West, April 19 2015

19.04.15

Pasha, with passion Meet the Strictly star heading to the Westcountry

INSIDE: + fabulous

foodies

+G et Kylie’s smile

WIN: + handmade bracelets

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PLYMOUT L LYMOUT H F FASHI N

LOVES

22 April - 11 June 2015 Celebrate Plymouth Loves Fashion with all the ingredients for your retail therapy this spring.

drakecircus.com visitplymouth.co.uk

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ONE FOR THE WEEKEND

What to see and where to go in beautiful Penzance

‘The audiences are more open, react more freely and don’t hold back’

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Why Strictly’s Pasha Kovalev loves dancing in the South West, page 16

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PASHA ON TOUR Strictly’s top dancer struts his stuff in the South West

THE WISHLIST From espresso cups to beaded bags, our top shopping picks

[contents[ Inside this week...

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THE WISHLIST

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GILLIAN MOLESWORTH

Tempting treats for you this week Days out with Harry Potter

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JUST BETWEEN US...

Sh! We have the latest gossip!

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FABULOUS FOODIES The best food producers in the West

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STRICTLY PASHA Catch up with dance star Pasha Kovalev as he tours the South West

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NEW-LOOK NURSERIES Create the perfect baby bedroom

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ANNE SWITHINBANK

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FEELIN’ ROSIE

The latest news and gossip from our favourite celebs

THE CAKE MAN Our bakery hero tells all

Vegetables you should grow this year

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BEAUTY SECRETS Tricks and treatments to try right now

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CURVY AND CUTE TOWIE’s Gemma Collins shows off her frock collection

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COOL BLUES How to wear the latest shade

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MY SECRET WESTCOUNTRY Top baker Oli Coysh reveals all

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MAKE YOUR OWN CHEESE Tim Maddams tells you how

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MAN & BOY The joy of chicken pox

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BABY BEDROOMS

Treat your tots to a nursery fit for a prince or princess

[ welcome [ If you’re out and about this week... ...you’ll find plenty of ideas for ways to enjoy yourself in today’s West magazine. First up, we’ve got a fascinating interview with Strictly Come Dancing’s breakout star Pasha Kovalev, who will be bringing his stunning stage show Life Through Dance to the region shortly. Turn to page 16 to find out how Pasha went from Siberia to Strictly, and how he REALLY feels about his Countdown presenter girlfriend Rachel Riley (clue: he’s keen, but keeping his options open).

Elsewhere, we’re looking forward to the 10th Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink, with a look at what the festival has in store for its many thousands of visitors next weekend. On

[

Tweet

of the week Devon Features

@AnnaTurns Beautiful photography by @stevenhaywood1 for my @themummysocial feature in today’s @WMNWest and loving the graphics! #devon

page 12, we meet three women who will be working like crazy right now getting ready to show off their top-quality food products at the show. If you’ve ever thought about starting your very own foodie business, you’ll find their stories both intriguing and inspiring, in equal measures.

It’s always nice to have something new when the sun comes out, and this week we have some beautiful jewellery to be won (see opposite), handmade in Devon by creative friends Kelly and Alice. We’ve also got a fabulous array of fashion this week, including flattering frocks for curvy girls (page 30) and the pick of the new powder-blue trend (page 32).

Happy reading and enjoy the sunshine!

It’s always nice to have something new when the sun’s out

[

Becky Sheaves, Editor

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

COVER IMAGE: Snooty Fox photography

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Sarah Pitt

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Catherine Barnes

Phil Goodwin

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If you buy one thing this week...

This bracelet, called Funky Hippy, is made with ‘miracle beads’. They have a mirrored surface which reveals hidden depths when the beads capture the light. Fashioned by Exeter friends Alice Wright and Kelly Sheath, it is available, along with many other delightful pieces, from www.facebook.com/jewellerymadejustforyou.

Win

We have two Funky Hippy bracelets in the colours pictured, worth £12 each, to give away. For your chance to win, email us your name, address and phone number, with ‘Bracelet Competition’ in the subject line, at westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk by April 26. Normal terms apply.

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Colourful tin espresso cups, £4.95 each, www.dotcomgiftshop.com

the

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

Store we adore...

Vinyl Grooves

For people who hanker after the days before music went digital, this shop is worth a special journey. The owners buy and sell vinyl records, hi-fi equipment to play them on and music memorabilia including band T-shirts, posters, badges, patches and books. Customers are welcome to sample their favourite tracks on their decks or take a seat with a back issue of NME and soak up the atmosphere. The shop is directly opposite the Cornwall Street entrance of Plymouth’s pannier market.

Vinyl Grooves is at 136 Cornwall Street, Plymouth, 01752 229107

BUZZ...

Bumble bee reversible cushion, £10, Tesco

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Wishlist

Baking greetings card, £2.75, www. victoriaeggs.co.uk

Dachshund baby shoes, £17.95, www. annabeljames.co.uk

It’s the tops!

Marie Sixtine tank top, £42.50, www. roosbeach.co.uk and store at Mawgan Porth

Cool blues handmade light blue and indigo shibori tie dye scarf, £45, www. suziekaylee.com

Majestic Macaw placemats, £30 for four, from sister design duo www. marthaandhespie.com

BE BOLD BeckSondergaard beaded bag, £99, www.roosbeach.co.uk and shop at Mawgan Porth 7

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talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life...

Days out that were worth every penny e did two things in London over the Easter holidays that I would heartily recommend to anyone with kids over the age of seven. The first was to visit the Warner Studios in Watford North of London, where you can see the set of the Harry Potter films. The second was to see Matilda, The Musical in the Hall, and can pretend you’re West End. just going into supper – except We have two devoted Harry it hasn’t got a ceiling, which was Potter fans in our family – they digitally added later in the prohave read the books not once, but duction process. in one case (naming no names) From there you can see the sets thirty-seven times. In fact I once Gryffindor common room, the pohad to enforce a six month Harry tions laboratory, Dumbledore’s Potter ban in the house, which office, the enormous swinging has now lapsed, and the books pendulum, and all manner of are again strewn on every level Harry Potter props. If you’ve got surface in the house. a cognoscente in your midst (as Don’t think you we did) they can can just walk into tell you exactly the studios – you what movie feahave to book, and tured which prop, We have devoted the waiting list is magical creature, long. In fact we and backdrop.

Harry Potter fans had dashed exThere’s a café in the family: pectations on two where you can try one (naming trips when I didn’t butterbeer, you get my act tocan see the night no names) has gether in time. So bus and the houses read the books I planned this one in Godric’s Hollow six months in adand Privet Drive, 37 times vance, and bagged and a fascinating a prime middle of model of Hogwarts the day slot. which they used It’s well run. Because you’re to film for the castle’s exterior. booked into a time slot, it isn’t They will even film you taking a too crowded and the queues are broomstick ride. manageable, considering how Matilda, the Musical has won many tourists traipse through lots of awards, and every one of this place a year. While queuing them richly deserved. There was you can see the Cupboard Under nothing I could fault: the script, the Stairs, before you go in to a music, actors, and set were all specially made mini movie/traildazzling. We took my 84-year-old er/introduction with the Harry father and his partner, and it was Potter actors in costume introa wonderful experience for every ducing the place to you – thrillgeneration. Both (pricey) activiing. ties are an investment, but really Then you start in the Great worth every penny.

W

Gorgeous greys

Mink dress £170 Kaliko

Lily James looked fabulous in this longsleeved, grey-green embroidered tulle gown by Elie Saab Haute Couture at the Los Angeles premiere of Cinderella. Get your own fairy-tale frock (at a more affordable price) with these fashion picks. All together now: Happily Ever After!

steal her

style

Lily James at the premiere of Cinderella

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION A Embellished

OPTION B Forest nymph

Adrianna Papell Floral sequin gown £290

The House of Foxy Sage green dress £320

Gillian Molesworth is a journalist and mum-of-two who grew up in the USA and moved to north Cornwall when she met her husband 8

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BRAND NEW!

YES, I DYE! We always liked The Voice host EMMA WILLIS, but now we love the 39-year old TV presenter and mum of two for admit ting she reaches for the bottle to maintain her brunette pixie crop. “I’m quite grey now,” confesses Emma, who’s married to McBusted star MATT WILLIS. “It’s hard work.” West says: So true! And so much more comforting than the stars who attribute their eternal youth to Mother Nature.

Just

between us Gossip, news, trendsetters and more - you

heard all the latest juicy stuff here first!

