Walks • Local Food • Heritage • Nature • People • Events • Arts
EnglishRiviera June/July 2018
103
Sizzling Summer Events
magazine
UNMISSABLE!
We meet
HELEN BRENTON of Le Club Franglais & Architect SIMON GOODE
Riviera
Classic Car Show
TORBAY'S NAVAL HERO & THE ZEEBRUGGE RAID
The girl with the
Frog Tattoos
Totnes Show
100
this year!
ENJOY A WOODLAND WALK THROUGH
BRADLEY ESTATE
Give It A Go!
Riviera Racers Ghost hunting at CHURSTON MANOR English Riviera Magazine for Residents by Residents DELIVERED FREE TO HOMES AND BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT THE BAY
Conroy Couch Antique & SH ad 165x238 May18_AW#.indd 1
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About us...
Created and Published By Devon Magazine Company Limited Anita Newcombe anita@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01803 850886 Julian Rees julian@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone 01803 842893 Mobile: 07455 206470 Advertising sales sales@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Advertising Copy copy@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Editorial editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Website englishrivieramagazine.co.uk facebook.com/englishrivieramagazine twitter.com/EngRivieraMag ISSN (Print) 2052-8515 ISSN (Online) 2052-8523
Next issue 20 July
Welcome
..to our June/July issue! Hurrah! Summer has arrived and hopefully we will enjoy blue skies, gentle breezes and oodles of sunshine. Our What’s On and Arts sections are bursting with events to suit every possible interest and our Theatre Roundup includes some classic open-air performances at Cockington, Greenway, Coleton Fishacre, Bradley Manor and Dartmouth Castle. Celebrations abound with Totnes Show’s 100th and Dartington Summer School & Festival’s 70th. The Red Arrows and lots more death defying flying displays roar into the Bay for Torbay Air Show and Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang the classic flying car swoops into the Riviera Classic Car Show. We meet some fascinating Riviera people including Simon Goode, Helen Brenton and Dr Katy Upton and celebrate some inspiring historic figures who lived here long ago. We hope you enjoy reading this issue and if you respond to any of our local advertisers do give us a mention – it helps us to bring your English Riviera magazine to you!
Happy reading and stay local!
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ENGLISH RIVIERA MAGAZINE 69 DAVIES AVENUE PAIGNTON DEVON TQ4 7AW © 2018 All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or used in any form without prior permission of the publishers. All material is sent at the owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, Devon Magazine Company Ltd will not accept liability for loss or damage. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of our content but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any omissions, errors or alterations or for the consequences of any reliance on these details; neither can they vouch for the accuracy of claims made by any advertiser. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers.
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On the cover
Corbyn Head Huts © Helen Brenton www.helenbrenton.com June/July 2018
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In this issue
Contents
June/July 2018 6 Openers
Local news snippets
12 Meet Simon Goode Bringing his talent home
16 Meet Helen Brenton
Tourism, photography and Franglais
20 Baroness Angela Burdett-Coutts Banking Heiress and Philanthropist
22 Anniversary of Zeebrugge Raid Torbay’s Naval Hero
24 Torbay Air Show Defying Gravity
30 Give it a Go! Riviera Racers
An evening jog through Cockington
32 Give it a Go! Ghost Hunting Investigating the unexplained
34 Dartington’s Big Celebration 70th Summer School & Festival
37 Meet Dr Katy Upton
40 Woodland Walk 68 Theatre
Who’s treading the boards?
70 Charities and Volunteering Torbay Mencap Local 73 Gardening
Liz Wallace’s green-fingered column
77 Social Diary
Local people at local events
80 Business Snippets
Local business news in brief
56 Totnes Show
The girl with the frog tattoos
39 Food and Drink News
Lots to tempt your tastebuds
40 Woodland Walk
We explore Bradley Estate
42 What’s On
Our pick of June and July events
56 Totnes Show Celebrates 100th Anniversary
59 Totnes Canoe Festival
Paddling & family fun at the riverside
61 Riviera Classic Car Show
Don’t miss the classic flying car!
63 Astrophotography with Will Gater Learn to snap the stars
65 Follow the Wild Budgies 66 Arts Roundup
61 Riviera Classic Car Show
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June/July 2018
Paignton Zoo’s new guest encounter Creative events around the Bay
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Darling Buds of May
Award winning Torquay artist Becky Bettesworth, has been commissioned to produce artwork to celebrate 60 years since The Darling Buds of May was first published. Becky has given the complete series of 5 novels, a beautiful new look that invokes that idealistic notion of an English country life. The author, H.E.Bates is one of Britain’s most respected writers, and the raucous and loveable Larkin family have remained ever popular with the novels collectively selling almost a million copies. Becky, whose unique style of vintage travel posters and prints are popular across the world was recognised by Penguin Books as a ‘perfick’ fit. The H.E.Bates Estate commented, “The Bates family send an immense fanfare of praise to Becky and Penguin, and as H.E. would say, ‘we are all in a tizzy of excitement.’” Becky Bettesworth has also been commissioned to produce limited edition artwork for On Chesil Beach, a new film by Lionsgate. o
Ruff l y Keepers at Living Coasts had to prepare the ground for some fierce competition recently. They cut the grass and cleared undergrowth so that one species of bird could indulge in its extraordinary mating ritual. The ruff, a sort of sandpiper, is an unassuming mediumsized wading bird that breeds in marshes and wet meadows across northern Europe. Females are greybrown and white with grey mottling, and so are males – most of the time. But, as the breeding season starts,
the male is transformed with brightly coloured head tufts, an orange face, a black breast and the large collar of ornamental feathers that inspired this bird’s English name. Between May and June, and before mating takes place, males display at a lek in an open grassy arena. A lek (from the Swedish for play) is where males gather to display, competing to lure females to mate. Their display includes fluttering, jumping, crouching with the ruff erect and lunging at rivals. o livingcoasts.org.uk. 6
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OBE for Stephen Criddle Stephen Criddle, Principal and CEO at South Devon College, was included in the New Year’s Honours List 2018 and was invited to Buckingham Palace to receive an OBE for Services to Education. The investiture was held at Buckingham Palace and HRH The Duke of Cambridge presented the Honours. Stephen has worked in education for over 25 years, from leadership and management roles in the South West of England and consultancy work across the country to leading South Devon College as Principal and CEO for nearly 10 years. Born in Birkenhead, he attended school there before studying Geography at Jesus College, Oxford. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant and worked in industry before joining the Education Sector in 1992. Stephen is passionate about the importance of further education in social mobility and raising life chances, being the first person in his family to benefit from a university education. o
Three Degrees West Reopens Three Degrees West, the beach bar and bistro down on Oddicombe Beach has re-opened for business after a huge clear-up operation following significant damage during Storm Emma. There were broken shutters, windows, a venue full of debris, rocks and tree trunks plus sand pretty much everywhere. Co-owner and Manager, Mark Buck, said, “It was a pretty horrifying sight on the morning of 2 March. Not made easier by the incredibly icy conditions, which meant that even getting down to survey the damage was dangerous and extremely difficult.“ The floor-to-ceiling windows give spectacular year-round views and having the made-to-measure glass replaced has taken time but Three Degrees West has now been beautifully restored. It is open every day from 9am and is accessed either by walking down the englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Volunteers Needed at Home Start Home-Start South and West Devon has been awarded a Reaching Communities lottery grant to support families in Torbay. The £205,412 grant will be used to provide mentoring and befriending volunteers to families who are going through a difficult time. Scheme Manager, Zoe Bell said, “Families can find themselves struggling for many reasons and we know that a listening ear, friendship and practical help can make all the difference. The funding also enables us to trial some new approaches to support, including support by text, phone or video messaging.” Home Start is now busy planning its next volunteer training course and is keen to hear from anyone with a couple of hours a week to spare. The charity believes that every child deserves the best start in life and that parents are the best people to ensure they get it. Interested volunteers should call Claire or Susie 01752 249740. o
meandering pathway or via Babbacombe Cliff Railway. o oddicombebeach.co.uk
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Slow Travel Just published is the newly updated Slow Travel South Devon & Dartmoor by Devon-based expert authors Hilary Bradt and Janice Booth. Hilary and Janice’s guide is part of the Bradt Travel Guides Slow Travel series founded by Hilary. In addition to a whole chapter on the English Riviera including Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the guide includes walks, wildlife, food & drink, places to stay, attractions and boating right across the area plus some fascinating Dartmoor legends. Hilary and Janice are delighted when visitors fall under Devon’s spell – as they have. They particularly enjoy its enduring little village churches, with their centuries of local history. Hilary sculpts, walks, runs and swims, while Janice lives within sound of the sea and loves it whether silky-calm or crashing on the beach in a storm. And naturally they both spread the cream on their teatime scones before the jam, as all good Devon people should. o
To Go! Love Coffee @ Rowcroft Rowcroft Hospice has opened a new takeaway coffee shop next to its Furniture Outlet in Teignmouth Road, Torquay. Love Coffee @ Rowcroft is open from 8am – 2.30pm Monday to Saturday selling hot and cold drinks and a delicious selection of locally sourced food. This is a brand new venture for the hospice, which builds on the success of the charity’s Churston coffee shop and tearoom. The opening of the Love Coffee @ Rowcroft takeaway is part of the hospice’s continued efforts to increase the revenue generated by its retail department. Rowcroft’s Chief Executive Mark Hawkins explains, “The income streams generated by our retail activity are of vital importance to the hospice.”o rowcrofthospice.org.uk
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April/May 2018
Women-Only RYA Courses
Recognising that women often learn differently from men, particularly where practical skills are concerned, Torbay Sea School has launched some selected womenonly courses. Instructor Jill Beckett explained that some women find female-only courses more conducive to learning and enjoy the experience more. Volvo Ocean Race has recently changed their rules on crew combinations to increase accessibility for women and to attract the world’s best female sailors. Jill Beckett (instructor), Trisala Morris, Hannah King, and Deborah Jones are pictured here on their recent powerboat course at Torbay Sea School. The next Women-Only course with female instructor is: 5-Day Sail - RYA Competent Crew or Day Skipper on June 17.o torbayseaschool.co.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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Simon Goode
The Art of Architecture Growing up in Torbay and a former student at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, Simon Goode has become an internationally successful architect. Now he’s bringing his impressive talent back home as Lyndon Goode Architects is appointed to provide design advice on local planning applications.
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’m meeting Simon on Dartington Estate where he is The fact that Torbay-born Simon had learned French set sparing me some precious time from a three-generation him apart from the other applicants and this was a big family day out to meet me for a chat. Having grown up break for him. A new British Embassy needed to be built in Torbay, attending Roselands Primary and then Torquay and they had to learn important lessons from the embassy Boys Grammar School, Simon understands the needs of bombing in Istanbul. Simon tells me that at the time, our area pretty well. Surprisingly, since he developed an Algeria was still recovering from major security problems early passion for architecture and design and has been and there had been no contemporary architecture since hugely successful in some high profile international Le Corbusier had left in the 60s. He explains, “The new projects, his family had no background in this profession. embassy was a fantastic project and as Lead Architect, it He tells me that his parents ran a local shop in Marldon was mine from beginning to end.” The build took place and also managed the catering at the National Trust’s in the grounds of the British Ambassador’s residence so Coleton Fishacre for 14 years. His aunt is Retail Manager there were issues of privacy for the ambassador’s family. for the National Trust’s English Riviera portfolio. Simon says, “The gardens were stunning and we wanted to At the age of 16 Simon undertook some work experience create something contemporary that would fit beautifully with Kay Elliott Architects, a firm that is noted for many within its surroundings.” The local workforce was relatively important projects in the Bay unskilled and couldn’t visualise I learned how to create a high (like Living Coasts), around the what Simon was aiming for, as quality product whilst keeping within he set about fusing Arabic and UK and overseas. He loved the concepts he was seeing at Kay sensible budgets. This is a skill that not western influences together. Elliott and was inspired to train many architects manage to acquire. He had to teach them the as an architect. He explains, “It processes so they could create wasn’t an obvious career route for someone of my modest trial samples and gradually learn what was required. The background and it was a very big step to head off to Bath workforce started to understand his concepts and methods University to study architecture.” and Simon himself gained a lot from the experience. The Nevertheless, Simon had found his vocation and after finished embassy was shortlisted for the prestigious Aga completing his degree and gaining some initial experience Khan Award for Architecture and opened by HRH The he went on to complete his Masters at University College Duke of York. London. A spell in France led to an introduction to Having proved himself under the blue skies of Algiers, noted architect Sir Michael Hopkins and work on the Simon was made Project Director and Lead Architect of Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Simon tells me, the huge King’s Cross Station Project, which was delivered “Hopkins Architects was my finishing school. I learned in time for the London Olympics. It transformed the how to create a high quality product whilst keeping station, with the showpiece being the Western Concourse within sensible budgets. This is a skill that not many – Europe’s largest single-span station structure. Simon was architects manage to acquire.” Simon started with Sir in charge of a team of 30 designers. He tells me that he feels Michael Hopkins as an architectural assistant then quickly lucky to have achieved so much as, “I don’t come from a progressed to Lead Architect. privileged background – architecture was traditionally very After six years, Simon secured a new post with John much a middle-class profession.” McAslan & Partners who wanted a British, FrenchAfter Kings Cross, there was a big decision to be made. speaking architect for a Foreign Office project in Algiers. Either become further embedded in the McAslan practice
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or strike out independently. Could this Torquay Boys’ Grammar School pupil make it in the fiercely competitive world of architecture on his own? In 2012 he started talking with David Lyndon (they had worked together over the years). They could either carry on working separately for others or come together and set up their own firm. They decided to make the jump and Lyndon Goode Architects was born. Since then they have kept growing organically and now have 20 staff and 2 partners. Their first big break came in 2012 when they got involved with affordable housing company Peabody, having won a competition. With Peabody they undertook a number of projects in London, drawing on their experience to create results that were distinctly better quality than the average standard house builder. Simon explains that Peabody was one of the few to recognise that implementing higher standards (within budget) created increased pride and social cohesion. Simon went on to work with the local council in North London delivering improvements to individual retail businesses and derelict office buildings, upgrading the frontages and transforming key locations. After gaining so much knowledge and experience, Simon is now really pleased to be working within Torbay where he grew up and where his family still live. His firm’s new role with Torbay Council is to provide design advice on planning applications in the area. The Lyndon Goode Architects team will ensure that new projects look at local context and
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Riviera People consider better quality and design when planning materials, detailing and public spaces. Simon has seen run-of-themill housing being built and believes that (without busting budgets) a much higher quality can be achieved that will give a big lift to our local towns. He says, “Torbay has great geography and infrastructure and through simple moves developers could be delivering far better, more contextual architecture that has the potential, among other things, to attract higher spend tourism.” Creating something unique to the area is important and Simon feels a good example of this is the Abbey Sands development with its stunning design and vibrant cafes and restaurants; it has simply transformed that part of Torquay. He tells me, “When I was growing up we would never go to the Abbey Sands area of Torquay. Now this creative development has drawn in a huge number of people who can enjoy the beach area of town and make a big contribution to the local economy.” Things like long-term durability of buildings can
lighting doesn’t cost more. Simon admires the cliff lighting in Torquay that has had a superb effect on lighting an area that could otherwise be gloomy and feel insecure. Another example is in Brixham where the topology is very steep and retaining walls are often built, creating a blank view for pedestrians. Simon explains that there are better solutions that allow the landscaping to sit more naturally, and people’s sense of security can be improved by perhaps incorporating a small shop in the design, which creates “passive monitoring of the street.” In fact a little mixing of residential and retail areas can avoid that intimidating feel. As well as smaller projects, Lyndon Goode will be involved in giving advice on Torbay’s bigger projects including three major new hotels and many housing applications. Simon says, “Bit by bit we can have a significant impact. It’s quite forward thinking of the council to choose us as we have a reputation for being more creative, wanting higher quality, thoughtful designs
be influenced at the planning stage. Smaller things in a design can make a big difference. For example the architect can specify an impregnated colour for housing materials that requires minimal maintenance and will stay looking good for much longer. Simon believes that each new development should consider how to make their exteriors and landscaping special and unique. These improvements to public buildings, private homes and business premises can transform an area and have a powerful effect on people’s wellbeing as well as giving a big boost to the local economy. Lyndon Goode will look at the local vernacular and consider the existing scale and design of nearby buildings. They wouldn’t copy from what’s already there but would draw from it to create something that’s better quality without shocking the eye. Simon mentions that contemporary designs can be as comfortable as traditional. Lighting is very important, both outside and from the inside as a warm glow can make quite a difference to the feel of an area. Cold bulbs look very harsh and warm
and for considering the wellbeing of people, communities and the economy. We want to help local developers and architects to create better buildings; we’ll point them in the right direction to help lift the overall project. With a bit more effort to care for our heritage for the next generation and to interpret in a contemporary way we can achieve a natural evolution that will make a big difference.” Although Simon will remain based in London he will now be coming down regularly for meetings and site visits. He is delighted to have the chance to spend more time in the Bay, not only for business but also for personal reasons. His wife Lucy and their two girls aged four and six love the Bay. They all enjoy visiting the beaches especially Broadsands plus the coast path, Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts, cafes in Fleet Walk and lots more. And it’s great news to have Simon, a ‘local boy made good’, coming back to invest his considerable talents and internationally acquired skills into helping our built environment live up to the stunning natural beauty we are so lucky to enjoy here in our beautiful Bay. o
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Helen Brenton Tourism, Photography and Le Club Franglais Helen Brenton spends her days working at the beautiful Osborne Apartments at Meadfoot Beach but she also runs Le Club Franglais and is a keen landscape photographer. Anita Newcombe pops by to see her.
