PL Magazine December 2014 by DCMedia

Your lifestyle magazine for Plymouth & surrounding areas

P L

M a g a z i n e

DECEMBER 2014

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She’s worth it THE ULTIMATE PAMPERING GIFTS

Fool-proof Christmas lunch OUR COMPLETE RECIPE GUIDE

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PERFECT GIFTS OPEN UNTIL 9PM EVERY THURSDAY UNTIL 18th DECEMBER

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CONTENTS

08 PEOPLE

34 THE LONDON LOOK

TRAVEL

How to perfect 60s make-up

60 SPA HEAVEN

6 JJ ADAMS Artist who tattooed the Queen

A weekend in Bath

FAMILY

8 AMBER O’SHEA Model who’s staying ahead

12 RICHARD MADELEY From TV to book guru

14 TOM VOWLER

38 PADDINGTON BEAR His enduring appeal

40 READY FOR ELF

16 MYRON RILEY

Creating the dazzling set

41 GEOFF GIANT His special mission

FASHION

62 COMPLETE CHRISTMAS Fool-proof recipe guide

66 TOP PARTY VENUES Where to go this year

67 DRESSED THE BEST Let the table do the talking

68 THE GREEDY GOOSE Plymouth’s hot new restaurant

18 LEATHER Get the lux look

19 LITTLE LUXURIES The tiniest gifts

20 DRAKE CIRCUS Family gift list

22 PARTY TIME Dress up for season

22 SHINE LIKE A DIAMOND The perfect accessories

HEALTH & BEAUTY 28 PAMPER TIME Christmas treats

/PLMagPlymouth

30 ULTIMATE GIFTS

@PLMagPlymouth

The perfect smellies

PUBLISHER: Paul Burton 01752 293045 ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Fiona Stoddart THE HERALD: 01752 293000 For more contact details see page 82

How far will you go?

Writer’s Dartmoor inspirations He shoots, he sings

36 SEARCH FOR SANTA

FOOD & DRINK

31 EMBRACE THE DARK Short days are good for you

THE WATERFRONT

70 BORINGDON HALL Meet the head chef

42-48 SPECIAL FEATURE

HOMES & GARDENS 49 LAWSONS Christmas tips

OUT & ABOUT 72 HOW TO SURVIVE THE PARTY SEASON Martin Freeman’s guide

50 BIG PINE

74 WIZARD SHOW

Creating the wow factor

New comedy in town

52 HOME HELP

75 PICK OF THE PANTOS

Call in the experts

What to see this year

53 DESIGN CHALLENGE

76 JOOLS HOLLAND

Peek inside a beautiful home

His enduring appeal

56 GROWING BUSINESS

77 LENKIEWICZ RETURNS

Our Christmas tree farm

Painting’s pride of place

57 GARDENING TIPS

78 SOCIAL DIARY

What to do this month

Out and about in Plymouth

58 HAVE A GREEN CHRISTMAS

80 TOP 6 EVENTS

How to save cash - and the planet!

What to do this month Out and about in Plymouth

COVER: JOHN ALLEN PL MAGAZINE | 3 | DECEMBER 2014

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FEELING FESTIVE AS PL HITS THE PRESS

can’t quite believe it, but by the time this magazine hits your doormat we will be counting down to Christmas. There’s just a few weeks left to buy presents, decorate your home and finish cooking for the big day. But I hope this month’s edition of PL is packed with ideas which will inspire you to fully embrace the traditions of the festive season. Food features strongly and writer Louise Daniel has been speaking to Plymouth’s chefs about their foolproof Christmas lunch recipes. She has also paid a visit to new city centre restaurant The Greedy Goose to meet chef Ben Palmer and discover his exciting plans. If you are still looking for Christmas gift ideas, you need look no further than the next few pages, especially if it’s a present for someone very special in your life. PL worked with Drakes jewellers, who have just moved into a new store in Drake Circus, to produce our series of stunning Christmas party pictures on pages 24 to 27. We’ve also come up with some hints for any last-minute giftbuying fellas who want to buy the perfect present. OK, so some of the ideas are quite aspirational, but our guides to pampering gifts and gorgeous jewellery should provide plenty of ideas. Our family pages also have a festive theme, with our guide to the best places to visit Santa. Writer Emily Smith got in the Christmas spirt during a backstage visit to see how Theatre Royal Plymouth staff are re-creating Santa’s world for this month’s European premiere of ELF. And I’ve been investigating the enduring appeal of Paddington Bear – as the film hits the cinema screens this month. Christmas means different things to different people, but for me the joy is in the preparation; buying and wrapping gifts, decorating a real Christmas tree and making homemade mince pies and other treats. By Christmas Eve, most of the work will be done and it will be time to enjoy the festivities with my family. The Christmas break is a precious few days when all of us can enjoy our homes, our families and our surroundings and reflect on the year that’s been. And then the corks will fly as we welcome in 2015.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!

Clare Jardine

Clare Jardine – PL Magazine

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PEOPLE DANCE WITH THE DEVIL BY JJ ADAMS

The artist who tattooed the Queen! MARTIN FREEMAN TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THE EXTRAORDINARY WORK OF PLYMOUTH ARTIST JJ ADAMS

J Adams has tattooed Kate Middleton, Hollywood stars Al Pacino and Marilyn Monroe and even the Queen. His impressive body of work on the skin of some of the most famous people is causing a stir. The same is true of his spray painting of Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and Smeaton’s Tower. The Plymouth-born artist isn’t about to be

arrested for defacing either the monarch or some of Britain’s most famous landmarks, though. Imagine Andy Warhol meets Banksy and you’ll get the picture. The New York pop artist liked to take iconic images and give them a twist. The UK graffiti specialist sprays satirical and mischievous images on buildings. JJ does a bit of both, although it is many years since he sprayed on bricks or concrete. He reimagines famous people and scenes, giving them a makeover in his distinctive, tattoo-parlour, subway-graffiti style. Her Majesty and her London home are prime examples. He started his creative career in Britain as a real-life tattooer after moving back from South Africa, where he grew up. Then he moved into contemporary art after returning to the city of his birth to study at Plymouth College of Art. He made his mark in Plymouth and the South Hams. “(There is) a little graffiti here and there in Plymouth,” says JJ. “If you travel through Kingsbridge, most of the high street shop signs were my doing,” adds the former sign-writer. Today his images are in demand for their artistic

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JJ’S TAKE ON KATE MIDDLETON

merits by enthusiasts and collectors. He has enjoyed exposure in the world’s most famous and influential fashion magazine, Vogue. “The darling of the current contemporary UK art scene... JJ has started a revolution in the realms of mainstream art,” said trend-setting mag GQ earlier this year. Schoolmates still around Plymouth would remember him as Jason. They probably wouldn’t remember his look: there is a lot of ink under his skin. “There’s something about tattoo art that I just love.” US painter and illustrator Norman Rockwell and pop artists Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and Sir Peter Blake are influences. More obscure names have also been important: Guy Peelleart, Storm Thorgerson and lowbrow artists such as Coop, Jim Phillips and Graham Coton, a World War Two comic book illustrator. “I use a few different mediums, from photography to spray paint to acrylics to digital and many, many layers. “I don’t think of myself as an artist, I simply create something I would like to see

on my own wall and it goes from there.” His Rule Britannia series included ‘defaced’ images of Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and Smeaton’s Tower. Other sets include original paintings with a strong Lichtenstein leaning – such as comic-book-style images with a touch of humour; two superheroes enjoy a passionate gay kiss. The tattoo images are among his more subversive works: the Duchess of Cambridge, the Queen, Princess Diana and Hollywood stars and characters get full sleeves and more. A couple of late PMs, Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher, have Warholesque makeovers, and Kate Middleton gets another reworking, as a World War Two-style pin-up, riding a bomb. JJ lives in London with his partner, her two children and a couple of dogs. But Plymouth remains influential and he visits regularly. “I love Plymouth, (and) Plymouth College of Art is a great college, the tutors there were incredible,” he says. “Without the help of the college I don’t think I would be where I am now.” YOU CAN SEE MORE OF HIS WORK AT WWW. JJADAMSART.COM

TOP: JJ ADAMS AT WORK IN HIS STUDO. ABOVE, HIS IMAGE OF THE QUEEN WITH TATTOOS

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PEOPLE

AMBER SHOWS SHE HAS THE X FACTOR MODEL AMBER O’SHEA HAS HAD A LIFE-LONG AMBITION TO BE A STAR. NOW THE BRUNETTE HAS GONE FROM ROCKING THE CATWALKS TO BEING THE STAR OF A PRIME TIME TV ADVERTISEMENT CAMPAIGN. TRISTAN NICHOLS TALKS TO HER

mber O’Shea’s modelling career has taken her a long way from home in Plymstock and her young days craving stardom as an actor and singer. This year alone has seen Amber’s modelling schedule take her to New York, Seattle, Dallas, Morocco, Hong Kong, China and Paris working for the likes of Agent Provocateur, John Frieda, Next, Ann Summers, Pour Moi, Cruise Clothing, Kangaroos, Yanny and Sugar Hill. Amber’s latest role is as the face of Tresemme, as her beautiful brunette locks are preened for the prime time advertisement shown during breaks in hit-show, the X Factor. Viewers of the show see the X Factor’s lead hair stylist, Jamie Stevens, straighten Amber’s hair before revealing her look as she strolls down a catwalk. In another advert viewers will see her hair curled. Amber, 23, said the modelling opportunity came about after Tresemme requested models with dark hair. The young model went along to the casting, and was selected from hundreds of hopefuls. “This is my first TV advert so it’s quite exciting,” said Amber, who now lives in London. “I got the job from that two weeks before filming it so it was a short process.”

Amber’s career hit new heights after she moved to London from Plymstock aged just 16. The move came about after Amber gained a full scholarship to study a three-year Professional Musical Theatre Arts Diploma at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts. During her training Amber worked part-time as a model for designer Abercrombie and Fitch. She also came runner-up in the Make Me The NEXT Model 2 competition for Next Clothing. Amber joined the MOT model agency in 2010 and, as her modelling career began to take off, she moved to BMA Models and then IMM International models. Her television credits have included appearances on This Morning and QVC and she has appeared on book covers and in a variety of national newspaper features. Amber said her passion is, and always has been, acting. Having appeared in a few low budget films, she revealed she has been short-listed for a part in a film about the Kray twins, due to be released next year. “I did performing arts literally as soon as I could walk so I went to stage school in London and when I was there I felt like acting was better suited to me than dancing and I enjoyed it a lot more,” added Amber. “It’s quite good because with modelling you get to go to quite a lot of auditions as well so it kind of fell into place. “When I graduated I started modelling and I’ve loved every moment of it.” Having recently finished photo shoots for Ann Summers and Pour Moi for their 2015 campaigns, Amber is looking forward to a busy year in 2015. “I enjoy modelling because every day is a different day,” she said. If nothing else, Amber’s current assignment certainly shows she has the ‘X Factor’.

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PEOPLE

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‘WHEN I GRADUATED I STARTED MODELLING AND I’VE LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF IT’ - AMBER O’SHEA

AMBER, AGED 9, WAS CHOSEN TO DANCE WITH ATOMIC KITTEN AT THE DISNEY CHANNEL TV AWARDS PL MAGAZINE | 10 | DECEMBER 2014

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WHO CAN YOU TALK TO ABOUT DIVORCE AND FINANCES?

Contact your your locallocal law firm Wolferstans, thethe accredited Contact law firm Wolferstans, accredited and specialists in and divorce and matters. expertsexperts and specialists in divorce financial financial matters.

Contact Sarah Webb, Client Co-ordinator on

Contact Janet Toms, Client Co-ordinator on 01752or 292239 or email swebb@wolferstans.com 01752 292215 email jtoms@wolferstans.com Wolferstans your local legal Family experts, here for you when you need us.

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A writer’s paradise RICHARD MADELEY, HALF OF THE TEAM THAT HAS HAD A HUGE IMPACT ON UK READING HABITS, BOOKS A DATE WITH MARTIN FREEMAN

he Cornish coast is the perfect retreat for an aspiring writer. It’s also the choice for a couple who have launched the careers of several authors – and had an enormous impact on the habits of millions of readers. Talland Bay, Looe, is home to the Richard and Judy Book Club. Or at least the idyllic spot is a home to Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan, the TV presenters who are now more famous for reading and writing rather than watching. Cornwall makes the perfect bolt-hole, says Richard. “We used race down here on a Friday and race back on a Monday morning and spend holidays but now we have more time,” he says. “We feel more embedded in the community now.” They bought the Cornish home in 1998. Life was hectic then as presenters of the magazine This Morning on ITV, and later the chat show Richard and Judy for Channel 4, until 2008, plus other projects. The book club grew out of a weekly slot during the Channel 4 show. “The second book we featured was Joseph O’Connor’s The Star of the Sea,” Richard recalls. “Bob Geldof called it a ‘masterpiece’ and said O’Connor was ‘a Dickens for our time’. “I remember thinking, that if I were watching this at home I would go straight out and buy a copy.” Thousands did just that. That night Amazon sold out and a book that was never expected to trouble the best-seller charts went from number 337 to No 1 in a week. “We had a phone call from the publisher asking if we could give them more warning in future so they could print more copies.” Richard and Judy are just as happy to have a more low-key impact on the reading world. They were patrons of the first Looe Literary Festival, which took place last month. “As an incomer you feel sort of an obligation to put something back,” says Richard

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PEOPLE “We do stuff for the Polperro Festival and it’s a pleasure to be asked.” Both are busy writers. Judy enjoyed immediate success with her first novel, best-selling and wellreviewed supernatural thriller Eloise, in 2012. She is a ‘more or less a full-time writer’ now. Richard has followed with Some Day I’ll Find You (2013) and The Way You Look Tonight, published this year. “The first one got to No 4 in the charts and the second to No 3 which was a huge relief,” says, Richard, 58, who is mindful of the ‘celebrity author’ factor. “I am glad that tide is retreating. You see a lot of people who have success with one book but then it fades – I think that’s why that is on the wane.” He has started on book three, as-yet untitled. “Like the others it is set in a specific time and place: the Lake District in 1976. “I was a young radio reporter there for Radio Cumbria at the time, the amazing summer. “The surface layers of the lakes were warming up but a few feet below they were still icy. “We broadcast warnings after people died from shock, diving below the surface. “That gave me the idea of a woman who wants a man dead, and thinks the drowning reports might help her stage an accident.” As Richard and Judy enjoy success as authors, so their book club, now run in conjunction with WH Smith, and ‘filtered’ by a couple of reading panels, continues to be a phenomenon in the publishing world. “The panels help us cut down the 300 or 400 books we get each season and give us a shortlist of 15 or 20 that Judy and I read and make our selections of eight for the club.” That spirit goes back to the pleasure of a festival and of sharing a private pleasure. “Reading is a solitary pastime,” he says. “But when you see somebody reading something you have just read you just want to discuss it, even with a complete stranger.”

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TOM VOWLER FOUND INSPIRATION FROM THE DRAMATIC DARTMOOR SCENERY

AUTHOR TOM VOWLER

Explore your own brushes with life PLYMOUTH AUTHOR TOM VOWLER HAS JUST PUBLISHED HIS THIRD WORK TO HIGH ACCLAIM. HE SPOKE TO RACHAEL DODD ABOUT HIS DEVON INSPIRATIONS AND THE WRITING PROCESS

t takes a lot of discipline to write a novel, it isn’t a wistful, whimsical art - it’s a craft. That’s the view of writer Tom Vowler who is certainly ruled by his own words. Tom left his Plymouth home to spend four years living on Dartmoor to research his novel What Lies Within. The book tells the story of Anna and her family, living in a remote Devon farmhouse. They have always been close to nature, surrounded

by the haunting beauty of the moor. But when a convict escapes from nearby Dartmoor Prison, their isolation suddenly begins to feel claustrophobic. Tom’s now living back in Plymouth but has fond memories of the moorland: “I do miss being in the heart of the moor - the prehistoric landscape really drew me in. There aren’t many uplands in the South and it might not seem as spectacular as Scotland but in some ways it is - it has lush and untamed parts which have been there however many thousands of years.” Barnstaple-born Tom is gaining national praise for his novels but it seems his heart still lies in his home county. “I’ve been to a few cities and Plymouth still impresses me – it gets under my skin. I really have fallen for Plymouth and it seems to be developing as a literary and cultural hub in a way that I hadn’t

really seen before - long may that continue.” Unusually Tom began writing fairly late after sick leave left him at a loose end: “Writing began as a necessity for me rather than an inspiration. I was on long-term sickness from my job and I was fed up with daytime TV and crosswords. As a journalist I’d written articles on a non-fiction basis and I wondered how difficult it would be to try fiction.” The writing process has a reputation as a torturous experience and in some ways Tom agrees that it’s no easy task: “It takes a lot of discipline to write a novel, it isn’t a wistful, whimsical art - it’s a craft. “To borrow from Hemingway et al: ‘Writing a book is easy; just open a vein and bleed.’ Certainly the struggle is epic at times, two or three years on the same project, confined to a room on your own, no guarantee of success, much of what you

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produce worthless. “If your work has an elegiac or traumatic aesthetic, you do need to explore your own brushes with these in order to breathe life into the book, to give it an authenticity. “But writers aren’t miners or firefighters or nurses; we have it pretty easy really.” Tom is highly critical of his first attempt at a novel - an effort he describes as “clumsy” and which he hopes never sees the light of day. He decided to hone his craft by taking an MA in creative writing which he completed in 2007. His dissertation for the course would eventually become The Method – his first collection of short stories. You could say that this second attempt was more successful. The Method scooped several literary awards - the Scott Prize in 2010 and the Edge Hill Readers’ Prize in 2011. Two acclaimed novels followed – What Lies

Within and That Dark Remembered Day. That Dark Remembered Day, a gripping and moving literary thriller, was published this year. Without revealing too many spoilers, Tom explained what his influences were: “The tragic 2010 shootings in Cumbria, and of course earlier ones, foreshadowed much of the book. I wondered what it would be like to live with the knowledge that your father committed such an atrocity, how you might escape this legacy, whether you’d tell people as they entered your life. And there’s some exploration of what it might take to push someone into such behaviour.” Tom is now an associate lecturer in Creative Writing at Plymouth University and is studying for a PhD in Creative Writing while working on his next book.

