08.04.17
16
Easter treats to enjoy
WIN
A £400 Cornish mini-break
REAL LIFE:
When Tom Hardy comes calling
WOMAN ON A MISSION Why Devon’s Ann Daniels is off to the North Pole
- pg16
Cover_April8 ideas.indd 1
04/04/2017 14:13:32
JOIN US FOR EASTER WEEKEND ‘DRIFTY EASTER EGG TREASURE HUNT’ 15TH & 16TH APRIL LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY 15TH APRIL SUNDAY ROAST SERVED 12 - 8PM, BOOKING ESSENTIAL
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. WONDERFUL SEA FRONT LOCATION IN THE HEART OF ST AGNES.
WWW.DRIFTWOODSPARS.CO.UK Trevaunance Cove, Saint Agnes, TR5 0RT For reservations and bookings call:
01872 552428 Ads.indd 2
04/04/2017 13:51:31
‘I am happy with my body and I love it dearly, but I also know that it would appreciate a few more burpees and a little less Nutella’
12
TOM HARDY READS A STORY An Exeter children’s book hits the big time
08
STEAL HER STYLE Emma Watson’s sheer chic
Fenella Tobey contemplates joining the gym, p 8
[contents[ Inside this week... 6
THE WISHLIST Our pick of the best treats this week
9
JUST BETWEEN US... Sh! We have all the latest gossip
12
DRAWING ON SUCCESS Meet Exeter author Tom McLaughlin
16
FIRE AND ICE
22
ELEGANCE RESTORED From office block to boutique hotel
33
TAKE TEA ON THE TRAIN Scones and steam on the Cornish Belle
What drives Devon explorer Ann Daniels?
22
ELEGANCE RESTORED From office block to boutique hotel
26
JUST ASK GRACIE Our style guru solves your problems
28
SQUARE DANCE Go for gingham this spring
32
BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best right now
34
YOUR STARS THIS WEEK Cassandra Nye has your new horoscope
35
SMALL BITES What’s hot in the South West foodie world
44
SECRET WESTCOUNTRY Where to go, what to do
46
IT ALL STARTED SO WELL... Phil Goodwin and son take on Mother’s Day
37
IT’S WINE TIME April Marks heard it on the grapevine
40
MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
When cider met pizza...
3
CONTENTS_APRIL8.indd 3
03/04/2017 13:02:34
12
QUICK ON THE DRAW
When CBeebies comes calling
[ welcome [
If you do one thing this week...
Why not resolve to buy really good quality, Westcountry-made finest chocolate and Easter eggs this year? has won many internationa Chococo makes the pany has been run l awards. With shops by husband and wife in Swanage and Exeter, team been a firm believer the comin working with chocolateClaire and Andy Burnet since 2002. Chococo has always egg is made from high in cocoa solids a truly revolutionar and low in sugar. Its y milk chocolate with ness of milk, but with new MegaMilk the flavours less in Gandy Street stocks sugar than even 80 per cent dark chocolate. of fine dark chocolate, the creamithe full Easter range Chococo’s Exeter and has a café for hot chocolates, chocolate chocolate house and locally-baked fondue, sundaes cakes. www.choco co.co.uk
Doing things differently is often the best way
Win
ight now, Devon explorer Ann Daniels is pulling a heavy sledge across the North Pole, in a bid to raise awareness of global warming. Ann - now in her 50s - holds two major Guinness world records when it comes to polar exploration and had said she wasn’t going back on the ice again. But when the chance arose for one last foray into the frozen Arctic, she tells us she could not resist having one last go - find out why on page 16 today. Elsewhere in West, we meet Tom McLaughlin, the Exeter cartoonist and children’s author whose story was recently read aloud on CBeebies by the
R
We have three of Chococo’s MegaMilk Easter eggs (worth us in which year £16.95 each) to give Chococo was founded. away. For your chance Send your Chococo Competition to win one, simply , wmnwest@westernmorni answer, together with your name, tell address, email and answer to Chococo ngnews.co.uk to arrive phone number to: Competition, West by April 8, 2017. Alternatively Magazine, Queen’s House, Little Queen , you can post your Street, Exeter EX4 West will not share 3LJ. Normal terms your details. apply,
[
EdsLetter_1thing_A
pril 1.indd 5
Tweet
5
28/03/2017 11:14:01
of the week
@Chococotweet All our #Easter treats are available from our #chocolatehouse on Gandy St #Exeter too!
[
[
actor Tom Hardy - Chris McGuire discovers how this all came about on page 12 today. We love a little bit of old-meets-new here at West and I think you’d be hard put to find a better example of how to restore a historic building than the boutique hotel Southernhay House. Starting life as an elegant Georgian mansion, it spent many years as an ugly office block - but has now been brought back to life with a fusion of quirky retro and traditional luxury (page 22). And after that, if you feel like a relaxing weekend away, there’s the chance to win a two-night stay on the Cornish coast (page 5). Good luck!
We love a little bit of old-meets-new here at West
[
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: Kilian Hall
MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor
Phil Goodwin
Kathryn Clarke-McLeod
Gillian Molesworth
Cathy Long
4
EdsLetter_One thing_April 8.indd 4
04/04/2017 14:12:35
If you do one thing this week... Why not treat yourself to the promise of a gorgeous weekend away? The Boskerris Hotel is a small, stylish, coastal retreat with fabulous sea views. It is set in one and a half acres of grounds on the edge of St Ives, just above Carbis Bay beach. The decked terrace is the perfect place to enjoy the wonderful view all the way from Godrevy lighthouse to St Ives harbour. Built in 1931, the Boskerris has recently been totally revamped by its owners, the Bassett family, to blend contemporary cool with coastal comfort. Rooms (with full Cornish breakfast) start at £155 per night. www.boskerrishotel.co.uk
Win
We have a two-night stay for two in a classic deluxe ocean view room at the Boskerris Hotel, plus a bottle of prosecco on arrival, to be won. This prize is worth £400 for the lucky winner. To enter, simply tell us where you will find the Boskerris Hotel. Send your answer, together with your name, address, phone and email to Boskerris Hotel competition, westmag@ westernmorningnews.co.uk to arrive by April 15. Alternatively, you can post your entry to: Boskerris Hotel competition, West magazine, Queen’s House, Little Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3LJ. Normal terms apply, West will not share your details. 5
EdsLetter_One thing_April 8.indd 5
04/04/2017 13:34:17
Striped mug £3 George Home
Geometry vase £24 Amara
the
wishlist West’s top picks for spending your time and money this week
Upholstered bench £461 Furniture Village
City loft cushion £25 Furniture Village
6
Wishlist_April 8.indd 6
29/03/2017 16:46:04
Wishlist Blue dress £199 Monsoon
Blue check tea towel three pack £5 Wilkinson
fave!
Stoneware baking dish £22 Houseology
Embellished sequinned mules £59 Miss Selfridge
Card organiser £16 Oliver Bonas
7
Wishlist_April 8.indd 7
29/03/2017 16:46:34
talking points Fenella Tobey
Story of my life... Just a little epiphany n the last few years I have been becoming increasingly aware of how precious life is. How one day we can be here and gone the next. So many people are taken from this earth too soon, whether it be an unexpected illness, or a freak accident, and it is situations potential. When I’m on my like this that throw your own deathbed, I want to feel reaslife into painful perspective. I sured that my body was well suddenly feel a rush of panic used, that I had put it through and all the things I want to do its paces, that I got the most out with my life flickering like an of it. It is with that in mind that old film reel in front of my eyes. I recently joined the gym. As an Your 20s are supposed to be individual I am not unhealthy, some of the best years of your it’s just that the general idea of life, your mind and body will exercise makes me feel ill. No, most likely never work as well that’s not quite true, I rather as they do now. enjoy it (when it’s This is a realover). I am happy ity that fills me with my body, I I am happy with anxiety love it dearly, but with my body and motivates I also know that me to make the and I love it dearly, it would apprecibest of what I’ve ate a few more but I also know been given. Our burpees and a worlds nowalittle less Nutelthat it would days are infected la. The thought appreciate a few by social media, of challenging more burpees and where we are my mind as well confronted with as my body is a little less Nutella “perfect” images exciting; we all on a day-to-day know getting basis. A lot of to the gym, and these images show beautiful avoiding doughnuts, is almost women with butt cheeks strong harder than the actual exercise. enough to crush walnuts, and I say almost, I don’t want to die abs that can be substituted when I say “no thank you” to a for chopping boards. Though I chocolate biscuit, but I do when have no need to crush nuts with I’m 20 minutes in to my cardio. my bottom I wouldn’t mind All I’m really saying is that being able to put it on my CV or life is too short, or at least it make it one of my party tricks. might be; so it is time to take On a more serious note charge now. Wish me luck I really do believe that our and keep your eyes peeled bodies are our greatest gift, for any SOS signals as I may and I feel slightly guilty that have wrapped myself around a I am not using mine to its full treadmill.