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’m meeting Helen at Osborne Apartments, which occupy the larger part of the elegant Regency Crescent they share with the Osborne Hotel. It’s quiet and tranquil here in the crescent. I park easily and spend a moment admiring the landscaped gardens that tumble down past the outdoor swimming pool to gloriously sandy Meadfoot Beach. Helen has been Sales and Marketing Manager here for the last 2-and-a-half years. She first arrived in the Bay in 1991, joining TLH where she worked for many years, experiencing various different hotel departments. She then spent many years working with Coast View Holiday Park in Shaldon and Hoburne Holiday Parks in Paignton before securing her latest role at Osborne Apartments. Osborne Apartments used to be called the Osborne Club and was the UK’s very first time-share resort when it opened in 1979. They’ve subsequently renamed the process ‘holiday membership’ and operate as a non-profit making organisation with all the 16
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income being invested into the property and its facilities. Since the early days, the holiday market has changed considerably with a high demand for short stays and last minute bookings. Nowadays about two thirds of the business is holiday membership and about a third is direct holiday rentals. If you decide to become a ‘holiday member’ you have a choice of a short-term agreement of 5 years with a Membership Deed or a long-term agreement, which lasts until 2058 with a full Deed of Purchase. Helen explains that one of the benefits of ownership is that you can exchange your week with other holiday companies and take a break at a different holiday resort or at a different time. There are 46 apartments; members and holiday rental guests also have access to all the facilities of the adjacent Osborne Hotel including the indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants and bar. They have a lot of repeat business and even some members who have been with them since the opening in 1979. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Riviera People As Sales and Marketing Manager, Helen’s job includes specially for Le Club Franglais every Wednesday morning showing prospective owners around the facilities and from 10am to 11.30am and supplies exclusive use of the this quite often happens at weekends. This is how Helen downstairs area plus offering coffee and croissants for £5. manages to get time off during the week to run her hugely Could there be anything better to get you in the mood for a popular Le Club Franglais. little Franglais chat, some extravagant Gallic gesturing and She tells me that in 2014 she was looking around for a the occasional rather stylish Gallic shrug? local club that could offer informal French conversation Helen reveals that the club took off at once and there is rather than structured teaching. She is a good French now a wide range of levels attending on Wednesdays, from speaker, having studied commercial French and trained quite good French speakers to what she terms ‘The English to be a bi-lingual secretary. However, she never used it, Table’ who pepper their English with a few French words entering the tourism business and the odd “Oh là là! The club instead. So she fancied meeting Helen reveals that the club took off now has its own website where people who wanted to chat at once and there is now a wide range the club is described as, “A social together in rusty French and and networking community for of levels attending on Wednesdays, experience some sociable ‘joie anyone who likes things with a from quite good French speakers to French flavour.” de vivre’. Helen never found what she terms ‘The English Table’ who But it’s not only on a suitable club – nothing seemed to be available locally pepper their English with a few French Wednesday mornings (Le so she set one up herself. Le Mercredi Club). There is a words and the odd “Oh là là! Club Franglais was born at the second session on Monday beginning of 2015. evenings from 6.30 – 8pm called Le Lundi Club. Helen Helen says that she had a “light bulb moment” and tells me, “I actually set up both sessions to see which would realised that there was a French bistro located in a perfect be the most popular but they both took off and I didn’t setting on Torquay seafront, Le Bistrot Pierre. This would want to disappoint anyone so I kept them both going.” It be ideal as a club venue. She got in touch with founder seems that the Monday sessions have generally attracted a and director Robert Beacham and was delighted to find smaller but higher-level group of French speakers. him very accommodating. Le Bistrot Pierre now opens People join for a number of reasons. Some have a second
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Torquay Harbour by Helen
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home in France or have family there and some just love French culture and films. Le Club Franglais also runs a regular monthly French film night at the Blue Walnut cinema in Chelston and there are special dinner soirees for occasions such as Bastille Night and Noël. So, suitably inspired, I polish up my best French and head along to the Wednesday morning session of Le Club Franglais at Le Bistrot Pierre in Torquay. Helen greets me and introduces me to a number of members. Some are very keen French speakers and there are quite a few who only speak a smattering of the famous language of romance. No matter, they are all friendly and there’s a cheery atmosphere as we chat about all things French – and Swiss as it happens.
There’s a crowd of around 20 francophiles here today, drinking their coffee and munching on their croissants and pains aux raisins. There are often many more people than this attending – numbers vary – there’s no commitment to coming every week but lots of people do. Newcomers are clearly made very welcome so it’s absolutely fine to come along on your own – you’ll be chatting away in no time. I notice that the less good speakers are intermingling with the more advanced crowd and that everyone gets on wonderfully well. Helen says, “It really helps people with their confidence, knowing that it’s ok to drop into English as needed. I come away having thoroughly enjoyed this very delightful continental experience - and no homework!
Torbay Sunset by Helen
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Riviera People But that’s not the end of Helen’s extra-curricular activities. She’s a keen photographer and loves walking, always on the hunt for “the next killer shot”. She regularly shares her local photos with anyone who wants them and her work can be seen on her Twitter and Instagram profiles. Helen reveals that she would love to do photography professionally at some point. She’s already regarded as a real ‘Social Media Queen’ and avid networker. Helen has three grown-up sons, one who lives in Torquay and two of whom are away at university. Nowadays she regularly eats out with friends; she explains that when she was raising her children she didn’t have time for such luxuries as going to restaurants. Her current favourite
haunts include: Le Bistrot Pierre (of course), Number 7 Fish Bistro and On the Rocks. As a very experienced tourism practitioner, Helen has recently joined the English Riviera BID Company as a director. She tells me that she loves promoting the English Riviera as a wonderful destination to visit. Tourism is in her blood and she’s able to make real contributions to the success of our tourism economy via the monthly board meetings she attends. I am left wondering how she manages to fit everything into her busy lifestyle but Helen absolutely loves what she does. Get in touch with her via her website. o helenbrenton.com leclubfranglais.com
Helen and the members of Le Club Franglais
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Baroness Angela Burdett-Coutts
Philanthropist and Late Blooming Romantic Having inherited Coutts Bank at 21 while still single, Miss Burdett was the richest woman in England and decreed she would never marry, yet in her sixties she did and gave up her inheritance. Ian Handford of Torbay Civic Society tells us the story.
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orn in 1814, Angela daughter of Sir Francis and Lady Sophia Burdett was a favourite of her grandfather (the founder of Coutts Bank) and knew from the age of 15 that on reaching her majority she was to inherit the banking empire. Lady Burdett died when Angela was eight and her father then married Harriett Mellor, before he then died. Harriet would remarry and when this stepfather also died it left a very disorientated and insecure child with a stepmother. Tragically, Harriet also died and the now orphaned Angela would recount this period later, when helping other London orphans. Having realised that she would inherit Coutts Bank, the trustees arranged for a permanent governess, Miss Hannah Meredith, to live with Angela. Hannah and Angela became true friends and for years both her aunt and Hannah would tour the world while encouraging Angela to be aware and capable of coping with the world and the bank’s responsibilities, which were soon to become hers. Fortunately Angela was academic. By age 21 she was was already a competent administrator and multilingual. More importantly, she had a strong will and understood the value and power that money would bring. She soon was aware of ‘gold-diggers’ and her strong will would ensure an early public statement was made which 20
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confirmed she never intended to marry. She said, “I am going to use my life to give all the money away” and amazingly, as our greatest philanthropist, she did. Her inheritance amounted to over £2million in cash with a huge property portfolio, not including her own family’s inheritance. It was said that £80,000 interest was accrued every year. This alone allowed Angela to purchase, build, sponsor or loan money for anything she wanted and her door was always open to any less fortunate than herself. She would provide support for literally hundreds of causes both at home and abroad. One of the earliest groups she assisted was helping young women of London who she said, “had lost their innocency”. Having provided them with a home, she went on to help South African nurses and surgeons. Art Students and even the Shoe Black brigade (London Boot boys) would eventually get her support. Her philanthropy and influence connected her to literally hundreds of groups of the world before she was finally recognised as an international benefactor. Yet Angela understood that money actually begets money. She also knew that her power and influence was often sufficient to attract many sponsors to a cause. When the Irish famine struck, she created whole new districts of houses there, while in London she helped establish englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Riviera Heritage into homes for the poor. This was why Her Majesty made the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to her the first female Baroness in her “own right”. Today Children and then National Society for the Prevention the capital still honours her with Baroness Road, Angela of Cruelty to Animals. Being a devout member of the Gardens, Burdett Road and a Burdett School. Anglican Church she was constantly endowing Bishoprics Having been created Baroness in 1871 Angela could at Capetown, Adelaide and in British Columbia, while at now attend all Royal Court functions until eventually home she built parish churches and schools. She arrived in Torquay when aged forty-two, lodging at the privilege was removed over of all things - marriage. Meadfoot House in Hesketh Crescent before then moving Her Majesty deemed it far too embarrassing for a lady of Angela’s age to begin a romantic liaison with a young to Villa Syracusa (today the Headland Hotel). Later she person (today a toy boy). moved to a more permanent home at Ehrenburg House Her affair had started in Torquay after the Baroness in Chelston Avenue (today the site of the house is the had received a proposal from William Lehman Ashmead Riviera International Conference Centre). That house Bartlett. Bartlett was a boy became an ideal mansion for Her inheritance amounted to over she had known as a child; a millionairess wishing to entertain royalty and high £2million in cash with a huge property she had paid for him to society in Torquay. portfolio, not including her own family’s attend university. Having left Torquay in 1877 she never Next came her so-called inheritance. returned - but now would Dame Schools at Barton, love or money be the more important? The former of Cockington and Shiphay and a publication titled The course. As Ashmead was a child of American parents and Ambulatory Schoolmaster, which was an account of how alien, the terms of the Coutts inheritance would cut in she funded school projects in rural areas. In Brixham, her money supported the British Seaman’s Boys Home, which should the Baroness marry. But Angela did marry Ashmead who became amazingly, later she helped to enlarge. William Lehman Ashmead Burdett-Coutts Bartlett. Angela soon discovered that achieving something is She lost her royal connection and her ability to pursue often harder than doing nothing yet her philanthropy philanthropic work. Yet in love was her life fulfilled? We lasted for more than four decades. An overriding concern do not know. What is fact, is that whatever the couple’s was for orphans, the poor and groups that helped personal life behind closed doors, the Baroness certainly children. Her wealth brought its own problems, not least outlived her monarch as she survived until 1906 and the when the legal profession was involved as we still witness age of 92. o today. On a personal level she spent two years resolving torbaycivicsociety.co.uk a case of the Bacon family who were trying to prove that their daughter Lady Charlotte Bacon was an illegitimate child of Sir Francis – a cause they lost. Baroness Burdett-Coutts’ Garden Party But by providing literally thousands of gifts, donations at Holly Lodge, Highgate © Wellcome Collection and loans, she also influenced others through her power. Eventually, London’s working class named her ‘Queen of the Poor,’ which was not too surprising as the reputation of their monarch was at its lowest ebb. But in spite of her huge commitment to the poor, Angela was also interested in science and business, when she deemed it appropriate. Covent Garden’s owners were denying access to small traders by keeping their rents high, so Angela decided to build a new centre, the Columbia Market. Although the concept failed, she subsequently converted the building
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100th Anniversary of a Local Hero It is 100 years since Torquay-born Lieutenant Commander Arthur Leyland Harrison, VC, Royal Navy was killed in action during the daring Zeebrugge raid on 23 April 1918.
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ook out for the memorial to Lt Commander Arthur Leyland Harrison VC on Roundham Head in the port of Zeebrugge. They stationed over a thousand Paignton. It’s a rough-hewn stone of remembrance troops and positioned hundreds of heavy guns to protect with a dedicatory stone tablet, placed there by The Torbay the inland port of Bruges, which was the base for over Branch of the Royal Naval Association in 2000 and 30 U-boats and dozens of Destroyers. From here, they renewed in 2017 with a bronze plaque. Chairman John Soanes had tirelessly researched the forgotten Victoria Cross inflicted massive losses on Allied Merchant shipping. Towards the end of 1917, the cabinet was advised hero’s background after learning he was from Torquay and that Britain could be starved out of the war unless the had no dedicated memorial to his life. The branch has also submarine menace was brought under control. marked the 100th anniversary of Harrison’s death with a Harrison was 32 years old and by now a Lieutenant service of remembrance at the memorial. Commander when he played a vital and extraordinarily Arthur Harrison was born in Higher Erith Road, brave part in the daring Zeebrugge Raid. The British Torquay in 1886. He was educated at Brockhurst planned to sink obsolete ships in the canal entrance, Preparatory School, where he is remembered every to prevent German vessels from leaving. The port was Armistice Day and at Dover College. The son of Lt. being used by the Imperial Col. AJ Harrison (Royal Towards the end of 1917, the cabinet German Navy as a base Fusiliers) and Adelaide was advised that Britain could be starved for U-boats and shipping, Ellen Harrison, he fulfilled which were a deadly threat his dream of joining the out of the war unless the submarine to Allied control of the navy, training at HMS menace was brought under control. English Channel and Britannia and HMS southern North Sea. Several attempts to close the Flanders Hindustan, (before Britannia Royal Naval College was ports by bombardment failed and Operation Hush, a opened in 1905). 1917 plan to advance up the coast, proved abortive. As At school Harrison was a tremendous all-round games player and, whilst in the Navy, he played rugby union and sinkings by U-boats increased, finding a way to close the ports became urgent and the Admiralty became more was capped twice for England. He is the only England willing to consider the dangerous raid in which Harrison rugby international to have been awarded the Victoria served. Cross. The VC is the highest and most prestigious award The raid on St George’s Day 1918 saw the Allies for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded create a diversionary attack to draw the fire of enemy to British and Commonwealth forces. guns defending Zeebrugge harbour and allow 3 old On 15 September 1902 he was posted as a naval cadet coal-burning cruisers filled with concrete to be scuttled to the pre-dreadnought battleship HMS Mars, serving on across the harbour entrance. Naval raiding parties had the Channel Squadron. He served aboard HMS Lion for to be landed on the mile-long mole (breakwater) where most of the First World War, seeing action at Heligoland the guns were positioned. Vindictive had a false deck Bight and Dogger Bank. In 1916, he also saw action at built high enough for 12 gang planks to be used by the the Battle of Jutland, alongside his younger brother Percy, troops to reach the parapet wall, which ran alongside a and was mentioned in despatches. pathway, sixteen feet above the main deck of the Mole. At the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, the Two specially adapted Mersey ferries, the Royal Daffodil German Army had swept into Belgium and occupied
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Heritage others who were missing in action on the Zeebrugge raid are commemorated on the Zeebrugge Memorial, at the Zeebrugge Churchyard. His courageous charge down that “narrow gangway of death” was critical to the entire operation. Although the overall raid was only partly successful, it was hailed as a great British victory and contributed significantly in boosting much-needed morale. King George V presented Arthur Harrison’s Victoria Cross to his mother Adelaide Harrison at Buckingham Palace on the 17th May 1919. In 1974, his sister-in-law bequeathed it to the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth where it is on public display along with his portrait. The college is open regularly for public tours. The 100th anniversary of the Zeebrugge Raid was marked by commemorations on both sides of the Channel and The Torbay Branch of the Royal Naval Association held a service beside Lt Commander Harrison’s memorial at Roundham Head. o With thanks to John Soanes, Chairman, Torbay Branch Royal Naval Association and to Britannia Royal Naval College. The Torbay Branch of the Royal Naval Association meets on the last Thursday of every month (except December at The Raf es lub in Scarborough Road, Torquay at 7.30pm. All ex-Royal Navy personnel are welcome to join; they are informal and friendly and hold a range of social functions. Contact: Hon. Sec. Tony Mordaunt tonym5851@icloud.com
Photos: ©The Britannia Museum and Archive
and the Royal Iris were also used. Submarines, rescue launches and smoke-laying motorboats plus 1700 men and Admiral Keyes on HMS Warwick supported the top secret Operation ZO. A smokescreen hid the British fleet from the guns on the Mole but the smoke cleared at a critical moment and the landing parties were exposed to the full force of the German guns. Vindictive with Harrison aboard, was less than 100 yards from the Mole. His citation tells the rest of the story: “For most conspicuous gallantry at Zeebrugge on the night of the 22nd-23rd April, 1918. This officer was in immediate command of the Naval Storming Parties embarked in ‘Vindictive’. Immediately before coming alongside the Mole, Lieut.- Commander Harrison was struck on the head by a fragment of a shell, which broke his jaw and knocked him senseless. Recovering consciousness he proceeded on to the Mole and took over command of his party, who were attacking the seaward end of the Mole. The silencing of the guns on the Mole head was of the first importance, and though in a position fully exposed to the enemy’s machine-gun fire Lieut.Commander Harrison gathered his men together and led them to the attack. He was killed at the head of his men, all of whom were either killed or wounded. Lieut.Commander Harrison, though already severely wounded and undoubtedly in great pain, displayed indomitable resolution and courage of the highest order in pressing his attack, knowing as he did that any delay in silencing the guns might jeopardise the main object of the expedition, i.e., the blocking of the Zeebrugge-Bruges Canal.” Harrison’s body was never recovered. He and three
HMS Vindictive assaulting the mole as depicted by Charles John De Lacy englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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Defying Gravity Torbay Airshow is back for a third year with spectacular displays in the air and fun on the ground over the weekend of Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June.
