West Magazine, December 24 2016 by DCMedia

24.12.16

GOLDEN GIRL Christmas at home with Olympian Jo Pavey

last-minute festive tips

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS: Your perfect black tie event outfit

INSIDE:

Get manor house style

Cover_Dec24.indd 1

20/12/2016 11:59:56

Composite Colour Doors from £845 Fully Fitted

Super Efficient Energy Saving Windows in lots of colours

Buy TODAY with NOTHING to pay until 2018** Just £99 deposit!

British Made

19.9% aPr aPr representative representative 19.9% Terms & Conditions apply Call for full details.

Affordable Tiled Roof Conservatory

Expert help & advice for your home extension

Call FREE on 0800 0933449 Brunel Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 4PB

www.agswindows.co.uk

*Terms and conditions apply. Excludes building work. Based on min £2,000 order value. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. AGS Home Improvements Devon Ltd of Teign Foundry, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4PB (8506501) act as a credit broker and not the lender, and only offers credit products from Hitachi Capital Consumer. Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in Cardiff no. 1630491. Registered office: Hitachi Capital House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP

Untitled-1 1

20/12/2016 11:25:01

‘I don’t deny myself treats. I always eat a healthy balanced diet, but I’ve become more flexible since having my children’ A Christmas chat with the inimitable Jo Pavey, p12

SPACE TO GATHER A home designed for family festivities

WHO’S A GOOD BOY? Winston’s training diaries

[contents[ Inside this week... 6

THE WISHLIST Our pick of the best treats this week

JUST BETWEEN US... Mary Berry’s American dream

GOOD BOY! How the experts train their dogs

ALL THE SHINE Dress like a diva for NYE

PARTY LIKE A PRO Expert advice on drinks and canapes

GOLD, INSIDE AND OUT Jo Pavey at home in Devon

WHEN CAN WE MOVE IN? The home everyone will love

JUST ASK GRACIE Our style guru solves your problems

YOU GLOW GIRL Shimmer your way into 2017

BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

CHINK CHINK! Crimbo Sherry gets a makeover

HO HO HO Father Christmas raises a glass

...NOT EVEN A MOUSE How to get calm, all through the house

SECRET WESTCOUNTRY Where to go and what to do

SECRET RETREATS Where the locals unwind

ON THE RISE

Mary Berry on American screens 3

Contents_Dec24.indd 3

20/12/2016 12:08:52

PINK LADY APPLE AND MINCE PIES Ball, author of Recipe: Carol Bowen Cookbook Esse’s The Four Seasons

Ingredients:

50g cold butter, diced ced 50g lard or solid vegetable oil, di 175g plain flour 2 tbsp icing sugar 1 egg yolk 4 tbsp cold water Filling: 200g mincemeat cored and finely 1 Pink Lady apple,

in an airtight keep in the refrigerator Baked mince pies will in the oven for days. Ideally warm container for up to three serving. 5-8 minutes before

necessary to 200 C/ Preheat the oven if . (Aim Fan 180 C/Esse Dial Guide HOT iddle for the dial reading to be in the m of HOT).

lard (or solid veg ut the butter and P long etable oil) into a food processor a lk and with the flour, icing sugar, egg yoe binds water and pulse until the mixtur fingertogether. Alternatively, use yourghtly tips to rub the butter and lard li r, until through the flour and icing suga bs, the mixture resembles breadcrum ent then add the egg yolk and suffici water to bind together.

chopped 25g dried cranberries icing sugar, to dust The Rangemoors Hearth

Carol’s top tip

Method:

mince pies Carol says: Shop bought as home made! rarely taste as good

& Cook showroom

at Marsh Barton, Exeter,

supplies the full range

3 . 4. 5.

That’s it, it’s time!

ured Turn the pastry onto a lightly flo out surface, knead to a ball then roll cm and stamp out 12 circles with a 7 and cutter. Line a bun tin with these pastry chill for 30 minutes. Reserve the trimmings. with Meanwhile, mix the mincemeat oon the apple and cranberries and sp12 into the pastry cases. Stamp out and stars from the pastry trimmings e. each pastry cas place one on top of tly Bake for 15-20 minutes until ligh d golden. Serve warm or cold duste with icing sugar.

05/12/2016 15:45:06

Recipe_Dec10.indd

ooray - it’s Christmas Eve! I hope you’ve got everything organised and all you need to do now is put your feet up by the fire and settle down with this copy of West to get thoroughly in the festive mood. We’ve certainly got some good stuff in this magazine. First up, our writer Fran McElhone spent the day with east Devon athlete Jo Pavey (p16), who told her all about competing in five (five!) Olympics and being a top athlete at the age of 43. She also manages to fit in being a hands-on mum of two children, and has - she reveals - not ruled out another baby, nor another Olympics. She really is a

ook.com of Esse stoves: www.hearthandc

GOING THE DISTANCE

Jo Pavey reflects at home

[ welcome [

Cook

of the week

@hearthandcook If you’re searching for a Christmassy recipe why not try this @ESSE1854 treat in the latest @WMNWest magazine why not give it a go!

[

credit to our region - and to Team GB. Elsewhere in the magazine, we’ve got a fun piece from Charlotte Dear, who took her adorable (but squirrel-chasing) puppy Winston off for a day of intensive training from an expert in north Devon. Find out how it went on page 12 today. If you have little ones at home for Christmas - your own or your grandchildren - we have some superb advice on how to get them off to bed in good time tonight on page 42. Then all you have to do is await a visit from Santa. Our beer writer Darren Norbury recalls a remarkable encounter with the man himself one December 24 (p38),which is well worth a read. Happy Christmas!

[

She has - she reveals - not ruled out another baby, nor another Olympics

TO ADVERTISE: Contact Cathy Long: 01752 293017 or 07557 576668, clong@dc-media.co.uk

Becky Sheaves, Editor

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

COVER IMAGE: Steve Haywood

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Phil Goodwin

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Gillian Molesworth

Cathy Long

EdsLetter_1thing_Dec24.indd 4

15/12/2016 13:27:54

If you do one thing this week... Luscombe Drinks are based near Buckfastleigh in south Devon and make great tasting tipples using only the best ingredients. Their range includes soft drinks, juices, crushes, ginger beers, bubblies and cider. If you’re looking for a delicious nonalcoholic alternative to champagne this party season, Luscombe’s Damascene Rose Bubbly is made with muscat grape juice, rose water and Sicilian lemons, plus sparkling spring water. It’s perfect for Christmas and New Year toasts – cheers! £2.20 a bottle, and you can buy online from www.riverford.co.uk.

Win

We have a case of 24 Luscombe Drinks to win, worth £50, containing Damascene Rose Bubbly, Cranberry Crush, Apple Juice with Ginger, Hot Ginger Beer, Sicilian Lemonade and Apple & Apricot Juice. To enter, simply tell us where Luscombe Drinks are based.. Send your answers, along with your name, address, phone and email to Luscombe Drinks competition, westmag@ westernmorningnews.co.uk to arrive by January 6. Alternatively, you can post your entry to: Luscombe Drinks Competition, West magazine, Queen’s House, Little Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3LJ. Normal terms apply, West will not share your details.

EdsLetter_1thing_Dec24.indd 5

15/12/2016 13:28:29

FURRY Animal print slippers

Blue fishbone rug

£45 Topshop

£35 National Trust

GOLDEN Multi-loop ring £25 Jaeger

the

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

Jola dress £65 White Stuff

Gold patterned drinking glasses (set of two) £30 Houseology 6

Wishlist_Dec24.indd 6

15/12/2016 13:33:08

Wishlist NATURAL Czech It Out necklace £19.95 White Stuff

Twiggy cosmetic bag £12.50 Marks & Spencer

Eichholtz Holmes floor lamp £1095 Sweetpea & Willow

Eichholtz Trapezium chair £1,100 Houseology

Wishlist_Dec24.indd 7

15/12/2016 13:33:43

talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life... Christmas traditions, old and new n Australia, it’s hot at Christmas, because it’s the middle of summer. In many countries, gifts aren’t exchanged until January 6, King’s Day, when the magi found the baby Jesus. In France on St Nicholas’ day, children put out shoes to be filled, not stockings. In Holland, you accompany a gift with a poem. place it just right in order for him In Cornwall, they used to dance to get precisely into his bed. around baskets of sand with Our wall ornament was an oil brightly coloured candles in it, painting called “A Procession of and sing special carols. the Blessed”. In the centre stood So many different traditions, Father Christmas with his arms and of course families build their spread open wide, cloak draping own, too. down. Before the I remember cloak paraded a varias a child sitting ety of small children I don’t know on my father’s from around the why, out of all lap and listenworld, toting olding to him read fashioned toys. the Christmas The Night Before The painting was books, Santa Christmas, and big and heavy, and also a book we every year it was Mouse made had called Santa a palaver to hang. the cut. But it Mouse. I don’t Two stronger family did, and we read know why, out of members would all the Christmas stand with shakit every year books, Santa ing arms while a Mouse made the third fiddled around cut. But it did, behind the painting and we read it every year. with a torch, trying to get the wire I also have very vivid memories on the hook. The mantelpiece was of the stuff that came out of the always in the way. Christmas storage boxes. For The painting was a work of instance, we had a china music art: the china box and the sprung box shaped like a Christmas tree, mouse were just bits of – dare I which played “O Christmas tree.” say – seasonal junk that you could The sound was different if you left buy anywhere. Yet they were all the box on the table, than it did made equally special with that when you put it back on its china rosy glow of childhood memory. base. It was filled with Hershey’s Take a minute to remember the Kisses and I had to ration myself holiday artefacts from your own or my mum would notice that the childhood, and tell your family level was going down too fast. about them. And younger generaWe also had a little wooden tion, take an interest. Sometimes, mouse in a Santa hat (from Santa our traditions play out through our Mouse no doubt) that jiggled stuff, and it’s a wonderful thing. down a long pole on a spring, into Happy Christmas to you his bed at the base. You had to and yours.