I
SHEER
perfection Attending a screening of Beauty and the Beast at the Alice Tully Hall, Emma Watson was a vision in black. Her daring dress featured mesh panelling which showed off just enough skin without going overboard. She finished her gothic chic look with a vampy red lip and flawless skin.
Satin insert dress £65 www.littlewoods.com
steal her
style
OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN
OPTION A Chic Scallop embroidered bodycon dress £70 Lipsy
OPTION B Intricate Gothic lace dress £60 Next
Next week: Fenella on life as a twenty something in Devon. Gillian Molesworth is having a break but will return next month 8
Moley Gossip_April 8.indd 8
04/04/2017 12:36:01
08.04.17
FIND RICKY IN FALMOUTH Don’t know about you, but we are missing Ricky Wilson from The Voice judging panel this year. Never mind: if you live in Cornwall you might bump into him in real life – the Kaiser Chiefs star lives in Falmouth. He ended up owning a town house there by accident, he explained recently, saying: “I’d never been to Cornwall before, but do you remember that ash cloud over Iceland? Well, I was supposed to be going to Turkey on holiday and then that happened and all the flights were cancelled. But I had a week off, so I drove down to Cornwall and booked a cottage on the way, and I ended up in Falmouth. I went
to get supplies from the local shop and as I was walking down the high street I thought ‘I could live here’ – that doesn’t happen very often.” Funnily enough, Ricky later discovered he was getting back to his roots with the move: Only after buying a house in Falmouth did he realise he now lives about a 20-minute drive from his father’s birthplace. “That’s really weird, innit?” he says.
Just
between us Gossip, news, trend setters and more – you heard all the latest juicy stuff here first!
!
DAWN LOVES GOK WAN! Who knew that Dawn French is a Gok Wan fan? Just recently Gok sent Dawn a copy of his new album. Yes, the How To Look Good Naked TV stylist has turned music maestro with a new CD out of opera arias called Gok’s Divas. What is more, the album, featuring the likes of Katherine Jenkins and tunes from Mozart, Puccini and Gershwin, is at number one in the charts. Dawn’s reaction was effusive. She tweeted: “Oh yeah. @therealgokwan Just arrived. Result. Intend to give to ma-in-law on Mother’s Day... but... hmmm might keep...”
[[ ‘No one will ever love and cherish her more’
LUKE’S LOVE LULLABIES Whatever happened to Luke Friend? Well, we spotted him at an Exeter station recently being resolutely ignored by all and sundry, so things have calmed down a bit since the giddy days when the Teignmouth teenager wowed the nation on the X Factor back in 2013. Then again, the singer’s love life sounds like it is going well – he recently said of his girlfriend Steph
Elswood, a gym instructor: “There will never be anyone who will love her, cherish her, more than me,” adding: “I’m literally the luckiest man alive.” Happily, it seems the feeling is mutual – Steph wrote on her Twitter feed: “Find a man that plays your favourite songs on the guitar down the phone to you until you fall asleep.” All together... aah! 9
Moley Gossip_April 8.indd 9
04/04/2017 12:36:25
End of the day: Sunset over St Michael’s Mount
in pictures Back to the sea: Two of the five grey seal pups released by the Cornwall Seal Sanctuary
Hands on: Volunteers are helping restore the heathland on the Clinton Devon estate in east Devon
Heroes assemble: Competitors in the Delicious Dart Run from Totnes to Dartmouth 10
Best_WIP_April 8.indd 10
29/03/2017 13:21:36
talking points A HISTORY
of the
WEST in
100
objects 39: SILVER SPOON
The best way to:
LEARN TO DANCE From ballroom to Bollywood, learning to dance is not only a great way to get fit but it’s also a fun and social activity you can do with family or friends. The swing pack: Bring the rhythm and vibe of the 1930s and 1940s swing era into the 21st century with Mad About swing in the heart of Plymouth. They offer weekly level one classes which are ideal for beginners every Wednesday from 8.30pm – 9.30pm, £7 on the door. www.madaboutswing.co.uk
Studio offers informal and friendly beginners classes in West Buckland near Taunton every Thursday from 6.30pm – 7.30pm, £12 per couple. www.stepintimedancestudio.co.uk
Fulfil your ballerina dreams: Ballet is back and this time it’s not just for the kids. Adult classes are more popular than ever and the Bounce Dance Academy in Newquay offers lessons every Wednesday night from 7.15pm – 8pm where you’ll learn how to arabesque and plié with the best of them. www.bouncedanceacademy.co.uk
Probably made from Combe Martin silver, about 1580-90 Julien Parsons is the Senior Collections Officer, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. He says: This elegant spoon provides evidence of an intriguing link between a north Devon mine, an Exeter goldsmith, a fortified manor house in south Devon and the New World. It’s engraved with the date 1596 but was probably made in the 1580s by Exeter goldsmith John Eades. The decorative end of the spoon, or knop, is fashioned into the form of a squirrel: the crest of the Gilbert family of Compton Castle, near Paignton. Three Gilbert brothers – John, Adrian and Humphrey – each took a leading role in Elizabethan maritime history. John served as Vice-Admiral
of Devon during the attack of the Spanish Armada, and Adrian found fame by sailing with Drake and Raleigh to establish a colony at Roanoke Island, North Carolina. Humphrey headed further north and in 1583 claimed Newfoundland as England’s first permanent colony in North America. He lost his life on the return journey. In the Tudor period, silver spoons were only for the super-rich. This one probably came from a set commissioned for a family occasion, or perhaps to mark an act of derringdo by one of the brothers. In 1587 Adrian Gilbert is credited with re-discovering silver at Combe Martin mine, on the north Devon coast. And so, it seems that not only was the Gilbert spoon steeped in local history but it was also probably made of Devon silver.
#39 From Exeter to India: Bollywood is a fusion of Eastern and Western dance which evolved from the Indian film business, and is a great way to have fun while getting fit. Classes take place to the funky beat of Bollywood music and no previous dance experience is needed. Every Monday from 7.15pm – 8.15pm, £6 advance / £8 drop in at the Exeter Phoenix. www.exeterphoenix.org.uk The dance of love: If you and your partner are looking to try something different, we recommend giving ballroom a go. Step In Time Dance
On display in gallery 3, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter.
Competition winner: Oops! Eagle-eyed readers spotted an incorrect email address in our recent Boskerris Hotel competition (page 5). The competition will close April 15 giving you another chance to win.
11
Best_WIP_April 8.indd 11
31/03/2017 16:31:08
12
TomMcLaughlin.indd 12
30/03/2017 14:01:48
Interview
The story teller
Tom McLaughlin, illustrator and children’s author, talks to Chris McGuire about his journey to success and his big break
t was definitely supposed to be today. From my limited interactions with Tom McLaughlin, 40, I didn’t expect him to be late – he just doesn’t seem the type. I decide to send a text message. Nothing too pushy, just a gentle nudge: “Hi Tom. Are you still OK for our meeting? Best C.” A reply lands. “Yes, I’m here too.” The penny drops. Who’d have thought there were two branches of the same coffee shop in central Exeter? I race through town, thinking I wouldn’t have made a good secret agent or prime minister (just two of the roles the stars of Tom’s children’s books find themselves in) with organisational skills as bad as mine. Finally united, we exchange notes about babies as I search for a notepad in a bag overcrowded with wet wipes and teethers. Tom’s partner, Elle, 34, I learn, has just given birth – their first child together. Down to business, there’s no way of avoiding that Tom is currently part of a social media sensation. He grins. “I got an email a while back, but wasn’t allowed to tell anyone.”