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he sky above Paignton Green will be filled with an action packed programme of exciting air displays including the elite Red Arrows display team, crowdpleasing favourites The Blades and for the very first time, the Vampire Pair, two de Havilland Vampire Jets owned and operated by the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron. The de Havilland jets are some of the earliest examples of British designed jet aircraft. Look out for the ever-popular Autogyro, a craft that was first made famous by Sean Connery in 1967’s Bond Classic You Only Live Twice. Peter Davies’ Autogyro may not have the tricks and whistles of an aircraft straight out of Q-Division, but its spectacular movement and sycamorelike flight pattern makes it a real crowd pleaser. Also joining the line-up is the BAC Strikemaster, a British jet-powered training and light-attack aircraft first flown in 1967. And don’t miss the amazing Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers. Torbay Airshow 2018 will be the year’s first public display for the Red Arrows, who will be bringing a never before seen routine in the skies above Tor Bay. Other military aircraft will include the RAF Typhoon, the RAF Grob Tutor and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) plus the RAF Chinook. The BBMF features the iconic Hurricane Hawker, Avro Lancaster, Supermarine Spitfire and joining them this year is the Dakota C-47. 2018 is the 100th Anniversary of the RAF and the centenary is being marked by special events, activities and other initiatives at local, regional and national levels. The centrepiece of RAF100 will take place on 10 July, with a centenary service in Westminster Abbey, followed by a parade in The Mall and spectacular flypast over Buckingham Palace. The Royal Air Force was formed in 1918 as a separate service from the British Army and the Royal Navy and this was the first time the any nation had formed its own separate and independent air force. The newly formed RAF was the most powerful air force in the world with more than 290,000 personnel and nearly 23,000 aircraft. It fought from April 1st 1918 over the Western Front in support of ground forces. 24
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What’s on this summer
Centre of creativity Manor House Tea Rooms Weddings and Room Hire Visitor Welcome Point and Galleries Craft Studios Arts and Crafts Workshops 460 acre award winning Country Park and Gardens Play Area Carriage Rides Free admission, open daily from 10am Cockington Court Craft Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA Tel: 01803 607230 www.cockingtoncourt.org Cockington Court Craft Centre @CockingtonC
Sculpture Trail & Exhibition 27th May - 9th Sept, 10am-4pm Discover sculptures created by 18 local artists placed within the Court site, Studios, Walled Art Garden and Manor House. Also with an interactive installation in the Kitchen Gallery.
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Out & About More about the Teams Red Arrows The breathtaking manoeuvres of the RAF’s famous aerobatic display team the Red Arrows are not to be missed as they perform their synchronised, formation flying and their heart-stopping opposition manoeuvres. Signature moves include the Wall to Short Diamond arrival, Shuttle Roll, Tornado, Cyclone, Hammerhead Break, Gypo Break and the ever-popular Heart and Spear. Their new team leader for the RAF centenary year is Squadron Leader Martin Pert who will fly as Red 1.
The Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team The Army’s Tigers are one of the very top parachute display teams in the United Kingdom. They drop out of the sky in dynamic and exciting formations with smoke trailing and flags flying. The team’s Officer Commanding is Captain Ian Wicks.
The Strikemaster A British jet-powered training and light-attack aircraft, the Strikemaster is a development of the Hunting Jet Provost trainer, a jet engineered version of the Percival Provost, which originally flew in 1950 with a radial piston engine. The Strikemaster is an armed version of the Jet Provost trainer aircraft. The Strikemaster has a custom built smoke system, which it uses during its displays. The Blades The Blades are a full-time display team renowned across the world for close-formation aerobatics. They are all ex-RAF Red Arrows pilots and hold a world record in formation looping. The team flies low-wing, high performance craft specially designed for their jaw dropping displays. Their manoeuvres include: Manta loops, Twinkle Rolls, Twin Tumbles, Twin Knife Edge Spins and lots more.
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The Raven Aerobatic Team Team Raven is a formation aerobatic display team featuring 6 Van’s RV8 and RV4 aircraft, which have been modified with smoke systems. Their displays include death-defying manoeuvres such as the Half Cuban, the Big Vic Wing Over, Thread the Needle, Downward Bomb Burst, Box with Cyclone and the Line Abreast Stall Turn.
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Out & About RAF Typhoon Display Team The Typhoon display will include some incredible aerobatic stunts. Royal Air Force Typhoons have a top speed of about 1,300mph and a wingspan of 11 metres. The display sequence will be flown by Flt Lt Jim Peterson and includes a high G Barrel Roll, a ‘Derry’ Break, a half Cuban, a Canadian Breakaway and much more. G-forces are phenomenal in this spectacular routine.
other Allied countries before, during and after the Second World War. The Spitfire played a major part in achieving ultimate victory in World War Two and truly deserves its place as probably the most successful fighter design ever, and certainly as the most famous and charismatic of all time. The Avro Lancaster The Avro Lancaster is a British four-engined Second World War heavy bomber designed and built by Avro for the Royal Air Force and is the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber of World War Two. It is a legend that lives on today and the contribution made by the aircraft and its crews to the freedom of our nation will, hopefully, never be forgotten. The prototype Lancaster took to the air for its first flight from Woodford, Manchester, on 9 January 1941; the first production Lancaster flew later that year on 31 October.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight These legendary aircraft served a vital role in the Battle of Britain, one of the most pivotal conflicts in the Second World War.
Dakota C-47 The Douglas C-47 Dakota is a military transport aircraft used extensively in WWII operations, more than 10,000 of which were produced from 1941 onwards. It is considered one of the most successful aircraft designs in history. Need to Know The Hawker Hurricane The Hawker Hurricane is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was designed and predominantly built by Hawker Aircraft Ltd for the Royal Air Force. It will always be remembered for the vital role it played, with its partner the Spitfire, in hectic battles during the summer of 1940. Hurricanes destroyed more enemy aircraft during the Battle of Britain than did all the other air and ground defences combined. The Spitfire The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and many englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Torbay Air Show 2 & 3 June Paignton Green General admission free Additional bus services in and out of Paignton By Bike: Signed cycle parking located adjacent to Paignton Green By Train: Paignton Station is 6 mins walk On foot: Walk along the coast path Parking: Priority Parking tickets via website Website: torbayairshow.com Programme: Flight programme is subject to change. Event: Dates: Where: Cost: By Bus:
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RIVIERA RACERS Is there any truth in the rumour that pretty much anyone can enjoy running? Anita Newcombe joins in a Riviera Racers training session at Cockington to give it a go!
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if you’re going to suffer, it may as well be in style. I am do enjoy many sports including hiking, kayaking and also encouraged by the fact that they offer training for netball (which does involve some running about but complete beginners and have a Couch to 5K programme only in quick bursts). But I’ve never done any proper as well as options for more experienced runners who may running since I ran (walked) a 3-mile fun run, probably be training for specific events. Club members are also back in the 80s. When I was at college in Switzerland encouraged to participate in external organised races and they made us run through the woods and I used to hide social events including an annual Riviera Racers 5K/10K. until I could see the leaders coming back and then joined So tonight I am meeting Club Founder Dan in for the final stretch (yes I got caught). Butterworth and Club Championship Officer Anne Now my netball team has signed us up for a 5K run in June and I’ve got to learn Frankly I’d be very surprised if I Roberts. Both are also regular run leaders. In their day to run or risk being disgraced. could even jog to Cockington from jobs Dan is a driving school My team captain says, “It’ll be fine – as long as you can run a Corbyn Head without falling exhausted instructor and Anne is an into a large puddle. ecological surveyor. They tell mile. Well that’s easy for you to me that there are two road-running sessions a week on say… as a keen runner, I think. My marathon-running Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7pm plus a longer daughter tells me that 5K is: “absolutely nothing” so I am trail run most Sundays. I’m told that newbies like myself forced to agree and take immediate steps to rectify my can go entirely at our own pace and no one is ever left non-running, non-credentials. alone. They specialise in encouragement rather than So what to do? I go online and find the website of pressuring members so there is no stress and I feel quite Riviera Racers, a local running club that started up in comfortable about giving it a try. This seems much more Torquay last year. I choose them because I like the look relaxed and fun than I expected and the worry of trying to of their rather fetching red and white running vests. Well
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Give it a Go! Riviera Racers keep up starts to ease a bit. I am wearing an old pair of black gym leggings and a long sleeved t-shirt plus a pair of ancient trainers. It’s a surprisingly warm evening for the time of year but starting to cool down. We are standing on Corbyn Head opposite Seaway Lane and people in red t-shirts are started to cluster around us, chattering happily away. Steve Carr and Jenny Mansell, the third and fourth run leaders of the evening have now joined us and the training begins. Anne starts us off with some gentle jogging around the green space on Corbyn Head followed by some warm up exercises. This isn’t so bad. She then tells us that we are going to jog down to Cockington along the boardwalk in the water meadows and do some interval training on the long driveway to Cockington Court. The more advanced runners will be doing a harder route. Frankly I’d be very surprised if I could even jog to Cockington from Corbyn Head without falling exhausted into a large puddle. Nevertheless, off we go and I am caught up in the beauty of the evening and the enthusiasm of the group. It’s about 7.15pm. It’s still daylight but dusk is not too far off and the light is gentle and soft. It really is stunningly beautiful at this time of the evening as we enter the water meadows. There’s a run leader not too far in front of me and Anne is just behind me shepherding the slower runners. Occasionally someone breaks into a walk but mostly everyone keeps going. We pause at the gatehouse of the glorious Cockington Estate. Our surroundings are surprisingly calming in the softly ebbing light, and it’s a real pleasure to be out here with such a
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friendly and supportive group of people. Now we are at the bottom of Cockington’s elegant drive, which is about a third of a mile long. This is where the interval training begins. The fast runners have separated off into their own group and disappeared whilst we have a go at training here. The idea is to intersperse running a bit faster with rests and some slower jogging. This is supposed to be really good for increasing your fitness, speed and stamina. Once we get to the Court we have a few minutes rest and then head back down the drive again. We are given the option of taking a shorter course so we split again into two smaller groups. During the rests, there is lots of chat and I feel very included and welcome. In fact, I’m finding it much less intimidating than I expected; there are lots of people here with limited experience of running – all have stories to tell and it becomes quite jolly. Unbelievably I am really enjoying myself and when we get back to Corbyn Head at the end of the session I’ve done much more than I expected. Hurrah! The exhilaration of having achieved a minisuccess this evening is brilliant and I start to think that a 5K race is not so difficult after all. I’ll definitely be back to train again. Membership of Riviera Racers is just £25 per year with a one-off signing fee of £5. It’s open to males and females over 15 years and runners of absolutely all abilities with beginners super welcome. You can attend 2 sessions before joining but then you do need to get the red & white running vest or t-shirt at £16.50. Why not give it a go? o rivieraracers.co.uk
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Torbay Investigators of the Paranormal was established in 1995 and meets up at 8pm every Monday at Churston Manor in Churston Ferrers. Julian Rees meets co-founder David Phillips to investigate the investigators.
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’m meeting the investigators at their regular Monday night rendezvous at Churston Manor. The hotel has been their meeting place since the outset as it is allegedly one of the most haunted buildings in Torbay; the group describe it as being ‘atmospherically haunted’. The 12th century property, the former home of Lord Churston, has many ghostly sightings reported, mainly monks who appear and disappear through walls and also a tweed-suited man, possibly a gamekeeper. There are also rumours of smugglers tunnels leading to Elberry Cove and further afield, all adding to the air of mystery about the place. Tonight is a social occasion where members meet to discuss and share experiences of paranormal events. The core membership is relatively small but David tells me that over the years hundreds of members have come and gone. Interested parties fall into two categories, firstly the thrill seekers looking for a fright. These are very much driven by the popularisation in recent years of ghost-hunting and mediumship on television shows such as Most Haunted. The second category is of much more interest to David and the group, those who have their own unexplained story to tell and who are seeking answers. This may be a ghostly sighting, poltergeist activity or simply a feeling that a deceased acquaintance is still present. Twenty-two years is a long time to invest in any interest so I’m expecting a long list of sightings and happenings to be recited but David tells me that completely unexplained activity is very rare and that he is probably more cynical than most. In the early days the merest creak or flicker was enough to set the alarm bells ringing but now David likes hard evidence on camera. He also insists that anything detected is recorded on paper by each member of the group so reports can all be double-checked for consistency. Certainly in all his time ghost hunting David has never encountered a malevolent spirit that he felt wanted to do anything harmful. He goes on to describe how more recent
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involvement of sensitives and practising mediums have led the group to generally accept the idea that the deceased will leave behind a spirit. This appears as a transparent entity that usually fades with time but may remain stronger when there is an unresolved issue that prevents it moving on. The group turn to their sensitive members (or mediums) to try to help resolve these issues and allow the spirit to pass. At the end of the evening I’m invited to attend a vigil at the hotel in the following weeks to see how the group attempts to record spirit activity. Two weeks later I return. Several more group members are present and I’m introduced to local psychic medium Adele. I have to admit to being rather sceptical despite having an unexplained story of my own from childhood. However I’m immediately spooked as the medium relays a message from her ‘spirit guide’ which names two of my close relatives! David sets up cameras and monitoring equipment in the breakfast room of the ancient building, an area which has been the focus of activity in the past. Members of the group sit in silence in the darkness while I sit with David viewing the footage via a monitor. During the waiting time members of the group record their feelings on paper but nothing visual appears. After 20 minutes or so, David asks me to sit with the group. I’m feeling sceptical again but the feeling of collective anticipation coming from the silent group sitting in such a dark and ancient place is almost tangible. Although nothing out of the ordinary happens I start to feel exhausted through anticipation. We decide to take a tour of the upstairs rooms where activity has been known before. Adele briefly encounters a spirit who might be the gamekeeper but further vigils in the darkness reveal nothing further. o Find out more at f TIPFILES & TIP-X Files or if you have a tale to recount join the group any Monday at Churston Manor in Churston Ferrers (Mote: the meeting on the second Monday take place in Exeter). englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Give It A Go - Ghost Hunting
“ I’m feeling sceptical again but the feeling of collective anticipation coming from the silent group sitting in such a dark and ancient place is almost tangible ”
David Philips and psychic medium Adele
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DARTINGTON’S
Big Celebration
Dartington International Summer School and Festival is celebrating its 70th anniversary this July with a dazzling concert and event programme that runs from 28 July to 25 August.
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artington’s world-famous Summer School and Festival celebrates its 70th this year, having made a powerful contribution to the creative life of our country since 1948. There’s a packed programme of events with over one hundred concerts, photographic exhibitions and installations, film and illustrated talks. You can enjoy opera, jazz, chamber music, folk, and poetry plus musical theatre, Brazilian rhythms, gospel and choral music; there’s a vibrant sequence of live events, and a really festive atmosphere. This year’s Artistic Director, renowned pianist Professor Joanna MacGregor OBE, is the curator of the concert programme. She has invited prominent names from the classical music world, and luminaries from other genres, from jazz to folk, and the wider arts, in an outstanding four-week programme of over 100 performances. Highlights include Alfred Brendel, Ex Cathedra, Imogen
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Cooper, Jane Glover, Felicity Lott, Tom Randle, Freya Waley-Cohen, Adrian Brendel and Oliver Knussen, who will perform full work concerts, premieres, improvisations and new collaborations. Choral projects include Bolivian Masses, Bach’s St Matthew Passion, Haydn’s Creation and Verdi’s Requiem. Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro will be performed by students of the advanced opera course, and Byron Wallen will present an exclusive jazz project, that honours Martin Luther King and the Harlem Renaissance. Latin American music will be celebrated Adriano Adewale and Luiz Morais and a special flamenco performance will take place. Dartington International Summer School has a longstanding history of dedication to music and musical innovation. William Glock, later Controller of Music at the BBC and Director of the BBC Proms, established englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Riviera Arts the programme at Bryanston in 1948. By 1953, the Summer School of Music had become the Dartington International Summer School. It quickly became a meeting ground for those hungry to explore a new musical landscape, with its compelling and diverse community of performers, composers and thinkers. Since its birth, Dartington has been in the hands of established figures, including Peter Maxwell Davies, Gavin Hendersen, Jon Woolrich, Nicholas Daniel and current Artistic Director Joanna MacGregor. The Summer School & Festival is well known for its extraordinary courses, providing a unique and immersive experience for musicians of all levels of learning, talent and skill. It is renowned for offering amateurs, students and young professionals a unique opportunity to play with the world’s leading musicians – and offers the space to established artists to experiment, and explore new collaborations. Joanna MacGregor firmly believes that classical musical should be open to all and the ethos of Dartington and the Summer School & Festival is very much one of inclusion. The 70th anniversary programme features visionary composers and musicians from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Joanna says, “The Summer School & Festival creates a community of all ages and backgrounds, coming together in a fantastic atmosphere of study and friendship, celebration and performance. The opportunity to work with, learn from, see and hear some of our most talented musicians is second to none.” Dartington, set in 800 acres of rolling Devon hills, also boasts permanent marvels in its grounds such as the 14th century Great Hall, a Henry Moore sculpture entitled “Memorial Figure” (1946), a 2000year old Yew Tree, a 700-year old Deer Park, as well as an abundance of public footpaths spanning 8 miles. o dartington.org/summer-school englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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The Summer School & Festival creates a community of all ages and backgrounds, coming together in a fantastic atmosphere of study and friendship, celebration and performance. ”
Joanna MacGregor
June/July 2018
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JAZZ
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Summer Concerts at Dartington 28 July – 25 August 2018 Tickets available online & through the box office
www.dartington.org/summerconcerts t. 01803 847070
Dartington International Summer School & Festival
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EARLY MUSIC
The girl with the
frog tattoos A Paignton Zoo keeper loves her work so much that she creates a permanent reminder of each of her conservation successes. She tells us more.
