West magazine, 21 November 2015 by DCMedia

21.11.15

reasons to love singer Ben Howard

WIN:

FASHION:

+ DESIGNER KNIT

+ PICK THE

+ STYLISH SPIRITS

SIREN HUE FOR YOU

Believe in magic A peek through the wardrobe as Narnia comes to Killerton CoverOptions_Nov21.indd 1

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Wray & Co

102 New George Street, Plymouth PL1 1RZ - 01752 661651 51 Fore Street, Kingsbridge TQ7 1PG - 01548 857577 Ads_Nov21.indd 7

17/11/2015 11:59:43

ORE STRUCK Gold and copper brights take centre stage

‘It was the first time I was ever proud of myself’ Designer Stacie Clark breaks through, p12

PURLY QUEEN New-wave knits from Cornwall

[contents[ Inside this week... 6

THE WISHLIST This week’s pick of lovely things to buy

STEAL HER STYLE Made in Chelsea’s Lucy Watson

BEN HOWARD Screaming fans and sharing stuff

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS Comes to Killerton- take a peek

BEAUTY Traffic-stopping nails and lips

RED ALERT Which way will you wear it?

ANNE SWITHINBANK On jewel-bright dogwoods

BELL SLEEVES

GREAT ESCAPE A weekend in Watergate Bay

HOME BREW 21st century style

Our pick of the frocks

CULTURE VULTURE This week’s don’t-miss diary dates

YOUR STARS FOR THE WEEK Cassandra Nye looks ahead

BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Feel-good inspirations for you to try

INGREDIENT OF THE WEEK Tim Maddams warms to cinnamon

HERE FOR THE BEER? You’ve found the right place

MAN AND BOY Phil Goodwin’s lost in the mists of time

GOSSIP

It’s been Toby H-W’s year

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MAGICAL

Narnia comes to Killerton

[ welcome [ Stunning scenes and new horizons

e’re thrilled to share a behind-thescenes peek with you this week, which shows how the NationalTrust’s Killerton estate near Exeter was transformed into the White Witch’s wintry domain and the people who made the magic happen. The festive celebrations become more dazzling every year at Killerton and, as Steven Haywood, who took the stunning photos reveals, this year’s shoot even involved a ‘stunt-double’ wardrobe. Don’t miss the opportunity to enter to win one of exciting new knitwear designer Stacie Clark’s gorgeous scarves. She’s taken knitting-and cro-

of the week

[

Jennifer Saunders @ferrifrump We clap far too readily these days. Applause should be special like kisses which also happen too often

chet to a whole new level and as she reveals, her design work has been her salvation. It’s something she’s particularly keen to share with young people in the Westcountry. If you’re keen to shed a few pounds before Christmas, you’re among friends. Our columnist Gillian Molesworth has joined the gym and been limbering up in her legwarmers. She’s found things have moved on since she mastered the Grapevine, but she’s already found out where the ‘pin thingies’ go in the machines. If she doesn’t inspire you, then she’ll certainly make you smile. Happy reading - and have a lovely weekend.

Killerton’s festive celebrations are more dazzling every year

TO ADVERTISE: Contact Lynne Potter: 01752 293027 or 07834 568283, lynne.potter@dc-media.co.uk

[

Catherine Barnes, Acting Editor

COVER IMAGE: Steven Haywood/National Trust

EDITORIAL: westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk Tel: 01392 442250 Twitter @wmnwest

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Sarah Pitt

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Catherine Barnes

Lynne Potter

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If you buy one thing this week... Snap up a bottle of the just-released DAPPA 2014 spirit, a Devon-made version of the Italian after-dinner favourite grappa. Distilled from the grape skins left over from the winemaking process by the Devon Distillery (www.devondistillery.com), the latest vintage of this stylish spirit has just been given the thumbs up from restaurateur Mitch Tonks. It was also awarded Silver Outstanding at the International Wine and Spirit Challenge 2015. Praise indeed.

Win

We have a bottle of DAPPA 2014, worth ÂŁ30, for one lucky West reader to win. For your chance to win, email your contact details to DAPPA, westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk by December 7. Normal terms apply. West will not share your details.

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Pretty in... M&S Collection cross-body bag £29.50 Marks & Spencer

the

wishlist

Shoal of fish trivet £14.50 www. thenauticalcompany. co.uk

West’s picks for spending your time and money this week

STREET STYLE STAR

Chatanni Gordon

Chatanni says: “Comfort is really important. But on nights out, I love to go all out and really glam it up. H&M and Primark are my favourite shops, and Zara ‘s nice for when I want to dress up. “ Jacket: H&M £7 Top: Primark £2 Jeans: River island £7 Shoes: Primark £8 Bag: Fiorelli £30

INTERVIEW: HANNAH MATTOCKS

Chatanni Gordon, 20, is from Somerset. Her well-coordinated casual outfit is accentuated by her jacket’s sparkly detailing.

Lounge Hazelmere contrast chaise longue £1,035 www. sweetpeaandwillow.com

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Wishlist

STYLE Fedora £25 Marks & Spencer

Molly Mole set of four coasters £14 (10% goes to British Skin Foundation), from sisters design duo www.marthaandhepsie. com

Pearl bracelet with heart buckle £48 www. lustrousjewellery.com

TWEET There’s a bluebird over... Erstwilder Betty & Bo earrings £18 www. daisypark.co.uk

Store we adore

The Clementine, Truro and Fowey Many of the gifts in this fabulous shop championing original design were commissioned by owner Jennie Elderkin, including candles made from oyster shells from the river Fowey and a notebook featuring a vintage sailing boat made of fine Italian leather. There are also lampshades featuring a stylish ‘pilchard wheel’ design inspired by the shoals of pilchards found off the Cornish coast in days gone by. The Clementine is at 8 St Mary’s Street, Truro, 01872 275505, and Trafalgar House, Trafalgar Square, Fowey, 01726 833815. See www.theclementine.co.uk

Regatta journal £30£40 depending on size, The Clementine in Truro and Fowey and www. theclementine.co.uk 7

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talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life... Our girl’s been working out. Feel the burn. have joined the gym, for the first time in years and years. I’ve decided I am a lump of lard and it’s time to get in shape. A muscular young man took me on a lap around the weight machines and told me where to put all the pin thingies – I only tried to mount one of them backwards, which I thought was pretty good going On came the bouncy music, given how long it’s been. Then and up went the instructor. One, he gave me a schedule of classes, two, three, tap. Up down, centre and I’ve been working my way change. Around the world, eight through them. beats, go. It’s funny how fitness trends The first time I tried it I felt come and go. I still remember like the most pathetic human when Jane Fonda’s video was the ever, wallowing all over the place. in thing. The 1980s were full of You had to have good rhythm to leggy women of startling musdo step aerobics, and be quick cularity really caning it on the at obeying instructions. I did it aerobics mat – they didn’t mess twice a week until finally I was around in those dancing all over days. All cardio, that thing and the all the time. instructor put me The 90s were up at the front so more about the new girls could Sadly, step looking svelte copy my flawless areobics are out and beautiful technique. Yessss. doing yoga, and Alas, step aeroof fashion. It trying to hide bics are well out took me months that when you of fashion in 2015. to perfect the were supposed Why? When it took to be concentratme all those months squat shuffle ing on serenity to perfect the stepand breathing change and the you were in fact squat shuffle? fiercely competTimes move on. I ing with the woman on your left have now sampled Spin, Pilates, by attempting bizarre poses like Total Body Conditioning, and the the “flying crow”. rather startlingly named Pump My formative gym years were FX, where you lift lots of weights spent doing step aerobics. Do you and do lunges and squats and remember that? You put a step press ups and so on. on the ground, which you could I’m actually not as unfit as I adjust to your level of fitness. The feared, owing to the dog walks old ladies went for a low riser, I suppose. But I’m a weakling most of us went medium, and the when it comes to upper body. scary gym addicts went for the Three reps with the weights and so-high-you-have-to-bend-yourI’m all in. knee-past-90-degrees-to-get-upIt’s going to be a while before I on-it level. get to be in the front row again.