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

IN THE

pink

Kate Hudson showed off her impressive figure when she arrived at the London premiere of Kung Fu Panda 3 in London’s Leicester Square earlier this year. The gorgeous silk organza gown by J.Mendel is delicately pleated with a plunging neckline and floor length skirt. Paired with drop earrings, dark lipstick and nails to match, she couldn’t look more striking. Kate’s pricey dress is probably out of reach for most of us, but you can get a similar look by trying one of our High Street versions instead.

Nude pink silk chiffon gown £4,825 J.Mendel

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION A Pink V-neck maxi dress £69 Miss Selfridge

OPTION B Pastel

Maxi dress £170 Debenhams

Moley_Gossip_Dec24.indd 8

15/12/2016 13:48:42

24.12.16

CHRISTMAS ARRIVALS We’ll be seeing Jenny Agutter on our screens on Christmas Day in Call The Midwife but the 64-year-old admits she’d be hopeless as a real midwife: “If someone next to me on a plane or a bus started to go into labour, I’d be useless!” she laughs. “I’d ask them to hang on for the experts. I think I’d be able to keep them calm, and get them to do some breathing, but that’s it.” Christmas is a special day for Jenny, who lives near Helston in Cornwall, as she gave birth to her son Jonathan on December 25 . “My due date was actually on the 28th of January,” she recounts, “but I woke up on Christmas Day feeling a bit uncomfortable. We’d gone to a midnight carol service the night before,

and I was crying all the way through, which should have been a sign that my hormones were going wild. But I called my obstetrician, who asked if I was in labour. I told him I had no idea as I’d never done it before.” Jenny ended up spending the whole day in hospital while the obstetrician popped in and out to check up on her. “I think he must have lived quite close by,” she remembers, “He’d come in and ask how I was, then say he was off to carve his turkey! Eventually Jonathan joined us before midnight.”

[[ ‘You can’t keep me away from baking on telly’

MARY’S AMERICAN SHOW Mary Berry’s been busy, filming an American version of The Great British Bake Off called The Great American Baking Show. In it, Mary – who has a home in Salcombe, south Devon - is a judge alongside American pastry chef Johnny Luzzini. It is America’s second attempt at adapting Bake Off - a previous incarnation, The American Baking Competition, with Paul Hollywood as a judge - was cancelled by one

series in 2013, due to poor ratings. While The Great American Baking Show features all American contestants, it is actually filmed in the UK, in the very same tent featured in in the UK version. Our British Bake-Off, with Mary, will be also on BBC One with two festive specials, airing on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. We can’t wait! And after that, maybe we’ll watch the US version on catch-up.

Just

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

MIRANDA ‘NOT FUNNY’ SPAT Torquay-born Miranda Hart is “not funny”, according Jim Davidson. The veteran comedian has sparked a storm by saying he doesn’t think Miranda would make a good host of The Generation Game, the hit show he fronted back in the Nineties. “I don’t think Miranda would be right [to host The Generation Game],” he said, before adding that “she’s not funny”. “I didn’t like her show. You need someone who’s in your face and will do more than read the autocue and is fast at ad-libbing. Miranda’s not like that. She’s not a Bruce Forsyth or a me.” Oh well. Plans for a new Generation Game show are “very much on hold”, says the BBC’s channel controller Charlotte Moore, as of last summer. Twitter fans have had their revenge on Jim, though – with one saying: “In fairness, my cat is funnier than Jim Davidson.” “Come on guys, give him a break! If anyone knows ‘not funny’ it’s Jim,” said another. 9

Moley_Gossip_Dec24.indd 9

15/12/2016 13:49:18

All together: There was a Santa fun run in Plymouth

Holy family: Oliver and Daphne of St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School in Plymouth starred in their nativity play

in pictures Stunning: Amy Shellis took this beautiful midwinter sunset picture just outside Fowey

Wrapped up: Tiger cub Lucu got a gift-wrapped Christmas lunch at Paignton Zoo

Quiz_History_Dec24.indd 10

15/12/2016 13:57:43

talking points A HISTORY

of the

WEST in

100

objects 24: PUZZLE JUG

The best way to:

Found in Exeter, made in about AD 1300

SPEND BOXING DAY Suzanne Barrett rounds up some fun ways to enjoy a day out after Christmas • Boxing Day barbecue: Clovelly, the idyllic town on the coast of north Devon, is hosting a Boxing Day barbecue on the quay. There will be live music, mulled wine and a treasure hunt alongside a delicious barbecue between 12pm and 3pm. Entrance into the village will be free, offering you a chance to visit the estate and enjoy the crisp air. The perfect follow-up to your Christmas Day - visit www.clovelly.co.uk for more information. • Charlestown’s charity dip: Charlestown, near St Austell, is famous for its annual Boxing Day Dip. The Charlestown Rowing Club has donated more than £25,000 to local charities since starting the event in 1991. If you, your family and friends think you can hold your breath and brave the icy Christmas water for a good cause, visit www.charlestownrowingclub. org for updates on the event. • Three-legged racing: A legendary annual three-legged race takes place every year on December 26 around the village of Shaldon, near Teignmouth. All you need to do is don fancy dress and find a partner. Failing that, just come along and watch the spectacle. Participants will be racing around the village, being served a half pint at each stop (soft drinks for the kids!) Starting at 12pm, there’s a small charge for over 16s. Register online at www. shaldonwatercarnival.co.uk to join in the fun. • It’s panto time: Hall for Cornwall is showing a production of Jack and the Beanstalk for families to enjoy at 2pm and 7pm on Boxing Day. Ticket prices range from £15 to £28, or a family of four can attend for £58. Enjoy this Christmas adventure starring Cornwall’s very own stand-up comedian Kernow King. To book your tickets, visit www.hallforcornwall.org.uk

Julien Parsons is the Senior Collections Officer, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. He says: For many centuries our Yuletide festivities have combined Christian devotion with popular merriment. And so this medieval masterpiece in clay seemed a fitting choice for Christmas. Let me explain. Fragments of an elaborate ceramic jug were found in South Street, Exeter, in 1899. From its brightly painted decoration and pale body colour it was recognised as an import from the Saintonge region of western France. After restoration work at the British Museum in the 1930s its true splendour was revealed. The jug’s ‘puzzle’ comes from its neck, modelled in the form of a tower, and a hollow handle. When liquid – most likely wine – flowed into the jug it passed from an upper chamber down the handle and into a reservoir at the bottom. When tipped, the wine poured out of the animal-headed spout. On closer inspection, the tower turns out to be a rather bawdy scene poking fun at the clergy. Just

visible inside the tower are two figures, unclothed apart from mitres and croziers. Young ladies lean out from ornate windows while musicians serenade from below. The Exeter puzzle jug was not an everyday object. I suspect it was used to impress and amuse guests on grand occasions, perhaps for serving wine at a Christmas feast – although it would have been wise to check the bishop wasn’t on the guest list.

#24

On display in Gallery 3, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter.

This medieval jug pokes fun at the clergy

Competition winners: Congratulations to Liz Hellier of St Austell, Stephen Buckley of Braunton and Janet Brown of Exeter who win family visits to the National Trust’s Killerton House, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Quiz_History_Dec24.indd 11