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r Katy Upton has marked her team’s first successful breeding of each rare frog species with an anatomically correct frog tattoo. She explains, “I’m very proud of the work we do with these species and I love tattoos of the animals I work with. So far I’ve got two on my right forearm - Raniotmeya summersii - Summers’ poison frog - and Ranitomeya sirensis– the Sira poison frog.” She got her first tattoo at 18, but these two frogs are recent additions. Claire Jackson at Artium INK in Exeter created the tattoos, which took an hour each, with the artist using photos to create a stencil. Katy says, “They’re bigger than life-size because the frogs are so small. I’m very pleased with the results and will be going back for more.” She hopes more conservation successes will bring more frog tattoos in the future, “I want to get Ranitomeya benedicta – the blessed poison frog - and Ranitomeya fantastica – the fantastic poison frog.” Others on her wish list include Atelopus – the harlequin toad – and a female Parsons chameleon. Katy
Riviera People has a menagerie of animal tattoos, including a small gecko, more frogs, two pink river dolphins, a baby tapir, a jaguar and a home made tattoo on her wrist which was done in the Amazon. “I got some after I finished my PhD. I got the two pink river dolphins whilst I was out in Canada at the World Herpetological Congress.” Katy joined Paignton Zoo in January 2017, but her fascination for frogs is life long. “As a child I used to do the classic collecting tadpoles, frogs and reptiles and take them home – however, my mum has always been terrified of reptiles and amphibians and would refuse to let them in the house! She says, “Our Amphibian Ark is a fantastic facility. We have many exciting plans for the future and want Paignton Zoo to become one of the key players in amphibian conservation. Amphibians are threatened globally, with so many species at risk of extinction in the wild. Luckily, we are in a position to be able to do something about it. We can recreate the natural environments of different amphibians in miniature and simulate their natural weather conditions like sunlight, rainfall and humidity. It’s easier to do this for amphibians than for rhinos and tigers.” “I don’t feel that conservation is a career, it is more something you do throughout your life because you feel passionate about it. I love working in the Zoo world having worked in other sectors, I have always found the zoo community to be a very enjoyable place to work, everyone clubs together to get things done. I believe that having a shared passion for conservation and the animals we work with helps.” o paigntonzoo.org.uk Did You Know? Paignton Zoo keepers have bred a species of blue frog for the first time. And it’s a success that the charity’s founder would have approved of wholeheartedly. The blue poison dart frog (Dendrobates tinctorius azureus) is usually found in the forests of southern Suriname and northern Brazil, but can now be seen in Paignton Zoo’s Reptile Nursery. The man who founded Paignton Zoo nearly a century ago, eccentric millionaire Herbert Whitley, was obsessed with the colour blue.
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Three Degrees West On Oddicombe Beach and completely refurbished after Storm Emma, Three Degrees West offers a fantastic range of food and drink with the most spectacular views in the bay. Soak up some rays on the terrace or, if it’s chilly then tuck in behind the floor to ceiling windows and enjoy some al fresco coffee and cakes! There’s a takeaway too so you can pick up some treats and set up camp on the beach. Full details of the menus, opening hours and gallery of images are available on their website.
Oddicombe Beach Torquay TQ1 3LB 01803 311202 www.oddicombebeach.co.uk
Chocella - Chocolate Café A glorious menu of sweet treats and desserts. From homemade cakes, liquid tiffin, triple chocolate croissants to Chocella’s homemade chocolate spread on toast. Our friendly staff will even make you a stunningly silky chocolate soup. So you can have an Italian coffee and cake or a full blown Afternoon Tea - chocolate or traditional! Our chocolate cabinet features a beautifully displayed selection of glorious Belgium chocolates, choose your favourites or a gift for someone special. Book a party celebration, chocolate workshop or demonstration for an unforgettable experience!
Middle Street, Brixham TQ5 8ER 01803 431055 cdf www.chocella.co.uk
Occombe Farm Café 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.
Occombe Farm Preston Down Road PaigntonTQ3 1RN 01803 520022 info@countryside-trust.org.uk
We’ll be poppin’ up at an event near you! 2018 looks set to be a busy year for the Bays Pop-Up Bar, visit our website to find out where we are and drop in for a pint...
f baysbrewery t @baysbrewery As well as being available in good establishments throughout Torbay and Devon you can also buy online or by phone.
Call us now to place your order 01803 555004 or buy online at www.baysbrewery.co.uk 38
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Summer Delights
Food & Drink News
Waterfront dining, chocolate afternoon teas, fab local beers and the legendary Occombe Festival – new taste experiences abound! Yum! Chocolate Afternoon Tea
Wow! Bays’ Successes
Brixham’s wonderfully indulgent chocolate café on Middle Street near the harbourside has launched Devonshire Afternoon Chocolate Teas to tempt the many chocolate-lovers amongst us. The menu at £30 for two persons includes: finger sandwiches, homemade scones with jam, clotted cream & Chocella chocolate spread; salted caramel dark chocolate tartlets; white chocolate and lemon crunchy balls and hot liquid chocolate shots plus hot chocolate, coffee and tea. Chocolate breakfasts are also on offer and you can book upcoming chocolate workshops on 1 June & 6 July at £30 per person. The café is open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday and 11am-3pm Sunday chocella.co.uk
Bays Brewery’s seasonal ale ‘Nice Try’ was served at the world famous Strangers’ Bar in the House of Commons. This is a rare privilege that not many breweries achieve. Local MP Kevin Foster is pictured raising a pint. Bays’ Devon Dumpling was voted CAMRA South West Winner 2017 and will now go up against other regional winners from across Britain to compete for the coveted title of ‘Champion Beer of Britain 2018’. The CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain is one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world and is the ultimate honour for UK brewers. baysbrewery.co.uk
New! Spinnakers Restaurant Brixham Yacht Club has a spectacular location with ‘wow factor’ views of the outer harbour through its enormous plate glass windows. It is really ‘upping its game’ this year, in terms of food and drink experiences. New chef Mark O’Donnell is bringing some great new menus and themed evenings into the newly renamed Spinnakers Restaurant and it’ll be open 7 days a week. Whether you are a keen sailor or not, it is worth considering membership as it’s a great place to socialise and take guests – and there’s even plenty of parking. Everyone loves a yacht club and they do a wonderful Sunday lunch! In addition to the restaurant there’s a private function room, which available for hire to non-members. The club has just become a limited company and the changes are the brainchild of 5 new directors: Terry Phillips (Commodore), Ron Campion (Vice Commodore), Ian Scott, Richard Spreckley and Fred Farmer. brixhamyachtclub.com
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Cheers! Occombe Festival Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s ever-popular Occombe Festival is back on Friday and Saturday 15-16 June. This amazing 2-day celebration raises important funds that are directly used to maintain and protect local places we love – like Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Cockington, Occombe Farm, Ansteys Cove and many more. Enjoy two days of live foot-stomping music, over 40 varieties of beers and ales plus ciders, wine, Prosecco and Pimms, and a feast of delicious local food. Musical performers include: Rich Cottell, Sound of the Sirens, the Simmertones, Mammoth, Chris Thomas, 3BF, Harbour and the Riviera Dogs. Original new talent will also be introduced with: Firekind, Polly Money, the Wondersmiths and Flight Brigade. Over-18s only. occombefestival. co.uk 01803 520022 occombefestival.co.uk June/July 2018
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Bakers Park & Bradley Estate Distance: 3-5 miles Exertion: Easy Time: Allow 1.5-3 hours Terrain: Woodland paths and gravel tracks Access: Flat ground with occasional steep paths Dogs: On leads where livestock Refreshments: Coffee To Go in Bakers Park Start postcode: TQ1 2BG
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ust outside the Bay near Newton Abbot lies the Bradley Estate. The 15th century house offers a window to medieval life with many original features. It occupies an area of the River Lemon Valley that has settlement history dating back to the Stone Age. With over 100 acres of meadows, ancient orchards and woodland, the area is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest consisting of a rare Devon habitat growing over limestone. Small-leaved lime trees found here are some of the most southerly in England and are a sure sign of the age of the woodland. In spring and early summer, walks here are especially delightful. A variety of plants have reached full bloom with fantastic shades of green from mature flowering trees to a rich carpet of bluebells and contrasting wild garlic. The crystal clear waters of the River Lemon are home to spawning salmon and brown trout and if you're lucky you may see a kingfisher. If there is an eternity, then to spend it wandering through this woodland here with the sun’s rays reaching through the foliage and sparkling on the water would be near the top of my list! o Take the A381 Wolborough Street towards Totnes and turn right into Steppes Meadow (just after Mackrell’s Almshouses on the the left). There is parking for approximately 30 cars. This is Bakers Park where you will find a children’s play par and sports pitches. Proceed in a westerly direction following the ash path towards the boundary of the park. 1 o through the par boundary into the first hay meadow of the Bradley Estate and follow the track in
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the same direction with the manor house and Mill Leat to your right. You can follow the River Lemon’s banks on the left hand side of the meadow too. The National Trust’s Bradley Manor can be accessed here but it is best to check the the website nationaltrust.org.uk/bradley for seasonal opening times. 2 ollow the trac into the first wooded section with the Cherry Garden to the left and Berry’s Wood to the right. The Cherry Garden is criss-crossed with many smaller paths between the main track and the river and is a delight for children and dogs to explore. The river is shallow, relatively slow owing and accessible via several gravel beaches for a quick paddle on a hot day - the waters are clean and unpolluted. Take care with children and dogs at 3 as there is a small faster- owing weir section. 3 At the weir go through the gate into open pasture and water meadows and follow the riverside path. Look out for iris, early purple orchids, yarrow and wild thyme growing amongst the grass. 4 At the end of this section of meadow you will reach the Ogwell Mill Road, an ancient unmetalled bridleway that fords the River Lemon. Cross the road and take the narrow foot bridge to the left to cross the river and start the return route. If you want a longer walk the path continues along the river bank through further pasture
englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Walk
and into Broadridge Wood, another ancient woodland with several notable lime kilns and many criss-crossing paths. The path eventually exits onto Chercombe Bridge Road which can be followed back to 4 via East Ogwell village. 5 Cross the road and turn left through the gate into woodland on the southern bank of the river. The path rises
quite steeply to approximately 50 metres above the river and is clearly way-marked through the woodland. The path then heads downhill back to follow the river bank. 6 Follow the path through the trees of Powsey Moor and Lang’s Copse until it returns to the boundary of Bakers Park. N
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Š Crown copyright 2018 Ordnance Survey. Media 059/18
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June & July Around the Bay
Ice Fest, Kents Cavern 26 May - 3 June This Geopark Festival Week, take part in the Kents Cavern Ice Fest. Join their Stone Age Gang to discover what life was like for people during the coldest period of Earth’s history - the Ice Age. Ice Age Session Times: 11am-12.15pm or 2pm-3.15pm, suitable for: 6-12 years, children must be accompanied by an adult, book online. Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk
Dinosaur Birthday Half Term Celebration 26 May – 3 June Celebrate Torquay Dinosaur World’s 8th birthday with Toby T-Rex, Derek Deinonychus and friends. All little explorers will get a Dinosaur Expert Certificate and a free 100-million-year-old fossil! Cost: £6.95 per visitor plus get Paleo Pass with free unlimited re-entry for 3 months. Times: 11am to last entry 3.30pm – close 5pm. Torquay’s Dinosaur World, 3 Victoria Parade, Torquay TQ1 2BB 01803 298779 torquaysdinosaurworld.co.uk
Wild About Cockington Exhibition 26 May – 3 June Enjoy this Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust temporary exhibition highlighting the wild side of Cockington Country Park. Time: 11am – 3pm daily, cost: free –
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donations welcome for the Cockington Green Heart Appeal, suitable for: all ages. Cockington Visitor Centre, Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk
Meet the Occombe Farm Animals 1 June Enjoy this fun and educational Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust event. Discover the farm animals of Occombe and even get the chance to feed some of them. Time: 10-11am, cost: £3, suitable for: all ages. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Please dress warmly with suitable footwear. Book online. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Occombe Farm Café Does Dinner 1 June and every Friday Friday nights just got better with local conservation charity, Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. Unwind under twinkling fairy lights and enjoy a new dining experience at Occombe Farm Café. Discover a different 3-course menu every Friday evening with appetising starters, tempting main courses and decadent puddings. The menu is crammed full of locally sourced produce and homemade dishes. Booking for dinner is essential and menus are announced online weekly. All profits from the café go back into the Trust to help maintain some of our favourite countryside sites like Berry Head, Cockington and Ansteys Cove. Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 696255 countryside-trust.org.uk/occombe/cafe
englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
What’s On Wild Kayaking Expeditions 2 & 3 June, 7 & 8 July
RNLI Fundraisers’ Curry Night, Brixham 6 June
Treat yourself to a wild kayaking trip. You will paddle along the stunning coastline, exploring sea caves and spotting wildlife. Then you’ll pitch up at a secluded camp and enjoy a rustic meal of mackerel and foraged shellfish, cooked on the open fire (sausages & chutney to supplement if they are not biting). A glass of red will help to wash the meal down before a night under the stars on the remote beach. A gentle paddle back the next day. Reach Outdoors, The Seashore Centre, Tanners Road, Goodrington Sands TQ4 6LP 01626 873625 reach-outdoors.com
Enjoy a curry buffet with musical entertainment. Time: from 7pm, cost: £10 - pay on the door on the night but book food beforehand by calling Bullers Arms on 01803 850143. It’s a great way to support the Torbay Lifeboat. The New Bullers Arms, The Strand, Brixham TQ5 8EH. Event queries to RNLI 07716 117875. torbaylifeboat.co.uk or email: rnlitlf@gmail.com
D-Day Anniversary, Torquay 6 June Commemoration Service for the 74th anniversary of D-Day takes place at 11am with Normandy Veterans plus Widows and Friends Alliance. Time: 11am. Beacon Quay, Torquay TQ1 2BG
Back in Time to D-Day, Greenway 6 June Greenway was requisitioned during the Second World War, and the National Trust will be sharing the history of this time. Why not come along dressed in your 1940s best to find out about Greenway at war? Time: 11am-4pm, free event but admission applies. Booking not needed. Greenway House, Kingswear TQ5 0ES 01803 661905 nationatrust.org.uk/greenway
Volunteer Summer Party, Occombe 6 June A chance for Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust volunteers to get together with the charity’s staff and enjoy a summer buffet. Free for registered volunteers – booking essential. Trust volunteering opportunities are available so please get in touch. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk
Cockington Heritage Tours 6 June – Wednesdays & Thursdays June-August Join Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust’s volunteer tour guides for a walk around the beautiful estate of Cockington Country Park. Tour last about 1 hour. Times: Wednesdays 11am, Thursdays 2pm, cost: £2.50, suitable: 10 years+, booking essential. Cockington Court, Cockington TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Flower Festival, St Marychurch 8-10 June The Flower Festival’s theme is ‘Favourite Hymns.’ On Saturday 8 June there will be tours to the top of the bell tower, plus you can buy home made cakes and preserves, try the tombola, enjoy refreshments and visit other stalls. Time: 10am-2pm. Cost: no entrance charge, but donations appreciated. There will also be a Songs of Praise service on Sunday 10 June at 3.30pm, followed by refreshments St Mary the Virgin Church, Fore Street, St Marychurch TQ1 4QY