photography: killian hall
I
13
TomMcLaughlin.indd 13
30/03/2017 14:04:17
Interview
Tom McLaughlin’s book was read on CBeebies by Taboo star Tom Hardy
Tom’s book The Cloudspotter was read on CBeebies by none other than the smouldering star of Taboo and Peaky Blinders, Tom Hardy. The internet went crazy about it. “I remember tweeting about it,” Tom says, of when the embargo lifted. “I said: ‘Tom Hardy is reading my book on CBeebies. This is the coolest sentence I’m ever going to write.’” I’d dispute that. Tom McLaughlin’s written some very cool sentences in his books – or funny ones, which are, surely, the same thing. It’s not for nothing that Tom’s often compared with David Walliams. Tom grew up in Nuneaton, then moved to Falmouth to attend a two-year illustration course. Just before he graduated, this very newspaper, The Western Morning News, was looking for a political cartoonist and paid his college a visit. “I was the only one doing satirical jokes,” Tom says. “The others were doing children’s publishing or drawing people on horseback, with axes, slaying dragons. I loved Spitting Image and Have I Got News for You.” Tom got the job. “You needed a world view, a wise head. I found it a bit of a struggle at times. They’d say, what’s the big story? ‘NHS waiting lists – yeah let’s do a joke about that’. I was there nine and a half years, then I went freelance.” By this time, Tom had relocated to Exeter with 14
TomMcLaughlin.indd 14
31/03/2017 16:24:21
his then wife (they later divorced) and two children Joe, now 15 and Harry, nine. “I did a few freelance things. You take work when you can. Illustrators are not well paid but you need to build up a portfolio.” As we discuss these difficult times, Tom gives off a quiet confidence. “There was an Animated Exeter competition, they were giving out bursaries to people who wanted to animate stories. I ended up writing a little thing, winning the bursary and animating it.” It was called The Girl with the Pink Shoes. The short was well received. Soon Tom was working with animation companies and needed an agent. “I ended up getting a TV agent and a literary agent at the same place.” With the literary agent came Tom’s big break. After a drought of work, projects flooded in. “I had four offers to illustrate books and it’s gone from strength to strength.” Tom’s own picture books such as The Cloudspotter, The Story Machine and Up, Up
and Away found a huge audience among young readers. There was, however, an impediment that stood between Tom and his true potential. A lack of confidence in his writing ability, due to dyslexia. “I knew how to draw, but I didn’t think I was able to write, because I’m not very good at spelling and my reading is really terrible. I always thought of myself as more of an illustrator than a writer. I was just so embarrassed and nervous. At school, the first thing teachers would do is get the red pen out.” But with encouragement, Tom tried his hand at longer books. The first was The Accidental Prime Minister, which was a big success. “A story in a picture book is around 400 words, some even less than that. To get a beginning, middle and end, and a satisfying story, is hard. It’s sometimes really torturous. With longer books, it’s like I can use all the words in the world. I can come in and have a play. It’s brilliant.” Passionate about enabling children with dys-
‘I said: Tom Hardy is reading
my book... this is the coolest
sentence I’ll ever write’
lexia, Tom regularly leads school workshops on the subject. “I talk about dyslexia as if it’s a superpower. It makes you kind of special, but in a good way.” What do Tom’s children think of his work? “Joe’s getting a bit old for it. Harry is really interested. He’s an avid reader and quite a writer as well.” It would seem there’s a distinct possibility Tom won’t be the only writer in the family. More books in the series are due, including The Accidental Billionaire and The Accidental Father Christmas, both to be released this year. There’s even talk of a TV series. Beyond books, Tom is also involved in an exhibition run by Exeter Illustrators, on show now at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. “There will be children’s book illustrators, graphic designers, more fine artists,” he says, describing the project. “We’ve got together and taken over the RAMM for a few months.” The exhibition runs until July 2. It strikes me that Tom’s success is no accident. I’m tired just listening to his workload. Tom writes at least three books at once and never seems to stop working. Yet his new baby, Molly, just a month old, may change all that. Aware I should let him go and give Elle a hand, I wish Tom luck and he heads off home. Who knows which star will read his next book on Cbeebies? 15
TomMcLaughlin.indd 15
04/04/2017 12:38:47
People
Woman on a mission What drives Ann Daniels, the world record-breaking polar explorer from Devon? Becky Sheaves finds out why Ann is heading back to the North Pole once again
HAUL: Ann has towed a 250lb sledge more than 3000 miles in her career as a polar explorer
RECORD: Ann holds the women’s records for trekking to both North and South Poles
16
AnnDaniels_April8.indd 16
04/04/2017 14:08:01
DANGER: At the North Pole, the ice breaks and piles up into crags
COLD: On treks, temperatures fall as low as minus 58 Centigrade
n her long career as a polar explorer, Ann Daniels has hauled a sledge weighing 250lb across more than 3000 miles of hostile snow and ice. She holds the Guinness world records for trekking in an all-women team unsupported to both North and South Poles. “But once I’d achieved that, I lost interest in breaking records,” she explains. “From then on, it has all been about giving something back.” To this end, she then took part in several major expeditions carrying out research into the effect of global warming on polar ice. “We drill through ice to see how thick it is, working with NASA, as part of the Catlin Arctic Survey,” she explains. Indeed, Ann has been described by fellow explorer Pen Hadow as: “not just the best woman polar explorer in the world. She is the best polar explorer in the world, full stop.” Her idea of an adventure is to take on temperatures of around minus 58C, “not including
I
the windchill, which can take the numbers down to minus 70C.” Just for comparison, the average home freezer is -18C. She’s been stalked for three days, when trekking solo, by a hungry polar bear. She still wears a silver polar bear pendant to this day, in memory of her would-be attacker. “I would have shot him if I’d had to – but I’m so glad it didn’t come to that.” But, at the age of 52, these intrepid treks were, it seemed, behind this Devon mother of four. Until one more chance came up to get back on the ice. And, she explains, she “couldn’t resist”. So right now Ann is hauling her sledge once more to the North Pole, as part of a special expedition to raise awareness about global warming. “When the opportunity came up, it was just impossible to say no,” she explains when we meet, just before she sets off from her family home in an east Devon village. “It’s just such a great way to flag up how important it is that we preserve as much of the polar ice as we can. 17
AnnDaniels_April8.indd 17
04/04/2017 14:08:43
“Plus, I just love being up there – the space, the freedom. It’s unbelievably beautiful.” Beautiful - and dangerous. On one occasion, on her record-breaking 700 mile journey to the North Pole she did, she confesses, fear for her life. “A storm blew up so strongly that it picked my team-mate up and threw her smack into a cliff of ice, damaging her shoulder,” she remembers. “We were trying to get our tent up to sit out the weather but we had to forget that. It was absolutely howling wind and snow. All we could do was throw the tent on the ground, lie on top of it and wait it out.” The team of three women huddled there “like sausages in a pan” for three days. “I know people think, ‘Oh, these days they can always get rescued. Someone will come and get them,’ but it would have taken a plane two days to get to us. And no plane could fly in that weather anyway.”
Ann, bright eyed and cheery in a knitted jumper and jeans, sips on her mug of coffee at her home in east Devon and then adds: “I have to admit, there was a time during those days when I honestly thought ‘I could die here.’ “But you know what? As soon as that thought entered my brain – and you think very, very slowly when you’re so cold – I said to myself: I can’t die. I have children.” Ann does indeed “have children” – more so than most parents. “I’m always known as ‘Ann Daniels, mother of triplets’. Every time!” she laughs. Her children Joseph, Rachel and Lucy are now aged 23 and she also has a younger daughter Sarah, who is nearly 14. So what drives this very down-to-earth woman to pit her strength against one of the world’s most hostile environments? Ann grew up on a council estate in Bradford and still has her Yorkshire
‘I was very, very cold. But I said to myself: I can’t
PORTRAITS: KILLIAN HALL
die. I have children’
accent despite living in the South West since her 20s. “You had to be street-wise on our estate but we all looked out for each other. We didn’t have much but nor did anyone, so it didn’t matter.” She was the youngest of five children, with four older brothers. “I wanted to keep up, climb the trees with them and not be left behind,” she remembers. It all sounds idyllic, with tomboy Ann out having fun with her siblings. But things changed when she was 13. “My parents started working as publicans and moved from pub to pub, living over the business. Because of school, I couldn’t move with them, so effectively I lost my family home. I stayed with my older brother and his wife, then with friends. I had all my possessions in carrier bags and had no proper base. It was a very upsetting and distressing time.” One can imagine her parents, losing sight of 18
AnnDaniels_April8.indd 18
04/04/2017 14:09:20
People
the fact that their youngest child was still just that – a child, who needed daily parental support. “You know, even though my parents made it up to me since then in so many ways, I still feel that sense of hurt and pain at what happened. It really affected me.” Ann has faced criticism over the years for putting herself at risk when she had young children. But she is a devoted parent and doesn’t see things that way: “In between expeditions, I’m home for up to two years. I’ve spent more time with the kids than many mums who worked 9-5. “Besides, if I was solely devoted to being a mother, what does that say to my kids? There are a million ways to be a parent and I really do believe in showing children what can be achieved. It is so important.” Others share her conviction. When we meet, 19
AnnDaniels_April8.indd 19
04/04/2017 14:09:46
People
Ann has just been flown to Miami to give a motivational speech to Sony women employees. And her children – the triplets are now aged 23 and Sarah is 14 – fill her with pride. “Of course they have their ups and downs, all kids do. And you can’t live their lives for them. But they are great, really great.” Joseph works at festivals all over the country, erecting stages, Lucy is training to be a teacher and Rachel works with the elderly in a care home. In the media, Ann keeps a dignified silence about her marriage to the triplets’ father. Suffice to say it was not a happy one: “But he is their father, at the end of the day.” She had married young and started work in a bank at the age of 18. Then followed years of heartache as she was unable to conceive until, with the help of IVF, she gave birth to the triplets. Within 18 months of their arrival, and having moved to Yeovil for her husband’s job in the RAF, things were going badly wrong in Ann’s relationship: “I was so unhappy.” That’s when she saw the newspaper advert that changed her life. “It was asking for normal people to join the first all-female team to walk to the pole. I applied. I didn’t think I could do it, but the training weekend sounded brilliant. I was going through hard times and I saw it really as just the chance to get away for a weekend to Dartmoor.” Ann trained at home, dragging a tyre over grass and doing star jumps in the garden while her children slept.