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PEOPLE

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PEOPLE

He shoots, he sings MARTIN FREEMAN MEETS MYRON RILEY, A BIG PRESENCE IN SPORT AND MUSIC IN PLYMOUTH

hree distinctive noises have shaped the life Basketball League and the National Cup in 2003/4. of Myron Riley: one natural, the other two “My love for basketball started to dwindle,” he man-made. admits. “Once you lose that passion, and you start Ninteeen years ago the roar of an erupting volcano doing something for the money, whatever it is, you led him to flee Plymouth – the capital of the Caribbean have to move on. island of Montserrat, a British colony. “I wanted to learn to play guitar. I had lessons with He later settled in the original Plymouth where a friend, James Hood, and learned a few basic chords. he became used to the approving roar of Plymouth “He asked me one time, ‘have you done any singing?’. Raiders fans as he shot yet another hoop. “I sang a bit and he said, ‘Why are you learning to Now the soundtrack to his evenings comes from play guitar? I’ll play guitar and you do the singing’.” the music Antimatador – the band he fronts – and He made his debut in front of a few dozen at the the loud appreciation of the crowd when a song ends. Fresher and Professor pub and was plagued by nerves He’s a big man (6ft 5in) with a personality to match despite having played in front of up to 6,000 fans in who has earned a crust in two of the most competitive his basketball days. areas of life: sport and music. “I was terrified. When you are playing One has helped the other, he sport you are in your comfort zone. believes. You are so focused on the game you “As a sportsman you don’t really notice the crowd.” ‘My love for have to have discipline He went on to sing regularly basketball started to and be self-dependent with James as part of 20Past4, and to work hard to be a hip-hop/ska/funk outfit. dwindle. Once you successful,” he says. Next came reggae combo lose that passion, “You have to sometimes 007 and more recently and you start doing give up a shot if funky Freshly Squeezed. something for the somebody is better Now the latter has morphed placed or they are the into Antimatador – the same money, whatever it is, better shooter – you work personnel are in both. He is you have to move on’ for the good of the team. one of the writers. That’s important in a band.” Myron still has a day job as MYRON RILEY Myron, 37, has moved on from an information analyst, based at professional Plymouth Railway Station. But the sport with the hope is that, one day, the band – with a Raiders. He continues to highly skilled set of musicians (for example trumpet deliver entertainment with player Simon Dobson was voted UK Composer of the Antimatador, the combo whose year in 2012) – will be full-time. hip-hop/soul/electronica/jazz Currently Antimatador is recording an album, sound is tipped for great things. as-yet untitled. He came to England as a Myron says: “We want to take this as far as we can. teenager, moving via Canada. I really believe in going for something if you want it. His aunt in Birmingham, You should never be afraid to fail.” remembering his passion for It seems a far cry from his days growing up on basketball, encouraged him Montserrat. There is a musical connection, though: to get a trial for the city’s Elton John, Dire Straits, Duran Duran, Paul McCartney, Bullets team. The Police, Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd were among At 23, he signed for the the many who made albums on the island at George Raiders, enjoying great Martin’s studio. success. They did the double The volcano put paid to that – and sent another of winning the English musical export into the world.

MYRON IN ACTION WITH RAIDERS

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FASHION

FLAIRE LEATHER DRESS IN BAMBI, £215, URBANCODE

GREY COLLARLESS LEATHER JACKET, £136.50 (CURRENTLY REDUCED FROM £195), WALLIS

RACHEL ZOE RORY HAIR CALF VACHETTA ANKLE BOOTS, £155, BRANDOUTLET.COM

Luxury in leather FORGET BIKER JACKETS AND BLACK TROUSERS, GO HELL FOR LEATHER IN COOL COLOURS AND FRESH TEXTURES THIS SEASON

Available at Boutique 144 Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm or anytime online at

www.ladiesdesignerfashions.co.uk

01548 852064

63 Fore Street, Kingsbridge, TQ7 1PG

WHITE LEATHER SHIRT, £175, AND LEATHER PENCIL SKIRT, £175, BOTH MARQUES’ALMEIDA AT TOPSHOP

Not that there’s anything wrong with a black biker jacket, but right now, it’s time to shake things up with leather looks that are fresh, fun and fashion forward. This year’s trendiest skirt, the midi, gets a leathery makeover, as do vintage-inspired feminine frocks, proving that this animalistic fabric doesn’t always have to look fierce. Indeed, designers have employed a paler palette than ever for their leather wares, while metallic accessories offer a shiny shortcut to the trend. Oh, and it doesn’t actually have to be leather. Pick textile cheat PU (polyurethane) and no one will be any the wiser... Dial up the fun factor by going from matte to metallic with your accessories. A shiny leather bag is like an instant dopamine hit on a wet day, plus it’s way more practical than all the faux-fur that’s in the shops this season. Silver TAYLOR is the most versatile choice, TOTE, £310, a great pairing with BRIX + almost any outfit, but for BAILEY a real feel-good treat, reach for rainbow hues like pink, purple or royal blue. Think you won’t get enough wear out of a technicolour tote? Then grab a mirrorbright clutch or pair of heels, make them the focus of an all-black evening ensemble, and watch the compliments flood in.

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FASHION Swarovski, Baron Set £249, DRAKES

STAR BUY: The Silver With18ct Gold Drop Earrings are £118, VICTORIA SEWART, www. victoriasewart.com

Fine vintage... Butterfly Short Champagne Necklace, £105, BUTTERFLY, (www.butterflyjewellery.com)

The little gifts are the best

STAR BUY: Silver Cubic Zircon Pendant, £50, ROBBINS AND MOORE

Le Vian 14CT Gold 1.24 Carat Chocolate Diamond Ring, £2,999, ERNEST JONES

STAR BUY: 8ct Tanzanite & Diamond Ring £5300, ROBBINS AND MOORE

WONDERING WHAT PRESENT TO HANG ON THE TREE FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL? HERE’S PL’S PICK OF THE FINEST TINIEST GIFTS….

STAR BUY: 18ct White Gold 1.08ct Diamond Cluster Ring £3950, WRAY & CO

Limited Edition Silver Necklace, £25, MARKS & SPENCER Fei Liu, 18ct Rose Gold 0.15ct Brown Diamond Aurora Pendant £1,100, DRAKES

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FOR GRANDPA: We love this MAROON NORTH COAST JUMPER from M&S - stylish and unique. £29.50

FOR YOUR TEENAGE SON:

FOR PETS: Drake Circus has gifts for Pets covered too. You can find this delightful REINDEER DOG JUMPER, £8, and CAT STOCKING, £10, in NEXT

Keep him warm with this stylish NANNY STATE SCARF from BANK. £16

FOR HER: We love this LUXE JEWELLED BAG from ACCESSORIZE. It is gorgeous, sparkly and everything a girl could want this Christmas. £45

UNWRAP JOY AT DRAKE CIRCUS THIS CHRISTMAS

rake Circus Shopping Centre knows it can be hard to get the perfect gifts for the most important people in your life whether it’s Granny or a beloved family pet. The hardworking Drake Circus gift-gurus have hand-picked top festive gift so everyone‘s happy (especially you)! Have a seamless seasonal shopping affair at Drake Circus Shopping Centre – all the presents you’ll ever need under one roof.

FOR TODDLERS: Give your favourite toddler the book they really want. With festive sounds and fun sing-along songs, M&S’s CHRISTMAS SOUND BOOK is perfect for those who are developing. £7

FOR YOUR TEENAGE DAUGHTER: 2015 is set to be the rise of the curl. Let her lead the pack with these SLEEP IN CURLERS from BANK, £25

FOR UNDER 12S: Bring the family together with this “MY MONOPOLY” BOARD. You can personalize it in minutes, meaning the whole family can be part of the game. THE ENTERTAINER, £22

FOR HIM: Get the man a drink! THIS SIGNATURE COLLECTION WITH TAWNY PORT, from HOTEL CHOCOLAT is perfect for sharing and bringing the family together this Christmas, £52

CAN’T CHOOSE? GO GIFT CARD Drake Circus Gift Card can be used in up to 70 top brand stores. Decide how much you want to spend and then let the recipient have the fun of choosing something they really want.

featuring top brands - the South West’s largest Marks and Spencer, Jack Wills, ‘pop up store’, Monsoon, FatFace, Coast, Drake Jewellers, Next and Boux Avenue. Drake Circus Shopping Centre is open until 9pm on Thursdays until December 18th. For more information please go to www. drakecircus.com

Pick up the Drake Circus Gift Card online today at www.drakecircus.com/giftcard or buy a card from one of Drake Circus Shopping Centre customer services desks. All of the Christmas goodies on this page are available from Drake Circus, Plymouth,

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FASHION

ROBINS & MOORE GOLDSMITHS Craftsmen in precious metals

The very best quality, the very best price. Guaranteed. 131 Cornwall Street & Avenue 3 City Market Plymouth Tel: 01752 229319 www.robinsmoore.co.uk PL MAGAZINE | 21 | DECEMBER 2014

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F&F GOLD SEQUIN SOFT BRA, £15, TESCO GLITTER BLOCK HEELS, £24.99, NEW LOOK

MILLY FUR CAPE, £69, MONSOON FAUX FUR TIPPET, £22, ACCESSORIZE

M&S COLLECTION SEQUIN EMBELLISHED MAXI DRESS, £150, MARKS & SPENCER

CHRISTMAS CALLS FOR A LITTLE BLACK DRESS BUT SOMETIMES IT’S NICE TO ADD A LITTLE SPARKLE. HERE’S PL’S PICK OF THE BLACK AND GOLD PARTY WEAR FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON FEATHER EARRINGS, £9.99, NEW LOOK

STATEMENT NECKLACE, £36, NEXT

EMBELLISHED TOP, £85, NEXT

HENRIETA SHOE, £69, DUNE

CLUTCH, £38, NEXT

GOLD SEQUIN TUNIC, £69, MARKS & SPENCER

PL MAGAZINE | 22 | DECEMBER 2014

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FASHION

Brigid Foley

JOHN ROCHA FAUX FUR COAT, £125, DEBENHAMS

F&F GOLD JACQUARD DRESS, £25, TESCO

www.brigidfoley.co.uk ©LW

8 Paddons Row,Tavistock 01822 612203

The Lemon Tree Beauty Salon www.thelemontree.co.uk

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METALLIC LACE DRESS, £50, NEXT

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Upto 40% off!

ALICE KEYS CLIP FRAME CLUTCH, £32, ACCESSORIZE REGER NOIR BY JANET REGER, £28, DEBENHAMS

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PL MAGAZINE | 23 | DECEMBER 2014

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FASHION

FEI LIU, CASCADE LARGE RING IN SILVER COLOUR £450, FEI LIU, ROSE SILVER LONG PEARL NECKLACE £650, 18CT WHITE GOLD, 1.16CT PEAR AND MARQUISE CUT DIAMOND EARRINGS £3,750, EMPORIO ARMANI, VALENTE WATCH £279, MEN’S PLATINUM RING £1,258 PL MAGAZINE | 24 | DECEMBER 2014

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FASHION

Shine like a diamond I

f ever there is a time to ramp up the romance and drench yourself in jewels, it’s December’s party season. Drakes jewellers and PL put their heads together to bring you the best in effortless chic and sumptuous style. Ooze spectacular style with timeless jewellery in contemporary designs, effortless elegance with statement sparklers bringing the million dollar look to any outfit.

VENUE: TIGERMILK HIS CLOTHING: HAWKES, MAYFLOWER STREET EVENING SUIT: £175 CUFFLINKS: FROM £25 EVENING SHIRT: £45 BOW TIES: FROM £12 HER CLOTHING: BIBI AND MAC, ROYAL WILLIAM YARD DRESS: FILIPPA K, CREPE LAYERED STRAP DRESS BLACK: £285 FUR: ANETTE GORTZ, £395 MODELS: TOMMY VILES AND COURTNEY RENDLE PHOTOGRAPHER: JOHN ALLEN JEWELLERY: DRAKES ANNAMARIA CAMMILLI, 18CT YELLOW AND ORANGE GOLD 0.45CT DIAMOND BEGONIA RING £3,670, ANNAMARIA CAMMILLI, 18CT YELLOW AND ORANGE GOLD 0.57CT DIAMOND BEGONIA PENDANT £4,335, ANNAMARIA CAMMILLI, 18CT YELLOW AND ORANGE GOLD 0.32CT DIAMOND BEGONIA EARRINGS £2,995, TISSOT, T-TOUCH CLASSIC £440, MEN’S TITANIUM RING £120 PL MAGAZINE | 25 | DECEMBER 2014

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FEI LIU, ROSE SILVER LONG PEARL NECKLACE £650, FEI LIU, ROSE PEARL BRACELET £210, 18CT WHITE GOLD 1.16CT PEAR AND MARQUISE CUT DIAMOND EARRINGS £3,750, 18CT WHITE GOLD 0.92CT DIAMOND SHAPED FANCY RING £2,095

18CT WHITE GOLD 5.61CT PRINCESS CUT AND BRILLIANT CUT DIAMOND BRACELET £4,500, 18CT WHITE GOLD 3.08CT DIAMOND FLORAL CLUSTER RING £8,950, SWAROVSKI, SPECTACULAR COLLAR £249, 18CT WHITE GOLD 1.16CT PEAR AND MARQUISE CUT DIAMOND EARRINGS £3,750, MEN’S PLATINUM RING, £1,258, SEIKO, LE GRAND SPORT WATCH £279

PL MAGAZINE | 26 | DECEMBER 2014

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SWAROVSKI, SELMA BRACELET £119, SWAROVSKI, SELMA NECKLACE £249, SWAROVSKI, STONE RING £119, KAREN MILLEN SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL WATCH £175, 18CT WHITE GOLD 1.16CT PEAR AND MARQUISE CUT DIAMOND EARRINGS £3,750, MEN’S PALLADIUM 0.08CT DIAMOND SET RING £708 SEIKO LE GRAND SPORT WATCH £279

EMPORIO ARMANI, BLACK CERAMICA CHRONOGRAPH WATCH, £499

SWAROVSKI, BEGIN COLLAR £199 18CT WHITE GOLD 5.61CT PRINCESS CUT AND BRILLIANT CUT DIAMOND BRACELET £4,500 18CT WHITE GOLD 3.08CT DIAMOND FLORAL CLUSTER RING £8,950

PL MAGAZINE | 27 | DECEMBER 2014

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SPONSORED FEATURE

Indulge in festive luxuries TAKE A LITTLE ‘ME TIME’ IN THE RUN UP TO CHRISTMAS

hile Christmas might be the most magical time of year, it’s also the most stressful. With so much to do, it’s more important than ever to take time to pamper yourself. Christmas shopping in the cold, latenight present wrapping, visiting relatives and hyperactive kids will conspire against you and your beauty routine. Be sure to moisturise if you’ve been out in the elements. Pay particular attention to your hands, neck and face as these areas will dry the most in cold weather.

It’s best to moisturise before bed to give your skin time to absorb some moisture overnight. You’ll be giving your skin a massage at the same time which aids circulation and helps fight preChristmas break-outs. A Christmas tipple will also dehydrate you so invest in the occasional brightening face mask and keep your fluid levels up to combat dull, grey skin. Aside from the practical elements of beauty, Christmas pampering is also all about fun and indulgence. Any seasoned, seasonal shopper will tell you that the festive period is a gold mine for gift sets. Watch out for your favourite products

wrapped up with a big bow at a bargain price. The other treat that only comes once a year is festive scents. Indulge in cranberry, cloves, toasted marshmallow, pumpkin spice, caramel apple and cinnamon in bubble bath and bath salts. Enjoy them now because you could never appreciate them in the summer. Finally, Christmas Eve is the perfect time to have a cheeky, luxury soak. Grab some time before bed with your best bath bomb and bubble bath and unwind before the chaos of Christmas Day takes over. You’ll feel fresher in the morning and ready to take on the turkey and bad TV.

GG’s Hair Extensions – Shop & Salon

The Strand Hair and Beauty Salon

Come and visit our new and improved salon which is now based upstairs at 18A Mutley Plain and get 50% off hairdressing every Monday. We can also do LW Rapid Spray Tans which develop in 60 minutes. Individual eyelashes are only £25 and a full set of acrylic nails with shellac only £25. Shellac on natural nails is only £10. We are now offering celebrity hair extensions Easilocks and Beauty Works at great prices, pop in for a FREE no obligation consultation. Our shop downstairs stocks a selection of wigs, hairpieces, human hair extensions and much more. Check out our websites: www.ggsalon.co.uk, www.ggshairextensions. com, www.ggswigsplymouth.co.uk

Dedicated to giving clients the best results every time, The Strand Hair and Beauty salon can look after all your Christmas beauty needs in one shop. Whether it’s your hair, nails, lashes, brows or getting that festive tan, the team at Strand can make sure that you look great in time for the party season. A team of professional stylists and beauty therapists can cater for both men and women and you can even pick up a perfect Christmas present with a full range of GHD and beauty products available to buy over the counter. For more information call The Strand on 01752 421783.

£5 OFF HD BROWS OR LW SPRAY TAN WITH THIS ADVERT.

PL MAGAZINE | 28 | DECEMBER 2014

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24/11/2014 15:24:53

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HEALTH & BEAUTY No7 The Ultimate Collection Beauty And Skincare Gift , £75, Boots (www. boots.com)

STAR BUY: L’Occitane Shea Butter Discovery Collection , £20, TEC O’Gallagher, Ebrington Street

BECAUSE SHE’S WORTH IT THINKING OF TREATING A SPECIAL LADY TO SOME SMELLIES OR MAKE-UP1 FOR CHRISTMAS? HERE’S PL’S PICK OF THE PAMPERING PRODUCTS SHE REALLY WANTS Per Una Opulence Eau de Toilette, £16, Marks & Spencer

Benefit How to look the best at everything complexion kit, £35, Debenhams

The Ultimate Gift of ProCollagen, House of Fraser, £199

Lancome La Vie Est Belle eau de parfum, Debenhams, £49

A CHRISTMAS CRACKER Sat the Plymouth and Plymstock branches of TCE O’Gallagher Pharmacy are gearing up for a busy festive period. The business has a proud history of serving the local community and was established back in the 1920s, when it was owned by the Pollybank family. Owner Ciaran O’Gallagher said: “I’ve had TCE O’Gallagher Pharmacy for 13 years, and have been based on Ebrington Street in Plymouth for the past three years. “We pride ourselves on being an oldfashioned, personal pharmacy and enjoy catering for our customers’ needs.” Ciaran is expecting a busy festive period, and admits he and his staff are more than happy to help people find that perfect Christmas gift for a loved one. “People often come in and ask for present ideas,” he says. “We have a variety of gift packs and individual aftershaves and perfumes to suit everyone. “One range which is sure to prove very popular with our customers is True Grace, which specialises in scented candles and home fragrances.” FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 01752 402246 OR VISIT THE WEBSITE AT WWW.TCEOGALLAGHERCHEMISTS.CO.UK

PL MAGAZINE | 30 | DECEMBER 2014

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

DARKNESS IS GOOD for YOU WINTER’S LONG NIGHTS MIGHT SEEM GLOOMY, BUT IS DARKNESS ALL BAD? PL INVESTIGATES

ost of us despair a little about the extra darkness this time of year brings, whether that’s due to having less time outdoors, the dreaded winter blues or seasonal affective disorder - no matter how much you love Christmas, snuggling up in winter woollens or those gorgeous, crisp autumn days. While it’s hard not to associate the diminishing daylight with a sense of gloom, it’s worth remembering that darkness also plays a crucial part in keeping us healthy. Just as sunlight is vital for vitamin D production and beyond, we couldn’t do without darkness either. Here are some reasons why...