Celebration Ball, Torquay 8 June Torbay Holiday Helpers Network is hosting a Grand Celebration Ball at the Riviera International Centre. Tickets are £40 each or £400 for a table of 10. Enjoy drinks and entertainment on arrival, a 3-course dinner, live music, an auction, DJ and late bar. Time: 6.30pm. Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ thhn.co.uk/tickets/celebration-ball
Pop Up Arts Workshops, Lupton House 8, 15, 22, 29 June & 6, 13, 20 July Join the Squircle Arts team for fun arts activities, suitable for pre-school children and their grown-ups. Time: 1011.30am. Cost: Child: £4, Siblings: £3 (adults free with paying child). Brixham Road, Churston Ferrers, TQ5 0LD 01803 845800 discoverlupton.com
Volunteer Recruitment Drop-in Day, Coleton Fishacre 8 June Meet Laura, volunteer officer for the English Riviera portfolio, and talk about opportunities to get involved at Greenway, Coleton Fishacre, Compton Castle and Bradley Manor; from butterfly counting, garden blitzing, buggy driving to Christmas. Time: 1-3pm, no booking, June/July 2018
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free event, meet on the loggia outside the house. Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 national-trust.org.uk
Marina Day, Torquay 9 June A fun, day out for the family with jet ski safari rides, RIB rides, Walk on Water Zorbs (advance booking), flyboarding display (4pm), DJ & live music, food and drinks, marine & market stalls, RNLI lifejacket inspections, “Tame Racing Driver’ performances (11am12.15 & 2.30-3.45pm), beer & wine bar, Exclusive Members Gin Bar – 777 Yacht and more. The Promenade, Torquay Harbour TQ2 5EQ
Babbacombe Ukulele Festival 9 & 10 June The 5th annual Babbacombe Ukulele Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. Stretching over two days, enjoy plenty of great, free live music in the music marquee on the beach. Babbacombe Downs Road, Torquay TQ1 3LF Tel: 01803 328750 babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk
Brixham’s Famous Fish Market Tours 13, 27 June & 11, 18, 25 July Go behind the scenes on England’s Seafood Coast to view the hustle and bustle of Brixham’s world famous Fish Market. Marvel at the early morning fish auction where over £25 million worth of top quality fish is landed and auctioned daily. Your tour will be followed by a delicious breakfast at Rockfish. The market is regretfully unsuitable for wheelchairs. Over 14 years only. Time: 6am prompt, cost: £15 includes breakfast and donation to the Fishermen’s Mission. Email: bfmt2014@gmail.com to book. The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW
Print Nights, Torquay Museum 14 June & 12 July Join the Squircle Arts team for an evening of printmaking. Take inspiration from the museum’s galleries and collections. Learn various printing methods and create beautiful prints that you can take home with you. All abilities welcome. Time: 7-9pm, cost: £10 per person, per session. Booking is required as spaces are limited. 529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay, TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org
D-Day at Brixham Battery 10 June Pop in to see Brixham Battery’s fascinating heritage centre and grounds with its education centre & museum plus war shelter, ammo tunnels, gun emplacements and more. Free entry. Time: 11am – 4pm. Fishcombe Hill Road, Brixham TQ5 8RU 01803 852449 brixhambattery.net
Pilgrim Open Day, Brixham 11 June Pilgrim is the oldest surviving trawler built and rigged in Brixham. Go aboard to see how they did things in 1895 and explore Brixham’s unique fishing and sailing heritage. Tours are 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm3.30pm. Pilgrim is owned and operated by the Pilgrim Heritage Sailing Foundation. You can find out about sailing trips along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, plus cruises to the Channel islands and Brittany and also out to the Isles of Scilly. Opp. Prince William pub, Brixham Harbourside, TQ5 9BP 01803 858148 pilgrimofbrixham.co.uk
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Greenway Singing Night 15 June Enjoy a singing evening in aid of Rowcroft Hospice at Agatha Christie’s holiday home (now National Trust). The evening takes place in the walled garden with entertainment by Odds and Ends, The SeaGalls, Quay Harmony, The Old Gaffers and One Accord. Bring your own picnics, drinks, seats and rugs. Car parking is available without booking. Time: 6.30-9.30pm. Tickets: £10 adult, £5 child, from: Galleon Stores in Galmpton and One Stop Stores at Churston Broadway. Greenway House, Kingswear TQ5 0ES 01803 661905 nationatrust.org.uk/greenway
Occombe Festival 15 & 16 June Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s amazing 2-day celebration raises important funds that are directly used to maintain and protect local places we love – like Berry englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
What’s On Head National Nature Reserve, Cockington, Occombe Farm, Ansteys Cove and many more. Enjoy two days of live foot-stomping music, over 40 varieties of beers and ales plus ciders, wine, Prosecco and Pimms, and a feast of delicious local food. Over-18s only. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 occombefestival.co.uk
Outdoor Concert Belle Voci, Torre Abbey 15 June Belle Voci are a professional classically trained soprano (Donna-Marie Broomfield nee Hughes) and tenor (Matthew Wilding). They have a huge and varied repertoire including solos and duets from the world of Grand Opera, Operetta, Opera, Sacred, Art Song, Swing, Musical Theatre and Crossover. The concert will be held in the Gardens or the Chapel if weather inclement. Wrap up warm! Tickets: £12, concessions: £10. Time: 7.309.30pm. The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE torre-abbey.org.uk
SB UK Open & National Championship 15-17 June Enjoy the spectacle of 30 three-handed sailing racing in Tor Bay on these fast 6-metre yachts. Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Beacon Terrace, Torquay TQ1 2BH 01803 292006 rtyc.org
Brixham Trawler Race 16 June Skippers dress the boats with bunting and battle it out with a fiercely contested race around the Bay alongside fun and festivities on the quayside. It all raises money for local charities and creates quite a spectacle. The winner is not always the first across the line as there is a very strict handicapping system. The Harbour, Brixham TQ5 9TH
Rotary Club of Paignton Barn Dance 16 June Support the annual Rotary charity barn dance in aid of Rowcroft Hospice and other Rotary charities. Time: 7.00pm, dancing starts 7.30pm with the Folk Orchestra of Torquay. ‘The Stargazy Pie’ will be joined by celebrity caller Hugh Edwards. Tickets: £12 (including a hot pasty and salad) – book by phone. Churston Ferrers Grammar School, Greenway Road, Brixham TQ5 0LN 01803 845196 (Derek Brown)
Coastal Clean Ups with Living Coasts 16 June and 21 July Join in with one of Living Coasts’ Beach Cleans. The June event is at Goodrington Beach from 12noon till 3pm. The July event is at Brixham’s Breakwater Beach from 5-7pm. These free events will give you the chance to help the environment and learn more about local species, biodiversity and the shores around us. 01803 202470 livingcoasts.org.uk
Jaguar & Classic Car Day, Torre Abbey 17 June The day will include more than 100 classic cars including Bentleys, Rovers, Humbers, Mercedes and old favourites such as the Reliant, Mini and Morris. Free public entry is from 10.30am. Pre-booked entry for exhibitors is £8.50 (£10 on gate if space allows). The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE 01395 224898
English Riviera Open Bowls Tournament 17 June All bowlers are welcome to participate in this friendly but competitive tournament. Over the years bowlers from all parts of the UK as well as from Holland, South Africa and Australia have participated. There are good facilities and bowling conditions at the three host clubs, Kings, Torquay and Victoria Bowling Clubs which are all located on the main Torquay sea front. Kings Bowling Club, Seafront, Torquay TQ2 6NX 01803 557344 english-riviera-tournament.com
Babbacombe Rotary Fair 20 June Babbacombe Downs comes alive with this wonderful englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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TOADS THEATRE COMPANY @ ST MARK’S ROAD MEADFOOT TORQUAY TQ1 2EL
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2018 | 2019 SEASON OA
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6-11 August 2018 Directed by Martin Waddington
15-20 April 2019 Directed by Sarah Caplan
Revisit British Music Hall at its best!
A thriller set high in the French alps
DAISY PULLS IT OFF 3-15 September 2018 Directed by Jill Farrant
17-22 December 2018 Directed by Alec Stokes
13-18 May 2019 Directed by Rebekah Hayden
An Ayckbourn comedy whodunnit that will keep you guessing...
Classic Ayckbourn comedy featuring a truly dysfunctional Christmas
Scholarship girl Daisy saves the day in this girls school comedy
ID ! ID !
BROWNNINGG VERSIO TTHHEE
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B BIL BLE BLE U
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RREEDD PPEEPPPERERS S
8-13 October 2018 Directed by Anna Reynolds
14-19 January 2019 Directed by Martin Waddington
10-15 June 2019 Directed by Andrew Kenyon
A comedy thriller with a literary twist...
A journey through 50 years of marriage
A double bill of comedy and drama
her r es
My Mother Said I Never Should
19-24 November 2018 Directed by Bevis Taylor
18-23 March 2019 Directed by Maggie Campbell
3 veterans plot to escape from their retirement home.
Drama spanning four generations of women growing up and older.
Also: The Gondoliers - booking now. 3-7 July 2018 The New Jersey Boys - booking now. 27 July 2018 Jesus Christ Superstar 20-27 October 2018 A Celebration of Christmas 10 December 2018 Tickling the Ivories 20 Janaury 2019 Arabian Nights 20-23 February 2019
Taking bookings from 1st July 2018 Why not become a Theatre Club member £95 for all ten plays? Details available online or at the Box office:
Tel: 01803 299 330, Email: boxoffice@toadslittletheatre.co.uk Performance details and Online Booking: toadslittletheatre.co.uk
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What’s On community and charity based event. Enjoy stalls, games, food & drink and traditional family fun. Babbacombe Downs, Torquay TQ1 3LN 01803 327154
Bat Walk, Berry Head 22 June & 20 July An exciting opportunity to see the rare Greater Horseshoe bats at Berry Head National Nature Reserve, actively protected here by independent conservation charity Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. Time: 8pm-9.45pm, cost: £5, suitable for adults and over 13s. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Book online. Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Gillard Road, Brixham TQ5 9EG 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Countryside Walks, Coleton Fishacre 22 June & 19 July The National Trust ranger team will be leading spring countryside walks from Coleton Fishacre to Pudcombe Cove, along the South West Coast Path to Ivy Cove, and back to Coleton Fishacre via Coleton Camp. Time: 11am – 2pm, free event, admission applies for venue, dogs on leads welcome. Meet by Courtyard Café. Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 national-trust.org.uk
with one lap of Paignton Green before heading towards Torquay, where the course will pass the historic Torre Abbey and by the Princess Gardens where you will start the return back to Paignton. Enter online. Paignton Green, TQ4 6ED torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk
Trust10 Trail Runs, Coleton Fishacre 24 June & 22 July A free monthly 10k trail run along the rugged South West Coast Path and through Coleton Fishacre garden. Free, fun, informal, forever and for everyone. This route has a number of steep ascents and descents throughout, which will get the heart pumping. There are two 5K loops so you can stop after one if you wish. Free event, no booking, please self-time if needed. Time: registration at 8.30am, starts 9am. Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 national-trust.org.uk
Classic Motorcycles, Cockington Court 24 June The VMCC Dartmoor (The Vintage Motorcycle Club) will be displaying an array of vintage and classic motorcycles on the front lawn and in the Sea Change Craft Studios area at Cockington Court. Cockington Village, Torquay TQ2 6XA events.vmcc.net
Murder Mystery Night, Imperial Hotel 23 June It’s 1925 and Sammy and Scarlett Montanna have moved across from the states and opened a Speakeasy. Join them and host Violet in a great place for food, fun, music and cocktails. The action begins over pre-dinner drinks followed by a three-course dinner; then the actors will lay the clues that you need to solve a heinous crime! Once the mystery is solved, dance the night away to the hotel’s resident DJ. Tickets £40 per person to include: drinks reception, 3-course dinner, coffee, tea and mints. Time: 7pm, booking essential. Park Hill Road, Torquay TQ1 2DG 01803 294301 theimperialtorquay.co.uk
Torbay Half Marathon 24 June The Torbay Half Marathon route is a traffic free two-lap route, which starts and finishes on Paignton seafront, taken in the stunning coastal views across Torbay. Starting englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Wedding Showcase, Imperial Hotel 24 June & 22 July Guests will be welcomed to this special wedding showcase event with a glass of bubbly as they open the doors to showcase their beautiful wedding options and help inspire your perfect wedding day. Times: 3-6pm. Imperial Hotel, Park Hill Road, Torquay TQ1 2DG 01803 294301 theimperialtorquay.co.uk June/July 2018
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Berry Head Hotel
Fresh Fish straight from the Boats to your Plate Fine Wine Cellar and Local Ales ~ Daily Devonshire Cream Teas Brasserie and a la Carte Restaurant ~ Traditional Sunday Carvery Live Entertainment at the Weekends A stunning location for Weddings & Special Events with menus tailored to suit you Indoor Swimming & Spa Pool Non-residents and families welcome Well appointed 3 star accommodation www.berryheadhotel.com
stay@berryheadhotel.com
01803 853225 THE PERFECT VENUE FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY Weddings ~ Birthdays ~ Christenings Private Dining
at Kents Cavern
OPEN DAILY FROM 9AM TORQUAY, DEVON, TQ1 2JF
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What’s On Tots Go Wild, Occombe 25 June Trees glorious trees! The woods at Occombe come alive in an exciting morning for tots. Event is run by independent conservation charity Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust. Cost: £5, time: 9.30-11am, suitable for: toddlers-5 yrs, (babies can come free). An adult must accompany children. Book online. Occombe Farm Yurt, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk
Spider Phobia Event, Paignton Zoo 26 June Do you have a spider phobia? The Spider Phobia Event promises to help you to overcome your fears. Spiders in the UK are harmless and are incredibly important to our ecosystem. This new event is hosted by qualified Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist Charlotte King of The Pebble Ridge Practice, Torquay. Tickets: £75, booking essential. Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU 01803 697500 paigntonzoo.org.uk
Torquay Grammar Schools’ Reunion Dinner 30 June Former students and staff of Torquay Boys’ and Torquay Girls’ Grammar Schools are warmly invited to a Grand Reunion Dinner at Torquay’s Imperial Hotel. Spouses and partners are also welcome. Time: 7 for 7.30pm, tickets: £27 (£25 if still at university), dress code: lounge suits customary with corresponding dress for women. Guest of Honour at the dinner will be Captain JRA Woodward ADC Royal Navy, current Commanding Officer at Britannia Royal Navy College Dartmouth. Shiphay Manor Drive, Torquay TQ2 7EL tbgs.co.uk
BYA Larks Open Sailing Championships 30 June Enjoy the spectacle of 30 dinghies racing off Brixham harbour. Membership of Brixham Yacht Club is available for both social and sailing members. The clubhouse serves excellent meals and their Spinnaker Restaurant has jaw-dropping views of the Bay. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Brixham Yacht Club, Overgang Road, Brixham TQ5 8AR 01803 853332 brixhamyachtclub.com
Dragon Edinburgh Cup Sailing 30 June Look out for 40 yachts racing off Torquay. Competitors from around a dozen nations will contest this tightly fought national championship for the 29ft International Dragon keelboat class in the waters of Torbay. Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Beacon Terrace, Torquay TQ1 2BH 01803 292006 rtyc.org
BLDSA Long Distance Swimming Championships 30 June This 8-mile swimming race starts from Meadfoot Beach in Torquay across to the turnaround point at Fishcombe Cove near Brixham. It’s recognised as one of the toughest swims on the BLDSA calendar with a history dating back to the 1950s. Contact: André Roberts torbayswim@bldsa. org.uk Tor Bay TQ2 5JG bldsa.org.uk
Armed Forces Day 1 July Britain’s armed forces past, present and future will be honoured at a special event taking place from 10am to 11pm. Enjoy military themed attractions, military associations exhibitors, family day, entertainment for both children & adults. There will also be a parade – Veterans March through Paignton Town Centre and a party – a celebration of the Armed Forces family including live music entertainment. Queen’s Park Paignton TQ4 6AH 01803 207754 armedforcesday.org.uk armedforcesday@torbay.gov.uk
Evening Wildlife Walk, Cockington 3 July Join Mike Langman for an evening stroll around the park keeping an eye out for Cockington’s wild residents. Run by independent local charity Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust. Time: 7-9pm, cost: £3.50, suitable for adults and children over 11 years (accompanied by an adult), booking essential. Cockington Country Park, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk June/July 2018
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12:30pm - 3pm in our Regatta Restaurant. Pre-booking required.