Gillian Molesworth is a journalist and mum-of-two who grew up in the USA and moved to north Cornwall when she met her husband

SILVER

lady

We love the way Made in Chelsea star Lucy Watson de-glitzed her shiny silver mini, by pairing it with a soft cotton khaki blouse at a London bash celebrating the reality TV series. Teamed with high strappy sandals, it’s a great way to wear sparkles without competing with the Christmas tree. M& S adds a touch of razzle dazzle in sequins with its Limited Edition skirt at £39.50.

Limited Edition skirt £39.50 M&S

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION A Dressy OPTION B Mini

All-in-one £129.99 S.Oliver

Silver skirt £79 www.hallhuber. com/uk

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21.11.15

Just

GOOD LOOKING FUTURE All eyes have been on the Beckham’s 13-year-old son Romeo in Burberry’s star-studded Christmas campaign. But he’s not the only one in the festive ad with famous family. Tavistock-raised model and fitness instructor Toby Huntington-Whiteley puts in an ap-

pearance, alongside his supermodel sister Rosie. Posting a sneak-peek behind the scenes photo, he Tweeted “very excited to be part of the campaign.” This year he made his modelling debut with Jacamo (above). His future’s looking… well, rosy!

between us Gossip, news, trend setters and more – you heard all the latest juicy stuff here first!

BRING ON THE BOLLY

[[ ‘Boxer shorts? I take them off’

Joanna Lumley’s confessed she’s just as a-twitter as we are in anticipation of the Absolutely Fabulous movie, which is set to come out next year. “I’m plenty excited” she says. “I’m telling you, this film is very funny.” Having played the chain-smoking, champagne-chugging companion to Jennifer Saunders’ Edina Monsoon for over two decades, she admits her veteran character, Patsy Stone, is now “losing it”. And Patsy’s awful leering ‘special grin’? That’s a quirk Joanna’s attributed to her idol Elvis Presley!

COMMANDO Eek! Peter Andre has confessed he doesn’t wear any undies on Strictly! The Mysterious Girl singer who wed doctor Emily MacDonagh at Mamhead House near Exeter in July, revealed he goes commando on the dancefloor due to the complex nature of his costumes. The reality TV star told Woman And Home magazine: “ The shirts are held in place with poppers, a bit like a leotard. If you wear boxer shorts with them, it’s uncomfortable – so I take them off.” 9

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Blazing: The annual Bonfire Night Tar Barrels event illuminated Ottery St Mary

in pictures Stars: Ellis and Leon did well in the City of Plymouth Sparkle awards for extracurricular activities

Hats off: It was Graduation Day at Exeter College (can you spot our beauty guru Abbie Bray?) Three cheers: The showjumping team from Tavistock College came third in the national schools championships in Buckinghamshire

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talking points Pound coins

Facial fuzz

ONE OF US Famous faces with links to the Westcountry

What’s on the back?

1 Flax plant and diadem

This week:

(1986, 1991)

2 Oak Tree and diadem (1987, 1992)

3 Forth Railway Bridge (2004)

4 Floral emblem of Scotland (2014) 5 UK capital cities’ badges (2011) 6 Gateshead Millennium Bridge (2007) 7 Celtic Cross (1996, 2001) 8 Dragon (1995, 2000) 9 Shield of the Royal Arms (1988) 10 Leek and royal diadem (1985, 1990)

So many styles to choose!

1 Muttonchops (side whiskers)

2 Handlebar (moustache) 3 Goatee (beard) 4 Garibaldi (beard) 5 Pencil (moustache) 6 Soul patch (beard) 7 Walrus (moustache) 8 Zapata (moustache) 9 Shenandoah (beard) 10 Chin Curtain (beard)

The happy list

Good lord!

10 things to make you smile this week 1 TV’s The Last Kingdom Sherlock’s amazing disguises:

1 As ‘Captain Basil’ 2 An amiable clergyman 3 An Italian priest 4 A drunken groom

Delicious vikings

2 Leaf blowers more fun than rakes

3 Red cabbage tasty veg 4 The Oud Collection vintage fragrance revival

5 A plumber

5 Cold Justice Devon writer

6 A Norwegian called Sigerson

6 Bobble hats cosy 7 Spirulina insta-greens 8 Ginger beer Our current

7 An old ‘sporting’ man 8 An opium addict 9 An elderly bibliophile 10 A decrepit sailor

Lee Weeks’ new thriller

fizz-pop fave

9 Harry Enfield at Plymouth Pavilions, Thursday

10 And Paul Whitehouse, too!

Ben Howard Singer-songwriter Ben Howard, 28, grew up in Totnes and studied in Falmouth

Early days: Ben was born in albums: Every Kingdom (2011) and I Middlesex but moved to Totnes Forget Where We Were (2014). when he was a child. He was raised by musical parents, Country lad: His first listening to Van songs were recorded Morrison, Joni in a studio in a Mitchell and Simon converted barn. DID YOU KNOW? and Garfunkel. Festivals: This He’s a face of Writing: Ben began summer Ben has alternative writing his own songs played festivals all currency the when he was 11. “I was over the world. He quite an imaginative says: “I’ve been very Totnes pound little kid I guess.” fortunate that the – he’s on the screaming girls haven’t tenners! Study: After attending put off the guys at the King Edward VI back, who are still Community College in listening.” Totnes and Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Family: His mother he studied Journalism at University is a jeweller and his father is an College Falmouth, Cornwall but left architect. early to focus on making music full-time. Ego: Ben says he’s been shocked at the behaviour of fellow musicians On tour: After a month of sold-out on the festival circuit. “I keep out of dates across Europe and the UK, Ben the way… Everyone around them is was asked to sign for Island Records. catering for their needs and they’re still trying to be this larger-than-life Awards: Ben was nominated character, you just think: ‘You could for two Brit awards in 2013, Best be normal in this scenario.’ ” Breakthrough Act and British Male Solo Artist. He won both. Songs: Ben’s songs are very personal, he admits: “I just write about myself Albums: Ben has released two all the time.” 11

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PHOTO: HANNAH COCHRANE

STACIE CLARK

Purly Queen Contemporary knits by this exciting new Cornish designer are making waves on the fashion scene

By Catherine Barnes

eindeer jumpers? We’re so over them this Christmas – all the West girls want is one of designer Stacie Clark’s statement snoods. The 25-year old fashion graduate from St Austell, pictured left, has been making waves with her first signature collection in chunky mulberry, blue and pink crochet. While perhaps not for shrinking violets, her woollens convey the drama of the catwalk in a covetable, wearable way. “It’s about creating fashion that’s unique to each person,” says Stacie, who was recently named Urban Designer of the year at the national Sponsor Me Awards for up-and-coming fashion designers. “At the moment, everything’s made to order and the customer can pick and choose the colours. “I think the whole idea is that fashion’s about people being able to express themselves and not having to be like someone else because society tells them they should look a certain way.” Stacie was taught to knit and crochet at the age of seven by her mum, Bev. “I used to go round with a clipboard and tell people I was a fashion designer,” she laughs. Yet far from being a pipe dream, fashion

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Interview

Win One lucky reader could be wearing a gorgeous Stacie Clark Knitwear Chunky Colour Block scarf, worth £95, this winter. Stacie will contact the winner to discuss the colour scheme (view the choice on the website www.stacieclarkknitwear.co.uk) To enter, send you details marked ‘Stacie Clark Knitwear’ to westmag@ westernmorningnews.co.uk by December 7. Usual terms apply.

