West Magazine April 29 2017

ON 29.04.17

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Top local spas reviewed

REAL LIFE ‘I ate myself back to health’

WIN

A £160 day at the races

SUMMER LOVING New season fashion gets romantic

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CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK OR WEBSITE FOR LIVE MUSIC.

ESCAPE TO THE

DRIFTWOOD SPARS THE BREWERY, PUB AND B&B BY THE SEA

WE HAVE IT ALL!

A wonderful restaurant and even our own micro brewery!

A seafood takeaway, the pub which hosts a range of live music, wedding and conference facilities.

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

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‘I’m convinced he goes off and bungee jumps or charms venomous snakes after my driving lessons, to unwind’ Chris McGuire’s driving instructor keeps astonishingly calm, p 46

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IN THE PINK The hot new shade for today’s interiors

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THE GOOD SPA GUIDE Westcountry spas put to the test

[contents[ Inside this week...

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THE WISHLIST Our pick of the best treats this week

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JUST BETWEEN US...

Sh! We have all the latest gossip

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KEEPING IT REAL The Devon businesswoman staying local

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THE GOOD SPA GUIDE

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PETER ON PARENTHOOD Mr Andre shares his baby advice

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STRAWBERRY SEASON The best recipe to try this week

Relax - we’ve put them all to the test!

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IN THE PINK Discover decor’s hottest colour

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ASK GRACIE Our style guru solves your problems

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SUMMER STYLE What to wear for the new season

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BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

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YOUR STARS THIS WEEK Cassandra Nye has your horoscope

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SMALL BITES What’s hot in the South West foodie world

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SECRET WESTCOUNTRY Where to go, what to do

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DRIVEN CRAZY? Chris McGuire gets behind the wheel

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TIME FOR A GIN FLING April Marks is in high spirits

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KEEPING IT REAL

The Devon business that stays local 3

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[ welcome [

Interview

BACK FOR MORE Chris McGuire meets the controversial chef John Burton Race to hear about his latest culinary venture

PHOTOGRAPHY: MATT AUSTIN

“

If you just use a little imagination...

y mother used to say to me: ‘You’re always getting in trouble. What are you doing on that diving board now? You can hardly swim!’” chuckles John Burton Race. “I’d jump anyway,” the chef continues. “Falling was amazing, so exciting, you’re scared to death. You hit the water and chip your front teeth. You think ‘Oh my God, I survived that’.

“So you go back to see if you get the same experience of falling. But of course you can’t, the first time is always the best. Everything in my career has been like that.”

Which perhaps explains why John, famous for appearances on reality TV shows like I’m a Celebrity, not to mention his off-camera antics (a secret lovechild, divorce, bankruptcy and more) is plunging in once again, at the age of 59.

This time, he’s setting about transforming The Grosvenor Hotel, Torquay into a haven of fine dining. Really? Yes, that Grosvenor Hotel, the one made famous for its appearances in the Chan-

John Burton Race is opening a new restaurant in Torquay

M

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FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

How to eat well in the South West

24/04/2017 13:11:20

Tweet

hen Andrea Wilson wanted to get hold of the delicious food that was being produced all around her home in rural south Devon, she hit a few problems.

Short of actually going to the quay to grab some fish as it was landed, it proved tricky for her to access the wonderful local produce she was looking for. Her solution?

She’s now running a new company called Pretty Local - a box delivery scheme with a difference. Andrea delivers everything you could possibly want from your weekly shop, but it is all made by local producers.

It’s a great idea and we wish her well - read about

W

[

of the week

how she made it happen on page 12 today.

Elsewhere in the magazine, we have put a fabulous range of local Westcountry spas to the test (p16).

Whether you’re in search of a hi-tech facial, a relaxing lava shell massage or just a fun day out with friends, we’ve got the best spa day for you.

Oh and finally we catch up with our favourite celebrity dad Peter Andre (p42) and his wife Emily, who just happens to come from Somerset).

They are busy helping new parents to acquire vital skills. With their second baby Theo still only a few months old, Emily and Peter certainly know what they are talking about! Have a lovely weekend.

We catch up with our favourite celebrity dad Peter Andre

@AnnaTurns

Looking forward to trying @JohnBurtonRace’s new menu in #Torquay this week esp having just read @WMNWest #devon

[

[ [

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: Marks & Spencer

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Phil Goodwin

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Gillian Molesworth

Cathy Long

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If you do one thing this week...

Be sure to wear your finest outfits for the Best Dressed competition on Tuesday, May 9 at Exeter Racecourse’s Ladies’ Night. There’s a beautiful bunch of flowers for the first 200 women through the gate plus the chance to win a stay at the South Sands hotel in Salcombe, a Gin School experience at the Salcombe Distilling Co, a dress from Henry Hunt and a pair of Rudds Wellies. First race is off at 5.45pm and live music will continue the fun after the last at 8.15pm. Entry from £10 www.exeter.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Win

Grab your friends and get ready for a great night out - one lucky person will win six Premier tickets to Exeter Ladies Night (each ticket is worth £20) plus a bottle of Salcombe Gin worth £37.50. To enter, simply tell us on what date Exeter Racecourse’s Ladies’ Night is taking place this year. Send your answer, together with your name, address and daytime contact details to: Ladies Night competition, westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk to arrive by May 4 2017. Alternatively, you can post your entry to: Ladies Night competition, West magazine, Queens House, Little Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3LJ. Winners can collect their tickets and prize at the gate. Normal terms apply, West will not share your details.

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Floral off-theshoulder top £8 George at ASDA

the

wishlist

Bike race biscuit tin £32.50 Biscuiteers

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

Leather handbag £155 Folli Follie

Blue wine glass £13.50 Amara

Bedside trunk £525 Feather & Black

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Wishlist Tea kettle £145 Amara

Cornwall tea towel £10 www.seakisses.co.uk

A2 heart hands wall art £80 Oliver Bonas

Wedge espadrilles £25 Simply Be

Parrot pencil case £8 Cath Kidston 7

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talking points BELLE OF

Fenella Tobey

Story of my life...

All the endorphins couple of weeks back I told you I had joined the gym. Many of you probably nodded your head sagely, thinking “Yeah, we’ve all joined the gym at some point. I’m probably still paying my memThere I was, on a beautiful bership. The hard bit is actually sunny day - inside, on a bike, going there.” that wasn’t moving anywhere.

Well, I am pleased to report I Yet I looked like I was racing in have been going quite often. Perthe Tour de France. I just had haps even more shockingly, I am one of those out of body experienjoying it. ences where I could clearly see I have been trying to give all myself: puce in the face, showof the equipment a go, but even ering sweat, legs pedalling furithough I had a proper induction ously, gripping the handle bars I am sometimes left looking at like I was about to take off like these machines and wondering ET on his BMX. To the handsome which limb goes where, trying to young men pumping iron in remember which lever to press front of me, I must have looked to correct my poquite mad. sition.

All of a sudden I More than once was laughing hysthere has been terically, not to ‘Yeah, we’ve all a horrific clangmention sweating, joined the gym ing as I pull the because laughing wrong one, and and exercising at some point. weights have is hard work. In I’m probably come crashing short, I was a hot still paying my down. Or my seat mess. has whooshed to Afterwards, membership. The the floor and left although I may hard bit is actually me sprawling in have committed a heap. a serious social going there’ Do I admit faux pas, I felt defeat and move amazing. Exercise on to another apparatus or do I and laughing are two activities pretend that I have the arms of that release endorphins - and an orangutan and can reach the I had managed to combine the weights that are now five feet two! On a euphoric high, I wobabove my head? bled off my bike. Next week I am Last week I couldn’t quite face going to perfect my squats. As a the treadmill, so, stupidly, I apjob-seeking graduate living back proached the bikes - thinking home with the folks, the seams cycling would be a gentler way of my cheapo sports leggings are to get my sweat on. I started off not to be relied upon. I shall scutwell but ten minutes in, I got the tle like a crab around the edges giggles. I know, what was I thinkof the gym, bottom glued to the ing, why on earth did I started wall to avoid being charged with laughing? Well I’ll tell you why. indecent exposure.

A

the ball

Playing the role of Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Emma Watson’s dazzling golden yellow ballgown is exactly what princess dreams are made of, isn’t it? To help channel your inner princess, you can’t beat these yellow frocks from the high street. We particularly love the flattering cut and print of this floral prom dress from Marks & Spencer.

Floral prom dress £89 Marks & Spencer

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION B Flowing

OPTION A Flowery

Cross over maxi dress £60 Very

Beaded prom dress £110 Simply Be

Next week: Fenella on life in the boomerang generation. Gillian Molesworth is having a break but will return to West this summer 8

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29.04.17

BABY’S ON BOARD

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley only announced her pregnancy just recently - but her baby bump is really burgeoning these days. The Tavistock-born model, 29, looked every inch the glamorous mum-tobe on the red carpet in New York with her fiancé Jason Statham at the premiere of his new film, The

Fate of the Furious.

