English Riviera Magazine June/July 2016

Walks Local Food Heritage Nature People Events Arts

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EnglishRiviera

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magazine

June/July 2016

Enjoy!

101

Fabulous Events to keep you busy this summer!

Torbay Air Show Ways With Words Summer of Shakespeare and lots more...

Meet

The High Sheriff

Angela Gilbert

& Rex Latham

Master Blacksmith

MIKE LANGMAN

on Wildlife Photography

Oscar Wilde

Stroll around

STOKE GABRIEL

A RESIDENCE IN BABBACOMBE

Are You Bee Curious?

Gardening

with Lis Wallace

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Created and Published By Devon Magazine Company Limited Anita Newcombe anita@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone: 01803 850886 Julian Rees julian@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Telephone 01803 842893 Mobile: 07455 206470 Advertising sales sales@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Advertising Copy copy@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Editorial editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk Website englishrivieramagazine.co.uk facebook.com/englishrivieramagazine twitter.com/EngRivieraMag ISSN (Print) 2052-8515 ISSN (Online) 2052-8523 Proudly printed in Devon at Polestar Wheatons, Exeter

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…to our June-July issue! Summer is here and we have a magazine packed with ways to enjoy the English Riviera including Torbay’s first ever Air Show, which looks like being a truly spectacular 3-day event.

In this issue we meet the Lady of Compton Castle, Angela Gilbert who has recently become High Sheriff of Devon and we wander down to the smithy to chat to Rex Latham, the Cockington blacksmith. We also give bee-keeping a go, check out some al fresco theatricals (bring a picnic) and highlight some great food & drink festivals, plus the literary Ways With Words Festival at Dartington and that ever-popular rural delight, the Totnes Show.

We’ve compiled a huge What’s On section to inspire you and we bring news of the transformation of Cockington Lakes, always worth a tranquil stroll. We also bring you a suggested walk around beautiful Stoke Gabriel and some interesting heritage features including a look at Oscar Wilde’s sojourn in Babbacombe.

Please keep sending us your news, photos and story ideas to editorial@englishrivieramagazine.co.uk and do chat to us on Twitter and Facebook.

We always enjoy attending receptions and all kinds of events, so please feel free to invite us along if you’d like your event featured.

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In this issue June/July 2016

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34

Openers

Local news snippets

12 Riviera People - Angela Gilbert The new High Sheriff

30 Oscar Wilde

18 Riviera People - Rex Latham Tales from the smithy

22 Torbay Air Show

67

Theatre

30 Heritage - Oscar Wilde

69

Out & About

32 Ways With Words

70

Charity News

34 Get the Shot!

73

Gardening

36 Heritage - Potrait Detective

76

Social Diary

39 Beer Festivals

80

Business Breaks

43 D-Day Talk and Tea

82

The Briefing

and Armed Forces Day

Babbacombe’s former resident

Dartington literature festival Mike Langman on photography Sharpham’s elusive lady

at Occombe Farm and Kingswear History at Greenway

46 Walk

Summer of Shakespeare Holiday at home?

Cockington Lakes Lis Wallace’s green fingered column Local people at local events Local business news in brief Legal topics from Wollen Michelmore

18 Rex Latham

39 Beer Festivals

Stoke Gabriel Stroll

49 Out & About

The Totnes Show

50 What’s On

44 Bee Curious?

Our pick of June and July events

64 Theatre

Who’s treading the boards?

22 Torbay Airshow englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Cover: Torre Abbey and Gardens © Simon Hodgkiss June/July 2016 2016

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Torbay’s Treasures Two of Torbay’s best-loved treasures have received £50,000 each from the Coastal Revival Fund for vital restoration. Torbay’s Coastal Community Team has secured the funds for Paignton Picture House and Shoalstone Pool in Brixham. Paul Hawthorne, Chairman of Paignton Picture House said, “This funding will enable us to reopen the much-loved Paignton Picture House to the public for the first time in over 16 years.” Sheila Andrews, Project Lead for Shoalstone Revival Fund said, “This project will breathe new life into Shoalstone Pool, a unique art-deco saltwater lido overlooking the sea in beautiful Brixham.

Gordon Oliver, Elected Mayor of Torbay said, Paignton Picture House and Shoalstone Pool are superb assets to Torbay and I look forward to their full revival. This will increase the attractiveness of Torbay for residents and visitors.”o

providing somewhere for young males to grow up in a social environment. Some may move on to be the dominant males in bachelor or family groups in other collections as part of the European breeding programme. o

Strictly Charitable

Gorilla Tactics Is he the toughest boss ever? Contractors working at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon were watched over by a gorilla. Twelve year old, 176 kilo Western lowland gorilla N’Dowe loves to keep an eye on things from his island home. The workers, from Torbay building firm Lee & Lee, were building the new Hangout play area and takeaway kiosk for the Zoo. Company boss Adrian Lee said, “It’s a bit unnerving, being watched by a gorilla, but the lads are taking it all in their stride!” Paignton Zoo volunteer photographer Ray Wiltshire, who took the pictures, said, “In the afternoon N’Dowe goes over and watches the builders working, he loves it. He will sit quietly taking it all in for a while - then he goes into his display!” The charity’s bachelor group of Western lowland gorillas – a Critically Endangered species - plays a vital role in international gorilla conservation, 6

June/July 2016

Staff from award-winning holiday park Beverley Holidays swapped their usual uniforms for sparkly sequins in a glamorous Strictly Come Dancing dance-off in aid of Cancer Research UK. Receptionists, lifeguards and other members of the Beverley team paired up with dancing pros from the park’s entertainment troupe to compete for the coveted glitter ball trophy. In true Strictly Come Dancing style, each dance duo performed a dazzling display of ballroom routines in a bid to raise both smiles and stacks of cash for charity. Dancing their way to first place with the rumba was Beverley Holidays Entertainer Steph and Evening Customer Service member Morgan. The total sum raised for Cancer Research UK was an impressive £2,050.o englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Torre Abbey Free to Under-18s

From April this year, entry at Torre Abbey has become free to under-18s, enabling all young people to discover the fascinating secrets of its 820-year history. There will be a new programme of family days, children’s workshops, talks, theatre and music. Through the spectacular house and gardens, youngsters can trace historic tales from the early years of Torre Abbey as a monastery in 1196 through time to the present day. Following Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, the surviving buildings were bought by Cary family in 1662 and became a private house. Children and young people can stand in the very locations where major historical events took place including Spanish Barn, which housed Spanish Armada prisoners. Following a £11m restoration project, the Abbey now boasts some very whizzy multi-media technology, which includes a talking knight and animated plates in the Victorian Cary dining room. The gardens are beautiful for a gentle stroll and there’s a delightful tearoom; it’s well worth a visit. o

:WKSÅ[P *ZMISNI[\ NWZ .Q[P 5IZSM\ <W]Z[ Mitch Tonks & Rockfish are working with Brixham Fish Market to provide breakfast to finish off visits to the early morning market as part of the tours organised by Christine Hodgetts, Rick Smith and auctioneer Barry Young. Barry, much-loved Brixham character, who runs Brixham Trawler Agents, and locals Christine and Rick have been running tours of the morning market and auction for 6 years, giving people a rare glimpse of what happens behind the scenes at one of the country’s busiest fish markets. The tours will now finish with a breakfast of fresh fish cooked at Rockfish, overlooking the harbour and market. Forthcoming tour dates are: June 1, 2,15, 29 and July 13, 20, 27 (see our What’s On section for more information). o

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Antipodean Arrival

King’s Ash Academy Gets Political

In a UK first for Paignton Zoo - a kiwi, native to New Zealand has made its home here. This is the only kiwi anywhere in the UK and one of only a handful in Europe.

The five-year old male named Manu is a brown or Northern kiwi – an Endangered species - and has come from Frankfurt Zoo in Germany. Preparations for his arrival included asking the Torbay Metal Detectors Club to search the enclosure for potentially dangerous bits of metal. Club member Tom Hurren said, “It’s the most unusual request for metal detectoring we have ever had!” Senior Head Bird Keeper Peter Smallbones said, “They have a bad habit of consuming things they shouldn’t. They can be fussy eaters and don’t take to new foods easily, but they love bits of wire and silicon. They probe the soil with their long beaks and can dig up bits that aren’t usually exposed.” Conservationists allocate males to collections so keeping staff can perfect their husbandry skills – they then apply to hold a pair. Curator of Birds Jo Gregson said, “It will be at least two years before we are in that position.” Kiwis can live for more than 40 years. Paignton Zoo has put up a TV screen near the Avian Breeding Centre to help visitors catch a glimpse of the bird, which sleeps during the day. The kiwi is the national symbol of New Zealand – feathers are often gathered by zookeepers and sent back to New Zealand, where they are highly prized by the country’s indigenous Maori people, who use them in ceremonial clothing. o

King’s Ash Academy in Paignton had a visit from Parliament’s Education Service. As a school, they were able to play the parts of MPs, Peers and the Queen to role-play the passing of a new law. Year 5 explored the history of the vote, held a debate and then voted. Year 6 investigated political parties, created their own manifestos, shared these and then voted for their favoured political party. parliament.uk/education o

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June/July 2016

Battling Onwards Samantha Little, Writer in Residence at Brixham Heritage Museum, has launched her latest book, Battling Onwards: The Brixham Fishing Fleet 1914-1918, as part of the museum’s Great War centenary commemorations.

Samantha’s book is the evocative, true story of the Brixham Fishing Fleet during the Great War. Crews battled great adversity to supply the nation with food at a crucial time, despite the recruitment of many men to the Royal Navy, increasing regulations, U-boat activity, mines in the trawl and many other obstacles. The book also recalls the rescue of men from HMS Formidable by the crew of the Brixham trawler, Provident. Samantha has drawn extensively on the words of those who were actually there, especially fisherman George Bridge, whose fascinating memoirs are held in the museum’s archive.

Battling Onwards: The Brixham Fishing Fleet 1914-1918 by Samantha Little is available from Brixham Heritage Museum shop at a cost of £3.50; it is also available through bookshops (ISBN: 978-0-9545459-8-7). o englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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Angela Gilbert

Lady of the Castle

First lady of Compton Castle, recently appointed High Sheriff of Devon, professional photographer, yachtie and sheep breeder, Angela Gilbert is always on the go. Anita Newcombe catches up with her in the castle’s Butler’s Pantry.

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s I head towards the ticket office at Compton Castle, a door opens and Angela Gilbert pops out to meet me. We head inside and settle in the warm, Aga-heated butler’s pantry, which seems to be the family’s everyday hub.

I am lucky to have secured this meeting – the office of High Sheriff is renowned for keeping the incumbent incredibly busy. Angela is quite relaxed and chatty though and makes me a nice cup of tea. No butlers here; it’s very informal and friendly.

Angela was not brought up in a stately home environment. She tells me “I was an army brat.” Her father, Major-General Anthony Deane-Drummond was a distinguished war hero who escaped from enemy hands three times and was awarded a DSO and two MCs. Angela was born in London and like many people in the services, had to move army quarters regularly as her father was appointed to various different postings. There were 4 daughters in the family and Angela spent a holiday in Malaya where she learned to swim for the first time. She explains, “We weren’t allowed to swim in England due to the risk of polio.”

Her father was away a lot but in spite of being seriously wounded in Cyprus, he lived to the ripe old age of 95 and a half. Her mother was a self-taught portrait photographer and set up a new studio everywhere they were stationed.

Angela wasn’t sure what she wanted to do after school, so she applied to North London Polytechnic in Regent Street (now Westminster University) where well-known architectural photographer Margaret Harker interviewed her. She says she was a bit ashamed of the tiny photo prints she brought along but she must have made a good impression as she was accepted and went on to study commercial photography, architectural photography and photojournalism.

After graduating, Angela accepted the first job that she saw advertised. This was at Rex Roberts Studios in Dublin 12

June/July 2016

where she spent most of her time taking photos for the Green Shield Stamps catalogue. She ended up spending more and more time in the pitch dark, processing 10 x 8 transparency images. She remembers thinking, “I am definitely not going to spend my whole life processing and printing photos.”

So she trawled through the telephone directory looking for suitable companies to give her a new job and found Terry MacInnis, Photographic PR Services – they regularly arranged photoshoots on behalf of PR companies. One of her first assignments involved going up in a light aircraft to photograph Orange Parades in Belfast. The plane banked right over and she had to hang right out of the aircraft window to get her shots. Angela survived the trip unscathed but the owner’s son who was travelling with them was sick all over her. She tells me, “When we landed I managed to find an old, broken basin and wash myself and my camera bag down – luckily the lenses were ok.”

Next she went on a British & Irish air sea rescue helicopter to photograph a simulated rescue. She had to hang her legs out of the door so far that they detailed someone to keep a firm grip round her middle to stop her from falling out (this was clearly before the days of Health & Safety!).

Later she was sent to photograph a number of hotels for brochures. A friend covered a wardrobe up with bedspreads so that it was dark enough inside her little cocoon to change the camera plates. She learned the architectural photography trade on an old Gandolfi camera, beautifully constructed with wood and brass. After leaving college she bought a Mamiyaflex twin lens reflex camera, which she found good but not quite as reliable. Later she progressed to the Nikon F, which was Nikon’s first SLR camera and acquired a selection of lenses.

Having worked for a PR company, Angela was now able to apply for an NUJ card opening up the world of englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Riviera People

One of her first assignments involved going up in a light aircraft to photograph Orange Parades in Belfast. The plane banked right over and she had to hang right out of the aircraft window to get her shots. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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newspaper work to her. She wanted to go to South Africa Brasilia, Iguazu and Asuncion. as her grandparents had lived there. Whilst still mulling On returning to the UK, Angela was offered a job at over this idea, she bumped into a shipping magnate at the Evening Standard as a photographer. In typical style, an evening PR event and mentioned her idea. Shortly she was undeterred by being initially told there were no afterwards she received an unsolicited ticket for the RMS jobs available. She went in to chat to them anyway and Pendennis Castle operated by the Union-Castle line. It managed to convince them to take her on as the only wasn’t free though – she had to stump up £130 for the female on the team. She recalls, “The office was very voyage. Armed with a banker’s draft from her father for male-dominated and the language around the office was £600, she managed to secure an open-ended visa and rather ‘blue’ in those days.” headed out to Cape Town.

Husband Geoffrey came into her life in one of her A measure of Angela’s ‘get up and go’ mentality is that sailing weekends at Itchenor in Sussex where she regularly she immediately applied to both the local newspapers. crewed on an X boat, an open clinker built keelboat The Cape Times asked her to create a back cover for them owned by her friend Flavia Nunes. On one fateful day and then offered her a job once they’d seen her work. soon after Geoffrey and Angela met, they were both She then marched over to the Cape Argus and asked crewing on another X boat racing at Cowes with 77 other them if they’d be able to better the offer – they did and boats. Things didn’t go well that day. First the yacht’s she became the first female press photographer in South kicking strap broke, then the tiller broke and having fixed Africa! Having settled at the Cape Argus she was later those, when lying in 10th place, the mast broke and they offered the chance of a berth had to be rescued. To add on the Cape Town to Rio Yacht She then marched over to the Cape insult to injury, the knot the Race – her dream trip. Aboard crew tied to their rescue vessel Argus and asked them if they’d be the Gallant 53 Alaunt of Corfe, came undone in front of the able to better the offer – they did she found herself responsible for Royal Squadron causing some all the cooking and the washing and she became the first female press red faces. photographer in South Africa! up plus working the mizzen sail After Geoffrey and Angela and night helming. The crew were married in 1975, she ‘hot-bunked’ and the bunk above hers was stacked high carried on working right up to 3 weeks before her son with oiled eggs (this process seals the shell and can keep was born. During this time she was regularly sent by eggs fresh for months). The 4,000-mile race took 4 weeks her newspaper to cover bomb scares and she remembers as all the boats became becalmed en route. She tells me saying to Geoffrey, “Do you think I’m in the wrong job?”