this page: jon cooney

later helped her find a way out of the darkness, after suffering depression which developed before she hit her teens and led to her self-harming from the age of 11. “I was first diagnosed when I was 14,” she explains. “I’d never even heard of it and had no idea what I was going through. I thought I was going crazy. I had to physically feel pain, in order to distract myself from feeling it emotionally. “My creative side helped me get through it, but then I suffered another two episodes in my late teens and early twenties.” Floored by this and an overwhelming lack of self confidence, it took her three years to muster up the courage to enrol on a fashion design degree at Plymouth’s College of Art. “But at uni there was so much focus on being an individual, it helped me accept who I am,” she says. “It was the first time I was ever proud of myself. I also found comfort and relief in design work and that helped me overcome my problems. Now, I want to share that experience.” Launched just two months ago, as her label, Stacie Clark Knitwear, grows, the young designer wants to give something back. “One area of the business I want to develop is to help people with their self confidence or mental health issues,” she says. “It’s important to me. I want to turn negative

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Interview

energy into something positive. I think more people suffer from depression than people know and feel they have to hide it. I think there’s the perception with teenagers that it’s ‘just hormones’. “My plans are to eventually start classes for teenagers with mental health problems, depression or anxiety to express themselves through being creative. I want to give people a sense of self worth that’s lacking in depression. “It’s good people are beginning to recognise it as a serious problem, but a lot of people suffer in silence. Opening yourself up creatively can be a truly amazing way to get to know yourself. Designing has given me self-confidence I’d never felt before and it’s given me something to be proud of.” The twelve months since she graduated with first class honours from art school have already seen Stacie put a number of plans into action. She’s expanded her graduate folio into her first collection under her own label and excitingly, her

[

designs are set to be listed in London-based style bible MI. Magazine.net’s carefully curated store. Hot news on the fashion scene, it’s packed with designer picks ranging from Victoria Beckham jeans and Laboutin ankle boots, to the best high street finds along with clothes and accessories by fashion’s latest protegees. “I was very excited when they approached me, although I’m still not sure how they found me,” she says. “I’m thrilled that they think my work could be stocked alongside them and it should be up there in the next couple of months.” Stacie’s also in the process of talent-scouting for a Westcountry based network of knitters, with plans to outsource production as her orders grow. It takes her around eight hours to crochet a scarf and twenty to fashion her adorable dress-up dolly style frocks, which are the priciest items in the range at £355. “At Plymouth, it’s part of the curriculum that you make your own collections as well as design them. I was the only one who made everything

[

‘Fashion’s about being able to express yourself – not about what society dictates’

by hand, though. I didn’t sit on a machine at all. It was so time consuming! I’ve got a stack of needles at home. Baskets and baskets full.” Although her mum has always had needles at the ready when Stacie’s been under pressure, she plans to begin her search for her helping hands in the Westcountry. While she may eventually have to look further afield, she intends the label to be an entirely made-in-Britain label, with hopes too, of developing bespoke yarns in collaboration with Westcountry farmers. Stacie also knits hats for Plymouth clothing label Brave, which was set up by a friend and fellow graduate Brooke Tippett, who’s creating fashion using trims made from re-purposed vintage fur. Together they plan to visit London Fashion Week in February to investigate its platform opportunities for emerging young designers. If they like what they see, then a September showcase could be on the cards, provided, adds Stacie, it draws in the industry buyers she aims to attract. As for celebrity endorsement, Rita Ora X-Factors high on Stacie’s wishlist, she reveals. “I’d love to see her wear my stuff, she’s very cool,” she adds. “I’m not huge on celebrity culture, but that’s definitely the way to go.” www.stacieclarkknitwear.co.uk

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this page: JON COONEY

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Discover

Winter wonder

s set and This magical scene wa snow shot in just a day, with a of frost ch tou a g machine addin

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new passage to Narnia through Killertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s front door

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BEHIND THE SCENES

The magic of Christmas The story of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is much loved by children and adults alike. Taking this enduring classic story as inspiration, this Christmas Killerton House in east Devon has been transformed into Narnia. Becky Sheaves went behind the scenes to find out more

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Evil brows

y evil To embody the haught itch W e charcater of the Whit rows eb ey Emma had to pencil on n ow r he an inch higher than

The White Witch Emma Wakeham is the volunteer development manager at Killerton and lives in Crediton. For the day of the Christmas photo-shoot, she was transformed into the evil White Witch of Narnia. Emma says: Those really aren’t my real eyebrows! Mine are about an inch lower, honestly. I used to love the Narnia books when I was a little girl, so this story is very familiar to me – I never saw myself as the wicked witch though. But we all pitch in to the Christmas preparations for Killerton, as it is such an important time of year for the house and estate. I was wearing a proper corset from the National Trust costume collection for the shoot which was extremely uncomfortable to be stuck in for seven hours. The dress came from our set of dressing up costumes, which we use for shoots and events. In my day job, I manage Killerton’s 350 volunteers, who help with everything from gardening to admin. We also have a team of 27 volunteers dedicated solely to Christmas decorations for the house. They meet once a week on Wednesdays all year round, creating handmade decorations for the whole house. And then, for three weeks in November, we close to the public and our volunteers come in seven days a week, to make the house and gardens look completely magical and festive. If anyone is interested in getting involved as a volunteer here at Killerton, please do get in touch via the National Trust website. Our volunteers really do enhance what we can offer here, and it’s a lovely place to be.

Narnia has come to Killerton and Christmas is on its way, too

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Discover

Edmund Toby Haywood, nine, lives in east Devon. He was transformed into Edmund, one of the children who went through the wardrobe to Narnia. Toby says: Steve, the photographer, is my uncle. So when he asked me to be in his photo shoot, I said yes, because it was for a good cause. For the morning it was OK, then we went outside for hours and it was a bit cold and windy. I was wearing a tank top and shorts. There was a lot of hanging around while they got everything ready, but I didn’t really mind. My mum Katie is a seamstress and she made my costume. It’s nothing like the sort of clothes I would normally wear, very old-fashioned, but I got used to it – I quite liked the clothes, really. The pictures look really great. I’m very interested in football and I play on Thursdays and Saturdays. I was offered a part in a play recently but to be honest I was too busy. I’m more of a joker, so I’d like to be in a pantomime. But when I grow up, I wouldn’t want to be a model or a photographer. I would like to be a Blue Peter presenter.

The house manager Bryony Wilde is visitor services manager for Killerton, and masterminded the Narnia shoot at the house this year. Bryony says: Our annual Christmas photoshoot is a brilliant way of drumming up interest and creating a buzz about the whole event. This year’s shoot was bigger than ever – we really went to town. We bought the life-sized Aslan lion for £500 from a props factory at Bovey Tracey and managed to hire the lamppost from the same company. We were very lucky that Imelda Hirst, who is Susan in the pictures, is the younger sister of one of our staff members. She is only 16 and, not only did she appear in the shoot, she also did all the White Witch’s make-up as she is studying stage make-up at Exeter College. The Chronicles of Narnia books are still in copyright, so I had to work closely with the CS Lewis estate and get everything approved. They were very supportive and right behind what we are doing here. Christmas is such a huge time of year for us, for six weeks we really do try to offer the perfect festive day out for all the family. This year, we will be doing everything from selling Christmas trees to serving Christmas lunches, as well as hosting a traditional Victorian Father Christmas, dressed in green. 19

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Discover The photographer Steven Haywood is a freelance photographer who works closely with the National Trust, both in the South West and nationally. He lives in south Devon with his wife and daughter.

Change of scene

autiful We couldn’t take this be tdoors ou e th so , wardrobe outside nd on fou e on th shots are done wi 0 £3 for eBay

This is the third year I have photographed the Killerton Christmas shoot, and each year gets more elaborate and over the top – it’s a lot of fun and takes huge amounts of teamwork to get the shoot done in a single day. It was a six light shoot, with spotlights behind to give a magical glow, a snow machine, a smoke machine. I bid £30 on eBay for the old wardrobe that we used outside. Then afterwards I did some post-production work to make the images look even more snowy and frozen. I’d spotted Emma at a previous shoot at Killerton and thought she would be wonderful as the White Witch, as she has amazing cheekbones. Then when I saw Andy, we all knew he just had to be Mr Tumnus. I told him he was banned from shaving his beard off until after the shoot. The National Trust is my biggest client, and I really enjoy working with them – I’ve been all over the place photographing for them just recently, from a Christmas shoot at Arlington Court in north Devon to photographing the Christmas garland at Cotehele in Cornwall. Last year we did The Nutcracker, and the year before it was A Christmas Carol. And as soon as Christmas is over, we’ll be thinking of how to top this for next year.