Rosie announced she was expecting her first child with actor Jason back in February with a sweet Instagram snap off her growing baby bump in a bikini. Chances are it’s going to be a beautiful baby, but what we want to know is, when’s the due date, Rosie?

Just

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

!

WHY KRISTIN IS IN CHARGE

HEY JACK - SUITS YOU, SIR! We’re thrilled to bits for Exeter Chiefs’ Jack Nowell, who’s been picked for the British Lions rugby tour. If you want to see something heartwarming, check out the club’s livecam footage of Jack hearing the news – talk about a happy face! It’s a huge career accolade for Cornish boy Jack, 24, who comes from

Newlyn.

And that’s not all – he’s also cutting a bit of a dash in the fashion world, too. Jack’s even got a three-piece suit named after him, made by London tailors Dress2Kill. “Check it out, my very own suit courtesy of @ dress2killuk ‘The Nowellsy’ #loveit” said Jack on Twitter in delight.

Kristin Scott Thomas - who was born in Redruth – is to make her debut as a film director. She has branched out after acting in 65 films and announcing that she had had enough of the industry: “I can’t bear the rubbish that goes on in big films.

Sitting around for hours, bored out of my head,” she told the Guardian.

She also described feeling frustrated by the rewriting of scripts at the last minute – “a little bit of a shambles” – and being cast in films as “a sort of weight to their otherwise flimsy production”.

Her directorial debut will be a The Sea Change, a romantic drama about a marriage in crisis: “the thrills and difficulties of love”. Based on Elizabeth Jane Howard’s acclaimed 1959 novel of the same title, it has been adapted for the screen

by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, whose previous film, Ida – co-written with Polish director Paweł Pawlikowski – won the 2015 Oscar for best foreign language film.

It’s definitely time to take charge, Kristin!

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The end of the road: Lovely weather at Land’s End

in pictures Heavy workers: Jonathan Waterer uses a team of shire horses to work his farm near Barnstaple

Another fine mess: St Ives Surf School cleaned up the beach as part of the Surfers Against Sewage Spring campaign

Almost there: Barry Griffin captured the legendary Blue Hills climb in St Agnes proving as challenging as ever

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talking points A HISTORY

of the

WEST in

100

objects 44: OBBY OSS

The best way to:

Padstow, made in 1948

GET OUT ON THE WATER As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to take advantage of the Westcountry coastline and enjoy a day out at sea Fun for the whole family: Orca Sea Safaris offers wildlife watching and coastal safaris in some of the UK’s most stunning waters. Leaving from Falmouth on their purpose-built Seaquest of Falmouth, their aim is to introduce you to the outstanding beauty of our coastline, while looking for wildlife such as dolphins, seals, basking sharks and whales. Prices vary depending on the trip. www.falriver.co.uk

Water sports: If you’ve ever thought about giving stand up paddle boarding a go, now’s your chance. Devon Windsurf and Canoe Centre, based at Decoy Lake, Newton Abbot offers popular taster sessions where they will

Julien Parsons is the Senior Collections Officer, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter.

He says: ‘In the merry morning of May’ the Obby Oss awakes from its slumber to dance through Padstow to the accompaniment of musicians and dancers. This May Day ritual is one of the iconic events of the Cornish year, and yet its early history remains obscure.

The most recognisable parts of the Obby Oss are the circular, cloth-covered frame and tall, conical mask. This one was made in 1948 by David Farquhar, who moved from Scotland to Padstow during the First World War. It was used by the blue ribbon team until the 1970s. In the past, there were numerous Osses (if that’s the correct plural), but these days it’s generally a red and blue team that participate.

Hobby horse costumes with realistic horse heads – sometimes even using a real skull – featured in troupes of medieval mummers and sometimes perform alongside morris dancers, but the Padstow Oss is of such singular style that it suggests a different stable altogether. And yet,

despite the arcane and pagan nature of the festivities, it’s difficult to argue for an ancient origin for Padstow’s May Day. An 1803 account refers to a man dressed up in a ‘stallion horse’s skin’ and in 1824 another reports a canvas painted like a horse, but nothing certain is known of Padstow events before the 19th century. Not that this dampens the enthusiasm of those lining the streets to welcome in the summer.

#44

teach you about foot position, stance, launching, landing and various useful paddle strokes. £29.50 for a two hour lesson. www.devonwindsurf.co.uk

Getting fishy: Newquay Fishing Trips runs a two hour Mackeral Bash which is a great introduction to rod and line sea fishing. Rods, tackle and bait are all supplied and you get to keep your catch for the BBQ. £15 per person. www.newquayfishingtrips.co.uk

The great outdoors: Enjoy an easy, leisurely and picturesque paddle on the Exe Estuary with Saddles & Paddles. Starting from right outside their store on Exeter’s historic quayside you’ll explore the calm canal waters, enjoy the unique wildlife and visit some great pubs. You can hire either a canoe or a kayak and they’ll provide you with everything you need to get paddling. Prices from £10 per person. www.sadpad.com

On display at Padstow Museum

Competition winner: Congratulations to Mrs Heather Bailey of Ivybridge who wins a hotel stay in the beautiful Boskerris Hotel, Carbis Bay, St Ives for two worth £400 www.boskerrishotel.co.uk

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People

LOVING A LOCAL LARDER Andrea Wilson, the founder of Pretty Local, tells Anna Turns how health problems inspired her to set up a new business selling fresh, seasonal produce rom her home in Malborough in south Devon, Andrea Wilson is surrounded by local farms, fishermen, growers and artisans all producing wonderful food and drink. But very little is available to buy directly from them.

Andrea’s new business, an online marketplace for South Devon food and drink, is seeking to change this. Her inspiration to set up her new company - named Pretty Local - stems from her determination to make great fresh local produce more accessible to all.

It is something she personally realised the importance of when she was struck down with Lyme disease two years ago.

Andrea explains how she fell ill with the bacterial infection which is spread by ticks: “We had 13 acres of woodland behind us and every morning I’d see deer roaming through the garden. People warned me about being bitten by a tick from the deer but I didn’t ever expect it to happen to me.”

Unfortunately, it did. “I woke up one morning and found a bulls-eye rash on my leg which is the first telltale sign of Lyme disease. And then a whole world of pain started. I had headaches, dizziness, a stiff neck. One morning I woke up and I couldn’t see.”

Andrea went on to suffer with chronic fatigue

F

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for almost a year, during which she tried lots of herbal remedies but was also on intravenous antibiotics for four months.

“Eventually, I totally changed my diet to help myself get better,” says Andrea, 39, who explains that she didn’t eat any sugar at all for more than a year in a bid to overcome her health problems.

“I even cut back on high-sugar fruits and honey because the thinking is that sugar feeds the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. So cutting out sugars helps to starve the bacteria and stop it taking over.

“I also went over to goat’s milk for a while and cut out gluten too. By the end of it, it felt like there was nothing left to eat!” But Andrea persisted and got more imaginative about cooking whole foods. Luckily, her husband Lindsay is a chef so he helped to create lots of healthy new recipes.

“The whole family took a lot of it on board and a huge part of my journey was cutting out all processed foods completely,” she adds.

Her health, she says, was transformed: “Food was my saviour and I really do believe it helped me to relieve my symptoms and, essentially, cure the disease,” says Andrea. Today, she continues to live and eat by many of these healthier principles though not to such an extreme extent these days. Her experiences made her “so much more conscious of where real food comes from and how important sourcing can be”, she explains.

‘I want to make the most of all the wonderful local produce found here’ Andrea previously worked for many years in hospitality on superyachts in Australia, France, Italy and the USA, alongside Lindsay. “Our work took us to amazing places and I particularly loved the incredible, vibrant food markets in Europe which were incredible. We’d always spend hours wandering around and loved choosing so much fresh, local produce to cook with.”

But when Andrea and Lindsay moved back home to the South Hams in 2016 with their two young children Harriet, six, and Thomas, four, they struggled to buy the full breadth of seasonal ingredients the Westcountry has to offer. “My frustration inspired me to create an online shopping experience that makes all of the wonderful local produce we have so much more accessible to the people who live here.”

The business is very much a family affair: “My husband Lindsay is a private chef who is busy creating lots of delicious new recipes for our website,” explains Andrea. Over the past few months, Andrea has been working hard to un-

earth a huge diversity of producers and suppliers around the South Hams: “It has been really hard to get hold of some things, which is crazy because it is all produced or grown here on our doorstep. But it seems that a lot of people we connect with need support to get their products out there and market them.”

Andrea is proud of what she has achieved so far. “Everything I sell comes from a big mix of different local farms. We will still buy in things like lemons and bananas that aren’t produced here because I want to offer a full range of foods – otherwise it’s not going to work.