!

ROSIE:

‘It’s my time!’

Model ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY has revealed that 2015 could be the year she begins “starting something of my own”. Reflecting on her 11-year career, Devon-born Rosie, who celebrated her 28th birthday yesterday, told Violetgrey.com.

“You’re chosen. You’re cast, and that’s fantastic, of course. But there has always been a big part of me that wants to make things happen for myself.”

Rosie, who’s engaged to actor Jason Statham and has a role in the latest Mad Max movie, has previously said she’d “love to have the patience” to be an interior designer and also likes the idea of being a physiologist. West says: There’s a desk here if you fancy trying your hand at magazines!

Surf’s up for Stacey and Steve-O Singer and Queen of the celebrity jungle STACEY SOLOMON tried surfing for the first time in Cornwall, after arranging a surprise three-day trip to our part of the world for boyfriend STEVE-O Glover. It’s a bit of an unlikely pairing: she’s the adorable mum of three who stole our hearts in X-factor, while he turns

stomachs performing ridiculous stunts on American cult show, Jackass. The pair, who met while filming daredevil celebrity stunt show The Jump were spotted riding waves in St Ives and looked like they were having the time of their lives, along with Stacey’s sons Leighton, two and Zachary, seven.

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Hard work: The Appledore Pilot Gig races for the over-50s

Good friends: Dog behaviourist Tricia Wills enjoyed the sunshine with her lurcher Fly

in pictures

Tea garden: It was open day at Tregothnan in Cornwall, where proper Cornish tea is grown in the mild climate

Champion: Gordon Tully from south Devon with one of his prize bulls

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talking points London’s Burning

Beauty aids

ONE OF US Famous faces who live in the Westcountry

10 ingredients used in Roman face packs and cosmetics 10 types of recorder

1 Garklein 2 Sopranino 3 Soprano 4 Alto 5 Tenor 6 Bass 7 Great Bass 8 Contrabass

1 Sheep’s wool sweat 2. Crocodile dung 3 Placenta 4 Burned goat ashes 5 Soot 6 Onion skins 7 White lead 8 Bean meal 9 Brown seaweed 10 Gladiator sweat

This week:

Rupert Graves Rupert Graves, 51, is one of the nation’s most prolific TV actors. Born in Weston-super-Mare, he plays DI Lestrade in Sherlock

9 Sub great-bass 10 Voice flute

The happy list St George’s Day

10 things to make you smile this week Ten famous people born on April 23

1 White violets in the

1 Actress Shirley Temple

2 Women rowing a victory

2 Bard William Shakespeare

hedgerows for Oxford (and feminism)

3 Dancer Brendan Cole

3 Bare legs any day now 4 Michael Ball May 1 at Ply-

4 Composer Sergei Prokofiev

5 Frappuccino forget your

5 Movies star Sandra Dee 6 Model Jaime King

mouth Pavilions - yes please latte, folks, it’s spring

6 Antiques Roadshow perfect Sunday viewing

7 Director Michael Moore

7 Lemon fashion the cool

8 Singer Roy Orbison

8 Jeeves and Wooster at

9 $6 Million Man Lee Majors 10 Slumdog star Dev Patel

colour for clothes (and bags) Hall For Cornwall May 5-9

9 Democracy voting ahoy!

10 Argyle League One is in the Plymouth sights - hooray

Early years: Rupert was a teenage punk. He spent time as a clown in a circus and also did a stint at Butlins before taking to the stage in his first professional role, in a play called The Killing of Mr Toad.

He left school with one O level, later saying: “I’ve not had any training. I came from Westonsuper-Mare, the same place as John Cleese, but I didn’t have an education.” In a recent newspaper interview, Rupert described Weston as a “s***hole”but added that he loved the Westcountry sense of humour.

freedom to roam. He said: “From the age of five I was out in the woods all day. I’d become completely absorbed in my own imaginary world, then go home exhausted.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Rupert drives his five kids around in a VW van and says it is: ‘the most expensive thing I’ve ever bought’

Big break: His big screen debut was in award winning Merchant Ivory film A Room With A View - in which he cavorted naked in a river.

Family: Rupert married wife Susie, a TV producer, in 2001. The couple have five children and live in London.

He describes himself as a hands-on dad.

On growing up in the Westcountry: Rupert says he’s glad he had a rural upbringing, which allowed him the

Biopic: Rupert, whose recent television credits also include Last Tango in Halifax and The White Queen, has said he’d pick Plymouth’s Tom Daley to play him, if they made a movie of his life, explaining: “There’s a shot of me when I was young where we look the same.”

Fan: Rupert is a loyal supporter of Arsenal football team.

Twitter clone: Someone creepily assumed Rupert’s identity on Twitter.

He told The Telegraph: “I went on Twitter and said that’s not me. I did that for a couple of weeks but then it struck me that it’s such a narcissistic thing for an actor to do. I’m not that sort of person.”

On playing a detective: “The hardest thing about being one of the actors in Sherlock is that people expect me to know all the answers.”

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Xxxxxx

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People EXETER FOOD FESTIVAL

Fabulous foodies Next week sees the 10th Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink taking place in the centre of Exeter. Abbie Bray and Becky Sheaves meet three inspirational food producers taking part in this exciting celebration of Westcountry food

Caroline Little Caroline Little, 29, runs two coffee companies in Dunkeswell, east Devon. She and her husband Will work in the family firm which was launched 25 years ago by Will’s parents Henry and Leila. Little’s Speciality Coffee makes flavoured instant coffee, and their second company, Roastworks Coffee Co, produces topquality artisan roast and ground coffee

dad Henry is American. Together they fused their home countries’ coffee traditions and came up with really good quality flavoured instant coffees. They were completely ground-breaking 25 years ago and still selling strongly today. The flavours are subtle and so delicious – such as Chocolate Orange, Vanilla, Hazelnut and more, costing £2.99 for a 50g jar.

To this business, Will and I have added another one of our own invention, called Roastworks Coffee Co. We roast top-quality artisan coffee beans at our base in Dunkeswell, which are used and sold in indeCaroline says: Will and I pendent coffee shops nationSo we got met at college in Exeter, wide. We’ve just this week married, moved then we both went to heard that Roastworks coffee London for university. I will be sold in M&S – as you home to Devon, studied Fashion and Will can imagine we’re over the rolled up our did Graphic Design, so we moon about that. Together, sleeves and got both lived and worked in the two businesses are about the capital for a few years to hit the £1 million turnostuck in to mak– I was working with River ver mark this year, which is ing coffee Island and Debenhams. really exciting, and we have It was fun, but we both lots of plans to see our two felt the pull of the South businesses grow.

West and wanted to come Will and I will be both home. Then five years ago Will’s parents at the Exeter food festival and we’re really asked us to join them in the family business. looking forward to it. We live literally just They were thinking about retirement and down the road, so this is our local show and a wanted to step back and hand over to the lovely way to connect with our Westcountry next generation. customers. I’m expecting to sell several hunSo Will and I got married in 2011 near dred jars of our instant coffee and hundreds my home town of Crediton, moved home to of bags of our beans and ground coffee too, Devon, rolled up our sleeves and got stuck in as well as offering lots of tastings. It’s going to making coffee. to be a frantic few days, but a lot of fun.

Little’s Speciality Coffee has been going for 25 years and is a really lovely product For more details, visit www.littlesltd.com and range. Will’s mum Leila is Finnish and his www.roastworks.co.uk

[[

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People

Sally Grigg Sally Grigg runs Burrow Farm in Broadclyst, Devon, with her husband Neil. The couple farm 350 acres, as well as running two butcher’s shops.

Sally will be selling their pedigree Red Ruby beef at the food festival. Sally, 33, is mum to Richard, aged 14 months Sally says: Neil and I took on our farm tenancy - it’s National Trust land - in March 2007. We started by our selling beef directly to the public from a small shop in our farmyard. It went well, with people coming from miles around, so we then went on to sell our beef at farmers’ markets and to run a home-made burger stall at local shows. Demand grew and in 2013 we took on two butcher’s shops in Exeter and Kennford.

Our life is so different now to how it was before we started farming together. I was working as a chartered surveyor and Neil was working as an accountant – we were always smartly dressed! But we are both from rural backgrounds.

My family still has a farm near Newton Abbot, so farming is in our blood.