Mr Tumnus Andy Bramwell is visitor services officer in charge of the outdoors at Killerton and lives in Exeter. For the photoshoot he was transformed into Mr Tumnus, the friendly faun who met the Pevensey children under a lamppost in Narnia. Andy says: I’ve only been working at Killerton for three months when I found myself stripped to the waist and perching up a tree – in November. Nobody warned me that this would be what the job entails. Apparently it is my own fault for having a beard. My horns were pinned on with hairgrips, while

the ears were glued on and took quite a bit of washing to remove. In between shots, I was busy driving the props all around the estate. It was a pretty frantic day but lots of fun. It’s a long time since I read the book and I’d forgotten all about Mr Tumnus, but I’ll certainly remember him now !

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe opens today (November 21) at Killerton in Broadclyst, east Devon. There are also many other magical events taking place at National Trust properties this Christmas, see www.nationaltrust.org.uk for details 20

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A new way to shine Metal rocks this season – gold, copper and silver are hot decor choices. Gabrielle Fagan sources shiny pieces for every room

etallics are weaving their magic throughout our homes, with glittering gold, blushing copper, beautiful bronze and even cooler touches of white gold or silver making their mark. It’s all about putting on the glitz and ramping up the glamour as we lavish ever more care and attention on rooms, and create cosseting sanctuaries where we can relax and entertain in style. “I’m secretly a fan of a bit of bling, which doesn’t have to be confined to Christmas baubles!” says designer Clarissa Hulse. “In fact, I regard metallics as another neutral shade, as they harmonise with so many colours. Combine them with different textures, such as sheers, velvets and linens – one of my favourites this season is an antique gold metallic linen – and they’ll add another dimension to your scheme. “Metallic wallpaper can be particularly effective as it will reflect the light and add drama, especially in a dark room, or brighten a neutral space with pops of contrasting colour and soft metallic accessories,” she adds. All that glitters needn’t be gold, although it’s tipped as the hot metal for 2016. Instead, you could opt for a heady cocktail of finishes. Designer Kelly Hoppen suggests mixing warm metals, such as copper and rose gold, with cool ones like silver, or for a more edgy effect, consider a layered mix of silver, gold and black. Metallics add a touch of glamour to an interior. Shake up your style and invest in a cocktail cabinet, gilded of course, an item which is rapidly becoming a must-have for fashionable homes. “There’s a real return to luxury – the growing

A neutral sofa is set off by sparkly metallic furniture, including the Sputnik chandelier, £1,995 and Scalinatella cocktail table, £1,950, see uk.jonathanadler.com

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Interiors

This room features white and gold Groove wallpaper by Kelly Hoppen, ÂŁ55 a roll, www. grahambrown.com

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Add a copper glow to your walls with Tranquil wallpaper, £20 a roll, www. grahambrown.com

Create a Hollywood-style boudoir with Rubans gold silk bedlinen, £62 for a pillowcase and £358 for a double duvet cover, www.gingerlily.co.uk

use of burnished metals is part of that trend or place it next to greys, khakis and warm blush and more lavish entertaining which has inspired tones to create a luxurious and calming colour a revival of cocktail cabinets,” says Alison Cork, palette.” founder of online interiors company Within. Golden rules are meant to be followed and you “Two of my favourite pieces at home are my surely won’t go wrong if you follow a gilded, glitgold cocktail cabinet, which has a cartoon Daltering theme, because gold is a strong feature in matian dog painted on one door all the home collections for next and a shocking pink interior, and year. I complement it with a golden “Gold and tones of gold are metal pineapple ornament. They being used everywhere in the ‘Copper is the both inject a party spirit to the design world, as metallics conroom.” tinue to add that little touch of new black when Copper is the new black when glamour to our interiors,” says it comes to it comes to decor and no room Rebecca Williamson, senior decor – evoking is complete without at least colour design and content manone accessory in this metal, ager at paint company Dulux, the shades of whose colour evokes the burwhose 2016 colour of the year is autumn leaves’ nished gold and brown shades of Cherished Gold. autumn leaves. “It’s a recurring colour and “Over the past year, we’ve material at design fairs and in seen classic metallic finishes, graphic design, as well as in arsuch as chrome and stainless chitecture, fashion, beauty and steel, take a backseat as other interior decoration. We feel that richer metals have crept into the spotlight,” says Cherished Gold is a beautiful next step, a natural Laura Pagan, founder of Pagazzi Lighting. evolution and transition from Copper Blush, our choice for last year. “Warmer and more inviting than cool steel, “The shade combines naturally with a varibut less audacious than full-on gold, copper is ety of shades including tan, dark chocolate and the perfect material for adding a touch of rustic duck egg blue, and creates an industrial edge, or glamour to living spaces. It contrasts well with – paired with blush pinks – conjures a more femiraw natural materials, such as leather and wood, nine atmosphere.”

[[

Go for a rich gold with the Electrum Venetian blind, part of the Fusion range from www.timberlux. co.uk 24

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Interiors

GET THE

LOOK

Copper-effect cutlery set £32 for 16 pieces, Next

Make a statement and accessorise with new-wave metallics

Christiane Lemieux embossed copper bowls £32 reduced from £40 for two, House of Fraser

Wendell table lamp £90, www. darlighting.co.uk

Stag ice bucket £135, www.kennethturner. com

Louis gold hand chair £555, www. abigailahern.com

Luxe drinks trolley £350, Oliver Bonas

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16/11/2015 13:12:35

Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Bough wows Dogwoods are looking ravishing at this time of the year. Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, thinks you’ll agree eaves are dropping in great numbers, clogging paths, drives and lanes in great drifts. You can almost tell where you are by the sound of feet shuffling through them. Field maple is a bit of a damp squib but the whitebeam in my dad’s garden makes a fine crackle. In towns and cities, there’s the unmistakeable clatter of London plane leaves flying in the wake of buses and confusing the marks of parking bays. Soon, deciduous trees and shrubs will be bare and for colour and interest, we’ll have to rely on stem, bark, berry and evergreen. On a recent visit to a friend in her well-planted garden, we passed several flowering dogwoods sporting their distinctive, almost strawberry-like fruits. We agreed that these beautiful trees are surprisingly uncommon in gardens and also reflected on what a lot the cornus tribe has to offer. In height, they range from the evergreen creeping dogwood or dwarf cornel Cornus canadensis rarely exceeding15cm/6in to large shrubs and trees like the magnificent Pacific dogwood Cornus nuttallii up to 12m/40ft. Some dogwoods have festive, variegated foliage and others are grown for their colourful winter stems. C.canadensis makes a great These beautiful ground cover plant for acidic trees are soils and produces its flowers and white bracts in summer. suprisingly Spreading by creeping rhizomes, uncommon in this forms a pretty carpet in between rhododendrons. Next in gardens – but the the fussy stakes are the flowercornus tribe has ing dogwoods including C.kousa a lot to offer and C.capitata, who share a love of classic woodland garden conditions. A good, humus-rich but