15/12/2016 13:58:20

People

Doggie_Dec24.indd 12

15/12/2016 14:08:00

All thAt I wAnt for ChrIstmAs... ...is a well-behaved puppy! Charlotte Dear and winston the labrador set off for a field in Devon, in search of some dog-training advice inston, my fox red Labrador is four months old. For his age, I thought I was doing pretty well. He is completely house trained, happy to be popped in his puppy crate every so often, sits on request – doubly as quick when there’s a promise of food – and even waits patiently for said food until I give him the nod. Impressive? I thought so. I have also started some outdoor ‘heel’ training with him, which he would do beautifully… provided there were treats involved and it was just the two of us and not another person, dog, squirrel or bird in sight. In these cases – nine times out of ten – all rules and obedience go out of the window. But I know these things take time and perseverance and that we’ll get there, eventually. Having grown up with golden retrievers, I had opted for a slightly smaller breed for the first dog of my very own and, as Winston belongs to the slighter, more athletic variety of Labs, I’m hoping he won’t grow into a huge lummox of a dog like my parents’ clumsy but totally loveable and loyal retriever Spud, come adulthood. My boyfriend and I live on a farm and the hope is that Winston will eventually become a working gundog, sitting patiently on a peg before dashing to collect a bird and dutifully returning it to its master intact. A skill that is, at least in theory, in his blood. So I know that I have a dog who wants

pictures: Steve Haywood

Doggie_Dec24.indd 13

15/12/2016 14:08:18

to learn, is built for purpose and should have a fair amount going on between the ears. So now it’s now down to me, the owner, to do my job properly. No pressure then. Despite having read my trusty Labrador handbook from cover to cover, I feel in need of a little guidance and reassurance, just to ensure that I’m on the right tracks with my training. So on a particularly chilly day in midwinter, I find myself in the middle of a field near Winkleigh in Devon with Steve Kimberley, a professional gundog trainer with more than 20 years’ experience, and his wife Coshy, who together form Kimberley Gundogs. With three beautifully trained German shorthaired pointers of their own, the pair run intensive one-to-one training courses, during which owners are taught how to build successful relationships with their dogs through a positive approach, before tucking into Cordon Bleu-qualified Coshy’s delicious refreshments. Having trained his own spaniels and Labradors, Steve also ran in the 2013 and 2016 Field Trial Championships with his pointers and his courses are open to all competences from beginner through to advanced and even competition level. There is seemingly

no limit to his expertise. To kick things off, Steve asked me to demonstrate the training Winston and I had already achieved. I duly went about my sit, stay and come routine with only a few interruptions of jumping up and running in the opposite direction in the process. So far, so good. “I’ll ask you the question I ask all my clients before we start: what do you want to achieve from this session?” says Steve. Well, an impeccably trained dog, of course. But I’ll settle for one who will walk to heel and retrieve when asked. For the heel routine, Steve had created a lane by running a length of fence alongside a hedgerow. “By walking alongside a fence, he will only be able to pull ahead and to one side, rather than every which way.” Clever. While explaining this, Steve took Winston by the lead and demonstrated the exercise. Just as a child behaves like a little angel the moment any other adult asks them to do something, Steve’s air of authority seemed to make Winston immediately sit up, listen and wait patiently for his orders – so unfair. Next it was my turn to take the lead and guide Winston along

‘So what do you want to achieve from this session?’ says Steve. Well, an impeccably trained dog, of course

Doggie_Dec24.indd 14

15/12/2016 14:08:45

People

the length of the fence with him on my right (I’m left-handed, so right-handers should always have their dogs on their left). Of course, Winston immediately forgot about the piece of rope slung around his neck and tried his utmost to dart ahead but, following Steve’s calm instructions, I gave him a short, sharp pull backwards to the sound of “Winston, heel” and carried on. It took a few attempts but before long I had a lovely slack lead and a little face staring up at mine as we walked – butter wouldn’t melt! Next, it was time to work on his retrieve. “As Winston is a Labrador, retrieval is his thing,” Steve explains. “While spaniels are more prone to zigzagging while on the scent, Labradors tend to take the straight line and are therefore natural retrievers.” Whether Winston actually makes it to working Lab status is still in question – he might yet be gun-shy – but retrieving is still a valuable skill for him, and all Labs, to master, as an exercise that is both physical and mental. Because of his young age and the mounting levels of excitement, the key piece of advice I gleaned during this exercise was not to take the dummy from Winston as soon as he brought it back to me and instead to let him have his moment, make a fuss of him and tell him how clever he is before taking it away, in exchange for a treat if necessary. Otherwise, it wouldn’t take long for him to decide that actually it’s a much better idea to just take off with the dummy rather than running the risk of losing it all too quickly. One thing I’ve always loved about dogs is their expression of pure head-held-high pride having obtained something exciting, usually closely followed by a look of sheer naughtiness when they realise that it perhaps doesn’t belong in their mouths. This little scenario did play out a fair few times during this exercise but eventually – with that unmistakable rustle of the treat bag from my pocket – Winston did as he was told. After an hour, both Winston’s attention (and mine) was flagging but I was left feeling optimistic about our future training and confident that I am now using the right techniques. From this experience, I have learnt that the two fundamental factors for any new dog owner to remember are continuity and simplicity. Once you’ve decided on your different commands - “sit, stay, wait, fetch, heel” - make sure you stick with them. Dogs understand words better than we realise. Secondly, and perhaps more crucially, don’t be tempted to skip the baby steps that must be mastered before moving onto complex commands. Just like us, dogs need repetition and steady progress so start simple, build up slowly and your dog will get there in time. Here’s hoping Winston isn’t an exception to this rule or I’ll be first on the list for Kimberley Gundogs’ spring courses! A two-day course with Kimberley Gundogs costs £150, visit www.kimberleygundogs.com or call 01837 682672 for details 15

Doggie_Dec24.indd 15

15/12/2016 14:09:05

Interview

[

JO PavEy

Devon’s golden girl

[

When Jo Pavey sprinted down the home straight at Rio 2016, she became the only track athlete ever to have competed in five Olympics. Here, the East Devon mother-of-two tells Fran McElhone that she is not ruling out a sixth...

o Pavey offers me a chocolate chip cookie with my coffee. So this answers one thing; “I don’t deny myself treats,” she says. “Or a glass of wine. I like a drink, and to let my hair down - just not so much during training! I always eat a healthy, balanced diet but I’ve become more flexible since having my children.” Evidence of Jacob, seven, and Emily, three, is all around Jo’s east Devon home, where she now lives, just a few miles away from where she grew up as a child. When I arrive, Jo and her husband Gavin, who is also her coach, physio and childhood sweetheart, are discussing the logistics of him collecting their children’s guinea pigs from her mum who lives nearby, and the big Christmas shop. Now 43, Jo has made the record books by becoming the only track athlete of all time to compete in five Olympic Games. Over 16 years, from Sydney 2000 to Rio 2016, she’s represented Great Britain in the 5,000m and 10,000m. Her endurance prowess is not just in miles but in years. Her most recent achievements include winning gold in the 10,000 metres at the 2014 European Championships, just ten months after giving birth to Emily. Then there was her bronze in the 5,000m at 2014 Commonwealth Games and a fourth place in the 2007 World Championships.

She is also revered for being the oldest European champion in history. And, as a soon discover, she is also an utterly lovely, self-effacing – “I don’t consider myself any better than anyone else,” she assures me – and very busy mum. Just one who is not ruling out running in another Olympics, or having a third child. If these credentials don’t make her a supermum and national treasure, I don’t know what does. Jo has been taking it easy since Rio, opting to sit out the autumn road race series. Jo’s race, the women’s 10,000 metres, kicked off the track races at Rio 2016. It was an astounding spectacle, not just because of the sheer number of competitors on the line up (37), but because of the speed at which Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana took the gold, lapping Jo (and others) and obliterating the previous world record set by Chinese runner Wang Junxia 13 years before, by a staggering 14 seconds. Jo’s performance was solid and gritty she came 15th, impressively beating her two GB

team mates Jess Andrews and Beth Potter, both almost 20 years her junior. “That race was absolutely crazy,” she says, reaching for another cookie. “There were so many of us on the line up and then for the Chinese world record, which no one had any confidence in anyway, to be broken, left you feeling like, what have we just seen here? It was so fast and there were so many of us that even the officials didn’t know what lap competitors were on. I’d managed to keep track of things so knew where I was.” Due to safety concerns including the threat of Zika Virus and massive crowds, Gavin and the children didn’t go out to Rio to see Jo race but watched her from their living room. “I was worried about their safety generally,” she admits. “I’ve always taken the kids everywhere and you’d normally have your coach go to a big event like this, but we decided it was more important that they were well and happy.” The issue of doping hung over this year’s

‘I like a drink and to let my hair down,

just not during training!’

JoPavey_Dec24.indd 16

15/12/2016 14:14:58

photography: Steve Haywood

JoPavey_Dec24.indd 17

15/12/2016 14:15:28

Interview

JoPavey_Dec24.indd 18

15/12/2016 14:22:21

games after Russian athletes were banned from taking part, following the country’s state-sponsored doping scandal. Clean competition is something Jo feels very strongly about. “The issue of doping is a big frustration, and my career has effectively been ruined by doping in the sport. In 2006, at the height of my career, I came fourth in the European Championships and all the medallists in that race have since been banned because of doping.” As a result, Jo lost out on sponsorship and appearance deals that could potentially have had a hugely beneficial effect on her career path. She’s still waiting to find out if she’ll be awarded a bronze medal in restrospect for the 2007 World Championships. British Anti-Doping Agency representatives come to Jo’s house regularly (including the time she returned to her house laden with fish and chips for the family to find one waiting for her), and she has to submit information about her daily whereabouts and overnight accommodation plans. “It’s good that they’re trying to protect the future of sport, but this doesn’t change that past,” she continues. “Over the years, after events where suspicions have been raised, I’ve had to constantly say to the media and to family and friends that maybe I wasn’t at my best. When actually it should have been a day to celebrate, for myself and my country, and thank everyone who helped me get there.” In person, Jo bounds around and is as spritely as you’d imagine an elite athlete to be. But there’s understandable hype over her age - the average athlete retires in their early thirties, and Jo, by her own admission is “really, really old” to still be ranking so high in her sport. But she’s never seen it as a barrier. “One thing about getting older is what experience can give you. I’ve learnt a lot about what training works, for example,” she says. “But I’m under no illusions that it’s probably a disadvantage to be 43, and my personal bests are probably behind me. But I still go down to the track and try to hit my targets. I still have goals, and the big thing is that I enjoy it.” Jo grew up in the small village of Feniton, went to school at the King’s School in Ottery St Mary,