“It was so hot that everyone swam in the sea, even though Looking for a house to live in, they discovered that Flavia there were sharks.” owned a whole street of houses in Hammersmith and Arriving in Rio, Angela never went back to the Cape they bought one of them. It was small and rooms had to Argus, deciding instead to travel around South America be knocked together but it had a 40ft garden where they with some of her yacht club friends. They went to sites grew grapes and made wine. that are popular now but were relatively unknown to They came to live at Compton Castle in 1984 after tourists at the time, such as Machu Picchu and Cusco in Geoffrey’s father died and his mother moved to London Peru. They were fortunate in having a Peruvian and two and then Exeter. Geoffrey had grown up in the castle Australian architects in their group who explained the sites with his father Commander Walter Raleigh Gilbert and they were visiting and Angela also had her “Blue Guide” his mother Joan and siblings. Compton Castle has been with her. In Machu Picchu, they stayed in a free student home to the Gilbert family including Sir Humphrey hut that had just logs for beds and a water pipe outside for Gilbert, half-brother to Sir Walter Raleigh, for nearly washing. Meals were dried fish and the facilities were basic 600 years (with one break from the 1790s to the 1930s). to say the least. Angela remembers, “In Cusco, we were Nowadays, the National Trust manages the property and shown across 2 fields to a loo seat that was suspended over the Gilberts live mainly in the East Wing. They have a river with a loo-roll conveniently tied to a nearby tree!” brought up their three children here: Humphrey (now Another hotel used a well with a bucket as its only shower. known as Fri), Arabella and Walter.

Angela stayed in South America for around 3 months Both Arabella and Walter work in the film industry, travelling with friends to some beautiful places including possibly having been inspired by the filming of Sense and 14

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englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Riviera People

Compton Castle has been home to the Gilbert family including Sir Humphrey Gilbert, half-brother to Sir Walter Raleigh, for nearly 600 years

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Sensibility with Kate Winslet at the castle in 1995. Angela recalls, “It was a very cold day with a clear blue sky but the director wanted rain so they had to bring a rain machine in. Kate Winslet was literally crying because of the cold (even though she was meant to be crying).”

Having settled into Compton and with an established family, Angela became involved with rearing Jacob sheep. She remembered, “I was once sent to photograph an event at Grosvenor House in London run by the Jacob Sheep Society and having watched their presentation, I thought, ‘If I ever have any land I’ll get some Jacob Sheep.’” She went on to breed the sheep and show them at Devon County Show and other local shows and has been a Jacob Sheep Society panel judge for many years. At the same time, she was full time Honorary Administrator for Compton Castle, a role she carried out for 21 years (now the National Trust manages everything direct).

Angela has recently become High Sheriff of Devon, an illustrious royal appointment that lasts for a year and

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which is very much a full time job. She reveals, “I was absolutely amazed to be asked.” There have been High Sheriffs for at least 1,000 years and in the past, the High Sheriff could be relied upon to raise ‘the hue and cry’ and pursue criminals. These days, duties include attendance at royal visits and support for Her Majesty’s High Court Judges when on Circuit. As High Sheriff, Angela also gives active support to the police and emergency services, the probation and prison services and to voluntary sector organisations, especially those involved in crime reduction and social cohesion. Her charities for the year’s fund raising are Veterans FarmAble Project and the Trinity Sailing Foundation. She is also involved as High Sheriff in the Devon Crimebeat Charity.

It’s an incredibly busy schedule. I hear the schedule for tomorrow. Angela has a number of high profile engagements including attending Michael Caines’s Freedom of Exeter City ceremony when he is expected to drive sheep through the streets and participating in the Plymouth beacon lighting event to celebrate the

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Riviera People Queen’s 90th birthday. The office of High Sheriff is an entirely voluntary, unfunded and non-political post and Angela has to manage her own administration, event schedule and transportation (including jumping out of her car a few yards from her destination to attach the High Sheriff’s flag to the bonnet). She is delighted with it all though, saying, “It’s an incredible honour to perform this role.”

In June, Angela will host an invitation-only fundraising garden party at Compton Castle and is currently trying to figure out how to fit the 700 people on her contact list to the 350 that space will allow.

The plans sound exciting. There will be a marquee in the garden, a jazz band from Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Pipes and Drums Band and National Trust volunteers in medieval costume selling raffle tickets.

Having realised how ‘game on’ Angela is about everything she does, I’m not surprised to hear that she is planning to raise further funds for the High Sheriff’s

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

charities by abseiling down the front of Compton Castle. I hope that she first removes the feathery ceremonial hat and replaces it with a helmet! She believes she is only the 10th female High Sheriff Devon has ever had and I’m pretty sure her year of office will be highly successful and full of creative ideas. o

Did You Know?

Compton Castle is a medieval fortress in the village of Compton It has curtain walls, towers and a portcullis Sir Humphrey Gilbert was half-brother to Sir Walter Raleigh You can visit the stunning Great Hall, solar, medieval kitchen & chapel There is also a rose garden, an orchard and a knot garden nationaltrust.org.uk/compton

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Rex Latham

One of the best-loved and longest standing craft studios at Cockington Court, a visit to Rex Latham’s real working forge is always a treat. Richard Newcombe meets Rex and discovers some of the mysteries of the profession.

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qualifications and he accurately predicted the decline ntil I met Rex Latham, Blacksmith at his of blacksmithing in the UK. At that time there were workshop in Cockington Court, Torquay over 100,000 blacksmiths working in every mine, I had no idea what a ‘froe’ was used for or factory and workshop. Today Rex estimates that what exactly a mole-catcher would do with his ‘spud’. there are only 500 to 600 remaining in the country.

To find the answer to these and discover many other Rex heeded the schoolmaster’s advice and worked at fascinating facts about the ancient and skilled world of Sheffield University as a metallurgical technician. the blacksmith, please read on.

In 1969, Rex relocated to Brixham where he worked Sitting in Rex’s workshop I am surrounded by the tools in retail and wholesale fruit and veg. However, his desire and contraptions of his work, the reassuring warmth and for ‘hot metal’ never left him and he taught himself glow from the forge and the familiar clank of hot metal blacksmithing from books, being formed upon the anvil; this is At that time there were over building upon the science of what I had come to see.

100,000 blacksmiths working metals that he had previously Rex shows me around the forge learned. What was a hobby in every mine, factory and itself and I am able to handle the tools of his trade. Apparently a true workshop. Today Rex estimates necessarily became a career as the blacksmith has to make his own that there are only 500 to 600 big supermarkets squeezed the small fruit and veg traders out tools, clamps, grips and hammers remaining in the country. of business. Rex spent five years as part of his apprenticeship. I was taking courses with the Guild of Wrought Ironwork shown, but didn’t handle, his personal hammer, which Craftsmen of Wessex and it was there that he learned his no one uses under “pain of death” as Rex put it. The trade based upon the 6 traditional techniques: drawing only concession to modern technology is the use of down (making it thinner), upsetting or jumpimg up electricity to power the furnace bellows. (making it thicker), bending, twisting, cutting with I was intrigued to learn how Rex became involved a chisel and fire welding. He learned that a hole isn’t in this brutal yet delicate art. Leaving school drilled into metal, it is punched through. in 1960s Sheffield, Rex remembers his careers In 1997 Rex was working his own forge at Totnes master, who incidentally was also the metalwork and when those premises closed in 2000 he took teacher, rather surprisingly advising against Rex’s the lease at Cockington Court; he has never looked childhood ambition to become a blacksmith. He back. His business has expanded over the years, and recommended that Rex do something better with his

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he converted his present workshop and retail space from a linney at the Court. Rex now works with his daughter Katie who is learning the art from her father and who moved into blacksmithing from her former career in visual merchandising. Looking around the retail part of their business it is easy to spot her influences. She has added dimensions to their work including new designs and products, a website and computer technology that Rex freely admits he could only have taken his hammer to!

Not all Rexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work is within the workshop; his real passion lies in conservation and restoration. He describes how, under current legislation, only traditional methods can be used to work upon listed buildings and structures. There are examples of Rexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work scattered all across Torbay and around, from the railings of the Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palace at Paignton and the Coverdale Tower to repairs on the 13th Century doors at Berry Pomeroy Church. If Tudor hinges, gates or locks require attention, then Rex is your man.

Within the workshop Rex describes how 99 percent of his work now comes through commissions and he shows me examples of similar pieces that he has made.

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I learn that on a simple piece of scrollwork there may be many different finishes, from the fish tail or ribbonended scroll to the blow-over leaf. He shows me how a mass-produced machined scroll will have a flat end, where it had been held in a clamp whereas his own scrolls appeared to have no beginning or end, almost poetry-in-metal to me. Other unusual commissions include making a huge key for an ancient church door lock (when the vicar had been locked out) and welding a set of wheels onto the bottom of a commode to enable its elderly owner to scoot around.

I find Rex to be totally absorbed by his work. His passion for all things metal is quite apparent to me. Here is a man whose hobby has become his passion, providing his living. The way he describes the things he makes and repairs shows a real desire to communicate and explain what he does; there was no keeping this a closed and mysterious art. By his own admission, he spends seven days a week at the forge and when his wife did manage to persuade him to take a holiday and visit friends in the United States he quickly discovered the local blacksmith and spent his holiday comparing skills and techniques

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Riviera People

with this fellow craftsman.

If any of this has whetted your appetite to discover more or if you have a construction or repair commission, then visit Rex and Katie at Cockington. Or, if you would prefer to get your hands dirty, Rex runs taster courses, usually during the quieter months of January and February, where for a very reasonable fee, two people can spend the day with Rex learning some of the skills and actually producing a piece of work to take home.

Rex Latham’s Forge Shop has a fascinating collection of hand-forged items such as fireside companion sets; log

carriers, candlesticks and candelabra, horseshoes, ornate hooks, doorknockers, BBQ butlers and many more beautiful pieces.

Now in answer to my questions at the beginning of this article, a ‘froe’ is a metal cleaving tool used by a craftsman to split wood such as hazel in the making of hurdles. The mole-catcher’s ‘spud’ is used to pierce the ground around a molehill to find the tunnel in order to determine in which direction the little blighter may have burrowed. o rexlathamblacksmith.co.uk

Did You Know?

The first blacksmiths – started making tools around 1500 BC. The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths – is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London dating back to 1299.

Dimsy – is the subdued lighting, necessary for the blacksmith to achieve a consistent light level to ascertain, from the colour, the temperature of his work.

Horseshoes - are not lucky unless they have first been worn.

Strike whilst the iron is hot – this is why blacksmith’s tools are always racked close to hand; the blacksmith can work quickly before the metal cools.

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Torbay’s Air Display Spectacular Torbay’s very first Air Show runs from 10 – 12 June. Paignton Green will become the central point of a spectacular free weekend of breathtaking day and night flying displays plus a large event village.

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his will be the first time Torbay has held an air show and over 150,000 visitors are expected to watch the action unfold over the weekend. So far, military aircraft confirmed include the world’s premier aerobatic team The Red Arrows, as well as the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, King Air B200, Royal Navy Sea Vixen and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight aircraft - the Hawker Hurricane, Avro Lancaster and The Spitfire as well as The Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team, the flagship team for the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.

Showing off their best moves will be The Blades, a full-time civilian aerobatic display team based in the UK and made up entirely of former RAF Red Arrows pilots.

The UK based aerobatic display team. the Yakolevs will be flying authentic cold war Russian training aircraft.

The Twister Aerobatic team will wow the crowds with their wingtip pyrotechnics, as will the world’s only aerobatic formation wingwalking team, the Breitling Wingwalkers. A British jet-powered training and light-

attack aircraft, the Strikemaster will take to the skies.

The Gyro flying display, also known as a Gyrocopter or Gyroplane, will be seen over the weekend.

Land based activities include a large event village on Paignton Green with live music, fair rides, bars, catering and lots of military and commercial trade stands.

There will also be enclosures such as VIP Enclosure, Hurricane Hangout and Family Fly By, for which tickets will be sold. The Red Arrows will be bringing their internationally renowned display unit and the RAF Careers recruitment team will also be on hand for those who want to ‘Rise above the Rest’ in the Royal Air Force. The Coastal Communities Fund has provided a start up grant to help fund the cost of the show. Torbay’s Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said, “Torbay Airshow promises to be a memorable event - the likes of which have never been seen here before. The event will bring a substantial economic boost to the Bay and is just the type of free family event we want here.”

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isplays from the urofighter Typhoon will span the weekend, flying on both Saturday 11 and Sunday 1 une, and the display will include some incredible aerobatic stunts. Royal ir orce Typhoons have a top speed of about , km an hour and a wingspan of 11 metres. The Typhoon R provides the R with a highly capable and e tremely agile multi-role combat aircraft, capable of being deployed in the full spectrum of air operations, including air policing, peace support and high intensity conflict. The pilot can carry out many functions by voice command or through a hands-on stick and throttle system. ombined with an advanced cockpit and the H Helmet e uipment assembly the pilot is superbly e uipped for all aspects of air operations. There will also be a Typhoon simulator as part of the ground display.

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Out & About

Red Arrows

ith a trademark combination of close formations and precision flying, the Royal ir orce erobatic Team, the Red rrows, has been displaying since 1 . ne of the premier aerobatic teams in the world, the Red rrows are the public face of the Royal ir orce and are superb ambassadors for the . The team is made up of more than 1 people, including pilots, engineers and essential support staff. S uadron Leader avid ontenegro, also known as Red 1 is leading the team on 1 une. He said, The coastal location is the perfect place for us to display. The Red rrows simulator will be in their ground display area.

King Air B200

The Beech ing ir B is a twin-engine turboprop monoplane, which first entered R service in . t is used as an advanced, multi-engine pilot trainer by o R S uadron, which is part of o 3 lying Training School based at R ranwell.

The ing ir B has performed e tremely well and has proved popular with students and instructors alike. ts combination of a well-proven airframe with advanced cockpit and systems make it an ideal training platform for the new generation of multi-engine aircraft entering R service.

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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.

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 Blades

Renowned worldwide for flying death defying close formation aerobatics within a dynamic and cutting edge display, The Blades currently hold a world record in formation looping. During the display, aircraft will perform an opposition cross at combined speeds of over 400mph followed by extreme gravity defying solo ‘gyroscopic’ aerobatics, synchronised rolls, twists, doubletumbles and knife-edge spins.

What sets The Blades apart is that there is never a quiet moment in their display, you will be captivated from start to finish.

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Spitfire

The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and many 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.

Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team The Tigers were formed over 20 years ago and are firmly established as one of the top parachute display teams within the United Kingdom.

The team has been very successful in competitions throughout this period, performing at events such as the British National Parachute Championships and the World Parachute Championships.

The Tigers are the flagship team for the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, whose seniority stems from the Tangier Regiment of 1661 and thus has the distinction of being the senior English Infantry Regiment of the line. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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Twister The Twister erobatic Team display is an aerial ballet combining sweeping, close formation loops and barrel rolls with synchronised and opposition aerobatics plus some e tra sparkle from their acclaimed yro display streaming from the aircraft s wings. The aircraft also feature high powered spotlamps to illuminate the display smoke and coloured L s along the aircraft fuselage. They are the only formation team in urope performing this style of display.

The Yakolevs The Yakovlevs are a specialist airborne display team flying authentic cold war Russian training aircraft in precise, yet graceful combinations of tight formations and e citing aerobatics, high speed passes and breath-taking crosses. arning a reputation for e cellence over the last 1 years, and delighting over a billion people in the process, across four continents, the team flies the Russian aircraft made by the akovlevs design bureau. This display is sure not to disappoint. onsummate believers in pushing the boundaries of high performance, The akovlevs e ude the highest of standards in every aspect of their operation. ak H is based at a new facility on Henstridge irfield, in Somerset.

Strikemaster

ark etrie, a former R pilot who also now flies the Boeing reamliner aircraft with British irways will pilot the B Strikemaster.

British jet-powered training and light-attack aircraft, the Strikemaster is a development of the Hunting et rovost trainer. The Strikemaster is an armed version of the et rovost trainer aircraft and is operated by S orth ales ilitary viation Services Ltd .

The Gyrocopter

The yro flying display is also known as a yrocopter or yroplane is described as a flying windmill or a rotating parachute, which looks like a sycamore seed gently floating down as it spins. This unusual aircraft is great to watch and is described by the pilots as fun to fly. The rotor blades of the gyro are completely freewheeling in flight, being driven solely by the air going up through the rotor disk.

