Tranquillity & foodie delights

from English Riviera Magazine June/July 2021

Time to get back to theatre

Mr Fox’s Garden

In this issue Mr Fox launches his unique idea for a ‘Torbay Trebuchet’ designed to hurl friendly ower bombs across Torbay and further a eld.

‘March winds and April showers bring forth May owers’, as the saying goes. Well, it didn’t way there’s been a recent spate of people attening their gardens for a second parking space. I just can’t stop happen this year - frost in April, no rain for six weeks and wondering about the poor bees, they’re far too classy to go then the April showers came in May. Don’t you just love looking round the bins for discarded lollipop sticks like the British weather? It’ll probably be 30 degrees Celsius the wasps do… by the time you read this. Seriously though, I love it. I Don’t worry though, I’ve got a great idea; it’s a new found myself smiling out the window watching the rain project, called e Torbay Trebuchet! A trebuchet is after the drought; it really was a happy feeling, you can’t a medieval catapult. I’m just going to drift o topic buy feelings like that; one could say it’s priceless. here; bear with me for a moment. In the 13th century,

It does sadden me to think of all them ‘indoor people’ Scotland made an attempt to establish its independence thinking they’re on a winner because they don’t have to from England (sounds familiar; you can watch the lm get their hands dirty - not sharing this feeling of delight ‘Braveheart’ if you want to get the full facts on this event). with us gardeners in the rain that follows a dry spell. King Edward I (aka Longshanks), invaded Scotland; the e weather’s crazy but Scottish weren’t happy, don’t throw the calendar out of the window just yet. Toby Buckland’s Powderham Castle “ I just can’t stop wondering about the poor bees, they’re far too classy to go looking round the bins for discarded lollipop sticks like the wasps do… morale was low, some of its strongest castles surrendered easily to the English but Stirling Castle Garden Festival is back wasn’t budging. King (hopefully) on June 11th. I’m not sure what it’s going Edward ordered ve master carpenters with an additional to be like with all the social distancing measures in place, 50 labourers to construct the largest trebuchet ever built; it but the last time the event was held it was fantastic. If took three months to complete and needed 30 wagons to you are reading this early enough (before the 5 & 6th transport it. of June), my friend Jenny at Higher Orchard Cottage in So e Torbay Trebuchet will work on a similar Marldon is taking part in e National Garden Scheme. principle except instead of hurling rocks at our If you’ve never heard of the NGS then do look it up - it’s opposition’s castles we’re going to be hurling seed-bombs a fantastic idea. Gardeners across the country invite into elds and wasteland - wildfower meadows will be the public to their gardens for one weekend a year and growing everywhere in our wake. Firstly we’ll tow it together raise a good amount of money for charity - it around the Devonian towns and villages; all the village really is a great scheme. folk can turn out with their seed balls and we’ll send

Our gardens are going wild again - owers everywhere. them ying… We’ll have some really fun days! en we’ll Strangely, even the nettles are looking good this year - it slowly make our way up to Scotland and plant them some has been a long and grim winter though. Round our wild ower meadows as a way of reconciliation and to

We are James and Catherine (Mr Fox’s Garden). We provide a garden maintenance and landscaping service around the Bay but the main part of our business is making plant supports, garden art and sculptures - and it’s all made right here on the English Riviera. We’re proud to say that this year we have pieces on permanent display at RHS Rosemoor and Buckfast Abbey.