“But essentially everything that could possibly be local will be direct from the producer or farm.” To this end, she has found ghee that’s made in Totnes, salad dressings produced in East Portlemouth and goat dairy products made in Dartington Add in a veg grower from Modbury and fishermen landing their catch at Salcombe quay and it all sounds pretty local to me. www. prettylocal.co.uk

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People Andrea Wilson with her children Tom and Harriet

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The Scarlet Hotel spa

The Good Spa Guide The Westcountry is blessed with some truly wonderful spas. Here is our round-up of the very finest the region has to offer right now. So if you are in need of some rest and relaxation, read on...

Scarlet Hotel, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall Rest, relaxation and reflection were the order of the day at The Scarlet Hotel’s seaside spa. Because this was a couple’s treatment, my boyfriend and I first had to answer a multi-choice questionnaire to identify our relationship “dosha” type - the spa follows Ayurveda, the ancient Indian holistic medicine system. Definitely different!

We were then escorted to an outdoor clifftop hot tub overlooking the north Cornwall coast with fabulous views and complete with wine and beer. If this is Ayurveda, count me in.

Once our time in the hot tub was up, we made our way to the treatment room where we undertook a guided mediation session together. Next up it was all about harmonising our dosha - ie mind-body-

energies with a full body abhyanga (warm oil) massage. Given the tension in my desk-hunched shoulders, my therapist did an amazing job of leaving me feeling blissfully unwound and relaxed.

After our massages the therapist ran us a beautifully scented bath, complete with Himalayan rock salt, and left us together with a glass of champagne.

A subsequent note from the therapist later that evening commenting on our relationship goals was a charming touch. Overall, both my boyfriend and I left The Scarlet with a sense of lightness and calm. Whether that was down to our treatment or simply the fresh seaside air I can’t be sure, but a trip to the Scarlet was just what my relationship (and my dosha) needed. Gracie Stewart Prices: £220 per person for a 3-4 hour treatment.

Contact: 01637 861861 or www.scarlethotel.co.uk

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Enjoy Fowey Hall Hotel We all need a bit of pampering once in a while, don’t we? And I picked the right place for my pick-me-up at the gracious Fowey Hall Hotel in south east Cornwall. The spa building is in the garden, and from the moment I walked in, I felt enveloped in warmth and calm and the outside world and its troubles disappeared. Therapist Hanna welcomed me, and bade me to a treatment room where soothing music played.

Once I was lying face up on the couch, eyes closed, she got to work, on the facial which included a face and shoulder massage with rose-scented Skin Bliss Recovery Capsules to brighten the skin. Bliss indeed. The treatment also involved a micro-circulatory massage on every square millimetre of my face with tiny finger movements, which proved sublimely relaxing. This was followed by an amino active mask, which saw a liquid gel applied to my face which set to a fine layer over my skin before being peeled back to reveal perkier, moisturised skin. Potions applied were scented, variously, with frangipani and rose, adding to the feeling of relaxation.

The treatment I tried, the Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial, is aimed to restoring glow to the faces of the careworn before a big night out.

I couldn’t say for sure whether my skin was left with 61% moisture in it, as Elemis claimed, but I definitely did look more radiant. The relaxing atmosphere in the spa and the warm welcome I received were a tonic too. Can I come back soon, please? Sarah Pitt Prices: Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial, 1hr 15 mins, £60 Mon-Thurs, £70 Fri-Sun Contact: 08444 822152 or www.foweyhallhotel.co.uk

The spa at the Fowey Hall Hotel

The Headland Hotel, Newquay The iconic Headland Hotel stands on the clifftop above Newquay’s Fistral Beach and is a picture of Victorian grandeur. In the spa, however, all is contemporary cool thanks to a £5 million investment in the facilities here. On my visit, inspired by the ocean air and sea breezes, I chose the Samphire Treatment and sure enough it was a truly relaxing experience.

Using a refreshing and stimulating peppermint scrub with marine extracts I was polished from head to toe. Although my skin was left a little red afterwards, the exfoliation process didn’t hurt at all. After rinsing in the shower to remove any leftover traces of scrub it was back to the bed for a full body samphire mask. My therapist warned

me that the product was going to be cold and she was right, it actually took my breath away at some points. Complete with fat-busting guarana, the mask was applied over my entire body using a paintbrush. While it dried I was treated to a luxurious facial with a gentle rose oil eye mask and a scalp massage using 100% organically sourced coconut oil.

After about 20 minutes it was time to remove the body mask, which had dried into a rubbery consistency and simply rolled off my skin. After showering again, the treatment concluded with a seaweed oil body massage, leaving me feeling refreshed, toned and radiant. All in all, I thoroughly loved the treatment. Gracie Stewart Prices: £89 for an 80-minute treatment.

Contact: 01637 872211 or www.headlandhotel.co.uk

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C Bay Spa at the Carbis Bay Hotel, St Ives As spa treatments go, Serenity By The Sea is aptly named because after this treatment, you do indeed feel at one with the world. The full body treatment is a signature offering at Carbis Bay Hotel’s spa and was designed specially by the spa manager Radhika Khandke, who wanted to reflect the spa’s magnificent position overlooking the hotel’s private beach.“It was inspired by the sea and I wanted to bring in those elements that people love when they are here,” she tells me when I arrive.

The treatment starts with a personalised consultation during which my therapist asked about any problem areas I wanted to work on and

gave me a choice of fragrances.

During the treatment, each area of the body is treated from head to toe in 120 minutes of pure luxury that involved my feet and lower legs being exfoliated and massaged and a lava shell massage on my back which truly radiates warmth into the body core.

Then there’s a facial and a tingling scalp massage which rejuvenate and invigorate leaving an all over effect. All of which prompted an unasked-for “wow” from my husband when I finally emerge from the treatment room. Lyn Barton Prices: Serenity By The Sea £130 per person for a two-hour treatment.

Contact: 01736 792810 or www.carbisbayhotel.co.uk

The Cowshed, St Moritz Hotel, Trebetherick near Rock I went straight from the stable to the Cowshed. Literally. You see, usually I’m the one holding the brush, endlessly grooming and rubbing pricey lotions on our two horses. For once, it was my turn.

The Cowshed is the spa at the St Moritz Hotel, set between the well-heeled North Cornwall resorts of Rock and Polzeath. The original Cowshed is at Babingdon House in Somerset, the “country retreat” of London’s trendy Soho House. Rustic in theme, but plenty chi-chi.

My therapist Beth led me to a treatment room with a wooden wall, where I sniffed the Cowshed’s own range of natural oils. I chose “knackered cow”, with lavender and eucalyptus. We began with a body brush and minty salt scrub, later rinsed off in the shower before my long and glorious all-over massage, like a sleepy symphony of the nerves. Mmmm.

The Cowshed facial involved layers of toners, exfoliators, and moisturisers, and even a gentle steam from a little machine. Beth seamlessly integrated health with relaxation, and I emerged glowing and wafting lavender. Afternoon delights kicked off with the Cowshed pedicure with Sophie. My farrier would have been intrigued by her pedi-drill, a tickly machine for removing hard skin. I chose a raspberry colour on the toes, and then surrendered my hands for more dreamy rubbing, cuticle trim and anointment.

Not much point putting polish on the hands, I told her, I still had to get home to muck out. Alas. But the horses did think that this knackered cow smelled loooooovely. Gillian Molesworth Prices: The full six hour package including Cowshed salt scrub and massage, facial, light lunch, manicure and pedicure lasts six hours and costs £255.

Contact: 01208 869 800 or www.stmoritzhotel.co.uk 18

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Enjoy Gaia Spa, Boringdon Hall The Gaia Spa is a new arrival on the Westcountry spa scene. It’s set in the beautiful Boringdon Hall boutique hotel in Plympton, south Devon, and no expense has been spared in its design.

My visit starts with a few lengths in the beautiful infinity pool. Then I swim through the hydrotherapy pool into the outdoor Jacuzzi.

Next, I try the saunas, plural. First the Finnish one, then the cooler herbal sauna with eucalyptus and lemongrass. I’m mad enough to stand under the ice bucket before heading into the citrine crystal salt steam room, and finish in the Laconium heat room, a treatment first invented by the Romans.

For my treatment, I pick a Jade Facial – after cleansing, exfoliating and toning, therapist Alice uses cool jade crystal wands to massage my face.

“The jade tones your skin by draining excess lymph fluid, stimulating blood flow, plus it helps reduce puffiness and dark eye circles,” explains Alice. Next up is a nourishing honey mask, an invigorating scalp massage then rich moisturiser leaving my skin soft and glowing. Off now to the deep relaxation room and I have completely lost track of time, and rightly so. As spas go, this one is in the premier league. Anna Turns Prices: The Gaia Jade Facial costs £90 for 60 minutes Contact: 01752 344455 or www.gaiaboringdon. co.uk

Tresco Spa, Isles of Scilly There can’t be many better ways to banish the misery of a chilly day than a spa treatment that rejuvenates the skin and warms to the core.

While at times summer might still feel a long way away, there are usually a few sunny days to remind you what it is all about.