IT REGULATES OUR BODY CLOCK As social creatures, we’ve come to rely on a framework for the day, regulating when we eat, work, rest and play (unless you work shifts, of course!). Sleeping at night isn’t just logical though - it’s important, and we’re biologically programmed to want to sleep when it’s dark. “Darkness is an absolute prerequisite for good sleep,” says independent sleep expert Dr Neil Stanley (@drneilstanley). “Our bodies are designed to work according to light/dark cycles - in the morning, it takes just four minutes of daylight to tell our bodies it’s daytime. And at night-time, the minute it starts going dark, we begin to release the hormone melatonin, which is the signal to the body that it’s time to go to sleep.” This regulation means our bodies routinely have enough time to regenerate and recharge, and keep us tip-top for action, physically and mentally, during waking hours.

IIT HELPS IMMUNE FUNCTION As we know, poor sleep doesn’t just make us feel groggy and less able to concentrate, it impacts our health both in the short and long-term. Lack of quality sleep (the proper, deep kind) is linked with a suppressed immune system, so if you’re sleeping badly and feeling run down, catching every cold going, that could be why. Research has also found that melatonin plays a role in helping us fight cancer. In fact, studies have suggested that sleeping in total darkness may be a factor in preventing cancer, and also in the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments. That all-important melatonin is at the centre of it all, and one of the best things we can do is ban screens from the bedroom! “We know from recent work that things like computers, TVs and mobile phones fluoresce in blue light, and blue light is what tells us it’s daytime,” explains Dr Stanley. “Things that fluoresce blue actually stop the production of melatonin. So while it might be naturally dark [and you may have the big lights off], if you’re looking at a computer, TV or smartphone, you’re actually going to be stopping that melatonin. The advice is to get rid of the screens at least 45 minutes before lights out.”

IT HELPS PREVENT OBESITY Obesity rates are rising, and so too is our addiction to technology - and it seems the two things could be linked in countless ways. Not only because our reliance on screens means we spend less time moving and more time sat on our bums, but also because melatonin could play a significant role in our metabolisms. A study by London’s Institute of Cancer Research published earlier this year found women who sleep in a bedroom with enough light to see across the room at night, have bigger waistlines. The link was still apparent even when other factors - like how much exercise they do - were taken into account. It’s too early to fully explain the results, but a recent study by the University of Granada found melatonin injections helped reduce obesity and weight-related diabetes in rats. Scientists believe the principles apply to humans too, and that our increased use of melatonin-blocking screens could be contributing to our increasing weight.

PL MAGAZINE | 31 | DECEMBER 2014

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

e l t t a b e e h h t T of rity b s r e l so e c is sc THE BRITISH HAIRDRESSING AWARDS HAS BEEN DOLING OUT GONGS FOR 30 YEARS. PL ASKED THE BIGGEST NAMES IN HAIR TO REVEAL THE TIMELESS STYLES WHICH ARE STILL TURNING HEADS

Like the Oscars for super-stylists, the HJ British Hairdressing Awards is where innovative hair is crowned and salon chairs become thrones. Trevor Sorbie scooped the first accolade in 1985 and other household names in hair followed; John Frieda, Andrew Collinge, Nicky Clarke and Charles Worthington are among the 15 hairdressers who have held the British Hairdresser of the Year trophy aloft. “Hair is your ultimate fashion accessory,” says Charles Worthington. “Take time to learn all the tricks of the trade from your stylist to maintain and change your look.” While boundary-pushing creative cuts are celebrated, it’s the enduring styles that underpin the kind of hair we request at the salon time and time again. The secret of an iconic hair look? Last year’s winner Akin Konizi believes it has to be “beautiful, suitable and well-executed these three factors will make sure that your hairstyle looks good in any decade”.

CHARLES WORTHINGTON British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 1996, 1998 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: “The Bardot has remained a current look throughout the decades. Kate Moss carries off the look with effortless style. Whether it’s groomed ‘glossy

NICKY CLARKE British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 1994 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: “As much as I admire signature looks like Anna Wintour’s bob, for me, a freer, movable haircut works better. I love

Bardot’ on the red carpet or ‘shaggy Bardot’ on the catwalk, it still has alluring modernity.” TOP HAIR TIP: “Always go with a style that works with your hair texture and face shape, but above all, go with a style that fits your personality.”

the cut I did for Yasmin Le Bon in 1993, which could still be worn today and look fresh.” TOP HAIR TIP: “Get the best haircut for your hair type, aspiration and lifestyle.”

PL MAGAZINE | 32 | DECEMBER 2014

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ANDREW COLLINGE British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 1993, 1997 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: “The bob, without doubt. From ancient Egyptian times, Vidal Sassoon’s 5-point cut, right through to Victoria Beckham’s Pob, the bob in some form will always be in fashion.”

TOP HAIR TIP: “I always show clients how to quickly and effectively dry the roots of the hair first. Using a vent or paddle brush, smooth away difficult kinks and frizz by moving the brush from side to side whilst applying heat to speed up drying time.”

TREVOR SORBIE

Lily Collins have all looked amazing with bobs.”

British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 1985, 1986, 1991, 1992 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: “The bob - every year it comes back in a slightly new way. I think the reason for its popularity is that it suits most women, be it short, mid-length or long. Gwyneth Paltrow, Kiera Knightley and

TOP HAIR TIP: “Always invest in a good haircut. That’s the bottom line of any good style and it’s worth paying the extra money for the best cut you can afford.”

AKIN KONIZI British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: “The pixie haircut created on Mia Farrow by Vidal Sassoon in 1968. It has always been one of my favourite

ANDREW BARTON British Hairdresser of the Year winner: 2006 Ultimate timeless hairstyle: “It has to be the bob - constantly in fashion but a timeless classic that never dates. The vibe changes with each era, but it’s like the hair equivalent of the LBD.”

hairstyles and I’ve been playing with it throughout my career.” TOP HAIR TIP: “Put down your magazine, madame, and watch how I dry your hair - because you have to do this for the next six weeks...”

TOP HAIR TIP: “Use a deep conditioning mask at least once a week to nourish and care for your hair. Spending a few more minutes on your hair before you leave the house will always pay off.”

PL MAGAZINE | 33 | DECEMBER 2014

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A MODEL WITH BOLD EYES ON THE AW14 CATWALK FOR GUCCI

SUBTLE SKIN “Sixties skin was typically very soft with a velvety complexion,” says Max Factor Make-Up Artist Caroline Barnes. “A foundation that gives a natural glow, like Max Factor’s Skin Luminizer Foundation, is perfect for this look. Keep it modern and apply where you most need it, for instance to the T-zone, with a brush or your finger.” Barnes advocates a less is more approach: “Check the finish in daylight, but avoid highlighter or bronzer to keep the skin looking fresh.” Is blusher allowed then? As long as it’s subtle, Barnes says: “Whether it’s cream or powder always depends on the skin type, but neutral tones are great to keep the eyes the main focus and add a subtle glow to the skin.” :: MAX FACTOR SKIN LUMINIZER FOUNDATION IN WARM ALMOND, £11.99, BOOTS (WWW.BOOTS. COM) :: ELIZABETH ARDEN CERAMIDE CREAM BLUSH IN NECTAR, £26, JOHN LEWIS (WWW. JOHNLEWIS.COM

K O O L N O D N O L E H T T GE ED MOOD? C N E U FL N -I D O M FASHION’S S GUIDE L’ P H IT ON BOARD WITH W P -U E K A ASTER SIXTIES M M W O N – D O O G LASH OUT We’re not all blessed with lashes as lengthy as a teenage Twiggy’s, but the good news is you can fake it with falsies. Lisa Potter-Dixon, Benefit Cosmetics head make-up & trend artist, shares her fail-safe method for applying these delicate but dramatic accessories. “First up, measure the lash against your eye and trim so they’re the same length as your eye. Trim from the inner corner, so you don’t lose the flick of the lash.” Next, take each lash and wrap it round your finger for 30 seconds - this helps to mimic the natural curve of your eye - then apply the glue using a cotton bud. “Less is more, but do add a touch extra on each of the ends,” Potter-Dixon says. “Wait another 30 seconds so that the glue is tacky, then position as close to your lash line as possible. Finally, to make it look more seamless, add black eyeliner to the gap between the inner corner of your eye and the false lash.” :: BENEFIT PIN UP LASH, £12 (WWW. BENEFITCOSMETICS.CO.UK) :: LASH EYELASHES INTENSE VOLUME EDITION #31, £4.19, (WWW. SUPERDRUG.COM)

TWIGGY

PL MAGAZINE | 34 | DECEMBER 2014

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CILLA BLACK

PERFECT YOUR POUT With all that drama going on around the eyes, a nude lip is essential, but you want a glossy finish to emulate Bardot’s pillowy pout. Fortunately, legendary make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury has created a product for that very purpose. “You can use Lip Lustre in Bardot Beige on its own or with Nude Kate, which is a lipstick I designed for Kate Moss but inspired by Brigitte Bardot - it’s the most killer combination,” Charlotte says. Apply a nude lipliner first, then finish with a slick of the wet-look gloss. “It’s like a pair of patent leather shoes,” she adds. “It’s the ultimate Sixties bombshell look.” :: CHARLOTTE TILBURY LIP LUSTRE BARDOT BEIGE, £16.50 (WWW.CHARLOTTETILBURY.COM) :: CLINIQUE QUICKLINER FOR LIPS IN HONEYSTICK, £12.50 (WWW.CLINIQUE.CO.UK)

Originating in the fashion scene of ‘Swinging London’, the Mod make-up look is epitomised by fresh, youthful skin and bold, black-lined eyes. “Make-up in the Sixties was given a whole new lease of life by icons such as Brigitte Bardot, Twiggy and Cilla Black,” says Lisa Potter-Dixon, head make-up and trend artist at Benefit Cosmetics. “It was the explosion of the London fashion scene in Carnaby Street, which bought the phrase ‘the London

look’ into the make-up world.” In keeping with this season’s retro revival, models were given the Twiggy treatment backstage at the AW14 catwalk shows.Worried you’ll get handy with the black eyeliner and end up looking less Bardot babe, more panda bear? Fear not, here are all the pro tips and tricks you need to master the Mod makeover.

BRIGITTE BARDOT

GET IN LINE “To create a Sixties beauty eye you will need black liner, a volumising mascara and patience!” says MAC senior artist Cher Webb. “MAC Blacktrack Fluidline is a gel-based formula which is easy to apply over your lash line with a pointy or angular brush.” How do you get a perfectly precise wing shape on both eyes? “Try holding your brush on its side and move it over the eye shape in gradual movements. Keep the eye open when making the shapely wing as you will be able to see the symmetry.” For a truly authentic Sixties eye, don’t forget the floating “crease line” in the eye socket. “Use your brush or a light eyebrow pencil to sketch a faint halfmoon shape through the eye socket,” Webb says. “Apply it lightly to start with and make sure you have the symmetry. Then go in with black, cleaning up with cotton buds where needed.” The finishing touch? “Lashings of mascara, and be generous on the bottom lashes” :: MAC FLUIDLINE IN BLACKTRACK, £15.50, AND 266 SMALL ANGLE BRUSH, £16.50 (WWW.MACCOSMETICS.CO.UK) :: BARE MINERALS LASH DOMINATION 10-IN-1 VOLUMIZING MASCARA, £17 (WWW.BAREMINERALS.CO.UK)

PL MAGAZINE | 35 | DECEMBER 2014

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FAMILY

It’s a giant toothache for Geoffrey CHILDREN IN PLYMOUTH ARE BEING GIVEN A GIANT HELPING HAND TO KEEP THEIR TEETH CLEAN, AS RACHAEL DODD DISCOVERS

eoffrey the Giant is, quite frankly, a little irresponsible with his tooth care. He’s eaten too many sweets, drunk too many fizzy drinks, hasn’t been cleaning his teeth properly and hasn’t visited the dentist. Unsurprisingly he now has a toothache. Cavity-stricken Geoffrey is the star of a new education programme for children called Open Wide and Step Inside. The film uses immersive vision technology. Simply put, it’s projected in a dome theatre – placing the audience right in the action. Geoffrey’s friend Mouse, who lives with him in what must be a very cramped Smeaton’s Tower, convinces Geoffrey to go to a dentist. This is where the children begin to learn about keeping their pearly whites in check. The programme is aimed at children five to seven-years-old. It’s a key age group for dental health. By seven, children should ideally be starting to clean their teeth without supervision and be making the right choices about what they eat and drink, and when. Despite his dental flaws, Geoffrey ably teaches the basics of teeth-brushing; from using a pea- taken his goodie bag everywhere with him as he sized amount of toothpaste to brushing was so pleased with it. twice a day and only having sugary “As a school we recognise the drinks with food. At the end challenges families face in of the show the children are promoting and encouraging good ‘Let your toddler given a quiz to test what oral hygiene with their children have a bit of they’ve remembered and and felt that being part of responsibility for are provided with a goodie the project would be a good bag to get them started. opportunity to send a positive brushing their For those cynics who message to the children and own teeth and lead doubt Geoffrey’s powers – their families.” by example by Montpelier Primary School So, why is Geoffrey’s doing it together’ has taken 76 children to see work so important? A recent the film. Staff member Jane Public Health England report Gilbert said the children loved for the South West produced some the experience: “One child told me shocking statistics – six per cent of she would now be brushing her teeth twice a day, three-year-olds in Plymouth have dental decay. rather than just in the morning. Professor Elizabeth Kay, Foundation Dean for “On the same evening a parent said her son had the Peninsula Dental School said: “Around 25,000

young children a year are admitted to hospital to have teeth taken out. We know how to prevent dental disease so this should not be happening.” When it comes to keeping teeth healthy it’s best to catch them early. Sarah Beeson MBE is a baby expert and has published a book on the subject, The New Arrival. Sarah advises: “When your little one’s first teeth break through it’s time to start brushing with a baby toothbrush and a smear of baby toothpaste. Use a little water and gently brush the tooth in small circles front, back and along the top of the tooth. Once they get all their teeth it only takes a couple of minutes and often reminds us to take care of our gnashers. “Let your toddler have a bit of responsibility for brushing their own teeth and lead by example by doing it together. Ask them: ‘Do you want to brush your teeth or shall I do it?’ It doesn’t matter which they choose – the result is the same.”

PL MAGAZINE | 36 | DECEMBER 2014

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divorce? divorce? we’re here to help you with expert advice on • finances • pensions • property disputes • co-habitation • maintenance • children

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Working together to build strong foundations for every child’s future steps in life! Our children enjoy school because —

Plymouth Pavilions Sunday 22nd February

{ 10am - 4pm {

◊ We ofer Breakfast Club from 7.45am and After School care until 5.15pm daily

◊ Our fundraising activities keep us ft, make us smile and raise money for good causes

◊ Our children enjoy a range of after school clubs each term including gardening, table tennis, musical clubs, arts and crafts clubs and physical clubs

◊ Our local homes for the elderly enjoy our visits to sing to them

◊ Our curriculum is based on topics to excite and enthuse the children ◊ We have extensive outdoor space which the children access regularly

◊ We have strong links with our Junior School and we welcome all visitors into school to enrich the children’s learning experiences

Plaistow Hill Infant and Nursery School is good because— ◊ OFSTED says we are a GOOD school!

◊ Pupils behave well and enjoy school.

◊ Teaching is good and children make good progress in their learning.