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well-drained neutral to acidic soil is preferred and sun (so they can make good specimen trees) or light shade. These trees are not going to enjoy windy, waterlogged or dry, impoverished sites and would probably turn their toes up at frost pockets too. Most have showy white bracts surrounding the tiny flower clusters but in some cultivars (notably ‘Norman Hadden and ‘Porlock’) these bracts turn pink as they age. This year has seen a good set of the distinctive fruits, left hanging like baubles. Don’t try and eat them, as they can give mild stomach upsets. Less fussy are two highly ornamental variegated cornus whose branches are arranged in tiers. The shorter of the two (C.alternifolia ‘Argentea’) is known as pagoda dogwood and reaches 6m/20ft in height and spread while the taller wedding cake tree (C.contraversa ‘Variegata’) can reach a height and spread of 8m//25ft. Both produce white bracts but these barely show up against the white-margined leaves. If you grow them mainly for the flowers (bracts), then choose dogwoods with plain green foliage to set them off. The willow-like Cornus alba and C.stolonifera are arguably the unfussiest of the lot and useful

where soils are rather wet. Stalwarts of the winter garden, they show beautiful stem colours of orange, red or green. The stems and their colours are stronger when they are pruned hard or ‘stooled’ back to within a bud or two of older growth every year. This encourages a fresh spurt of vigorous, quality new stems every year. Left to their own devices, these shrubs can almost be a nuisance as they’ll sucker into large colonies. If you want to grow more of them, now is the time to take hardwood cuttings of healthy bare stems. Trim them into 23cm/9in lengths by cutting below a node (position on the stem where a leaf grows or grew) at the base and above one at the top and insert into good soil so only the top third is showing above ground. C.sanguinea is common to hedgerows and has given rise to the orange stemmed cultivar ‘Midwinter Fire’. Cornus mas is different again. Known as Cornelian cherry, it is reminiscent of witch hazel, since the bunches of pale yellow flowers open against bare stems in a similar way and early too, during February and March. Native to Europe, is has a long history of cultivation in Britain and would be a good shrub to add into a wild hedge.

Question time with Anne

This week’s gardening tips Anne’s advice for your garden

• Clean the greenhouse inside and out to remove dirt and algae. More light will enter for better growth. I use a soft-headed broom, a little environmentally sound washing up liquid and then a rinse of clean water. • Place pot feet under containers on the patio and

especially on soil beds. This is important to allow free escape of water. My onions are in pots and they certainly need good drainage. • Continue to slice and chop carefully with the hoe in between salad plants to make sure weed seedlings cannot germinate. and take hold.

West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank We intend to remove an ugly conifer hedge and will replace it with something new. How can we create an attractive, temporary boundary between us and our neighbours, while the new hedge grows?

Your best bet is a roll or rolls of lightweight but natural fencing material. These are made of split bamboo, willow, fern or reed. Attached to posts, this would both shelter the new hedge and make a screen. We use one at the back of a raised bed to hide an ugly wall. Do make sure you remove as much root from the old hedge as possible and dig the ground as well as you can, adding plenty of organic matter. I’m tempted to say you could grow some annual climbers up the screen from spring to autumn but this might impact on the hedge plants.

We still have some aubergine plants alive in the greenhouse. They are about 30cm/12in high and managed to produce only a few small fruits. We have trouble growing full sized, fruitful plants from seed in one year. Will they overwinter?

Technically, this is possible, though it is likely the plants will need warmer conditions than just frost free. If you have more than one, try leaving one in the greenhouse and if there’s space, try another on or near a bright windowsill in the house at a minimum of about 13C/55F. Mist regularly with water to ward off spider mite, water when the compost surface begins to dry out and see what happens. Closely related Physalis will come through winter to fruit early the next year, so aubergines are certainly worth a try.

Clean the leaves of all your foliage houseplants to remove dirt, dust and any pests and absorb more light. Look through a magnifying glass to check for scale insects or mealy bug. Use a fresh cloth to avoid transferring pests from one to another. Any still making growth can have a liquid feed.

Begin

Send your questions to Anne at westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk

to make an on-site compost pit where next year’s runner beans or pumpkins will grow. Excavate a deep hole or trench and fill with peelings from the kitchen, or cleared material from the garden. Add thin layers of soil as you go. 27

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16/11/2015 13:15:13

Beauty

[[ Pick out a colour that will pop when you don your LBD this party season

Pencil it in The Body Shop Lip liners (£5) Lined lips prevent lipstick ‘bleed’ and these are really easy to apply

Abbie’s

Kiss Delilah Colour Intense cream lipstick (£24, www.delilahcosmetics. com) A full-on and lasting vampy shade – but moisturising, too

Beauty box

Love

Expert advice from beauty guru Abbie Bray of Newton Abbot Lips and nails: Is coordinating your colours still on trend? In my view, it’s a look that works overtime. And with the party season upon us, it’s not just matchy-matchy as far as your pout and pinkies are concerned: try teaming your statement shades with a party

Prep The Body Shop Lipscuff (£8) It’s important to gently exfoliate lips to achieve the perfect pout- and this does the job just nicely.

frock. If a classic little black dress is your go-to essential, pick out a colour that will pop. Siren Dita Von Teese, who knows how to wear it, has launched a vampy red with her name on it, with M.A.C. Traffic-stopping reds also rocked the catwalks this autumn, while rose nudes were big news, too. Victoria Beckham teamed glossed lips with buffed nails finished with Nails Inc’s Westminster Bridge matte top coat. The most unusual colour trend? Khaki – included in Burberry’s seasonal nails palette (£15 at John Lewis). Keep your colouring in mind, if you’re aiming for a signature look. Yellow-based brown hues work with olive skin; while underlying blue tones flatter the fair.

The Body Shop nail varnish in Crimson Kiss (£5) Super shiny and it stays on for days. What’s not to love?

Hot ‘Down Time’ nail varnish by Lottie at BHS (£6) Khaki is one of the hottest colour trends this season

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17/11/2015 10:51:32

Red alert Lace dress £50 Wallis

Faux leather skirt £62.50 JD Williams

t’s the colour of the siren and we can all wear it well, depending on the shade. Choose reds with blue notes if you’re fair-skinned and orange-based brights if you’re darker. Cherry red’s just the hue for House of Foxy’s vintage-style prom dress, while we love the autumnal tone of JD William’s pleather midi. We think every girl ought to have at least one set of sexy undies in her knicker-drawer. BHS has the look – and, dare we say?– the comfort factor, too!

Handbag pompom £36 Dorothy Perkins

Helinka mirrored heel ankle boots £50 Look Again

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Fashion

Bra £15 BHS

Sweater £60 Long Tall Sally

Laura Clement dress £45

Santorini flower handbag £180 Folli Follie

Sweater £22 BHS

Swing dress £150 House of Foxy

Per Una Speziale dress £129 Marks & Spencer

Barcella high heels £129 Dune Bracelet £6.50 Wallis 31

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16/11/2015 13:24:51

Fashion

The edit Your straight line to style: this week, ring the changes with bell sleeves

£60 Lipsy

£49 Miss Selfridge

£49 Very

£79 Dune

£75 Dune

£24.99 Shoe Zone

£100 folliefollie.co.uk

£14 Oliver Bonas

£12.50 Wallis

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16/11/2015 14:59:20

BRIGIDFOLEY

Est’d. 1973

G A L L E RY

THE MORE YOU LOOK…

BUY ONLINE

www.brigidfoley.co.uk 01822 612203 ©LW

THE MORE YOU SEE.

Christmas Fayre at Mount Edgcumbe

Back for the 12th year, and better than ever!

Take at look at our array of exceptional artists waiting to be discovered at Mayne Gallery, Kingsbridge. We know you’ll find something new each time… With a range of paintings, sculpture, ceramics and glass art that desires to be seen, plus a bespoke framing service that’s designed to showcase the art and match your home and lifestyle. Make sure you pay us a visit next time you’re in Kingsbridge we are sure you’ll find some art to inspire.

Saturday 12th December 2015 - 10.00am to 5.00pm Sunday 13th December 2015 - 10.00am to 4.00pm See inspirational cooking demonstrations from West Country chefs and maybe pick up a few tips. Lots of local produce for your culinary delight. Beautiful floral displays by Duchy College students available to purchase. Choose from a wide variety of local gifts and crafts.

www.maynegallery.co.uk info@maynegallery.co.uk 01548 853 848 14 Fore Street, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 1NY

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Plus a programme full of entertainment, a family activity zone and you can even visit Santa in his Grotto!