We are both really passionate about what we do, so I don’t mind putting the extra hours. We get to see the final results and we want to grow our business so that it can provide for us and, hopefully, the next generation of our family too. now that we have a new baby. We are really busy - which is great - but it often means that my evenings are spent trying to keep up with paperwork.

Neil has a good head for figures thanks to his accountancy background, which really helps. I enjoy the creative side of the business, so when we took over our butcher’s shops I really enjoyed redesigning the shops and interiors.

This will be our fourth year at the Exeter food festival.

The first time we got involved was through an initiative called ‘Fresh at the Festival’, where - as a new business - we had a stand at a reduced rate. We have gained new customers from the food festival every year. This festival is a great opportunity to tell people about our farm and the beef we produce. Come and see us at the festival!

For more details, visit www.burrowfarm.com

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All the fun of the festival There is so much going on at the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink on April 24-26 •

Hundreds of local food producer stalls offering tastings, shopping and more

•

Cookery demos from top chefs including TV’s Lesley Waters, Glenn Cosby from the Great British Bake-Off and Steven Lamb from River Cottage HQ

•

The Food is Fun teepees, with story-telling, pasta making and tasting challenges

•

After-dark live music events on three nights (April 23, 24, 25) in the Exeter Castle courtyard

•

Children’s Little Cookies area with piglets, hens, fun kitchen and apple bobbing.

The show takes place at Exeter Castle and the surrounding Northernhay Gardens.

Tickets cost from £7.50, with children just £1. For more details and to buy tickets in advance visit www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

Karen Richards Karen Richards, 54, runs Capreolus, a top-end charcuterie business in Rampisham, Dorset, with her husband David.

One of their products was judged the best food product in the South West at the 2013 Taste of the West awards Karen says: I run a charcuterie business with my husband, David, in the village of Rampisham in West Dorset. We specialise in cured and air dried meats, and also smoked meats.

All our recipes are created by David, he is a real whizz at this. We start each and every recipe from scratch – freshly grinding and mixing the ingredients for a bright flavour.

My role is the day-to-day running of the smokehouse, running our website, our social media and all aspects of marketing. There is a lot more to being a food producer these days than just making the food!

But when it comes to food festivals, David and I work together. It’s a mad few days but the perfect way to show off what we do to the public, as we offer lots of tasting opportunities. Together David and I have won more than 30 awards since we started out, including winning Taste of the West Champion product for our guanciale - an Italian-style cured meat a little like pancetta.

We’ve also been national finalists in the BBC Food and Farming Awards, when we met Paul Hollywood – a lot of fun.

We had a stand at the Exeter festival when we first started the business, when we were selling only six products. We sold out! These days we sell more than 40 different charcuterie products.

This year we’ll be using the festival to launch some new products - some new salamis and a new project, too - cured and cold-smoked fish.

All our meat is sourced as locally as possible, and we avoid anything that was intensively

reared. We buy direct from some of the small farms in west Dorset. One of our favourite suppliers is Sam Holloway, from the village next to ours. He produces Oxford Sandy & Black pigs, keeps them in the woods, feeding them with the whey from the Blue Vinney cheese herd. As you can imagine, the meat is excellent and makes fabulous charcuterie. It’s a joy to produce.

For more information, visit www.capreolusfinefoods.co.uk

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Interview

[

PASHA KOVALEV

From Siberia to Strictly Becky Sheaves meets Pasha Kovalev, the Strictly Come Dancing star who is bringing his spectacular stage show to the South West next month

‘

[

t’s a case of eat, sleep, dance repeat,” Pasha Kovalev jokes when he contemplates the gruelling national dance tour that began last week.

With 61 shows in two-and-a half months, Pasha – all rippling muscles and brooding passion – is taking his fabulous mix of live performances of Latin and ballroom all over the UK this spring, accompanied by a starry cast of professional dancers.

Currently strutting his stuff this week in the far north of Scotland, the good news for all us Westcountry Strictly fans is that Pasha’s tour bus will be rolling into the South West in early May. He is planning five shows - in Torquay, Barnstaple, Redruth, Yeovil and Weston-SuperMare - in as many nights.

“I just make sure I get plenty of rest, good nutrition and stay fresh for the evening,” he tells me. “The good thing is, I don’t have to work out or do practice in the daytime, because this show is so high-energy.”

It’s fair to say that Pasha is one of the break-out stars of the whole Strictly Come Dancing phenomenon. He joined the show in its ninth series, back in September 2011, and as a nation we have, without doubt, taken him to our hearts.

Indeed, he has reached the finals in three out of his four Strictly series, more than any other professional dancer in the show. This impressive run of results culminated in him winning the 2014 series and the coveted glitter ball trophy with partner Caroline Flack.

In person, Pasha is enthusiastic, determined and full of energy.

That’s just as well, because his tour – called Life Through Dance – is almost non-stop right now.

“This tour is a big adventure. It’s my fourth tour of the UK, each time they get bigger and bigger. The thing is, TV is live in front of cameras and millions of viewers but it is always exciting to meet the audience

I

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Pasha first met his current girlfriend Rachel Riley when they danced together on Strictly

face to face,” he says.

So what is in store for the South West audiences this time around? “The show is called Life Through Dance and it is a look at everyday experiences such as meeting friends, falling in love, all sorts of emotions, expressed through dance.

There will be ballroom, Latin, lots of sparkles, and fantastic music from classical to modern.

There really is something for everyone, young and old,” he tells me.

Pasha’s appeared here in previous years, with performances in Yeovil, Exeter and Weston-Super-Mare. But this year he is venturing further west into Cornwall too: “I find the audiences in the countryside are more open, react more freely and don’t hold back,” he says. “So it’s more exciting. They like to cheer along and react emotionally to something dramatic. It’s amazing to see live dancing and the audience in the South West is very open to it.”

Once the tour is over, Pasha will be having a well-earned rest, he says. And a chance to catch up with his girlfriend of just a few months, TV presenter Rachel Riley.

He and Rachel – who presents TV show Countdown – were paired together in Strictly back in 2013. At the time Rachel was married, and both have insisted since that nothing of a romantic nature happened between them during the filming of the show. But by last summer, Rachel and her husband had parted ways. Today Pascha and

she are very much a couple, he tells me. “Rachel is very clever and very beautiful, a fantastic person. I’m not going to see much of her during the tour but we both have a lot going on anyway.

“During the filming of Strictly it is the same - I am caught up with the show 24/7. You don’t have

time for a personal life - or a life of any sort - but you make it work. We do spend time together, not living together, but we go out.”

In fact, Pasha tells me, he and Rachel like to go dancing together – “just for the fun of it”. “We go out to a salsa club, just turn up and dance. It is fun not to be doing rehearsed dancing, instead just dancing for the joy of it without planning the next move – that’s freedom.”

The relationship is in its early days, he says: “I just go with the flow and enjoy our time together.

We’re not thinking about the future, just enjoying each other’s company.”

Given Pasha’s globe-trotting career to date, perhaps this is just as well. Before he joined Strictly, he was a professional dancer on the US version of the show, called So You Think You Can Dance. He has – somehow – managed also to take part in every series of the US show from 2007 onwards, either as a professional dancer or choreographer. “I’m a dance gypsy,” he says. “I don’t plan from one year to the next. In my career, you never know where life will take you - in a good way. Life offers me choices and I either go with them or I don’t. It doesn’t matter - it will take me somewhere.”

On the same theme, Pasha explains that the professional dancers’ contracts for each year’s Strictly are only organised a few months before the show. So when we speak, Pasha still doesn’t know whether he will be in Strictly Come Danc-

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Interview With dance partner Kimberley Walsh from Girls Aloud

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Interview A glittering career Born in 1980, Pasha was raised in Siberia by his single mother and grew up with his brother. “I started dancing as a youngster. At the time, there were lots of opportunities for arts and culture. I tried chess club, football, hockey, music but they gradually all dropped away. Dance became an obsession - and later a career.

“My mum was brilliant. She would never push me but she did take me to my first dance competition. When I saw the music, the excitement and especially the beautiful girls and I said – I want to do this.”

Until 2000 Pasha competed in the Amateur Latin category in Russia with his professional dance partner Anya Garnis. They did so well that they moved to America in 2000, when Pasha was 20, then both turned professional. They were finalists in the US Open championships from 2002 to 2006. He and Anya are still dancer partners today, and she is co-starring with him in his current tour.

ing this autumn. So one can understand why he is so driven to take on such a large tour right now, performing everywhere from Aberdeen in the north to Redruth in the South West.