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

Supported Housing for Independent People

ABBEYFIELD SOUTH WEST SOCIETY

Sheltered Housing for Independent People over 55

ABBEYFIELD SOUTH WEST SOCIETYBoth Abbeyfield houses are situated in lovely areas, staff, consisting of a Manager, cooks and a cleaner boasting their own beautiful grounds. Park House in who all work together to ensure residents are happy Both Abbeyfield houses are situated in lovely areas, Paignton is situated directly opposite a beautiful park staff, consisting of a Manager, cooks and a cleaner and content. boasting their own beautiful grounds. Park House in Paignton is situated directly opposite a beautiful park and is a five minute walk from the beach. Sanders who all work together to ensure residents are happy and content. There are various activities, events and entertainment and is a five minute walk from the beach. Sanders Court in St Marychurch, Torquay, has a wonderful There are various activities, events and entertainment that take place throughout the year which the Court in St Marychurch, Torquay, has a wonderful large private courtyard and the local precinct is just a five minute walk away, with all the amenities you would expect. Both sites offer good public transport services close by, so it is nice and easy to go and explore. At our Abbeyfield houses residents find friendship and support without losing their independence and dignity. that take place throughout the year which the residents can join in if they wish. Traditional home cooked meals are provided in the dining room every day and breakfast provisions are provided for residents to have in their rooms. The weekly charge covers all utilities and food, so there are no bills to worry about, other than a BT telephone line which is necessary for the residents, large private courtyard and the local precinct is just a five minute walk away, with all the amenities you would expect. Both sites offer good public transport services close by, so it is nice and easy to go and explore. At our Abbeyfield houses residents find friendship and support without losing their independence residents can join in if they wish. Traditional home cooked meals are provided in the dining room every day and breakfast provisions are provided for residents to have in their rooms. The weekly charge covers all utilities and food, so there are no bills to worry about, other than a BT All bills are included, except telephone line & calls The rooms are unfurnished with en-suite facilities and a kitchenette area. The houses have a communal laundry, dining room, lounge and beautiful garden. Each house has a small and friendly committed and dignity. The rooms are unfurnished with en-suite facilities and a kitchenette area. The houses have a communal 24hr emergency pendant to work, so all concerns about running a house are taken away. Each room has its own 24hr emergency call system for residents peace of mind. telephone line which is necessary for the residents, 24hr emergency pendant to work, so all concerns about running a house are taken away. laundry, dining room, lounge and beautiful garden. Each room has its own 24hr emergency call system To arrange a visit or for more information telephone Each house has a small and friendly committed for residents peace of mind. the Manager at: Park House, Paignton 01803 557732 or for Sanders Court, Torquay 01803 316164. To arrange a visit or for more information telephone Or visit our website: www.abbeyfield.comthe Manager at: Park House, Paignton 01803 557732 Registered Society No: 23413R under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014or for Sanders Court, Torquay 01803 316164. Or visit our website: www.abbeyfield.com

atone for past deeds.

It’s just an idea at the moment, but as they say, everything begins as an idea. I’m looking for a team – who’s in? We just need a fundraising kickstarter page, some building materials, ve carpenters, fty labourers and some rope. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to get involved. Enjoy the Summer! Mr Fox

A lazy lawn?

If the trebuchet sounds a bit too large-scale for you then try your own ‘lazy lawn’ - a great way to save work and encourage wildlife. If you have a lot of grass and don’t need it all regularly cropped, simply go easy with the mower, and this year you could be listening to the buzz of bees and chirping of grasshoppers rather than the humming of mowers. The thriving insect habitat will also encourage birds to your garden, which is always a good thing. If you don’t want to let the whole area go wild then maybe just mow around the edge of the lawn and leave a central ‘meadow’ or if you’re lucky enough to have a large lawn then mowing a pathway will add an extra element to your garden. It’s a real win-win route to relaxation in your outdoor space. 

Seasonal jobs for June

- Start taking cuttings of this year’s young growth from plants such as tender perennials. Also, look for rooted shoots on woody-based perennials like penstemon and anthemis, which can be detached and potted up. - Lavender should be lightly pruned after owering to remove dead stems and shoot tips. Finish planting up containers of summer owers and water regularly during dry spells (if there are any). - Focus watering on any border plants that are newly planted, and ensure fruiting plants have an even supply to give a good crop. - Sow biennial plants now to ower next year, like foxglove, forget-me-not, sweet rocket and wall ower. - If the wet weather continues don’t be tempted to dig over the soil too much as new plants’ tender root growth can rot if you allow too much water in. - Once the weather dries out remember to put out fresh water for wildlife in shallow dishes, bowls or birdbaths, and refresh regularly. - Over the winter you may well have disconnected your water butt or other rainfall management equipment, don’t forget to reconnect those pipes as the dryer weather arrives.