◊ We have a wide range of interesting and motivating lessons

◊ We have a high expectation of our pupils

◊ Relationships throughout the school are positive with pupils’ personal skills developing well

TO EXHIBIT OR FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT: GEMMA MULCAHY 01752 293029 GEMMA.MULCAHY@DC-MEDIA.CO.UK ENTRY PRICE £2

Parents are welcome to come for visits please contact the school ofce on 01752 365410 Plaistow Hill Infant and Nursery School Roman Way, St Budeaux, Plymouth, PL5 2DT www.plaistowhill.plymouth.sch.uk email: plaistow.hill.infants.school@plymouth.gov.uk

©LW

PL MAGAZINE | 37 | DECEMBER 2014

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FAMILY

Please look after this bear O AS PADDINGTON BEAR COMES TO LIFE ON THE BIG SCREEN FOR THE FIRST TIME, CLARE JARDINE EXAMINES OUR ENDURING LOVE FOR THE LITTLE BEAR AND HIS BIG ADVENTURES…

nce upon a time, an author was on London’s Oxford Street looking for something small for his wife’s stocking. It started to snow and he found himself outside Selfridges. “There was this one bear sitting on the shelf and I felt sorry for him,” recalls Paddingtoncreator Michael Bond. “Someone once said, ‘A doll’s always wondering what they’re going to wear next, but there’s something about a bear - you feel you can tell it your secrets and it won’t give them away’.” That little bear inspired Bond to write A Bear Called Paddington, almost 60 years ago. Since then, 35 million Paddington books have been sold worldwide, and translated into 40 languages. I am one of the many ex-children who refuses to relinquish their love of Paddington. It’s impossible not to go hopelessly slushy over the little bear, and the book I was given as a five-year-old has been read over and over again. I recently began reading the story of Paddington to my godson. It is the raw, unabridged version and seemed extremely old-fashioned. I had to explain the concepts of boarding school and afternoon tea to the bemused fiveyear-old but he nonetheless lapped up the antics of Paddington after his arrival in London. He was even tempted to try one of Paddington’s favourite marmalade sandwiches. Bond has just written Love From Paddington, a book of letters from Paddington to his Aunt Lucy at the Home for Retired Bears in darkest Peru, and this month, his creation will be gracing the silver screen for what promises to be a hilarious Christmas blockbuster. Bond gave the film, entitled Paddington, his blessing because, while A COLOUR VERSION OF PADDINGTON BEAR

the bear’s appeared on stage and television over the years, a movie was “the one thing Paddington hadn’t done”. You sense that the 88-year-old, a former BBC cameraman, is rather excited for him. “What’s nice about the film is the fact that all the cast are in it because they like Paddington, they’ve all been brought up with Paddington and there was a very nice atmosphere on set.” Bond has a cameo - watch out for the gentleman in the restaurant at the beginning who waves as Paddington goes past in a black cab - and he’s happy with the choice of Ben Whishaw as the voice of his bear. It was previously going to be Colin Firth, but it didn’t work out. “Colin agreed himself his voice wasn’t really suited, it was slightly too old and I think the new voice is very good.” Bond admits he’s never actually been to Paddington’s homeland, Peru but decided it was the perfect homeland for his wandering bear. He said: “I picked Peru because I wanted somewhere that nobody went to, in those days people didn’t go on long journeys,” he adds. “Nowadays, everybody goes anywhere in the world and I think the world has shrunk enormously.” Bond was born in 1926 in Newbury, Berkshire, and moved to Reading while still a baby. He survived an air raid in 1943 and later served in the Royal Air Force and the British Army during World War II. It was seeing labels on evacuees during the war that inspired the now-famous note around Paddington’s neck: Please look after this bear, thank you. “Trains came into Reading full of evacuees - all these tiny tots with all their possessions in a small suitcase with a label round their neck. The label is important because it says ‘thank you’. Paddington is a very polite bear. I think we live in an age where politeness has gone out the window in lots of ways.” Undoubtedly the world is almost unrecognisable

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FAMILY

St Budeaux Foundation C of E (Aided) Junior School

ily Why choose us? We are a happy, fam centred school, where children are enthusiastic about their learning and aspire to reach their full potential. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Come and see!

now from the one Paddington first arrived into, but Bond’s kept him up-to-date; in Love From Paddington, which features letters about some of his most famous adventures, Bond has Paddington dictating to Judy Brown who’s typing on a computer: “If he puts his paws on a keyboard, he types several letters at the same time.” Bond wrote the original book on a typewriter: “I didn’t intend to write a children’s book. I wrote to please myself. I sat down with a blank piece of paper in the typewriter and wondered what it would be like for a real bear coming to Paddington Station.” Bond has two grown-up children; son Anthony and daughter Karen, who has given him three grandchildren. “As a child, she knew that I wrote the Paddington book, but she thought they printed one copy and sent it back to me, so one day she went into a bookshop and came rushing back to me and said, ‘Daddy, I’ve seen another Bear Called Paddington’.” The Paddington film has an all-star cast which reads like an A-list celebrity guest list. They include Hugh Bonneville, Nicole Kidman, Peter Capaldi, Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon, Julie Walters and Matt Lucas. But, for me at least, none is likely to steal the limelight from the little bear who I’m planning to fall in love with all over again. LOVE FROM PADDINGTON BY MICHAEL BOND IS PUBLISHED IN HARDBACK BY HARPERCOLLINS CHILDREN’S BOOKS, PRICED £12.99.

Priestley Avenue, Plymouth , Devon, PL5 2DW

01752 365217 www.stbfs.co.uk

STUDY WITH A TOP TEN MODERN * UNIVERSITY www.plymouth.ac.uk

PICTURED ABOVE FROM LEFT: HUGH BONNEVILLE AS MR BROWN WITH PADDINGTON IN THE NEW FILM MICHAEL BOND WITH HIS CREATION, PADDINGTON BEAR THE COVER OF LOVE FROM PADDINGTON PADDINGTON IN HIS ORIGINAL BLACK AND WHITE

@PlymUniApply /PlymUniApply

*2014 Times Higher Education 100 Under 50 Matthew, BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

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FAMILY

GROTTO GUIDE DRAKE CIRCUS SHOPPING CENTRE Santa’s Magical Grotto is open daily until Christmas Eve. Tickets cost £5 per child which includes a gift, and 50p from each booking will be donated to The Children’s Happy Hospital Fund at Derriford Hospital. Tickets can be booked in advance.

How far do you go to see FATHER CHRISTMAS? A CHILDHOOD CHRISTMAS IS INCOMPLETE WITHOUT A VISIT TO SANTA. BUT HOW FAR DO YOU GO TO MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD GETS TO MEET FATHER CHRISTMAS? CLARE JARDINE INVESTIGATES

still remember the gleeful excitement of my first visit to meet Santa Claus. I’m not sure of the name of the old-fashioned department store but I clearly remember sitting with my auntie as a rocket wizzed us off to the North Pole. I didn’t care about the queues of other children waiting for their two minutes with Father Christmas and I was delighted with the plastic present I took home. Another year we visited London to do some Christmas shopping with the hope of meeting Santa at the giant toy store Hamleys. We went away disappointed as the queues were too long for a family of weary shoppers up from the sticks. Now it seems the chances of meeting Santa in London are pretty slim. Most of the Oxford Street stores, including John Lewis, Selfridges and even Hamleys no longer have a grotto. They claim the queues cause chaos and leave children over-excited and fractious. Harrods is one of the few sticking with the Santa tradition but only those who booked up in September will have secured an appointment with the great man. But what if you want to treat your children to a

genuine visit to Santa – at the actual North Pole? There are exciting day trips, or longer stays in Lapland, from airports across the UK, including Exeter. Travel specialists www.santaclaustrips. co.uk offer a day-trip package, which includes a search for Santa experience, private family meeting with Santa, a gift for every child, a snowmobile ride, a reindeer sleigh ride, a husky dog experience, tobogganing and snowman making, a two-course Lappish lunch and return flights. Of course there’s also guaranteed snow. But a trip on December 13 this year would cost a family of four in the region of £1,886. That’s quite some Christmas treat. Fortunately, Santa can still be found at locations around Plymouth, from Drake Circus to garden centres, The Donkey Sanctuary at Ivybridge and the Plym Valley Railway. And while snow can certainly not be guaranteed there is a chance of a few flakes falling, at least on Dartmoor. Failing that the snow globe which returns to the city centre this month provides the perfect setting for a festive family snap.

PLYMOUTH, PIAZZA Meet Santa and his elves in their very own authentic magical grotto made of real wood. Children and adults of all ages are welcome to see Santa, tell him about the all-important and much-wanted presents, receive a present and have their picture taken (optional). Santa will be in his grotto daily until Christmas Eve. EDEN PROJECT Father Christmas will be at the Eden Project until December 23. Gather with other excited visitors in his cosy home and listen to him tell a lovely story, meet real reindeer and follow the trail of exotic and tasty plants. THE DONKEY SANCTUARY, IVYBRIDGE Santa will be in his special grotto at the Donkey Sanctuary for the Christmas fair on December 6. Why not adopt-a-donkey for Christmas – an ideal present for a loved one? COTEHELE, NEAR ST DOMINICK, SALTASH Meet Father and Mother Christmas at Cotehele from 1pm to 3.30pm on December 20-23. PLYM VALLEY RAILWAY Departures for the North Pole by steam train will give travellers the opportunity to explore a winter wonderland and meet Father Christmas. Festive train rides will take place on the first three Sundays of December and on the Saturday before Christmas. Passports can be purchased at the ticket office at Marsh Mills where other attractions on the day include donkeys, owls, bric-a-brac shop, bus memorabilia stand and heritage buses, locomotive viewing area and buffet. TAMAR VIEW NURSERIES, SALTASH Santa’s giant grotto is open from 11am to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday. £4.99 includes a present from Santa. Tamar View is renowned for its amazing Christmas decorations and displays throughout the Christmas season. BORINGDON HALL Father Christmas is taking time out at Boringdon Hall, Plympton, this Christmas. After visiting Santa’s Grotto, you can enjoy an ice skating session on the hall’s Christmas ice rink for a truly magical afternoon.

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Elves are creating Santa’s world WITH THE STRESS OF CHRISTMAS STARTING TO KICK IN, EMILY SMITH TAKES TIME OUT TO FIND SOMETHING TO RESTORE THE FESTIVE SPIRIT….

t should be Lapland but actually it’s Cattedown. An we’ve been so good Father Christmas has given us an army of elves are busy preparing Santa’s world for early present for Plymouth. Christmas. But while the real Santa is doubtless busy All we need now is some little elves to help at his work in the North Pole, the army of workers get this European premiere of ElLFthe Broadway at TR2 in Plymouth is creating the glittery scenery for this Musical on to the Lyric stage!” month’s production of ELF at Theatre Royal Plymouth. Ben Forster will star as the leading role in the TR2 is the production arm of the theatre and, in the lead Theatre Royal production. He’ll be joined by Joe up to Christmas, the team are making huge snow globes, McGann as Walter Hobbs, Aoibhínn McGinnity as an abundance of wrapped gifts, giant icebergs Jovie and Jessica Martin as Emily Hobbs. and huge Christmas garlands - ready to make ELF features songs by Tony Award every child’s dream come true. nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad ‘We’ve been so ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a Beguelin. young orphan child who mistakenly TR2 are already busy bringing the good Father crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and Christmas fairytale to life in the Christmas has is transported back to the North countdown to the opening night on given us an early Pole. Unaware that he is actually December 6. Grottos are being made, Christmas present human, Buddy’s enormous size and magic created and lots of Christmas for Plymouth’ poor toy-making abilities cause him sparkle sprinkled at the Cattedown to face the truth. workshop ready to wow audiences. – SEB SOPER With Santa’s permission, Buddy TR2 really is a place of makeembarks on a journey to New York City to believe and the excitement surrounding find his birth father, discover his true identity, and this Christmas production is infectious. Who help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. wouldn’t get excited stepping into Santa’s very own grotto? The story of Buddy became a much-loved favourite in Christmas can be an overwhelming season with lots many households after Will Ferrell performed as the loveable to prepare and plenty to do - a few hours spent laughing character in the 2003 New Line Cinema film version. Since along with ELF is set to bring cheer into everyone’s then the story has become a Christmas classic. Christmas - even the Scrooges among us. Seb Soper, Theatre Royal Project Manager, said: “It’s been a fantastic year for us at the TR2 workshops - in fact, ELF IS AT THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH FROM DECEMBER 6-13

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SPONSORED FEATURE THE BARBICAN LIT FOR CHRISTMAS

Christmas magic on the Barbican THE WATERFRONT AREAS OF BRITAIN’S OCEAN CITY ARE SURE TO BE OOZING WITH FESTIVE SPIRIT THROUGHOUT DECEMBER, ANDY PYLE REPORTS

hristmas is just around the corner and whether you’re strolling, shopping, singing or snacking this month, the Barbican has everything you can think of… and much, much more. Night-time visitors to the city will be able to bathe in the warm glow of the Christmas lights which illuminate the Barbican and Sutton Harbour, while people seeking that perfect gift for a loved one should head down on Thursday, December 4 for the popular annual Barbican Christmas Late Night Shopping Evening, when a range of shops and galleries open until 8pm. And if you’re prepared to venture a little further, Royal William Yard is hosting a Christmas Market on Sunday, December 7 from 10am to 3pm, when there will be more than 50 food, arts and craft stalls on offer. Speaking of food, restaurants on the Waterfront are sure to have compiled mouth-watering seasonal recipes for diners. The Barbican Kitchen has already announced its festive menu, which includes spiced winter soup, traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings and, of course, Christmas pudding!

And if you want some extra entertainment with your meal, why not head over to the B-Bar, where there are a number of live music and comedy acts taking to the stage throughout the month. Plymouth’s famous blues duo Vince Lee and Becca Langsford perform on Friday, December 12 at 9pm. And for poetry lovers there’s a festive spoken word showcase featuring Buddy Wakefield and friends, on Tuesday, December 16 at 8pm. For further details about the venue’s festive programme, call 01752 242 021. For those looking to take in a show, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, starts its run at the Barbican Theatre on Friday, December 12 and runs right through until Sunday, January 4, with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Some of the days have showings at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, while others only feature the evening performance. There is even a chance for children to write a letter to Santa Claus this Christmas, before posting it in one of Santa’s Official Post Boxes at the Barbican Tourist Information Centre. If you want to meet the ‘big man’ himself,

Plymouth Boat Trips are holding expeditions with Father Christmas from the Landing Stage on Friday, December 19 (5.30pm) and Saturday and Sunday, December 20 and 21 (3.30pm). People are urged to book in advance by calling 01752 253 153. Meanwhile, two family trails will be conducted throughout December, with each touring key points around the Barbican and Royal William Yard. The Mayflower Trail highlights where the Pilgrim Fathers are believed to have stayed in the Barbican during their visit to Plymouth in 1620, while the Darwin Trail highlights key facts of Charles Darwin’s two-month visit to the city in 1831, before his voyage to the Galapagos Islands aboard The Beagle. Follow both trails to be in with a chance of winning big prizes. Clare Phillips, manager of the Barbican’s Tourist Information Office, said: “We’re really looking forward to Christmas on the Barbican and all the festivities which are planned for the city’s Waterfront area. “With so much to see and do, it promises to be an exciting time for everyone.”

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Glass!! Art2Frame

Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery Fused Glass panels made on premises Christmas Collections - From Precious to Playful Gift Ideas for everyone with our diverse range of stunning jewellery.

39 Southside Street The Barbican Plymouth

©LW

For more Jewellery, Online Shop and Jewellery Workshops (including ‘Making Your Own Wedding Rings’) visit us at: www.victoriasewart.com

01752 220011

23 Southside Street, Barbican, Plymouth, PL1 2LD (01752) 204069 | www.dartmouthglass.com Plymouth & Dartmouth Glass

Creative Christmas Art:

Schools’ Creative Christmas Christmas Artist’s Commission

Film: ET Sing A Long A Grease The Hobbit: Battle Of The 5 Armies Food: Christmas Menu from £16.50 38 Looe Street, Plymouth PL4 0EB 01752 206114 www.plymouthartscentre.org

Chocolate cafe & shop

Homemade Chocolate Creations for all occasions • Personalised chocolate creations, ideal for Christmas gifts • Celebration cakes made to order • Best hot chocolate in town • Relaxed and friendly chocolate cafe • Wedding cakes and favours

NEW Luxury afternoon teas! Served from noon - 4pm Tuesday to Sunday Our traditional afternoon teas include a mouth-watering combination of warm homemade scones, jam and clotted cream, delicious blinis with smoked salmon and cream cheese, fnger sandwiches and a selection of our fnest chocolate creations. Served with a choice of speciality or the best barista coffee.

Tel: 01752 256 655 www.chocaccino.co.uk 58 Southside St. The Barbican, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2LA

©LW

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SPONSORED FEATURE CHARLOTTE MALCOLM OF SUTTON HARBOUR HOLDINGS WITH NORMAN HOLMES FROM THE KAYA GALLERY

21 Days of Art at Sutton Harbour THERE’S A SPECIAL OFFERING FOR ART LOVERS WHO VISIT PLYMOUTH’S SUTTON HARBOUR THIS CHRISTMAS

utton Harbour is hosting a unique popup Christmas art event in Plymouth this December, involving some of the Westcountry’s most popular artists. 21 Days of Art, which runs from December 1-21 in an empty unit at East Quay House adjacent to The China House pub, and is being organised by the Barbican-based Kaya Gallery. Some of the region’s best-loved artists, including popular Plymouth painter Brian Pollard and Westcountry wildlife artist Dick Twinney will be taking part in the showcase, with a different artist in residence every day to meet visitors, sign prints and books, and give demonstrations and tutorials. The pop-up Christmas event will offer an opportunity to purchase original works from renowned local artists, as well as to view displays of classic and contemporary art. There will also be a chance to purchase a small

selection of original Robert Lenkiewicz paintings – including the famous Plymouth painter’s portrait ‘The Study of Susan Preston’ – and some selected prints. 21 Days of Art will be open every day from December 1, from 10.30am to 4.30pm, in unit one at East Quay House, with late opening on selected evenings, including wine and mince pies. Brian Pollard will be in residence on December 9 from 11am-3pm and Dick Twinney will meet visitors on December 12 from 11am to 4pm. Other artists taking part include Cornish painter David Gray, Devon textile artist Jackie Gale, Westcountry painter Claire Rice and watercolour artist and tutor Louise Bougourd. Norman Holmes from the Kaya Gallery, who is organising the event, said: “21 Days of Art is going to be a fantastic event with a chance to view and buy original pieces from some of the best-

known and best-loved artists in the Westcountry but there will be so much more going on too, with artists visiting every day to chat to visitors and to sign prints, books or calendars.” In addition to original pieces created by local artists, the exhibition will be offering a selection of signed, limited edition prints by leading national artists including acclaimed illustrator Quentin Blake and Scottish painter Jack Vettriano. Sutton Harbour Holdings plc is supporting the event by providing the empty unit - formerly the roco y lola restaurant. Charlotte Malcolm, Commercial Marketing Manager for Sutton Harbour Holdings, said: “As part of our drive to maximise the use of empty buildings around the harbour and to support the local arts community, we are delighted to be hosting the Kaya Gallery and enabling this exciting art showcase to happen in Plymouth.”

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#21daysofart

www.facebook.com/suttonharbour

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@ExperienceSH

#21daysofart

24/11/2014 15:51:39

PICTURE BY LEIGH ACTON

Why I love Plymouth’s waterfront PHOTOGRAPHER LEIGH ACTON LOVES THE BARBICAN. HE TELLS ANDY PYLE HOW THE AREA HAS FIRED HIS CREATIVE IMAGINATION

Fresh, funky and affordable! The B-Bar is home to diverse, original live music and comedy with a kitchen serving authentic Thai food. The B Bar | Barbican Theatre Castle Street | Plymouth | PL1 2NJ 01752 242 021 | www.b-bar.co.uk

Antique,Vintage and Modern

Pre-Owned 20-21 Southside St, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LD. Phone 01752 253546 ©LW Mobile 07968 706052.