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Out & About

Armed Forces Parade

On Saturday 11 June at 11.30am there will be an Armed Forces Parade featuring veterans, cadets and serving personnel taking place to commemorate the hard work of our armed services. The Exeter Pipe and Drum Band will lead the parade.

Need to Know Event: Torbay Air Show Run By: Torbay Council Dates: 10-12 June Where: Paignton Green Village Opening Times: Friday, 2pm to 10pm, Saturday 10am to 10pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm Flying Times: Friday - after 9pm, Saturday 2pm - 5pm, Sunday 2pm - 5pm Cost: General admission free Ticketed Enclosures: VIP Enclosure, Hurricane Hangout & Fly-By Family Fun Helicopter Rides: Bookable via website Safety: Ear protectors for children will be available to buy, marine exclusion zone in force and swimming restricted.

Road Closures: See website for full list of road closures & arrangements for residents.

Getting There: Public transport recommended, Park & Ride or Park & Stride available Parking: Priority Parking via website torbayairshow.com

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Oscar Wilde’s Babbacombe Cliff Home

Playwright, wit, paradoxic, poet and gay icon as well as leader of the aesthetic movement as caricatured in the Gilbert & Sullivan opera ‘Patience,’ Ian Handford of Torbay Civic Society recounts Oscar Wilde’s association with Torbay.

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Art and Aestheticism. He also developed a fascination for orn on October 18th 1854, Oscar was the second son of William and Jane Wilde and was christened all quasi-religious rituals and fancy dress, which saw him admitted to the Apollo University Freemason Lodge in Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde. The assortment of Christian names caused him embarrassment February 1875.

Although now a prolific writer, he was still sharing at school although at university he was proud of his rooms with Frank Miles and his mother in 1879 and was ancestry. He wrote, “As one becomes famous, one sheds desperate for money. It was no surprise when he jumped at some of them, just as a balloonist when rising higher, an offer to tour America, which was crying out for details of sheds unnecessary ballast”. aestheticism. He was seen as the leading figure of this new His father, Sir William, was a surgeon while Lady Jane style or movement and initially did fifty lectures, which Wilde was an accomplished Irish Nationalist poet. Both were extended to one hundred and forty across America, had wished for a girl and now this child was dressed as before returning home with £1200 in his pocket. a girl, an early sign maybe of Oscar’s sexuality. Yet we A lecture followed in Dublin where in November know that during the Victorian era it was quite normal 1883 he proposed to Constance Lloyd and on May 29th to dress both sexes in frocks or smocks and by age eight, 1884 they married. Constance, essentially a romantic, photographs of Oscar confirm he was dressed like any was talented and very beautiful other child albeit from an aristocratic “The two great turning points and she became the envy of home. His parents achieved their wish for a daughter when two years of my life were when my father women and men everywhere. They later Isola Emily Francesca was born. sent me to Oxford, and society honeymooned in Paris and Dieppe before returning to their eager Sir William and his oldest son sent me to prison” public in London where, as if to Willie would both as we say today prove what a ‘professor of aestheticism’ might do, Oscar “sow their oats” and Sir William is recorded as having changed their home into the ‘house beautiful’. fathered at least three illegitimate children, one with a Their first child, Cyril, was born in 1885 followed young woman of nineteen. When the High Court ruled a year later by Vyvyan. Now a self professed ‘Lord of in her favour in 1860 it led to huge financial problems Language’ at age thirty-two, Wilde had a family to for the Wilde family. Thirty-one years later Oscar, having support and no regular income. Replying to another returned to the High Court to defend himself in the socalled “Queensbury” case, would also lose. In retrospect, it budding author he said, “The best work in literature is always done by those who do not depend on it for their seems that all males of the Wilde family would live up to daily bread and the highest form of literature - poetry, the family name.

Having won a scholarship to Magdalen College Oxford - brings no wealth to the singer”. However, now he was lucky. After reviewing for the Pall Mall Gazette he was Oscar excelled at all things academic and soon achieved approached by a publisher whose magazine, The Lady’s a double first. Much later he would recall “the two great World, was in trouble financially. His advice, “rename turning points of my life were when my father sent me to it with a more womanly rather than feminine title like Oxford, and society sent me to prison”.

Woman’s World”. It was a stroke of genius and a turning His intelligence and flamboyant style born at Oxford point to regular income. saw an enthusiasm for life where he was drawn towards In 1888, The Happy Prince and Studies in the History the big subjects of the era - Catholicism, Poetry, Theory of 30

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Heritage of the Renaissance were published although not his tome on Heathenism and Dorian Gray. The poet and dramatist John Gray, (later a Catholic Priest) was part of Wilde’s life until he was replaced in 1892 by Oscar’s own nemesis in the form of Lord Alfred “Bosie” Douglas.

Tiring of his wife, who was beginning to suspect he was having an affair, Wilde could not break his social connections in London. Constance suggested he and the boys go to Torquay and stay at her aunt’s home, the Baroness Mount-Temple’s Babbacombe Cliff. Constance was to do a Grand Tour with her aunt and Wilde with their two boys came to Torquay in the winter of 18923. He enjoyed his stay here so much he extended it while continuing to work on his play, A Woman of No Importance, following his virtually completed A Florentine Tragedy and the historical drama Salome.

That suspected affair in London was not with an actress but with Lord Douglas, third son of the Marquis of Queensbury. Douglas (whom Wilde named Bosie), was now invited to come with his tutor Campbell Dodgson to stay at Babbacombe Cliff and later Wilde wrote to the Baroness, “Babbacombe Cliff is like a College, for Cyril studies French in the nursery, I write my plays in Wonderland while in the drawing room Lord Alfred Douglas, one of Lady Queenbury’s sons, studies Plato for his degree in June. He is staying with me for a few days so I am not lonely in the evenings.”

That delight was not to last long as after a lovers’ tiff ‘Bosie’ stormed out, never to return to Babbacombe. The rest, as they say, is history. A letter written at Babbacombe in January 1893 to Bosie, was discovered by the Marquis of Queensbury, which resulted in him leaving a small card on a club table at a London club that all could read, addressed “For Oscar Wilde sodomite (sic)”. This would result in the libel action brought by Wilde which saw him publically humiliated in the High Court before being sent to Reading jail in May 25th 1895 charged with gross indecency. Made bankrupt he even lost the family home, ‘House Beautiful.’

His death came on November 30th 1900 and it was a hundred and six years later that Torbay Civic Society unveiled a Blue Plaque at Babbacombe Cliff in his memory on October 16th 2006. o torbaycivicsociety.co.uk

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Ways With Words at Dartington

Ways with Words is celebrating 25 years at beautiful Dartington with its usual highprofile collection of writers and thinkers, plus the chance of cocktails on the lawn.

We take a look at this year’s programme (8-18 July).

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here are 130 events over 10 days with talks, debates, music, performance, readings and workshops at this year’s festival. Discussion and ideas will abound throughout Dartington’s beautiful buildings and idyllic gardens. Expect controversy, extra terrestrial wonders and radical thinking – for among the glitterati drawn to the deckchairs in the courtyard (and to the Great Hall) will be George Monbiot, Alice Roberts, Mark Watson, Helen Dunmore, Mark Haddon, Joan Bakewell, Shirely Williams, Rosie Millard, David Aaronovitch, Vince Cable and Ken Livingstone.

Some of you may have heard Joan Bakewell reading from her memoir, Stop the Clocks, on Radio Four. She’ll be there, looking back to the time in which she grew up, from being taught domestic skills at school, to the wider lessons learnt through politics, lovers and betrayal.

Bestselling author, Helen Dunmore discusses forbidden love, cover-ups, and spying during the cold war, all themes in her latest novel, while George Monbiot asks, “What is the dominant ideology that has penetrated so far into our lives that we can no longer see it?”

Presenter of The Food Detectives, Alice Roberts has found time in her busy schedule to write a book about the Celts and she reveals their remarkable story: their origins, how they lived and thrived and their enduring

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legacy. David Aaronovitch recalls a childhood among communists watching Russian movies and attending Socialist Sunday School, while Former BBC Arts Correspondent Rosie Millard has drawn from her experiences living in an affluent garden square in North London in her novel The Square.

Among local writers taking part in the festival are political commentator and presenter of Any Questions, Jonathan Dimbleby and Times foreign correspondent Anthony Loyd. The former explores the decisions that led to victory in the Battle of the Atlantic through the fascinating diaries and letters of both the Allied and German leaders and sailors, while Anthony Loyd tells of his experience as a war journalist covering conflicts around the world.

Events in the Barn meander around themes as diverse as International Politics, Ways of Seeing, Reporting Back, The Science of the Mind and Body, Writing about Writers, Inner Selves and In the Wild. In the Wild encompasses themes to include, How to Read Water, with the natural navigator Tristan Gooley, musings on the Raptor with James Macdonald Lockhart, and former palaeontologist at the Natural History Museum, Richard Fortey shares observations from a four acre beech and bluebell wood in the Chiltern Hills.

On the Inner Selves themed day, Dr Julia Shaw

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Out & About

explores the centrality of memory to our existence – and how it can go awry, while Polly Morland unravels the mysteries of human change and how the imagination can become the engine of metamorphosis. Charles Fernyhough assesses the importance of thinking, or as he calls it ‘inner speech’.

Word Circus and Word School are two new highlights to the 25th anniversary festival. Words Circus will present a programme of short, snappy, free fringe events in the Upper Gatehouse, and Word School, as its name suggests, will offer a series of writing workshops for those who want to improve, or make a start at, writing.

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And in the balmy summer evenings, after a cocktail on the lawn, comedian Mitch Benn, poet Matt Harvey and science writer/comedian Ben Miller might make you laugh a lot and think a bit. o

Need to Know: Venue: Dartington Hall, Totnes TQ9 6EL Dates: 8 - 18 July Times: 10am - 10pm Tickets: By phone or online Parking: Charges apply 01803 867373 wayswithwords.co.uk

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Get That Shot!

Berry Head is an extraordinary wildlife haven with some wonderful photography subjects. Why not join local expert Mike Langman on a Wildlife Digital Photography and Video Workshop on 17 July?

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with them today, whether it’s a full blown DSLR with n Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s Digital a long lens, a super zoom (bridge camera), compact or Wildlife Photography Day, you’ll learn how to even a phone. It means that when we do bump into some get the most from your photography whether great wildlife we should be able to capture an image. you’re using a super sophisticated DSLR camera, a But finding the best settings on your camera for wildlife compact ‘pop it in the pocket’ model or even a mobile photography is important as fieldcraft (getting close phone camera. Mike will be happy to show you how to without frightening off the subject!).” turn your mobile into a super zoom that captures some Mike Langman worked for the RSPB for many great shots. Whatever you’re using, he’ll help you to find years before becoming a full time wildlife artist and the very best settings dependant on the subject, perhaps avid birdwatcher. Mike’s bird illustrations can be seen a flying gull or a feeding bumblebee. Then he’ll show on nearly every you how to practise “Practically everyone carries a camera with them RSPB reserve. His some tried and tested today, whether it’s a full blown DSLR with a long paintings are used as fieldcraft techniques.

For the very first time, lens, a super zoom, compact or even a phone.” identification cards, on several large murals this course will also in information centres include learning how and hides, as well as to use that 4K (or on the RSPB website.

8K) video and image His work has been capture – it’s just published in 32 books brilliant for wildlife! and regularly appears Berry Head provides in UK birdwatching a great mixture of magazines. His subjects to photograph interpretation work including birds, for nature centres’ butterflies flowers and information boards the occasional grey seal. can be found all over The views from this Britain and in Europe. stunning nature reserve The wildlife are simply spectacular photography day and it’s a wonderful is being run in place to spend a conjunction with local day out and about. conservation charity Particular rarities here Torbay Coast and include the small blue Countryside Trust. The butterfly, cirl bunting, Trust manages over white rock rose and 1700 acres of Torbay’s several orchid species. wild outdoor spaces, including Berry Head National The majestic peregrine falcon can often be seen around Nature Reserve and hosts a full programme of events Berry head’s quarry hunting for prey and around 200 designed to get adults and children outdoors, learning different bird species have been seen here. about and appreciating our surroundings. o Mike explains, “Practically everyone carries a camera

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Photography

Need to Know: Event: Digital Photography & Video Workshop Date: 17 July Location: Berry Head National Nature Reserve Time: 10am – 4pm Cost: £30 per person Booking: essential, places limited Suitable: For adults aged 16 and over only Kit: Stout footwear, warm clothing, waterproof jacket Refreshments: Bring a packed lunch Parking: £1.10 per hour up to a max of £4.40 for 24 hours (free for Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust members) Address: Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Gillard Road, Brixham TQ5 9AP To book your place on the Digital Wildlife Photography Day, please visit countryside-trust.org.uk or call 01803 520022.

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Finding Jane Pownoll The Sharpham Trust has begun an archive to hold items, pictures, maps and text to do with its centuries-long history. Members of The Sharpham Archive have already traced two important pictures linked with the Estate.

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later I got enthused to try again. And this time I got an aptain Philemon Pownoll had Sharpham House answer.” rebuilt as a Palladian villa in 1765, living there But this early excitement was only the beginning of with his wife Jane. Portraits of the pair by famed a decade-long dialogue where things went quiet; hope society painter Joshua Reynolds now hang in the Music was lost and then found again.

Room. But it wasn’t always so.

Emails and phone calls went Former Trust Director unanswered; the hunt got Chris Nicholls discovered the pushed back down the agenda. whereabouts of the Captain Chris retired from his post in Pownoll portrait in the late January 2014 and Jane Pownoll 1990s. Chris said, “The internet had still not been found. Then was new at the time and someone suddenly, 18 months after he’d typed in Philemon Pownoll and left Sharpham, transparencies of Joshua Reynolds and up came Jane Pownoll’s portrait turned this gallery in Munich. It was up unannounced in the post. a lot of negotiations to get a Chris said, “We were so grateful. transparency of the painting. I I was so chuffed.” had to sign a lot of forms!”

High-quality digital prints of As for Jane’s portrait, The each painting now hang in the Trust knew that it existed because Music Room. The Pownolls have the Ash family, who lived at been reunited after a detective Sharpham House from 1962, had hunt over more than a decade. a small copy.

Your Memories of Sharpham By around 2006, Chris was Do you have memories of really interested in finding Jane’s Sharpham or Ashprington? original painting to go with that Maybe even artefacts or of her husband. He said, “I knew photographs to do with the that Pownoll was looking to the South Devon estate near Totnes? right and his wife was looking to The Sharpham Trust has begun the left, so it was likely that the an archive to hold items, portraits were a pair.”

Then suddenly, 18 months after pictures, maps and text to do So he wrote to an antiquehe’d left Sharpham, transparencies with its centuries-long history. dealing member of the Durant family who were previous of Jane Pownoll’s portrait turned up Richard Soans, of the Sharpham Archive said, “We’re trying Sharpham House inhabitants. unannounced in the post. to put together the history of Chris remembers, “He told me Sharpham, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.” that he knew where Jane Pownoll was… with a cousin of Richard recalled, “I spoke to a woman whose father his, so I wrote to him and gave him the whole story. And was head gardener here from 1913 through to the I heard nothing. So the hunt went on the back burner, I 1930s. She gave me a whole picture of what life was was busy at Sharpham, things were changing…but a year

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Heritage like, from the sorts of things grown in the garden to how her father used to put the first bunch of grapes he harvested from here under his hat to present to his family!”

Lynette Gribble, former chair of Sharpham Trustees, is working hard to catalogue any finds – and explore any myths or stories about Sharpham. She said, “There’s hearsay about a number of things and what the Archive is gradually doing is looking for the evidence in support of it.” The Archive is housed in a room at Sharpham House, and there are plans for digitising some of the content to display on Sharpham’s website and show selected pieces on Sharpham’s open days.

The archive team is now appealing to people who live around the area. Do you have connections, did your family ever work at Sharpham? Do you have any old photographs, any memorabilia?

If you’ve got stories, memories or artefacts that relate to Sharpham, please get in touch. Email archive@ sharphamtrust.org or phone 01803 732055.