The spa on Tresco on the Isles of Scilly combines a wonderful body treatment with an all over sense of calm that you can only get from being on that little slice of paradise that is the Isles of Scilly.

The facility is managed by Hannah Shaw, who has just been awarded the prestigious title of Ila Spa Therapist of the Year.

For my treatment, I was keen to get rid of all that dead winter skin and chose a full body exfoliation with pearl and jasmine.

Using wide circular sweeps that gave my skin a fantastic reawakening, the fragrant balm left me calm, smooth, invigorated and smelling like a summer’s evening.

On Tresco, it is not just the spa with its indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, which helps restore the soul, it is the overall peacefulness of the place that acts as a balm for the soul. Lyn Barton Prices: ilã Pearl and Jasmine Body Renewal 60 mins £85 Contact: 01720 424075 or www.tresco.co.uk

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Enjoy Hotel du Vin, Exeter Nestled inside their relaxing walled garden, The REN Spa is the perfect place to recharge your batteries and enjoy a little piece of tranquility in the city. My therapist started by buffing me all over with a salt and caffeine mixture to help exfoliate my skin and eliminate toxins from the body. Next, I was wrapped up in a high-tech warming cocoon to help melt my worries away.

Although the temperature of the cocoon was perfect for me, I imagine some might find it too hot, especially when combined with the weight of the blankets. In fact, this probably isn’t the best treatment for anyone who’s claustrophobic as you do get wrapped up fairly tight. As I lay there sweating out all my toxins, I was treated

to the most amazing facial and scalp massage.

After washing off the scrub in the shower leading off the treatment room, I was back on the bed for a moisturising full body massage.

It was the final touch of pure bliss. After the hour and forty-five minute treatment I felt completely relaxed and my face was left plump and glowing from the facial. It looked so good I even felt comfortable enough to walk home completely makeup free.

Gracie Stewart Prices: £99 for an hour and forty-five minute treatment or £239 for a course of three treatments.

Contact: 01392 790120 or www.hotelduvin.com

The Harbour Hotel, Sidmouth It was a quiet weekend in Sidmouth. At least, it was until I turned up with four of my dearest pals from our village for a spa treat. We ladies were here to put the new(ish) spa at the Harbour Hotel to the test.

The hotel has been here a long time, and was always known as the Westcliff, but has recently been taken over by a small chain of hotels and happy day! - a swish spa installed.

You can pay just to spend time at the beautiful indoor pool area, which is gorgeous (there’s an outdoor pool too, for summertime). The indoor pool isn’t huge but it has a powerful jet in it that you can swim against if you are feeling energetic.

Or you can just allow yourself to be whooshed,

giggling helplessly, from one end of the pool to the other. We friends hung out on benches, bobbed in the Jacuzzi and tried the sauna and steam room.

Then it was time for my shoulder, back and neck massage with warm lava shells which retain their heat for the entire treatment. The heat from the shells penetrates deep into the muscles, to restore and revive, easing tension and removing toxins. I have to say, it was 25 minutes of utter heaven - a pretty firm massage but one which I really felt I needed.

Indeed, my therapist told me afterwards that I ought to have a massage “at least every month”, as my back is so tight and knotty. You know what, I think she may be absolutely right. Becky Sheaves Prices: £47.50 25-minute lava shell massage.

Contact: 01395 513352 or www.sidmouth-harbour-hotel.co.uk

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Interiors

Living life in the pink Sam Wylie-Harris dons her rose-coloured spectacles and sets the scene with a palette of pink accents, furnishings and fabrics ink is one of this spring’s biggest fashion trends - and where clothes designers lead, interior decorators soon follow.

Even if you don’t wear pink, there are so many versions of this rosy hue that, if styled correctly (much like that pink Zara trench coat that’s flying off the rails), it can lighten the home without leaving it looking like a Disney doll’s house.

The secret is to blend, blend, blend... a ballet slipper-coloured sofa, a sugar-almond cushion and a coat of pale pink gloss can be designed to shape, colour and contour, and be as flattering as your favourite blusher.

“If you’re looking to bring ‘As we enter into pink into your palette, ensure you pick your shades carefully. the summer Avoid overpowering a room months, pink with saccharine hues and opt for more mature tones that will continues to be add a feminine touch without one of the biggest looking too girly. Deep dusky colour trends of pinks are right on trend and will work perfectly for a look such as the year’ this,” says Ian Dykes, founder and director of interiors store Voyage Decoration.

“If you’re opting for brighter shades, introduce them in small pops on accessories, or through accent detailing such as piping. Placed alongside masculine colours, such as deep navy blues or moody greys, your scheme will be beautifully balanced and seriously stylish.”

Another trick is to remember that when pink is combined with white - roses in a white vase, or scented candles on a mirrored table, for instance - this colour can look especially cool and glamorous.

“As we enter into the summer months, pink continues to be one of the biggest colour trends of the year,” says Philip Watkin, design director of DFS furniture stores.

“It’s a lot more versatile than you first might think and can be used in a variety of ways. We’ve used pink

P

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Interiors

fabrics on our furniture to create a contemporary and soft environment in the home. Paired with on-trend metallics, clean white walls and touches of grey, pink - blush or even bolder fuchsia tones - will create a calm yet vibrant living space.”

When it comes to updating our favourite rooms, some of us go to great lengths to shop the latest looks. And if your last dalliance was with 50 shades of grey (or darker), then the good news is you can rekindle that flame with an innocent petal pink: “Adding colour such as pink to a greybased interior scheme is an easy way to update the feel of the space,” says Lucy Ackroyd, bed linen design manager, Christy.

“Our Harlow bed linen uses a classic design of large-scale flowers, digitally printed in elegant grey and pink tones.

“Mixing grey and pink is a popular trend for 2017, giving pink an edgier look than traditionally seen.”

But if this still sounds a little too innocent and

tones, which instantly lift a room, brightening the decor without compromising on warmth and comfort.

“Pastel pinks evoke a sense of sunnier climes, and are perfect for updating a statement armchair without losing the cosy feel of wool.”

If you really want to embrace this look, why not go whole hog and paint your walls pink?

Taking the leap can be as panic-inducing as it is exciting - especially if it doesn’t result in the photo finish you were hoping for. To avoid getting it wrong, think about the direction your room faces and how it looks when the sun shines.

“Pale pink looks best in a room with abundant natural light - showing off a sense of freshness,” says Kayleigh-Ann Whybrow, senior technical colour consultant, Johnstone’s Paints.

“Team our paint Rosebud, a particularly popuyou’re after a touch more drama, lar colour this year, with white trim and furnipink framed by violet or black is a ture, to allow the colour to work. This will allow tempting scheme that can be dressed the room to have a good sense of proportion and up to suit your space. freshness, yet retain a sense of warmth and coWhen it comes to pink fabrics, we siness. Add pops of coral, bubble-gum pink and often associate this colour with lightcyan to give interest. weight, delicate materials, like silk.

“Undemanding and subtle colours, like soft So what could be lovelier (and more practical) and blush pinks, are emergthan introducing the shade to a ing in ‘dirtied’ and toned down scheme with items that are also versions of their former fresh strong and sturdy? counterparts, showing off this Thankfully, designers are ‘Pale pink looks colour’s versatility,” Kayleighgoing full-on rose this season best in a room Ann adds. “Combine a soft pink and weaving it into heavier furwith a slightly deeper, greyer nishings, with wools and rugs with abundant pink and a chalky, stormy bluepopping up in pink, adding texnatural light grey. The softer, more feminine ture and looking blooming mar- showing off side of the colour palette creates vellous. great contrast with the edgy “Wool is naturally associa sense of blue-grey - offering a calm and ated with the winter months, freshness’ soothing counterpoint. simply due to its cosy texture “Keeping pattern and conand warming properties,” says trast to a minimum invites your Martin Aveyard, design director mind to rest, and to find a new for Bronte By Moon. “However, balance between fast paced and don’t forget that wool also reguslow living.” lates temperature, keeping the home cool even in So there you have it: if you want to freshen up the warmer months. your home this summer, think pink!

“Try Shetland wools in fresh and vibrant

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GET THE

Kate Spade tea cup and saucer in Pink Grey £45 John Lewis

LOOK When it comes to getting a cool new look for spring, think pink!

Blanket cushion £49.95 Bronte By Moon

S ta r by J

Ziggurat table lamp £140 lampshade £50 www.pooky.com

u li e n M a c d o n a ld wh it e va se £30 fe a th e r va s e £ 4 0 m ir ro re d ne st o f ta b le s £ 16 8 a ll Debenh ams

Le Cocktail chair in fuchsia £425 Oliver Bonas Chichester console table in Pink Peppercorn £780 Neptune 25

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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...

Fake it to make it With summer coming up can you recommend any good fake tans that will have me looking bronzed and not orange? BD, Barnstaple

Q

fave!

Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel £20 Debenhams

It’s been a while since our poor pasty limbs have seen the sun, but luckily for us fake tan formulas have dramatically improved recently and these products will have you looking like you’ve been sitting on the beach for the last few weeks.