After all, he has come a long way in his career, and opportunities for fame and fortune are important to him. He grew up in Russia, in a small town in Siberia, before the fall of the Soviet regime. “My family still live in my home town,” Pasha says. Does he get back there often? “To be honest, no. It’s not a very nice place! I prefer to take them away somewhere lovely for a holiday.”

I’m amazed he has time for holidays, given his frenetic schedule, but he insists that he isn’t really a go-getter at all: “I’m not ambitious or a planner, I just see where life will take me.”

One call that is going to make a huge difference to his future is the one he is currently awaiting from the Strictly producers: “I hope they will pick me again. It is the perfect job for me. But all I can do is wait for the show’s producers to call up the pro dancers that they want for the 2015 series. I will say yes, of course, if I am asked. It is the perfect fit for me - the ultimate job.”

Surely he will be on their list, especially given his triumph win of the 2014 Strictly title with Caroline Flack. It’s a feat that, he says, he did not see coming: “Last series was a very strong year, with such good contestants. Frankie [Bridge] was very good, Pixie [Lott] left too soon, Mark [Wright] went on an amazing journey and became a very good dancer,” he says. “But Caroline always had potential.

I guess we both were lucky. It takes two to tango – I was able to give her the information and she was able to take it.

“We were in the middle of the leader board then she started to take off dramatically and ended up delivering her best ever performance in the final show dance. I was not surprised, exactly. But on a live show you never know what will happen.”

Indeed, who knows where Pasha will be this time next year? For now, we should get to one of his shows and enjoy the fun while it lasts, just as he is doing.

Pasha Kovalev’s Life Through Dance show is in the South West from May 13-17 www.pashakovalev.co.uk 20

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french inspiration...

Friday 22 May

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15/04/2015 15:33:33

Oh, baby!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are about to have their new baby, but all parents want their tots to have bedrooms fit for a prince or princess.

Gabrielle Fagan reveals how to create a nursery that reigns supreme

Nursery decorated in Alphabet Zoo wallpaper and fabric, from Abracazoo range, Little Sanderson, www.sanderson-uk.com

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Interiors Andy Hau cushions, £30 each, www. notonthehighstreet.com Below: Egmont Toys mushroom lamp, £56.70, en.smallable.com

rince George will soon have to abdicate his nursery to make way for a brother or sister. The new prince or princess will be taking up residence in the young prince’s Beatrix Potter-themed room at Kensington Palace, and will also enjoy another brand new nursery, currently being completed at the Cambridges’ country home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk.

No expense will have been spared to make it royally spectacular, and Kate and William may soon also be thinking of creating a ‘big boy’s’ bedroom’ for toddler George.

But all parents, whatever their budget, want to lavish care on nurseries and children’s rooms..

“It’s a room on which parents like to take a lot of thought and care, and second time around, if they want a decor change - perhaps because of a different sex sibling – they are often more confident about opting for a specific style and bolder in their colour choices,” says Lucinda Croft, owner of Dragons of Walton Street, who created nurseries for Princes William and Harry and their cousins, Beatrice and Eugenie.

“A space which is functional but stylish is always the most successful, and after a first baby, people are aware of the must-haves and the pieces which took up space needlessly.

P

“Warm cream, antique white and dove grey are still classic choices for walls, but there’s a growing enthusiasm for brighter colour.

We’re seeing deeper blues, bright pinks, sharp, citrus yellows and vivid greens coming through this year. Wall murals, which are enjoying a huge revival, are becoming more dramatic in vivid, rich colours too.

“Since the London 2012 Olympics and Queen’s Jubilee, we’ve also seen an increasing demand for traditional icons of British-ness. We have a very popular design called Terry’s Soldiers, which resemble the red uni-

formed guardsmen at Buckingham Palace.”

A new baby often means an older brother or sister moving out of their room, to make way for the new arrival. When a little one like Prince George - moves out of the nursery to make way for a new baby, he needs to be given his own little kingdom, reflecting his personality.

One possibility, which needn’t cost a fortune, is to repaint a chest of drawers or wardrobe and then stencil it with an attractive pattern which tots might even help choose themselves (see www.stencil-library.com for a good range of stencils). You could also

STYLE TIP: You could repaint a chest of draw-

ers or a wardrobe and ask your child to choose a stencil design to decorate it

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15/04/2015 09:53:53

Interiors Teepee cabin bed, £399, and bookcase, £169, www. cuckooland.com

Baby Sheraton sofa, £2,500, and baby wing chair, £1,500, www. whiterabbitengland.com

frame some of your toddler’s own artistic masterpieces to decorate the room, and get them to help you select which ones to put up.

Jungle animals – and the farmyard variety – are popular ‘Be inspired by choices for cushions and curyour toddler’s tains in a toddler’s room. You can also introduce all the anifavourite mals of Noah’s ark, through books or TV wall stickers – a single one can programmes to extremely effective – and even on blackout blinds. help you decide “Be inspired by your todon a scheme’ dler’s favourite books or TV programmes to help you decide on a scheme, which will also help your child feel involved in the choice,” says Toks Aruoture, designer and founder of online nursery company The Baby Cot Shop.

“A simple rule to follow is ‘less is more’. Children love colour, but an excessive amount of bright colours can over-stimulate, so reserve those for a playroom. Grey is ultra-fashionable and can be paired with reds, yellows or oranges for an adventurous scheme, or consider ontrend geometric prints, which would work well picked out on rugs, bed fabrics and pictures.”

All in all, you’ll soon have a nursery to delight small people - and their parents!

[[ STYLE TIP: A simple rule for nurseries is ‘less

is more’. Children love colour - but an excessive amount of bright colours can over-stimulate and make bed-time fraught.

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Shopping

GET THE

LOOK

Create a nursery fit for a prince or princess with these cute picks

Laura cot bed with underbed storage £599, www. cuckooland.com

G-Raff jungle fever blackout blind £31.50, www.directblinds.co.uk

fave!

Treasure Island wallpaper and fabric from the Abracazoo collection at Little Sanderson, price around £40/m wallpaper, £34/m fabricwww.sandersonuk.com

Miffy light £114, www.maiden. bigcartel.com

Crown & Orb trunk £170, www.millygreen.com 25

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15/04/2015 09:54:42

Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

It’s time to veg out Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, is looking forward to a productive season in her garden o you come from a family of gardeners? I am often asked. The answer is a bit of yes and no. Yes, the men of the family always kept veg plots or allotments to grow food (and win prizes) but no, we are short on professional gardeners. Initially, I ignored veg growing because I could rely on Dad for endless supplies of new potatoes, tasty peas, crunchy carrots and piles of runner beans. After leaving home, I moved around a lot but wherever possible, would dig veg beds or keep an allotment.

The luxury of finally settling to work in the same kitchen garden for 17 years has enabled me to work out what sort of gardener I am. You discover whether you like orderly rows, want to use pesticides or adopt a more holistic, organic approach. Organised chaos is probably the best description for our plot but it is abundant and teems with life.

I’d love to think we are moving towards a time when all gardens become productive, like mini forest gardens. A few years ago I visited Martin Crawford’s forest garden on the Dartington Estate in soth Devon and it was a real eyeopener. True forest gardens mimic the structure of young natural woodland and are filled with useful and edible plants. Large and small trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials and annual crops grow together harmoniously, soil is covered and weeding minimal.

At first, you see a beautiful semi-wild environment but then you realise the trees are apple, pear, quince or plum and there are currant bushes beneath and mint carpeting the ground.

Young lime leaves are used as salad leaves and small numbers of crops occupy glades. We all know how delicious foraging can be, so you

D

would capitalise on nettle tips and wild garlic too. Odd perennials like Babington’s leek are included.

If you want to make a proper forest garden, I suggest investing in Martin’s book (Creating a Forest Garden) but you could, like me, just take an average kitchen garden or back garden and move it on a bit. Ours has three apples and a cherry as upright cordons and an apricot towers over two honeyberry bushes (Lonicera caerulea) whose fruit are

[[ I’d love to think that we are moving towards a time when all gardens become productive, like mini forest gardens

like small slightly acidic blueberries. By late May I’ll usually have planted summer squash to train up the wall for their fruits. There is a birch tree to the side and a mixed hedge acts as windbreak, delivers bamboo poles for supports and helps birds with nesting sites.