To book a table, call 01803 294 301 or visit www.theimperialtorquay.co.uk
The Imperial Torquay, Park Hill Road, Torquay, TQ1 2DG
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What’s On Ways with Words, Dartington 6-16 July
RNLI Fish Quay Market, Brixham 10 July
Literature lovers rejoice! There is a huge variety of events over 10 days with talks, debates, music, performance, readings and workshops. Discussion and ideas will abound throughout Dartington’s beautiful buildings and idyllic gardens. Expect controversy, extra terrestrial wonders and radical thinking with some internationally well known literary glitterati! Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EE 01803 867373 wayswithwords.co.uk
Just come along to support the Torbay Lifeboat fundraisers’ market by Brixham’s pretty inner harbour. Browse a range of stalls including crafts, souvenirs, books, bric-a-brac, homemade cakes and jams. Time: 10am to 4pm. The Old Fish Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW. Event queries to RNLI 07716 117875. torbaylifeboat.co.uk or email: rnlitlf@gmail.com
Brixham Hap’nin 6 & 7 July The main summer attraction in Cowtown is Brixham Hap’nin (Party in the Park). You’ll enjoy live entertainment with music and dance plus food stalls and licensed bar. Suitable for: all ages, cost: £3 on gate, profits to local charities. St Mary’s Park, Brixham TQ5 9RD brixhamhapnin.org
The KingsBeer Festival run by Dartmouth Steam Railway & Riverboat Company has panoramic views of the River Dart. There will be over 60 ales and ciders to choose from (plus wines and soft drinks) and there will be live music and a BBQ. If you travel to the Festival via the steam train (valid, on the day ticket must be shown) then entry is free. £5 entry on Friday & Saturday or £3 on Sunday if not travelling by steam train. Kingswear Station, TQ60AA
The Rowcroft Sleep Walk 7 July
Brixham Dinghy Regatta 14 & 15 July
Sign up for the legendary women-only, 5-mile or 10-mile Sleep Walk in aid of local charity Rowcroft Hospice. Whichever distance you choose you’ll start and finish your walk at Torbay Leisure Centre. Start times: 7.30, 8, 8.30 or 9pm – catch the beautiful sunset over the Bay! Suitable for women and girls over 8 years old. Torbay Leisure Centre, Penwill Way, Paignton TQ4 5JR 01803 210800 rowcrofthospice.org.uk
The club’s annual Dinghy Sailing Regatta - all dinghies and all sailors are welcome. There are two days of sailing, and lots of food and drink, prizes and entertainment in the bar afterwards. Brixham Yacht Club, Overgang, Brixham TQ5 8AR 01803 853332 brixhamyachtclub.com
Geopark Triathlon, Goodrington 8 July
Enjoy a display of 60s scooters on Paignton Green from 10am to 5pm. Paignton North Green TQ4 6BW torbaymods.com
This event starts with a great sea swim in the warm waters of Goodrington Sands. Then it’s onto the bikes for a challenging loop around the Torbay area and finally a stunning out and back off-road coast run over towards Brixham. 750m or 1500m swim-only option also available. Goodrington Sands, Paignton TQ4 6LP sportivaevents.co.uk
Kingsbeer Festival, Kingswear 13-15 July
Torbay Mods on the Green 14 July
Rotary Pedal Car Grand Prix 15 July Watch the very competitive pedal car teams all striving to win top trophies in the 40th year of this 2-hour endurance race using nothing but their own strength and fitness. Running alongside the racing will be an arts and englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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GREAT FOOD
Forde House • Newton Abbot
New 3 course menu every Friday
summer f ay r e
EVERY
FRIDAY NIGHT
Locally sourced produce and delicious home-made dishes. See our website for more details and our weekly menus. Advance booking essential.
sunday 5th august 2018 10.ooam - 4.00pm
Come and join us for some summer fun, at this lovely venue, with over 60 exhibitors throughout the whole house. Live music, children’s entertainment and much more... £1.00 Entry. UNDER 16s FREE Disabled access to ground floor only
www.countryside-trust/occombe/cafe farmcafe@occombe.org.uk
01803 696 255
prim&proper events
Looking for a venue with breathtaking views, period charm and a dedicated events team? The Paignton Club, established in 1885. It’s perfectly placed to capture panoramic views across the bay and is open six days every week for wining, dining and relaxing.
Available for weddings and private functions.
ThePaigntonClub
www.thepaigntonclub.co.uk
Call 01803 559682 for further information or email paigntonclub@hotmail.com
1 The Esplanade Paignton TQ4 6ED Membership applications are always welcome - see website for details
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What’s On craft fayre, live music, and demonstrations, licensed bar and catering tent. Torre Abbey Meadows, The Kings Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE rotaryevent.co.uk
Bird Sketching Day, Occombe 16 July Learn how to draw birds with tuition from professional bird artist Mike Langman. Time: 9.30am – 4pm, cost: £40, suitable for: 18 years+. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk
The Big Butterfly Count, Coleton Fishacre 20 July-2 August Can you help with The Big Butterfly Count? Visitors will be able to pick up a basic butterfly ID sheet and map with some of the best spots to sit and count butterflies marked on it. Once you’ve found a good butterfly spotting spot, take 15 minutes and write down all of the butterflies you see in that time. No booking, free event but admission applies for the venue. Times: 10.304.30pm. Also taking place at Greenway. Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 national-trust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre
(now National Trust). Two cocktails are included in the ticket price of £25 per person, along with canapés. Children over 12 welcome. Dress in your best 1920s costume or smart casual attire. Time: 6.30-9pm. Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 national-trust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre
Paignton Festival 21-29 July A family festival formerly known as Torbay Carnival Week and running for over 100 years. Paignton Green and other locations paigntonfestival.com
Make Summer Party Breads, Occombe 22 July Learn how to bake the ‘wow factor’ into breads with artisan bakers Penny and Dragan. You’ll make stuffed focaccia, herby ciabatta and more. A Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust event. Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk
Wild Wednesday, Coleton Fishacre 25 July On selected Wednesdays during the school holidays is a Wild Wednesday at Coleton Fishacre, where the team of National Trust Rangers lead ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities in the garden. Time: 2-4pm, normal admission charges apply. Dogs on leads welcome. Coleton Fishacre, Brownstone Road, Kingswear TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 national-trust.org.uk
Pirate Thursday, Brixham 26 July
Coleton Fishacre Jazz Party 21 July Sip cocktails on the bowling lawn as Rachael Roberts and the Gatsby Gang perform Jazz classics from the ‘Roaring Twenties’ on the Loggia, and soak up the beautiful surroundings of the D’Oyly Carte’s 1920s country home englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Enjoy piratical fun for the young and young at heart. It’s a great opportunity to join in the amusing antics and have a great free day out. The naughty deeds include Soak the Pirate as well as balloon modelling, puppet shows, arts & crafts workshops, fancy dress competitions, photo shoots and live music. The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AJ brixhambuccaneers.co.uk
CAFÉ CULTURE BY DAY AND AN INTIMATE RESTAURANT BY NIGHT
GREAT FOOD GREAT DRINKS GREAT VIEWS GREAT FUN
summer opening
From 1 April:
Every Day 9am - 9:30pm (last orders)
call to book: 01803 856738 www.brixham-restaurant.co.uk
We’re not aiming to be the ‘Worlds Best’ restaurant… ‘Just Yours’!
Consistently named one of the best independent food retailers in Devon, we’re more than just a fantastic farm shop... There’s also a fully stocked garden centre and restaurant serving great locally produced meals - we’re famous for our farmhouse breakfasts!
Open 7 days a week with ample free parking Hand car wash on site - have your car washed while you shop!
IT’S BBQ TIME!
Visit our butcher for prime Aberdeen Angus cuts from our own herd. Our deli has everything you need for a great summer picnic too! FIND US just before the Go Karts Dartmouth Road, nr Brixham TQ5 0LL FIND OUT MORE 01803 845837 churstontraditionalfarmshop.org.uk
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What’s On Book Club, Greenway 26 July Bring a picnic and relax whilst discussing one of Agatha Christie’s novels. The evening is a good chance to enjoy good company and lively discussion at Agatha Christie’s holiday home. Booking advisable, parking available, time: 5-6.30pm. Free event. Greenway House, Kingswear TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationatrust.org.uk/greenway
novelty dog show. The Village Green, Marldon TQ3 1SL marldon.weebly.com
Paignton Harbour Festival Day 28 July Enjoy a day of free family fun to celebrate 18th century Paignton Harbour and its longstanding traditions of seamanship. There will be a stage with chef demos, live bands, a variety of food and craft stalls, a children’s circus skills workshop, fishing off Fairy Cove and a visit from the RNLI lifeboat. Paignton Pleasure Cruises will be operating a ferry from Torquay and Brixham. The Harbour, Paignton TQ4 6DT paigntonharbourfestival.co.uk
Kids Summer Cookery School 26 July – 30 August Tuesdays & Thursdays Each week there will be a new theme from breads to desserts, pastry, pasta, cakes and party food. A Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust event. Time: 10am-4pm, cost: £34, suitable for: 7-12 years. Occombe Farm Cookery School, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org
Marldon Apple Pie Fair 28 July The Marldon Apple Pie Fair has been going since 1888 in memory of local farmer, George Hill, who would use his windfall apples to bake an enormous apple pie for the village. Events throughout the afternoon include local arts, crafts and food stands, falconry displays, games and a
Dubs at the Beach, Paignton 29 July This popular Volkswagen vehicle show has an autojumble, trade stalls, children’s entertainment, live bands, licensed bar, refreshments and more. Over the past years the show has been a big success with Volkswagen enthusiasts coming from all over the country to show their vehicles. This year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever. Free event. Vehicle pass (VW only) for beachfront parking is £10 – book online, arrive between 8.30 and 10.30am only. Event runs 9am – 6pm. dubsatthebeach.wpengine.com
Holding an event in August or September?
E-mail us at editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk and we’ll list it in the next issue
englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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With thrilling displays like the Parachute Red Devils plus a line-up of magnificent farm animals, superb equestrian events, rural crafts, heavy horses, live music, food & drink and trade stands – Totnes Show is celebrating its 100th anniversary in style.
H
eld on Sunday 29 July, Totnes Show always provides a wonderful slice of countryside happenings in one magnificently polished showcase. There are two fabulous main ring headline events this year - The Parachute Red Devils - and the National Scurry Teams challenge, both returning by popular demand. The Parachute Regiment Freefall Team ‘The Red Devils’ was formed in 1964 to promote the Army’s elite Parachute Regiment (‘The Paras’). The Red Devils are now widely acknowledged as among the best display parachutists in the world. A classic Red Devils parachute display will see up to six team members jumping from an altitude of up to 10,000ft. Trailing smoke to demonstrate their speed and movement, the highly skilled skydivers will freefall at speeds of up to 120mph, before deploying their parachutes. Once safely under canopy, team members will demonstrate breathtaking, high-speed ‘Swoop’ landings and spectacular ‘Canopy Formations’ – both unique to parachute displays in the UK. The National Scurry Challenge is a fast paced carriage driving sport offering family entertainment at its thrilling best. Watch ponies and carriages fly around an obstacle course all against the clock. Show cattle, sheep, poultry and rabbits from across the region compete for glory and the show is renowned for the huge variety of equestrian classes including showing, jumping, open driving and sidesaddle plus the iconic heavy horses. Fiercely fought and wonderfully entertaining is the all-action lamb shearing competition.
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A special “Sheep to Shoulder” event is being held this year. The challenge is to shear a sheep, spin the wool and knit a jumper in one day. Other traditional attractions include parades of hounds and beagles, handicraft, rural crafts, woodland skills, historic & vintage vehicles, pets’ corner, family dog show, rare breeds and birds of prey. The show boasts a wide range of trade stands representing goods and businesses from across the region. There’s a big Craft Marquee and a dedicated Lifestyle Pavilion - a firm show favourite. And specially to mark the 100th show there is more than ever on offer for children with ferret racing returning after a gap of many years, ‘have a go’ wood carving and archery in the family area together with circus skills. A superb platform for local music, the Totnes Show Music Stage attracts an eclectic mix of local bands to suit a variety of musical tastes. Visitors to the Food Hall can view and even taste Totnes Show’s special 100th celebration cake while watching professional chefs cook up a storm during their demonstrations. Show Manager Linda Harvey tells us, “It is such a great achievement to keep the show going for 100 years – we feel this is also a celebration of all the time and effort that goes into producing our wonderful event year in year out. Totnes Show fulfils an important part of country life and the Devon Calendar of outdoor pursuits. We believe that the ongoing success of our show reveals how important it is in these times of change to also keep these traditional events alive and thriving for people to enjoy.” o totnesshow.com englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Out & About
Need To Know Date: Sunday 29 July Time: Gates open 9am Tickets: Adult: £12, Child; (5-16) £3 Family Ticket: £28 (2 adults/up to 3 children) Where: Berry Farm, Totnes TQ9 6LG englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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Take control of your future with South Devon College southdevon.ac.uk
08000 380 123
South Devon College, Long Road, Paignton, TQ4 7EJ
Totnes Canoe Festival
Out & About
Totnes Longbow Canoe Festival brings a thrilling spectacle, plus all the fun of the fair, to the riverside at Longmarsh, Totnes on Sunday 10 June.
T
he Rotary Club of Totnes has been organizing tickets, run stalls, announce the races, provide first aid the Longbow Canoe Festival for the past 8 years. cover, control parking, marshal spectators, load the Spectators can enjoy delightful fairground-style canoes, provide buoyancy aids, marshal crews, keep watch entertainment, charity stalls and street food all afternoon at the race start and finish. Bob the Bus will transport whilst cheering along the 16-24 Longbow Canoe Crews spectators to and from the Festival site at Longmarsh. (10 paddlers per canoe), as they race along the beautiful Funds raised by previous Totnes Rotary’s River Dart River Dart. events have been awarded to Chernobyl Children’s The 2018 crew line-up promises to be as exciting as ever Lifeline, Rowcroft Hospice, Children’s Hospice Southwith 6 hours of heats and some exciting and keenly fought West, Devon Air Ambulance (Totnes night-time finals. Some of the gallant landing sites), Totnes Caring, crews include: Royal Seven The 2018 crew line-up promises Rotary Foundation, Food Stars Hotel, Voyager Coffee, in Community and Totnes to be as exciting as ever China Blue, Goodmans, Stags, Community Hospital. Crews Bloor Homes, Cavanna Homes and White Feather 2. The can also raise funds for their own favourite charities. Longbow Canoe was the brainchild of Ian Bowles, a Totnes Please enquire for any late spaces to enter crews. The Boatwright who designed and developed it right here cost of £300 for a crew of 10 paddlers + reserves (paddlers on the River Dart. The colourful craft has room for ten need no previous experience), includes the services of a crewmembers and is steered by an experienced helmsman. helmsman plus lifejackets and paddles. Prospective crews Rotary’s partner organisations Canoe Adventures and or individuals who wish to help on Sunday 10 June should Dart Totnes Amateur Rowing Club, plus individual friends contact derekmeacher@gmail.com or call 01803 863920. of Rotary and volunteer organisations all work together to The wonderful photos of Longbow Crews in action in provide the support, equipment and expertise necessary to May 2017 were taken by Christina Burton of Newton Abbot run the event and ensure safety on and off the water. Photographic Club and Oli Preston of Dartington. o Volunteers help to start and finish the races, sell raffle totnescanoefest.co.uk
“
”
Need to Know
Free Admission Exciting Longbow Canoe Races from 12 noon Junior Canoe Races for 10-15 yrs (£5 each) Family Canoe Trips (by donation) Punch & Judy Show Children’s Entertainer Giant Bouncy Castle Face Painting Crazy about Clay Pottery Best Dressed Dog Competition Trade & Charity Stalls BBQ, drinks and ices Bob the Bus Service englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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OUS WORLD FAM
EWAY N AT ISPL 8 E 1 GRTY D 20 CI FOR 60
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Torbay Old Wheels
Out & About
Riviera Classic Car Show 2018 is the 25th anniversary of this popular show, that will be delighting car enthusiasts, residents and visitors at Paignton Green on Sunday 22 July.
T
his year the show welcomes that perennial children’s favourite, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. This reproduction of the star of the ever popular film is being kindly exhibited by the local group TOPS Musical Productions and you can catch their show of the same name at Torquay’s Princess Theatre in September. It’s 50 years since Chitty Chitty Bang Bang came to life on our screens and who can forget the adventures of the famous flying car? Torbay Old Wheels Club organises the Riviera Classic Car Show as part of the Paignton Festival, which lasts for 9 days. The show raises funds for the Festival and these are used to support local charities and organisations. In 2017 TOWC was able to donate a record sum of £5,500, which brings the running total to over £45,000. Aside from our beloved Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, other ‘feature’ cars are expected. There will also be a wide range of owners’ cars, everything from the early 1900s open tourers to Americana and modern crowd-pulling exotics. New for 2018 is the ‘Modern Classics’ class, where cars from the late 80s and early 90s are welcomed. TOWC wants to support younger classic enthusiasts and expects this new section to become a permanent feature of the show. In recent years there have been some amazing vehicles to see. These have included a perfect working
englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Need to Know Gates open from 10am – 4.30pm There are entrances at both ends of North Green. Entry is by a donation of £2.50 for adults, with children under 12 free. Dogs on leads are welcome, but please use your doggy bags. Unaccompanied children are not permitted, nor are bikes or scooters, which gate staff will look after. The show is child-friendly. Many owners will tell you about their vehicles and some may allow children to sit in their cars for photos.
copy of the talking car Kitt driven by David Hasselhoff in the Knight Rider programmes, the actual Volvo driven by Sir Roger Moore in The Saint TV series, a replica of the Dukes of Hazzard car and a Flintstones car. The display of fabulous vehicles is complemented by stage entertainment throughout the day with food outlets, a craft marquee and licensed bar. This is one of the highlights of the South West Classic car calendar and is a wonderful gathering of around 400 vehicles that the public can experience. The result is a unique event, which has developed its own very special relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Such is its popularity that TOWC now has exhibitors bringing their vehicles from right across England and bookings for spaces are full months in advance. Some of the entries are from individuals whilst there are also classic car clubs taking their own stand spaces. The range of vehicles is something to behold. There are a few rare examples from the early part of the 1900s plus lots of classics from the 50s to 70s or even a bit later. There’s also a sprinkling of modern customs and supercars, plus commercial vehicles, scooters and motorbikes. Torbay Scooter Club is expected to fill the motorcycle section with their mirror and whippy, aerial-adorned machines. A series of buses will be present on the seafront as an additional attraction to the main show. o towc.club June/July 2018
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Torquay Escape and take some time for yourself with one of our excellent value spa days • Includes lunch or afternoon tea • Choice of treatments • Use of 25m pool and facilities
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June/July 2018
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Learn to Snap the Stars
Out & About
Astronomer Will Gater tells us about a new venture offering astrophotography courses on Exmoor.