Bondi Sands self tanning foam Made in Australia, Bondi Sands’ salon quality formula is enriched with Vitamin E and aloe to moisturise and rejuvenate your skin - so your tan lasts longer and your skin feels softer. The coconut-scented formula dries quickly and looks effortlessly natural.

St Tropez self tan dry luxury oil This luxurious product boasts supermodel Kate Moss as its ambassador, and uses self-tanning technology with multiple skincare benefits. It has a quick-drying formula and is naturally fragranced with essential oils so there’s no fake tan smell.

Suitable for all skin tones, it comes with a subtle shimmer effect that acts as a colour guide as it slowly develops.

Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel Perfect for those in a rush, this gel from Clarins is a non-oily, quick-drying formula that provides an instant honeyed glow with no need to wait around before getting dressed.

Bondi Sands self tanning foam £14.99 Superdrug

St Tropez Self Tan dry luxury oil £25 Boots

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Feeling blue

Gracie’s shopping list

Denim shirtdress £49.95 White Stuff

I’ve seen lots of denim dresses in store lately

Q which I love and I was wondering if you think at 47 years of age I’m too old to pull one off?

LW, Truro We all know that jeans are a girl’s best friend but this season denim is having a transformation. A more polished update on your favourite weekend fabric, denim dresses are incredibly wearable regardless of your age and they can be dressed up or down depending on your plans for the day. Here are a few style tips:

1.

Layer it over a tee

Denim ruffle dress £35 Very

If you’re worried about showing off your upper arms or if you simply need an extra layer, try wearing a t-shirt under a sleeveless denim dress to instantly up your cool factor.

2.

Try a different colour Blue is a denim classic but this season don;t forget white denim for a fresh summer approach.

3.

Add a belt Cinch in your waist and add a little visual interest with a tan belt.

4.

Two for one An off-the-shoulder denim dress is an easy way to nail two of summer’s biggest trends in one outfit.

5.

Embrace the denim shirtdress Regardless of season, a denim shirtdress is incredibly practical. It can be worn with sandals for a day at the beach or with a pair of heeled boots and stockings to the office in winter.

Wide brimmed straw hat £9.99 H&M

If you want to get ahead...

I desperately want a sun hat which I can wear around town and at the beach but I can’t seem to find one that suits me. Do you have any tips?

KE, Dartmouth

Q

Sun hats are the ultimate summer accessory. They shield your skin from harsh rays, hide unruly hair and add instant chic factor to any outfit. However, finding one that actually looks good on is sometimes easier said than done!

Stick to a neutral shade: Hats aren’t exactly the easiest of items to pack so if you’re heading away on holiday take just the one in a neutral shade so you can wear it with lots of different outfits.

Lilah B Flawless Finish Foundation £40 www. netaporter.com Lilah B’s innovative Flawless Finish Foundation offers buildable coverage and a luxurious weightless texture. A unique fusion of nourishing aloe and agar creates a natural-looking glow with a long-lasting finish.

Straw fedora £22 Oliver Bonas

Try on different styles: From fedoras to wide brims, there’s a huge range of styles available and the only way you’ll find out which one looks best on you is to try them on. I never recommend buying hats online unless they can be easily returned.

Consider the fabric: While a floppy felt hat might look great on it might not be so practical in tropical climates. When it’s hot out, your best bet is always a straw hat.

NYX Green Tea Blotting Paper £6.50 www.cultbeauty.co.uk Fight shine on the go with these super handy blotting sheets. Made from 100% pure pulp paper, they will absorb grease while keeping your make-up intact.

The green tea also helps to energise and rejuvenate the skin, perfect for combating fatigue.

Holiday hat £25 White Stuff

Mini leather zipped handbag £90 Cath Kidston Make a smart, stylish statement with this soft leather mini handbag - it’s just the hit of simple sophistication every wardrobe needs. The cross-body strap and grab handles provide multiple ways to wear and inside you’ll find a pretty printed lining.

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Yellow floral maxi dress £59 Marks & Spencer

Wedge sandals £255 Furla

Aloha print silk tee £65 East

Lovedrobe dress £50 Simply Be

Summer loving ummer loving had me a blast, summer loving happened so fast. OK, so we know it’s technically only spring but summer is officially on its way and with it comes a whole host of summer fashion including floral prints, strappy sandals and bold hues. As the days get warmer we are completely mad for this yellow floral maxi dress from Marks & Spencer. And the tropical side-tie top from George at Asda is a hit too - team it with your favourite pair of shorts and the tassel flat sandals from White Stuff for the ultimate beach chic look – just don’t forget the pedicure!

S

fave!

Tassel flat sandals £35 White Stuff

Citrus: Just pop this zestycoloured top over jeans or shorts for an instantly summery look

Oversized linen shirt £75 East

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Fashion

Frill sleeve top £45 Debenhams

Floral printed midi dress £45 Dorothy Perkins

Yellow pointed flats £12 George at ASDA

Tropical side tie top £12 George at ASDA

Tie up sandals £28 Simply Be

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Keep it cool for spring

Bag £34 Topshop

Don’t look like you’re trying too hard at Drake Circus his spring, there’s a new look in town: minimalism. Pared-back, cool and understated, you'll find stripes, checks and sleek detailing are all the way to look your best this season.

Head down to Drake Circus shopping centre in Plymouth to take a look round more than 70 top High Street brands under one roof and find out how you can achieve the fuss-free look for the new season.

T

IN THE BAG

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

If you've got the figure for it, then channel the 1950s in a cute gingham playsuit. We love this this adorable little item from River Island. Pair it with a cashmere cardigan and pumps for a casual weekend look. Now, where’s Elvis?

EARN YOUR STRIPES

Give Breton stripes a refresh with this grey-onwhite Shashiko Stripe tunic from White Stuff.

It can work well over leggings or jeans, and has handy front pockets for a casual, relaxed feel.

Made in top quality fabric, its timeless appeal will last and last.

[[

This smart navy and white striped bag from Topshop is perfect for today's minimalist trend. Fuss-free, casual and in pared-down No longer the colours, its unusual stripe detail preserve of sets it apart from the crowd.

It's roomy enough for a laptop cowgirls or or a good amount of shopping. school uniform, Talking of which...

GO FOR GINGHAM

this simple, slightly Skandi, print is having a style moment

All the best outfits start with the right footwear. These pretty gingham loafer-style flats from New Look are just the ticket - pair them with light, canvas cut-offs or your favourite preppy chinos. No longer the preserve of cowgirls or school uniform, this simple, slightly Skandi, print is having a real style moment right now.

SUPER SHIRT DRESS

There's nothing like an elegant relaxed shirt dress for summer workwear. This one from Primark looks a million dollars but costs a lot less. It will work also work well over your favourite jeans or leggings for the perfect laidback style. Wear as a dress, pair unbuttoned with a vest top and leggings or add a fine belt for lots of style options.

Pantaloons £35 Marks and Spencer

LOVELY LACE

A new dress for spring is always a fun thing to buy. If you've got a special occasion coming up, how about this assymmetric navy dress from Next, which is given drama and interest with its single yellow lace sleeve and interesting neckline detailing.

The tulip yellow contrasts perfectly with the inky blue/ black. Pair with knee-high boots on chilly days, or killer heels for a serious party.

PRETTY PINSTRIPES

Fine stripes are given a little extra interest with the tie-waist styling on this pretty top from Oasis. Pair it with a drop-waist skirt for a nod to the 1980s or wear it with white capri pants to look super-summery.

SHOW SOME FLAIR

No more skinny trousers - swish in stripes with these elegant wide-leg pantaloons from Per Una at Marks & Spencer. Pair them with a clean white T or simple shell top and you'll look the business for a day in the office.

Lace sleeve dress £45 Next

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Shop

Gingham playsuit £35 River Island

Pinstripe top £32 Oasis

Stripy shirt £13 Primark

Striped top

IMAGE: TOPSHOP

£45 White Stuff

Gingham shoe £25.99 New Look

All items featured are available at Drake Circus shopping centre, Plymouth www.drakecircus.com 31

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24/04/2017 17:08:21

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

Putting your best foot forward May is National Walking Month and the organisers Living Streets are not only asking us set out on foot every day but they also want us to help build a picture of just how walk-able our streets are. Whether you decide to walk to work, school or the shops, find a host of helpful tips and ideas to get the whole family on foot on the Living Streets website - and don’t forget to rate your walk using the online tool. www.livingstreets.org.uk

Eat well now Devon duo Myles Hopper and Giles Humphries have made healthy eating as easy as one, two, three with Mindful Chef, a recipe box food delivery service packed with lean and sustainably sourced ingredients from small Westcountry farms. To receive delicious ingredients at your home or office simply choose from the mouth-watering menu of fresh fish, meat, vegetables and seasonings, prepare your meals using the easy-to-follow recipe cards and tuck in! Boxes start from ÂŁ7 per meal www.mindfulchef.com

WORKING FROM HOME? Are you among of the 24% of home-workers who take to their sofas rather than an office chair and desk? New research reveals that those of us who work on a sofa are risking health problems such as repetitive strain injury and back injuries due to poor posture. So next time you find yourself working from home, save the slouching for your tea breaks and sit up straight at a desk with a proper office chair, until the work is done.

