as Rosalind. With her father the Duke banished and in exile, Rosalind and her cousin Celia leave their lives in the court behind them and journey into the Forest of Arden. There, released from convention, Rosalind experiences the liberating rush of transformation. Disguising herself as a boy, she embraces a different way of living and falls spectacularly in love.

Also worth seeing… BRNC Big Band Flavel Fundraiser 26 February ROHLIVE – Boris Gudunov 21 & 27 March

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Princess Theatre, Torquay Box Office 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick BLOOD BROTHERS 22 -26 March With an absolutely superb musical score including the haunting ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’, this dramatically captivating show tells the tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Hailed as one of the best musicals of all time, Blood Brothers, written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell has triumphed across the globe.

Also worth seeing… Ellen Kent’s Tosca 18 February only Private Lives 29 February – 5 March

ENTERTAINING Y OU Tuesdays & Wednesdays 8.15pm February 9th - 19th October Incl Matinee Wednesday 24th August 2.30pm Tickets: £20, Seniors £19, Children £10

TENORS UN LIMITED

perform Songs from Venice to Vegas

Thursday 10th March 8pm Tickets £20 Seniors/Children £18

David Hamilton’s

Rock’n’Roll Back The Years Saturday 19th March 8pm Tickets: £18

Brian Conley

-Alive & DangerousSunday 27th March 8pm Tickets: £22.50

AN EVENING WITH LULU PERFORMING HER HITS & SONGS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED HER LIFE

Friday 15th April 7.30pm Tickets: £35

RICH 3.10 TO HALL HUMOUR

Sunday17th April 8pm Tickets: £16

Thursdays 28th April -29th September 8.15pm

Little Theatre, Torquay Box Office 01803 299330 Editor’s pick ENTERTAINING ANGELS 14 – 19 March As a clergy wife, Grace has spent a lifetime on her best behaviour. Now, following the death of her husband Bardolph, she is enjoying the new-found freedom to do and say exactly as she pleases, usually to the new female vicar, Sarah. The return of Grace’s eccentric missionary sister Ruth prompts some disturbing revelations, whilst Sarah reveals some un-clergy-like credentials of her own.

Also worth seeing… What the Butler Saw 15-20 February englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Tickets: £18/£17 £10

Matinee: 15th Sept 2.30pm

The Music of Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield Saturday 30th April 8pm Tickets £17/£16

LEE NELSON SUITED & BOOTED Sunday1st May 7.30pm Tickets: £20

(LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

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February/March 2016

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Wakey Wakey Gardeners, There’s Work To Be Done! Lis Wallace from Dobies of Devon prods us out of our winter slumbers and urges us back into the garden.

hat a funny old winter we’ve been having. The December rains were relentless and although we were lucky enough to avoid the floods suffered by others, we still had fairly soggy gardens. The best advice is to stay off waterlogged or frozen soil. Don’t worry, throughout February and March there’s plenty you can be getting along with in the potting shed.

Winter Pruning Winter flowering, deciduous shrubs such as Ribes and Forsythia can be pruned as soon as they’ve finished flowering. This will enable them to grow strong new shoots on which next year’s flowers will be borne. So remove any dead or damaged shoots and concentrate on creating an attractive, open shape. When you’ve finished apply a mulch and feed.

Chitting and Sowing In February, early varieties of potatoes can be chitted (laid out in trays and allowed to form short sprouts) in a cool, light, frost-free place, ready for planting towards the end of March. This will increase your crop. In the greenhouse or in a warm propagator, you can now begin to sow seeds of cabbage (summer/autumn maturing), celery, parsley, sweet and cayenne pepper, tomato, leek and onion. March is the key month for sowing flower seed and for sowing vegetables outdoors.

Lift and Separate In the milder climate of the English Riviera, perennial plants grown in in clumps can now be divided and the outer, young, healthy parts replanted into freshly prepared soil. It may even be an ideal time to dig up and reposition any shrubs or perennials that have become overcrowded.

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

February/March 2016

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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. the high street

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.