Volunteering Lynette explained, “On one hand we’d love to find out something about the Estate we’ve never heard before, and

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then secondly it would be wonderful if we found people who would like to help.”

The Sharpham Trust operates a volunteer team who meet weekly to work on the Estate. The Sharpham Archive needs help to scan photographs and catalogue the finds, so if you’d like to volunteer your time (and you’re a history fan), get in touch via volunteer@sharphamtrust.org Capability Brown’s anniversary 2016 is a special year for Sharpham – and many other English Houses and estates.

The date marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of this famous landscaper, thought to have designed the grounds of Sharpham. There is no surviving evidence to show Capability Brown’s work at Sharpham, however he is known to have worked closely with Sharpham’s architect Sir Robert Taylor, and the grounds bear the hallmarks of Brown’s design with magnificent tree-planting and sweeping parkland vistas.

The Sharpham Trust is an educational charity based in and conserving Sharpham House and the 550-acre Sharpham Estate on a stunning three-mile stretch of the River Dart. o sharphamtrust.org

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Eating Out

Guide

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

EST D 1904

R EDCLIFFE H OTEL PAIGNTON

Redcliffe Hotel

Harbour Kitchen

From light bites to a main meal, the Redcliffe Hotel offers everything you need for a perfect luncheon treat.

Enjoy the superb views from our sea view terrace overlooking the beach and choose from our extensive lunch time bar menu. On Sundays a 3 course traditional sunday lunch is available in our Paris Singer Restaurant, which again enjoys panoramic sea views.

The Redcliffe is also an ideal venue for all types of functions.

Perched on Torquay Harbourside, there are few more idyllic spots to enjoy dining than at Harbour Kitchen.

Sourced from the local area, the food is exceedingly fresh, seasonally-changing and affordable.Try our Cocktail Bar, Lunch Offers, A la Carte Dining, Sunday Roast and Tasting Menus.

Crab & Cocktail Tuesdays £13 Beer & Burger Wednesdays £13 Fish & Fizz Thursdays £13 Spring Opening Friday 12 February.

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

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

Why not advertise your restaurant or eatery in our guide?

Rates start at just £76 plus Vat per insertion for 6 x bi-monthly inclusions over a year. This will highlight your business to 72,000 potential diners.*

The Babbacombe Inn

Occombe Farm Café

The Babbacombe Inn on Babbacombe Downs enjoys one of the most fabulous views around. Open daily, it offers a great range of tasty pub food in a cosy, welcoming environment.

Whether you’re after a light snack or looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion the Babbacombe Inn has plenty of buffet and function options on offer. With live entertainment and a weekly quiz, it’s also ideal for a pre-theatre meal or drink. Free parking on site.

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

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

June/July 2016

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

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

In a recent survey 76% of our responding readers said that they ‘always or often’ took account of advertising and 100% enjoyed reading the magazine.

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

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Hop Over to a

Food & Drink

Local Beer Festival June and July are great months for beer-lovers with the legendary Occombe Beer Festival returning on 3 & 4 June plus the newer Kingsbeer Festival at Kingswear on 15, 16 and 17 July.

Occombe Beer Festival - 3 & 4 June Occombe Beer Festival is Torbay’s only festival on a working farm and the 2016 event includes over 60 varieties of beer, cider and Pimm’s to savour. Bays Brewery will be serving their brand-new Devon Rock craft lager.

There’ll be plenty of delicious food on offer too.

You’ll enjoy a lively music line-up with a foot stomping Friday of folk, rock and blues. Headline act on Friday is Willie and the Bandits of Glastonbury fame and there’s also Sound of the Sirens, Rich Cottell, Alex Hart and True Brass. There’s also as a crowd-pleasing Saturday of singalong anthems and live dance music with Silent Alarm, MBP, Society Rocks, 3BF, Riviera Dogs and New Daze.

100% of the festival profits go to Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust to protect some of the places we love the most - Berry Head, Ansteys Cove, Occombe Farm and Cockington - this festival offers good times that do good.

Plenty of reasons to grab your pals, buy tickets and head down to the farm. Festival times are: 4-11pm on Friday 3 June and 2-11pm on Saturday 4 June. Tickets cost (per person): Friday £12.50, Saturday £17.50, Weekend £27.

Buy tickets on the website. Over 18s only. There is no parking at the festival so walk, take a bus or taxi or get someone to drop you off (and pick you up!)

Venue: Occombe Farm, Preston Down Road, Paignton TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 occombebeerfestival.co.uk

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KingsBeer Festival – 15, 16, 17 July The newly named, 3-day beer festival is returning to the River Dart at Kingwear and boasts uninterrupted, blissful views of the River Dart. The riverside marquee will be serving real ale from breweries of all shapes and sizes across the UK. There will be plenty of riverside seating areas plus a barbeque, fresh pizza and crepes.

There will be live music from a dedicated marquee and bands include: Three Bags Full (3BF), Scott McGowan, Lost Tuesday Society, Mafia 4, One Foot in the Groove and Back Beach Boyz.

On Friday festival timings are 6pm-11pm, on Saturday noon-11pm and Sunday noon-6pm. There will be late steam trains returning to Paignton. See festival website for ticket prices. Entrance is free if you arrive by steam train from Paignton, Goodrington or Churston.

Venue: Kingswear Station, The Square, Kingswear TQ6 0AA 01803 555872 kingsbeerfestival.com

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PA FR RK EE IN G

It’s

BBQ time!

!

THE BAY’S BEST STEAKS E, ABERDEEN ANGUS RIBEY SIRLOIN AND RUMP STEAKS + BURGERS MINTED LAMB CHOPS

CENTRE L GARDEN

A YOUR LOC

RFUL COLOU BEDDING SUMMER GO! READY TO

R TRY OUR CAFE FOOKING, GOOD HOME CO ’S

& RIBS PORK STEAKS erent Choose from 10 diff homemade marinades

...and much more!

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

HAND CAR WASH WHILE YOU SHOP

R IT FAMOUS FO BREAKFASTS & SUPER !

SUNDAY ROASTS Dartmouth Road, nr Brixham TQ5 0LL (Just before the Go-Karts) 01803 845837 churstontraditionalfarmshop.org.uk

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June/July 2016

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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Summer Recipe

Food & Drink

from the Berry Head Hotel Stunningly located Berry Head Hotel in Brixham brings us a delicious summer recipe from their Bistro Head Chef, Canon Vaz.

Pan Fried Fillet of Salmon served with a Warm Salad of Olives, New Potatoes, Chorizo & Rocket finished with Herb Oil Ingredients 1 salmon fillet 4 new boiled potatoes cut into halves A handful of olives 50g chorizo A handful of washed rocket leaves Lemon juice For the herb oil: 2 cloves of garlic, a handful of fresh herbs, 200ml of olive oil. Blend together.

Method Season the salmon with salt and pepper.

Pan fry the salmon skin side down for 1 minute and then cook in the oven for 5 minutes.

SautĂŠ the potato, chorizo and olives until the chorizo is cooked.

Add the rocket leaves and lemon juice Add the chorizo, potato and olive salad in to a bowl with the salmon fillet on top.

Drizzle the herb oil on top o

Foodie Events to Visit

Galmpton Gooseberry Pie Fair 3 July

The first record of a Gooseberry Pie Fair taking place in Galmpton dates back to 1873, however its origins could be much older. The fair was revived in 1923 and again in 1951 for the festival of Britain, and then ran every year from 1968 to 1985. In 1995 it was re-launched as a street fair. Most stalls and events raise money for local good causes, with any surpluses from the fair itself going to local causes.

The Manor Inn, 2 Stoke Gabriel Road, Galmpton TQ5 0NL 01803 661101 manorinngalmpton.co.uk

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Marldon Apple Pie Fair 30 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. Nowadays, locals and visitors alike join in the celebrations.

Events throughout the afternoon include local arts, crafts and food stands, falconry displays, games and even a novelty dog show!

The Village Green, Marldon, TQ3 1SL

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a great day out Discover the beloved holiday home of Agatha Christie, nestled on the banks of the River Dart. Explore the woodland gardens, relax at the Boathouse and discover the extensive collections in the house.

Greenway is open daily, 10.30am- 5pm.

Members and under 5s go free.

01803 842382 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway to book your parking space

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June/July 2016

Š National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.

Greenway

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D-Day Talk and Tea

Heritage

For years, volunteer Alan Forster has been researching the story behind the frieze in Greenway’s library, which was painted during WW2 when the US Coastguard requisitioned the house.

D

uring the Second World War, the US Coastguard requisitioned Greenway. One of the men stationed here, Lt Marshall Lee, left a unique memento in the Library, a frieze encircling the four walls.

The frieze depicts the journey of Flotilla 10 of the US Coastguard in their preparations for the D Day landings.

In January 1944 a flotilla of twenty-four landing crafts together, with their commanders and support staff, arrived in the River Dart from the USA. 51 captains and members of the planning team stayed at Greenway until just before D-Day. Many rooms in the house were used as bedrooms for three to four men, with the Flotilla Commander and his two deputies using Agatha’s bedroom itself.

The Library was kept as their recreation and ‘mess room’ with a bar set up in the alcove. During their sixmonth stay Lt Marshall Lee, one of the landing craft captains who was a graphic artist, painted the twelve coloured murals that make up the major part of the frieze.

The murals were painted using just four colours; blue, khaki, black and white, and depict incidents that occurred during their eleven months’ journey to Greenway.

It starts to the left of the fireplace with the building and commissioning of the landing craft at Orange and Houston in America, and then progresses in a clockwise direction around the room. The murals show many of the places they visited including Key West, Norfolk,

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Bermuda, Port Lyautey, Arzu, Beni Saf, and Bizerte. It also shows the enemy actions that they were involved in at Licata and Salerno. It ends over the doorway with their arrival in the River Dart, with Greenway shown perched high above the river and their craft below.

When the house was unexpectedly decommissioned and returned to Agatha on Christmas Day 1945, she was pleased to see that little damage had been done but was somewhat surprised to find the graffiti left in the library.

The commander wrote to Agatha offering to have ‘the fresco’ painted out and, as her autobiography records, she hurriedly wrote back that, ‘it would be an historic memorial and I was delighted to have it’.o

D-Day Talk and Tea – 6 June Join local expert Alan Forster for tea and biscuits in the heart of Greenway, the House Kitchen, as he tells the story of Greenway’s D-Day connections and the library frieze.

Time: 5-6.30pm, meet: Greenway Visitor Reception, attire: smart, casual, tickets: £6, booking essential, assistance dogs welcome.

Call: 01803 842382. nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway

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So You Want To Be A

Beekeeper?

The future of our bees is a hot environmental topic. Keen to do our bit, Julian Rees goes along to meet the Bay’s first lady of apiculture, Liz Westcott, Chairman and Education Officer of Torbay Beekeepers.

I

To feed that many hungry mouths takes a lot of flowers; meet Liz Westcott at her Brixham home on a sunny bees forage for nectar (carbohydrate) and pollen (protein) May morning. As I arrive I peek around the pretty so what they really need is abundant sources that flower garden expecting to see one or more hives but over long periods. For example, dandelions and daisies, surprisingly there is no sign of an on-site apiary. This the scourge of many urban gardens are bountiful larders is just one of the romantic notions Liz dispels as our in the bee world so we mustn’t be too hasty with our weed discussion proceeds. killers, particularly early in the year before most flowers I explain to Liz that I’m interested to find out what we have started to bloom. and our readers can do to ensure the future of honey bees To encourage bees to visit your garden, plant single as recent press reports very uncertain times. flowering plants and vegetables. Go for all the allium She tells me that the decline in our native bee family, all the mints, beans except French beans and population is to some extent unexplained although some flowering herbs. Bees like daisyblame pesticides and the major This marker, by nature’s own shaped flowers - asters and decline in flower-rich grasslands. design, diminishes at the same sunflowers, also tall plants like Native black honeybees are better equipped to deal with our climate rate as the nectar replenishes hollyhocks, larkspur and foxgloves. and become active as soon as the making the bloom once again Bees need a lot of pollen. Trees are a good source and willows and temperature rises above 6oC whereas available as a food source. lime trees are exceptionally good. the more common, imported strains Liz explains that sourcing nectar is not a random affair as are inactive below 12oC meaning they don’t start work bees will leave a chemical marker on each bloom that tells until a month later in the spring. The natives are still to be found in more remote places, most locally in areas such other bees that the nectar has been collected. This marker, by nature’s own design, diminishes at the same rate as the as the Rame Peninsular in Cornwall, and are subject to nectar replenishes making the bloom once again available much conservation work to extend their populations. as a food source. When bees find a plentiful source, they In the meantime though, much of the bees’ work is will bring other bees and establish regular flight paths. ensured by local beekeepers who nurture colonies in Torbay Beekeepers run a winter introductory course hives and apiaries. Torbay Beekeepers has 55 members, that equips would-be keepers with all the theoretical all of whom own hives spread throughout Torbay. The knowledge to get started and then encourages trainees to organisation manages a large apiary at Cockington that is spend the summer visiting their apiary in Cockington for used to train new members who will hopefully go on to practical experience. Once competent, it is then time to set up their own hives. think about establishing a colony and acquiring a hive.

Liz tells me that at this time of year the queens are Siting a hive in a residential garden is not a good idea, busy laying up to 2,000 larvae a day in readiness for the as Liz explains, “the bees are hard-workers and become summer ahead and that each mature colony can have as very protective of their hive as the stock of honey builds many as 50,000 bees!

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June/July 2016

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Give It A Go! up over the summer. In late August they can become quite defensive and this is not good for people and pets.”

If you don't have land available, it's a case of looking for a partnership arrangement where the presence of bees is mutually beneficial. For example, allotment associations often welcome beekeepers as this ensures pollination and healthy crops. Torbay Beekeepers can help with sourcing such arrangements but are always glad to hear from farmers and landowners who have sites they think would work.

Managing a hive involves a variety of duties, usually accomplished with a weekly visit, and includes checking there is enough food and water available, maintaining the structure of the hive, looking for signs of ill health and signs that swarming is imminent.

As for the fruits of labour, there are many. The average hive requires 40 lbs of honey to sustain itself, which leaves between 15 and 25 lbs for the beekeeper. Liz shows me a wide variety of products that she makes. Along with honey and other preserves there are candles, beeswax furniture polish, soaps, lip balm and skin cream. The latter are made from propolis, a naturally occurring sticky substance collected by bees from trees used to both seal gaps in the hive and to prevent fungal and bacterial growth.

An important date in the beekeepers’ year is the annual Honey Show where members enter exhibits in all manner of categories. Torbay Beekeepers also regularly exhibits at the Devon County Show in the Bee & Honey classes that have over 40 award categories from honey, beeswax and mead to poetry and photography.

Torbay Beekeepers offers a warm welcome to new members and anyone wishing to find out more about this fascinating subject. o tbbk.co.uk

Meet The Occombe Bees 31 May, 28 July, 11 August Occombe’s Bee Keeper Gerry Stuart will bring along some bees in an observation hive so you can safely view them up close, learn how much honey a bee can produce, how far they can travel and what a waggle dance is! Gerry is Vice Chairman of Devon Beekeepers Association’s Torbay Branch and manages the Cockington apiary. He’s also beekeeper for Occombe Farm & Paignton Zoo, a director of the B4 project as well as being designated Swarm Collector for Torbay and South Devon.

Meet: Occombe Farm, time: 1pm – 3pm, cost: £2.50 per person (12 years and over), booking: essential Website: countryside-trust.org.uk

Get Involved During the summer meetings and impromptu teach-ins are held at the apiary at Cockington (adjacent to the Drum Inn), alternate Saturdays from June 4 at 2.30pm. All welcome.

During the winter, every second Tuesday at the Gerston Christian centre, Paignton at 7.30pm.

An 8 week ‘Introduction To Beekeeping’ course is run each winter - see tbbk.co.uk for details or call 01803 663308 for more information. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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Village Walk

Stoke Gabriel Distance: 2 miles Exertion: Easy Time: Allow 2 hours Terrain: Pathways and pavements.

Suitable for pushchairs.

Dogs: On leads in roads.