H
ere in the West Country we’re lucky enough to have some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes right on our doorstep, from the scenic South Devon coast to Dartmoor’s wooded valleys and Exmoor, with its dramatic mix of moorland hills and picturesque coastal villages. But there’s another very special asset we have here too; the hills of Dartmoor and Exmoor are some of the last remaining places in the country where one can see the night sky, relatively, free from light pollution – that yellowish-white glowing ‘fog’ that fills the sky and obscures the stars from our brightly-lit towns and cities. Exmoor’s dark skies, in particular, are famous around the world, and a swathe of the National Park has even been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve by the International Dark-Sky Association, based in the US. Having grown up in South Devon, I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to stargaze and take pictures of the night sky on Dartmoor and Exmoor for most of my life – in fact ever since I got into astronomy thanks to the enthusiasm of some great teachers at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School. Nowadays I spend most of my time writing and talking about the stars as an astronomy journalist and presenter. But this year I’ve also launched a new venture, called Dark Sky Destinations, offering astrophotography courses in dark-sky areas, for people interested in learning about how to capture images of the night sky. If that sounds exciting to you, tickets for our first
evening course have just gone on sale. It’ll be held in the heart of Exmoor – at the Exmoor White Horse Inn, in Exford – on the 8th September. During the course we’ll explore how to capture ‘nightscape’ astrophotos, which are photographs of landscapes with celestial sights – like the planets, Moon, bright constellations or even the Milky Way – over them. The evening will kick off with presentations on astrophotography techniques and image-processing in the hotel’s conferencing suite. It will finish – if the weather is good – with a guided workshop at an outdoor site about five minutes’ walk away. There I’ll be on hand to help and advise you as you capture photos of the starry skies over Exford, using camera equipment you’ve brought with you. For anyone wanting to extend their astronomical adventure on Exmoor after travelling to one of our evening courses, I’d recommend dropping into one of the Exmoor National Park visitor centres scattered around the region, as they have free maps of the International Dark Sky Reserve that show suggested stargazing sites. And if you enjoy visiting Exmoor, why not think about making a small donation to the CareMoor for Exmoor scheme, which raises funds for, among other things, wildlife conservation projects on the moor? Dark Sky Destinations is proud to be a partner with this Exmoor National Park scheme and you can find out more about it on our website. o darkskydestinations.com
Need to Know Delegate tickets for Dark Sky Destinations’ 8th September course and workshop cost £85 each and can be purchased via www.darkskydestinations.com, where you can also find a detailed itinerary and kit list for the evening.
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03/05/2018 16:01:40
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Follow the
Out & About
Wild Budgies Most people visit Paignton Zoo to see rare and unusual animals - species they may never have seen before from exotic habitats around the world. So it comes as a surprise to discover that the star of Paignton Zoo’s new guest encounter is also the world’s most popular pet bird – the budgie.
T
he Australian budgerigar may seem like an odd choice for a Zoo talk. Group Education Manager Steve Nash explains why sometimes it’s the familiar species that can reveal the biggest surprises: “The new encounter has been put together to try and encourage guests to see that every species has a story, and even the most familiar of animals can surprise us. Did you know, for example, that the name budgerigar is believed to come from an old Aboriginal word – betcherygarr – that means good eating?” Before you start eyeing your feathered friends up for lunch, Steve explains that budgies in the wild live in huge flocks in the Australian bush, often tens of thousands of birds together. It’s a tough life; they have to be migratory and fly huge distances to find food. It’s this behaviour that gave them their name – if you follow wild budgies, they’ll lead you to food, hence ‘good eating’. Where you find food you’ll also find water – which is essential if you’re stuck in the middle of the Australian outback. Totnes-born explorer William Wills died in the Australian desert in 1861 – the fact that the familiar budgie can succeed in environments where humans often cannot is a great example of why these little birds are so amazing. Zookeepers want guests to reconnect with nature – to stop and look rather than glance and move on. Steve says, “The budgies are just one of the species in our amazing
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Desert House - if you spend a few moments you’ll quickly realise that there’s a soap opera of life going on around you. Birds lead busy and fascinating lives and you’ll soon see that they’re not just flying around randomly. The great thing about bird watching is that you can do it anywhere - on a lunch break, in the playground, at home in your garden, or of course at Paignton Zoo. We say anywhere but actually there are places where it’s harder than it used to be to watch birds because the birds aren’t there anymore. Here at the Zoo we’re supporting a Europe-wide conservation project called Silent Forest, which aims to conserve endangered songbirds in Asia threatened by collection from the wild for the pet trade.” A visit to the Zoo is a great way of supporting their conservation work, not just with birds but with other species, too. Encouraging nature in your garden is an easy way to get involved and help more. Hanging up some bird feeders, putting up nest boxes and encouraging insects to your garden with the right plants are all fantastic ways to make a difference. 2018 is Paignton Zoo’s year of Nearby Nature and they’ll be running a range of events this year to show you how to help the native species all around you. Paignton Zoo’s Aridland Encounter talk is in the Desert House every day at 12.30. o paigntonzoo.org.uk
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ArtsRoundUp
We bring you a roundup of arts events and workshops happening locally. Torquay’s Artizan Gallery & Café
Greek Island Retreat featuring the work of Sue & Tim Luxton 2-22 June Monday-Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm North Devon artist Sue Luxton joins Artizan Gallery in June for an exhibition of recent works based on drawings made on a small Greek Island in the Dodecanese. Painting now for over 20 years, Sue produces scenes captured in sketchbooks from her travels. Her husband Tim who has produced a series of ceramic pieces, especially for the exhibition, will join her.
Artizan Summer Exhibition on Tour 12 July-6 August Monday-Saturday 10-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm Artist Preview 12 July 6.30-8.30pm Thanks to the sponsorship of London based Edinburgh House Estates, Artizan Gallery will be bringing a Summer Open Exhibition to Unit 5 on Torquay’s Fleet Walk. The exhibition will showcase the work of 100+ artists from across Torbay, South Devon and beyond. This will be a mixed show of 2D and 3D works with a rolling programme of events running alongside the main displays.
Cocktails & Conversation
Artizan Solo Show featuring the work of Alan Price Roberts 2-21 July Monday-Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm Torbay based artist Alan Price Roberts joins Artizan Gallery in July for an exhibition of recent and retrospective works. Widely exhibited both in the UK and abroad, Alan presents a series of new works in portraiture and figurative abstraction alongside some retrospective pieces from his early career.
Artist Previews 2 June & 6 July 6-8pm Pop in and enjoy these preview evenings with a complimentary glass of wine and exclusive preview evening commission reductions, should you be in the mood to buy. 66
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1 June and 3 July 6.30-8.30pm Artizan Gallery welcomes you to their monthly Cocktails and Conversation, where the networking and the drinks are sure to sparkle! You will be able to exclusively preview exciting monthly exhibitions before they open to the public. You’ll enjoy bespoke cocktails and canapés. In June guest speaker is Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive English Riviera BID Company. July guest speaker will be confirmed. The evening will close with a cocktail demonstration. Tickets include a welcome ‘Bubbles’ cocktail and drinks token for a second drink from the menu. Every month, there will be a new menu of four cocktails. Non-alcoholic options will also be available. Tickets £12 Booking Essential.
Stanza Extravaganza 25 June & 30 July With monthly poetry at Artizan Gallery welcoming a englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
Arts wealth of local talent and national headliners, Stanza Extravaganza is a real highlight of the Torbay poetry scene. With regular hosts Robert Garnham and Becky Nuttall at the helm, these events are always guaranteed to be a night of wonderful whimsy! Doors Open 7pm Performance 7.30pm.
can play with, jam and create Junk Music.” A total of 18 artists are preparing works for the launch of the Sculpture Trail on 26 May. The trail is an artist led project, delivered in partnership by local artist Phil Dixon and Cockington Court Centre Director, and artist, Marissa Wakefield. cockingtoncourt.org/whats-on/sculpture-trail
Acoustic Nights 18 June and 23 July Curated by the fabulous Robert Spence, the Artizan Acoustic Sessions are, an unplugged, open-mic evening of laidback music and melody featuring talented local performers and exciting guest sets. Special guest in June is Greg Hancock. His songs deal with a wide range of topics – from love-gone-wrong and personal emotions to topical issues and current affairs. His guitar playing has developed
The Arts Society Torbay - Events torbay.theartssociety.org
Women Artists in Cornwall 1880-1940
from roots in the new folk styles of the 70s and 80s, with influences from players like Nic Jones, Martin Simpson and Joni Mitchell, to become his own unique, intricate style. The July session headliner will be confirmed. Doors open 7pm, performance 7.30pm. All at: 7 Lucius Street, Torquay, TQ2 5NZ 01803 428626/07522509642 artizan gallery.co.uk f artizangallery Also check out art-hub.co.uk
Cockington Court’s 2018 Sculpture Trail The curators of Cockington’s Sculpture Trail have named Donald Knaack as the installation artist for 2018. Donald Knaack, otherwise known as The Junkman, uses unique and beautiful pieces of junk and recycled materials to create percussion instruments. The installation, Junk Music Playstations, is designed for groups to come to the sculpture, pick up some provided sticks and jam together. Donald Knaack said, “I am very much looking forward to my residency at Cockington Court. The sculpture is designed to be interactive and give visitors something they englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
14 June Enjoy a talk given by Catherine Wallace, which looks at the many women artists who came from as far as New Zealand to capture Cornwall’s charms. Time: 2.15pm, visitors are welcome, cost: £8. 01803 298440/200703. The Peter Larkin Hall, St. Matthias Church Centre, Babbacombe Rd, Torquay TQ1 1HW.
“I am the very Model” Music and Stories of the Gilbert & Sullivan Operas 4 July Peter Medhurst, acclaimed musician, organist and lecturer sings a selection of arias including The Judge’s Song from Trial by Jury and I am The Very Model from The Pirates of Penzance. Followed by afternoon tea. Time: 2pm, tickets by post: £20. Contact 01803 394179/298440 and see further details on website. The Belgrave Sands Hotel, Torquay TQ2 5HF June/July 2018
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Treading the boards Princess Theatre, Torquay Box Office 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick OLIVER! 20-23 June
Babbacombe Theatre Box Office 01803 328385 Editor’s pick STARSHINE Tuesdays & Wednesdays until 24 October
Oliver! is one of the most beloved British musicals, vividly bringing to life Dickens’ timeless characters. The sensational score is full of Lionel Bart’s irresistible songs. Presented by TOADS Stage Musical Company.
With an abundance of side-splitting comedy, spellbinding illusions, powerful vocalists delivering dynamic songs plus elegant dancers who are endlessly energetic and a delightful junior cast, Starshine is a fabulous feel-good show.
Also worth seeing… An Evening With Sir Ranulph Fiennes 24 July
Also worth seeing… West End at the Movies Thursdays Until 4 October Theatre Review
West End at the Movies Babbacombe Theatre Every Thursday until 4 October
Little Theatre, Torquay Box Office 01803 299330 Editor’s pick ROUGH JUSTICE 11-16 June James Highwood, host of a popular TV programme called ‘British Justice’, is on trial accused of murdering his mentally disabled child. A TOADS season production.
Also worth seeing… The Gondoliers by Torbay G & S Society 3-7 July
Madama Butterfly is a classic love story that never fails to move, a tragic romance that sweeps you along in the intensity of its action.
Also worth seeing… ROHLIVE SWAN LAKE 12 June 68
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Palace Theatre, Paignton Box Office 01803 665800 Editor’s pick A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED 5 June – 26 July
A R R FE FO OF 50 T E E G ICK PA T E R SE DE A RE
Flavel Arts Centre Dartmouth Box Office 01803 839530 Editor’s pick GLYNDEBOURNE: MADAMA BUTTERFLY 21 June
How ever did the Babbacombe team manage to fit 31 showstopping numbers into one performance? With a massively talented team of singers all pulled together by comedy frontman and versatile vocalist Andy Oakley, that’s how! From Showboat that opened on Broadway in 1927 to School of Rock that made its stage debut in 2016, West End At The Movies spans generations and has something for everyone. Babbacombe regular Wayne Martin was brilliant as ever, newcomer Debbie Farrell’s Shirley Bassey was truly uncanny and as for teenager Lily Laight - see her now, as she is surely destined for the big time very soon! If you love musicals then don’t miss this.
Paignton’s famous Bijou Theatre Productions presents this Agatha Christie gem featuring the indomitable Miss Marple. This is classic Christie – a puzzle of intrigue, concealed identities and lies.
Also worth seeing… The Bootleg Shadows – 14 July
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Open Air Theatre!
Y OU
Wrap up warm for these outdoor performances...
Over 2 Hours of Non-Stop Music
Greenway
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 17 June Heartbreak Productions presents this Austen classic with the famous Mr Darcy, in the Walled Garden at Greenway, the riverside residence of Agatha Christie.
01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway
Cockington Court
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE 27 July An entertaining play by Shakespeare with the devious Shylock and his infamous ‘pound of flesh’. Presented by Illyria in the glorious country park at Cockington Court.
Saturday 9th June 7.30pm Tickets: £20/£19
SATURDAY 16th JUNE
ER
SERIOUS JOK
LEE NELSON
7.30pm
ESA MAY L FEES FOR THER TO COVER LEGA TOUR EXTENDED
Dire Straits: UK
ELVIS MICHAEL KING
FRIDAY 20th JULY 7.30pm
Tickets £20
Bradley Manor
We are such stuff as dreams are made on - enjoy this exquisite Shakespeare play in the Walled Garden at Bradley. Also playing Peter Pan on 30 July.
01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/bradley
Dartmouth Castle
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 24-28 July The Inn Theatre Company presents Dartmouth Shakespeare Week in the open air at beautiful Dartmouth Castle – a stunning location for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
theinntheatrecompany.co.uk
STUNT
LAS VEGAS ELVIS ICON AWARD WINNER
01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org THE TEMPEST 24 July
TICKETS £20
★★★★★
Simply the best tribute act
Friday 29th June 7.30pm Tickets £18/£16
GEORGE MICHAEL THE LEGACY
FAITH
Saturday 28th July 7.30pm Tickets £23.50
Friday 3rd August 7.00pm Tickets £15
£2 booking fee - NO CREDIT CARD CHARGES APPLIED
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Box Office (01803) 328385 June/July 2018
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Torbay Mencap is affiliated with the national Mencap charity and shares the vision of a world where people with a learning disability (PWLD) are valued equally, listened to and included. At this local level they raise funds autonomously and pursue projects that will improve the lives of local families. Julian Rees meets chairman Stephen Marks to find out more.
I
’m meeting Stephen Marks, the incumbent Chairman a disability. He also rides regularly at the Erme Valley of Torbay Mencap (Local), for coffee. We’re just down Riding for the Disabled group and attends the PHAB the road from his office at global technology company children’s club in Torquay. Oclaro (an offshoot of Nortel Networks) where he has Inclusion is very much the key goal for Torbay Mencap worked for 35 years and holds a senior position looking and their current major project is the establishment of a after the business’s corporate social responsibility. Changing Place in Torbay. This consists of an enhanced Finding more time in his work schedule, Stephen took toilet facility with a hoist that can accommodate PWLD on the voliunteer role of Chairman of Torbay Mencap of any age and their carers. Usually sited within an two years ago having been involved on the periphery for existing public convenience the space is built to a national several years. He explains how the local charity works standard so changing and toileting can be accomplished under the umbrella of the national organisation and tells safely and comfortably helping users to enjoy the dayme about two local projects to-day activities many of us Not only can we expect people to take for granted. Stephen tells that his team are currently visit Paignton because this facility enables me that Torbay Council has pursuing. The group is operated entirely by unpaid them to do so, but we can also expect recently advised the Changing local volunteers in their own Places Steering Group that a Torbay’s reputation for access to be time and usually at their own new Changing Place will be strengthened yet further expense; it is driven by its built on Paignton Seafront. project goals. Stephen believes that attracting professionals The charity will be making a donation to the council as volunteers will make the charity more businesslike and of £7,000 and further funds are anticipated from the help it achieve its important goals. As well as experienced Rotary Clubs of Paignton and Preston. He goes on to volunteers to work on and even introduce new projects, say, “Although these accumulative funds are a fraction of the charity is also looking for committee members to take the costs borne by Torbay Council, they are a meaningful over the roles of Treasurer and Secretary. contribution. When all is said and done, I’d like to think Stephen has a 12-year-old son Luke who has speech that our Changing Places Steering Group has been a good and language cognitive delay. He tells me that Luke example of community partnership helping make Torbay has benefited greatly from swimming with the Torquay an even better place. Not only can we expect people to Leander Club at Plainmoor Pool where he attends visit Paignton because this facility enables them to do so, improvers sessions twice a week alongside those without but we can also expect Torbay’s reputation for access to be
“
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Charities & Volunteering strengthened yet further”. The second project Stephen and his team are working on is the Hospital Flag System in partnership with Torbay Hospital. This involves the use of the hospital’s Symphony computer records system where individual patient records can be appended by means of a form to add ‘flags’. The system currently holds flags for many people with various allergies but Torbay Mencap’s aim is to ensure the records of PWLD are flagged so that the correct care can be administered and they are not physically or emotionally damaged. Stephen reiterates that this is a process of fostering relationships with the right people to make things happen. Stephen explains how the charity also wants to ensure the future of the PWLD community in the Bay. He tells me that his son Luke attends Mayfield School in Torquay and benefits from a school transport service. Although he appreciates this service, it does mean that the relationships and social networks which were once established and developed between parents at the school gate no longer flourish. He is keen for parents of children with learning disabilities who would like to participate in occasional social activities without necessarily committing to the charity to get in touch. Many currently active
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members are older having come together at the school gate. Stephen is keen to build community relations to span the generations and continue to offer support through sharing experiences; this will help ensure a brighter outlook for families. The charity also runs the Torbay Gateway Club for PWLD over the age of 16 plus their parents and carers. It is held each Tuesday night at Jasmyn House, Midvale Road, Paignton from 6.30pm until 9pm, and offers a few hours of companionship every week. torbaymencap.co.uk Get involved Torbay Mencap would like to hear from people who can offer professional skills to help the charity work more effectively with commercial partners and donors. Please also get in touch with any suggestions for new projects that would help increase inclusivity for people with learning disabilities. Get in touch by email: enquiries@torbaymencap.co.uk Or call Stephen direct: 07968 853273 To make a donation contact Roy Blackmore 01803 311026 or royblackmore@msn.com
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Roses,Tomatoes & Gillyflowers
Gardening
Lis Wallace of Dobies of Devon gives her tips on June and July tasks in the garden.