BAY BUSINESSES VOTE FOR SUCCESS

Tourism in our coastal resort is at a critical juncture. A forthcoming industry vote will greatly in uence the Bay’s success as a premier destination. Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company explains.

The English Riviera’s tourism and hospitality industry Following serious budget challenges by Torbay Council is a very valuable and a pivotal part of our economy, to fund discretionary services in 2016 the rst English providing thousands of livelihoods. Many of us are either Riviera Business Improvement District (ERBID1) came directly or indirectly dependent on the £500 million into being. Working on behalf of Torbay’s 1200+ eligible generated by the 4.7 million visitors we attract each year. tourism and hospitality businesses, the ERBID’s primary ere has been plenty in the news recently about a purpose is to manage and promote the o cial English predicted surge in staycations as a result of continued Riviera brand and lead on a proactive programme of restrictions on international travel. professionally coordinated, Holidaying at home is enjoying Carolyn destination-marketing activities to a surge and the English Riviera Custerson attract visitors all year round. is expecting a very busy summer, Operated by the English with hearts won now having the Riviera BID Company with a potential to create regular returning Board of Directors (local business visitors long into the future. representatives who work on

As a coastal destination we are in a voluntary basis) ERBID1 an enviable position to ght back has been driven by the private from COVID-19 (during which sector, with the belief that local most tourism and hospitality businesses, working together, businesses had their turnover will have a more in uential voice halved) and to make important in shaping and reaching the full gains in the staycation market. e great outdoors is one of our key strengths and the spectacular natural beauty of the English “ e great outdoors is one of our key strengths and the spectacular natural beauty of the English Riviera potential of our destination. In excess of £500,000 per annum is currently collected in ERBID Levy to pay for Riviera o ers visitors an enviable o ers visitors an enviable a wide range of marketing choice of coastal walking and choice of coastal walking activities. ese include national water-based activities. Our revised and water-based activities advertising, management of the branding and positioning English English Riviera website that Riviera – Naturally Inspiring, we know is attracting new attracts over one million visits and hosts the resort’s visitors to the resort. central What’s On Calendar plus the operation of the

So, who is responsible for promoting the resort? English Riviera Visitor Information Centre. is year’s

ERBID national advertising campaign Escape the Everyday has reached 9 million people.

But the tourism company, despite continuing to grow the value of Torbay’s visitor economy and generating £75 for local businesses for every £1 invested, now faces a major T-junction. BIDs only last 5 years and ERBID1 will automatically end on December 31st. erefore, the company must stage a renewal ballot. If the majority of eligible businesses vote YES in the renewal ballot which runs from May 27th to June 24th, the company’s work will continue for a further 5 years. (2022-2027).

In the wake of COVID-19 there has probably never been a more important time for ERBID2. Over £300 million has been lost in turnover since March 2020. COVID-19 decimated our tourism economy and we need to keep promoting professionally for many years to help our businesses and the resort recover. roughout COVID the ERBID Company has been pivotal in providing key communications for businesses and lobbying government for support. Momentum is now critical. e ERBID2 Business Plan (on which eligible businesses will vote) includes a number of exciting changes following consultation undertaken since February. Tourism businesses want to see ERBID2 invest signi cantly more in new events in the shoulder months, which we will do and we have adjusted the budget for the next 5 years accordingly. We are looking closely at introducing a new Springtime Walking Festival, expanding Seafood FEAST and developing new Christmas events.

We will continue to focus heavily on digital marketing and social media as well as investing in amazing photography and videography to share with businesses to help promote the resort and inspire visitors. Much more emphasis will be put on eco-tourism and promoting all the amazing outdoor lifestyle activities that have become increasingly popular through lockdown.

I believe that continuing to work in partnership and promoting the multi-award-winning English Riviera brand globally, is the path we must continue to take. Collaboration makes us stronger and will help us jointly to secure our position as the UK’s Premier Seaside Resort. A lot is now at stake. A ‘YES’ vote would mean a further £3 million for marketing the resort. Certainly, competition will continue to be erce as global competition resumes and the English Riviera needs to be at the forefront of national marketing excellence to capitalise on the current popularity of seaside resorts. 