Refreshments: The River Shack, Church House Inn and Castle Inn. Start postcode: TQ9 6QJ

S

toke Gabriel is a pretty village hidden at the end of a River Dart creek just 4 miles from the centre of the Bay. For those who grew up in the area it features in many childhood memories as a first encounter with the clawed kind - crabs! The Mill Pool still attracts throngs of children every weekend keen on crabbing so if you’re coming with young ones bring a bucket and line.

In the Domesday Book, a church is recorded here in 1073, the earliest official record of life in the village.

The churchyard is home to a magnificent Yew tree, thought to be near a thousand years old. Take a look at the chronology at the foot of the tree as you pause in the churchyard; it certainly gives perspective.

The village’s development can be tracked through the architectural styles of its dwellings and it’s nice to see that green spaces remain. Most are ancient orchards, planted to provide cider for the fisherman and farmers who inhabited the village in years gone by.

Take your time and enjoy village life. o

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1 We start our wander at the proud village sign welcoming all, which is on the left hand side of the road where Paignton Road meets with Rydon Acres. There’s free parking here all day and our route loops back to finish here. Proceed downhill, as the road forks, bear left and continue.

2 Follow the road downhill for 300 metres in between cottages and dwellings, some opening onto the road others hidden behind high walls, pass the War Memorial on the left and stay on this road until you reach the centre of the village.

3 Pass the village post office on the left and in front you will see the Church House Inn. Take the path towards the church in front of the inn and pretty cottages (one being the old school house) and take a minute to visit the churchyard and ancient yew tree.

4 Just before the entrance to the churchyard turn left down into the orchard. Follow the path downhill towards the edge of the Mill Pool.

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ŠCrown copyright 2016 Ordnance Survey. Media 059/15

Walk

5 Through the gate at the edge of the orchard you arrive on the edge of the Pool. If the tide is at its highest and springs then you might not be able to pass by here but generally it is passable. Turn right and follow the waters edge.

6 Skirt the Pool to arrive at the River Shack and tidal weir. From here you can cross the weir and follow the riverbank or simply follow the riverbank to the right of the creek. At lower tides one can walk for a mile or so either way up the river bank but eventually both directions succumb to tidal mud. Again take care with the tide as the weir can become impassable and you may end up walking further than planned!

7 To return follow Mill Hill up to the Castle Inn and turn left on to School Hill and proceed past the village school and many more pretty cottages and dwellings.

8 After 300 metres turn right onto New Road which skirts another large orchard and returns you to the start of the route.

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The best of popular classics including William Tell Overture Dance of the Hours Star Wars Cockaigne Overture

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Rural Delights at the

Out & About

Totnes Show Held on Sunday 31 July, the ever-popular Totnes Show brings the finest West Country food & drink, rural crafts, livestock, equestrian events, music, terrier racing, scurry driving and lots more to Berry Pomeroy.

A

n essential date for your diary, Totnes Show is one of the very best of the one-day county shows and an exceptionally fun day out. This year’s new main ring event is the exciting Scurry Driving Challenge. British Scurry and Trials Driving will be there, competing in the Arena Challenge. You’ll love watching the little ponies scuttling around an obstacle course, all against the clock, pulling a driver and groom in a carriage. All sizes of ponies will take part from miniature Shetlands to Welsh Cobs.

Show cattle, sheep and poultry from across the region will be competing for glory and a highlight of the show is the Grand Parade of the day’s prizewinning sheep, cattle and horses. Totnes Show is renowned for the huge variety of equestrian classes including showing, jumping, open driving and sidesaddle.

There are also Pony Club mounted games, parades of hounds and beagles, dog & duck display and a Tug of War. The show is a wonderful place to hear local music and the lively Music Stage attracts an eclectic mix of local bands. Other attractions include handicrafts, rural crafts, woodland skills area, pet’s corner and birds of prey. The all-action, lamb-shearing competitions are fiercely fought and wonderfully

entertaining – the shearing can be viewed on a plasma screen for an even better view. The historic & vintage vehicles will be polished to perfection for your inspection.

In the craft marquee, you’ll be able to browse amongst regional craft makers and talented artisans from across the South West. There’s also a dedicated Lifestyle Pavilion, now a successful show favourite. Homecraft and handicraft creations are on show with lots of competition amongst the entries to include jam-making and yummy cakes.

Come prepared to shop for your supper in the fabulous Food Hall with oodles of delicious food and drink from West Country producers and suppliers.

Here, you’ll discover excellent produce from a variety of local sources and South Devon Farms. You can also watch professional chefs cook up a storm in their cookery demos.

Hugely popular and comical, the terrier racing is open to all breeds – join in for the mayhem! The family dog show has all the usual categories including the keenly contested Waggiest Tail.

Show Manager Linda Harvey said, “The show is a full day of superb entertainment for the whole family; a varied and action packed day out.”o

Need to Know Event: Totnes Show Date: Sunday 31 July Where: Berry Farm, Berry Pomeroy, TQ9 6LG Tickets: Adult £10, children 5-16 years £3, family ticket of 2 adults & up to 3 children £25.

Parking: available on site, follow signs Park and Ride: check website for latest details totnesshow.com englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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June & July

Around the Bay Superhero Madness, Living Coasts 28 May – 3 June Take part in a superhero penguin trail, get crafty with superhero arts and crafts and don’t forget to pick up a superhero tattoo! You’ll also get to meet Super Olly the Otter and Super Mac the Penguin. Plus, if you visit dressed as your favourite superhero, you could win a great prize. Simply gather at either of the penguin talks at 10.30am or 2.30pm where the winner will be chosen!

Torquay Harbourside, Beacon Quay, Torquay TQ1 2BG 01803 202470 livingcoasts.org.uk

Geopark Festival 28 May – 5 June Celebrate The English Riviera UNESCO-recognised Global Geopark at this year’s Geopark Festival. There’s a range of events all week that can help you enjoy, explore and experience all of the different aspects of the Geopark.

Various venues. englishrivierageopark.org.uk

Brixham Fish Market Tour 1, 2, 15, 29 June & 13, 20, 27 July See over 40 different types of fish on this Fish Market Tour in Brixham. More than £25 million of fish is landed an auctioned. The fish is then supplied to top restaurants in London and Europe as well as locally. You will see the auctions in action and Barry Young of Brixham Trawler Agents will be your guide. After the tour you will enjoy a delicious breakfast at Rockfish. Time: tours begin at 6am sharp, cost: £12.50 including breakfast and a donation to Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.

Unsuitable for under-14s or wheelchairs. Booking essential.

The Quay, Brixham TQ5 8AW 07973 297620 or email bfmt2014@gmail.com

Mammoth Hunt, Torquay Museum 1 June Join a mammoth hunt around the museum and learn how our ancestors trapped mammoths! Make your own woolly 50

June/July 2016

mammoth to take home! Free event but normal admission charges apply. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Cockington Volunteering Day 2 June There’s lots to be done down at Cockington Country Park and Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust needs willing volunteers to help us with all sorts of things!

Come alone or bring a friend and talk to our rangers and other volunteers about how you could help to keep this wonderful park in tip-top condition. Call 01803 696247 (Hannah) or email greenheart@countryside-trust.org.uk Cockington Visitor Centre, Torquay TQ2 6XA countryside-trust.org.uk

Pirate Days, Brixham 2 June & 28 July Pirate Days are held during the spring and summer school holidays where the majority of shenanigans will be held under the Old Fish Market on Brixham harbour side. This is piratical fun for the young and young at heart; a great opportunity to join in the amusing antics and have a great free day out. Their 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

Rockpool Ramble, Goodrington 3 June Join a Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust marine ranger in exploring the incredible marine life that lives in Torbay’s rock pools. Discover daring crabs, wriggly starfish, slimy anemones and speedy prawns in the rockpools at Middlestone. The event is suitable for all ages. Time: 10.30am, cost: £3.50 (ages 4-18 years), englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On booking essential. An adult must accompany children.

Seashore Centre, Tanners Road, Goodrington TQ4 6LP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Summer Barbeques, Berry Head Hotel From 3 June - Fridays & Saturdays in June & July Enjoy a delicious summer barbeque on the Terrace with its breathtaking views. Friday evenings from 7pm and Saturday lunchtimes between 12 and 2pm, weather permitting.

Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AJ 01803 853225 berryheadhotel.com

Brixham Folk Night 3 June & 1 July Share an evening of folk music, in all its wonderful varieties. The evening starts and ends with music from regular performers, with an open floor slot for all comers to show their folk music talents - song or instrumental.

The programme is organised by Anne and Steve Gill, with help from John Miles. Time: 7.30pm, cost: £3 (£2 performers) on the door.

Brixham Theatre, New Road, Brixham TQ5 8LX 01803 858394 brixhamtheatre.org.uk

Quiz Night, Brixham 4 June Test your knowledge at Brixham Heritage Museum’s Quiz Night. Doors open 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Cost: £5 (includes a drink and nibbles).

The Old Police Station, New Road, Brixham TQ5 8LZ 01803 856267 brixhamheritage.org.uk

Fantastic Fossils & Violent Volcanos, Torquay Museum 4 June As part of Geopark Week, make your own fossils to take home and have a go at excavating fossils! You can also make an erupting volcano! Note this activity will be messy. Drop in session for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. Free event but normal admission charges apply.

529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Inspired by Greenway 4 June Visitors will be invited on a 30-minute tour around the grounds with Greenway’s writer-in-residence, who will talk about some of the locations, plants and objects that most inspire her, and about how she responds to place in her work. There will be poems along the way. Free event but normal admission applies. Booking not needed. Time: 11am – 1pm.

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

Babbacombe Cliff Railway Ukulele Festival 4 June A free day on Oddicombe Beach, filled with musical entertainment for all to enjoy.

Babbacombe Downs Road, Torquay, TQ1 3LF 01803 328750 babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk

The Geopark Trail, Cockington 5 June Come with the whole family and celebrate the Geopark Festival at Cockington. Follow a special time trail that will lead you through the English Riviera’s Geological History. Part of the Geopark Festival Week. An adult must accompany children. Time: 10:30am - 3:30pm, cost: £1.00 per child (all ages welcome).

Cockington Country Park, Torquay, TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Chin Up! Torre Abbey 5 June The Chin Up project will transport you back in time to explore war-time entertainment with performers from Promenade Productions and Doorstep Theatre. Explore the exhibition in their immersive performance tent, enjoy a cream tea, and witness live performances throughout the afternoon. Entry to the House or Gardens is not required.

South Lawn, Torre Abbey, The King’s Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE 01803 293593 torre-abbey.org.uk

English Riviera Dance Festival, Torquay 5 – 10 June The English Riviera International Dance Festival is a glittering annual dance extravaganza is open to everyone with an interest in dancing. You can join in with the social and leisure dancing, learn and improve your dancing prowess, watch champions in cabaret, or enter the competitions. Gala dinner dance on 9 June.

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TLH Leisure Resort, Belgrave Road, Torquay, TQ2 5HS 01803 400500 dance.tlh.co.uk

Devon Air Ambulance Sea Swim, Broadsands 5 June This is a fun 1-mile swim from Broadsands to Goodrington and suitable for most confident swimmers.

It is managed by Torbay Surf Life Savers (TSLS) and Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Funds raised will benefit both charities equally. Approximate timings: 12noon – 4pm (subject to tides). Entry fee: £20.

Broadsands Beach, Brunel Road, Paignton TQ4 6HY 01392 466666 daat.org/sea-swim-signup

Jazz Sunday Lunch, Berry Head Hotel 5 June and every Sunday Enjoy some lively jazz whilst enjoying a traditional Sunday lunch carvery in beautiful Brixham.

Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AJ 01803 853225 berryheadhotel.com

History Salon Talk, Torquay 7 June Noted historian, John Risdon gives a talk entitled Cockington: A Victorian Vignette as part of a season of talks celebrating Torbay. Time: 2.30pm, cost: £3 (Friends of Torquay Library £2) Torquay Library, 9 Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT torbay.gov.uk/libraries

Evening Wildlife Walk at Cockington 8 June Join Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust for an evening stroll around Cockington Country Park. Enjoy looking for signs of wildlife, listening for birdcalls and hopefully catching a glimpse of some of Cockington’s wild residents.

Refreshments included. An adult must accompany all children. Time: 7pm - 9pm, cost: £3.50 per person (aged 11 and over), booking essential.

Cockington Country Park, Torquay, TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk 52

June/July 2016

Paella on the Terrace, Berry Head Hotel 8 June and every Wednesday evening in June and July Paella served live on the terrace with its breathtaking views of Tor Bay every Wednesday evening (weather permitting) during summer months.

Berry Head Road, Brixham TQ5 9AJ 01803 853225 berryheadhotel.com

Walls Hill Nature Walk, Torquay 11 June Walk with a Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust ranger and learn more about the rare wildflowers and butterflies that live on Torbay’s coastal slopes! Walls Hill is a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest. All ages welcome. Meet: Ansteys Cove car park (charges apply. Free for TCCT members), time: 10am-12pm, cost: £3.50 per person, booking essential.

Walls Hill, Torquay TQ1 3LZ 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Visit of MS Hanseatic Cruise Ship, Tor Bay 11 June Look out for a big ship in the Bay! The Hanseatic is the world’s only 5 star expedition ship.

Royal Torbay Yacht Club Triangle Race 12-24 June The Triangle is a double-handed challenge open to cruiser and cruiser racer monohull yachts of 25ft LOA or over. The event runs from Torquay to Kinsale, Southern Ireland, Treguier, Brittany and back to Torquay. (A sensible “Fastnet” with stopovers to enjoy.) The distance is at least 620 miles and lasts 12 days plus. At least 2 days are spent in each port with receptions, parties, and even shore based sporting competitions laid on and there are always plenty of impromptu parties on yachts and ashore.

Beacon Quay, Torquay TQ1 2BH 01803 292006 rtyc.org

Poetry Picnic, Greenway 15 June Greenway’s writer-in-residence, Miriam Nash, will share some of her own work as well as hosting a poetry open mic - sign up early for one of 10 three-minute slots (family-friendly poems only please!). Times: 5.307.30pm.

Greenway Road, Galmpton TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Solicitor Seminar, Living Coasts 15 June A free solicitor seminar is being held at Living Coasts to inform solicitors and their clients about the vital conservation work that Paignton Zoo undertakes worldwide. Coffee will be served on arrival followed by a morning of presentations. After a delicious two-course lunch there will be the opportunity to network and a tour of Living Coasts. Contact jenny.paton@paigntonzoo.org. uk or call 01803 697509, booking essential by 9th June.

Beacon Quay, Torquay, TQ1 2BG

Berry Head Bat Walks 17 June & 15 July A Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust guided walk to see the rare Greater Horseshoe bats at Berry Head National Nature Reserve. The bats live in the caves formed in the 400 million-year-old limestone cliffs. The walk begins at the Berry Head Visitor Centre to see the bats in their roost using the cave camera. The group will then head out onto the reserve to learn about feeding habits, before moving on to watch the spectacle of the bats emerging from their roost, using bat detectors to hear their calls.

Time: 8.15pm, cost: adults - £5.00, children £3.50 (12 and over), booking essential, car parking fees for nonTrust members, wear stout footwear, warm clothing and a waterproof jacket.

Berry Head Visitor Centre, Berry Head, Brixham, TQ5 9AP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Teignmouth Folk Festival 17-19 June Teignmouth Folk Festival is a hugely popular event that takes place once a year and attracts large crowds with its wide variety of exciting entertainment. This year sees the 18th Folk Festival. There will be concerts and performances, workshops, dance acts and a ‘meet and greet’ with some of the artists. The main concert venue is Teignmouth United Reform Church, with free entertainment taking place in various venues across the town.

United Reform Church, Dawlish Street, Teignmouth TQ14 8TB 01803 290427 teignmouthfolk.co.uk

activities. This is a free event, raising money for Oxfam.

Upton Park, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 4BG 01803 203994

Stone Age School – Fisherman 18 June When Stone Age people moved to the shore or by lakes and rivers, fish made up a large part of their diets. What did they use to get their fish? Come and make some fishing tools, you might even be able to use them when you next visit the beach! All children leave the session with what they have made and a badge confirming their new Stone Age skill. Time: from 10am to 12noon or from 2pm to 4pm, suitable for children aged 6 – 12 accompanied by an adult, cost: £5 (annual passes available), booking essential.