‘I certainly never thought I’d be running my fifth

Olympics this year’

JoPavey_Dec24.indd 19

15/12/2016 14:23:08

Interview

and was a member of Exeter Harriers, where she met Gavin. Her career saw Jo and Gavin living in west London for a while, but now she’s back in east Devon, she says she wants her children to grow up here. How she has managed to juggle being one of Britain’s top athletes and one of the world’s most enduring athletes, while being a full-time mum is documented in her autobiography This Mum Runs, published this year. Indeed, our interview stops and starts as we go off on tangents about juggling work and busy toddlers, and striking that balance. Remarkably, Jo ran up to three weeks before giving birth, though she said she took “loads of precautions - I could bore you with the list if you like?” she laughs. They included wearing a heart rate monitor to make sure her heart rate didn’t go above 140bpm. “I had no idea with my first

pregnancy how long I’d be able to keep running for, or if my bump would bounce up and down, but it felt very natural and just like your organs don’t bounce around, nor does your bump! “When I decided to become a mum, I didn’t know if it would mean the end of my career,” she adds. “Both times, I had no plans, I just really wanted to enjoy being a mum. It’s such a special time, I didn’t want to be stressing about my fitness levels. “But finding that happy balance in my personal life gave me a renewed motivation. “We all go out together - Gav will go out on his bike with Emily on the back, and Jacob will go on his bike. Jacob will cycle eight or nine miles happily - and be in front of me! Or we’ll all go up the track together. We’re lucky to have done all the childcare ourselves.” Jo invested in a treadmill and has been known to run on that when the children are asleep. “I use the coffee table as a prop for exercises,”

‘I’ll run, Gav will go on

his bike with Emily on

the back and Jacob cycles’

she says gesticulating towards the table in front of us. “Or I’ll be in the kitchen cooking dinner, and I’ll do a few lunges, and then hang the washing out, and do a few more. So I’ll fit it in around my home life. “I’m much more flexible with my training these days and work it around parties and play dates. Having that balance makes me better psychologically and has helped me achieve things I didn’t think were possible.” So is there room for any more babies? “I’m still at the hoarding stage,” she admits. “Gavin and I don’t want to get rid of all the toys and clothes yet until we really make a decision. Children are so much fun and you can’t beat the feeling of holding a newborn in your arms or the excitement of watching them develop.” Long-term, Jo has the World Championships next summer in her sights, maybe Toyko 2020. “I remember when London was announced as the host for the 2012 Olympics,” she says. “I thought, oh that’s a shame I won’t be able to run at the home games, and I certainly never thought I’d been running my fifth Olympics this year. So 2020? I’m not ruling it out.” And if anyone can do it, Jo Pavey can.

JoPavey_Dec24.indd 20

15/12/2016 14:23:40

interiors

events

food

explore 21

Intro_DEC24.indd 21

20/12/2016 12:12:36

Modern manors Owned by the Cornish family which once inspired Poldark, this Georgian manor has undergone a stunning restoration, discovers Kirstie Newton stag’s head, grand fireplaces, a sweeping drive and the satisfying crunch of gravel as you arrive. All the little details of a country home lifestyle could be yours when you stay at Burncoose House, near Ponsanooth. You might recognise the name of Burncoose in Cornwall for its well-known horticultural nurseries. The peaceful manor house and 38-acre estate are tucked behind the nursery and are owned the Williams family, who also own Caerhays Castle on the Roseland peninsula, the other side of nearby Truro. Burncoose is the Cornish home of Londonbased David Williams (younger brother of Charles, custodian of Caerhays) and his family – wife Sara, and their children: three sons and one daughter, aged 15 to 26. It has just undergone a complete refurbishment to its former Georgian

glory, while offering modern living and spacious rooms for every occasion. The Burncoose estate was purchased by the Williams family 300 years ago, in 1715, and has remained in the family’s ownership ever since. Prominent owners of mines in the Cornish industrial revolution, the Williams may well have been in author Winston Graham’s mind when he was writing the Poldark books. Back in the day, the family was in control of a great deal of the employment in the area and has influenced Cornwall for generations. Today, David works with estate agency Savills in London. “We come down to Burncoose for family holidays, such as Christmas, Easter and in the summer, and weekends with friends,” explains Sara during just such a visit. “It’s an absolutely gorgeous home. It heats up very quickly, thanks to the thick walls – we lit

the fires and were soon cosy. This morning, we opened the windows to glorious sunshine and views across the garden. It’s so peaceful, as we’re away from the road and have no neighbours. But a house needs to be lived in, which is why we decided to share it by renting it out for the rest of the year.” Sara works in property management, and was in charge of giving Burncoose the refurbishment it needed to meet the standards of today’s holiday accommodation market. This was no mean feat, she admits: “This is a big house, and the cost of a refurb could be huge – that’s not including necessary work like rewiring. We had to do what we could to keep costs down but without scrimping, of course.” As well as drawing upon her own experience, she had plenty of friends to call upon for expert advice. Jo Peggie, of JJP Interiors, helped to

Interiors_Dec24.indd 22

15/12/2016 14:35:04

Interiors

Interiors_Dec24.indd 23

15/12/2016 14:35:30

Interiors

choose paint, fabrics and wallpapers. Jo’s input was invaluable, says Sara. “As a friend, she understood that we were working to a budget,” says Sara. “To save money, we bought bolts of fabric we thought would work from the Colefax and Fowler trade sale, and then decided where to put them, based on the quantity we had. The curtains alone were a gargantuan task both the sitting room and the master bedroom needed 40 metres of fabric apiece. Sara then used a firm called One World (www.one.world) to supply much of the furniture and fixtures, including vases, light fittings and headboards, working with the interior designer Nicky Cox of Nicky Cox Interiors (www.nickicoxinteriors. houzz.co.uk). “One World made three deliveries, and each one was just like Christmas,” laughs Sara. “It was so exciting, unpacking everything and seeing the house come together.” One challenge of the refurbishment was to freshen up the décor while remaining true to the character of the house. The main ceiling light in the impressive entrance hall was found at an interior design fair in Battersea Park. It appealed for a very special reason: “It came from an Italian castle, and the

deciding factor was the fact that there are grifThere’s a grand mahogany table in the dining fins in the design – there is a griffin on the Wilroom, which was made for the house and has liams family crest,” reveals Sara. been there, by Sara’s estimate, a couple of cen“I found it before we started decorating and I turies. The neutral walls show off the bold wallhad been very worried as the hall light creates mounted antlers and an impressive stag’s head, your first impression as you walk into the house. with gold plaque proclaiming “Strathvaich, But to me, it looks as if it has 1933”. always belonged at Burncoose.” The large kitchen has conPaintings of Caerhays and temporary touches such as an ‘The deciding Burncoose add character to the inbuilt music speaker system rooms and family photos adding and a boiling water tap. Upstairs factor was the that extra homely touch. The there are seven bedrooms, all fact that there living room has an open firewith bathrooms stocked with are griffins in the place as its focus, with the flat products from north Cornwall’s screen TV on a wall bracket so it St Kitts Herbery. All the beds design – there is does not dominate the room too and bed linen were supplied by a griffin on the much. “It’s contemporary withMitre in Merthyr Tydfil. out being flashy – it all feels very In the courtyard, the hot tub Williams family relaxed and homely,” says Sara. is now the main attraction. With crest’ The conservatory brings elea timber cover and decorated ments of the outside in, with with fairy lights, this is a magishrubs planted in beds around cal setting for any evening. An the edges. In the library, there is adjoining table tennis room will quirky red wallpaper, a pattern called Bengale by keep the kids entertained. Manuel Canovas, (£65 for a 10 metre roll) picturThe green-fingered will surely be lured next ing Raj-style images of elephant rides. door to Burncoose Nurseries. Gold winners at the Chelsea Flower Show over many years, a visit to Burncoose offers the opportunity to see award-winning magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons, and moer than 20 types of bamboo. Dogs are very welcome, says Sara. “To be honest, the house was designed with dogs in mind,” says Sara. “We’ve had wonderful weekends with our own dogs, and as most of the downstairs has hard floors, it’s very easy to manage.” Mark Ledgard at Savills Smiths Gore helped to redesign the house layout and oversaw the refurbishment, while the building work was carried out by KPK Builders, a firm which is based at Burncoose nursery and specialises in restoration projects. “All in all, we were very lucky to have had such a great team helping us, and together we have managed to give Burncoose a new lease of life and bring it right up to date,” enthuses Sara. www.burncoosehouse.co.uk

[[

Interiors_Dec24.indd 24

15/12/2016 14:36:02

GET THE

LOOK

Ceramic vase £12 Sainsbury’s

Chandelier £250 Debenhams

Smart ways to give your home the country manor vibe this winter

Silver stag head ornament £9.99 TK Maxx Hand-turned wooden bowls £18, £25 and £35 National Trust

Healey sofa £895 Furniture Village

French iron cafe chair £95 Dotcomgiftshop

Interiors_Dec24.indd 25

15/12/2016 14:36:37

Ask Gracie...