Email liz.edwards@tedcltd.com Call 07771974565

www.popupthehighstreet.org www.shopupthehighstreet.org 68

February/March 2016

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Gardening Order Plants Now

Diar y

Dates

Now is the time to order flower and vegetable plants. Leave it too late and many varieties will have sold out, thus reducing your choice. As well as your tried and trusted favourites why not try something different such as the stunning new Cosmos Rose Bonbon or Petunia Titan, probably the largest-flowered scented petunia ever!

Snowdrops need a moist soil and liking partial shade they grow best in deciduous woodland, ideally close to a stream or brook. Flowering in January to March there are not many insects about to help with propagation and so the snowdrop multiplies by producing new bulbs as offsets. Some people promote snowdrops as being good for cutting but folklore advises against this. With its closeness to the ground and therefore to the dead and with its shroud shaped flower the snowdrop is considered an omen of death if picked and brought indoors. So, let’s leave them outside where they belong and not take any chances. Agreed?

Snowdrop (Galanthus) The star of February must be the snowdrop. Normally one of the first flowers to appear the snowdrop was beaten this year by the daffodil! Confused by the amazingly mild weather many of us had daffodils up and blooming during December!

Torquay & District Horticultural Society

dobies.co.uk

17th February – Talk on the Homeyard Botanical Gardens at Shaldon with Ian Handford. Livermead House Hotel, Torquay at 7.30pm 9th March – Talk on Lydeard House Garden with Vaun Wilkins. This details the history of the 4 acre garden from 1740 to present day through the families that have lived there and shaped it. Livermead House Hotel, Torquay at 7.30pm 30th March – 45 years of gardening on Dartmoor and the history of ‘Andrew’s Corner’ with Robin & Edwina Hill. Hear about the hardships and pleasures of gardening 1000 feet up on Dartmoor.Livermead House Hotel, Torquay at 7.30pm englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

February/March 2016

Every child has something special to offer...

at the Abbey School we find it and make the most of it.

• A happy and ﬂourishing Independent preparatory day school and nursery for children from birth to 11 years. • We expect high standards in all we do and are committed to quality care, teaching and learning. • Our curriculum promotes excellence in reading, writing, communication and mathematical skills • The development of happy and independent learners is our focus.

OPEN DAY - Friday 18th March 10am - 3pm If you have a young family to educate why not visit us? We look forward to welcoming you to Abbey School.

01803 327868 admin@abbeyschool.co.uk St. Marychurch • Torquay • Devon • TQ1 4PR

t rinitY ScHooL

Scholarship Challenge

A team building task, interviews and presentations are all part of a day’s work for those pupils involved in the inspirational, if challenging, scholarship process for entry at Year 7, 9 and Sixth Form.

Swimming Superstars

Trinity’s reputation for success across the age groups at national swimming events goes from strength to strength. Congratulations to this year’s squad!

LifE

t EignMoutH

ging Ed

www.trinityschool.co.uk Tel: 01626 774138

Flexi-boarding Fun

Sports tournaments, drama productions and exam deadlines loom and flexi-boarding comes into its own. Prep and Senior pupils are welcomed into the boarding family.

Open eVenInG

Trinity School (Teignmouth) is a company limited by guarantee (registered in England; company number 1399560) and a registered charity (number 276960). Registered Office: Buckeridge Road, Teignmouth, Devon. TQ14 8LY. UK

10th March day & Boarding. nursery to Sixth form. 70

February/March 2016

6-8pm

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Abbey School’s Reading Success Abbey School in St Marychurch, Torquay fosters the love of learning and part of that is the love of reading. The children enjoy reading so much they were selected as Blue Peter Book of the Year Judges 2016. They had to read 3 shortlisted fiction and non-fiction books before selecting their favourite. Watch out for the results in March. In addition, all Abbey School Juniors are involved in the national reading competition ‘Read For My School’ where all children have access to 100 online titles to read as well as books from their well resourced library. All pupils are encouraged to read with the ‘Bookworm Club’ where children meet, share and discuss their favourite books. Children chart their reading progress and the school celebrates their success with certificates and prizes. Abbey children love to do other things besides reading and they do them equally well, however, they know that a rich reading experience excites the imagination and opens up a window on our world. Reading strengthens the foundations of learning in preparation for things to come. o abbeyschool.co.uk