Kents Cavern, Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk

Torbay Singers, Torquay 18 June Torbay Singers presents Faire is the Heaven, a celebration of beautiful British choral music from the first Elizabethan era to the present. Enjoy rich and evocative music by Byrd, Weelkes, Pearsall, Stanford, Harris, Howells, Finzi, Britten, MacMillan and more. Conducted by Tina Guthrie. Time: 7.30pm, tickets £10 (under-25s in fulltime education free).

Church of St Luke, St Luke’s Road, Torquay TQ2 5NX 01803 782677 torbaysingers.com

Brixham Trawler Race 18 June Skippers dress the boats with bunting and battle it out with two lap race around the Bay and fun and festivities on the quayside all raising money for local charities. The winner is not always the first across the line as there is a very strict handicapping system.

The Harbour, Brixham TQ5 9TH facebook.com/brixhamtrawlerrace

Oxjam’s Party in the Park 18 June

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Photo: Chris Slack

Oxjam presents Party in the Park with live music across 2 stages, featuring acts from the Stone Angels, Naked Farm, New Daze and more. There will also be a range of games, clothing and craft stalls, food and drink and free children’s June/July 2016

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Great Global Greyhound Walk, Dartington 19 June All sight hounds and honorary hounds are welcome.

This is a three-mile woodland walk, which follows the beautiful River Dart. It starts and ends at the Venus Café.

Donations go to Greyhound Rescue West of England.

Parking fees apply.

Venus Café, Dartington Cider Press Centre, Shinners Bridge, Dartington TQ9 6TQ 07757 054404 grwe.com

Classic Motorcycles at Cockington Court 19 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.

Cockington, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org

Totnes Good Food Sunday Market 19 June and 17 July A great foodie day out with around 45 artisan stallholders plus live jazz, this popular farmers’ market will be overflowing with local & regional produce as well as street food to tempt you. Time 10am-3pm.

Market Square, High Street, Totnes TQ9 5SG totnesgoodfood.co.uk

English Riviera Open Bowls Tournament, Torquay 19-26 June This is a friendly but competitive tournament. A new Open Singles competition will replace the previous Ladies and Gents events. Enhanced prize money will be available for this competition with a Winners Prize of £750. All other events, Men’s and Ladies’ Pairs, Men’s Triples and Mixed Pairs will continue as before.

Kings Bowling Club, Seafront, Torquay TQ2 6NX 01803 557344 englishriviera-tournament.com

Visit of MV Artania, Torquay 20 June MV Artania is another big cruise ship due to visit.

Originally christened The Royal Princess in 1984 by 54

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Princess Diana, it was re-named in 2011 when Artania Shipping acquired the vessel from P&O Cruises. With a crew numbering almost 550, MV Artania is able to welcome up to 1,260 guests.

Tor Bay, Torquay TQ2 5SW 01803 292429

History Salon Talk, Torquay 21 June Lionel Rigby gives a talk entitled Rock Around the Bay as part of a season of talks celebrating Torbay. Time: 2.30pm, cost: £3 (Friends of Torquay Library £2) Torquay Library, 9 Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT torbay.gov.uk/libraries

Bumblebee Walk & Talk, Paignton Zoo 25 June Join bee enthusiast Robyn Manley on a guided journey around Primley Park to learn all about bumblebees.

Learn about their importance, how to identify them and help gather data for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

Presentation and hot drinks included. This is a free event but booking is essential via email. Time: 1-4pm.

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

Music Makers at Torre Abbey 25 June Music Makers is a vocal and instrumental group for young people aged 9 to 19. Members meet together to rehearse joint songs, solo songs and even write their own.

Performances take place around the bay on a regular basis.

This is an opportunity for those who want to develop their solo singing, instrumental and performance skills.

Cost £5 per session, pay on the day.

The Kings Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE 01803 293593 torre-abbey.org.uk

Marine Ramble at Goodrington 25 June Join Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s marine ranger and explore the incredible marine life that lives in Torbay’s intertidal rock pools. Use dichotomous keys to discover crustaceans, bivalves, algae and more! Discover why feisty crabs walk sideways, how slimy anemones eat and join in surveying our rocky shore adding to valuable data! Time: 2.30 – 4.30pm, cost: £4 (over 16s only), booking essential.

Seashore Centre, Tanners Road, Goodrington TQ4 6LP 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

What’s On Samurai, Warriors of Japan, Torquay Museum 25 June – 4 September Pop along on Saturday 25 June for a day of special activities and events to celebrate the launch of Torquay Museum’s summer exhibition (which runs until 4 September). This hands-on family-friendly exhibition features weapons, armour and costumes from Samurai warriors & Ninjas who have inspired some of the biggest blockbuster films, from Star Wars to the Ninja Turtles. Normal admission charges.

529 Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 1HG 01803 293975 torquaymuseum.org

Preston Rotary Club Family Fun Day 26 June Preston Rotary Club will be running their annual Family Fun Day at Queens Park. It is expected to be a much larger event than last year and will include a hot air balloon with rides up to 100ft, local bands, 40+ charity stalls, 50+ food stalls featuring regional food and drink and much more. The event was created by Preston Rotary Club to promote charities.

Queens Park, Paignton TQ4 6BG 01803 663177 prestonrotary.org

Cockington Food & Crafts Market 26 June and 31 July Experience crafts makers at work and sample some of Devon’s finest foods in the beautiful grounds of Cockington Court. Stalls include flavoured mustards, cheeses and preserves, handmade Scotch eggs, sweet and savoury artisan flapjacks, multicoloured French macarons and breads, buns, lardy cakes and cheese straws from quality Devon producers. Times: 10am – 3pm.

Cockington, Torquay, TQ2 6XA 01803 607230 cockingtoncourt.org

Torbay Half Marathon, Paignton 26 June This will be the 25th running of this popular seaside event. Early entry into this event is advised as it may well reach its limit before race day. The race takes a traffic free two-lap route, which starts and finishes on Paignton seafront. It starts with one lap of Paignton Green before heading towards Torquay, where the course passes the historic Torre Abbey and the Princess Gardens before the return leg to Paignton begins. englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Paignton Green, TQ4 6ED 01803 690444 torbayhalfmarathon.co.uk

Summer Evening Ghost Tours, Kents Cavern Wednesdays - Fridays from 29 June These ghost tours around Kents Cavern are not for the fainthearted. They are very spooky evening events set in the dimly lit caves and characters will suddenly appear from the dark and make you jump. The Ghost tour takes just under 1 hour. You’ll walk the entire underground cave system but whether you’ll have your eyes open is another matter. Definitely not recommended for children under 8.

Booking essential – if you dare! Cost: £10, times: 6.30pm, 7pm and 7.30pm.

91 Ilsham Road, Torquay TQ1 2JF 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk

RTYC Offshore Week 1-9 July The Offshore Week is a flotilla style race week combining racing, cruising and social activities. The itinerary takes into account yachts and sailors of wide-ranging ages and abilities.

Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Beacon Terrace, Torquay TQ1 2BH 01803 292006 royaltorbayyc.org.uk

Festival of the Sea, Brixham 2 – 10 July Centred on Brixham’s famous All Saints Church, which keeps a loving vigil over the busy harbour and fishing port, this festival is a celebration of the culture and heritage of this historic place. All Saints Church, made famous by the Rev Francis Henry Lyte who wrote the emotive hymn ‘Abide With Me’, is filled with maritime memorabilia and flags of all colours. It will resonate to the sound of hymns and possibly sea shanties.

01803 853883

History Salon Talk, Torquay 5 July Fiona Freer gives a talk entitled Shipwreck, Scandal & Madness: The Taylors of Torquay as part of a season of talks celebrating Torbay.

Time: 2.30pm, cost: £3 (Friends of Torquay Library £2) Torquay Library, 9 Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT torbay.gov.uk/libraries

Brixham Hap’nin 8 & 9 July The main summer attraction in Brixham’s Cowtown area is Brixham Hap’nin (Party in the Park). Throughout the June/July 2016

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What’s On 2 day event you’ll get to see plenty of live entertainment including 3BF and NUTTYness plus donkey rides, swing boats, food stalls, licensed bar and more. Cost: Friday £2, Saturday £3 on the gate (under 12s free if accompanied by responsible adult) - profits are donated to local charities.

St Mary’s Park, Brixham TQ5 9RD 01803 855785 brixhamhapnin.org

Rowcroft Sleep Walk, Paignton 9 July Dust off your neon leggings, pump up your shoulder pads and send those tresses sky high for Rowcroft’s 80s-themed ladies-only night walk. Choose from a five or ten mile route that starts and finishes at Torbay Leisure Centre and takes in some of the Bay’s most stunning views during sunset and into the night.

Torbay Leisure Centre, Penwil Way, Paignton TQ4 5JR 01803 217641 rowcroftsleepwalk.org.uk

Writer-in-Residence Exhibition, Greenway 12 July A small exhibition of writing, objects and images, curated

by Miriam Nash, Greenway’s writer-in-residence. Free event but normal admission charges apply. Times: 11am – 1pm and 2-4pm.

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

The Writer as Collector, Greenway 13 July Agatha Christie and her family were great collectors, and Greenway is filled with objects they gathered from across the globe. This workshop invites us to examine some of their collection, and also to think about the things we or our loved ones have collected (whether intentionally or unwittingly). Time: 7-9pm. Free event but normal admission charges apply.

Greenway Road, Galmpton TQ5 0ES 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

We ❤ Parks, Cockington 16 & 17 July Celebrate Love Parks Week at Cockington Country Park.

There’ll be all sorts of activities happening across the weekend for the whole family including walks, talks and crafty activities. All ages are welcome. Times: 11am - 4pm daily, cost: free.

Cockington Country Park, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Stone Age School – Doctor 16 July Stone Age people got sick just like us, but they didn’t have the medicines that we use to today. Come and learn some Stone Age herbal remedies that might make you feel better if you’re feeling ill out in the wilderness.

All children leave the session with what they have made and a badge confirming their new Stone Age skill. Time: from 10am to 12noon or from 2pm to 4pm, suitable for children aged 6 – 12 accompanied by an adult, cost: £5 (annual passes available), booking essential.

Kents Cavern, Ilsham Road, Torquay, TQ1 2JF 01803 215136 kents-cavern.co.uk

Totnes Canoe Festival 17 July A summer day out to enjoy, with an amazing atmosphere on and off the river for the sixth year of this event.

Admission to the Festival is free so come and support sponsored crews of 10 paddle Longbow canoes race in full view of enthusiastic crowds 2000 strong lining Longmarsh, natural parkland on the bank of the River Dart. Bring a family picnic, enjoy sideshows and entertainments, and explore a variety of charity and refreshment stalls.

Longmarsh, Steamer Quay Road, Totnes TQ9 5AL 01803 863920 totnescanoefestival.co.uk

Rotary Pedal Car Grand Prix, Torquay 17 July Watch the very competitive pedal car teams all striving to win top trophies in this 2-hour endurance race using nothing but their own strength and fitness!

Running along side this will be an arts and craft fayre, live music, demonstrations, licensed bar and catering tent.

Torre Abbey Meadows, The Kings Drive, Torquay TQ2 5JE 01803 327154 rotaryevent.co.uk 57

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What’s On History Salon Talk, Torquay 19 July Colin Vosper gives a talk entitled Marvellous Devonshire Marble as part of a season of talks celebrating Torbay.

Time: 2.30pm, cost: £3 (Friends of Torquay Library £2) Torquay Library, 9 Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT torbay.gov.uk/libraries

adults, £2.00 for children and £12 for families (2 adults accompanying 2 children), free parking.

Churston Ferrers Grammar School, Greenway Road, TQ5 0LN 07595 255150

Visit of MS Amadea, Torquay 20 July

Evening Garden Tour, Paignton Zoo 20 July Book for an exclusive evening guided tour of Paignton Zoo’s gardens. With over 2,500 different plants this is a fantastic opportunity to see some unusual and rare species, meet the gardeners and ask lots of questions. Walk with an experienced gardener through Reptile Tropics to see more tender plants such as the banana tree; past the lakes with the spectacular Gunnera plant and through Croc Swamp with the Giant Lily Pads plus much more.

There will also be refreshments, a presentation by Curator Giles Palmer and a Q&A session with garden experts.

All proceeds to Paignton Zoo’s conservation programmes.

Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU 0844 4742224 paigntonzoo.org.uk

Paignton Festival 23-31 July Nine days of free entertainment for the whole family, the festival was previously known as Torbay Carnival. Money is raised for local charities.

Paignton Green (and other locations), TQ4 6BN 07709 092250 paigntonfestival.com

Photo: Railway Modeller Publications

A big ship in the Bay! MS Amadea cruise ship is a vessel owned by Amadea Shipping Company and managed under charter by the Phoenix Reisen company, which is based in Germany.

Tor Bay, Torquay TQ2 5SW 01803 292429

The WOW Trail, Occombe 23 July – 31 August Kids! Would you like a wild adventure this summer?

Then take part in Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s super-fun WOW (Wondrous Occombe Wildlife) trail and solve hidden clues to win a prize. See if you can be as sly as a fox, understand the secret language of a bat, or be as nimble as a stoat! Time: 10am - 3pm daily, cost: £2.00 per child (4-12 years recommended), booking: not necessary just drop in to take part!

Occombe Farm Visitor Centre, Preston Down Road, Paignton, TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Riviera Classic Car Show, Paignton 24 July Enjoy an exciting collection of classic cars on Paignton Green presented by Torbay Old Wheels Club.

Paignton Green, TQ4 6BQ 01803 400899 towc1.talktalk.net

Model Railway Show, Brixham 23 July At this exhibition, you will see more than 12 model railway layouts in a variety of scales from tiny Z gauge to O Gauge will be on show along with a number of trade stands. Of particular interest is ‘Brixham Bay’, a layout based on the terminus of Brixham Harbour and town connected from Churston on the Torbay and Brixham Railway. Time: 10am – 4.30pm, cost: £5 for englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

June/July 2016

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What’s On Flower and Arts Festival, Brunel Manor 25-31 July Brunel Manor’s first-ever Flower and Arts Festival will offer a variety of workshops together with an exhibition of floral display, quilts, wood carving, paintings and crafts.

Donations will be put towards the work of Brunel Manor.

Opening times: 11am to 4.30pm. The Brunel Tea Room will be open from 11am to 4pm.

Teignmouth Road, Torquay TQ1 4SF 01803 329333 brunelmanor.com

Meet the Animals, Occombe Farm 25 & 29 July plus Mondays & Fridays in August Meet the Occombe Farm animals and get a taste of what it’s like to feed and care for them! In these special hour-long sessions, you will get to meet the Occombe Farm animals in a small group and say hello to all your favourites including goats, pigs, alpaca and more. These sessions will go ahead whatever the weather, so make sure you bring some wellies and a waterproof. Time: 10-11am, cost: £2.00, suitable for: ages 3+, booking: essential. All adults and children attending must purchase a space due to group size restrictions.

Occombe Farm Visitor Centre, Preston Down Road, Paignton, TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Harbour Hullabaloo, Brixham 26 July Brixham Arts & Theatre Society put the fun into fundraising on the Old Fish Quay, Brixham at Harbour Hullabaloo. The BATS volunteers will be staging fun and games, as well as having all sorts of stalls and items to buy. There will be bargains galore: plants and produce, quality gifts and jewellery, toys, books, bric-a-brac, games, household items and much more.

Old Fish Quay, Brixham Harbour, TQ5 8AJ 01803 857855 brixhamtheatre.org.uk

Paignton, TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Laundry Day, Coleton Fishacre 26 July Join the team at Coleton Fishacre’s laundry to experience life as a 1930s laundry maid! Have a go washing linen from the period using a washing dolly, washboard and mangle, with the expert supervision of the National Trust’s knowledgeable volunteers. Times: 11am-5pm, cost: free event but normal admission charges apply.

Brownstone Road, Kingswear, TQ6 0EQ 01803 661903 nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

Family Pizza Perfection, Occombe 27 July Make your very own wood fired pizza in the outdoor pizza oven at Occombe Farm! Roll and top your dough, pick fresh herbs and watch your pizza bake in the clay oven. Drop in anytime between 12pm and 3pm, cost: £5 per pizza, booking not required.