Want to look your best this week? Our styling expert Gracie Stewart of Exeter can help you fulfil your fashion potential in every possible way. All you have to do is ask...

Back to black Q

What should I wear to a black tie event? JN, Falmouth

Katy maxi dress £299 Monsoon

Black tie events are the most formal kind of occasion, usually taking place in the evening, requiring men to weardinner jackets (hence the black tie) and women to don gowns. Today, the terms are looser, and many events will be “black tie optional,” which means you have a bit of lee way, but here are a few tips to ensure you’re the belle of ball. Go long You don’t want to be underdressed for a black tie event, and a long dress instantly catapults you into formalwear.

Satin maxi dress £170 Debenhams

Gracie_Dec24.indd 26

Astrid maxi dress £120 Phase Eight

Do consider investment If you only plan on attending three black tie events in your life, invest in a quality, classic black or navy dress that won’t get old with time. Silhouettes like column dresses never go out of style, and because they are simple, you can update them with jewellery. If in doubt, less is more I know you love that sequin one-shoulder dress but if you’re not sure about how conservative the event is it’s best to play it safe and stick to a subtle, clean silhouette, and jazz it up with accessories - be it a beaded jacket, shawl or jewellery.

15/12/2016 14:42:41

Gracie’s shopping list

Bat for lashes How do I apply fake lashes properly? DF, Honiton

Applying false lashes is an art that many of us have yet to master. But once you learn how, they can make your eyes look wider and add drama to your eye make-up that mascara alone can’t provide. Step 1: Apply mascara Curl your natural lashes and comb on a coat of mascara, creating a shelf to support the weight of your falsies. Step 2: Cut to fit Cut the lash band right down the center to create a large individual lash. It’s easier to place than a full lash strip, which can become wonky. Step 3: Add adhesive

Eylure Definition lashes £7.25 Superdrug Trace each lash band, one by one, with a laserthin line of lash glue and wait a few moments for the adhesive to dry a bit or become tacky. Step 4: Put them on Using your fingers, place your extension on the outer corner first, hugging the lash line tight.

Ardell natural style lashes £5.49 Boots

REN Bio Retinoid antiwrinkle concentrate oil £44 Marks & Spencer This complex of pure, potent, 100% naturally derived vitamin A, provitamin A, and retinoid analogue which all work together to combat the appearance of wrinkles, imperfections and age spots. The complexion appears brighter, toned, and healthy.

Little Liffner croc-effect leather tote £455 www.netaporter.com Made from croc-effect and smooth leather, this tote opens up to a spacious, canvas-lined interior that will fit all of your everyday essentials, including a spare pair of shoes. Carry it by the shoulder straps or flip the silver ring handles up to carry it as a tote.

M.A.C 36 Lashes £10.50 M.A.C Cosmetics

Wearing the trousers Q

How can I make a trouser suit look more feminine? SW, Tavistock

Can you really look feminine in a trouser suit? Well, if you take away the padded shoulders and frump then the answer is yes. The trouser suit has become a staple in many high-powered female wardrobes and now is no longer only for the office - you can take this style from the desk to the dinner table. • Wear heels One of the simplest ways to make a trouser suit look more sassy is to slip on a pair of heels. These instantly elevate a masculine style to a more feminine level. • Opt for colour Instead of sticking with a basic black, grey or navy suit try going for something a little more colourful. Pastels can look amazing, as can shades of green, blue and even red. • Tailoring is key It’s all about the fit , so look for a suit that has a great cut. Pick a pair of trousers that flatter your legs, and a jacket that is tailored to hug your waist.

Jacket £40 Very Celest circle clasp bracelet £26 Oliver Bonas When it comes to glam details, go big and wild with this statement bracelet. A cluster of gold snake chains anchored to a large circle clasp gives this luxe bracelet a must-have status.

Tailored trousers £21.50 Simply Be

Cropped trousers £89 Jaeger

Got a style or beauty question? Email Gracie Stewart at westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk with the subject Ask Gracie

Gracie_Dec24.indd 27

15/12/2016 14:43:22

High shine he countdown to 2017 is on and it wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without a little sparkle. The best way to tackle a NYE outfit is with sequins, whether you go all out in a head-totoe extravaganza or introduce hints of the shiny stuff through shoes and accessories. Going to the pub? Try teaming a sequin top with black jeans and heels for a more casual approach. But if you’re off somewhere more smart - sequin dresses are the answer.

Rainbow and gold sequin dress £65 Dorothy Perkins

FashionDec24.indd 28

15/12/2016 14:45:09

Fashion

Sequin shift £25 Primark Jos s jac ket £12 9 Viv ien ne wid ele g tro use rs £69 bo th Mo ns oo n

Sequin dress £95 JD Williams

Silver mules £60 Next

Embellished maxi dress £249 House of Fraser Metallic dress £13 Primark

Tina top £99 and matching skirt £109 both Monsoon

Ziptop clutch £8 Accessorize

FashionDec24.indd 29

15/12/2016 14:45:46

Wellbeing

the boost

Life just got better. Our wellness guru Charlotte Dear has handpicked the latest health secrets and expert advice to help you be your best self, every day

Get moving Not only does getting out for a run or walk give us a good daily dose of vitamin D even on overcast days but it can also be hugely rewarding when we strengthen our legs and tone our lower bodies. Park Run is a national project encouraging everyone to run (at their own pace) once a week. There’s one at Lanhydrock near Bodmin and Killerton near Exeter - why not make this your New Year resolution? www.parkrun.org.uk

Box of tricks Still haven’t finished your Christmas shopping? Fear not, a Lifebox subscription is the perfect last-minute gift for health-conscious friends. With five monthly boxes to choose from, these parcels of goodness contain deliciously nutritious treats from superfood popcorn to winter spices, matcha green tea and pumpkin energy balls. Adult boxes start at £19.95, junior subscriptions are £13.95 per box. www.lifeboxfood.com

HELP AT HAND As winter gets stronger, the contrast between outside and inside air temperatures increases. During this time the dry air removes the layer of oil that retains moisture in our skin, making it nigh impossible to achieve a healthy, supersmooth complexion. Give your skin a helping hand by opting for products containing aloe vera, coconut oil, raw honey, pomegranate, avocado and shea butter. 30

BOOST_Dec24.indd 30

15/12/2016 14:49:33

Stay slim this Christmas Christmas is the toughest time of year when it comes to staying healthy and for most of us it’s a time to forget the diet and embrace those fatty festive treats. But if you’re determined to watch your waistline on the day itself, simple switches can cut down those Crimbo calories. Chop your roast potatoes into large chunks to absorb less fat, then opt for vegetable spray rather than goose fat, sprinkle with herbs and spices rather than salt, serve Christmas pud with crème fraîche or natural yoghurt - and be sure to recognise when you’re full!

Let’s walk! For most, the Boxing Day ritual involves a good old stroll in the countryside to walk off some of that Christmas turkey. To make your ramble extra special, the National Trust have a fabulous selection of South West Boxing Day walks to choose from. Ascend the Torrs at Ilfracombe, wish Merry Christmas to the donkeys at Salcombe Hill, traverse the cliffs at Boscastle or discover Cornish mining heritage at Botallack. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

What’s coming up? Tweet us your wellbeing diary dates

@WMNWest or email westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 31

BOOST_Dec24.indd 31

15/12/2016 14:50:03

Wellbeing

Christmas couch potato? The festive season doesn’t have to mean piling on the pounds... calories you’ll burn. Don’t forget to go for a walk. Bone-boosting, calorie-burning and, if you walk fast enough, fitness-enhancing, winter walking is the way forward. But before you get carried away thinkPersonal trainer Laura Williams says: Fear not ing a stroll to the pub will suffice, let’s do some there are ways you can turn Christmas into a number crunching... To burn off a mince pie, workout wonderland. Having the time for family you need to go on a four-mile walk (make it six fitness can be one of the great Christmas pleasif you’re adding cream). To offset the calories in ures. Treat the family to an ice a glass of Baileys, you’d need skating trip or take the kids to swim for 20 minutes, while inside for bicep-boosting bowlfor the Christmas dinner itself, ‘Bone-boosting, ing. And don’t forget front-room you’re looking at a 10-mile run. calorie-burning fitness - whether you’re dusting Make a dent in dinner calooff the Wii, setting a skipping ries by practising intervals on and, if you challenge or having a laugh at your walk. Walk at a moderate walk fast the latest, daftest fitness app, it pace for 30 seconds, then speed all beats snoozing in front of the up for one minute. Slow down enough, fitnessbox. for 30 seconds, then repeat. If enhancing, Jigging around the Christyou have hills on your route, winter walking is mas tree is not to be underestiso much the better - these add mated, either. Whether you’re a further fitness challenge and the way forward’ bopping to Little Mix or swaying really work the legs too. with Sinatra, the fact is dancing No time to lace your trainers? burns up to 400 calories an hour. Try incidental exercise throughThe faster you’re moving and, out the day. Studies have found of course, the longer you’re going for, the more you burn an extra 42 calories an hour if you’re I want to enjoy my Christmas but I’m terrified of going up a dress size. I lost a fair amount of weight this year, so I don’t want to blow all that progress! HS, Liskeard