HE only took up the profession four years ago, but Plymouth-based freelance photographer Leigh Acton already boasts an impressive portfolio. Describing it as “a serious hobby / fledgling career”, the 33-year-old has shown a keen interest in taking pictures from an early age. Leigh relocated to Plymouth ten years ago from Falmouth, Cornwall, after completing a degree in media and business at Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent. And as a member of the Barbican Waterfront Media Volunteer team, he can often be spotted out and about in a bid to catch what he calls “the perfect picture”. Leigh says: “Since moving to Plymouth I have loved taking pictures of the city, and the Barbican and the Hoe drew me in instantly. “The Waterfront area is a constant source of inspiration. It is steeped in history, with plenty of nooks and crannies for a photographer to try and catch the perfect picture. I’d like to think that my images help highlight all the good work of Plymouth’s traders, who form an important part of the city.” Leigh is also a wedding photographer (he’s covered three this year) and admits “it’s a massive challenge”. “It’s very hard work,” he says, “but once you get home and see the emotion portrayed in the images you get a

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massive sense of satisfaction." So, what’s on Leigh’s agenda during the festive period? “I’ve covered the switching-on of the Christmas lights and the carol service on the Barbican and Sutton Harbour, as well as the ‘Illuminate’ event (which kicked off the countdown the 400th anniversary of when the Pilgrim Fathers sailed from Plymouth on the Mayflower). “This month I’ll be out and about, taking pictures of the city and waterfront areas in the build-up to Christmas. There is plenty going on so it shouldn’t be difficult to get some great images.” And the favourite picture he’s snapped so far? “That’s got to be the shots I took of Smeaton’s Tower, when it was illuminated for Plymouth’s bid to become UK City of Culture. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and seeing it lit up was nothing short of spectacular.”

LEIGH ACTON

24/11/2014 15:51:58

SPONSORED FEATURE CERAMIC VASES FROM £26, 45 SOUTHSIDE GALLERY

ALWAYS TIME FOR YOU BY JOHN F BUTTON, ROWBURY, SOUTHSIDE STREET

LOBSTER TABLE SET, KAYA GALLERY

BRIGHT BLUE SILICON (OXIDISED SILVER) CHAIN EARRINGS, VICTORIA SEWART £48

things to buy PL'S CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FROM THE BARBICAN

ROYAL WILLIAM YARD PAINTING, ROWBURY, SOUTHSIDE STREET

PENGUIN-HANGING-DECORATION, ROWBURY, SOUTHSIDE STREET

FISHING-SANTA-DECORATION, ROWBURY, SOUTHSIDE STREET

BOX OF ARTESIAN HANDMADE CHOCOLATES FROM £5.50 (LARGE BOX FROM £9.50, CHOCACCINO

PORCELAIN & FINE SILVER NECKLACE, VICTORIA SEWART, £90

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The boutique is located on the Barbican, Plymouth and is blessed with an elegant and stylish interior, private dressing facilities and a wide range of bridal wear accessories for you to choose from.

“You all went above and beyond to make me feel like a princess on my special day.” Cassie x

My promise... Quality goes into everything we do from your frst consultation, to the personal contact we dedicate to you before your very special day. It’s my promise to you.

By appointment only

Where to eat on the Barbican HERE'S PL'S AT-A-GLANCE GUIDE TO GRABBING A BITE THE Barbican is home to some of the best dining establishments that Plymouth has to offer. Here, we look at some tasty Waterfront options to get your teeth into.

52 Southside Street, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2LB

Telephone: 01752 228451 www.samcoxbridalwear.co.uk Email: samcoxbridalwear@btconnect.com

©LW

LIGHT BITES If you’re searching for something to tide you over during those long Christmas shopping expeditions, you can’t go far wrong with a delicious sandwich from Bacaro, Bites, Bar Rakuda or Subway. Those with a larger appetite can pick up a monstrous Jasperizer burger at Cap’n Jaspers, or drop in to the Plymouth B-Bar for a mouth-watering Thai noodles dish.

IT'S BEGINNING TO FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS

CAFÉ CULTURE Fancy a hot beverage? Then head over to the Flower Café or Chocaccino, with each venue also offering a variety of light bites to accompany your tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

TASTE OF THE SEA Sample a British favourite at the awardwinning Harbourside Fish and Chips, or experience quayside dining at The Boathouse Café and the Seafood and Pasta Bar. Both restaurants boast a fantastic selection of fresh fish and other seafood to tickle your taste buds. SLAP-UP MEAL Head out on the town and tuck in to a succulent steak at the Barbican Steakhouse, Blues Bar and Grill and the 42nd St Grill.The Real Food Kitchen has announced a delicious menu for the festive period, while there is also plenty of variety for visitors to the Glassblowing House, Shirley Valentine’s Taverna, The Gog and Magog (J D Wetherspoon), The Nott Inn and The Ship Inn.

NEW BARBICAN GALLERY ROWBURY IS REVELLING IN THE FESTIVE SEASON "We are so excited about our first Christmas on the Barbican, we have a selection of newly-released framed prints and canvases, along with a sleighful of new gifts for the festive period! It’s our fifth Christmas in Dartmouth, where we have a great many loyal customers who return regularly to add to their collections, and it is our hope that the same will happen in Plymouth. "Rowbury opened on the Barbican in March and we have been delighted by the response from customers, it has

been really lovely to hear their positive comments with many describing the shop as 'a little jewel on the Barbican'. "The shop is now looking very festive and, whilst walking along the waterfront this morning the weather has definitely got a slight chill to it, so, dare I say, it’s beginning to feel a bit like Christmas! "Bring a copy of this editon of PL magazine into the shop and get 10% off all pictures during the month of December." Rowbury, 26 Southside Street, Barbican, Plymouth www.rowbury.co.uk. PL MAGAZINE | 48 | NOVEMBER 2014

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HOMES & GARDENS

Solving the stress of Christmas THERE ARE SOME SHOPS WHICH ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH CHRISTMAS AND LAWSONS IS ONE OF THEM. CELEBRATING ITS CENTENARY THIS YEAR, IT IS STILL THE NUMBER ONE STOP FOR SEASONAL GIFTS AND GADGETS

awsons love Christmas. Every year their shops become mini grottos packed with fabulous festive cheer, great gift ideas and superb offers. Managing director Liz Lawson is looking forward to the celebrations. She said: “Preparing for Christmas is great fun - sometimes our shops feel like Santa’s workshop. “We always try to bring our customers something new and innovative so that they can find that special gift or something useful to make the preparation for Christmas just that little bit easier. “This year, I particularly like the making kits we have introduced, so now you can make your own cheese, sausages or cider. They are really easy to use and produce great results. “For children, I think the Christmas tree angel window biscuit cutters are great fun and work like magic, perfect to keep little fingers busy.” Whether buying for a wine connoisseur, a cheese lover, a baking queen or a difficult-to-please dad, Lawsons has everything needed for a stress-free Christmas. From cooking necessities to beautiful glassware and decorations for the festive table there’s sure to be an idea in-store or online. Liz has one top tip for a happy holiday: “Did you know the main argument at Christmas starts about a blunt carving knife?! Be prepared and get yours sharpened now with our in-store sharpening service or buy a new set so it won’t spoil your day.” POP INTO THE PLYMOUTH STORE ON CORNWALL STREET OR GIVE THEM A CALL ON 01752 665363. IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BRAVE THE CHRISTMAS CROWDS VISIT THEM ONLINE AT WWW. LAWSONSHOP.CO.UK. YOU CAN CLICK AND COLLECT OR OPT FOR DELIVER TO YOUR HOME ADDRESS. FOR COMPETITIONS AND OFFERS FOLLOW LAWSONS ON TWITTER @LAWSONSLTD OR FACEBOOK/LAWSONSHOP

TOP 5 CHRISTMAS ESSENTIALS FROM LAWSONS Vintage French Cheese Board RRP £20, Star Price £14.99 (Save £5)

Kool Twister Wine Cooler & Pourer Star Price £16.99 Save 15%

Stow Green Carving Board with spike attachment for holding meat in place , Star Price £19.99

Robert Welch Signature Four-Piece Knife Set RRP £129 Star Price £99.00 (Save £30)

Judge Vista Five-Piece Saucepan Set RRP £100 Star Price £89.99 (Save £10)

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PLENTY OF CHOICE FOR EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSE

OWNER JASON MULLIGAN IN EXETER STREET’S ALADDIN’S CAVE

Putting the wow factor into your home IT’S EASY TO FORGET ABOUT THE GREAT SHOPS RIGHT ON OUR DOORSTEP. LOUISE DANIEL LOOK AROUND THE BIG PINE AND OAK SUPERSTORE AND FINDS QUIRKY AND UNCONVENTIONAL ITEMS IN A WELL-STOCKED ALADDIN’S CAVE

e have all done it – driven to our destination on autopilot and almost forgotten how we got there. This happens with well-known stores too. The Big Pine and Oak Superstore on Exeter Street has been in place for nearly 40 years – you’d be forgiven for not giving it a second glance but you really should. Once through the doors there is an Aladdin’s cave of furniture – it’s full of interesting pieces like hand painted pictures and unusual mirrors alongside solid oak and pine furniture and the recent addition of a sparkling premium lighting and bed department. Owner Jason Mulligan loves the ‘wow factor’ people get when they walk through the doors. He says it’s down to their careful selection process, having an eye on trends and customer demand, but also putting in pieces that are unexpected and interesting. “Customers come in and say –‘I’m after something I cannot find anywhere’, but we invariably have what they want in stock. “Being an independent we scrutinise everything we put on both our floors. We sit down as a team and discuss every single item we put in store.”

THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

Team work is part of the charm and success of this independent store – not only is there the freedom to choose great products which are hard to find elsewhere, it also means the sales team are well trained experts who understand the need to browse and choose at leisure. Jason’s goal is to create a ‘shopping experience’ and is proud to have staff who give good old fashioned customer service “Let us do the work for you – bring in a mood board, magazine clipping or idea, we guarantee we will come up with something. “My staff are fantastic I am really, really lucky. They are friendly and know what they are talking about. “There is no pressure here, every one helps each other and we all call on each other for our strengths in different fields – you get the whole team helping. Customers really enjoy relaxed shopping here. It’s great to hear people say they wish they’d discovered us sooner.” FOR MORE INFORMATION TAKE A LOOK AT WWW. BIGPINEANDOAK.CO.UK OR GIVE THE TEAM A CALL ON 01752 224982.

CLASSIC AND QUIRKY, OAK OR PINE

PL MAGAZINE | 50 | DECEMBER 2014

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y home loves the housework you hate, providing first-class domestic cleaning at affordable prices. Husband-and-wife team Stu and Gail May, who launched the Plymouth branch in May this year, know and understand that there just aren’t enough hours in the day for all those mundane household chores, especially during the festive season. Whether you want the house blitzed before the in-laws arrive, tidied up for your Christmas party, or given the once-over after a New Year’s bash – Myhome will take the hassle out of your housework. Operating across Plymouth, Myhome’s teams of highly-trained, fullyinsured, professional cleaners are on hand to spruce up your home. The service is tailored to meet your individual needs - whether it’s a regular booking or a one-off - and consists of a thorough clean from ceilings to skirting boards, even including the oven. For your complete peace of mind, all employees undergo a comprehensive training programme and strict vetting procedures, including police checks to ensure the highest levels of workmanship and reliability. This includes training on Myhome’s exclusive Tri-colour™ cleaning system, an organised, colour-coded plan that lets cleaning staff know exactly what to do in each room of the house and which cleaning cloths and equipment should be used - to avoid spreading dirt and germs. Clients can therefore be assured of the highest levels of workmanship and reliability. Myhome uses its own equipment and supplies of the latest tried and tested cleaning products to ensure sparkling results. This means there’s no wear and tear on your appliances and you save on your shopping bills too. So this Christmas, put away the rubber gloves, hang up the feather duster and let the professionals at Myhome deal with your domestic duties.

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PL MAGAZINE | 52 | DECEMBER 2014

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THE ULTIMATE DESIGN CHALLENGE SARAH PITT TALKS TO FIONA WILSON, STAR OF THE BBC’S GREAT INTERIOR DESIGN CHALLENGE, ABOUT THE INSPIRATIONS FOR HER OWN FLAMBOYANT HOME

’m not scared of colour or of pattern,” says Fiona Wilson. And even a cursory glance around her historic home, Stowford Manor in Ivybridge, shows that she is not. Not one

bit. The cavernous hallway of the 19th Century mansion, once the home of the town’s paper mill owner, boasts many original features; ornate architectural mouldings, a spectacular tessellated tiled floor and a frosted-glass front door, complemented by walls painted a tasteful cream. But among all this decorum, sits a sofa and two chairs upholstered in a deliciously

irreverent polka-dot print in red and pink. A dark wooden bench is brightened by a bright pink fluffy cushion. There is also a quartet of elephants carved from a tropical hardwood, on loan from Fiona’s sister, adding another rakish touch. The same spirit is in evidence throughout the home of the woman who confesses to have “done very well” in the Great Interior Design Challenge, the TV programme currently airing on BBC2. In the gracious dining room, where the sober burghers of Ivybridge would presumably once have dined with mill owner John Allen, today’s guests must do a double take when they see the

bold tartan carpet. It is complemented by modern leather dining chairs, iridescent grey-green curtains, made by Fiona herself, and bold green walls. All this flamboyance coexists with the architectural mouldings of the Victorian age, which Fiona found untouched when she bought the six-bedroom house, then empty and practically derelict as a home for herself and her four sons five years ago. “It was a shell,” she says. “The only thing it had in it was a flushing toilet, it didn’t have any bathrooms and it had absolutely nothing but

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floorboards. The roof had been repaired, but it had been leaking a lot and there was mould everywhere.” Despite these drawbacks, Fiona says she was sold the moment she walked in. “I just fell in love with it. It was a good buy, it had a lot of potential, and it was in a perfect location for myself and the boys, in the centre of Ivybridge and across the road from their school.” And for Fiona, who had been widowed not long beforehand, it represented a project she could throw herself in to. “I made the curtains myself because that is what I enjoy doing,” she says. “If I’m feeling a bit low I’ll go and paint a wall or make some curtains.” She also did much of the decoration of the enormous rooms herself, often going for bold colours set off by the white woodwork. “I’ve got people in to do the ceiling and then I’ve painted it from the picture rail downwards,” she says. “I’ve managed it from a ladder.” When it came to furnishing, she loves plenty of flounce. The enormous beds – which appear almost modest in the massive rooms – are covered in ruched bedspreads in mauves and pinks, and curtains are invariably opulent; Fiona gets her fabrics from the Exeter Fabric Centre, which has an extensive range in stock. The two bathrooms are another surprise. The main one features a massive copper bath. “That’s a bath for two, definitely, with a bottle of Champagne,” says Fiona. While this metal work of art was seriously expensive, the smaller – but still not small – freestanding bath in the other bathroom was more of a bargain. “I found it in a skip, it was painted red, and had gold-coloured taps, so I painted it grey and put chrome taps on it,” she says. The bathroom window appears to have a pane of frosted glass with the “salle de bain” painstakingly engraved in it. In fact, though, this is achieved with an ingenious window film, from South Brent-based online company Brume. Also sourced from this company was Fiona’s clock – a massive sticker showing the clock face and numbers, but with real turning hands. “I love their stickers,” she says. “They are so different.” Fiona was selected for the second series of the Great Interior Design Challenge, which pits amateur designers against each other in a different project each week, by her eldest son Jamie. “The next thing was I had a phone call from the programme makers saying ‘we are interested in you, could you do us a mood board?’ I thought ‘I’ll kill him!’ But I’m very grateful to him, really, I was pleased he had noticed I could do it.” She said the experience of taking part in the programme, decorating a 17th century cottage, was quite different from the way she’d decorated her own house, which has evolved gradually.

“We had a painter and decorator for 12 hours and a builder to help you but you have to source it all yourself and do it all in 48 hours. “And you have to do what the homeowner wants. I did all the things she said and she loved it.” With three of Fiona’s sons having flown the nest, she has recently been renting her immaculate home out to holidaymakers, who leave glowing reviews of her kindness in leaving home baking. “When we have visitors we move out, we go and camp with my boyfriend,” she says. “I don’t do it all the time because I still want to enjoy my home, but this helps me afford to run it. “I wanted it full of people because it is a real party house. It comes alive when there are lots of people here. It is much nicer.”

FIONA WILSON OF STOWFORD MANOR

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PL MAGAZINE | 54 | DECEMBER 2014

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Shabby Chic comes to Ivybridge...

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HOMES & GARDENS

CLAIRE IN THE COUPLE’S CHRISTMAS SHOP

JAN CARPENTER OF SCONNER WOOD AMONG THE CHRISTMAS TREES.

OUR GROWING CONCERN NOTHING FEELS MORE FESTIVE THAN WHEN A FAMILY GETS TOGETHER TO DECORATE THE CHRISTMAS TREE. EMILY SMITH MEETS A HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM WHO RUN THEIR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE FARM TO TALK ALL THINGS FIR

t’s Christmas all year round for a Cornish couple who run their own fir tree farm. Jan and Claire Carpenter set up their Christmas tree-growing business with just £300 and a Landrover. Now the couple sell 750 Christmas trees every December after planting thousands on their leased farm near Torpoint. Jan and Claire Carpenter have been a Sconner Wood for a little over six years and have sold Christmas trees since the day arrived. Now several years later, with four young daughters, the couple are busier and happier than ever. Claire runs the business side of things while husband Jan does the outdoor work, ensuring enough trees are ready for eager customers in the lead up to Christmas day. When the Carpenters leased Sconner Wood, at Polbathic, from the Antony estate in 2008 they discovered 4,000 Christmas trees, all in different states of repair, growing on the land. They had no idea they would be there and hadn’t planned to open a Christmas tree business.