Occombe Farm Visitor Centre, Preston Down Road, Paignton, TQ3 1RN 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Wild Wednesday at Coleton Fishacre 27 July and Wednesdays in August These events are free drop in sessions. The National Trust will be picking activities each week so ring ahead if you’d like to find out which ones they’re doing. Time: 2-4pm, cost: free but normal admission charges apply.

Brownstone Road, Kingswear, TQ6 0EQ 01803 842382 nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre

Family Pizza Perfection, Occombe 27 July

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Photo: Tony Cobley

Make your very own wood fired pizza in Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s outdoor pizza oven at Occombe Farm. Roll and top your dough, pick fresh herbs and watch your pizza bake in the clay oven. Time: Drop in between 12pm and 3pm (there may be small queue for oven), cost: £5 per pizza, booking: not necessary, just turn up on the day!

Occombe Farm Visitor Centre, Preston Down Road, June/July 2016

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What’s On Pirate Thursday, Brixham 28 July and Thursdays in August Pirates Thursdays offer piratical fun for the young and young at heart. This is a great opportunity to join in the pirates’ amusing antics and have a great free day out.

Their naughty deeds include Soak the Pirate as well as balloon modelling, puppet shows, arts & crafts workshops, fancy dress competitions, photo shoots, live music, plus much more.

The Quay, Brixham Harbour TQ5 8AJ

Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ 01803 3206333 bsolive.com

The Great Big Rhino Trail 30 July – 9 October

Butterflies & Caterpillars, Cockington 28 July Cockington Country Park will be celebrating all things butterfly as part of the Big Butterfly Count this summer.

Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust will have drop-in activities for all ages to help you discover more about these fascinating insects. Time: 11am-4pm, cost: free, booking: not necessary, just drop in.

Cockington Country Park, Torquay TQ2 6XA 01803 520022 countryside-trust.org.uk

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Torquay 29 July Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra returns with an evening of the best patriotic British classical music. Get ready for some fervent flag-waving, a good sing-along and a great night out with family and friends! The programme will include popular classical music, plus firm Proms favourites, celebrating everything British with Pomp & Circumstance March, Jerusalem, Fantasia on British Sea Songs and many others.

The Great Big Rhino Project brings a world-class mass public art event to the streets, parks and open spaces of the English Riviera and Exeter. For 10 weeks, life-size rhino sculptures will inhabit the streets, showcasing the wealth of artistic talent in the area, whilst highlighting the significant conservation threat facing wild rhinos and how the local business community can make a difference. After 9 October, the rhinos will be at Paignton Zoo from 14-16 October before being auctioned for charity in November.

Funds raised from the auction will be used by Paignton Zoo to support rhino conservation.

Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton TQ4 7EU 0844 4742226 greatbigrhinos.org.uk

Devon Art Society Summer Exhibition 30 July – 14 August Enjoy the annual summer exhibition of Devon Art Society. Admission free.

St Anne’s Hall, Babbacombe Road, Torquay TQ1 3SN committeedevonart.wix.com/devon-art-society

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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Treading the boards Babbacombe Theatre Box Office 01803 328385 Editor’s pick STARSTRUCK On till 19 October (Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

Palace Theatre, Paignton Box Office 01803 665800 Editor’s pick AGATHA CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE NILE 7 June – 28 JULY (Tues, Wed, Thurs)

If you have haven’t seen this wonderful feel-good show yet, then get some friends together and grab some tickets. The very best of traditional variety, this production overflows with humour, great vocals and superb dance routines.

One of Agatha Christie’s most beloved mysteries, the setting is a paddleboat on the Nile. Simon and Kay Mostyn, who are on their honeymoon, are being stalked by Simon’s former lover. The couple is unnerved and apprehensive.

As the voyage progresses, tempers flare and murder and mystery ensue.

Also worth seeing…

Beautiful World Celebrating 25 Years of Take That 25 June only Thank ABBA For The Music 1 July only

Also worth seeing…

King of Pop – The Legend Continues June 4 only

Brixham Theatre Box Office 01803 882717 Editor’s pick DON’T LAUGH AT ME 9 July only Everyone remembers the little man with the big cap, always falling over, laughing at himself and showing the vulnerable and hilariously funny side of life, Sir Norman Wisdom. The first ever Norman Wisdom tribute show is a joy-fest of music and comedy. Opening the show, the cast pays tribute to the great singers of our time, with superb renditions of Elvis, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Billy Fury, Eddie Cochan, Marty Wilde, Shakin’ Stevens, Sir Cliff Richard, Johnny Cash and The Beatles.

Also worth seeing…

BOADS – Are You Being Served?

1-4 June Money For Nothing - The No.1 Dire Straits Tribute Band 24 June only

Princess Theatre, Torquay Box Office 0844 8713023 Editor’s pick FOOTLOOSE 7-11 June Starring Lee Brennan as Willard and Maureen Nolan as Vi Moore, Footloose bursts onto the stage with cuttingedge choreography and classic hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear It For The Boy plus the unforgettable title track, Footloose. Based on the 1980s hit film that took the world by storm, Footloose sizzles with the same spirit of youth, rebellion and romance.

Also worth seeing…

Grease 22-25 June Whitney Queen of the Night 30 June only 64

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Little Theatre, Torquay Box Office 01803 299330 Editor’s pick ANITA HARRIS & JESS CONRAD 18 June only With careers spanning over 50 years, this promises to be a wonderful cocktail of anecdotes, song, glitz, chat and humour. Anita’s career started at 15 years old when she was whisked away to Las Vegas to appear in a top revue.

Returning to the UK she went on to work with The Cliff Adams Singers, appear in two Carry On films, grace the top of the pop charts, become a pantomime legend, star in Cats in the West End and feature in 7 Royal Command Performances. Jess Conrad, renowned cabaret performer, is one of the UK’s most enduring and endearing stars of stage, film and television.

Also worth seeing…

Peter Gill Swinging Summer Jazz Evening 17 June only Side by Side by Sondheim, Out of the Box Productions 19 June only

Flavel Arts Centre Dartmouth Box Office 01803 839530 Editor’s pick THE BARBER OF SEVILLE 27 July only The critically acclaimed Pop-Up Opera take to the stage with this incredibly fast-paced comical farce in their adaptation of this much loved score. Witness razor-sharp timing as the ever-resourceful barber, Figaro, tries to help the young Count Almaviva win the hand of the beautiful Rosina out of love rather than for his wealth. Soon the pair set about to produce many disguises for the count, and thus the farce ensues…!

Also worth seeing…

NTLIVE – The Audience 9 & 11 June englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Open Air Theatre!

Wrap up warm for these outdoor performances...

NT Coleton Fishacre Box Office 01803 842382 Editor’s pick THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST 13 July only Follow a hilarious series of mistaken identities in this delightful comedy by Oscar Wilde, when everyone learns ‘the vital importance of being earnest’. Bring a comfy seat and a picnic.

Also worth seeing…

Gilbert & Sullivan's Ruddigore 20 July only

Cockington Court Box Office 01803 607230 Editor’s pick DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD 29 July only Illyria returns with yet another classic, Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl. Staged on the front lawn at Cockington Court, the performance will be full of (literally) larger-than-life characters.

NT Bradley Manor Box Office 01803 842382 Editor’s pick MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING 27 July only In the year that marks the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, The Lord Chamberlain's Men invite you to join them at Bradley for Shakespeare's sparkling, battle-of-the-sexes comedy.

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TOADS THEATRE COMPANY @ ST MARK’S ROAD MEADFOOT TORQUAY TQ1 2EL

2016/17 SEASON One Man, Two Guvnors

by Richard Bean

1 – 13 August 2016

A Murder is Announced

by Agatha Christie

5 – 17 September 2016

Move Over Mrs. Markham

by Ray Cooney & John Chapman

10 – 15 October 2016

Macbeth

by William Shakespeare

7 – 12 November 2016

A Christmas Carol adapted from the novel by Charles Dickens

12 – 17 December 2016

Will You Still Love Me in the Morning

by Brian Clemens & Dennis Spooner

12 – 16 January 2017

Hay Fever

by Noel Coward

20 – 25 March 2017

Death in High Heels

by Richard Harris

24 – 29 April

Flat Spin

by Alan Ayckbourn

22 – 27 May 2017

Pygmalion

by George Bernard Shaw

19 – 24 June 2017

FREE parking plus Bar and Coffee Shop Save money on your tickets by buying one of our Season Packages.

Details available online or at the Box office:

Tel: 01803 299330, Email: boxoffice@toadslittletheatre.co.uk Performance details and Online Booking: toadslittletheatre.co.uk

A Summer of

Theatre

Shakespeare 2016 is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death and the Inn Theatre Company will be celebrating the Bard during Dartmouth Shakespeare Week and at open-air venues around the English Riviera.

T

he Inn Theatre Company, based in Dartmouth, is listed as one of the top ten must-sees this year for Shakespeare’s 400th. This year’s Dartmouth Shakespeare Week production is Romeo and Juliet and, as part of the Shakespeare400 celebrations, they are also touring a production of Twelfth Night, in association with Theatre Hub, another local, professional company.

Romeo and Juliet will be staged at the historic and beautiful Dartmouth Castle from 26 -30 July and Twelfth Night will be at various locations around the South West, including Torre Abbey on 1 & 2 June.

The Inn Theatre Company is affiliated to the Royal Shakespeare Company and their patron, Michael Corbidge (Senior Text and Voice Coach with the RSC) has said of them, “They were born to speak the Bard. I urge you to go and share in their joy!”

Holiday lettings, part of the Tripadvisor group, have placed their productions in its top ten list of shows to see during this celebratory year - and the Inn Theatre Company, who have been producing Dartmouth Shakespeare Week since 2002, are positioned above the Minack and the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival.

The Inn Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Jane Windsor-Smith said, “We are delighted and hugely proud to be included in this list, that includes such fabulous companies as The Globe and the Royal & Derngate production of ‘King Lear’ with Michael Pennington! We have, for the last 14 years, striven to bring the excitement and joy of Shakespeare to Dartmouth Castle, making it understandable and accessible. It seems we must be doing something right!”

One of Theatre Hub’s artistic directors, Max Brandt, said, “This is brilliant and well-deserved news for the Inn Theatre Company and we are really excited to be working with them in taking Twelfth Night on the road.

The Inn Theatre Company have an amazing talent for helping us to get closer to Shakespeare and making it

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

accessible to everyone.”

Shakespeare was made for open-air performances and Dartmouth Castle must be one of the very finest locations to see a show. Imagine yourself heading back in time to Romeo & Juliet’s ‘fair Verona.’ Alternatively, Twelfth Night’s ‘Illyria’ with Viola, Sebastian and well-known characters such as Sir Toby Belch, will be recreated at a range of locations including historic Torre Abbey. Don’t forget to dress warmly, bring some refreshments and cosy blankets. Some venues have chairs available, for others you can bring your own – check at the time of booking.o

Performances Dartmouth Shakespeare Week presents: Romeo & Juliet 26-30 July Dartmouth Castle Theatre Hub presents: Twelfth Night 27 May – Duckaller Farm, Dawlish 1 & 2 June – Torre Abbey, Torquay 3 June – Manor Gardens, Exmouth 18 June Avon Mill Garden Centre, Loddiswell 25 June – Pecorama, Beer Tickets are available online or from Dartmouth Tourist Information Office. theinntheatrecompany.co.uk

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Holiday at Home?

Take A Break!

It’s a phrase that’s been doing the rounds for a few years now so when Whitehill Country Park offered us the use of a luxury caravan for the weekend, English Riviera magazine’s Julian Rees took the chance to put it to the test.

S

o can you really holiday at home, or nearby anyway?

We rarely go away in the summer, preferring to be at one of our favourite Bay swim spots or paddling around our geopark or up the River Dart.

So we jumped at the chance of a mini-break the map confirmed was only 2.2 miles from home at Whitehill Country Park near Stoke Gabriel. On offer was a weekend in a Signature Premier caravan, equipped to a very high standard, in fact far better than most European package holiday apartments we’d looked at. There was plenty of space for four and as the park is dog-friendly the dog even got his own blanket and hot shower facilities nearby.

We arrived just after 6.30pm on Friday evening after negotiating one set of traffic lights and two roundabouts on a journey lasting 9 minutes. Had we taken the children then they probably would have made it without a single argument...but we hadn’t, just the two of us and the dog, looking forward to some relaxation.

Our first thoughts as we popped a cork and settled on the decking for some wine and shine were that we had expelled virtually no carbon getting here. There’s a plus point for the environment. Speaking of which Whitehill Country Park has a David Bellamy Award for conservation and, as we found out over the weekend, the grounds are beautifully kept and the woodland walks on site were particularly spectacular at this time of year with their carpeting of bluebells and wild garlic.

Armed with our walking and cycling guides and dog-friendly information pack, we spent the weekend exploring the local area with a leisurely stroll along green lanes to Stoke Gabriel and then relaxing back on the private deck soaking up the early season sun.

The world is certainly a smaller place these days, we can speak to people on the other side of the world on our phones as if they were our neighbours, but in the same way, turn that phone off and 2 miles down the road you could be anywhere! o If you’re looking for a holiday at home, visit beverleyholidays.co.uk/whitehill. Look out for the Dogtastic Weekend on 1-4 July 2016 englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

As the park is dog-friendly the dog even got his own blanket and hot shower facilities nearby

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The Transformation of

Cockington Lakes Cockington Lakes has always been a beautiful and tranquil haven tucked away in this everpopular Country Park but the ornamental landscaping had become overgrown. Now volunteers are helping Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust to return this historic area to its former glory.

R

estoration work in Cockington is now underway and local gardening business and volunteers from the local community have been getting stuck in to help Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust restore this very special area of the country park.

Volunteers have been clearing plants, bushes and scrub that had swamped the ornamental landscaping around the lakes area. The work is all part of the Green Heart Project, which also has funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Viridor and Torbay Council (plus the Trust’s own community fundraising).

There has been a settlement at Cockington since Saxon times, with the earliest record being from 1086 in the Domesday Book. When a monastery was founded at Torre in 1196, the Abbey took over the chapel at Cockington.

The Abbey had an interest in the agricultural land on the estate and would have taken a percentage of the harvest.

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The ponds may have been built by order of the Abbey, to provide trout and carp for the ecclesiastical community at Torre.

The ponds were ‘smartened up’ by the Mallock family, owners of Cockington Estate, in the 17th century. It was probably at about this time that the ponds became known as ‘The Lakes’, maybe in an attempt to lend an air of grandeur to the estate.

Over the years, the Mallocks continued to improve the area, adding ornamental planting in the 19th century.

The restoration of the lakes and their Victorian gardens will open up the views and enhance the visitor experience tremendously.

Cockington’s famous lakes themselves will be receiving some much-needed attention later this year. Thick layers of silt that have built up over decades will be removed from the three ponds and necessary repairs will be made to the dams.

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

Chairty & Volunteering The work will return the lakes to their former glory and provide a much healthier environment for fish and other wildlife to thrive in, but it does mean that in the short term, the conditions in the ponds will not be suitable to maintain the resident fish population.

A local angling association stepped in to offer a spacious new home to the carp. They have tested the fish to ensure that they are disease free, before netting them from the lakes. Each fish is then weighed and catalogued before being released into the group’s managed ponds just outside Newton Abbot. The largest of the carp netted was an astounding 18lbs, with most weighing in at between 10 and 15lbs. A small number of tench were also living in the ponds, but most of the fish caught were carp.

The Trust’s Green Heart Project Officer, Hannah Worthington explained, “Whilst we are sorry that the fish have to leave Cockington, we are really happy that they are going to a spacious new home with knowledgeable people to take care of them.”

It is expected that work on the lakes will be completed by February 2017 when they will be restocked with fish that are suited to the conditions.

Willow Garden Services is amongst the volunteers who are rallying round to help with the lakeside clearance work. Matt Evans, who runs Willow Garden Services said, “As a company we have always been focused on local area and pride ourselves on being environmentally aware in everything that we do. We firmly believe in giving back to

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

the environment around us. Working with Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust allows us to help a valuable organisation while also allowing our staff to benefit from learning about their local conservation charity and working together.”