EducationNews.... Trinity School Open Day

Trinity School at Teignmouth is holding an Open Evening on 10 March from 6-8pm. Choosing the right school for your child has never felt more fraught with difficulties. Financial constraints, the changing face of education and an ever demanding employment market conspire to remove the sense of excitement from enjoying Open Days; leaving parents increasingly worried about whether they’re making the right choice. The abiding rule needs to be to trust your instinct, that and looking beyond the facilities to the qualities of the relationship between staff and pupils and families. As a small non-selective school with a strong scholarship programme, Trinity School enjoys tailoring their educational experience to your child’s needs. Encouraging them to take responsibility for their learning, behaviour and organization helps them develop the confidence and independence to make the most of all the opportunities. Trinity School pupils are not limited to ‘fulfilling potential,’ the school wants them to exceed expectation. o trinityschool.co.uk

Kings Ash Academy Celebrates British Values Kings Ash Academy had a very exciting week exploring British values when pupils explored their role in society and what it means to be British. The children voted for house captains to help them understand democracy. They wrote election speeches, gave these in assembly and then voted using polling booths and ballot boxes loaned to the school by Torbay Council. The school had a visit from the Magistrate’s Court; the children investigated different criminal cases and participated in a mock court case. The Local Police Neighbourhood Team visited to help the children understand why we have laws and the consequences of these. The week ended with a celebration of the children’s work and community engagement. Kimberley Mason from Kings Ash Academy said, “We would like to thank Torbay Council, the Magistrate’s Court and Police for their support. Well done to the children for their participation.” o kingsashacademy.org englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

February/March 2016

Torbay & South Devon

Music Centre The Music Centre provides an opportunity for young and old people who play an instrument to make music together. There are ensembles and bands for players of all standards and all ages. Alicia Stolliday tells us more.

he Torbay and South Devon Music Centre was set up in the 1980s with the sole purpose of encouraging musicians young and old to enjoy their instruments and improve their musical and social skills by playing together in an ensemble or orchestra. Many people who learnt to play an instrument at school when they were young lose touch with their skills in adult life and the centre aims to provide an opportunity to rekindle old talents. Our orchestras, bands and ensembles are led by experienced musicians and there are opportunities to play in concerts as well as weekly rehearsals. There are different groups for players of all standards and all ages. Several of our ensembles cater for beginners at grade one to three whereas the orchestra is suitable for more advanced players who have attained grade five and above. Many young people learn to play a musical instrument with professional teachers in school or at home. The young musicians learn to understand and appreciate music, to play their instruments, and give solo performances and a high standard is often attained. These are important achievements but there is a further element to music-making: playing together. Musicians work together to create and perform music which is

February/March 2016

exciting, complex and satisfying. A range of new skills are required: part-playing, ensemble, co-operation, listening to others and working with a conductor. It is not always possible to provide this experience in school so the Music Centre is an important part of a young musician’s education. How can I join? Any young person who lives in Torbay or South Devon and is learning a suitable instrument can join the music centre. All young musicians who have attained a reasonable standard benefit from and enjoy making music with others. A fee of £35 is payable each term and there are reductions for families or those who have free school meals. We also run a ‘Fast Forward’ group for younger children who have had a very basic introduction to a musical instrument at school. The group is subsidised by the Torbay Music Education Hub, and only costs £18 a term. What we do Torbay and South Devon Music Centre meets weekly after school on Fridays during term time from 4.30 7pm at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School. Each student joins and rehearses with up to two groups suited to their instrument and skill. Each group