“To my amazement, I was chosen for the expedition – and that was the beginning of a whole new career for me.” What is more, she later went on to find happiness with her partner of 15 years, Tom O’Connor, who works as an aircraft engineer based at Exeter Airport. “Tom really gets what draws me to the ice, as he has had work stints at the base in Antarctica. He loves it there too.” Tom’s a laidback, supportive character and their daughter Sarah came as “a wonderful surprise. Of course I never dreamed I would conceive a child naturally. But here she is!” says Ann. So what is it like trekking to the North Pole? “ U n b e l i e va b l e. Your hair freezes, you can never, ever get warm. It hurts, constantly. Every night, we get the tent up, I light the stove and melt enough ice for hot drinks and dinner. By the time the steam rises to the top of the tent, it freezes there. “You try to keep your kit dry but within days you are getting into sleeping bags that are frozen stiff, wearing damp, icy clothes. We sleep with crucial equipment in our sleeping bags, to stop
it freezing. “The first part of the expedition is always the toughest. The ice is on the move, breaking and piling up in peaks and crags, so you have to haul the sledges one by one over mountains of ice.” Her trek this April will be filmed for a documentary and is called The Two Degrees Expedition. It heads from the 88th parallel to the geographic North Pole (90 degrees north) – two degrees of latitude. “The aim is to prevent global warming rising more than two degrees in centigrade,” Ann explains. A rise beyond that figure would have catastrophic consequences for the world’s climate. Ann’s journey will cut through the Central Arctic Ocean, an area the size of Europe, that is expected to melt later this summer and become ice-free for first time in 10,000 years. “But we can take action to stop more ice melting. It is so important for the whole world, our weather, food production, drinking water. There is so much more that can be done.” And Ann Daniels, most definitely, is the woman to do it. www.anndaniels.com
‘We can take action to
stop the ice melting. It is so
important for the world’
20
AnnDaniels_April8.indd 20
04/04/2017 14:10:13
44
discover
22
interiors
36
28
food
fashion 21
Intro April 8.indd 21
04/04/2017 13:23:07
Eclectic elegance Deborah Clark shows Natalie Millar-Partridge around Exeter’s striking Southernhay House outhernhay House in Exeter is now a boutique hotel owned by husband and wife team Deborah Clark and Tony Orchard – but it was not always in such careful hands. The couple, who also own the art deco Burgh Island Hotel in South Devon, took on the house as a restoration project in 2010. Originally a handsome gentleman’s residence dating back to the 1800s, it had fallen on hard times and was being used as an office block. But now the ugly insurance company interior has been stripped back to create a stunning ten-bedroom hotel, combining original architectural details with quirky up-tothe-minute design. The project took place over seven months, using independent local contractors. “We had heritage architects work on the plans because the building is Grade II* listed – meaning the interiors are as important as the exterior,” says Deborah. “However, I did all the design ideas, sourcing and execution myself, with input from various antiques collectors and tactile designers I have worked with over the years. “I’m very respectful of the underlying architecture but we also wanted to have fun with the decor. The aesthetic is a kind of Paris salon meets Stockholm. “Tony and I lived in Paris for five years, in an exquisite hotel particulier on the Île St Louis that blew all my senses. Stockholm is just getting me back in touch with 20th century design aesthetics. You can’t go wrong with Swedish design.” The hotel in Southernhay, at the heart of Exeter’s beautiful Georgian business quarter, now houses a restaurant, private dining room, art
S
22
Interiors_April 8.indd 22
30/03/2017 16:11:00
Interiors
Traditional design pieces give Southernhay House an understated elegance
23
Interiors_April 8.indd 23
30/03/2017 16:11:21
Interiors deco-inspired bar and ten bedrooms. The bar’s retro club chairs – an eBay find – are particularly striking. “Our much-loved blue sofas are original but you could get reproductions from Scandecor, which specialises in Scandinavian style. It does a range of interesting leather colours, if you’re feeling brave,” says Deborah. Deborah describes her chandelier as a “push the boat out” statement piece, from local family firm Amos Lighting. Unique lighting throughout sets the tone for the wall art, some of it sourced at very reasonable prices from The National Portrait Gallery and posters.co.uk. In the bedrooms, the focus was on the beds and baths. “The beds are from And So to Bed – eclectic, classy and unusual, they also make bespoke sizes,” says Deborah. “All our baths are from Catchpole and Rye – they are great products made from solid cast iron. We had to have the floors and joists re-enforced specially.” The decor at Southernhay House has, in part, been inspired by the building’s colourful history. It was built in 1802 by Major General William Kirkpatrick, who worked for the East India Company. Much of the design and style of the house embraces its colonial past. “Because the time frame was so tight, I had a couple of scouts out looking in auctions and on eBay for furniture and pictures,” says Deborah. “The real hero was Sofa Rooms, an Exeter company, where Paul and Cassie worked like crazy to ‘All our baths re-upholster and recondition the anare made from tique bedroom furniture for our opening in 2011.” solid cast iron. Deborah chose Farrow & Ball paints We had to have in muted shades, with the occasional the joists and colour pop such as Rectory Red in the Club Room. “That room really needs, floors reinforced
[[ specially’
and enjoys, that energy. With Farrow & Ball, you can’t go wrong – you could almost stick a pin in the chart and you would be happy with the depth and consistency of colour. French Grey is one of the most versatile neutrals I’ve come across. “I also became obsessed with a Farrow & Ball colour called Blackened – it works both in the bar where it is soft and almost purple, and also in our reception, where the light and fittings make it more of a light grey.” The entranceway flooring is made up of large black and white tiles. “I had them laid halfway through the works, so the builders’ boots did the ageing work for me! Good solid tiles can be found at Mandarin Stone, which has showrooms in Exeter and Bristol,” Deborah says. The flooring and fireplaces, like all the fixtures and fittings, are new. “Some of the best were found at Woodford Flooring, who laid all of the floors and regularly maintain them.” But for all of its grandeur and elegance, at its heart Southernhay House is a practical, working environment, designed for enjoyment and hospitality. “It’s all here to be a backdrop to people and to be lived and laughed in,” says Deborah.
24
Interiors_April 8.indd 24
04/04/2017 12:42:16
GET THE
LOOK
Channel the retro traditional fusion with these key pieces Pluto starburst wall clock £120 Amara
fave! Bamboo table £85 Marquis & Dawe
Wilko scented pillar candle, apple £2.50 Wilkinson
Pure Luxe pineapple crystal wine goblet in smoke £46 Gurasu Chilewich placemat £14 Amara
Zach candelabra £195 Debenhams Barouge king bed frame £1,249 Harvey Norman
25
Interiors_April 8.indd 25
04/04/2017 12:42:54
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...
A kind of magic Q
Is coconut oil really as good for you as everyone says it is? JP, Dorchester
Although coconut oil has suddenly become trendy, it has been used in ancient Hawaiian beauty rituals for centuries and for good reason. Coconut oil is mostly made up of fatty acids such as lauric, capric and caprylic acids. These are good fats that help keep skin hydrated and super soft. It’s also full of vitamin ‘Coconut oil is E, which helps to keep skin ageless and mostly made protect against dryness. up of fatty acids I’m a huge fan of Kopari, which is a line of coconut based beauty products. that keep skin Using 100 per cent pure, organic cocohydrated and nut oil sourced from the Philippines, its products are made as natural as possuper soft’ sible with the safest ingredients. Basically that means there are no sulfates, no silicones, no parabens, no GMOs and no toxins. If I had to pick one, my favourite product would be their innovative Coconut Face Cream. The lightweight cream fights wrinkles and rebuilds collagen, all while adapting to your skin’s needs in various climates (the consistency is thicker in the colder months, and thinner in the warmer months) – it’s basically magic! Although Kopari is based out of California, it does ship to the UK.
[[
Coconut Body Milk £24.40 www.koparibeauty.com
fave!
Coconut Face Cream £31 www. koparibeauty.com
Organic Coconut Melt £31 www.koparibeauty.com
26
Gracie_April 8.indd 26
04/04/2017 12:46:35
Gracie’s shopping list
Time to shine Q
shiny stuff, be sure to stick with one colour. Black, gold and silver are good options.
Are there any dos and don’ts about wearing sequins? PD, Brixham
Typically sequins are reserved for evening excursions but I think you can wear them day or night, so long as you style them in a modern way.
• If you don’t feel comfortable wearing sequins, try accessorising with them instead. Nothing beats a sequined clutch.
• To avoid looking too festive, sequins in dark shades such as black and navy are always a good choice. • A sequined top will take you anywhere at any time. Try teaming yours with boyfriend jeans during the day or tailored trousers for an evening affair.
Sequin front top £26 Apricot
Sequin dress £260 Debenhams
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil £64 www.gisou.com Formulated to rebuild and repair your hair from the core, this honey based oil can be used as a pre-styler and finisher, as an overnight treatment or by adding a few drops to your chosen hair mask.