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Moor is more If you’re considering taking to two wheels this summer, there’s no better place to fall in love with cycling than our stunning National Parks. That’s why Devon Cycling Holidays have launched The King of the Moors – one, two or three-day challenge events pedalling the hills, valleys and villages of Dartmoor and Exmoor with expert guides and trainers. Packages start at £149 and include a 12-week pre-event training plan, qualified coaching, guide-led rides and accommodation. www.devoncycleholidays.co.uk

Use your head New research suggests a strong link between migraines and anxiety. If you suffer from both, it could be worth topping up your diet with certain vitamins and minerals known for their brain health properties. While Omega 3 is an effective anti-inflammatory, Vitamin D will banish anxiety and Vitamin B has been proven to reduce the frequency of migraines. Nature’s tranquilliser, magnesium, can soothe your brain while cutting out sugar will help stabilise your levels and minimise stress hormones linked to anxiety.

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

@WMNWest or email westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 33

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Wellbeing

And baby makes three...

Our expert has wise words for a couple under pressure Recently I went back to work after my materwere on maternity leave into what sounds like a nity leave and now everything’s going wrong fairly traditional male-female pattern. You were between me and my husband. I’m doing eveat home with the baby and the chores while your rything while he carries on doing his partner went out to work. running and seeing his mates. He has You don’t say whether or a great relationship with our daughter not you were happy with and plays with her when he’s home, that arrangement but it ‘His apparent but he just doesn’t see how unfair it is seems that you accepted it. that I’m doing all the work. I still love That situation has now thoughtlessness him and don’t want to be angry but I’m changed again. You’re is unlikely to be so tired and feeling really fed up. Help. now both working while about how much TF, Tavistock the workload at home has increased. So now you he loves you. He Relationship counneed to share that work simply doesn’t sellor Tricia Moore out fairly. Of course. It’s know what you says: As relationobvious isn’t it? Well it’s ships develop, not obvious if it wasn’t want’ couples negotiate normal in your husband’s a kind of formula home. It seems obvious for who does what. Some couples to you - and the fact that have a conversation about it, sometimes it just he can still do as he pleases while you’re left happens. If the negotiation is unspoken, it’s doing all the housework and childcare as well as often based on what happened in your childhood working seems so unfair. “If he loved me, he’d home. In spite of media messages or other life realise,” is not far away from your letter. lessons, those early influences from home are But his apparent thoughtlessness is unlikely incredibly powerful and will only change if chalto be about how much he loves you. Possibly he lenged. That challenge normally comes when hasn’t noticed he needs to do more, if his expecyou set up home with a partner. However your tations of “normal” are that he doesn’t have to. first arrangement worked, it changed while you Or maybe he has noticed but is used to avoiding

Q

[[

household chores. He simply doesn’t know what you want unless you tell him. It’s time for that challenge!

Choose the right time for a serious conversation and sit down. Talk clearly, explain how you feel and why you need his help. Normally here I would say, “then listen to his feelings.” But in this case, he really does need to step up and be fair, so it’s about him understanding your needs.

However, try to keep calm and avoid a defensive argument because the resolution stage - about how to organise the household and childcare responsibilities - will work much better as a shared negotiation than as a list of demands.

How much is enough is up to you but he needs to do enough to show he’s on your team, sharing the load. Hopefully then you’ll both get a bit of “me time”, the work still gets done and your daughter sees a good example of parents sharing roles and working together.

Fundamental changes like this are rarely straightforward, so acknowledge the changes he makes. Talk again if things aren’t working and negotiate again. Eventually, shared chores will become the new normal. Keep at it. Your relationship will be stronger in the end.

Tricia Moore is a counsellor for the national charity Marriage Care, based in Plymouth www.marriagecare.org.uk

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Food

SMALL BITES

Our pick of what’s on in the Westcountry food world right now Discover the art of pasta making There are few things more satisfying than making your own pasta but it does require a little bit of skill.

Exeter Cookery School is hosting a half day pasta-making workshop where you’ll learn about the different types of flour used and the names of different pasta shapes and why they differ. You’ll also get the chance to make pasta dough by hand and by machine, then shape it using a variety of methods. Sunday May 7, 2pm – 4.30pm, £65 per person. www.exetercookeryschool.co.uk

Getting crabby Taking place tomorrow, Sunday April 30, the Salcombe Crab Festival is a celebration of all things seafood. The free outdoor event will feature hands on cookery demos, crab fishing talks and a range of seafood dishes to enjoy, all on the quayside in Salcombe, south Devon.

There will also be plenty of music and wine tasting on offer. www. salcombecrabfest.co.uk

A sweet treat with a Cornish twist Summer thirst quencher Luscombe Drinks are based in Buckfastleigh and are well known for top-quality soft drinks. They also make a Devon Cider - a light but full flavoured medium dry cider that is well respected among cider aficionados. Made with organic Devon apples such as Sugar Bush, Devon Crimson and Slack-Ma-Girdle, it’s perfect for summertime picnics and barbecues.

Seed and Bean has the aim of creating an ethical range of organic chocolate using small scale suppliers and being brave with flavours. And their Cornish Sea Salt and Lime Rich Milk Chocolate certainly lives up to that! £2.69 for an 85g bar. www.seedandbean.co.uk

Got some foodie news? Let us know on westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 35

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25/04/2017 08:02:59

Enjoy

Your stars

by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

Adele

Known for being reliable, practical, ambitious and sensual, the people born under the Zodiac sign of Taurus often have an eye for beauty. They also tend to be good with finances, and can make efficient financial managers. Generous and dependable, Taureans will readily lend a helping hand to the family, friends and the needy. However, they can be stubborn, selfcentred and even a bit lazy at times.

Born May 5, 1988 We all know and love Adele, right? Can you believe she is still in her 20s - she seems to have been around forever! Born in Tottenham, London, at the grand old age of 19 she won two Grammys for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Despite plans to drop out of the industry Adele returned after a hiatus in 2015 with the album 25. With sales and downloads of her latest album topping 20 million and her 2016/17 tour underway, it seems we can’t get enough of this London lass. Happy 29th birthday, Adele!

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) What feels good and right to you this week probably is. Some routine matters turn out to be much more exciting than you thought possible. Is that because of someone special being involved? Certainly you will want to look and feel your best. Time to tweak that health routine or buy a new outfit? Whatever is put into endeavours this week will pay off handsomely.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) It has been much easier to upset you in the last few weeks and you could still be in a bit of a prickly mood. This won’t worry you unduly, especially if a sharper attitude seems to be getting results. A certain amount of mental ‘drifting’ this week could see time wasted that could be better spent.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Communications are generally improving all around and so this is the time to start talking about what you need from others. Of course there should ideally be something to be gained for them, also. Indeed, some give and take now guides you in the right direction for the future.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Dynamic social sparks are flying this week and urging you to get out there and make contact. Those who are seeking a partner, in any sense, have the best opportunity.

This is more about finding a soulmate than just sex. Yes, those who are unattached may now consider being more serious. Long-term results are on your mind.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Gather about you those folk who you have not seen for some time. Have a gettogether or visit them, maybe at weekends.

Avoid losing contact with friends and relatives who you care about just because you are too

busy. Do you take anyone for granted? We should all avoid that!

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Lady luck is on your side this week and just when you are feeling most adventurous. The urge to get to ‘pastures new’ is strong. Maybe it isn’t possible to get away just yet, but you can plan. Wherever you are at the moment, some exciting possibilities open up for you.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) There are discoveries to be made this week simply by chatting to family and friends. Following up the family tree? It is through some sharp investigation that the most interesting things come to light. Something here throws a light on a possible future endeavor.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Although a fairly quiet week, there are opportunities to move ahead in love.

Small glimmers of interest from someone new can be built upon. Of course, if they are shy or uncertain they may need a bit of encouragement. Some folk have hidden depths and it’s fun finding out.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Slowly, this week, it dawns on you that there could be some changes coming.

These will most likely be in your home or love life, maybe both. Hold back until you are

sure of the moves of others. Asking questions should be done subtly and of those you can trust.

You need to be something of a detective to get through this week with the best information.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) The urge to spend that hard-earned cash is very strong this week. If you find that wonderful bargain, fine. Spontaneous spending, however, could leave a nasty taste in your mouth. Something really tasty could be just around the corner, you know! You will find the one thing that floats your boat every time, but at what cost? That strong streak of individuality is coming out now.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) The waters around you are stirring and this could be the time to get your life ship-shape. Deciding who you want as part of your crew is only one of the questions popping into your head. Stay sharp and pick your projects carefully. There is no point in wasting time on something that you know is very short-term.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Making changes to your overall appearance and attitude seem to go together at this time. Something that has been bugging you for some time is now on your list of things to deal with. Keep an eye on spending but also expand your social links. Close relatives also need attention and this is an ideal time to show that you care.