Entrance: £3 adults and £1 children, Parking £1 per car Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park Cremyll Torpoint Cornwall PL10 1HZ Tel 01752 822 236 mt.edgcumbe@plymouth.gov.uk

17/11/2015 10:53:38

culture vulture Our superb new guide to what’s on in the South West by our arts expert Sarah Pitt A night at the opera

PHOTO: Jon RobinsonPratt Thru A Lupe Photographic

The Met Opera comes to Dartington Hall this evening, via a cinema screening of acclaimed artist and director William Kentridge’s interpretation of composer Alban Berg’s Lulu. The modernist three-act opera centres around a femme fatale who shatters lives, including her own. Soprano Marlis Petersen has excited audiences around the world with her tour-de-force interpretation of the title role, a wild journey of love, obsession, and death. The winning cast also features Susan Graham, Daniel Brenna, and Johan Reuter. This evening, 5.30pm, at the Barn Cinema, Dartington Hall. Tickets cost £20 and the running time is approximately four and a half hours. See www.dartington.org/whats-on

A noteable date

There’ll be more than 50 stalls to browse at the Christmas Craft Fair at the Custom House on Exeter Quay next weekend, with many locals among the artists, jewellers, spinners, knitters and makers setting out their stalls. Expect to come home laden with heaps of goodies,

including papercraft, stocking fillers, soaps, candles and adorable fairy peg-dollies – so sweet on top of the Christmas tree. There’ll be live demos, face-painting fun and a charity booksale too. Next Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm

One of the nation’s top historians, Dr David Starkey, is special guest at Torrington’s Plough Arts Centre next Saturday, talking about the impact of the signing of the Magna Carta 800 years ago has on our constitution to this day. The 13th century agreement was the first to limit the power of the monarch by stating the basic rights and liberties of leading citizens and clergy. Enjoy afternoon tea in the interval when there’ll be some amazing prizes to win in an auction and raffle in support of this great film, arts and comedy venue, which is entirely self-funded. Saturday, November 28, 4pm. Tickets £20 (£18), call 01805 624624 or visit www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

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16/11/2015 13:26:44

Enjoy

Your stars by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

The sun moves from Scorpio into Sagittarius on Monday, the house of the independent-minded and adventurous. Free-spirited and mindful of the road ahead, those born under this star sign make kind and selfless friends. They’ll often say what they think, but without meaning to hurt and such honest advice can be more valuable than the words you’d prefer to hear.

Zoe Ball born November 23, 1970 DJ and Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two host Zoe is the daughter of children’s TV presenter Johnny Ball (who made maths fun for us in the 1970s and 80s) and began her own TV career in the CBBC Broom Cupboard. She lives in Hove, East Sussex with DJ Fatboy Slim and their children Woody and Nellie. Famed as a ‘ladette’ in the 1990s, when she presented the Radio One Breakfast Show, rumours she’ll be co-presenting the new look Top Gear were recently dismissed by host Chris Evans. But wouldn’t she be great?

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Dreams show you the way forward. Somehow everything has a solution and a purpose when you mind is so clear. Take that word ‘purpose’ this week and make sure you are on track. What are you aiming for? Are you going the right way about it? When meeting someone new at the weekend you will find that your instincts are very sharp. Be guided by them and not so much by what people have told you.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) What happens or starts to happen this week is the beginning of the future. By midweek a light seems to have been shone on the whole situation. Allow yourself to have feelings and show your emotions. There is more love around you than you realise. Just reach out and accept what is on offer if it feels right.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) This is a time to be with others, especially friends and family, and plan some fun. You won’t regret lightening up your life. As the week goes on happiness lifts you up and makes your heart sing. Have you been missing out because of self-imposed restrictions? Well, it is time to stop all that and get on with life! AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) This time of the year sees you in your element. Now I will be boring and ask you to pace yourself. Who wants exhaustion? Please, not you! There are willing hands around but things can be a bit of a shambles if they are not in the right place at the right time.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Certain parts of this week see you very contented. Overall, though, there is still a restlessness that drives you on. Try to use this now to be in the middle of everything when the holiday arrives. Who can resist your sincere offers and your fun suggestions? This is certainly the way to soup up your social life in the coming weeks.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) It is a week to be flexible and try to fit in with others. You may not get exactly what you want right now but building on your relationships will certainly help. With a strong desire to move on to the next thing on your list it can be hard to slow down to wait for someone else to catch up. There are emotional reasons to stay cool that make sense. Carry on being supportive to someone even though it seems to be taking rather a long time.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) ) It is amazing how we can suddenly go ‘out of character’ when faced with a frustrating person or situation. However, I am here to ask you to try and be tolerant when someone appears to slam a door in your face. Before taking something personally, find out why. Ask ‘why’ again when it comes to your love life. Yes, it is proving an emotional week.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Is there a little voice in your head telling you what you should have done? How annoying and tiring it can be! It is better just to live in the present. Why worry about what has gone before or what may never happen? Bring some fun into it by seeing challenges as part of the ‘game of life’.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) In an emotional week there are many highs and some lows. You seem to

bounce from one to the other with ease. Could this be because you at last know where you are going? With the emphasis on home and family, hopes and dreams seem to be all bundled into one. Enjoy the ride and roll along with the fun. LEO (July 23 - August 23) Showing your strength this week means being kind and inventive. A charming approach is great but be careful that you are not sending out a strong romantic signal if that is not what you intended. Even so you should not take the world on your shoulders and then blame yourself if some of your efforts do not work.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Isn’t it about time that you had the space to enjoy what you have achieved? Looking at what others have done can only serve to make you pleased with your current place. There is very little pointm though, in asking you to consider your next move carefully. Full of ideas and enthusiasm, you just want to get moving.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Are you tired of being taken for granted? Someone should realise that ‘doormat’ is not in your job description! Using charm is still an option to smooth over hurt feelings, but use it sparingly. This is not the time of the year to make waves socially as it can upset those around you. 35

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17/11/2015 12:28:30

Wellbeing

the boost

Life just got better. We’ve handpicked the latest wellness trends, best-body secrets and expert advice to help you be your best self, everyday

RED LOVE

SOOTHER Stress can exacerbate dry conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Purepotions has developed a range of soothing emollients, made of 100% natural oils and herbal extracts to soothe skin and remedy severe dryness. Prices start at £7.99 for its Skin Salvation ointment.

Apples are a great source of pectin, which can help lower cholesterol levels, as well as provide 15% of your daily fibre, so what ‘s not to love about them? In fact ,Australian singer Kahiwa Sebire has gone so far as to dedicate a song, called Red Love, to an apple variety of the same name! You can buy a tree to grow from Devon-based Suttons and the apple’s juicy flesh is red, through and through. The song’s available to listen to on YouTube.

Less haste, honed waist A brisk walk could do more to hone your waistline than a session at the gym, according to a study by the London School of Economics. Dr Grace Lordan, who led the research, found people who regularly walked briskly for more than 30 minutes had lower BMIs and smaller waists than those who engaged in regular sports or exercise. Energetic housework and garden chores such as chopping logs and digging are also great for keeping in shape, according to the findings – as is carrying heavy shopping, one to bear in mind in the lead up to Christmas!

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Cheers for the beers Style guru Alexa Chung famously said she hates champagne, but she’s been spotted enjoying the occasional crafty pint! Did you know there are fewer calories in half a pint of beer (91) than there are in a small glass of wine (141)? Britain’s Beer Alliance has launched a campaign backed by nutritionist Fiona Hunter who says: “We are aiming to dispel the myth that beer causes a ‘beer belly’ – there is no evidence to support this at all.”

Baah! Simon Cowell has revealed some bizarre beauty secrets as part of his grooming regimen, including one involving sheep. “I had a sheep placenta facial once, which was quite out there,” the music mogul told the Daily Mirror. Urgh! Would ewe ever?