Volunteer days are held each Thursday in Cockington Country Park. As a Trust volunteer, you will have training opportunities, your travel costs can be refunded and any equipment and clothing that you need can be provided.

You will need to register as a volunteer before starting.

Within the 450 acres of Cockington Country Park, there is a glorious mixture of formal garden landscapes and less formal parkland and countryside, all of which can be explored through a network of paths and bridleways, on foot or by bike.

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust is the independent charity that looks after Torbay’s most important wildlife and heritage sites, including Berry Head, Cockington Country Park, Occombe Farm, The Seashore Centre, the South West Coast Path and the English Riviera Geopark.o countryside-trust.org.uk

Become a Volunteer If you would like to get involved in what’s going on in Cockington Country Park by becoming a volunteer please contact Hannah Worthington on 01803 696247 or email greenheart@countryside-trust.org.uk

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Learn techniques of mindfulness to help you in daily life

SharphamTrust Sharpham House, Ashprington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7UT 72

June/July 2016

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Summer

has arrived!

Lis Wallace from Dobies of Devon welcomes the arrival of summer to tempt us into the garden.

It’s such a beautiful time of year. Cold nights and cheeky late frosts have ended and hopefully the warmth of summer has arrived. Now is the time to plant out your summer bedding, to keep lawns looking tidy and to deadhead bedding and perennial plants to keep them flowering. And the really good news is that, if you haven’t done so already, you can now cut back those straggly and yellowing daffodil leaves without doing any harm to next year’s display!

Cut ‘n Come Again Salad One of the easiest summer crops to grow has to be cut ‘n come again salad leaves. Sow little and often and you’ll be eating home grown leaves in just a matter of a few weeks.

There are several different types of cut ‘n come again leaves including Italian Mix, Californian Mix, Oriental Mix and Cos Lettuce.

Roses

If you’d like an attractive, personalised crate in which to sow and grow your salad leaves this summer, please visit dobies.co.uk

Water roses well in hot weather, especially if you are growing them next to a wall or other ‘drying’ structure. 90% of all rose problems relate to a shortage of water.

Deadhead repeat flowering types but leave the flowers on those that form attractive seed heads later in the year.

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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Gardening Care for Container Plants Include slow-release fertiliser when planting up containers or regularly apply a liquid fertiliser. Tomato food is great for encouraging strong flowering. Remember that the more you have to water, the more fertiliser is washed through in drainage so you may have to feed more. If the foliage begins to pale, this is a sign that you need to increase your feeding regime.Plants in baskets, pots and tubs will be growing strongly and in hot weather will probably need watering at least once a day. A good soak a couple of times a week is better for most garden plants than a light sprinkle each evening. The latter can do more harm than good as it encourages tender roots up towards the surface to seek moisture where they then shrivel up and die. Using garden mulches is a great way of conserving moisture.

A thick layer of garden compost, bark, peat, mulching fabrics or even old carpet will reduce evaporation and keep the moisture where your plants need it. Many of your houseplants will welcome a summer holiday out in the garden.

Sneeze-free Gardening

One in five people suffer from hay fever at some point in their life and for many, summer is a time to be endured rather than enjoyed. As hay fever is an allergic reaction to the pollen released by plants, gardening is not perhaps an ideal pastime for sufferers, yet simply paving over the garden is not an option for many.

So, how to create a low allergen and therefore sneeze-free garden?

Select plants that are pollinated by insects rather than those that release their ollen into the air. he added ene t eing that you will also e hel ing the ees lants with dou le flowers rodu e less ollen so hose these rather than ones with single o en loo s. ighly erfu ed flowers an trigger an allergi rea tion so avoid these and instead sele t non s ented varieties. ee your lawn short with regular owing as this will revent the grasses fro flowering. etter still, as so eone else to ut it for you oliage lants are ollen free and an add olour and interest to your garden. he sa e a lies to non flowering grasses. eeds an rodu e high a ounts of ollen whi h is why they s read so ui ly so su ress the using low allergen ground over lants su h as vin a and a uga. n the veg at h sti with leafy and root veg su h as lettu e, eetroot, arrot and self fertile eans. orry ut you really should avoid varieties ollinated y wind, e.g. sweet orn.

Flowers aren't the only way to bring colour to your garden. Painted fences, sheds and benches together with colourful pots can all play a part.

                        englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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6M_ 0QOP ;PMZQĐ&#x201E;

Angela Gilbert of Compton Castle made her declaration as the new High Sheriff of Devon at St John Baptist Church at Marldon. Following the ceremony, which was witnessed by Lady Frere JP, a reception was held for invited guests at Marldon Church Hall.

Geoffrey and Angela Gilbert

Cllr Christine Channon and Robin Barlow

Patricia & Bunny Johnstone, Lady Devon and Chris Tar

Angela Gilbert and Ann Bowen-Jones

Heleen Lindsay-Fynn, Elizabeth Chyne, Lady Burnell-Nugent and Lady Clinton

Mrs Ian Bramble SHDC and Patricia Hill (Consort to Chairman Torbay Council) Roger Gosh, Cllr Christine Channon, Sir Simon Day and Cllr Ray Hill (Chairman Torbay)

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Social Diary

Sue and Julian Downes, Pixie and David Wines Carolyn Pretty and Reverend Debbie Parsons

Julia Tremlett, Nick Holdsworth andtt Suzanne Barlow Bill Skelly (Dep.Chief Constable - Devon & Cornwall Police), Jane Skelly, and Lady Day

Nigel Wollen, Judy Hine-Haycock and Jennifer Tobey

Debbie Barnett and Lady Newman

Cllr Olwen Foggin (Lord Mayor of Exeter), Cllr Rob Hannaford and Patricia Davies-Gilbert

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John Musgrave Heritage Trail 10th Anniversary Celebrations.

A successful academic with an eccentric choice of outdoor gear was how the President of South Devon Ramblers, Robert Woolcott remembered John Musgrave whose generous legacy to Ramblers led to the founding of a walking route in his name.

Look at any OS map of the Devon area and the 35 mile John Musgrave Heritage Trail from Maidencombe to Brixham, taking in some of the Bayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic features, can be traced and is enjoyed by hundreds of locals and visitors to the area each year.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the inauguration of the trail, nearly 100 walkers set out on one of three routes at different times to cover 11, 6 or 3 miles converging for a celebratory cream tea at the Livermead Hotel.

As well as hearing something of the history of the trail, John Musgrave Heritage Trail Officer Keith Probert outlined the ways in which members of the South Devon Ramblers endeavor to keep the trail in good shape â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a new bench at the start of the trail, a new viewing platform at Greenway and a monitoring scheme to ensure the route is suitably maintained. southdevonramblers.com

Contact us at:

Bernard Parker (Chairman SDR), Des Garahan (Chairman of the Board of Trustees), Clare Wadd, Robert Woolcott (President SDR) and Keith Probert ( John Musgrave Heritage Trail Officer)

Bernard Parker, Verity Vass and John Mellor (Anniversary Walk leaders)

Robert Woolcott, John Risdon and Keith Probert

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

UU

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

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Great Big Rhino Project

Social Diary

Torbay business people gathered at Torquayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Artizan Gallery for an evening of celebration and collaboration and to hear about the Great Big Rhino Project from Paignton Zoo director Simon Tonge.

Frank Sobey, Anthony Blackaby and Simon Tonge

Jo Bridges, Pippa Craddock and Ronnie Halden

Aaron Mitchell, Katie Runham and Dean Cartwright

Julie Brandon, Nadine Stroud and Jess Miller

Julian Rees (English Riviera Magazine), Jackie Bufton and Dan Pritchard

Jacob Brandon, Wendy Williams and Dan Bickford-Beers

Diogo Costa and Matt Jarrett

Darren Graydon, Amandine Herault and Chloe Da Silva-Felix

englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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BusinessBreaks...

Spacecraft Systems

Arundal Astronautics, an engineering business that specialises in design solutions for spacecraft systems, has established itself at Lymington Road Innovation Centre in Torquay. Richard Arundal, Director of Arundal Astronautics Ltd said, “Torbay is well known for being an area of technology expertise. Although there are local companies working within the space industry, they provide components or individual systems for other spacecraft missions. It is the hope of Arundal Astronautics that specialised spacecraft design and research will be conducted here, forming collaborations with local companies and academic institutes.” Arundal Astronautics plans to run information days and lectures on space engineering and science news, promote STEM subjects in local educational institutes, and provide training and networking opportunities for future engineers. Richard will provide independent expertise in engineering, science and technology to a variety of disciplines primarily in the aerospace industry. Richard has experience in engineering, military and aerospace environments, combined with a BSc in Technology plus an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering. He is also currently researching with the Space Research Centre at Cranfield University, Milton Keynes.

With funding from the Start and Grow initiative, Torbay Development Agency has assisted Arundal Astronautics’ business startup and will continue to support its growth over the next three years. o

Stepping Stone to Success Former ‘Pop up the High Street’ tenant and local wood crafting business, Takahashi-McGil is opening a studio at Cockington Court Craft Centre. Torquay based Mark McGilvary successfully tested his business in the Pop Up Shop before making the jump to a full-time outlet. Mark, who makes all his creations by hand at home said, “I hand craft wooden products including furniture, chopsticks plus chopping and serving boards.

All the wood used is ethically sourced and each design is completely unique, made by harnessing both Western 80

June/July 2016

and Japanese techniques.” Cockington Court Craft Centre showcases a range of contemporary artists and craft makers within its popular Stable Yard and Sea Change Studios. Marissa Wakefield, Cockington Court Craft Centre Director, said, “With affordable rents and at least 100,000 visitors per annum, renting a studio at Cockington is a great opportunity for any creative business. We’re really excited to have Takahashi-McGil on board to add to our excellent craft makers in our studios.” o popupthehighstreet.org

New Firm Launches

A new firm of Chartered Accountants has launched in Torbay, with a primary focus on owner-managed businesses from start-ups to established family businesses.

James Twigger, owner of Accounting4Everything, said, “With the forthcoming major shake-up to tax returns and the introduction of the Quarterly Digital Tax Accounts, I felt now was the time to launch with a real focus on small business. Over the next few months we will be growing considerably with 2 employees joining the team and opening new premises in Preston.” If you’re interested in find out more about Accounting4Everything, call 01803 362829. o englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

BusinessBreaks...

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Hundreds packed Oddicombe Beach to celebrate Babbacombe Cliff Railway’s 90th Anniversary recently.

Visitors enjoyed a music marquee featuring various live music acts throughout the day and the Cliff Railway was kept busy shuttling over 1,200 visitors up and down the cliffs. Babbacombe Cliff Railway is owned and run by a Community Interest Company. Chairman John Ayres said, “We were delighted that so many people came down to Oddicombe to celebrate this important anniversary with us.” Present at the event were David and Mark Taylor who are the great-grandsons of Mrs John Taylor, the Lady Mayoress, who opened the railway back in 1926.

Babbacombe Cliff Railway is open from 9.30am 7 days a week and carries around 100,000 people each year. The next event planned down on the beach is the Babbacombe Ukulele Festival on Saturday 4 June. o babbacombecliffrailway.co.uk John Ayres (Chairman Babbacombe Cliff Railway), Mark, Sonia, David & Louise Taylor

+TQVQKIT 6MOTQOMVKM <MIU -`XIVL[ Legal professional, Zoe Gask has joined the Clinical Negligence team at Wollen Michelmore Solicitors’ Torquay office. Specialising in medical negligence, Zoe has experience working on a wide variety of unique cases with a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Wolverhampton. Zoe previously worked in Birmingham city centre within the International Personal Injury team for the 20th largest law firm in the UK, and amongst the top 50 in Europe.

Chris Wills, Partner and Head of Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution at Wollen Michelmore said, “We have substantially grown the firm this year and Zoe has made a significant impact joining the expanding Clinical englishrivieramagazine.co.uk

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As part of British Science Week and National Apprenticeship Week, handpicked students were invited into Gooch & Housego’s headquarters in Torquay. Years 12 and 13 A-level Physics and Maths students with an interest in manufacturing or engineering were given a tour of the site to see fibre optic technology in action. They were then encouraged to speak to apprentices and graduates about their experiences. Deborah Passmore, Partnership Executive at TDA said, “There are opportunities within the manufacturing and hi tech industries locally for apprentices and graduates and we’re keen to showcase these to students in our schools.” Torbay and South Devon is nationally recognised by industry as one of the top locations for electronics and photonics expertise in the country. Martin Foulger, Chair of Torbay Hi Tech Forum, said, “Torbay has a thriving hi tech sector, being home to several national and international businesses serving a wide-range of technologies and customers.” Gooch & Housego is a multinational company that designs, manufactures and supplies fibre optic technology across the world. General Manager Graham Catley hosted the students for the morning’s events. o

Negligence team working closely with Amanda Harvey and Elizabeth Larner.” o

June/July 2016

81

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

Rebalancing the Property Market While last year saw a decrease in the Stamp Duty Land Owning a share of property worth less than £40,000 in Tax (SDLT) due on properties below £1,000,000, for anyone either the new or existing property will not trigger the higher buying additional residential property the latest Budget has rate, but property owned abroad will. seen a hefty 3% SDLT increase. Targeted on purchases of Property in the course of construction or adaptation for second homes or buy to let, the extra SDLT will dwarf the use as a dwelling and also any garden or grounds to a dwelling previous savings. is included.

The Government is realising that the long rise in property Main residence is not defined. Its application to an prices is not “a brilliant breaking of the bank, a quite unloseable existing property will depend on an objective look at all the game” and is maybe starting to rebalance our property market. circumstances and to new property will depend on the buyer’s House price inflation, originally fuelled intention although evidently this must Perhaps the buy to by an earlier tax break, mortgage interest be plausible. rate relief, has seen many undesirable Solicitors will have to ask every buyer let market will start to consequences, with people being priced out further questions about additional weaken creating a greater property ownership. Buyers may need to of the housing market. The recent St Ives referendum in favour of restricting second availability for families consider their circumstances to establish home ownership shows the strength of the SDLT due to ensure any proposed currently renting who wish purchase is affordable. feeling in some communities.

On a straightforward purchase of Perhaps the buy to let market will start to buy and give their lives residential property, whether the purchase is to weaken creating a greater availability greater stability for a main residence, buy to let or indeed a for families currently renting who wish to holiday home, a buyer who does not own any other residential buy and give their lives greater stability. That would result in property will not pay the higher rate. Company buyers a more equal and better society, although the consequences of however will pay the higher rate automatically, on the grounds leaving an unregulated housing market to run unchecked for so that a company cannot have a residence. long will take a long time to rebalance.

Anyone who already owns a second property still has the However, as with any market correction, there will be pain opportunity to buy and sell their main residence without for some and an additional 3% SDLT certainly amounts to a incurring the higher rate. If the new main residence is bought substantial extra cost. before the sale of the current home, then the higher rate SDLT If you would like to know more about this article, Wollen must be paid, however there is a three year window to reclaim Michelmore have a dedicated team of property lawyers to assist the additional SDLT on the subsequent sale. If the new main you. Contact David Morgan-Wynne: David.Morgan-Wynne@ residence is bought after the sale of the current home, then the wollenmichelmore.co.uk or call 01626 883521 purchase must take place within three years of the earlier sale.

However, anyone owning a property which is not their main residence, or a share in such a property, is in a much less favourable position. They will not be able to buy a main residence without paying the additional SDLT. Where there are a number of buyers, the higher rate SDLT will be paid if any one of the buyers alone would pay the higher rate.

David Morgan-Wynne Couples who are married or in a civil partnership can have Solicitor only one main residence. So couples buying a home together will pay the higher rate if either one of them already owns a wmlegal property, unless that was a main residence and is sold so the ollenmichelmore purchase qualifies as a replacement main residence.

ollen Michelmore SOLICITORS TOR A NEWTON ABBOT 01803 213251 01626 332266

Regional Law Firm of the ear South

DARTMO TH 01803 832191

BARNSTAPLE 01271 342268

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BIDEFORD 01237 478751

www.wollenmichelmore.co.uk This firm is authorised and regulated b the Solicitors Regulator Authorit

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