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25/04/2017 08:15:27

Cook

Summer Strawberry Meringues A dreamy strawberry dessert – perfect for balmy summer months - devised by the chefs at Yeo Valley Dairies in Somerset Serves 6 Preparation 2-3 hours

Ingredients:

Method:

Meringues: 600g caster sugar 300g egg whites

To make the meringues:

For the rest of the pudding:

1.

Place the caster sugar on parchment paper, on a baking sheet, into the oven on 180C for 6-8 minutes until nice and hot.

4.

Whiz up the strawberries and the sugar with a hand blender and when nice and smooth pass through a fine sieve.

2.

Start to beat the egg whites until they begin to froth up and then gradually add the melted sugar into them.

5.

Whip the cream until nearly fully whipped and then add in the strawberry yogurt and half of the purĂŠed strawberries.

3.

Beat until cold and at the stiff-peak stage, then spoon onto a parchment paper lined tray in separate dollops before placing in the oven at 110C for around 2-3 hours

6.

Now dress in a big generous bowl with the meringues, drizzle over the remaining strawberry purĂŠe and dust with icing sugar.

7.

Place on sprigs of mint and wait for the whoops of delight when you place it in the middle of the table!

For the rest of the dessert: 1 large punnet of strawberries 50g sugar 250g strawberry yogurt 200g double cream, whipped

Yeo Valley make delicious organic dairy products in Blagdon, Somerset. For more recipes see www.yeovalley.co.uk 38

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Drink

Happy h ur with drinks expert April Marks

April says: I’ve just had the best Tuesday ever. Yes, I had to attend school: but not just any school, this week I went to gin school. I was pretty excited at the prospect of making my own gin and adding to my knowledge of distilling.

When I arrived at the shiny new Salcombe Gin distillery south Devon I was greeted by co-founder Angus Lugsdin and distiller Mark Hill who took us (that’s me and my fellow classmates) around their stunning premises overlooking Batson Creek in Salcombe.

We were taken to the room where ten beautiful miniature copper pot stills were waiting to

be used. The shelves were adorned with more than 100 ingredients, fresh herbs were growing in front of the sunlit windows and a wave of euphoria washed over me. I realised my dream was about to come true – I was going to create gin.

This was shortly followed by panic and anxiety - what if I get this wrong? I had one shot at this and I was determined to give it everything.

Mark gave me lots of tips, the must-have botanicals (juniper, coriander and orris root), then an idea of quantities and how different ingredients bring differing qualities to the end product. After carefully selecting 14 botanicals (we could use as many as we liked) my still was turned on and I dropped them into the English wheat spirit – now for the waiting game.

I realised my dream

was coming true - I

was creating gin!

Diary Date Posh picnics with gin – fancy it? Join me and Regency Wines at The Dartmoor Lodge in Ashburton on Friday May 5 for a gin tasting with a difference!

It took 15 minutes for the first few drops of spirit to trickle from the still, which oozed citrus flavours. A few minutes later the juniper became more evident, followed by lovely warming spices. And just before the distillation came to an end the spirit became sweet and earthy.

The distilling process took 45 minutes. Then our spirit was “cut”, which means carefully prepared water from Dartmoor was added to take the strength of our gin down to around 45% (from the powerful 77% when it came off the still).

We then bottled our gin, and added a label Angus had printed for us with our chosen gin name. The bottle was then placed inside a lovely wooden box. Wow! An incredible experience which I highly recommend to any gin lover. I expect you’re wondering how my gin turned out – it was pretty awesome, actually!

April Marks is co-founder of Regency Wines Ltd Exeter @regencywinesuk

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK ‘Start Point’ Salcombe Gin Recently awarded Gold at The World Gin Awards, Salcombe’s Start Point gin is distilled in the most gorgeous copper still I have laid eyes on. This citrus-led gin is classy and precisely as a London Dry Gin should be, I really like it with Fever Tree’s elderflower tonic and a slice of ruby red grapefruit.

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Drink Beer of the week I just had a London Pride, from Fuller’s, for the first time in a while and was pleasantly surprised. Not that it hasn’t always been a decent session bitter, but now it seems lighter in colour and tone, more floral and with a less sweet malt character. Worth seeking out.

Darren Norbury

talks beer AIR AMBULANCE FUNDRAISER Black Tor Brewery has launched a new cask beer, Down Draught, which will be on sale for six months, raising funds for the Devon Air Ambulance. Ten pence from the sale of each pint of the 4% ABV amber ale will be donated to the charity.

In the mood

The Seven Moods of Craft Beer: 350 Classic Modern Beers You Must Try is the latest work from Exeterbased beer scribe Adrian Tierney-Jones. The beers are divided into categories that are associated with a particular mood, namely: social, adventurous, poetic, bucolic, imaginative, gastronomic and contemplative. It’s published

by Eight Books on May 26.

here’s a strong possibility that, on Many beer mats are straight forward promofirst hearing, you may not want tions of beers, but the cardboard coasters have much to do with a tegestologist, but also been used to promote public health and fear not, it’s nothing to do with anysafety messages. Now, however, one man in Cornthing medical – it’s the proper name wall has come up with a new use for the beer mat. for a beer mat collector.

Colin Leamon, of Pink Moors near St Day, has Depending on your point of view, these are come up with a series of beer mats with simple either dedicated cultural historians or pains in pub games printed on them. He is trialling them the rear end. In the latter case, it’s because brewat the moment, with one side showing a game ers are endlessly asked for freeboard and the reverse featurbies, pumpclips, bottle labels or ing the game rules and space their beermats - and many get for an advertising message. The pretty fed up with it. message can change according Morecambe and People take it seriously to where the mats are used and Wise picked up though. There’s a British Beer- because Colin takes the adverbeer mats on mat Collectors’ Society, set up tising money - the mats can be in 1960, when celebrity tegessupplied free to interested pubtheir tours and tologists included Morecambe licans. were said to have and Wise. They picked up mats Colin says: “The games are on their tours and were said to family focused. They are not a collection of have a collection of 1,000 or so. drinking games, but really easy, 1,000 or so differIndeed, the duo became the first fun, five-minute games for the ent ones presidents of the society. They whole family to play.” Find out had some way to go, though, to more at marricgames.co.uk become the biggest collector.

Now, eBay throws up a host That honour goes to Austrian of beer mats for sale, if you are Leo Pisker who collected more than 150,000 from thinking of starting a collection. Not expen192 countries. sive, either, with some interesting curiosities, According to the society, Watney’s, of London, such as ones promoting the fictional Newton was the first British brewer to produce a beer & Ridley Brewery, which supplies the Rovers mat, in the early 1920s, promoting its Pale Ale Return in Coronation Street. (a German brewery had created what is thought We’re always going to need beer mats, aren’t to be the first ever in the 1890s). At that time it we? Keep those wet beer rings off the tables, or to was making beer at its famous Stag brewery, in flip and catch. How many can you flip and catch?

Pimlico. It went on to be known for the notorious I think I got to five once… No really, I did, you keg beer Red Barrel, which was a staple of many know.

1970s parties, the reaction against which led to Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk the rise of the Campaign for Real Ale. @beertoday

T

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culture vulture Our pick of the most interesting and exciting things to see and do right now in the South West Landscapes of colour Originally from Yorkshire, Paul Armitage has lived in painted in Cornwall since 2001 and now he’s holding his own exhibition at The Old Coastguard in Mousehole.

The exhibition will feature 12 paintings and drawings from the artist, each inspired by the landscapes of West Penwith and Southern Spain. This is a free exhibition and is open to the public from Sunday May 14 to Sunday July 9. www.oldcoastguardhotel.co.uk

On your bike The Eden Classic sportive is a mass-participation cycle ride which takes place at the Eden Project. Riders have the unique chance to pedal the length of Eden, past their world-famous Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes as they start their challenging journey. They then ascend steep hairpin bends before taking a choice of three routes along some of the most stunning coastal roads in the world and then finishing back in the heart of Eden. The Eden Project will be open free of charge over the weekend to friends and family of all those taking part in the sportive – simply tell the Eden ticketing staff which rider you’re there to support.

Sunday May 7 www.edenproject.com

A hidden world In 1942, Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl was forced into hiding with seven others in a secret annexe in Amsterdam.

Dreams of Anne Frank brings this famous story to life through movement, live music and song. The play reimagines and explores Anne Frank’s hidden world – a world in which she lived, fell in love and dreamed of freedom. Exeter Barnfield Theatre, Wednesday May 3 – Sunday May 7. Tickets from £9, book online at www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk 41

Beer Culture Vulture_April 29.indd 41

25/04/2017 08:08:54

Bringing up baby Peter and Emily Andre talk to Lisa Salmon about their new baby and discovering clever ways to be a superpower parent ost parents will have wished for superpowers at some point after having children. Not necessarily to fly or possess superhuman strength, but perhaps to stop a tantrum with just one glance or get a baby to sleep in minutes.