Dotted around the garden are various fruit bushes and perennial herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme, marjoram and lemon balm hug pathways and perennial crops include

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15/04/2015 10:42:31

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

Taunton Dene kale, artichokes (Jerusalem and globe) and rhubarb. Flowers either to eat or for attracting beneficial insects (they pollinate or eat pests) are dotted about. Many (forget-menot, borage, nigella, poached egg plant) seed themselves in patches from year to year. Slotted in between all this permanence are open sections of bed not dug regularly but top dressed with compost mainly in autumn but whenever convenient.

Strangely, I do sow or plant into neat rows mainly for ease of spacing and weeding.

This is the way to go if like me, you are fascinated by the minutiae of garden life and the less intervention from you, the more

abundance you can expect. You may have to ease back on normal horticultural practises like adding fertilizer, because this can hamper how forest gardens nurture themselves.

Certain plants are host to nitrogen fixing bacteria, which convert nitrogen from the air for plants to use. Mycorrhizal fungi also colonise roots and take sugars in return for extending the root system with their hyphae, enabling plants to benefit from improved nutrient uptake.

It’s important to set the right conditions but you don’t need acres of land to start on this journey, just a desire to let nature do her work.

Question time with Anne West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank

Q

I have tried numerous times to start a colony of lily of the valley but they peter out and disappear. What do they need?

Lily of the valley can be tricky but are worth persevering with, because a good carpet means you can look forward to pulling stems of flower every year to fill vases and enjoy their sweet scent. You need a semi-shaded bed where they won’t be disturbed. Whether you buy plants or lift them from a friend’s garden, they need time to settle and develop rhizomatous underground stems and roots from which the flowers and leaves can grow. Good winter drainage is essential, so a slightly raised bed in areas of heavy rainfall is good. On drier soils, planting on the flat in shade should mean they stay moist while in growth.

Keep weeds down and they should take.

Q

• S ow seed of hardy annuals into bare patches of soil to create patches of colour cheaply.

Rake soil first, make drills, sow cornflowers, calendula or Californian poppy, then cover seeds lightly with soil. Thin after germination.

• P lant asparagus crowns as soon as they arrive.

On heavy, wetter soils they will need to be raised above the general lie of the land for good

We planted out some beetroot germinated as clusters in modules back in March but they have hardly grown since.

We’ve had a fairly cold spring and soil temperatures may have been too low. It would have helped if the soil had been warmed first by covering it with polythene and the plants treated to a cloche after planting. Then there’s the state of the soil. Ideally, it would have been dug and conditioned some time ago and given time to settle, so the particle size was reasonably small at the surface. Or given a surface mulch. I hope they were watered in as you have to think of the root hairs settling into their new environment.

They should be growing away by now but if not, add a little organic fertilizer and give them a feed of liquid seaweed to help them along.

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

winter drainage.

Make a ridge in the planting trench so that roots are draped down and not scrunched up.

• Sow sunflower seeds two to a pot under glass, then thin to one per pot and plant out once they’ve filled the pot with roots.

• Citrus are hungry feeders so remember to add a summer citrus fertilizer or good general liquid feed into their water (preferably rain water) every fortnight.

Sow sweet corn into modules for planting out later. Remember they will need to be planted in blocks, not straight lines as they are wind pollinated and the pollen must move around the plants.

Pot on moribund house plants into slightly larger containers of good potting compost. Tease out some of their roots but don’t try and knock away all the old compost as this disturbs them too much.

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15/04/2015 10:42:56

Beauty

Tried

& tested

We present the beauty treats and cheats of the week, all trialled by West magazine’s Catherine Barnes, with help from daughter Tilly, 17.

Lifesavers!

Blend away the greys with a temporary touch up that will last three washes.

Kirstie Allsopp’s described these Josh Wood blending wands as lifesavers. £12.50 each at www. marksandspencer.com

Pretty Wear Benefit’s creaseless cream shadows your way: apply with fingertips for sheen, a brush for impact or define just like an eyeliner. £15.50 each at www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk.

GOOD-LOOKING!

swan lip glosses Cheerful remedy for an ugly duckling day. £2.99 each at www.madbeauty.com

Love these skin-gentle Herbalife skincare products, developed by dermatologists for more youthfullooking skin. Its Seven Day Results Kit (£19.70) is a great way to try its range for a week in your routine and see how you glow.

Sold via Herbalife reps, find your nearest at www.herbalife.co.uk

Natural Who knew grape and prickly pear were among nature’s gifts to combat the ageing process?

There are five natural moisturising oils in Caudalie’s new premier Cru Elixir (£49) - find it at: www.uk.caudalie.com 28

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15/04/2015 10:52:45

the review

Aromatika Abbie Bray tries a Frangipani scrub and full body massage in Exeter romatika beauty rooms are a warm and welcoming”. It’s perfect for secret hideaway in the hustle anyone busy working or shopping in the and bustle of Exeter’s city city centre. centre. Don’t let the boutique I have had full body massages in the shopfront on Queen Street past, but I have never experienced a body mislead you, as the beauty rooms beyond scrub before (apart from having a bash the shop whisk you back in time with a myself at home). This was on a completeVictorian theme that is very charming ly different level, though: Sophie used a indeed. round body brush before she applied the I was greeted with a warm welcome by scrub, then she let me choose the oil for owner Lisa Hoskins and therapist Sophie the massage. “The scent that you like the who led me up to the beauty room where smell of, that you are drawn to, is the one I would be having my treatment. I loved your body craves and needs,” she said. The the beautiful Laura Ashley furnishings in oil that I chose was frangipani oil, which the room; so often beauty rooms have that has a lovely orangey scent. clinical feel but I felt like Funnily enough, franI was actually in a Victogipani products and rian manor house, not in treatments are part of ‘The scent that the city centre.

Aromatika’s signature I’d thought I would be range. Frangipani is a you like the able to hear the noise tropical tree also called smell of, that of the busy streets outThe Temple tree or Scent side but thanks to some of the Goddesses. “I came you are drawn clever sound-proofing across frangipani when I to, is the one everything was blocked was living in Australia” your body out and I was left with explains Lisa. “I’m a huge the tranquil and calming fan, too.” craves and music in the room, and The massage itself was needs’ once the curtains were extremely relaxing. Knowdrawn it was time to drift ing that all the products away... are handmade by owner The treatment that I chose was a FranLisa made the treatment that little bit gipani Scrub and Massage that lasted for a more special. In fact, it was not just the luxurious hour and a half. Aromatika use treatment that made this a memorable their own techniques for massage to make and relaxing afternoon. The whole experieach of their bespoke treatments unique ence from the moment I stepped into Aroand special to them. matika was wonderful. I will definitely go Owner Lisa explains: “The building felt back for further treatments and I am even very much like a house to me as were renbooking my mum in there for her birthovating it and so we have tried to honour day, too. this by creating a Victorian townhouse style spa.

Frangipani Body Scrub and Full Body “Although the rooms are large, we acMassage £75. Aromatika is at 86 Queen tually have just four treatment rooms, Street Exeter, www.aromatika.co.uk or with the aim of being relaxed, unhurried, 01392 256788

A

BEAUTY SLEEP This soft pillowcase contains fibres embedded with copper oxide and Illuminage says it has four clinical trials to back up claims of fresher skin in just four-weeks . Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase, £50 (www.harrods.com)

Feeling fruity

ORGANii’s organic shower gels are strawberry and peach fragranced, while its aloe vera and bamboo option’s a winner for dry skin. £5.95 each at: www.organii.co.uk

[[

Want a review? Send your request to westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 29

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15/04/2015 10:53:53

Curvy chic TV star to visit Plymouth to showcase her frocks

fave!

[[ Gemma’s visit to Plymouth will be the launch of a cool new initiative called Plymouth Loves Fashion!

ome on all you curvy ladies!

Evans Plymouth has been selected to showcase a fabulous new range of flirty dresses and separates, all designed by TV’s Gemma Collins (pictured). Plus-size retailer Evans has just announced that the new Gemma Collins collection will be in 15 of their national stores - and online too.

Gemma’s collection is fun and flirty and consists of dresses and a few separates, with bold colours, pretty prints and a great cut that fits and flatters, from size 16 to 26. Evans Plymouth is the only store in our area to have the collection, so why not pop along? And if you’re there on Wednesday April 22, you’ll see Gemma herself in store!