• If you’re going to wear a dress that’s completely covered in the
Brave that backless
Lace back detail bra £14 Accessorize
Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita £20 John Lewis This velvet matte lip pencil is super long lasting and is enriched with vitamin E to give a creamy textured finish. It can be used for lining, as an all-over lip colour or paired with another lip product.
I recently purchased a backless
Q dress but now I’m worried I won’t be able to wear it without going braless, which I don’t feel comfortable doing. Do you know of any bras that would work with a backless dress? RA, Truro Unfortunately when it comes to backless dresses, particularly ones that have no back at all, you really only have a couple of options. You can go braless or wear a stick-on bra. The only problem with stick-on bras is that they only really work on A, B, and C cups. Anything larger and you won’t get the support you need.
Front fastening lace soft bra £15 PrettyLittleThing.com
However, if you’re really dedicated to wearing a particular backless dress, then you should
Lace bralette £8 Primark
think about placing your own support by way of sew-in cups. Just remember, sew-in cups move with the dress, not with you. Alternatively, you could consider purchasing some lingerie you’ll actually want to show off. There’s a huge range of dainty bralettes and intricate strappy bras out that would work with a backless dress and a little confidence.
Leopard Flower Smart Backpack £50 Cath Kidston Perfect for taking into work or on trips, this backpack features adjustable straps and a front zip compartment. It also has an inner padded sleeve to fit laptops up to 13”.
Got a style or beauty question? Email Gracie Stewart at westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk with the subject Ask Gracie
27
Gracie_April 8.indd 27
04/04/2017 12:47:46
Gingham moonlight top £45 White Stuff
Check shirt £50 Debenhams
fave!
Wear with ankle boots and a red lip for instant chic
Gingham shirt £29.99 Bon Prix
Gingham swing dress £29 Simply Be
Frill top £32 Top Shop
Gingham trousers £39 Topshop
28
Fashion_ April 8.indd 28
31/03/2017 12:37:47
Fashion Feather belted top £79 Wide leg trousers £98 Yvette tassel footbed sandals £98 all Jigsaw Check skirt £65 Debenhams
Checkmate sually reserved for cowgirls, gingham is having its moment in the spotlight for spring 2017. Although this checked print is often found in black and white, this season you should also look for versions in blue for an airy updated take. If you’re new to gingham we recommend starting with one key piece that can be worn with a neutral shade to tone down the overall effect. Alternatively, keep the squares small so the pattern isn’t so bold like this gingham swing dress from Simply Be.
U
Frilldress £45 Simply Be
29
Fashion_ April 8.indd 29
04/04/2017 12:55:26
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
Anyone for a garden party? National Gardening Week kicks off on Monday April 10, and as this horticultural hobby has proven benefits to both our health and general wellbeing, this is an excellent excuse to get our fingers green for the day. Attend an organised event such as the Kitson Fun Day at Kitson Park in Torquay on Monday, or Rake and Cake at Drake’s Place in Plymouth on Wednesday, or host your own garden party or sponsored weeding marathon for friends and family. Find more inspiration at www.nationalgardeningweek.org.uk
Saying goodbye Have you, a family member or friend been touched by baby loss? The charity, Saying Goodbye, is running a free service at Exeter Cathedral today, Saturday April 8, for anyone who has lost a child in pregnancy, at birth or shortly after, whether this was recent or many years ago. With comprehensive information, advice and support, this event is open to anyone of any faith or no faith and is an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and remember children who have been lost. www.stayinggoodbye.org
PEER FEAR A recent study into emotional health has found that when it comes to women, the biggest impact on body image can be attributed to social media. Forget size 0 celebs papped on the beach in Malibu; women are much more likely to compare themselves with their peers, which can lead to feelings of guilt, shame and unnecessary dieting. What most women tend to forget however is that 70% of these women regularly edit their images before posting them on Facebook or Instagram, so what you’re seeing is as good as airbrushed. Phew. 30
Boost_April 8.indd 30
04/04/2017 12:56:42
Rising stars Rugged Interactive is a cutting-edge fitness technology brand that has recently sparked up fierce competition in the Dragons’ Den. The Fowey-based team of innovators, which include founder Simon Heap, secured a £100,000 investment from Dragons Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones, which will help them build their business of cardio walls, climbing walls and other pioneering equipment we could all be seeing at our local gyms very soon. www.rugged-interactive.co.uk
Taste the wild Sample the delights of Mother Nature tomorrow, Sunday April 9, as you join wild food practitioner and teacher, Daniel Thompson-Mills for a Wild Food Foray. Meet in the car park at Steward Wood at 10am before taking to the forest in pursuit of edible spring plants. Discover the benefits of foraging, golden rules of what to avoid, medicinal qualities of plants and delicious wild recipes to try at home. Tickets cost £25 per adult, more information at www.facebook.com/ DartmoorsDaughter
What’s coming up? Tweet us your wellbeing diary dates
@WMNWest or email westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 31
Boost_April 8.indd 31
04/04/2017 12:57:07
Wellbeing
Taking back control How can I get back my confidence and self-esteem? Four years ago, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I battle with the symptoms every day. It’s not just the tiredness and constant pain, it’s also the effect it has had on my confidence. I feel useless, weak and a burden. How can I learn to cope and get my self worth back? LA, Helston
Q
Transformational coach Tiffany Macedo-Dine says: It is very common for people who live with fibromyalgia to experience acute feelings of loss – loss of mobility, loss of the ability to be flexible and spontaneous, loss of feeling generally well and loss of confidence. Here are my top tips for regaining your self esteem:
Acceptance While some people look on with skepticism, those living with fibromyalgia know it is a very real thing with very real consequences. Being confronted with cynicism can lead to a certain personal denial or a sense of “maybe I’m making this up”. This denial can minimise your sense of personal value. A level of acceptance is important to find realistic coping strategies
which will give you back a sense of control.
them to suit you.
Give yourself permission
Nourish, don’t punish
Pushing on through is not always helpful and Just because you may not be able to do there can be great power found in being able everything as you once did, know that this to let yourself give yourself condition is not your fault and what you and your body needs. banish any feelings of guilt. Give yourself permission to Instead, really take time to care rest, to not go out, to be quiet. for yourself, reward yourself ‘Looking for new When you deny yourself these and acknowledge the progress and different fundamental needs, they and contributions you make. become the central focus, and Self caring will improve your ways to help bigger than they are. Once you physical symptoms and give you others will help have given yourself permission greater inner strength. you feel like you to do the things your body and mind require, you will bounce Make gratitude your attitude are involved, back quicker and brighter. Gratitude does not mean valued and “looking on the bright side” Make adjustments or denying pain or suffering. appreciated’ How you see yourself might Rather, it is about appreciating be altered by fibromyalgia, but what we do have. Make an effort who you are does not change. every day to find something Looking for new and different you are grateful for to promote ways to help others, to contribute to your family positive feelings. This will help you establish and friends’ lives will help you feel like you are what is important, to take back control and involved, valued and appreciated. Look to make increase your self esteem. adjustments also to your goals. This doesn’t have to mean making them any smaller, but adapt www.tiffanymacedo-dine.co.uk
[[
32
Beauty Foodie_April 8.indd 32
04/04/2017 13:01:52
Food
SMALL BITES
Our pick of what’s on in the Westcountry food world right now Take a break from chocolate This Easter Sunday (April 16) why not spend some time with family and friends over lunch? Enjoy a delicious traditional Easter Sunday carvery with all the trimmings at Truro Cathedral where you can choose from either one course (£11.95) or two courses (£14.95). Bookings can be made by phoning 01872245011. www.trurocathedral.org.uk
Steam and cream teas Sit back and enjoy the quintessential English tradition of afternoon tea while seated in one of the luxury carriages of the Cornish Belle as it travels to Boscarne Junction, Bodmin Parkway then back to Bodmin General. Homemade scones, jam and cream are served with tea or coffee. Good Friday April 14, tickets from £10 and bookings are essential. www. bodminrailway.co.uk
Easter delights If you consider yourself a chocolate connoisseur then you’ll want to get your hands on one of these large paisley designed Easter eggs from Lick the Spoon. The San Francisco egg (£85) has a gossamer thin pastel layer complementing the flowing hand piped Paisley designs while the Monterey egg (£85) is decorated in turquoise and gold. Each egg design is completely unique and is signed on the back by master chocolatier Diana Short www.lickthespoon.co.uk
A gift to share with family and friends Spring has sprung, and with it come fresh new recipes such as Salted Macadamia and The Bee’s Knees from Hotel Chocolat. This seasonal box of chocolates (The Egglet Sleekster, £22.50) is big enough to share with the whole family over Easter or hide it away and enjoy the odd treat to yourself when the cravings set in. www.hotelchocolat.com
Got some foodie news? Let us know on westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 33
Beauty Foodie_April 8.indd 33
31/03/2017 14:50:10
Enjoy
Your stars by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:
Happy birthday to...
Myleene Klass
People born under the Zodiac sign of Aries are curious, energetic and enthusiastic individuals, determined to make things happen rather than being mere spectators. Their need for excitement can push them into new territories and makes them very action-oriented. When the going gets tough, Aries gets going - no matter how difficult a situation may be, the ram will always meet all challenges head on.