In a

Pickle Tummy trouble? Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, pickled vegetables in brine, yoghurt and buttermilk can help restore the bacteria in our guts which aid good digestion. What’s coming up? Tweet us your wellbeing diary dates

@WMNWest or email westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 37

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17/11/2015 12:29:47

Wellbeing

Galling stones

A simple procedure effects speedy relief Q

My doctor tells me that I have gallstones and that I will need to have my gall bladder removed. What are gallstones and what does the operation entail? JS, Truro Kenneth Hosie, medical director at Plymouth-based Penisula Medical says: Gall bladder removal is one of the most frequent operations performed by the NHS and is now available for NHS patients at the Peninsula NHS Treatment Centre. The gall bladder is small, pear-shaped pouch located in your upper abdomen which stores bile. Bile is produced by your liver and is used to break down fatty foods. Bile is made up of cholesterol, bile salts and waste products. When these ‘ingredients’ get out of balance, gallstones can be formed. In most instances you will not notice gallstones as they do not create any symptoms. However, sometimes they can become trapped, producing irritation and inflammation in the gall bladder or move out

two weeks and it should be safe to do strenuous of the gall bladder to other parts of the body. exercise after a month to six weeks. This can provoke a range of symptoms includIf you’d like to have your gall bladder removed ing severe tummy ache, feeling and being sick, at the Peninsula NHS Treatment Centre, please and jaundice. discuss your choice with your GP who will be For most people experiencing able to refer you for treatment. pain, it is recommended that the You will be booked for an outgall bladder is removed. patient appointment within two At the Peninsula NHS Treatweeks and, if all goes well, your ment Centre we do this using a operation will be scheduled In most technique called laparoscopic within 18 weeks of your referinstances, you cholecystectomy. ral from your doctor, at a time to will not notice This is the most common opsuit you and when we are runeration for the removal of the ning a list. them, as they do gall bladder and involves using a The procedure is run as a day not create any tiny camera and surgical instrucase, which means you will go symptoms ments that are inserted through home on the day of treatment, small incisions in your abdoand you will be invited back men. The procedure is carried after six weeks for a post-operaout under general anaesthetic. tion check-up. You will be able to go home on the same day as your operation. It does not take For more information, call the Peninsula NHS long to recover from a laparoscopic cholecystecTreatment Centre on 01752 506070 or visit www.petomy. You can return to normal activities after ninsulatreatmentcentre.nhs.uk/info

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Wellbeing_Tim_Nov21.indd 38

16/11/2015 13:40:53

Eat

Ingredient of the Week

Cinnamon with Tim Maddams

here are various spices we associate Cinnamon is among the most difficult spices with this time of year. Star anise, to grind at home however, so you need a good clove and allspice are all among electric spice grinder to get a fine result. If you the seasonal scent and aromas that don’t have one, and you need finely ground we know, love and cinnamon for a recipe, then associate with Christmas, but recently-bought ready-ground is cinnamon has to be the king of the best option. the festive spice rack. You don’t need to be an expert When it comes to cinnamon on Indian or Middle Eastern Try bunging a and its fragrant cousin cassia, cookery to get into the cinnamon stick into the we tend to reserve their use for thing. Try bunging a few inches of sweet stuff. Who doesn’t bung a cinnamon stick into the next lamb next lamb stew few twigs in the mulled cider at stew you make and see where it you make and this time of year? Yet cinnamon takes you. The same can be applied is a vibrant and warming to curries and stews of almost all see where it flavour that deserves a more sorts. The interesting thing about takes you varied usage. cinnamon is its ability to blend in The spice is the soft underwith its surroundings and make bark of the cinnamomum its presence felt in a variety of verum tree, shaved and dried different ways, depending on into sticks, or quills. You can what company it keeps. pop one or two in a stew to favour and remove Added to a rich meaty stews, particularly before serving, or I’d recommend grinding it game, gives a real earthy and warm feeling of yourself to keep your supply fresher for longer. richness – something special at any time of year.

[[

Spice it up Try sprinkling a little powdered cinnamon onto your honey on toast for a little breakfast time pep. A quill or two of cinnamon added to rum punch will make a tasty difference. Add some zing to a herbal infusion. Stir your mint tea with a cinnamon stick and enjoy the added warmth. Pair it with ginger. This combination goes very well together in all sorts of ways, particularly in a pear sponge. @TimGreenSauce

Tim Maddams is a Devon chef and author of Game: River Cottage Handbook no. 15 (Bloomsbury £14.99) 39

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16/11/2015 13:41:20

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17/11/2015 11:59:01

Drink

TRIBUTE TO TRIBUTE

Beer of the week

St Austell Tribute makes it in the top ten of writer Mark Dredge’s British cask beers in his new book, the Best Beer in the World. He says it has “all that chewy English malt in the back and then in come the lightly citrusy, floral hops that can go into a lemon pithiness. Lovely pint”.

At the risk of mentioning the ‘C’ word too early, Bays Brewery’s Jingle Ale is out now and at 4% ABV is perfectly sessionable, yet flavoursomely festive. You’d expect a beer with this sweetness and hop finish to perhaps be higher ABV, but ho, ho, ho, that means you can have a couple while writing that shopping list.

Darren Norbury

talks beer iven half a chance, I suspect most people get into the hobby. of us would like to work someI can remember my father attempting to make where with the small of malt and beer using Boots kits in the 1970s (I was in no pohops filling the air. Such is the sition then to judge its quality, although I recall case when I drop into Granite Rock the malty smell permeating the domestic atmosBrewery and Home Brew Shop on a chilly auphere). Back then, price was clearly a driver, tumnal afternoon, where partners Dave Willwith home brew pints costing much less than mott and Frances Williams are pub pints, even the infamous Red catching up on work. Barrel. Now, there seems to be I say catching up because almore of a leaning to the artisanal I can remember though the business is open all element of home brewing, tying week, they have separate weekin with local produce culture, my father day jobs themselves so spend although pricing is still keen: 40 attempting to the weekend touching base in pints for £22 is typical. make beer using their Penryn premises. Once people have mastered the The business is one whose boxes – almost a case of simply Boots kits in the time has come. Just as commeradd water and wait – many are 1970s...home cial brewing is big in the UK, so sufficiently enthused to move brew cost less is home brewing. In fact, many on to more elaborate methods of then than pub of the constant stream of new home brewing. Malt and hops are breweries springing up, seemavailable in small bags so even pints ingly daily, are one-person opall-grain brews will not break the erations where a home-brew bank, and popular hop varieties set-up has fledged and taken such as Chinook and El Dorado flight in the competitive world. can give that American-style citrus zing that a At Granite Rock, there is a successful comkit of basic British bitter won’t possess. bination of both. Dave and Frances are homeHome brewing can only deepen one’s apprebrew enthusiasts and have all the equipment ciation of the brewer’s art and the idea that even and ingredients home brewers need, of whatsmall changes to a recipe can have big conseever level of experience. Frances keeps an eye quences when it comes to the finished product. on the shop, and is going through the week’s Finally, my guilty secret: I’ve never brewed a books when I turn up, citing boxed St Peter’s, thing, ever, at all. Spent too much time drinking Woodforde’s and Cooper’s kits as the way most other people’s beer. I must find the time.

breaking the rules

It’s impossible to describe BrewDog without using the word ‘maverick’, not that they seem to mind – they do it themselves. Co-founder James Watt’s written a book on how to succeed the BrewDog way. Business For Punks tackles managing cashflow, marketing, developing a sustainable brand and “the pointlessness of a business plan”.

[[

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16/11/2015 14:03:27

Enjoy A WEEKEND IN...

Watergate Bay

Stay: The Watergate Bay Hotel dates from 1904

Eat: The Watergate Bay Hotel complex has its own lovely restaurant, Zacry’s. Right on the sand, The Beach Hut does super salads and burgers, and welcomes dogs and sandy feet. Fifteen Cornwall is Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, serving top-notch Italian-inspired cooking using local ingredients while providing much-needed apprenticeships to local youngsters in need of a helping hand.

but has been very much brough right up to date for the 21st century, with surf-chic décor, a superb restaurant and a stunning café and open balcony overlooking the sea. A great offer right now is the three-night Winter Taste of the Bay, from £267 per person, including dinner at Fifteen Cornwall, dinner at Zacry’s restaurant and lunch at The Beach Hut. For details see www. watergatebay.co.uk or call 01637 860543.