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Charities & Volunteering is led by an experienced director. Concerts are held each term in venues such as the Riviera International Centre, Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Centenary Hall and KEVICC in Totnes. All students are able to take part in public performances of the works they have rehearsed with their ensembles. The clarinet choirs, together known as The Peninsula Clarinet Choir, have two residentials each year, including performances at the Royal Welsh College of

Music and Drama. The string groups have a residential course at least once each year to study a particular piece of music. Music Centre groups take an active part in the Torbay Festival of Performing Arts at the Riviera International Centre. Some groups occasionally take part in other concerts or events such as fêtes and busking at Christmas.¨ tsdmc.org.uk

Get involved... The Music Centre relies on voluntary support in many ways: taking registers; running the tuck shop; collecting fees; giving information to members and parents; helping at rehearsals and workshops. Volunteers also help at concerts by selling tickets, programmes and refreshments; running raffles and with stage management. If you share our conviction that music-making is a priceless experience for young people, we welcome your help and support. If you would like to help but are not sure how, or do not have much time to spare, please talk to us anyway – there will be something useful you can do! For enquiries and information contact: Alicia Stolliday tsdmc@btinternet.com tsdmc.org.uk PO Box 219, Newton Abbot, TQ12 4XU

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February/March 2016

spring Greenway and Coleton Fishacre

Greenway and Coleton Fishacre open their doors for the new season every day from Saturday 13 February. The gardens are filled with colour from magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias and spring flowering bulbs. Members and under 5s go free. Call 01803 842382 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway to book your parking space at Greenway. Nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

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Social Diary

ROC Flash Point Circle of Change ROC held a reception and buffet prior to the performance of its 3 yearly revue at the Palace Theatre.

David Wilson (ROC) and Simon Sherbersky (Torbay Council Development Trust)

Calvin Lovelock (ROC), Jill Howell and Martin Hill (Seaway Insurance)

Chelsea Gante (ROC volunteer) and Hayley Edwards (Stakeholder Co-ordinator)

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Gary Watson and Julian Summerhayes (both Boyce Hatton)

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ROC stakeholders peforming at their revue

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February/March 2016

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February/March 2016

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Purists once mocked the new Mini’s generous dimensions but the car has certainly gained a massive fan base and has been a huge commercial success. At the end of 2015 a new Mini Clubman was launched, the second under BMW’s stewardship of the brand, and it’s now Mini’s largest car. Julian Rees takes one home for the weekend to find out more.

e picked up the new Clubman from Ocean Mini in Paignton on a Saturday morning with the intention of giving it a good once over via the usual weekend round of children taken hither and thither, a weekly shop and dog walking duties. After an introduction to the basic features from the helpful and knowledgeable staff we headed off. The first thing you notice is the amount of head and leg room which is greatly improved from the previous model and takes the car up a level to hatchback size, competing with the likes of a VW Golf or Ford Focus. Another welcome change is the addition of four doors rather than the old rear-hinged ‘clubdoor’. Good to see that the quirky rear double doors remain though. The list of standard equipment is enviable and the central space once occupied by the oversized speedometer is now home to the infotainment centre - and boy there’s plenty of information - I could probably spend as much time browsing the car as my children do their phones! Everything is quite intuitive though and easily accessed by a jog-shuttle on the centre console. So there’s room for the teenagers, plenty of room for the shopping and the dog but it has to be the quality of finish and of course the car’s uniqueness (made more so by the huge list of personalisation options) that makes this car so desirable. Attention to detail is fantastic with little touches like non-slip surfaces in pockets meaning nothing rattles about annoyingly and the rear doors that open with a wave of your foot under the rear bumper - ideal when your hands are full. The car really has grown up, not just in size but massively in terms of sophistication. The car we drove was a 1.5 litre petrol and was sufficiently eager and energetic despite being a smaller capacity than its predecessor. With a choice of sport and economy driving modes even on manual cars, it’s still possible to call up that ever important Mini ‘go-cart’ feel! ¨ oceantorbaymini.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Motoring