Born 6 April 1978 Former Hear’Say member, Myleene Klass, celebrated her birthday on Thursday April 6. The British singer, pianist, and model is now better known as a TV and radio presenter and has hosted shows such as Popstar to Operastar, The One Show and Loose Women. Myleene also has her own fashion collection which is available at Littlewoods and features a range of perfect party dresses. She is also a supporter of charities Save The Children, World Vision and CLIC Sargent the children’s cancer charity.
ARIES (March 21 - April 20) In a week starting with a Full Moon, you might expect something special to happen. Yes, love is in the air, inspiring dreams and stirring imagination. Will you decide to take the next step in a relationship or suddenly strike out for pastures new? It all depends on what you want. Now that you have a chance to reach your goals, will you hesitate or jump in feet first? Aries, there is so much to gain from being brave and optimistic.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) If you keep your eyes on the goal and keep moving ahead, how can you fail? Being on the end of some real appreciation makes you realise how good it feels. Pass that feeling on by letting others know what they mean to you and being as helpful as possible. Nothing is too much trouble when it comes to those you love.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Someone who is just as interested as you are in a pet subject could hold the key to so much more, Gemini. Listen and learn. With Mercury the messenger turning retrograde, conversations around money need careful handling. Although you may not agree with a decision, avoid being awkward. Burn no bridges until you have new ones to cross!
CANCER (June 22 - July 22) A bright Full Moon as the week begins makes you aware of highlights both from the past and the present. So much has happened that it is hard to believe where you are now. Taking it all on balance, the way forward should be pretty clear. Love is back on the agenda.
LEO (July 23 - August 23) Such a beautiful Full Moon as this week starts can surely bring nothing but good. Well, maybe. What you must do is pay attention to any financial matters that are highlighted here. As this coincides with the possible
rekindling of a past romance, be careful with the cash!
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Having avoided some feisty exchanges last week, you are now looking forward to a quieter time. Sorry. Certain lovelorn people are looking in your direction for some decisions. Be kind and charming and just refuse to raise your voice. Do something unexpected to take attention away from a pending problem.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Close and very intimate ties continue to be highlighted as this week’s Full Moon shines down. Too much attention coming your way? Going for the easy option may not be the best choice. Be prepared to make an effort and really get to know them. If you want something special to develop, be clear about what it is you need from others.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) A week full of excitement lies ahead. All you have to do is show willing when the goodies are being handed out! Please don’t be blase. It will only backfire. Not willing to show your feelings? That is such a mistake. Putting out feelers to see what a past love is doing is fine, but do it quietly.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) This week’s Full Moon is going to have a strong impact on you. Tugging on your
heartstrings, it seeks to lead you in the right direction. Keep important decisions in this area to yourself for another week though. Do you feel an overwhelming love one day, and indifference the next? It could be that you are in love with love itself.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Work and home are often intertwined in your life, Capricorn, as you are something of a sharing soul. In this busy week it could be hard to satisfy in both areas. Could it be that it is time to please yourself ? What do you really want to be doing in five years’ time? Slow down and think carefully. You are about to be given some options.
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) This wonderful Full Moon as the week begins shows you something you have long suspected. Someone is taking you for granted. You can be a bit of a softie at times, for sure. Ask yourself if they are showing disrespect and, if they are, back off. Look out for those who support you and understand where you are trying to go.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Having got over a tricky patch, this is the time to do something you want. A pampering session, foot soak, drink with friends, walk in the forest - or whatever floats your boat. What is the point of putting in all that work and getting nothing back but money? Yes, real satisfaction is what we are looking for.
34
HOROSCOPES_April 8.indd 34
04/04/2017 12:24:17
Summer style
Quality Verandas, Carports and Canopies Phone today for a FREE brochure or no obligation quote
01647 432321 www.windowsanddoorsdevon.co.uk
Stone Lane | Chagford | Devon TQ13 8JU
INTEREST FREE CREDIT * FREE DELIVERY
sofas beds dining living bedroom
Ads.indd 3
*Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. Free delivery on orders over £1000. Up To 50% Off Selected Ranges
Your Home, Your Way
www.prestigefurniture.co.uk 01626 830 707 Battle Road, Heathfield, TQ12 6RY
04/04/2017 13:51:48
Cook
Spinach, wild garlic and filo pie A great spring recipe from the chefs at Yeo Valley that takes advantage of delicious things you can forage locally Serves 4
Ingredients:
Method:
250g butter 300g feta cheese 100g ricotta cheese 50g Parmesan or pecorino, finely grated 5 large eggs 50g fresh white breadcrumbs ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 375g fresh filo pastry, not frozen (approx. 14 30x38cm sheets) 200g fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried well, tough stalks discarded and leaves cut into 1cm stripes 150g wild garlic leaves, washed and dried well, tough stalks discarded and leaves cut into 1cm stripes 1 bunch spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced Salt and freshly ground pepper
1.
Put the butter into a small pan and leave over a low heat until melted. Pour off the clear butter into a bowl, leaving behind the milky white solids.
2.
Crumble the feta into a large bowl and coarsely mash it with a fork. Add the ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, breadcrumbs, nutmeg, oil, spring onions, ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper and mix together well.
3.
Preheat the oven to 180ºC/Gas 4. Lightly butter a 20x30cm roasting tin, 5cm deep. Unroll the filo pastry onto the work surface. Set aside seven sheets for the top and cover with a damp tea towel to prevent them from drying out. Working as quickly as you can, brush one pastry sheet with melted butter and pop it buttered-side down to line the
base and sides of the dish, leaving about 5cm of the edges overhanging. Repeat this process with another six pastry sheets. 4.
Add the shredded spinach and garlic leaves to the egg mix and stir together well. Spoon the mixture into the pastry-lined tin and spread it out evenly.
5.
Butter one of the served pastry sheets and lay it buttered-side down over the pie, pressing it down well onto the top of the mixture. Repeat with the remaining six sheets. Press the overhanging edges together then trim to within 2.5cm of the edge of the dish. Lift them up and tuck them down the sides of the pie.
Yeo Valley makes delicious organic dairy products in Blagdon, Somerset. For more recipes see www.yeovalley.co.uk 36
Recipe_HappyHour_April 8.indd 36
04/04/2017 13:03:06
Drink
Happy h ur with drinks expert April Marks
April says: Is Exeter in danger of becoming a generic city of eateries? Some are already claiming this to be the case with the new Guildhall development housing a host of restaurant chains (with the exception of The Terrace, locally owned and very good) and Princesshay unable to offer anything you can’t find in any other city or large town. A search on TripAdvisor displays 406 restaurants in Exeter, this of course includes all the surrounding villages but perhaps what this does tell us is that Exeter now has enough restaurants!
Sparkling nail polish Groupon has just released a Prosecco-flavoured nail polish which claims to contain extract of the popular fizz. The gold shimmering polish is only available as a manicure rather than buying the varnish direct, although Groupon is offering the chance to win a bottle on its website. Apparently the varnish is edible and tastes of Prosecco – give me a glass of the real stuff any day!
Often what the chains don’t deliver is an interesting selection of drinks, from wines to spirits and beers. So, if you’re in Exeter and you want a more stimulating experience, it’s time to move away from the shopping centres and take a look down the side streets. Your feet won’t have to take you far before you discover a locally owned outlet. Here are a few to consider: • The Rum and Crab Shack – situated in Catherine Street just behind House of Fraser, a lovely selection of dishes and a huge selection of rums including Dead Man’s Fingers, their own recipe blended in Cornwall. They also have a restaurant in Wharf Road, St
Often what the chains
don’t deliver is an interesting selection of drinks
No drips, please Dripping wine bottles could be a thing of the past. Scientists have created a new design for the neck of the conventional wine bottle that has a special patented groove that makes it impossible for wine to drip down the side of the bottle.
Ives. • Pasha – A Turkish restaurant towards the bottom of South Street, serving delicious authentic Turkish food that can be enjoyed with a lovely selection of Turkish wines. • Tabac – next to Central Station. Exeter doesn’t currently have a gin bar, however, this trendy unit has no fewer than 50 gins on offer, including those distilled at its sister pub The Fat Pig in John Street. • @ Angela’s Restaurant – the perfect place for dinner, just head down towards the bottom of Fore Street. An eclectic range of wines plus a vast array of local spirits are on offer. If I had more space I would go on, so I’ll just let your feet do the walking! April Marks is co-founder of Regency Wines Ltd Exeter @regencywinesuk
Product of the week Cline Cellars North Coast Viognier, California I really love this wine! This is how Viognier should be, beautiful expressive stone fruit with jasmine and honeysuckle. A rich, slightly waxy palate gives way to refreshing acidity. Being served at the following: @ Angela’s in Exeter Rams Head in Dolton Swan Inn in Lympstone The Five Dials in Horton, Somerset Oake Manor Golf Club in Oake near Taunton
37
Recipe_HappyHour_April 8.indd 37
29/03/2017 17:14:30
Drink Beer of the week Local malt and Bramling Cross hops give Bays Brewery’s Springtime seasonal a good freshness. The hops add lemon citrus, but also a touch of hedgerow blackberry, too, in a good looking, rubycoloured beer.