Evans, Plymouth, 10 New George Street Plymouth, 01752 672270

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Illusion dress £65

Red dress £70

Gemma launching her new collection of flattering frocks with Evans 30

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15/04/2015 11:32:19

Fashion

Silhouette dress £65

Maxi dress £65

Lace detail dress £65

Floral dress £65

Asymmetric top £39

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15/04/2015 11:32:59

Trend Dress, Coast, Princesshay, £115 Jacket, River Island, Princesshay, £60

HOW TO WEAR IT:

Spring Blues

Shoes, LK Bennett, Princesshay, £195 Necklace, Coast, Princesshay, £35

MAIN PHOTO HAIR: ADAM AT SAKS, EXETER MAKEUP: CLARINS, DEBENHAMS (BOTH PRINCESSHAY) PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE HAYWOOD STILL-LIFE PHOTOGRAPHS: PR SHOTS

Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod has the blues f it wasn’t deemed batty to dress like the character Elsa from Disney’s Frozen, I swear I would do it. Isn’t she fab-u-lous. A sideswept blonde braid, shimmering blue ballgown, fierce black eyeliner and even the ability to shoot icicles at anyone who irks her.

Being a professional, and a grown-up, means that such pageantry simply isn’t on the cards. So I have to settle for channelling the film instead.

It seems I’m not the only one. Designers such as Isabel Garcia and Tracey Reese sent their SS15 models sashaying down the runway in a variety of blue hues, and Ms Reese even has a sparkly turquoise mini dress in her collection that Elsa would definitely wear for a night of cocktails and giggling with Anna.

My job is more a ‘magazineto-design’ than ‘kingdom-to-run’ sort of deal though, so I set off to Princesshay in search of something a teensy bit more practiMore than one cal (but no less regal). I didn’t neon pink and have to look far: I wandered into Coast and there was this blue zebra print ‘mustbeauty. have’ has been The Gracie cocktail dress is marketed as the perfect wedflung at a lamp ding-to-cocktail-hour companmilky latte) or a grey waterfall carion but some fashion rules are digan so soft you have been known definitely made to be broken. I to stroke gently it when daydreamlike my wardrobe to be incrediing. The bad news is that, if you’re bly versatile and, while I will no anything like me, a new dress of this doubt be caught sipping a Cosmo in this at somecalibre deserves a new cover-up. This limited one’s nuptials soon, there’s no way I’m waiting edition beige cropped drape trench jacket from for a letterpress invite to rock this frock. Time to River Island was love at first sight and rounds off style it for the day! my collection of sleeved neutrals quite nicely.

A blazer or tailored cardigan is really all Remember, all collections need careful curating. you need to make this dress right at home on a I have a new rule when shopping. Imagine you normal Tuesday. The good news is that this seaspread all your clothes out on your bed. You need son’s blues are the perfect add on to the ‘new to be able to draw virtually endless lines between nudes’ that were so prevalent in the autumn/ the items that would work together, to the point winter season. This is good news for anyone who, that even an Oxbridge mathematician would like me, stocked up and now boasts a fawn leathdeclare the number of combinations truly infier jacket (mine’s a quilted number the colour of a nite. The second part to the rule is that nothing

I

is allowed in your collection that might possibly set you off on a hissy fit a few months down the line. If it is even vaguely tight in the changing room, you can be sure you will rip it from your body and kick it down the hallway if it catches you on a dreaded day of bloat. It’s good to have a statement piece or two, but proceed with caution.

In my household, more than one neon pink and zebra print ‘must-have’ has been flung at a lamp with the exclamation ‘What is this, Vegas?!’

Shop smart, not hard. Pastel blues are elegant, summery without shouting about it, and are equally at home day or night. If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, just shoot them your iciest stare and Let It Go. All fashion in these pictures is from Princesshay Shopping Centre, Exeter, www.princesshay.com

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NEW LOOK midi dress £39.99

NEW LOOK printed shorts £14.99

GET THE

look NEW LOOK T Bar heels £19.99

NEW LOOK pastel heels £19.99

DEBENHAMS Faith bag £32

LK BENNETT heels £195 COAST necklace £35

33

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15/04/2015 11:53:01

Shop

The edit Your straight line to style. This week, here’s a smart-cazz look for the guys

+

F & F for Tesco £15

+

Land’s End striped shirt £34.95

+

White Stuff gingham shirt £39.95

fave!

Next trousers £35

+

New Look £19.99

+

Seasalt Pencalenick jeans £55

Dubarry £115

+

White Stuff linen trousers £49.95

Debenhams J by Jasper Conran £65

34

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15/04/2015 12:14:47

Enjoy

My healthy quote of the week: “Don’t eat anything your greatgrandmother wouldn’t recognise as food” Michael Pollan

ally mac’s

Coodles (courgette noodles) Ally says: Coodles, or courgette noodles, are taking over the healthy world! They have a scrummy ‘crunch’ and don’t leave you feeling heavy like pasta can do.

I serve these ribbons of green goodness with a homemade pesto using hazelnuts, my own foraged wild garlic and a hit of sweet crunchy watermelon.

This recipe is raw, vegan and gluten free, and there’s no cooking involved.

The coodles are created using a spiralizer, a nifty gadget which is a must-have for all raw foodies.

Look out for it in cookshops. You can spiralize so many vegetables to make delicious salads and a healthy alternative to pasta!

‘Tis the season for wild garlic. It used to be ‘pick your own’ but now the more fashionable term is ‘foraging’ and that’s just what I do, and I love it and it’s delicious! Sadly wild garlic isn’t around for too long... so be quick to pick it. There’s no excuse, as it grows in hedgerows and woods the length and breadth of the South West.

You will need:

Method:

2 medium courgettes A handful of wild garlic leaves, which I forage near my home in beautiful south Devon 1/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil (find the best you can!)

1/2 cup of nuts (you can use any nuts, I went for hazels) 1 small bunch of basil 1 tablespoon lemon juice Seeds from a fresh pomegranate Watermelon chunks Feta cheese Pinch of Himalayan salt and fresh cracked pepper

Spiralize your coodles and set aside. Pat the coodles dry with kitchen paper to remove any excess juice.

In your blender, whizz up hazelnuts, basil, wild garlic, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil until you have a crunchy paste. Next, mix this pesto with the coodles, crumble some feta over them and top with the pomegranate seeds and watermelon chunks.

And there you have it, a plate of raw, nutritious goodness which really hits the spot! If your tummy rumbles, go ahead and have another helping - after all, this dish has zero guilt written all over it.

Natural food expert Ally Mac lives and cooks in South Devon. Ally specialises in devising good-for-you recipes that are easy to prepare at home. She also sells several of her own delicious healthy products online at www.allyskitchenstories.co.uk 35

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15/04/2015 12:15:10

Wellbeing

Hay there...

Does this time of year give you a spring in your step, or make you sneeze? While many of us are full of the joys of spring, with everything blossoming, blooming and bursting into life, if you’re a hay fever sufferer, it can literally bring tears to your eyes ne line of defence is to Know Your omile tea has anti-inflammatory properties Pollen. It may all seem the same, when drunk or the cooled damp teabags can be but the tiny grains can get up your applied to swollen, itchy eyes. noses in different kinds of ways.

The NHS advises against drying clothes outZirtek, the people behind aldoors and says you should dust furniture with lergy relief people behind itch-and-tears soothdamp cloths to prevent the spread of pollen. ing antihistamine products, say Using a pollen calendar as a that at this time of year it’s tree guide could help you identify pollen, as well as a variety of which plant is causing you grasses running to seed, that can grief. Both the Met Office and Ash, birch and cause hay fever (also known as Zirtek publish a daily pollen oak trees are allergic rhinitis). Ash, birch and forecast online, alerting you to oak are at their pollen-producing days more comfortably spent at their pollenpeak during April, while weeds with the windows shut inproducing peak including nettles are also a major doors. culprit.

Pollen allergies can develop during April, Hay fever’s an allergic reaction over time and while it’s not while nettles are a caused when your body releases unusual for your average teenantibodies, releasing the histaager to be lethargic or irritable major culprit mine that causes the symptoms.

– especially with exam season Besides over-the-counter remcoming up – it’s worth keeping edies such as Zirtek, some hay tabs on their symptoms. fever suffers have success with a little Vaseline Around half of students with hay fever can applied around the nostrils, to halt those pollen see them flare up at the time of year when grains in their tracks. summer tests begin. Besides seeking medical Folk-remedies include regular doses of local advice, it may be wise to inform the school if honey made by bees who live among nearby you’re concerned that their allergy’s an issue flowers and trees, to improve resistance. Chamthat could impact on their performance.