But then customers began to arrive and the business was born. Jan said: “Claire rang me and said ‘there’s a bloke here asking if we would sell him a tree.’ We had no idea how much a tree cost, we sold it to him for £10. He wanted 30 of them. “We were skint at the time so that was £300 for us at Christmas. Clare bodged up some signs and we decided to sell the trees we had here. On the first day we opened properly, we sold one tree for a fiver.” Now the couple can sell up to 750 trees between December 1 and December 19. They also sell coal and logs all year round and Claire runs a little shop in a wooden cabin where she sells Christmas gifts made from natural materials. The couple and the four children live in a chalet, which was derelict when the family arrived, surrounded by 4,500 natural Christmas trees. When they first arrived there was no electricity, no mains water or any heating. Jan says: “We started off with the trees that were already growing here - we had no knowledge about growing them. We just learnt as we went along. “You name it - it went wrong. We never intended to do this - it just happened. All we had was a £300 Land Rover.” Although Jan has a full-time job at Devonport Dockyard, he is the man for the job when it comes

to pruning and shaping the trees. He does this between January and March. He then replants what they sold the previous year - it can take up to five years before a tree is ready to sell. He says: “I remember in our first year I planted 1,500 trees in one day. Now we plant between 500 and 750 a year. It’s back breaking work.” Between April and May the couple watch the trees grow hoping for a good bunch ready to sell at Christmas. During the summer months the grass in-between the trees has to be cut so they are easily accessible. Being surrounded by Christmas trees all year round, you may think the couple are pretty fed up by the time the big day arrives, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Jan explains: “We love our Christmas Day. In December we’re open Sundays as well we sell trees until December 22. “That last day we shut the gate and hide away in our home - it makes it more special because we’re manic and then we relax with the children until we open again.” The Christmas trees start from as little as £25 and people can choose from a cut Norway Spruce, a potted Norway Spruce, a Lodgepole Pine and a Nordmann Fir. Jan says: “We sell all the trees at a reasonable price. Me and Claire both come from families without much money and it’s terrible seeing families look at trees that they can’t afford - we want people to keep coming back year after year.” Jan and Claire offer a PYO service or you can choose from the cut trees already prepared. The shop sits quaintly at the bottom filled to the brim with Christmas decorations, and the smiles on Jan and Claire’s face will have you returning year after year.

“I remember in our FIrst year I planted 1,500 trees in one day. It’s back breaking work.”

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Eclectic Interiors

december gardening tips Top 10 Winter Tips 1. Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place 2. Check that greenhouse heaters are working 3. Prevent ponds and stand pipes from freezing

4. Prune open-grown apples and pears (but not those trained against walls)

5. Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding 6. Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops

7. Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted 8. Take hardwood cuttings 9. Keep mice away from stored produce

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10. Reduce watering of houseplants General maintenace Helleborus niger (Christmas rose) blooms can look unsightly when splashed with muddy raindrops. Bark chip mulch will reduce this splashing effect, and cloches can always be used where practical. Clear up weedy beds ready for spring mulching. Order bulky organic matter (e.g. well-rotted farmyard manure or mushroom compost) for use as a soil improver or mulch. Check on tender plants outdoors to ensure winter protection is still in place, especially after storms. Finish the autumn tidy-up of leaves from beds and borders if you have not already done so. It is especially important to clear leaves and debris from alpines, as they will die off if covered in damp for any length of time. Bare patches can be covered with gritty compost to encourage the re-growth of surrounding clumps into that area. Keep tubs and containers tidy too, cutting back and removing debris regularly. They can be mulched with compost. Improve the drainage of heavy clay soils by working in plenty of bulky organic matter, such as composted bark. Raise patio containers onto feet or bricks to avoid them sitting in the winter wet. Large tubs that are at risk of cracking in the frost should be covered with bubble wrap, hessian or fleece, to insulate them over the winter.

Tender plants and pots can be brought into the greenhouse or conservatory if not done so already. Even in mild areas, the winter usually gets much harder after December. Apply an autumn mulch to protect plants that are borderline hardy.

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HOMES & GARDENS

Have a green Christmas CHRISTMAS IS A MAGICAL TIME FOR ALL THE FAMILY BUT IT CAN ALSO BE A TESTING ONE ON YOUR WALLET AND THE ENVIRONMENT. EMILY SMITH LOOKS AT WAYS TO INDULGE IN THE FESTIVE SPIRIT WHILST STAYING GREEN

very year almost 200,000 Christmas trees and more than one million cards are chucked away. More than 750 million extra wine bottles are thrown out and 83 kilometres of wrapping paper is popped in the bin. Here are some handy tips on how you can enjoy Christmas whilst staying green:

Buy a growing Christmas tree Whilst people may think that an artificial tree is more eco-friendly, because it can be taken down from the loft and used year after year, this is not necessarily the case. Artificial trees are made from plenty of metal and PVC which means lots of energy is needed to produce them. The fake trees are said to only last for six years and when they end up on a landfill site, it will take years for them to break down. The Woodland Trust recommends buying a live tree and to make sure it’s a native fir like a Caledonian Pine. If you keep it in a large tub and keep it in the garden after use, then it will last for many more years to come.

Buy locally-made gifts We all like to give loved ones a gift at Christmas but this year why not go that extra mile and try and buy as much locally as possible? Buying items online can sometimes be cheaper but the air miles or fuel it takes to get the items to your house, then wrapped and back off to the recipient can be high in costs. Tavistock is home to a Pannier Market that is packed full of locally-made delights and is open daily, except Tuesdays and Sundays. Saltash also has a Christmas market on Saturday, December 6.

Decorate your home with real holly The bushes are full of holly and berries at the moment and they can make lovely decorations for your home. Gathering garlands is also an excuse to wrap up warm and head out for a family walk.

Be careful when taking the holly off the tree as it can be prickly. Cut small branches off and place in a jug on your dining room table or tie with ribbon and hang where you see fit. Wreaths are also easy to make with a piece of wire and prunings and leaves from the winter bushes. Wrap your greenery around the wire and keep doing it until the wire is full. Attach some festive ribbon and hang on your door.

Buy your turkey locally and save any leftovers The highlight of many people’s Christmas is sitting down for lunch, ready to tuck in to a succulent piece of turkey. Buy your turkey from a local butcher or farmers’ market this year, sourced from a free-range or organic supplier. You will be supporting a local business and this method of farming uses far less energy than the intensive rearing of birds. Do not chuck any of that bird away! Treat yourself to cold meat and chutneys, or make a turkey curry. Everything can be saved - the bones make brilliant stock for a soup on those cold, winter days.

Turn Christmas lights off Not only will turning lights off when you’re in bed or not in the house save money, it will also reduce the risk of fire. Reducing how many lights you have outside your house can also save energy. It’s a waste of energy to leave lights on in a room that no-one is in, so be sensible and turn them off when you go to bed they may look pretty but they’re costing you lots of money. PL MAGAZINE | 58 | DECEMBER 2014

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PL MAGAZINE | 59 | DECEMBER 2014

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THE ROYAL CRESCENT

ADMIRING GRAND DESIGNS IN BATH THREE HUNDRED YEARS AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE GEORGIAN ERA, NILIMA MARSHALL HEADS TO BATH AND EXPLORES THE CITY’S 18TH CENTURY CONNECTIONS

s I bite into my afternoon treat, it’s pure pleasure with every forkful. I am so engrossed in relishing what’s on my plate, I sort of resent the waiter for interrupting, even though he is helpfully refilling my cup of tea. I am not at a Michelin-star restaurant eating a fancy meal, but am instead tucking into a humble bun at a tiny tea room in Bath. But this is not just an ordinary cafe. I am at the famous Sally Lunn’s tea room, sampling cream buns from its High Tea menu. And the bun I have ordered is a mini mountain of doughy goodness, topped with delicious cinnamon butter and served with oodles of clotted cream. Sally Lunn’s, which featured in the Great British Bake Off last year, is well known for its Bath buns, and it’s no surprise that this ‘worldfamous eating house’ is a magnet for tourists. The story goes that a young Huguenot refugee called Solange Luyon found her way here after escaping persecution in France in the 17th century. After finding work in a local bakery, she became known as Sally Lunn and began baking rich brioche delights that we know today as ‘Bath buns’. My partner and I are spending a weekend in this beautiful Roman city and these delicious buns are a great start to our short getaway. But we’re not here purely to retrace the history of a local delicacy. Instead, we’ve come to look at Bath’s Georgian links, in a year that celebrates the

300th anniversary of an era that was responsible for some of the UK’s most elegant architecture as a high society flourished. We have checked into Villa Magdala, a beautiful Victorian house not far from the town centre, that’s been converted into a contemporary but cosy B&B with 23 stylish and tastefully decorated rooms.

Just like the architecture from that era, the Georgians also seemed to have left a lasting impact on the British fashion industry To begin our exploration of 18th century Bath, we head over to the Royal Crescent, a row of 30 terraced houses, including a five-star hotel and museum, which is often used as a location for films and TV shows. The crescent-shape theme also continues at the Circus, which, like the Royal Crescent, was designed by Georgian architects John Wood the Younger and his father John Wood the Elder.

Apparently, the architects drew inspiration for the ring of town houses from the Colosseum in Rome. Around the corner from the Circus is the Jane Austen Centre, where I learn more about the life and family of the famous 18th century novelist. All the staff at the centre (a Regency town house that has been repurposed), are appropriately dressed in historical costumes and I feel like I’ve entered into a period drama. The centre also has a range of Regency-style dresses for tourists to try on. I find myself interested in Georgian fashion, so we head over to the Fashion Museum nearby to find out more. At the entrance, we come across costumes that Lady Mary, Matthew Crawley and Lord Grantham were seen wearing on ITV’s hit drama Downton Abbey. The museum also has a huge variety of Georgian clothing worn by the fashionable society of that time. Just like the architecture from that era, the Georgians also seemed to have left a lasting impact on the British fashion industry. Designer Vivienne Westwood took inspiration from the Regency era to create her Les Femmes collection S/S back in 1996. Her famous evening dress with oversized black bows is displayed at the museum. It’s likely many high society types throughout history would have come to Bath to bathe in its spa water. We decide to follow suit by heading

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TEST THE WATERS AT THE BATH SPA

over to the Thermae Bath Spa the following day. This modern-day public bath has a range of treatments on offer, but we opt for a two-hour relaxing bath session. I feel my troubles melt away as I soak in a Jacuzzi in the open-air rooftop pool, taking in clear views of the city. Rejuvenated, we stop at Roman Bath Kitchen (another Georgian townhouse that’s been transformed into a contemporary restaurant) for lunch. While admiring the views of the Abbey, we sample the chef’s recommended gazpacho soup with basil sorbet, which just happens to be the tastiest starter I’ve ever had. For the main course, I tuck into a grilled aubergine sandwich, while my partner opts for the chargrilled steak, and we finish off our three-course meal with melt-in-the-mouth icecream waffles. Following our food extravaganza, we head over to explore the Roman Baths. One of the busiest places in city, the Roman Baths receives more than a million visitors each year. Much of the original bath house that was built by the Romans does not exist today, but the main spring is now housed in buildings designed and restored by John Wood the Elder and his son. It’s time to bid goodbye to this beautiful city as we head back with memories of an amazing weekend and a box of Sally Lunn’s buns.

TRAVEL FACTS Nilima Marshall was a guest of Visit Bath. To find out more about the 300th anniversary of the Georgians, and for information on attractions and events happening in Bath, visit www.visitbath.co.uk or call 0906 711 2000. Doubles at Villa Magdala (www.villamagdala.co.uk) start from £135, B&B. Travel to Bath by train with First Great Western (www. firstgreatwestern.co.uk)

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FOOD & DRINK

Christmas without the calamity NERVOUS ABOUT COOKING YOUR FIRST CHRISTMAS LUNCH OR JUST FANCY SOME NEW RECIPES? PL HAS TEAMED UP WITH SOME OF PLYMOUTH’S TOP CHEFS TO BRING YOU OUR FOOLPROOF FESTIVE RECIPES RECIPES FEED 6

Chris and James Tanner’s Christmas turkey recipe Ingredients 1x whole fresh turkey (up to 4kg, ask your butcher to remove and bone the legs) Pork and chestnut stuffing 200g of cooked chestnuts (chopped) 50g breadcrumbs

Method

2 onions chopped

1. Gently fry onion and garlic in the un-salted

1 clove of garlic chopped

Crunchy Christmas Crostini Ingredients

Method

1 ready-tobake ciabatta loaf

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/Gas Mark 6/

1tbsp olive oil About 225g Stilton 1/2 a jar (290g) of beetroot pickle, or other pickle or chutney A handful of celery leaves, taken from the middle of a head of celery

Fan 180C. Slice the ciabatta into 25 slices. Lay them on a couple of baking sheets and brush them with oil. Toast in the oven for 10 minutes until golden, checking after five minutes and turning if necessary. Cut the Stilton into slices a little smaller than the toasts (this can be prepared up to an hour ahead). 2. Spoon a little of the beetroot on to the end

2 tablespoons of fresh chopped thyme 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped sage 1kg of sausage meat Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 clementine

of each piece of bread. Prop a slice of cheese up against each pile of beetroot and bake for three to four minutes until the cheese is starting to melt. You don’t want it too melty try to catch it just as it’s starting to ooze over the edge.

Sea salt

3. Top each cheesy canape with a sprig

2 free range eggs

from the bunch of celery leaves and serve immediately.

Chris says: “Firstly you need to select a good quality turkey. Turkey has all the nutritional plus points as chicken, but has a slightly lower fat content which means the flesh can be slightly on the dry side so careful cookery is essential. “Ask your butcher to bone out the legs for you. This method and recipe is one we have used for more than 20 years at all of our restaurants.”

Freshly ground white pepper 1 teaspoon of fresh grated nutmeg

1 knob of un-salted butter

(Makes 24) Recipe taken from BBC Good Food, 101 Christmas Dishes, published by BBC Books, priced £4.99

butter until it is translucent. Allow to cool then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients and mix well. 2. Open up the boned turkey legs and season

with sea salt and ground black pepper. Divide the sausage meat mixture between the two legs roll up in aluminium foil ensure both ends are tight. Place on a baking tray in a pre-heated oven 180 degrees, gas mark 7 for an hour and a half. It is best to invest in a thermometer to ensure that the core temperature reaches 65 degrees plus (minimum). Allow the legs to rest for 20 minutes. 3. Place the turkey crown in a deep baking tray

and season well. Gently lift the skin up from the turkey crown and pipe in some soft unsalted butter and massage into the flesh. Cover the bottom of the tray with water, cover the turkey with aluminium foil and cook at 180C / gas mark 7 allowing a minimum of 20 minutes’ cooking time per kilo (4 kilo turkey 1hr 20 minutes) plus an hour resting time. Chris Tanner’s top tip:

“It is essential that you allow sufficient resting time for the cooked meat. This allows the meat to relax and is a natural tenderisation process. Make sure you use all of your cooking juices to make a stunning turkey gravy.”

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FOOD & DRINK

Perfect roast potatoes from Katie Richardson

Gravy

Ingredients

Method

2kg potatoes. The best ones to use are Desiree, as they hold their shape, but King Edward and Maris Piper are also good.

1. Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5.

140g goose fat or duck fat or dripping

Cover cut, peeled potatoes in cold water, then bring to the boil. Set the timer and boil for exactly two minutes. 2. Whilst the potatoes are boiling finely

chop the rosemary and thyme remove the stalk. 3. Drain the potatoes and toss in the

colander to fluff up their surfaces.

4. Place a large, sturdy roasting tray over a

Ingredients

Method

4 rashers bacon, chopped

1. Dry-fry the bacon in a large pan

500g pack chicken wings

2. Remove, then fry the wings

oil, for frying (optional) 1 onion, unpeeled and cut into quarters 1 carrot, roughly chopped

Salt and black pepper

fairly high heat, and then tip in the fat and oil. When sizzling, lower in the potatoes carefully, add the herbs, then gently brown in the hot fat for about five minutes so all the sides are covered with oil.

2 sprigs rosemary

5. Roast undisturbed for 20 minutes, then

remove from the oven and gently turn them over with a fish slice or spoon.

bunch herbs such as bay, thyme, parsley stalks (just use whatever you have, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy especially)

6. Place the tray on the hob to heat the

300ml white wine

2 tbsp. sunflower oil or vegetable oil

2 Sprigs thyme 1 bulb garlic (cut in half)

oil, then return to the oven and cook for another 20 minutes. Turn again, putting the tray back on the hob to heat the oil. Give them a final 20 minutes in the oven, by which time you should have perfect roast potatoes.

Recipe by Katie Richardson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Head Chef Boringdon Hall

1 leek, roughly chopped 1 garlic bulb, unpeeled and halved

1.2l chicken stock 2 tbsp. butter 2 tbsp. plain flour

until golden.

(add a splash of oil if they start to stick), turning until browned all over. 3. Tip into a pan with the

remaining ingredients (apart from the butter and flour) and the bacon. Simmer, skimming off any froth, for about 2 hrs. 4. Strain through a sieve, then

heat the butter in a saucepan and, when foaming, add the flour. 5. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1

min. Gradually pour in the stock, stirring all the time, to get rid of any lumps. 6. Simmer until you have a thin

gravy, taste and season. Can be made up to three days in advance and kept chilled, or frozen for up to three months.

This gravy recipe from BBC Good Food is meaty, delicious and works every time.

PL MAGAZINE | 63 | DECEMBER 2014

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FOOD & DRINK

Braised red cabbage Ingredients 1 large red cabbage sliced

Ben Palmer’s Chestnut & Cranberry Stuffing Ingredients 300g finely chopped onion 800g sausage meat 160g bread crumbs 100g vac-packed cooked chestnuts, chopped

5 cloves 1 cinnamon stick

“Ben Palmer chef at The Greedy Goose says: “This is a seasonal recipe that I like to use at home every Christmas. It is very easy to make and goes perfectly with a traditional Christmas turkey.”

2 tsp five spice

Method

1 tsp ground cinnamon

Put all the ingredients together in a large pan with a lid, cook gently for around two hours or until the cabbage is soft. Stirring occasionally

1 tbsp red currant jelly 3 x star anise 60g sugar

Method

1 bay leaf

1. Fry off the onions until soft and leave

200g dried cranberries

to cool.

3 chopped Bramley apples

2. Add remaining ingredients and mix

400ml of red wine

2tbl spoons chopped sage

well together.

150ml of water

2tsp salt

3. Leave to stand for at least 1 hours in

the fridge for all of the flavours to infuse.

Pinch of salt

1tsp ground black pepper 1tsp chopped juniper berries

Joe Draper, head chef at River Cottage says: “For me braised red cabbage is the best compliment with any roast dinner and it’s the easiest way to have a more exciting veg on the table.”

“You can bake this in a tray and slice it, roll and poach it, or stuff your turkey with it. Whichever way you choose, it is delicious at Christmas time!”