Darren Norbury
talks beer GLOBAL COLLABORATION After the success of last year’s 2/6 series of beers, Harbour Brewing company has announced nine global brewing partners for a 2017 collaboration later this year. Coming to Cornwall to brew will be: Beerbloitek, Whiplash, Bevog, Breakwater, 6 Degrees North, Adnams, Three Weavers, 21st Amendment and Deschutes. That’s going to be some brew day…
Festive weekend! Beer festivals as far as the eye can see next weekend, for Easter. Among the attractions is one at the Minerva Inn, on Plymouth’s Barbican, where there will be more than 20 real ales plus ten real ciders.
or the best part of two years or so After a long voting session there was some the Campaign for Real Ale has been good new blood recruited to the Cornwall comcarrying out its soul-searching mittee, and plenty of plans for new directions. “where do we go now” RevitalisaI’m particularly looking forward to the new tion Project. Suggestions include social secretaries’ “Wednesday walkabouts” turning the organisation into a pub-saving camin different parts of the county. The main Falpaign, or giving recognition to certain types of mouth beer festival has a new organiser who, craft (non-real ale) beer. Nationally, the camalthough new to Cornwall, has experience paign hasn’t made a final decision and is unlikely behind the scenes at one of the country’s bigto until its AGM in the spring of 2018. But locally, gest CAMRA events, in Manchester, and who things are looking very pro-active. should bring a new look to the October celebraI say this after spending an afternoon at the tion. AGM of the Cornwall branch However, the biggest story of CAMRA, held at Skinner’s coming up is the success in getBrewery’s in-house visitor ting a new beer tent at the Royal I wrote down the centre (do get there if you can Cornwall Show, in the first week – well worth a trip). Downing of June. In the past, our three big phrase ‘flagon of glasses of Betty Stogs, Trawler Cornish breweries have had their dodgy rough cider’ and seasonal Pennycomequick, own bars and the show commitin my notebook for I sat there more as a journaltee has turned down requests for istic spectator than active parother bars. This year, however, some reason, but ticipant. I left, however, with the Cornwall Brewers Alliance for the life of me my faith in the local branch of has worked with CAMRA to get the group – which I’ve been a a showcase mini-beer festival in I can’t remember member of for 20 years or so – a tent, featuring, at the moment, the context nicely restored. 28 beers. There were some lightOkay, there were some nods to hearted jeers when chairman Bob the past. It wouldn’t have been a Bunce said some of these would CAMRA AGM without a bit of be “craft beers”, but if they’re inter-faction handbags (“You said you were going showcasing the Cornwall brewing industry as it to do this and you didn’t”) and a, I think, lightis in 2017, then these need to be included. hearted complaint that “I’m not going to be BLO At a time when you think CAMRA – set up to [brewery liaison officer] for someone who brews save real ale – should be less relevant, that job beer in a bucket in their kitchen”. I also wrote having, arguably, been achieved, it’s heartendown the phrase “flagon of dodgy rough cider” ing to see new life being breathed into my local in my notebook for some reason, but for the life branch. Roll on Wednesdays… of me I can’t remember the context now (it did Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk turn out to be a, ahem, long day). @beertoday
F
[[
38
Beer_April 8.indd 38
03/04/2017 12:19:57
culture vulture Our pick of the most interesting and exciting things to see and do right now in the South West
Beach chic Spend a day making ecofriendly jewellery out of materials found on the beach. Professional jewellery maker Sarah Drew will take you beach combing for sea glass, sea string, driftwood, pebbles and shells to make into quirky modern jewellery. This laid-back workshop is perfect for beginners with some challenges thrown in for more experienced makers too. Saturday April 19, 10am – 4pm at Bedruthan Hotel and Spa, Newquay. £60 per person which includes refreshments and a soup lunch. www.bedruthan.com
A blooming Easter A beautiful array of Cornish blooms is poised to burst open at the Budock Vean Hotel near Falmouth this Easter, making it the perfect place take a walk and enjoy the stunning scenery. You can also join the locals as they hand-pick shellfish – known locally as trigging – from the Helford River bed on Good Friday. Enjoy a three-night Easter stay, Friday April 14 to Monday April 17 from £345 per person, which includes guided walks, scone making, four-course dinners, full Cornish breakfasts and afternoon tea and cakes. www.budockvean.co.uk
Dirty dancing is back Exploding with heart-pounding music, emotion and plenty of dancing, the new production of Dirty Dancing is heading to Truro. Featuring 35 hit songs including Hungry Eyes and The Time Of My Life, this is a performance not to be missed. Hall for Cornwall, Monday April 17 – Saturday April 22, tickets from £13.50. www.hallforcornwall.co.uk 39
Beer_April 8.indd 39
03/04/2017 12:23:04
PHOTOS: NICK HOOK PHOTOGRAPHY
Cider and a slice Chris McGuire takes a trip to the new Exeter eatery that brings together the best of the British with Italy’s greatest export. here are times in life where everything just works. It’s as simple as that. An invention that seems so obvious you can’t imagine life without it, or an occasion that just runs like clockwork. The Stable is a restaurant I’d happily add to the list of places that have this X Factor – by which I don’t mean they’ve got an emotional backstory. Rather, it’s effortlessly relaxed and welcoming. The type of place where you make the mental note: “I must come here often.” Exeter’s The Stable is one of a cluster of new restaurants that form the Queen St Dining development at the Guildhall. My partner, our six-month-old son Sam and I went for lunch. Dining out can be a little stressful with a baby in tow, there’s the constant worry of: “What
T
if he melts down?”, “What will the other diners say?” The relaxed atmosphere in The Stable’s spacious dining area immediately put us at ease.
Comfortable wooden benches pepper the uncluttered interior Comfortable wooden benches pepper the uncluttered interior, which has a feeling of being both rustic and urban. The enthusiastic staff who greeted us seemed genuinely excited to be work-
ing in a vibrant unstuffy eating environment. The Stable’s “Pizza, Pies & Cider” wouldn’t be the obvious combination in most people’s minds. Yet it works, boy does it work. I kept thinking of how to sum up the food. There’s a homeliness to it, it’s definitely moreish (despite the generous portions) and a likeable simplicity. The British Pizzas feel like what you’d get if an Italian chef found their way into a local farm larder. This fusion of pizza and nontraditional toppings really wakes the senses. My partner had ‘The Coppa-Cabana’ (using air dried coppa and lomo pork from Topsham’s Good Game) from the lunch menu, £8.50 with salad. I had a full sized The Blazing Saddle (featuring slow-roasted pulled beef) £13, and a side salad (£4). We also shared a gloriously cheesy garlic bread (£5). Delicious and un-stodgy, I mourned that with every mouthful
40
Scoop_April 8.indd 40
03/04/2017 12:27:45
Enjoy
I was that little bit closer to finishing. Who knew that cider sits so well alongside pizza? I hope the proprietors took the afternoon off to celebrate after discovering this. I’m not a cider drinker so needed a little guidance, which came in the form of a tasting board that gave a selection of five third pints to try (£7.50). I must admit the Lilley’s Bee Sting still perry was particularly palatable. If you’d like just one drink, the staff will recommend one of their 105 ciders to perfectly match both your personal taste and menu choices. Soon it was time for dessert and we found ourselves sharing an apple and ginger cheesecake (£5.50). Delicious. Then, after a quick nappy
change (in excellent facilities) we were making tracks feeling very pleased with ourselves after a totally stress free, delicious lunch. The Stable is making real efforts to appeal to a broad section of Exeter’s eating population. There’s a vegan menu, student night, live music sessions, a planned music festival and lots community-based innovation to come. To put it bluntly, you need to head to The Stable, even if there is room at the inn. It’s a vibrant addition to the Exeter food scene that left me with the warm feeling you get from great service and amazing British ingredients. I’ll certainly be back. Who knows, I may be a cider drinker after all?
How they scored... Food
Atmosphere
Service
Price
Lunch for two £45.90
41
Scoop_April 8.indd 41
03/04/2017 12:28:17
A problem shared Teenagers who have been through exams are sharing their experiences with other teens just about to sit their GCSEs. Lisa Salmon finds out how The Mind Set support initiative will help students cope s the dreaded exam period appears on the horizon, many of the Westcountry's young people are beginning to get nervous about their expected performance. And no matter how much their parents and teachers tell them it'll all be OK, it can be really tough not to get stressed about what's to come. But a new campaign has been launched to help teenagers face their exam fears with the help of other teens who've just been through the exam
A
experience themselves. The Mind Set is the UK's first national peer-topeer coaching network for GCSE and National students, and it aims to explore the vagaries of exam stress through 12 student coaches who've been there and done it, and tell it as it is in individual films about their own exam experiences. The BBC Learning initiative is working in partnership with Childline, Young Minds and the National Citizen Service to provide the student coaching together with expert support and
advice. Sinead Rocks, head of BBC Learning, says: "The Mind Set puts students who've experienced the challenges faced in one of the most stressful periods of a young person's life at the forefront, by sharing their stories with those who are about to travel the same path. "We want this campaign to change perceptions of how students approach and deal with the stress of exam periods by highlighting the tips, advice and support networks available to them."