Believe it or not, many ordinary parents do have their own real "superpowers", and TV presenter Peter Andre and his wife Emily have been touring the UK meeting them.

Emily and Peter have strong Westcountry roots – Emily grew up near Taunton and the couple married at Mamhead stately home near Exeter in 2015.

Father-of-four Peter, whose youngest child Theo (Emily’s second baby) is just five months old, says he's enjoying hearing about other parents' superpowers. His favourite, though, is

M

the power to get newborns to sleep in minutes.

Peter is working with the energy company npower for its Parenting Super Powers campaign, which is encouraging parents to share videos and photos of their own special parenting skills.

Indeed, Peter jokingly suggests he has a few superpowers of his own: "I think mine and Emily's superpowers come in multitasking and team work. I'm great at feeding the baby and having a double espresso at the same time!"

On a serious note, the celebrity dad adds: "My top parenting tips are always be chilled and patient, so the children don't sense you're stressed, and put them first in everything - but have a little down-time too."

The couple have met a number of parents

with very different superpowers during their tour but say their favourite skill was that of mother-of-two Sarah Deakin, 37, a baby photographer who has the unique ability to get newborn babies to sleep in under five minutes.

"It's every parent's dream to be able to do what she does," admits Peter.

Sarah, who lives in Worcestershire, lulls the babies to sleep through lots of noise, moving them around and simultaneously reassuring them.

"Contrary to what most people think, babies usually settle better in a noisy environment," she explains.

"I've found lots of talking, background music and motion sends them off. This combination seems to work for me."

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Family

Peter enjoying a toddler swimming class

Peter says: "I'm working on learning that teaching them a range skill. Theo is a little too old now for some of of different movements the tricks that Sarah and tricks taught us, but she's a true that they can baby whisperer." do with their 'Having just And Emily adds: toddlers to had a baby "Having just had a prepare them myself, this is baby myself, Sarah's to get into superpower is most the water and most definitely definitely useful during eventually useful during those long nights when swim." those long nights baby just won't go to Peter says: sleep."

"I loved to see when baby just The couple also met how Kirsty won't go to sleep' Lynsey Ritchie, 40, a and Lisa managed to get toddlers to Harrow mother-offeel confident in the water. It was three who teaches fun, great taking part and watching how interactive Sling Swing classes, where parents much fun the children and parents had, it's so can bond with their children in slings while infectious." gently dancing. www.familysuperpowers.com Lynsey says: "All parents have superpowers.

Offering support while teaching parents how to bond with their children are mine.

"The babies are usually lulled by the movement and music - it's amazing to have a class of 15 silent babies."

Peter says: "It's fascinating the results that can come from this unique skill, allowing parents a safe place to let loose and exercise, all while connecting with your baby.

"I'm definitely going to be giving it a go."

The couple also got in the pool with swimming instructors and mums Kirsty Banham and Lisa Horton-Samuel from Stratford-upon-Avon, who teach children to feel confident enough in the pool to fully submerge themselves underwater.

Peter with newborn Kirsty says: "Lisa and I designed the classes babies at Sarah Deakin's not only for toddlers, but for parents too. photography studio Our superpowers are to work with parents,

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Pe te r an d Em ily at a sl in g da nc e cl as s

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25/04/2017 08:10:18

My Secret Westcountry Jason Pledger Jason Pledger is the design director of the Truro-based planning and architecture firm Laurence Associates. He grew up in Budock Water, Falmouth, where his father was evacuated during WWII. He and his wife Katie live in a house they’ve renovated at Port Navas on the Helford River, with their two youngest children Olivia and Elijah.

My favourite:

The Helford River

View:

From the train window as you travel from Lelant towards St Ives. It is a journey I always enjoy taking on a summer’s day. I particularly love seeing the golden sands at Hayle Towans, Carbis Bay and across West Cornwall golf course, before arriving at St Ives with the views over the town and harbour. It really is picture postcard stuff.

Place to visit: I have fond childhood memories of going to St Ives with my grandparents from London, playing in the amusement arcade, and having the seagulls pinch my chips on the seafront.

Walk: Anywhere on the Helford River.

I enjoy

walking the tropical gardens at Glendurgan and strolling down to the secluded beach with the gorgeous views out to the river.

up at the Pandora after waterskiing and have a cold beer and something to eat. You can’t beat it on summer’s day or evening.

Pub: As I mentioned, I love walking the coastal paths on the Helford River - and regularly stopping off at the Ferryboat Inn at Helford Passage for light refreshments.

Food: I love fish and chips, with mushy peas and, dare I say it, curry sauce. I also really enjoy Indian cuisine, and both Falmouth and Truro have some really good restaurants. That said, I am regularly reminded that I am not very adventurous when it comes to trying new dishes.

Place to eat: As a family, we love the Pandora Inn near Mylor. The setting on the edge of Restronguet Creek is stunning and the building itself is lovely with its timeless charm.

When I was younger, we would moor our boats

Tipple: It has to be a gin and tonic, preferably Tarquin’s, made near Wadebridge in north

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People

Hayle Towans beach

St Ives

Tarquin’s Gin

Cornwall. I do also enjoy a good cider in the summer.

Secret place: Budock Woods. Growing up in Budock Water near Falmouth, before the days of the internet, I played for hours in the woods, after school and during school holidays. In my opinion, children today rely too heavily on being entertained by their parents and have lost the ability to amuse themselves. Budock Woods are beautiful, and the meandering bluebell-lined footpaths from the top of Sparnon Hill with the river and little bridge bring back carefree childhood memories.

Carbis Bay 45

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My life

CHRIS MCGUIRE

Driven crazy?

Learning to control a car doesn’t come easy to new dad Chris weat oozed from my palms. arena – willingly. Surely the true definition of “OK, now follow my voice,” said courage? I’m convinced he goes off and bungee the person in the passenger seat. jumps or charms venomous snakes after my les“Check your mirrors, middle, now sons, to unwind. left, indicate left…”

Apparently, we older learners take that little I indicated right. bit longer to get to grips with handling a car – “Indicate left, Chris.” something to do having an increased sense of our “Sorry?” own mortality compared to the average teenager “We want to go left…” in receipt of L plates. This phe“Haven’t I?” nomenon seems amplified in I look down at the indicator stalk, my case, everyone within I’m convinced clearly in the signal right position. a half-mile radius of he goes off and As I do, the steering wheel drifts me becomes newly inbungee jumps and we head towards oncoming terested in religion traffic. At lightning speed, a hand every time I turn the or charms grabs the wheel and manoeuvres ignition key. venomous us out of harm’s way.

Joking aside, I’m “Sorry,” I whisper, not for the first fascinated by how snakes after my time today. driving instructors driving lessons, I’ve met a few brave people in manage to keep to unwind my time: firefighters, paramedics, their compoDavid Hasselhoff. This week I’ve sure, especially realised that the bravest of those when riding in who inhabit our community are a a car with special group that many of us don’t spend much someone like me. time thinking about: driving instructors.

To be clear, I’m someone If it’s possible to be the opposite of “a duck who’s not unused to stress to water” then that’s me when I get behind the at work. I used to produce wheel. In fact, I have a suspicion that if you live breakfast TV – seat-ofplaced a duck in the driver’s seat it would do a your-pants affairs – and significantly better job than me.

I prided myself on keepAt 37, I’ve spent a good part of my life as a coning my head while those firmed pedestrian – something of dying breed. around me were losing I’m sure I even look like a pedestrian – something theirs. Yet, somehow, drivto do with my distinctive gait (not to be confused ing turns me into a wreck. with my distinctive gate, another story completeMy instructor, however, ly). Yet all of that has had to change since the aris as cool as the proverrival of my son. In my experience, non-driving bial salad staple. He’s either parents are a bit like computers with a floppy genuinely serene in the face of disk drive – increasingly rare and not particumy chaos or a very good actor. I larly useful. wouldn’t be surprised if, next year, It takes a brave person to get into a car driven I see him picking up a gong at The by me, it really does. My instructor, a man with Oscars for “Most tranquil face in a ter(seemingly) infinite patience, has entered this rifying role.”

S

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I’m sure my anxiety behind the wheel will pass eventually. I’ve even considered hypnotism but worried a swinging watch hanging from the rear view mirror might affect my focus. Like anything in life, I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it at some point. My instructor has every faith in me, even if I don’t.

When I do pass I’ll be out there on the open road, living the dream. I recently suggested to my teacher that I could even re-train as a driving instructor myself. It’s the only time I’ve ever seen him look shocked.

Chris McGuire is a writer and new dad. He’ll tell the story about his distinctive gate one day… @McGuireski

NEXT WEEK: Phil Goodwin on life, love and parenthood in the Westcountry 46

ChrisM_ April 29.indd 46

25/04/2017 08:11:00

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