BusinessBreaks... Pandora celebrate success! Torquay’s Pandora store shared a glass of bubbly with its customers to celebrate the festive season. Co-owner David Rowe said the store’s first year of trading had been successful and was testament to the behind-the-scenes hard work of his wife Regina and the enthusiasm of the management and staff . It proves that Torquay’s town centre can still draw in the crowds for great products that are marketed and presented well. o

Pandora store manger Paulina Wieczorek and David Rowe

Cavanna Apprentice Success

One of the region’s top apprentices is helping to train the next generation of electricians. Andy Cook, recently named as best electrical apprentice by South Devon College, has successfully completed his three-year training course with Torquay-based Cavanna Homes, and has been taken on full-time by subcontractor Newbay Electrical. Cavanna Homes’ Human Resources Manager Claire Hill said, “We’re all really pleased for Andy. He is the latest in a long line of Cavanna apprentices to complete their training and go on to achieve further success in the world of full-time work.” Andy, now 20, from South Brent, attended South Devon College after leaving King Edward VI Community College in Totnes and was taken on as a Cavanna apprentice three years ago. He was placed with Mark Wilson of Newton Abbot based Newbay and continued his studies one day a week at college, working on site the rest of the time. The scheme meant Cavanna Homes paid Andy’s wages and provided some equipment, while Newbay undertook to provide practical, hands-on training. Andy said, “I’d definitely recommend Cavanna Homes to anyone looking for an apprenticeship. They really look after you and are a great company to work for. Mark from Newbay is a great mentor, he’s always ready to help, and listens to any problems you have.”o

Local businesses are lining up to support the very first Torbay Airshow, which will take place from 10-12 June. Bristol Street Motors is sponsoring the Hurricane Hangout hospitality marquee and Devonshire Windows the VIP hospitality marquee. Hyundai Torbay and Our Garage have shared sponsorship of the Fly-by Family Fun hospitality marquee and Inter-Line is sponsoring the Airshow Live Stage. Businesses can still get involved in sponsorship and reserve exhibition space at the event. Activities at this free event will run from Friday, 2pm to 10pm, Saturday 10am to 10pm, and Sunday 10am to 6pm. It is estimated that 150,000 visitors will attend over the weekend. Saturday 11 June will be Armed Forces Day with a range of military displays and a parade including military veterans. Evening aerial displays are planned for Friday 10 June with a VIP launch. Land based activities will include a large event village on Paignton Green with entertainment, fair rides, bars and catering. o torbayairshow.com

Andy Cook and Claire Hill

February/March 2016

New Development in Torquay Family owned Cavanna Homes has launched its newest development, a collection of two bedroom apartments close to the centre of Torquay. The Pines on St Marychurch Road comprises of 14 two-bedroom apartments, built over four floors with a central lift. Within the building, there is a choice of two property types, The Bay and The Christie apartments. There are dedicated parking spaces at the front of the building, whilst the rear of the site consists of green space lined with trees and mature planting. Cavanna Homes has chosen estate agents Bradleys to market the homes. In 2015 Bradleys won ‘Best in the UK’ for customer experience for the third year in a row. Kevin James from Bradleys said, “These apartments are in a great location, englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

BusinessBreaks...

... Charity’s Hopes for 2016 One of the region’s key conservation charities is looking forward to a busy and successful 2016. The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust is the charity that runs Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Living Coasts in Torquay and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, as well as several nature reserves in Devon. This year the charity hopes to build on a moderately-good 2015 by attracting more visitors, generating a larger income and producing a bigger surplus to plough into the care and conservation of rare species. Bosses are cautious, with Paignton Zoo budgeting to bring in 453,000 visitors, roughly the same as in 2015, while Living Coasts, Torquay’s coastal zoo, has set a target of 115,000 visitors, even though it welcomed 135,000 in the twelve months to November 2015. Paignton Zoo’s most high-profile project, which launches on 30 July is The Great Big Rhino Project, which will put a free art trail of life-size painted rhino models into the streets, parks and open spaces of Exeter and the English Riviera to raise awareness and funds for Javan and Sumatran rhinos. There will also be the important work of breeding endangered species and a number of other key projects. o