O

Keep Your Cool Angelina Jolie’s revealed she’s in the menopause at just 38 – the result of an operation to remove her ovaries and manage a cancer risk. Symptoms can include hot flushes, night sweats, anxiety and insomnia. Natural red clover’s believed to have oestrogen-like properties that can help balance see-sawing hormones. Perhaps Angie should try some - and keep her cool this summer.

Promensil Double Strength supplements contain red clover, £29.99 for 30 at Boots.

Back on the wagon!

Give yourself a pat on the back - but then get back to the gym. According to Nuffield Health, many of us fall off the keep-fit wagon in late April, because our New Year efforts have seen us shed some weight.

Nuffield Health’s Ross Harris says: “Resolutions to become healthier often start well, as you’re motivated by your new-found energy and the fact that your jeans seem to be getting looser. But sometimes the burden of your busy life can catch up. Don’t write off the rest of the year, just because you’ve had a blip – there’s still plenty of time to turn it around.”

His tips? Set fitness goals in smaller steps, rope in friends, reward yourself and don’t feel you’ve failed if you let it slide, just start again!

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Look good, feel good Our hotlist of the best wellbeing events in the Westcountry Sign up for a surf-yoga camp Koa Tree Camp in north Devon is hosting a four night Surf and Yoga Camp from June 1 this year. Expect two hours of yoga, fabulous vegetarian food then a day’s surfing and Stand-Up Paddleboarding – with coaching - at Sandymouth Beach. Accommodation is in yurts and bell tents, from £650 including all food and tuition. See www. koatreecamp.com for details or call 01288 331009

Your questions I’m conscious that my teeth are quite dull and yellowy, and I’ve noticed that most celebrities these days, such as Kylie Minogue, seem to have beautiful white teeth. Do you know how I can whiten my teeth, and if it is safe to do so? How much would it cost?

JS, Tiverton

Q

Exeter dentist Dr Pradnya Apte writes: These days, celebrities and TV personalities are having all the latest treatments to achieve that brighter, whiter smile.

Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. It can’t make your teeth brilliant white but it can lighten the existing colour by several shades.

So how does it work? You coat your teeth in a whitening gel that gently bleaches them over a period of several hours. To ensure that the gel does not damage your gums or mouth, you need a custom-fitted “tray” over your teeth, to keep the gel in place.

A dentist will first take an impression of your teeth to make the whitening tray that moulds perfectly around your teeth, right up to the gum margin. Then, using your bespoke trays and a special whitening gel at home, you regularly apply the gel to your teeth while wearing the tray over a period of two to four weeks. Some whitening gels can be left on for up to eight hours at a time, which shortens the treatment period to one week. These type of systems are ones where the trays are typically worn through the night.

Another type of teeth whitening system is called laser whitening, also known as power whitening.

This is where a bleaching product is painted onto your teeth and then a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.

You should always go to a registered dental professional (check they are accredited by the General Dental Council) for teeth whitening.

Whitening by people who aren’t qualified, for example in beauty salons, does sometimes happen but it is actually illegal.

Home kits also carry risks, too - and some simply

Dance yourself fitter Johanna Morgan runs seven weekly DanceFit classes on the Zumba theme in the Sidmouth/Seaton area of east Devon. She describes them as “exercise in disguise”. Why not boogie on down to fitness at one of Johanna’s fun classes, visit www.jmdancefit.co.uk for details or call 07739 518587.

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don’t contain enough of the whitening product to be effective. More generally, the off-the-shelf trays provided may not fit your teeth properly, so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.

The usual ballpark prices for laser teeth whitening start at £400 upwards. Gel and tray teeth whitening systems start at usually £199 upwards. No matter what treatment you use, there is a chance your gums can be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, especially if you already have sensitive teeth.

Teeth whitening does not lighten existing white fillings, veneers or crowns. The process isn’t permanent but will last from a few months to up to around a year and a half. Generally, the whitening effect won’t last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth, so you should consider your lifestyle and its effect on your smile, too. But these days, there are several ways that your dentist can help to give you a smile as sweet as Kylie’s.

Dr Pradnya Apte (pictured above) is a GDC registered dentist who also runs a private medical cosmetic clinic in the heart of Exeter called revitalise-rejuvenate. She carries out non-surgical facial injectables and offers teeth whitening using a gel and tray system. Dr Pradnya’s clinic is based at Sara Paleschi Hair Design, 16 Mary Arches Street, Exeter, EX4 3AZ .

Visit www.revitalise-rejuvenate.co.uk

Meditate…

With dropin classes all over Cornwall, the Ganden Ling Kadampa Buddhist Centre offers a chance to escape the frantic pace of life. Classes run weekly in Camborne, Newquay, Launceston, Truro, Falmouth and St Austell, costing from £4. Or why not try a Wake Up Smiling workshop at the Friends Meeting House, Truro, on Saturday May 16, costing £12? Visit www.meditationincornwall.org for more details.

Hit the road!

Bodmin Women’s Running Club meets on Wednesdays at 6pm for training, as well as holding social runs on Fridays and Sundays. Annual membership is £20, and there’s a lively social scene, including a Fish and Chip Run coming up on May 20. For details and to join, visit www.bodminwomensrunningclub.co.uk 37

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Wellbeing

Sam Taylor:

Sofa Dodger Mum of three Sam Taylor from Bodmin is the Sofa Dodger, trying out keepfit activities that make exercise fun. This week... Sam borrows pal Katie’s baby, Isabel, to take part in a BuggyFit class in Launceston

This week: BUGGYFIT Buggyfit is a national organisation with groups all over the country. To find one near you, key in your postcode at www.buggyfit.co.uk

ow that my own kids are older, the particularly at the top of the hill thought of being among a group when we stopped to do some lunges of ladies where I might have the and I forgot to secure the brake on strongest pelvic floor was a giddy the pram. Luckily we were on a level, thought. but Katie did seem to Dads are actually welcome, too be more watchful from and it’s a chance to get fit while then on. not having to worry about We did sets of resistThe chance to childcare. ance exercises using a be in a group of I was beginning to feel a pink elastic band thing ladies where I little broody as instructor and, between each Nel marched us in single file set, we walked with might have the up what turned out to be the the buggies at a brisk strongest pelvic world’s biggest hill. I’d forgot pace. I didn’t expect ten how taxing it is to push a the class to be so physically chalfloor was a pram. My friend Katie (who lenging. Going at our own pace, giddy thought had lent me her baby for rhe we were getting a proper workout class) smirked at me as I puffed and I was definitely feeling the my way to the top and she dreaded burn. strolled alongside.

While some of the babies were As a mother of three children, I began the class getting a bit restless towards the end and having confident of being a bit of a pro at the buggy pit-stop comfort breaks, our baby Isabel slept lark. But it’s been six years and boy, did it show, soundly throughout until we stopped for lunch.

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Then she awoke and proceeded to empty her nappy, smile adorably and then bring up her milk on me. I felt broody no longer, handed her back Isabel back to mummy and day-dreamed of my Friday night glass of wine.

I’d have loved this class when my eldest was first born and I knew nobody else with a baby. It’s not just about getting back into shape, but also meeting other parents and a change of scene.

And that’s just as beneficial for your health.

GET INVOLVED: Try something new or tell the world about your own keep fit class for free at www.sofadodger.co.uk 38

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Wellbeing Happy birthday to...

STARS

19.04.15

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) There is power and importance in your words this week. If there is the chance to get together with people in authority, you should do so. Pay special attention to loved ones and friends who are trying to achieve something. Encouraging your own talent and the talent of others is crucial.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) The spotlight is still on finances and getting them sorted out. A link between these and your home life needs to be given priority. Look to extended friends and family for ideas. A challenging few days makes it all the more important to relax at the weekend. Although you may not be feeling so social this week, it is the way forward.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Having to put your foot down does not always suit you, Gemini. This week, however, someone needs to be told that they are going in the wrong direction. At home, sprucing the place up and planning some changes brings a lot of satisfaction. Don’t forget, in an intense week, to have some fun.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Her Majesty The Queen Queen Elizabeth II has her official birthday in June, when she spends the day watching the Trooping of the Colour. Our monarch has had an official birthday in the summer since the 1740s, to coincide with the probability of good weather But her real birthday is this Tuesday - April 21 - which makes her a Taurus.

She was born in 1926, so this will be her 89th birthday. Her Majesty was here in the South West just last month, visiting Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth and looking fabulous in pink. Not bad for someone about to turn 89.