[[

standing up, while easy-to-implement balance exercises challenge your core. Draw your stomach back towards your spine, gently clench buttocks and come up onto your toes. Hold for a count of three, lower and repeat. Or try standing on one leg to brush your teeth or while you’re in the supermarket queue - you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results. Covering miles trying to find the perfect Boxing Day bargains is great news for your health, too. Taking the stairs and walking up escalators instead of using the lift has untold health benefits: you burn around 0.17 calories per stair, while taking steps two at a time boosts calorie-burn further and works bum and thighs a treat. Carrying bags (make sure you distribute them evenly) is a good workout for biceps and shoulders too. Housework, too, can be good exercise. Squat to the floor to pick up wrapping paper, hold a calf raise as you put the angel back up on top of the tree when it falls down and practise as much lunging as you can as you move furniture and hoover up pine needles. Have fun! Laura Williams is a fitness expert and personal trainer and has been working with SUBWAY and Heart Research UK to create these Family Fit Tips. Visit tiny.cc/familytips

WB_FOODIE_Dec24.indd 32

15/12/2016 14:51:54

Food

SMALL BITES

Our pick of what’s on in the Westcountry food world right now

Cape Cod Cranberry and Apple Sauce If you’re looking for a last minute accompaniment to your Christmas turkey, look no further than this delicious and super easy cranberry and apple sauce. For more cranberry recipes visit www.capecodselect.com. You’ll need: • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 shallots, finely chopped • 500g fresh Cape Cod cranberries • 2 apples, peeled and roughly chopped • 1 star anise • 1 cinnamon stick • 100ml red wine • 150g caster sugar Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the shallots and cook gently until softened. Add the cranberries, apples, spices, wine and sugar and stir together. Cook until the cranberries and apple have softened and the sauce is a jammy consistency.

Your special night out Hotel du Vin in Exeter (formerly The Magdalen Chapter) is hosting a black tie New Year’s Eve dinner which includes champagne, a four-course dinner in the hotel bistro, live music and dancing. The menu includes baked sea scallops, roast saddle of venison and frozen white chocolate soufflé. Sounds delicious to us! Tickets £89 per person, 01392 790120 www. hotelduvin.com

A little winter warmth for the colder months Winter may well and truly be upon us but that doesn’t mean you have to pack away your barbecue. During a course at the Philleigh Way Cookery School, you’ll learn how to get the most out of your barbie during the winter months - including using it for Sunday roasts and hearty soups. This friendly course with in-depth tuition will really give you the confidence to make the most of your barbecue all year round. The course is being held on Saturday January 7 from 10am – 2pm at Philleigh Way Cookery School near Truro, Cornwall. Tickets £99 www.philleighway.co.uk.

Out for brunch Enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast at the Trebah Gardens kitchen near Falmouth this New Year’s Day. They will be serving brunch from 10am – 2.30pm, perfect for late risers or for those suffering the effects of the night before. Bookings are being taken now on 01326 252200.

Got some foodie news? Let us know on westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 33

WB_FOODIE_Dec24.indd 33

15/12/2016 14:52:18

Enjoy

Your stars by Cassandra Nye Happy birthday to...

This week’s sign:

Annie Lennox

Capricorn is considered to be the most serious sign of the zodiac, possessing an independence that enables significant progress both on the personal level and in business. As an Earth sign, Capricorn is a master of self-control and has the potential to be a great leader or manager. The influence of Saturn makes Capricornborn people practical and responsible. People born under the sign of the goat can be really stubborn – and, like goats, are prepared to strive to get to the top.

Born December 25, 1954 The wonderful Annie Lennox was born on Christmas Day and celebrates her 65th birthday tomorrow. She first found fame in the 1980s with the band Eurythmics and then went on to achieve great success as a solo singer. She has two daughters, Lola and Tali and sadly lost a son, Daniel, at birth in 1988. She is married to a doctor, Mitch Besser, and has been a life-long campaigner and fundraiser alongside her musical career. According to the Sunday Times Rich List, she is worth £30 million.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) There are ways in which technology can save you time but trying to manage it alone may not be the best option. Is this the moment when you remember that investment is needed in order to move forward permanently? Someone at home knows a little more than you give them credit for? A very relaxed week brings a happy glow.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Plain speaking and the ability to laugh at mistakes will prove crucial this week. In the everyday bustle we do tend to forget our sense of humour, don’t we? The relaxed holiday mood should have released something emotionally. It will help to propel you forward.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Giving credit where it is due is something that we can all be a bit lax about. Someone deserves a little more than they have been given. Feeling a bit more sensitive this week leads to your being able to respond more to others. It isn’t soft, it isn’t strictly necessary but it is desirable for all concerned!

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) A wave of optimism flows through the week. Comments made in the last few days give you reason to think that a corner has been turned. Moving forward comes from a feeling of confidence and trust. A close relationship is changing and, if you work closely together, future progress may be swift.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Being made aware of some possibilities over the last few days certainly gives you food for thought. With an optimistic streak, taking the next step in a plan is more likely to succeed. The sense that you could be

leaving someone behind, jars. Could regular contact and even involvement not be possible?

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Blame your determination and excitement for the future for a bout of restlessness this week! You simply do not want to stand still for a minute longer than necessary. Of course, many are still in holiday mood and may not share your enthusiasm for getting on with the job.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) It hardly seems the right time and it sharp off the starting line, but there is a feeling of urgency where a job is concerned. Doing your best is important to you and so, if you need to get ‘down to it’, don’t feel guilty! Loved ones know how enthusiasm takes you over. A good start makes good luck with your project.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Success seems to be coming from the effort that you have put into helping others. This is something that comes naturally to you, of course, as you truly love people. A few friends may be moving or moving on in some other way this week but you should not dwell on the past.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Are you at something of a crossroads?

Career or a partner seem to be going in different directions. Maybe change in one or the other is necessary? Certainly don’t stifle your options by taking the easiest path. Travel opens the mind and gives more of a balanced view at this time.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Making the most of your new and recent contacts brings both social and work benefits. A project that started some time ago could just be coming into its own. Certainly, then, it is not the time to neglect that! Someone with bright ideas and a ready smile needs to be brought closer.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Increased activity brings a surge of optimism this week. Comments made in the last few days really made their mark on you and could show a way forward. Although looking for self improvement, finances need to be well balanced. Remember that there is a right time for most things

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) The holiday spirit prevails and that can be a little frustrating for you. Ditch the frustrated grunts, though, getting stuck into a new plan yourself. How to convince others need careful thought. The answer can be as much social as practical. Keep an open mind.

Horoscopes_Dec24.indd 34

15/12/2016 14:53:37

French inspired interiors and home accessories

jazinteriors

01752 894012 www.jazinteriors.co.uk 16 Fore Street Ivybridge PL21 9AB ÂŠLW

See the Winter Garden in a new light, with a dynamic light show. Pre-booked simple family suppers available telephone: 01805 626822. Great Torrington, Devon, EX38 8PH. Buy tickets at rhs.org.uk/rosemoor *except Christmas Eve & New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

Untitled-1 5

20/12/2016 13:17:17

Cook

Boxing Day baked gammon with a quince and sherry glaze

Carol’s top tip Any remaining glaze can be brushed over chicken breasts or pork chops before grilling or baking.

Recipe: Carol Bowen Ball, author of Esse’s The Four Seasons Cookbook Carol says: A sweet, sticky glaze of quince paste and sherry perfectly complements the flavours of this traditional Boxing Day gammon. It’s delicious both hot and cold. Serve hot with new potatoes or colcannon and seasonal vegetables or cold as part of a buffet spread with a variety of salads.

Ingredients:

Method: 1.

Place the gammon joint in a large pan. Add the apple juice and enough cold water to cover. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Drain the gammon thoroughly and allow to cool slightly. Remove any string, then, with a small sharp knife, carefully cut away the rind, leaving the layer of fat intact. Score the fat with a diamond pattern and stud the centre of each with a clove. Place on a rack in

Serves: 8 2.5kg smoked gammon joint 1 litre pressed apple juice 30-35 whole cloves 100ml fino sherry 155g pot quince paste (I used Cano’s Membrillo pure Spanish quince paste)

Preheat the oven if necessary to 180 C/Fan 160 C/Esse Dial Guide MODERATE. (Aim for the dial reading to be at the top end of MODERATE or very low end of HOT).

a roasting tin, cover loosely with foil and roast for 45 minutes. 4.

Meanwhile, place the sherry and quince paste in a small pan and gentle heat until melted. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove the gammon from the oven and spoon about half of the glaze over the top. Pour a little water into the base of the roasting tin to prevent the juices from burning, re-cover then roast for another 20-25 minutes.