Chinese Journalist Visit The English Riviera Tourism Company (ERTC) has hosted a prominent International Chinese journalists’ visit for the first time. The visit included a representative from VisitBritain’s Chinese Office. The ERTC work closely with Visit Devon, VisitEngland and VisitBritain to facilitate international media visits to the English Riviera. The group has a powerful reach across social media with a combined 4 million followers and an 8-page feature article was written about the trip in Elite Traveller. The journalists were accompanied by Alex Graeme from Unique Devon Tours and visited a number of local attractions including a private guided tour of Kents Cavern, Babbacombe Model Village and Greenway. Nick Powe, Director of Kents Cavern said, “International press visits are vital to the future of our industry. Given the vast size of the global visitor market, the opportunities for step-change in Torbay’s tourism economy must stand a better chance from targeting overseas, and China in particular.” Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the ERTC said, “ Over the past 5 years the ERTC has worked hard to raise the international profile of the English Riviera brand and now has the highest percentage of international visitors compared to any other part of Devon. The forecast for further growth in international markets with exciting opportunities for local tourism businesses to develop new and inspiring world class international Visitor Experiences such has already happened at Kent’s Cavern as part of the 33 UNESCO Global Geopark network to attract more international visitors to the English Riviera.” o

minutes from the coast, which means they are likely to be snapped up very quickly.” o

If your business has got something to shout about, let us know at editorial @englishrivieramagazine.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

February/March 2016

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

Who’s responsible? You are! Fire safety can appear to be a dull and boring subject or it could appear to be overwhelmingly complicated or both, whichever view you take. If you own a business that has premises you need to take note that you are responsible for the safety for all of those people who work in or visit your premises. This may seem obvious but for many years, up until 2005, the Fire Service would visit most premises, carry out an annual assessment and inform you of the works needed to be carried out (if any) to maintain the correct level of compliance. The Fire Services can visit unannounced at any time, and they cannot be refused entry. The most important fact is that if you are found wanting, it is likely that the Fire Service will serve Enforcement and/or Prohibition Notices upon you. This can stop your business from operating. They also prosecute in most cases. The matter would be heard by the Magistrates Court first and the maximum fine is £5,000 per offence, therefore if you are found guilty on 4 offences that is a £20,000 fine against the owner of the business. For individuals, as opposed to limited companies, there is also the possible sanction of a prison sentence. I have recently represented a business where we managed to reduce the fine from the maximum of £20,000 to £10,000 and my client confirmed that by instructing me, it took a lot of the stress and worry away from them. Whilst there is a significant amount of guidance on the Fire Service website it is up to the responsible person to decide what measures are appropriate. There is no fixed guide as to what you must do. The Business owner needs to ensure that the fire risk assessment is carried out every year and records are kept of the assessment, along with any action that needs to be taken to comply with the Regulations. You may wish

to use Fire Risk Consultants or carry out the risk assessment yourself however, there are no professional qualifications for Fire Risk Consultants, nor any accreditation or evidence of their competencies. The fire risk assessment itself must consider identifying fire hazards, reducing the risk from the hazards, record the findings of the assessment and provide a review of the risk assessment at regular intervals. You also need to ensure that your staff are trained and are aware of what actions need to be carried out in the event of a fire. It is not an adequate Defence to state that you employed the services of a Fire Risk Assessor or an alarm maintenance company to ensure that you were complying with all of the Fire Regulations. You need to review all of your documents, your fire policies, have evidence that you are checking the building on a regular basis and that you are complying with all of the relevant Fire Regulations. If you are using outside contractors you may wish to have a face-to-face meeting with them to check their competencies and to see what they actually checked rather than what the form states they checked. For more information about this article, please contact Mark Stokes on 01803 213251 or email him at mark.stokes@wollenmichelmore.co.uk

If you own a business that has premises you need to take note that you are responsible for the safety of all of those people who work or visit your premises

Mark Stokes Chartered Legal Executive @wmlegal Wollenmichelmore

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