Jacques Marchal’s festive Brussels sprouts Ingredients I kg bag of sprouts 250g unsmoked bacon lardons Salt and pepper Fresh nutmeg 1 bag of vac-packed chestnuts 1 pot of crème fraiche A knob of butter

ng Jacques says: “There is no boili involved - even sprout haters are guaranteed to get a taste for this sensational seasonal side dish.” Method

Tail the sprouts, remove discoloured leaves and grate with a cheese grater d Pan fry the lardons and add the grate r colou to begin ns sprouts once the lardo Saute for a few minutes, until the sprouts start to wilt Add salt and pepper to taste Grate a little nutmeg in to the mix Turn off the heat and add the chopped vac-pac chestnuts h Jacques’ top tip: For an extra touc e crèm of pit l smal a add ry luxu of of fraiche or a knob of butter at the end cooking. PL MAGAZINE | 64 | DECEMBER 2014

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Jamie Lee Rogers’ Parsnips

1 table spoon cumin seeds

Jamie, head chef of Langdon Court Hotel, says: “These parsnips are perfect every time. The trick to stop them burning, which they often do, is poaching in milk. For a more traditional taste, leave out the hazelnuts and cumin.”

2 table spoons honey

Method

Milk to cover

1. Peel parsnips, then peel another layer

Ingredients 6 parsnips 100 grams butter

sprigs thyme toasted hazelnuts to garnish olive oil

of the parsnip, and deep fry until crisp and season with salt 2. Cut parsnip in half and remove the

woody centre

3. Cut parsnips in to batons about 3 inch

long and 1 inch thick

4. Poach in milk and thyme until almost

soft, then drain

5. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry

until they start to colour then turn down the heat 6. Add the butter cook for about 3

minutes moving them around so they go nice and brown

WANT TO BUY YOUR CHRISTMAS GOODIES LOCALLY? HERE’S PL’S IDEAS FOR CUTTING DOWN THE FOOD MILES… TURKEY - SUNNINGDALE NURSERIES Sunningdale Nurseries in St Dominick has been rearing turkeys for more than 40 years, starting with around 20 birds, and it hasn’t looked back since. It’s a small, family-run business, all poultry is reared, slaughtered and hung on site.

VEGETABLES - JOE BROWN’S Joe Brown’s is based in Plymouth City Market and sells a selection of fresh, local produce that will accompany your roast turkey perfectly. Open daily between 8am and 5pm, except Sundays.

DRINK - PLYMOUTH GIN Plymouth has been producing gin from the Barbican since 1793 and the drink has remained popular ever since. The distillery offers three gins - Navy, Original and Sloe. Their sloe gin is a perfect treat to accompany any Christmas dinner.

CHRISTMAS PUDDING - FIGGY’S

8. Cook for a further 3 minutes on low

All Figgy’s Christmas puddings are hand-made in their small bakery between Plymouth and Exeter. The company makes each and every one with care and offers real indulgence to accompany the best Christmas dinner.

9. Season to taste and serve with the

CRANBERRY SAUCE - THE CHERRY TREE

7. Add the honey and cumin seeds

they will start to glaze with the honey and the cumin will toast

parsnip crisps, toasted hazelnuts and a drizzle of olive oil

The Cherry Tree stocks its delicious chutney and preserves all over the South West and has been producing high-quality produce since 1997. All its products are hand-cooked in small batches and will taste delicious with succulent turkey.

PL MAGAZINE | 65 | DECEMBER 2014

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SPONSORED FEATURE

Four of the best party venues

Boringdon Park Golf Club

The Elfordleigh Hotel

Boringdon Park Golf Club is one of Plymouth’s most unique party venues. The club’s renowned Christmas Party Nights cost £29.95 per person and include a delicious three-course meal, together with a magician and disco, where you can dance the night away. Private groups and families can also take advantage of the delicious three-course Christmas lunches, priced at £18.50 per person. Bookings have already sold out for the £54.95 option on Christmas Day, but act quickly and you could be one of the lucky ones who gets to ring in 2015 at the Club’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza.

Celebrate New Years Eve at The Elfordleigh Hotel, Join us this New Years Eve as we welcome 2015. Book your table for a truly fabulous evening of good food, great company, Live Music featuring The Skyliners & a luxury 3 course Dinner for only £46.50 per person! 7pm to 1am. For bookings and further information please contact 01752 336428 Don’t Drink and Drive…. Sleepover! Discounted accommodation for guests attending the New Years Eve Dinner and Dance. The hotel is set in 100 acres of picturesque scenery, with an 18 hole parkland golf course, gym and spa facilities.

Rockfish

Kitley House Hotel

There’s a special Christmas menu at Rockfish from December 1 to January 10. Of course there are fish and chips on the menu, but why not tuck into a Christmas Rockfish roll with turkey, sausage meat, sage, spicy cranberry sauce on a soft brioche roll? There are also special Christmas desserts. Enjoy two courses of fabulous festive food for £20 and three courses for £25. For groups of eight plus, party organisers receive a £20 voucher to spend at Rockfish in January. Call 01752 255974 to check out seasonal menus or book online at www. therockfish.co.uk

Get Christmas off to a sparkling start at Kitley House Hotel where there’s something for everyone. From fun-packed Christmas party nights (from only £29.95 per person, including a cocktail on arrival) to four-course Christmas lunches at £17.95 per person (available from December 1). Invite family and friends, enjoy great food, a fantastic festive atmosphere and the warmest of welcomes. To book a party night or Christmas lunch please contact reception on 01752 881555 or email info@kitleyhousehotel.com

PL MAGAZINE | 66 | DECEMBER 2014

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LUXURY CRYSTAL PALACE ICE PRISM CRACKERS, £30, HOUSE OF FRASER

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Feast for the eyes MAKE SURE THE SETTING IS AS TEMPTING AS THE FOOD THIS CHRISTMAS. HERE’S PL’S TOP TIPS FOR FESTIVE DINING DÉCOR There aren’t many who’d disagree; the festive feast is the highlight of Christmas Day. But whether you’re going for turkey, goose, nutroast or something even more exotic as the focus of your meal, it’s the trimmings that really make it - and I’m not just talking roasties and honeyglazed parsnips. The setting is almost as - or just as, some would say - important as the food being served. Festive fun or Yueltide chic; it’s entirely up to you what mood you go for - and it doesn’t have to break the bank, or require a degree in interior design, to pull off. Of course, you can invest in some wintry wonderland tableware if you want to; candelabras and some carefully-chosen tealight holders and gilded glassware certainly suit the occasion and are an easy way to make a setting

special. There are also lots of budget-friendly buys; supermarkets, as well as shops like Wilko and even Poundland are great places to pick up festive table top decorations and charger plates and platters, as well as the compulsory napkins and table runners. Get creative and don’t limit your imagination to the tabletop - how about hanging decorations above it, or arranging some Christmassy lighting on a mantelpiece for added ambience? A glass bowl, filled with colourful baubles or pine cones and deep, red berries or springs of holly makes a striking centrepiece, and carefully-draped fairy lights can also be very effective. But whatever you do - don’t forget the crackers.

PARTY PORCELAIN GOLD TABLE TOP TREE DECORATION, £11, TALKING TABLES SITTING STAG TEALIGHTS HOLDER, £79, MARKS & SPENCER

GOLD AND BLACK DINNER PARTY CRACKERS, £7 FOR PACK OF SIX; GOLD CHARGER PLATE, £2, TESCO PL MAGAZINE | 67 | DECEMBER 2014

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CHEF PATRON BEN PALMER

THE GREEDY GOOSE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

Take a gander at The Greedy Goose

HISTORIC PRYSTEN HOUSE: USHERING IN A NEW ERA

AS PRYSTEN HOUSE, THE HISTORIC BUILDING WHICH PLAYED HOST TO TANNERS FOR 15 YEARS, USHERS IN A NEW ERA, LOUISE DANIEL SPEAKS TO NEW CHEF PATRON BEN PALMER

en Palmer doesn’t look frazzled, he looks exhausted. It’s no wonder, after a lengthy legal process he managed to get his first restaurant venture, The Greedy Goose, off to a flying-start within five days of exchanging keys with former owners Chris and James Tanner. Ben laughs: “It was such a crazy week. The deal went through and Chris and James got Tanners finished up within the space of a week. “They left us some equipment and furniture as part of the deal but we’ve had to start from scratch and all within the space of five days.” I am sitting in the lobby with Ben, his partner Francesca and their one-year-old baby, Bobby. The couple who met at Cornwall’s The Berkley House five years ago are excited about their new venture which sees a shift in the food offering and relaxing of the atmosphere at Prysten House. “I had menus prepared but the deal took so long to go through that the seasons changed. It meant a brand new menu as I cook seasonally.” It’s out with the old and in with the new for the city centre restaurant which has 15 years of Tanner history and cooking heritage to live up to. Ben is excited about the challenge. He said: “I expect we will have comparisons to Tanners and people saying we aren’t like Tanners. And we’re not – we aren’t trying to be Tanners.

“Chris and James did really well and it will take come in for celebrations and more formal events.” a while before people understand what we are There’s a little culinary wizardry here, too, with doing is a little different.” smoking, sous vide and spraying desserts. But Ben previously worked for Chris and James as this isn’t buttoned-up fine dining, it’s fine food head chef at the Barbican Kitchen before moving cut from the seasons and trumpeting the best of on to Glazebrook House in South Brent. He is British and local bounty. The simple descriptions clear on what he wants to achieve at The belie the work that goes into every dish. Greedy Goose. Ben agrees: “Our Greedy Goose “We do a set course menu chocolate mousse sounds basic which is good value, changes but there are many processes. seasonally and is tweaked all We set the mousse, use the time. I like to make the tempered chocolate and menu sound simple but the spray it with chocolate.” dishes aren’t,” said Ben. I ask the couple whether Dishes also reveal Ben’s they still pinch themselves talent for modern British when they walk through the cuisine and the menu is full doors and what is the scariest – BEN PALMER of hearty plates using regional thing about opening a new produce. Ben and Francesca have restaurant. also tweaked the atmosphere and the Ben said: “It’s been overwhelming. change is palpable even without customers. We’ve gone from being employed to being an “We’ve relaxed the environment here but are employer. Everything rests with me. still doing top class food, with options for sharing “ It’s all our own money too. I’ve been a chef for and a more informal dining experience.” some time now and Francesca and I have worked Francesca, who is front of house and manages really hard to get here. the books behind the scenes, said: “We want “We are hard-working people and we are going people to feel they can pop in here if they’ve to give it our all. At the heart of it all is that we finished work or have been shopping but also want to make customers happy.”

‘We’ve relaxed the environment but still do top class food’

PL MAGAZINE | 68 | DECEMBER 2014

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PL MAGAZINE | 69 | DECEMBER 2014

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FOOD & DRINK

chef Katie can stand the heat KATIE RICHARDSON, HEAD CHEF AT BORINGDON HALL, IS LOCALLY- TRAINED, HAS COOKED AROUND THE WORLD AND IS NOW INFUSING THE HISTORIC BUILDING’S MENU AND KITCHEN WITH HEART, BALANCE AND FLAVOUR. LOUISE DANIEL FINDS OUT WHAT’S COOKING

t’s a tired line that gets revisited – women shouldn’t be in a professional kitchen. Raymond Blanc famously said it and more recently, Michelin-starred TV chef Tom Kerridge revealed at the Cheltenham Book Festival, he didn’t believe that women had enough “fire in their belly” to make it in the profession. When I pose that to 29-year-old Katie Richardson, head chef of historic Boringdon Hall, she is a little perplexed. can all men. I’ve had chefs She laughs: “We give as good as we walk out mid shift – lads get in the kitchen. Sometimes the who say they are going boys are shocked at what comes to take out the bins out of our mouths. and don’t come “You aren’t a male or female back because they chef, you’re a chef. It’s a trade not can’t hack it.” a gender. It takes a type of person Katie’s cooking to do this job.” heritage is hard The balance may be shifting to beat – an awardKATIE RICHARDSON (slowly) with talented chefs like winning Plymouth Angela Hartnett (Michelin star, City College alumni, MBE) and Clare Smyth (three Michelin at the end of training she stars) proving that women are as talented immediately won a place in the their male contemporaries, but are there enough kitchen at London’s prestigious Sheraton women training to be a part of the industry and Hotel, her dedication and hard work moving her what are the challenges of being in such a macho to the hotel’s Citrus Restaurant. environment? “I was at the Sheraton for three years and Katie knows how few women are training to be worked my way up from the bottom. The goal chefs first hand and the type of personality you was always the Citrus Restaurant which was the need to stick at it, she says: “I was the only girl in crème de la crème of the hotel – by being there you my group of 30 at City College and, yes, you have proved that you earned it.” to be strong-willed and stand up for yourself. I wonder if she missed home and found the “Not all women can do that but then again neither transition from Plymouth to London difficult, but

‘You have to be strong and stand up for yourself’ -

BORINGDON HALL: HISTORIC ELEGANCE

Katie is positive about her experiences and knows she blossomed personally and professionally while in the capital. “I thrived in London; it made me who I am now. Maybe because I was shy and my grades weren’t great at school I lacked confidence. “In cooking I found my self-confidence and my feet. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s a tough industry and they try to break you, but I took it. Katie sees the tough love approach in the kitchen as character building, she says: “It’s done to test you, to see how you cope and your level of commitment. It’s not to be nasty, it’s just to see whether you are passionate about what you do.” After success at the Sheraton, Katie returned home to Plymouth where she worked alongside Chris and James Tanner, helping them set up the Barbican Kitchen and perfecting her pastry work in Tanners. By this time she was in a relationship with her husband Andy (head chef of The Oyster Shack, Bigbury) and both had itchy feet and spread their culinary wings with stints cooking for luxury hotel

PL MAGAZINE | 70 | DECEMBER 2014

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KATIE: ROARING SUCCESS

brands in Ireland, Greece, Bristol and Sheffield. What about being married to a chef? It must be good eating in her house? “I don’t think I could be with someone who wasn’t in the industry. There’s no worry because he understands the pressures. “If we cook at home it’s really easy stuff like sausage and mash – we don’t faff at home. If we get a night off together we’ll go out for a curry or have some pasta - just simple stuff.” Today we are sipping cappuccino in highbacked leather sofas in one of Boringdon Hall’s opulent rooms. Katie’s happy to be home. She’s a vibrant person and like all chefs she lights up when asked about food. What’s at the heart of her food ethos? “I am a traditional British cook and put my own stamp on it. Good hearty traditional food full of flavour from local ingredients, that’s me. “You don’t have to add lots of extra things when we have such good-quality produce on our doorsteps. “I love stews and hearty food – autumn/winter is a great time for flavour and my favourite time of the year – it’s comfort food. We do that here and ramp it up and make it a bit more wowser.” Wowser indeed – the carefully-crafted a la carte menu is stunning as are the cream teas and specials (where Katie can cut loose and experiment with spice and texture). For Katie her passion (apart from husband Andy) is food and being in the kitchen. “Even if I have a day off I still come and play in the kitchen. I feel settled and content in there. Not in a lazy way – it drives me knowing that I’m on my toes. I absolutely love it.” And what do women bring to the profession, apart from cooking skill and top talent? “As a head chef there is the responsibility of running the kitchen and the pass. So you need to have balance – that’s what I bring to the kitchen.”

KATIE’S smoked salmon TERRINE with scallops Ingredients

Method

For the terrine

1. Line a 1kg terrine with cling film, allowing

175g unsalted butter Zest of ½ lemon Juice of ½ lemon 2 tablespoons chopped flat parsley 1 tablespoon chopped chives

a slight overhang. Mix the butter in a food processor until light and airy. Add the lemon, herbs and salt pepper to taste. 2. Cover the base of the terrine with a layer of

smoked salmon with a palette knife, covering the entire surface. Continue to build the terrine with alternating layers of salmon and butter mix. Finish with a layer of salmon. 3. Refrigerate overnight to allow butter to

Salt and pepper to taste

set. Turn the terrine out and portion into the desired size.

800g long cut sliced salmon

How to serve:

12 x scallops - 4 portions

Heat a non-stick frying pan, add oil and place scallops gently in the pan, sear for 60 seconds and turn over add the butter and nape.

2 tablespoons sunflower oil

Remove scallops on to a clean tray lined with paper and keep warm.

Salt & pepper

Arrange on plates with the terrine.

5g butter SERVES: 4

REPARATION: 1 hour P COOKING TIME: 10 minutes

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MARTIN FREEMAN: READY TO EMBRACE THE PARTY SEASON?

Bring on the party season…

or maybe not ONE-TIME PARTY ANIMAL MARTIN FREEMAN GOES PARTY-MINIMAL FOR THE SEASON

arty. Sausage rolls, cola, triangle sandwiches, jelly, ice-cream, too much cake and dragged home, red-faced and over-tired, clutching a party bag. Party. Finger food, wine – not enough of either – polite chat, another person’s choice of music and hoping for the first departure so you can be the second. Paaa-aaaarty! Beer, wine, loud music, more beer, more wine, LOUDER MUSIC – oh God, I love this tune! – even more beer and even more wine (it’s funny, I don’t usually like whisky), devouring the last piece of garlic bread that’s been in the oven all night and finally, finally home to bed to regret and revisit everything all over the bathroom floor. Party on, dude. There are only three kinds of party; all the

‘There are only three kinds of party; all the others are variations on one of those themes’

others are variations on one of a glass, those themes. starkly, filled They are about occasions. with water, – MARTIN FREEMAN Reasons to celebrate. A birthday, an because you are anniversary, or just being young. driving and you All fine in the right measure: single, not wish they’d hurry up double and definitely not nightly until Santa arrives. and you hope they won’t The party season. reproduce that double of double-chocolate cream His and hers, because you ought to; your mate’s; liqueur on the passenger seat. their friend’s because you’d miserable not to. You can, though, make it through the party The forced jollity. season with a smile on your face, listening to Will you pull a cracker? Only with somebody music you love, drinking wine that’s fine and food you’ve been trying to avoid every weekday since that’s just the way you like it. the previous office Christmas party. The sure-fire way to survive the party season is And the food. Random cranberries does not a to ignore the party season. Christmas menu make. Grab the DVD. Yourself and ELF, home alone. It’s bad when drunk. It’s worse viewed through Party off, dude. PL MAGAZINE | 72 | DECEMBER 2014

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DEVONPORT HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

A Specialist Language College and Leading Edge School

Outstanding Achievement By Inspiring Young Minds Come and join our Sixth Form in 2015. We welcome applicants from students across Devon and Cornwall. For entry requirements, an application form and prospectus please visit our website. www.devonportgirls.plymouth.sch.uk dhsg@dhsg.co.uk Telephone 01752 705024 Lyndhurst Road, Peverell, Plymouth, Devon, PL2 3DL

Free fundrasing pack includes: recipes; posters; balloons; fun games and a collection box.