“
Hot July brings cooling showers, Apricots and gillyflowers. ” - Sara Coleridge
Longer days and warmer nights mean there’s time both to work in the garden and also to relax and enjoy the smells, sights and tastes resulting from our labours. After the long hard winter “blazing June” is very welcome. Plants can be moved outside to their flowering or fruiting positions and even houseplants can now be moved outside for the summer. Gillyflower is a collective name for scented flowers, including dianthus, carnations and stocks. The name Gillyflower (pronounced Jilly) is believed to stem from the French word for July. To stock up on your own July flowers visit the Dobies website and you’ll find we’ve been growing plenty at our Occombe nursery. Regarding Sara Coleridge’s forecasted cooling showers – let’s hope they happen at night!
June - July Tasks • The extra light and warmth means that not only plants but also weeds will be growing well. So, keep the hoe handy and weed regularly. • Hanging baskets can be put in place now and containers can be planted up with summer bedding. • Tall perennials such as hollyhocks, lupins and delphiniums will need staking or tying to a fence or wall. • Place scented potted plants on the patio and near doors and open windows. • Spring bulb foliage can be cut back now and crowded clumps can be lifted, separated and replanted. • Once Sweet Peas start flowering this month remember to pick and deadhead often to keep those blooms coming. • Early flowering perennials can be cut down to ground level. They may well flower again later. • Your summer feeding and watering regime needs to kick in and be maintained.
Lis’s garden includes a wide range of flowering plants but it is the veg patch and greenhouse that receive the most attention. Lis will share some of the knowledge she has gained from her father (a professional gardener) from working at Dobies and also from her own trial and error. Storm, the Jack Russell is bound to chip in now and then. That’s what terriers do! englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
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ARTIZAN GALLERY
SUMMER OPEN 2018 12
JULY- 16AUG
UNIT 5 FLEET WALK
art-hub.co.uk/summeropen2018
Kindly Sponsored by Edinburgh House Estates
JUNE & JULY EXHIBITIONS June Exhibition: Works of Sue Luxton // 2 June - 22 June // art-hub.co.uk/june2018 June Artist Preview: // 2nd June / 18:00-20:00 // Cocktails & Conversation: 1st June / 18:30-20:30 July Exhibition: Works of Alan Price-Roberts // 2nd July - 21st July // art-hub.co.uk/july2018 July Artist Preview: 6th July / 18:00-20:00 // Cocktails & Conversation: 3rd July / 18:30-20:30 nd
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ARTIZAN GALLERY 7 LUCIUS STREET TORQUAY TQ2 5UW 01803 428626 ARTIZANGALLERY.CO.UK ART-HUB.CO.UK
// // // // // // //
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Roses Grow on You
• Roses love water so give the roots a good soak once or twice a week Roses mean summer and summer during dry weather. means roses. Buds will be swelling, • Keep those blooms coming by and many varieties will start regularly deadheading and to bloom. Come July, you’ll be removing any damaged or cutting roses for the house and diseased leaves. enjoying their lemony scent out in • After the first flush of flowers the garden. Here are some tips for start feeding weekly with keeping them looking good: a balanced fertiliser such as Top Resist Rose Feed.
• Remove and squish aphids between thumb and forefinger. If the rose has a large infestation then you may need to resort to a spray but only spray the leaves, not the blooms. • Remove any weeds from around the base of the rose. You don’t want them competing for moisture and nutrients.
Tomato Tips
Bee Kind to Bees
This is the time of year when we get to eat what we’ve grown. In my garden peas, cherry tomatoes and other delights rarely make it as far as the kitchen. Of all homegrown food, tomatoes are one of the easiest and most popular. • Pinch out the side shoots on your cordon tomatoes. • Start to feed when the first flowers appear, using high potash tomato feed. • Pick your tomatoes often to keep the fruits coming. • Do your picking in late afternoon when the sugar content will be at its highest. • Tomatoes continue to develop flavour for a few days after being picked but this stops if you store them in the fridge. Instead, keep them in a bowl at room temperature but not for too long! • If you are lucky enough to have a glut, then freeze your tomatoes whole on a tray and then pop them into bags. Perfect for winter stews and sauces for pasta or pizza and no need to defrost first. • Adding a pinch of sea salt to salad tomatoes will bring out even more flavour. • Green tomatoes make wonderful chutney but for a change, why not fry them? Fried green tomatoes must be good – they named a film after them
Bee numbers are at their highest during summer which puts pressure on their food supply. Although our gardens may be full of flowers and colour, that doesn’t mean they are of the right type to produce nectar. Traveling long distances in search of food increases the risk of the bees becoming lost, uses up vital energy and can also be hazardous. So, how can we help? Simply ensure that your garden includes at least some nectar producing plants. Dobies has a stunning range of perennials at our nursery – of the nectar producing kind. And bee-ing kind to bees means you also have a good excuse for not mowing the lawn so often. Clover is a very rich source of bee food so let it grow and flower. Did you know that we have a new sister company, National Bee Supplies (NBS)? Based at Okehampton, NBS manufacture the finest quality beehives and also offers a wide range of products for good beekeeping, including bee friendly seeds, shrubs and plants. Why not take a look at their website? beekeeping.co.uk
To contact Dobies please call 0844 967 0303 or email gardening@dobies.co.uk
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Pack a picnic and bring the Add some colour to family for an outdoor theatre your weekend this at performance this summer Bradley Manor or Greenway autumn at Gibside - 'Peter Pan' by Immersion Theatre, Mon 30 Jul at Bradley Manor, Newton Abbot. - 'The Midnight Gang' by Heartbreak Theatre, Sun 12 Go crunching through fallen leaves and discover a forest Aug at Greenway, Galmpton. teeming with wildlife and autumn colours, with walking For fullfor performance details and to book, visit the routes all ages and abilities. website.
nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside
Call 01803 842382 for details nationaltrust.org.uk/bradley and nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway
When you donate, or joinTrust, theyour National When you visit,visit, donate, volunteervolunteer or join the National support helps to look after special <in the region> <like Trust, yourussupport helps usplaces to look after special property X, property Y and Proeprty Z> in for ever, for everyone. places in the English Riviera for ever, for everyone. © National Trust 2018. The National Trust is an © National Trust 2016. The National Trust is an independent independent charity, number 205846. © National registered charity,registered number 205846. Photography Trust Photography © National Trust Images\Stuart Cox. Images.
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Torbay Business Forum
Social Diary
Mark Hawkins, CEO of Rowcroft Hospice, was guest speaker at Torbay Business Forumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s May meeting.
Pete Barretto (Bishop Fleming), Mark Hawkins (Rowcroft), Debbie Bunclark (Handelsbanken).
Mark Green (Fruition), Mark Salmon (Bays Brewery)
Maddison Turvey ( Jelf), Julie Rose (Simpkins Edwards), Helen Pitts (Stephens Scown). Nick Bye, Kevin Mowat (Torbay Council), Richard Haddock (Churston Traditional Farm Shop)
Regina Rowe & David Rowe (Conroy Couch), Paul Bettesworth (Bettesworths)
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Lisa Wilson (Ideea), Rosey Oakes (Rowcroft Hospice)
Hazel Foster, Stephen Moorhouse (PKF Francis Clark), Peter Hodge (Marsland Nash Assoc.)
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HOLLYWOOD COMES TO TOWN!
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Salty Sheep Riviera Heritage Herbert ChilcoteCEO &DrNew Rowcroft Brixham Battery New! Heritage Trail
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William Scoresby
AN AFTERNOON SAIL FOR TWO ABOARD VIGILANCE OF BRIXHAM
Festive Food & Drink
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Bowls & Ladies Cricket
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UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
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TORBAY ROYAL REGATTA PORT OF DARTMOUTH ROYAL REGATTA JOIN THE TILLER GIRLS AMERICA'S CUP WINNERS MEET COMMODORE KATE BROWN
Face Your Fears
tes The Bay's Agatha Movie Premiere Celebra
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at Virtual Jet Centre
CHEERS TO 10 YEARS OF BEERS!
We visit Bays Brewery
100 Fun Festivities
Celebrate the Season
English Riviera Magazine for Residents by Residents
English Riviera Magazine for Residents by Residents
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October/November 2017
Meet Abbey School's
SYLVIA GREINIG
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MARK HAWKINS William Scoresby
Autumn 125 Activities Give It A Go!
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Readerthe Survey Watch wall and let the gentlemen pass views by... of Stunning autumn
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June/July 2018
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DARTMOUTH FOOD FESTIVAL
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William Froude SHAKESPEARE GOING UNDERGROUND FOR THE TENTH YEAR
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Raw Art Forum Exhibition
Social Diary
Torquayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Artizan Gallery held a private view of their May exhibition
Aidan & Frances Cooper
Fergus Cooper
Janet Wynn, Will Smith and Mandy Neill
Pete and Vonnie Clout and Richie Henderson
Julie Brandon and Jennifer Jayarajah
Mo Jayarajah and Blandine Marnet
Jayne Cousines and Sandra Marks
Steve Neill and Bobbie Smith
Paignton Chamber Networking
The recently reformed Paignton Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast networking session at Shoreline. See page 81 for future meetings.
Jane Wyke (Network M), James Twigger (Accounting 4 Everything) and Annette Hunt (Hunts Cider)
Sue Young (Devon Clinic) and Julie Flood (Bowen Tecnique)
John Tomkins (Emberlense Productions) and Dean Kelly (Paignton Chamber of Commerce)
Matthew Clarke (Partington Print), Maddison Turvey ( Jelf) and Paul Forsey (Read Davies)
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Phil Thomas (Shoreline) and Liam Pellowe (Howard Financial)
June/July 2018
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BusinessBreaks... It’s Groundbreaking! Work has started on the construction of the Hi-Tech and Digital Centre at South Devon College, on Long Road in Paignton. The £17m project will provide a visionary centre for education and training to support the growing hi-tech manufacturing, digital and creative sectors in and around Torbay. The centre is due to open in September 2019 and will provide a new location for the already thriving departments at the college. Students Nikita Coombes, Joel
£24,000 Golf Swing
Linden Homes’ annual charity golf day in Torquay raised £24,000 for Torbay Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital’s Neonatal Unit. Around 60,000 babies are born in the South West every year and up to 10 per cent may require care from the neonatal units across the region. Vanessa Diamond, from Torbay Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit said, “We have 10 cots and care for approximately 330 babies a year, who may be small, premature or need extra care or
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June/July 2018
Stoddard- Turvey, Ben Baber-Hale and Virag-Angyalka Kiss were invited to formally break the ground at a special ceremony, and South Devon College Principal Stephen Criddle OBE was commended for his excellent leadership. The centre will complement the expanding investment from Europe, Japan and America into the local area. It will provide students with the skills to work in hi-tech businesses such as: electronics, lasers, fibre, satellite & communications, aerospace, marine and medical. o
observation. We are hoping to create a mother and father unit to enable both parents to stay at the hospital and this money will make a huge difference!” Bradley Davison, managing director of Linden Homes, said, “This was our fifth charity golf day as a company and we’ve now raised over £100,000 for local charities.” o
Vroom Vroom! Local estate agent, Saunders & Lingard’s resident Stirling Moss, Rob Lingard, will be pushing pedal to the metal this October. He is bidding to complete the 26th running of one of the oldest events in the Triumph enthusiast’s calendar, the Club Triumph RBRR. He will be proudly displaying the Saunders & Lingard logo on his 1979 Triumph Spitfire 1500 alongside numerous local companies who are invited to sponsor parts of the car. The Round Britain Reliability Run will be held from Friday 5 October to Sunday 7 October this year and will raise funds for Epilepsy Research UK. For more information and to find out how you can sponsor englishrivieramagazine.co.uk
BusinessBreaks...
... Rob’s car, please visit the news section of the Saunders & Lingard website. Saunders & Lingard were also the Gold Winner for Estate Agents in Paignton at the 2018 British Property Awards. o saundersandlingard.co.uk
Law Firm of the Year Wollen Michelmore Solicitors won the DASLS Legal Award - Leading Law Firm of the Year for firms with over 11 partners, held at the English Riviera Centre. The award was one of the biggest of the evening, with many highprofile law firms competing in the 11+ Partners category including Kitsons who were highly commended. Wollen Michelmore is delighted to have won this award especially after a busy year with their recent merger with Exeter firm Morgan & Pope. Chris Hart, Chief Executive, Wollen Michelmore says, “To win this award is a huge credit to everyone within the firm who has played their part in enabling us to grow into a regional player providing great service across our practice areas.” The firm has 5 offices across Devon including Torquay, Newton Abbot, Dartmouth, Barnstaple and Exeter. o
Photo: Pyramid Bay Photography
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Networking Directory
Get involved with Torbay business! Torbay Business Forum First Tuesday of every month 7.30am RICC Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ Contact: Angela George 07717 316641 info@torbaybusinessforum.org.uk torbaybusinessforum.org.uk @TorbayBusiness Paignton Chamber of Commerce Second Thursday of every month. (check Facebook page for venue) Contact: Dean Kelly 07399 611643 c paigntondistrictchamberofcommerce Torbay Business Network Last Friday of every month 7.30am Pierpoint Restaurant Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5HA Contact: Anthony Blackaby 01803 299935 events@torbaybusinessnetwork.co.uk @TorbayBizNet
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June/July 2018
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To err is human, to forgive, divine... I e esol io e i isio e li (and thus funds cannot be secured to enable private wi le l l i s lis e i s e ye r s r e y e i le treatment to go ahead) the affected person will have to eli eri ir resol io le r i ro r wait to access treatment. In the case of psychological The report recognised that when things do go wrong therapy, this wait can be many weeks or months. We with medical treatment it is important that those involved have witnessed first-hand how difficult this wait can be are properly informed and supported, that unnecessary for our clients. We are fortunate to be able to signpost costs are contained, and that learning from those errors them to select local and national charities who can leads to improvement. It would be hoped, then, that provide them with mental and practical support until the most claims could be contained within the organisation’s proceeds of the claim gives them the financial means to internal complaints procedure, usually the Patient Liaison access private, bespoke therapy. Service (‘PALS’), or via the Practice Manager. We knew from dealing with so many clients who were We are often consulted by those who have pursued struggling mentally that we had to do something to help their complaint informally, and are them beyond providing legal advice. unhappy with the way that the One of my clients said to me the other e el ys i i i complaint has been dealt with. Usually day, “I have been able to tell you things in wro oi s e there is anger at the perceived lack of my darkest hour that I couldn’t even tell o o e e honesty when things do go wrong. This my husband, and in return, you offered el y e e e lack of candour only serves to inflame me your ear and your sympathy, which erso re ei i y an already difficult situation, leading to a undoubtedly helped me to see the light re e i l re e feeling that the only way to get answers at the end of the tunnel, and only then is to make a legal claim. was I able to forgive and move on”. In their strategy to 2022, the NHSR acknowledge that Therein lies the answer. A “sorry” is sometimes all that a claims are often pursued in search of an explanation or person needs to hear. acknowledgement that something has gone wrong, From a friendly ear, to signposting for support, to a which they call a ‘frustration claim’. In our experience, legal advisor, this is all part of our friendly department’s almost all claims are frustration claims. Unfortunately, it service. If you feel that we can help you, please do get is often the case that the involvement of a legal advisor in touch. Contact Elizabeth on: is necessary to uncover any wrongdoing, and to secure Elizabeth.larner@wollenmichelmore.co.uk funds to put those wrongs right (if, indeed, they can be 01803225135 put right at all). The delays in admitting wrongdoings can have a knock-on effect and delay the affected person receiving any remedial treatment. Part of any legal claim will be a claim for private funds to enable the individual to access any treatment in the private sector, where therapy can be Elizabeth Larner sso i e oli i or accessed quickly and efficiently without further burden to the NHS. d w le l However, if any wrongdoing is not admitted promptly c olle i el ore
Wollen Michelmore SOLICITORS Barnstaple
Dartmouth
Regional Law Firm of the year South West
Exeter
Law Firm of the Year Award (11+ Partners)
Newton Abbot
www.wollenmichelmore.co.uk This firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (No.565599)
Torquay
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