Try: The Extreme Academy offers lessons all year round in surfing, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, waveski riding and stand-up paddleboarding. They have trained instructors, all technical equipment and – most importantly – hot showers. A half day Introduction to Surfing lesson costs £35. It’s open 9am-5pm seven days a week, visit www.extremeacademy.co.uk

his beautiful two-mile surf beach just north of Newquay has seen a huge revival of its fortunes in recent years, moving from bucketand-spade holidays to surfer chic recreation all year round.

Food at The Beach Hut

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16/11/2015 14:00:51

Fifteen Cornwall

Sweet dreams: Watergate Bay Hotel

Food at Zacry’s

The Watergate Bay Hotel’s pool terrace

Day out: Fifteen Cornwall’s Winter Fayre is free to attend and takes place on Saturday November 28 from 9.30am-3.30pm in the Extreme Academy car park at Watergate Bay, with chef demos, food producer stalls and children’s entertainment. It’s a great way to see wonderful cooking from the likes of Jack Stein, Rick Stein’s son, and buy Christmas foodie gifts.

Explore: Walk along the South West Coast Path in either direction for sensational clifftop views, or stroll along the beautiful pale gold sands of the beach itself.

Self-catering: Close to the beach are the four-star apartment buildings Beachcombers,

Tregurrian and Waves. A one-bedroomed apartment with a sea view can be hired for a three-night weekend in November and December for £285. Visit www.watergatebay.com to book.

Spa: Relax

with a treatment in The Watergate Bay Hotel’s luxurious spa, which is set in its stunning indoor pool area, with fabulous sea views. We particularly recommend the 1.5 hour full-body massage, a real treat at £90.

Visit: A short drive will take you to Newquay Zoo, where you can see its adorable baby red panda. Family tickets for four cost £40.70. A weekend of festive is fun is lined up, including Santa’s Grotto, on December 12-13, at just £4 per person. For details visit www.newquayzoo.org.uk 43

WeekendIn_Nov21.indd 43

16/11/2015 14:01:45

Totnes gears up for Christmas

All Stars Theatre Group

My Secret Westcountry David Richardson David Richardson runs Richardsons Legal Services, based in Plympton, which specialises in helping the over-60s with legal matters such as writing wills, creating power of attorney and asset protection trusts. He lives in Ivybridge with his partner Alison The River Erme at Ivybridge

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17/11/2015 12:17:48

People Dartmouth Regatta

A great way to enjoy the Westcountry

available. The menu is at a fixed price with several choices of each course and it has a real old fashioned country house atmosphere.

Good cause: Now I’m on my hobby horse! I

My favourite... Walk: I am not a big walker, more of a stroller and I can think of nowhere better to stroll, (sometimes with our dog Rosie) than by the River Erme. The river starts on the moors and ends up in the sea at Bigbury. Where the river rushes down from the moors though Ivybridge it is really stupendous. The river looks so powerful and after a heavy rain it is marvellous to see it tumbling down over the boulders. Secret place: My secret place is on Dartmoor at the side of the river. I don’t even know what it is called, it’s so secret!

Shop: There is a small street in Dartmouth full of interesting shops. I always like to walk and look at these shops when I am in the town, and the shops in Totnes are always full of interest, too. The indoor market in Totnes has wonderful food shops with really fresh vegetables, salads and fruit. Then there is a fishmonger with really good fresh fish.

Place to eat: The First & Last Bistro in Ermington is a favourite with a two and three course menu of fresh local produce, and the menu changes regularly according to what is

sponsor Plymouth’s All Stars Theatre Group which gives a life and interest to about 25 young adults with learning disabilities. The group is run tirelessly by David and Jan Halifax whose own daughter Emma has learning difficulties. They put on two shows a year, in midsummer and at Christmas, at the Muse Theatre and they rehearse on Saturday mornings. They love to get on stage to sing and dance and they really are wonderful. Another cause I am currently supporting is the Tamerton Young Leisure Group. They take young children out for a treat at Christmas. Last year it was a party at McDonalds, this year it is a trip to the pantomime at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal.

Event: I can’t think of anything better than relaxing on Blackpool Sands in the South Hams near Dartmouth on a nice sunny summer’s day and just watching people enjoy themselves. The Dartmouth Regatta is also a marvellous event.

Activity: I have been enjoying dancing for many years now with Alison, but we don’t go as often as we used to. We enjoy Ballroom, Latin American and Modern Jive, and we managed to learn the Pasadoble for a medal exam. Argentinian tango is another favourite of ours. Dancing is a very good way to meet interesting people.

Relaxation: Going away in my touring caravan for a long weekend and the odd week in the summer allows me to escape for a bit from everyday life and also allows me to visit interesting places all over Devon and Cornwall.

Pub: Although I love my work, I do like to relax after a hard day occasionally at the Sportsman’s Inn in Ivybridge for an early evening drink. The beer is the best I have found around. I think Bill the landlord must do a very fine job cleaning the beer lines.

For more information on how Richardson Legal Services can help you plan for life over 60, call 0800 014 8031 or visit www.rls-uk.com 45

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17/11/2015 12:18:12

My life man and boy

History boys Phil Goodwin, father of James, five, looks back in time

[

What’s not to love?). But by the time I was at high school we were plunged into the merry world of dating England’s history. It is thanks to Mr Higgins’ feared weekly tests – 20 questions, all of the answers dates as I recall – that I know that Chancellor Otto Von Bismarck unified the German Empire in 1871. Such pearls of wisdom have served me well in life. Skip back a century and a half and I will gladly place in time those pretenders to the Tudor crown Lambert Simnell and Purkin Warbeck, the latter of whom incidentally was executed in 1499 at notorious Tyburn, if memory serves. The rigour of Higgins’ weekly quiz kept us kids in line. There was a forfeit, which I now forget, but it would have been unpleasant. The bespectacled sadistic was also my volleyball master and once ‘slippered’ me in the gym. Six of the best… on the backside… each one preceded by a runup. I am not kidding. These days, James and the class of 2015 are not treated so harshly. That would bring a team of lawyers down to the school. And he seems quite excited about the subject. The inclusion of 666 in the date is a help – nothing like a whiff of brimstone to jog the memory. I just wonder what difference the dates make to an understanding of our cultural history. What about how people lived? Then, as the boy told me all about his lesson in school – a rare thing in itself – he

The rigour of Mr Higgins’ feared weekly quiz kept us kids in line. There was a forfeit

added a further gem from the dark days of Olde London. “In those days, Daddy, the rich ate meat and the poor only had cheese,’ he declared. Now that was more like it. Of course. Some things never change.

[

main picture: Steve Haywood

o you remember the Great Fire of London? Not personally of course, unless you have suffered a nighttime bite to the neck and now sleep daytimes in a coffin. But I imagine you are aware of the basic facts: that it destroyed the old city, started in Pudding Lane and took place in 1666. It occurs to me, given the insane property market, that a modern day repeat of such a conflagration might crash the economy of the whole country. It would certainly be followed by the Great Insurance Claim of London. The reason for my meandering thoughts on a topic so “random”, as the kids say, is my son and his year one class are currently learning how the old capital went up in smoke. That a class of five-year-olds were engaged in scrutinising this catastrophe left me musing on history teaching in school. I am not criticising the local education authority, nor the Department for Education, who may have insisted that the subject features prominently. After all, a county council press release sent out last week showed that Devon is above average for school achievement. In the Key Stage 1 tests, which my lad will take at seven years old, the county results for hitting the Reading targets are 92 per cent compared to 90 per cent nationally, Writing at 90 per cent, compared to 88 per cent and so on. I am yet to experience this much-criticised testing of such young minds – I mention in passing that kids only start school at six or seven in many countries – but now I wonder whether there will be a question in the exam about London’s fire. Things were probably very different when I was at infant school. I don’t remember much now apart from a blue whale painted in the playground and the Griffin books which I happily devoured (a lion with an eagle’s head?

ManandBoy_Nov21.indd 46

16/11/2015 14:08:43

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