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01752 268995 If we are unable to accept items due to safety or quality Please don’t be disappointed. We also accept electric lamps and other small appliances PL MAGAZINE | 73 | DECEMBER 2014

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TIC KE T

OUT & ABOUT

Watch out Wizard of Oz! FOUR MEN DRESSED AS A LION, TIN MAN, SCARECROW AND DOROTHY WILL MEET AUDIENCES AT THE BARBICAN THEATRE THIS CHRISTMAS. EMILY SMITH TALKS TO THE DEVON CLOWNS

he four guys behind theatre company Le Navet Bete are never ones to do things in the traditional way. And they are a long way from convention with their take on The Wizard of Oz at the Barbican Theatre this month. While the story of Dorothy, the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow might not be instantly synonymous with panto, it is a story that has touched many people over many years since the film’s release in 1939 and it’s been watched by families on countless Christmas Days. Le Navet Bete are four guys who met while they were studying on a performing arts course at Plymouth University in 2006. Alex Dunn, Matt Freeman, Nick Bunt and Dan Bianchi formed their touring clown company and have produced a series of hit comedy shows. This Christmas they are set to appear in a quirky version of the classic story of Dorothy’s journey along the yellow brick road. After the huge success of last year’s Christmas Carol at the Barbican Theatre, the group decided to return to Plymouth this year to give audiences yet another fast-paced and eccentric performance - without a bauble, Christmas tree or Santa Claus in sight. Group member Alex Dunn said: “We discovered that taking a well-known narrative and twisting it - in every way we can - to fit our own style is something that can be extremely exciting not just for us as theatre makers, but for the audience also. “We came about the idea through audience feedback after last year’s show. We put the question out on social media as to what it was

our audience wanted to see and this was the one suggestion that we really connected with. “The colour, the magic, the characters, the iconic witch - all of these things got us really excited about the prospect of taking these images and then creating a comedy theatre show with them.” Last year the clowns teamed up with Mark Laville, artistic director of the Barbican Theatre, to produce Christmas Carol. They decided they wanted to work with Mark again this year. “Mark brings such brilliant energy to the process of devising the

“We really hope you enjoy the show, we have had an absolute blast making it”

work, and his 30 years of experience in creating and touring theatre is invaluable to this kind of show,” Alex said. “We also apologise to Mark’s wife for giving him a bit more grey hair every time we work with him.” This family friendly show uses Le Navet Bete’s fast-paced style of storytelling in this unique version of the Wizard of Oz. Audiences are told to prepare themselves for physical comedy, ridiculous characters, live music, tomfoolery and much more. Alex said: “We really hope you enjoy the show, we have had an absolute blast making it!” The Wonderful Wizard of Oz runs from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, January 4 at the Barbican Theatre.

– ALEX DUNN

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ALEX DUNN, MATT FREEMAN, NICK BUNT AND DAN BIANCHI GET IN CHARACTER FOR THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ

BOBBY DAVRO STARS IN JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AT THE THEATRE ROYAL, PLYMOUTH

PL’S PICK OF THE PANTOS Roll up, roll up, it’s panto time and between Plymouth and Cornwall there is something everyone will enjoy. It’s time to put the Christmas lists away, stop fretting about all the preparation you have left to do and enjoy some laughter and a night out at a Christmas pantomime.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH If it’s beanstalks, magic beans and giants you like - then Jack and The Beanstalk at Theatre Royal Plymouth is the one for you. Plymouth crowd-pleaser Bobby Davro returns to the theatre and will play the role of Simple Simon, the comic role - normally played as Jack’s brother. Pop singer and X Factor contestant, Chico, will play the role of Jack. While John Challis, of Only Fools and Horses fame, takes a more sinister role and turns into panto villain Fleshcreep, while Jeffrey Holland returns to panto for his 43rd season as a panto dame. The all-star crew are set to wow the crowds with laughter and comic genius, while telling the lovable, family favourite tale. The classic: Fee-fi-fo-fum! I smell the blood of an Englishman, Be he alive, or be he dead, I’ll grind his bones to make my bread. is something you will all be guaranteed to be chanting for days after.

ROBIN HOOD, HALL FOR CORNWALL, TRURO If it’s archers, swordsmen and merry men you prefer then Robin Hood at the Hall for Cornwall is the panto for you. Playing the Sheriff of Nottingham is Harry Potter star Granville Saxton. The story goes: Once upon a time there lived an evil Sheriff who, drunk on his own riches, imposed terrible taxes to drive out the poor innocent locals and ship in his rich chums. Though he hadn’t accounted for our hero Robin Hood, archer extraordinaire, in his dastardly plan… If it’s tales of giving from the rich to the poor that you’re a fan of, then either one of these brilliant star-studded pantomimes will be worth leaving the Christmas shopping for. But don’t forget - he’s behind you! JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, THEATRE ROYAL PLYMOUTH, DECEMBER 19 2014 TO JANUARY 17 2015. ROBIN HOOD, HALL FOR CORNWALL, DECEMBER 7 2014 TO SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 2015.

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JOOLS HOLLAND 48

TIC KE T

OUT & ABOUT

JOSS STONE

RUMER

Jools and his dream team ONE OF THE NATION’S FAVOURITE PERSONALITIES, JOOLS HOLLAND, IS STILL AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME, RELEASING NEW MATERIAL AND EMBARKING ON HUGE UK TOURS. MUSIC IS SOMETHING HE HAS A COMPLETE OBSESSION WITH, HE TELLS EMILY SMITH

t’s a long way from learning to play the piano by ear at eight, to filling huge arenas and presenting a music show - but that’s what Jools Holland has done. During Jools’ career he has formed pop band Squeeze, started The Jools Holland Big Band playing to in excess of 300,000 every year, had a prolific recording career and presented a number of much-loved television shows. His latest tour will swing by Plymouth with guests Joss Stone, Marc Almond and Rumer. The prolific music lover has also recently released his new album Sirens of Song, which features duets with a number of iconic female voices.

Jools’ huge UK tour will call at the Plymouth Pavilions on December 12 and alongside him will be the South West’s very own Joss Stone. He admits that no-one does what he does during a live show. “It’s going to be really great to come to Plymouth,” he said. “Nobody has a big band like we do - we have some of the greatest players in the band. There is a lot of joy and energy - it’s unstoppable. “Joss is an incredible singer. I asked her if she wanted to play with my big band and come on tour with me and do some live shows - she really took to the idea,” he said. Songs of Siren was released last month and features duets with the likes of Joss Stone, Kylie Minogue,

Emeli Sandé, and Laura Mvula to name a few. “I love the female voice as an instrument - it’s a different attitude. It’s unique and quite strong.” Jools’, real name Julian Miles Holland, love of music started when he was just eight years old, when he learnt to play the piano fluently by ear, and by the time he reached his early teens he was appearing regularly in many of the pubs around London. He says: “I was asked in an interview once if my parents were musical and I said not really. Then my grandmother got in touch and she was really mad - she said everyone in your family can play the piano. So I don’t say that anymore.

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MARC ALMOND

“So, yes I suppose I do come from a musical family - I just didn’t take that in. “The most important thing to me when I was growing up was that there was a piano in the house. “I fell in love with the piano when I heard my uncle play - the chaos became ordered. I had a really nice teacher at school who taught me the theory of music.” At the age of 15, Jools was introduced to Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford; together they formed Squeeze. “It was his complete fascination with music that made him the huge star he is today. “I had a complete obsession with music - I didn’t know it was going to be my career though - I just knew it was something I loved to do. I was obsessed with The Beatles when I was growing up,” he says. “The first record I bought was by Stevie Wonder.” ‘Nobody has a big Jools admits that band like we do - we as a child he knew he liked music but have some of the he didn’t know greatest players in what it was he was listening to. the band. There is a “When you’re lot of joy and energy a child you don’t work out that one - it’s unstoppable’ song may be from the –JOOLS HOLAND 1930s, or the 1950s, you just listen to the music.” His television career has spanned from The Tube in the 1980s to presenting the well-known and much loved Later With Jools Holland and his annual New Year’s Eve show Hootenanny. He struggles to admit who his favourite guest would be: “That would be hard to say - it’s like saying who is your favourite child. B.B.King was amazing - he came on and performed with my big band.” The BBC Two show is refreshing, it appeals to a number of audiences with a number of different music tastes and stands out as the go-to place for new music. Jools has been able to mix his passion for performing live and presenting for more than two decades. He says: “The great thing about playing live when you’re on TV is you don’t think about it one bit - when you play live you feel it. “You’re much more in the moment living the music and seeing the affect you are having on the audience. You feel the energy. “They’re feeling the same way about what I’m playing, as I am about playing it.”

Lenkiewicz mural comes home A LOST LENKIEWICZ PAINTING IS NOW BEING PROUDLY DISPLAYED AT DEVONPORT GUILDHALL. RACHAEL DODD TAKES A CLOSER LOOK There’s a low rumble of excitement at Devonport Guildhall as a wholly unremarkable van pulls up outside. You’d never guess that it was carrying such precious cargo – a Lenkiewicz painting with an estimated worth in the tens of thousands. Up until a few years ago this work of art had been languishing in the lower levels of the Plymouth Guildhall, where it had spent the last three decades. The Lenkiewicz Foundation, based in Plymouth, were able to retrieve the painting and took it to Germany for the first international Lenkiewicz exhibition. Francis Mallett, Chairman of the Lenkiewicz Foundation, explained how the mural came to be at Devonport Guildhall: “We’d been looking for a suitable venue to hang the painting and Devonport Guildhall seemed like the perfect location. “It was commissioned as a painting about the buildings and architecture of Plymouth and we have the Foulston connection here. Foulston’s Devonport Column is in the painting, too, and also it’s a civic picture which fits with the Guildhall.” It seems fitting that what is first revealed, as the covering is carefully removed from the painting, is the figure of John Foulston. Foulston was the architect responsible for designing the Devonport Guildhall as well as the Devonport Column and the nearby Odd Fellows Hall. The painting, titled Plymouth Building its Future, pays tribute to the architects, engineers and famous architectural landmarks of the city of Plymouth. Isambard Kingdom Brunel built the Royal Albert Bridge over the Tamar in 1859; Sir Patrick Abercrombie was the town planner and co-author of the Plan for Plymouth of 1943 which remodelled the bombdamaged city centre; and the remarkable but unsung J. Paton Watson, Plymouth City

Engineer and Surveyor designed much of the modern city centre. In the background are many of the city’s landmark buildings, including: the Citadel Gates, Civic Centre, Smeaton’s Tower, the Hoe’s Sir Francis Drake statue and the Cenotaph, Derry’s Clock Tower, the Virgin and Child statue at the Guildhall, and Foulston’s Devonport Column. To the right are a cast of characters familiar from many of Lenkiewicz’s paintings of vagrants. The group includes: Diogenes (Edwin Mackenzie), Dave Helingoe, Wee Jock, Eugene, Bill, Cockney Jim, and The Bishop (Albert Fisher). Lenkiewicz himself appears in the foreground beside model Myriam Romig. Robert Lenkiewicz was commissioned to create the painting by property agency Wings in 1977. It was displayed at their premises on Union Street but when the agency closed the owner struggled to find a suitable place to hang the 16ft wide canvas. It was loaned to the Plymouth City Museum who hung the painting in the Guildhall’s lower levels. Francis explained that although now regarded as one of the greatest painters in the South West, Lenkiewicz was viewed as a dangerous maverick in his time: “Lenkiewicz had very little support within the hierarchy of the cultural organisations or the council. They saw him as an eccentric and it only later dawned on them they had a serious artist on their hands. But his work, and some of the things he did, just didn’t sit happily with the bureaucratic and conventional – he was always upsetting somebody, not necessarily intentionally.” THE PAINTING IS AVAILABLE TO VIEW AT DEVONPORT GUILDHALL UNTIL WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 24.

PL MAGAZINE | 77 | DECEMBER 2014

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SOCIAL DIARY

Austin Walker, Marcia Beresford and Peter

Rose Dennis and Charlotte Phillips

Richards

tin el Spiers), Mar ctor of Micha d ire an (D r) rs do ie Tu Sp ager Adam egional Man hael Spiers) Robertshaw (R ic M of or ct (Dire Michael Cox

Michael Spiers launches Tudor watch range Michael Spiers has become the South West’s only official agent for high-end watch maker Tudor. Company director Adam Spiers said: “This launch is one of the biggest we have had at Michael Spiers and the most important watch launch for the Swiss watch industry in a very long time.” PICTURES BY MATT GILLEY

ece Terry and Linda Pre

Mel Lewis and Finley Shewbrook

Vanessa Wal ker, David Pa rlby, Rebecca Parlb y and Guy W alker

Nick Jewell, Chris Jewell, Bianca Parker and Garry Parker

Ocean BM W Launc h The Thea

Vanessa Walker, Guy Walker and Viv Yandell

tre Roya has been offic l Plymouth’s Friends and M embers Room ially launched as The Ocean generous supp Lounge thanks ort from Oce to an The receptio BMW Plymou n room, on th e second floor th. used by Friend of the theatre s of the Thea , is tre, Corpora their guests. O te Members an cean BMW ha d s supported th Plymouth since e Theatre Ro 1998. As well yal as The Ocean latest five-ye Lounge, this ar partnership also includes auditorium do the sponsorshi or 12. p of PICTURES BY CLAIRE TREG ASKIS Elaine Francis Drake,

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Adrian Vinken (T heatre Royal Ply mouth) with Graham De Val (Ocean BM W)

Goddard and

Nick Holman

24/11/2014 16:05:40

n Bolman, ina Channing, Damie Sian Crookes, Christ Bibiloni from HLM ia rec Luc and ke Katie Wa

Ajay Sharma (Associate Director Plymouth), Chris Liddle (Chairman) Nick Beecroft (Director), Caroline Buckingham (Director), Jeremiah The Bear (Jermiah’s Journey), Karen Mosley (Director), John Clarke (Director), Mark Staniland (Director), and Richard O’Neil (Director)

HLM 5th An iversary:

tone360), Trevor rvyn Orchard (Blues Kay Allen (HLM), Me nagement Ltd) Ma rty pe Pro e UK & Residence 1 urc So t (Ar (The Herald) ell s de rsw Ho and Thomas Rho es Sandra and Lee Jon

Ian Ettridge (Norman Rourke Pryme Ltd), Sim on Angilley (Angilley/ Property), John Richar Cole ds and Ajay Sharma (HLM)

Award-winning architects, HLM celebrated the group’s 50th, and the Plymouth office’s 5th anniversary, in style. Member s of the HLM Board joine d Ajay Sharma, Director of the Plymouth office based in Mills Bakery and his tea m to jointly celeb rate this milestone bir thday

One Royal William Yard), Maria Hewitt (Residence riors), Carla Wilkinson Inte h rnis Cathryn Bishop (Co Williams (Michelmores LLP) ce (Morgan Sindall) and Gra

Law Society Dinner ty of gowns There were no wigs but plen members ing lead 200 n whe in evidence ion and their of Plymouth’s legal profess city’s annual special guests attended the er. Dinn iety Soc Law event enjoyed The guests at the black-tie bay’s Duke of a three-course meal at Mill Cornwall Hotel.

Emma Houghton, James Walsh and Emma

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Tony Mallett, Vanessa Wa lker, Chris Jenkins of Plymouth Tamar Science Park, Nina Sarlaka of City College, Guy Walker of Nas h & Co

Plymouth Law Society President Rob Howard (centre) with top-table guests

Oakley, all from Wolferstans

nce Institute Plymouth Insura Vice-President of , President, de Sla rk Ma Steve Aspinall, th wi d Cornwall (left) (PAPPA) an n uth tio mo cia so Ply r As fo ls perty Professiona Pro ea Ar uth Plymo

The Woollcombe Yonge team

24/11/2014 16:06:17

TIC KE T

TOP

OUT & ABOUT

EVENTS NOT TO MISS THIS MONTH IN PLYMOUTH

DECEMBER 3 - 22

What the Dickens?

DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 6

Bombay Bicycle Club at Plymouth Pavilions

An Edwardian Christmas

In 2009 Bombay Bicycle Club released their debut album I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose. They’ve been impressing listeners and critics alike ever since. Now on their fourth album the boys from London’s Crouch End, barely into their twenties, have grown and evolved. Their new tour promises bigger hits and bigger sounds than ever.

The Edwardian theme of this rousing concert, including choral music by Vaughan Williams and Elgar and carols such as Angels from the Realms of Glory and Once in Royal David’s City, was chosen in response to the World War One anniversary. A new work, O Magnum Mysterium, has been specially commissioned and composed in the style of the time. It will be performed by the University of Plymouth Choral Society at the Minster Church of St Andrew on Royal Parade from 7.30pm.

DECEMBER 7

DECEMBER 17 - 20

Santa Fun Run

Christmas at Royal William Yard

Christmas Nativity

Comedy troupe Gonzo Moose present a story of the young Charles Dickens - a rookie reporter on The Morning Chronicle. Whilst investigating the foggy slums of Ye Olde London Towne, he stumbles on a story that could make his reputation. Three actors play more than 20 roles in 80 minutes of fast-paced fun and thrilling action. You can catch Gonzo Moose’s production at The Drum.

It’s not every day that you get to see 600 santas running through Plymouth. The annual Santa Fun Run is returning, organised by the Rotary Club of Saltram. Money raised by the runners will go towards the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust and Cancer Research UK. The route follows the city centre on a circular route from Cornwall Street to Royal Parade, setting off at 11am.

The Royal William Yard is celebrating Christmas in style. A farmers’ market and festive stalls will surround a Darwin-themed Christmas tree on The Green from 10am to 3pm. The Christmas market will feature food and drink as well as craft stalls from Cornwall and Devon. There’ll be fun for all the family - try the Darwin trail and pick up some perfect locally-sourced Christmas gifts.

A children’s nativity play is a long-standing Christmas tradition. Children from local primary schools and church groups across Plymouth will be bringing their nativity plays into the city centre. Watch them perform in the afternoons under the Big Screen on the Piazza.

PL MAGAZINE | 80 | DECEMBER 2014

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K9 Meals On Wheels Delivering Simpsons Premium

KEEP WARM THIS

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