42
NEW_SCOOP_APRIL8.indd 42
04/04/2017 07:41:59
Family How to help Students facing exams need support in three main areas, says Dr Radha Modgil 1.
Practical revision tips and structuring learning. Help with timetables, syllabus content, and how to split time between subjects and methods of learning.
2.
Tips on dealing with difficult emotions and worries. Support could include information about mindfulness, being aware of worries and problem solving, as well as being kind to yourself and talking to others for support at an early stage.
3.
'The best advice comes from people who have been through it themselves'
Tips to encourage and maintain physical and mental wellbeing. Encouraging young people to take regular exercise, and stressing the importance of a healthy diet, regular and good quality sleep and socialising.
The young coaches are from varied backgrounds throughout the country, and aren't all A* students either. Some did resits, and others battled against illness or family difficulties during their exams. But collectively they state: "The one thing we all have in common is that we found a way to reach our individual potential and we want to help you do the same." Dr Radha Modgil, a Mind Set expert, explains that project features information about all aspects of dealing with exam pressure, plus advice about revision techniques and staying well during the exam period. "We all know that the most powerful advice comes from those who've been through a similar experience to us and who've got through it," she stresses. And the fact that some of the student coaches have faced personal challenges during exams, from grade pressure to fasting, means they can reassure other students who may be going through similar challenges, she says. Typical worries for students include not living up to their own or other's expectations; what will happen if they don't get the grades they want; not being able to cope with revision; not knowing how to revise; and not doing as well as their friends. Dr Radha says The Mind Set covers all these concerns, and stresses: "It really provides a 'go to' place for all students in the long lead-up to the exam period, and is a true friend who can give advice, support and tips in a reassuring way from student coaches who know." To see The Mind Set's videos and tips, visit tiny.cc/ exammindset 43
NEW_SCOOP_APRIL8.indd 43
04/04/2017 07:42:32
The beach at Exmouth
My Secret Westcountry
Pickle Shack
Robin Rea Robin Rea is owner of the Rusty Pig deli and restaurant in Ottery St Mary, east Devon. He has two children, Noah and Alba. His partner is textile designer Teresa Green and they live next door to the restaurant.
Peter Greig
St Mary’s Church, Ottery St Mary
My favourite: Walk: I love a coastal walk, and Beer to Branscombe along the South West Coast Path is one of my favourites – even more so as there’s a great café on Branscombe beach to stoke up for the return journey. Place to eat:
I keep an eye out for Pickle Shack pop-ups – they can be anywhere! I’ve known Josh, who runs this pop-up catering company, for a long time – he worked at Rusty Pig a while back, and he has a real passion for food. He’s going to go far, and it’s a privilege to see what he’s cooked up for his pop-up.
Weekend escape: If
Otter Brewery
I get the chance I like to visit antiques fairs – there’s a great one at Frome market. I love picking up interesting knick-knacks for the restaurant and I really enjoy visiting the food stalls – there’s always delicious food.
Festival or event: The Goren Festival in Stockland, East Devon, is a small festival with a feel-good vibe. It’s a weekend of camping, music, workshops, craft, circus skills and locally sourced food. Great fun – and Rusty Pig is one of the caterers! Beach:
My son Noah loves Exmouth as it’s wide and sandy. I usually take him there when we have friends visiting with children. In the summer there’s sometimes someone selling homemade ice-creams from a bicycle.
View: It’s close to home! Upstairs at the back of the Rusty Pig there’s a small balcony, the perfect place to sit and think. It has a stunning view over the rooftops to the famous St Mary’s Church here in Ottery St Mary. Sometimes you have to ignore all the scaffolding in the way, though!
44
MSW_April 8.indd 44
04/04/2017 13:04:17
People
Frome market
The Exploding Bakery
Westcountry icon: I really admire Peter Greig of Piper’s Farm. He is a Devonian with a true passion – it’s all to do with animal welfare, rearing meat slowly and producing the best taste possible. He also supports other farmers, suppliers and businesses – all very commendable in today’s cut-and-thrust society. Pub: The Volunteer Inn in Ottery is a real town pub. Landlord Mike lives for his real ales and uses local breweries; Otter Brewery, Hanlons, Branscombe, Exeter and St Austell Brewery beers all feature regularly. The pub is a traditional bar at the front, with a contemporary dining area at the back – they’ve done a great job of bringing a town pub back to life. Drink: Branoc,
a real ale from Branscombe Brewery. It’s slightly bitter and goes perfectly with beef, I think. We love it so much we ran a Beef & Branoc weekend here at the restaurant.
Special treat: If
I’m in Exeter I’ll pop into the Exploding Bakery on Queen Street for a wake-up coffee and a sneaky slice of their polenta cake.
The South West Coast Path to Branscombe 45
MSW_April 8.indd 45
31/03/2017 16:05:13
My life
[
MAN AND BOY
Another fine mess Phil Goodwin helps his son get into trouble
e almost pulled off the perfect Mother’s Day, me and the boy. Close, but no cigar – as the old fairground hucksters used to say. We tried hard – our very best – but it wasn’t enough. Like all the best hapless comedy duos (think Laurel and Hardy) we conspired to screw it up in the end, leaving the poor wife and mother in pain, with real tears running down her face. By a strict interpretation of the facts, it was junior’s fault, though I was ready to take a share of the blame for helping him. Then the little traitor goes and turns on me, blaming me for getting him into yet another fine mess. Like all great blunders, it started so well. The lad had made some flowery artifact in his craft class and presented it with loving eyes. I had knocked up some breakfast and coffee. We let her sleep late and said nice things when she came downstairs. Plus, it was a beautiful day. Cloudless and warm with no wind. She decided she wanted to go to Sidmouth and we agreed. Weren’t we good? So good you just know something bad is coming. Just bear in mind we tried. We really did. And God loves a trier, right? Rather than repeating our usual routine of parking up at the Regency resort and wandering about, we decided to go to the Donkey Sanctuary, which is just a couple of miles away. I confess I wasn’t keen. Call it ignorance, prejudice... I just couldn’t see the fun in hanging around with a few mangy old mules. I imagined tramping around in the mud, forced to feel sorry for the bedraggled creatures, feigning concern in a dingy barn smelling of hay and dung. I never said all this, of course. Instead, I called back over my shoulder as we drove: “Are you sure you don’t want to go straight to the seaside and have ice-cream?” They didn’t. Their hearts were set on donkeys. so I obliged.
W
Happily, I confess, I could not have been more wrong. Not only were the donkeys far from a sight for sore eyes, they were in the rudest of health, kicking and braying as if filled with the
[
Despite my own childhood history, I fail to foresee how this may go wrong without grown-up nous
[
[
joys of spring. Moreover, they live in an absurdly beautiful spot, grazing on slopes overlooking the sea and bedding down in a complex of swanky stables. Their donkey retirement community would be the envy of the pensionable animal world if that was an actual thing. With a new veterinary hospital half built and a modern restaurant under construction, it gives the National Trust a run for its money. It turns out that kids can stroke the animals and it is free to get in. As if that wasn’t enough, there is a path right down to a near unspoilt beach where we skimmed stones and paddled before heading back up the cliff for coffee and cakes. How could anything spoil such a day, I hear you cry? The answer is simple: football. On the way back home, the boy asks to go to the park to ride the zip wire. We grab the ball and have a kick-about before heading back for dinner. Half an hour later, as we are getting back in the van, the lad says he wants to chip his football inside through the open side door. My dear wife is sitting on the bench seat, rummaging in her handbag. Despite my own childhood history of broken windows and smashed ornaments, I fail to foresee how this may go wrong if handled without grown-up nous. In fact, I tee him up by holding the ball (a heavy, regulation “casey” as they were known in my day) still with my toes while he hooks his foot underneath and lifts it high and hard smack into my partner’s nose. It was a bad scene. We apologised but to no avail. It had obviously hurt so I decided to just shut up and drive. As we pulled away, the lad slaps me on the leg hard, a furious look on his face, and says: “You idiot, why did you let me do it?” Cue that creaking Laurel and Hardy music.
NEXT WEEK: Chris McGuire on becoming a new dad and moving to the Westcountry 46
Man and Boy_April 8.indd 46
04/04/2017 13:06:02
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
Ads.indd 2
14/03/2017 13:26:06
DREAMING OF
EASTER
FAMILY FUN Free Easter Craft Activities
Thu 6th - Sat 8th April and Thu 13th - Sat 15th April 11am - 4pm Find us on the Upper Mall
Visit our website for further details
Ads.indd 1
04/04/2017 13:51:10