Uncover the gammon, brush with more glaze and roast, uncovered, until golden. Allow to stand for 10 minutes before carving to serve hot.

The Rangemoors Hearth & Cook showroom at Marsh Barton, Exeter, supplies the full range of Esse stoves: www.hearthandcook.com 36

Recipe_Dec24.indd 36

15/12/2016 15:05:04

Drink

Happy h ur with drinks expert April Marks

April says: One of my most vivid memories of Christmas drinks when I was growing up is my beloved grandmother and her dry sherry. I so remember the satisfied look on her face as she smacked her lips after the first sip! This is probably a familiar story, an elderly relative reaching into a cupboard or larder for the sherry bottle that was first opened goodness knows when, served at room temperature in a sherry schooner and, no doubt, filled to the brim. It’s not surprising that sherry has lost market share in the UK when it’s still not being treated by many

with the respect it deserves and being served correctly. This unique product from the Jerez region of Southern Spain is an oxidised style of wine that undergoes fractional blending. This means you will have a blend of several different vintages in your bottle. So if you are purchasing a dry sherry such as a Fino or Manzanilla you should ensure your sherry is young and recently bottled. To do this check for the ‘L’ code on the labelling. So, for instance, the code may be L-6150, the last three numbers show which day of the 365 days of the year the bottling took place (so this was mid year) and the number 6 means bottled in the year

Ensure your dry

sherry is young and

recently bottled

How to: match Manzanilla sherry & Christmas nibbles

of 2016. Now you know you have a fresh bottle of sherry, chill it really well, then serve it in a lovely large wine glass about one quarter full so it’s always well chilled while you’re enjoying it. Finally, it may be fortified but keep it in the fridge if you don’t finish it and drink it within a couple of weeks so it retains its freshness. Treat your sherry with respect this Christmas! April Marks is co-founder of Regency Wines Ltd Exeter @regencywinesuk

Product of the week Bodegas Hildago La Gitana, Pasada Pastrana Manzanilla Sherry, Spain Pastrana is a single vineyard, on the crest of a hill near the sea, cooled by the sea breezes. The grapes have great intensity of flavour. The wines are aged for longer than normal for Manzanilla in American oak casks, Pasada Pastrana is deeper coloured as a result, and is savoury, refreshing and hugely complex.

Salted almonds Olives Smoked salmon Anchovies Grilled squid Salty cheeses

Recipe_Dec24.indd 37

15/12/2016 15:06:15

Drink

Darren Norbury

talks beer

Our Westcountry beer guru shares a drink with Santa Claus

‘

was the night before Christmas and… well, to be honest, I’d had a bit too much of a well-known West Country black IPA and nodded off on the sofa, where the rest of the family had left me, covered in a spare duvet. Hadn’t even got to the bottom of the last glass. “Whoa! What’s that?” I woke with a start, emerged from under the duvet and came across an equally startled rotund fella in red – finishing off my beer. “Oi, what’s your game?” He looked at me, apologetic. “Sorry,” he said. “I thought this was left out for me. Delighted, I was. Makes a change from sherry. Can’t stand sherry.” I tried to focus. “Well, look, that’s okay. I think I’ve had enough, anyway. Help yourself. Fill your, er, very large boots.” I thought about this a bit more. “If you’re who I think you are, should you be drinking and driving?” “Used to be a bit of a problem, that,” he said. “But not any more. Self-driving reindeer. Don’t even have to touch the reins. Satellite guidance.” He took another slug of beer. “This is rather good,” he said. “Of course, you realise that black Indian Pale Ale is an oxymoron.” “Oh, if I had a pound for every time…” He sat down in the chair, glass in one hand, mince pie in the other. “I’ve been thinking of getting into brewing myself,” he mused. “Every-

one’s at it. I’ve got a few other business interests, “And,” I said, “your beer would be so exclubut it’s always nice to have a new challenge. The sive and sought after you could charge five or six mandarin orange groves have been very good to pounds a pint for it.” me but I want to do something else now.” His smile dropped and he looked at me curiAh, I thought. That explains ously. “Don’t be ridiculous,” he the oranges in the stockings. said. “No-one could get away “You don’t think the bubble with that, not even me.” might have burst on new brewHe looked at the clock and ‘Well, it’s been eries, do you?” I asked. lightened up again. “Well, it’s “Possibly,” he said. “But it’s been lovely chatting,” he said, lovely chatting,’ something I’ve always had an “but I suppose I must get on. he said, ‘but I interest in and I do have some Long night ahead. Thanks for suppose I must land near the west coast in the the beer and the pie. Here’s a US where I can plant some hop few things for the family.” get on. Long bines and get some malt fields “No problem,” I replied. night ahead. started. The workforce is pretty “But one thing before you go. Thanks for the keen on the beer idea, as well.” This has been puzzling me “Good elf !” I toasted him. these last few years. With so beer and the pie’ “And if I had a pound for many houses now having cenevery time someone did that tral heating and not so many gag…” chimneys left, how do you, you “Sorry. But look at the opporknow, gain entry?” tunities. Your own branded merchandise, like T“Well, it’s like this,” he said. And a few seconds shirts and beer glasses.” later I was nodding and smiling as the penny “Yes, and perhaps endorsement from a celebdropped. So that’s how it was done. Of course, I rity rock band – I could name a beer after one of expect you want to know, but he made me sign a their songs.” piece of paper swearing never to tell. “You can make use of the pith and juice from That’s right: a confidentiality Claus. your excess oranges to make interesting IPAs.” “And add the word ‘double’ to the beginning of Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk a beer name to give it more panache.” @beertoday

[[

Beer_Dec24.indd 38

15/12/2016 15:22:32

DREAMING OF

A DRAKE CIRCUS

CHRISTMAS

• Late night Thursdays till 9pm • Over 70 stores • Big brand names you’ll love

drakecircus.com

Untitled-1 6

20/12/2016 12:39:00

culture vulture

This week’s pick of the most interesting things to see and do right now in the South West A truly glamorous New Year Boringdon Hall, the newly renovated boutique hotel in Plympton, is holding a masquerade ball to see in this New Year. The evening begins with a champagne reception in the historic great hall, followed by a five-course black-tie dinner. Dance the night away to live music or try your luck on the fun casino tables. You could even make it a two-night break, costing from £690 per couple and the award-winning Gaia Spa at the hotel will be open for treatments all through the day on New Year’s Eve. Tickets £95, call 01752 344455 or visit www.boringdonhall.co.uk

Gala night to welcome 2017 It’s pantomime time! Join Exeter Little Theatre Company as they bring to life the classic fairy-tale Snow White at the city’s Barnfield Theatre. This production promises to be filled with fun and laughter with some toe-tapping songs. This inspiring theatre company has been going since 1954 and has a very strong youth section with weekly theatre classes. Look out for a beautiful girl, a handsome young prince, three magical fairies and of course, seven little friends with very big hearts. Who will succeed at becoming the fairest of them all? Tickets £13.50, December 22-January 7, visit www. barnfieldtheatre.org.uk or call 01392 271808.

The Alverton in Truro is a Grade II listed former convent, transformed into a newly-restored and beautiful hotel, with a 2 AA Rosette restaurant. See in the New Year here at a special Gala Night celebration. Tuck into a sensational gourmet banquet before dancing the night away to The Swing Kings, one of the South West’s best live duos. At the stroke of midnight, charge your glass and welcome in the New Year on the terrace while watching the city of Truro light

up with fireworks. Tickets £75, visit www.thealverton.co.uk or call 01872 276633.

Culture_Vulture_DEC24.indd 40

15/12/2016 15:34:00

Untitled-1 3

20/12/2016 11:26:05

All is calmâ&#x20AC;Ś Getting over-excited little ones to bed on Christmas Eve can be a challenge. Sleep expert Professor Colin Espie shares five top tips to help guarantee seasonal serenity all round 'm dreaming of a calm, quiet Christmas, with lots of lovely sleep! However - on the night before Christmas, all through the house, I'm pretty sure there'll be plenty of creatures stirring, in the form of over-excited children, who certainly aren't nestled all snug in their beds. On December 24, many families will be visiting relatives and trying to get their children to sleep in an unfamiliar house. Even if they are at home, there will be hanging out stockings, leaving out carrots and a mince pie, and, no doubt, more carol-singing to squeeze into the usual bedtime routine. If this sounds familiar, whether they're your own kids or your grandchildren, you might benefit from the advice of University of Oxford sleep expert - and co-founder of the digital sleep improvement programme Sleepio - Professor Colin Espie. Here are his top five tips to get kids off to sleep before Santa stops by... 1. Be active during the day There's plenty of evidence that regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night. One Australian study

Scoop_Dec24.indd 42

15/12/2016 15:35:26

People

'If you're staying away from home, recreate your usual routine' found that every hour a child spends inactive, adds three minutes to the time taken to nod off. So take a break from Christmas movies and head for a family outing to the park - or simply get outdoors in the garden or go for a walk - to help expend excess energy in good time before bed. 2. Stick to bedtime routines and rituals A consistent bedtime routine, or a set of specific rituals before lights out, will signal that it's time to sleep. If you're staying away from home, find ways to recreate parts of the same routine, even if they are happening later than usual. Preparing for bed in the same order each night (such as: bath, brushing teeth, stories, goodnight hug), will help with readiness for sleep, wherever you are. Setting up even a few days of a consistent schedule beforehand should help your child settle in a new location. Bringing familiar bedding, toys and books with you will help them to relax and feel secure away from home. 3. Act before your child gets overtired Young children are often reluctant to admit they're tired - even more so when the alternative to bed is playing with shiny new toys. Look for signs of sleepiness before your child starts to get overtired, which is often the driver for "hyper" behaviour. Try to start the bedtime routine at a consistent time. If they really don't feel tired,

they can play quietly in their bed or crib with the lights low. If you notice that your child is often overtired at night, experiment by shifting the whole bedtime routine forwards by 15-30 minutes. 4. Give plenty of notice Give plenty of notice when bedtime is coming up, and then stick to what you've said: "In ten minutes, the cartoon will end and it'll be bath time, and then we'll have time for two books." A timer which rings when playtime runs out could be a useful independent signal that it's time for bed. If your child refuses to stay in bed, try to avoid giving extra attention for bad behaviour. Be as neutral and uninteresting as you can as you return your child to bed, even if you have to do this a few times. Consistency is key - even at Christmas - to help the whole family sleep well. 5. And if all else fails... With a house full of guests, your child may understandably feel as though they are missing out on all the excitement by going up to bed before the grown-ups. If you've followed all the tips above and still have a stubborn and weary young one hanging onto the banisters in slumber-protest, the suggestion that Father Christmas only leaves

presents for children who are asleep might just be enough incentive to encourage them to accept it is lights out time. At least, that's what the elves told me... Sleepio is a six-week online sleep programme based on cognitive-behavioural therapy www.sleepio.com 43

Scoop_Dec24.indd 43

15/12/2016 15:35:53

My Secret Westcountry Jo Plummer Jo Plummer, 55, runs Tropic Breeze, a travel agency specialising in the Caribbean and Maldives. She lives in Newton Ferrers and has three grown-up children: Charlotte, 27, Jamie, 24, Jess , 21. Walk: I love to walk around the cliffs at Noss Mayo and Revelstoke Drive in south Devon with George, my labrador. The circular walk starts and ends in Noss Mayo and is part of the South West Coast Path – the sea views are spectacular. Place to eat: The Treby Arms in Sparkwell near Ivybridge. We went there for my company’s Christmas party last year. It definitely deserves its Michelin star.

Weekend escape: Carbis Bay Hotel, just outside St Ives. Relaxing, great food and a stunning location. On a sunny day you could mistake the beach for one in the Caribbean. Event: Every year since my children were young I have liked to attend the Yealmpton Show - come rain or shine it is a local event not to be missed. However, the most memorable time was when I drove a horse lorry in with my daughter and nearly didn’t leave because of the mud ! Stoke Point near Noss Mayo

Beach: Mothecombe Beach, a lovely sandy beach at the mouth of the Erme estuary which is often nearly deserted, outside of high season.

MSW_Dec24.indd 44

15/12/2016 15:37:11

People

The Ship Inn, Noss Mayo

Yealmpton Show

The Carbis Bay Hotel

The Thurlestone Hotel Spa

The Treby Arms at Sparkwell

Shop: Brigid Foley runs a quirky boutique in Tavistock. I am not a keen shopper, but Brigid always finds me just the right outfit for any occasion.

View: It’s hard to choose just one but I do love the sweeping views towards Bigbury, Burgh Island, Thurlestone and Hope Cove from the cliffs near Noss Mayo. Westcountry icon: Dawn French is one of my favourite comedians. I run a travel agency and we were involved in a promotion for one of her books, A Tiny Bit Marvellous. I was very pleased to receive a signed copy for my 50th birthday.

Pub: The Ship Inn in Noss Mayo, where I often go for a glass of wine at the end of a coastal walk. Food: Crispy salt and pepper squid at Dick and Wills, overlooking Salcombe harbour.

Secret place: Cellar Beach on the River Yealm near Noss Mayo - I’ve spent many a happy

Dawn French afternoon here enjoying a barbecue with my children, friends and George. My favourite way to get there is on my boat Miss Polly, a Drascombe lugger I have owned for 25 years.

Drink: Visiting my father in Totnes I discovered the Sharpham Vineyard – what could be better than a glass of chilled Sharpham wine and that stunning view ?

Special treat: A spa day at the Thurlestone Hotel, Kingsbridge. It’s not something I get a chance to do very often but I went a while back and felt completely refreshed afterwards.

Sharpham Vineyard 45

MSW_Dec24.indd 45

15/12/2016 15:40:07

My life

Chris MCguire

On your marks Chris Mcguire is making a list and checking it twice. And then some...

o be honest, I’m surprised you’ve sing Good King Wenceslas in three languages. got time to read this. Why aren’t It’s exhausting just thinking about it. I’ve spent you running around screaming, so long up a step ladder hanging up all this nonin a whirlwind of wrapping paper, sense that I’m a little worried I might be sufferturkey giblets and ing from altitude sickness. pine needle-scented toilet paper? Then there’s the shopping. At the time of writing I am, I The season of goodwill ‘What illness have to admit, ready for Christmas to all men seems to do you get from – but only just. The past few days bring out the worst eating Christmas have made me look like a deranged in us. I’ve heard contestant on Supermarket Sweep, sweet little old decorations? without Dale Winton or any sense ladies saying Tinselitus.’ Our of festivity. Yes, this week, I’ve very bad words learned organising Christmas can when fighting house looks like a be exhausting. for a place in the World of Christmas Naturally, I began my festive lasupermarket car Tat showroom bours with a list. It’s always struck park. And I’m me that Santa’s motto of “checkstill having ing his list twice” isn’t particularly flashbacks to impressive. Maybe I have Obsessive-Compulsive the chaos on the frozen food Disorder but I checked, then double and triple aisle – let’s not go there. checked my list. Next, I colour coded it with highThe strains of shopping lighter pens bought especially for the occasion. complete, our house is Alarms were set on my smartphone – with mespiled to the rafters with sages such as “Grab the parsnips” and “Tinsel Christmas food. Which should be hung by now” – to keep me on track. seems to be the same as Then… well you get the idea. Seriously, Santa regular food, in slighthas nothing on me. I bet he’s nowhere near as ly more camp packagtired as I am. ing. Any nooks and Much of this newfound impetus to create the crannies not stuffed perfect Christmas has come from the arrival this with edibles are filled year of my baby son, Sam. Of course, he won’t with pain relief sprays remember any of our hard work but, for some and gels for the bad reason, this logic hasn’t stopped us from going back I’ve developed the whole hog, (or, in Christmas terms: going the carrying all of this junk whole yuletide log). home. We’ve even bought There’s an old joke: “What illness do you get boxes of mince pies, which from eating Christmas decorations? Tinselitus.” neither my girlfriend nor Our house looks like a World of Christmas Tat I like, because that’s what showroom. We have a bewildering array of decoyou do at Christmas, isn’t it? It rations: reindeers with light-up red noses, nativseems preferable to throw them ity scenes featuring cattle with genuine lowing away at Twelfth Night rather than sound effects and dancing Christmas trees that suffer the humiliation of an unex-

[[

pected guest and no mince pies to offer them. Christmas makes us act in exhaustingly weird ways, doesn’t it? You’ll be getting your Christmas message from The Queen tomorrow. But let me give mine first: You’ve done all the hard work now. Please, do yourself a favour and don’t forget to enjoy it. You’ll be stuck in the Boxing Day sales before you know it! Chris McGuire is a writer based in the Westcountry. He wishes you all a very merry, and relaxing, Christmas @McGuireski

NEXT WEEK: Phil Goodwin xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 46

Chris_Dec24.indd 46

15/12/2016 15:39:12

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR AT

DRIFTWOOD SPARS

THE BREWERY, PUB AND B&B BY THE SEA

WE HAVE IT ALL! Every Friday before Christmas is Turkey Friday £19.95 for 3 Courses Perfect for small businesses or a family & friends ‘get together’! Come celebrate New Year in style with us Our New Year’s Eve Party is Heaven & Hell Fancy dress Got a ‘beer lover’ at home? Then purchase award winning beer via www.driftwoodsparsbrewery.co.uk Why not treat your loved ones to a Gift Voucher for the Pub or the B&B this Christmas?

WWW.DRIFTWOODSPARS.CO.UK Trevaunance Cove | St. Agnes | TR5 0RT For reservations and bookings call:

01872 552428

A WONDERFUL SEA FRONT LOCATION IN THE HEART OF ST AGNES Untitled-1 2

20/12/2016 11:25:30

FOR A

CLASSIC CHRISTMAS T R U R O

P L Y M O U T H

E X E T E R

T A U N T O N

www.michaelspiers.co.uk 82 LEMON STREET, TRURO · 52 - 54 CORNWALL STREET, PLYMOUTH · 22 CATHEDRAL YARD, EXETER · 16 NORTH STREET, TAUNTON THE SOUTH WEST’S LEADING RETAILER OF FINE JEWELLERY AND WATCHES, INCLUDING:

20/12/2016 11:26:29