Taureans are known for their stability and steadfastness – but at times they can be painfully stubborn. Above all, Taureans are said to be loyal. Happy Birthday Ma’am.

This week you may be entrusted with an important assignment. It is unusual but crucial to someone else.

Maybe the boss needs help with sorting out a project. There may even be the chance of your business moving into new premises.

Encouraging someone to get involved in a spare-time interest with you can really pay dividends.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Someone who seems to constantly need your help is a bit of a worry now. Trying to get them to be more independent may not be an option. Could you share the task with someone else? With the highlight still on finances, be sure that you consider all options. Big savings can be made with a little homework.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Although you love speaking your mind, think hard this week. Your words can hold special significance, more than you could know. Although trying to be tactful gives you a headache it is best not to rush ahead. Take care of your health as the spring gives a new start.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Big things are happening for you this week. Anticipated meetings can be more intense than expected. If these are of a romantic nature they could catch you unawares! However, don’t agree to anything just out of kindness or it could come back to bite you

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) What a wonderful week for partnerships and romance! Even business colleagues seem more responsive and helpful. As a relative approaches you with a problem you find a solution. Is it that easy, though? Maybe cash flow is a problem for them. Get together with others for the best results in any area of your life.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) This is a week in which to stop pretending that you want to be serious all of the time! Getting out and having some fun may be a long-lost concept to you.

Bouncing around ideas can go hand-inhand with physical activity. Bring together some positive people for a brainstorming session.

CAPRICORN

(December 22 - January 20) Getting the right balance between responsibilities and freedom of choice is crucial. However annoying someone is, try to see things from their point of view.

This could even lead to a solution. When we make our decisions there are some that can be changed and some that can’t.

AQUARIUS

(January 21 - February 19) Do you need someone who you can really look up to? Look in the right places and it will not be so difficult to spot them! When inspiration is needed, your open mind really is an asset.. Sometimes there is no gain without risk. Take care, however, if a large chunk of your money could become involved.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) This is a lucky week as long as you don’t gamble with your heart! Encouragement can be given but being commitment-phobic can be an asset right now.

Someone out to make mischief could cause a ruckus at home but are they important enough to worry about? As long as you and your partner stand firm, the favours should fall at your feet.

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Oli Coysh

My Secret Westcountry Oli Coysh Oli Coysh left the |TV industry to co-found Exeter coffee shop and bakehouse the Exploding Bakery, with friend Tom Oxford. He lives in Exeter with wife-to-be Victoria and their cat Ernest.

My favourite...

Walk: A ramble around Dartington Hall gardens and then along the river to Staverton.

There’s an overwhelming amount of wild flowers on the Dartington estate at this time of year.

Arts venue/festival : Once Upon A Time In the Westcountry. It’s a little festival on Beesands beach in May, centred around a football tournament, but it’s not about the football.

Beach: Forest Cove, next to Blackpool Sands, while drinking whisky we catch mackerel from

Blackpool Sands

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People Try a trip downstream with Winding River Canoes on the River Dart

the shore, then BBQ them on an open fire. But those days are becoming less frequent.

Activity: Going down the River Dart on a Canadian canoe with a couple of mates and stopping off at the Maltsers Arms, then camping somewhere along the riverbank.

Food: I love a glass of the unhomogenized milk from Ashclyst Dairy, great with a cookie.

We have the best milk in the country here in the South West - and we shouldn’t take that for granted.

Tipple: Any beer by Harbour Brewing company from Cornwall. It’s serious craft beer. I’ve got three barrels of the stuff for my wedding this month.

Pub: The Bridge in Topsham is wonderful.

Either sitting by the fire with a strong stout or sitting outside in the sun by the river with a cool IPA. It’s the only pub that the Queen has visited.

Restaurant: The Seahorse in Dartmouth, seafood doesn’t get much better than that.

The Royal visit

ruthan Steps Hotel in north Cornwall, the food and wine were outstanding.

Shop: I worked at Salago in Totnes when I was growing up, so I have a soft spot for that gift shop. It’s still full of delightful things.

Treat: I still love our Riverford Veg box. It’s made me a better cook. When I’m presented with random vegetables each week, I enjoy the surprise - and the challenge.

Way to relax : Hanging out with friends or

‘Secret’ place: Camping at Maelcombe House

playing with Ernest, my cat.

near East Prawle or The Fat Pig Whisky Club.

Both are a little exclusive - and the better for it.

Weekend away: I recently stayed at Bed-

Oli Coysh runs The Exploding Bakery, based in Queen Street, Exeter. The bakery sells wholesale top-quality traybake cakes, as well as good coffee and cake from the bakery cafe, where you can watch the cake-making in action as you wait. Visit www.theexplodingbakery.com for details 41

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main picture: adam gibbard

Enjoy

a weekend in...

Penzance Polgoon Vineyard

The end of the line for the five-hour around the turn of the 20th century. train journey from London, Penzance The town’s architecture is mainly Georgian, but in the far west of Cornwall has a boPenzance’s history stretches back centuries earhemian charm, with lier; in Tudor times the townsthe Art Deco features on the seapeople were targets for ransackfront, among them the currently ing pirates, while a labyrinth of closed for repair Jubilee Pool, tunnels excavated between the A tunnel disbeing a reminder of its more harbour and the town suggests covered from prosperous days as a resort. smugglers were getting local a warehouse With stunning views across help landing contraband under Mount’s Bay and the harbour the eyes of the excise men. Penon the harbour where the ferry leaves daily for zance’s steep backstreets, where front turned out the Isles of Scilly, the town has palms and other temperate clito lead straight an arty feel, with vintage and mate-loving exotics can be seen antiques shops and other empoin cottage gardens, seem to echo to the local pub ria with a New Age vibe and a with this rich history. number of galleries. Art galleries including the Penlee House Stay: Try the quirky, which showcases the work of comfortable boutique hotel the Newlyn School painters who Artist Residence on lovely painted local people going about their daily lives Chapel Street, where every bedroom has been

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The Barn on Chapel Street

The Admiral Benbow

painted in a different scheme by a local artist.

Hearty food, including gourmet burgers from local meat, is available next door at The Barn, under the same ownership.

Eat and drink:

Try the historical Admiral Benbow, conveniently situated opposite Artist Residence, which has really good pub food and well-kept local ale. This pub is bristling with maritime relics, including timbers from historical shipwrecks. It was no surprise to regulars here when a tunnel excavated in a warehouse by the harbour turned out to emerge in the pub - smugglers of yore are believed to have used it.

The striking Art Deco building on the sea front, the Yacht Inn, is another good place for a drink and a bite to eat, with a view over the harbour.

Or have supper or lunch at the The Bakehouse on Chapel Street, where dishes include Helford mussels.

Shop: Both the Lighthouse Gallery and Cornwall Contemporary galleries are worth perusing for art and jewellery by local artists and designer-makers. The cavernous Mount’s Bay Trading Company on Causewayhead offers clothes by independent labels and furniture, rugs and homewares and unusual curios. For a picnic to eat overlooking the harbour, or among the subtropical plants in Morrab Gardens, try the Cornish Hen deli on Market Place, where owner Sarah Shaw bakes pastries, sausage rolls, tray bakes and cakes daily.

Do: Exploring the town, with its granite buildings and subtropical plants, makes for a pleasant few hours. Look out for the exotically decorated Egyptian House, and drop in at the striking contemporary gallery The Exchange, so called because it was converted from the town’s telephone exchange.

Marine Discovery offer trips to see bottlenose dolphins out at sea, see www.marinediscovery. co.uk. Visit Polgoon Vineyard on the edge of town for a tour with wine and cider tastings. Or walk over Marazion Beach to St Michael’s Mount, if the tide is out – you can always catch the boat back.

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Ingredient of the Week

Cheese

with Tim Maddams aking your own cheese is not as difficult as it may seem, not so many years ago most households would have made some of sort of home made cheese or another ( the irony of super markets selling “cottage cheese” is not lost on me) and there is no reason why you cannot do the same. The added bonus is that you know exactly where the milk has come from, and that’s not mentioning the fact that, a bit like making your own bread, once you start tinkering with the good stuff you will become instantly hooked on your own special homemade cheese and nothing else will quite do.

Admittedly we’re not talking top names like Smoke On The Water, Colston Bassett or Dorset Blue Vinney here. And nor should we be, British regional cheeses are amongst the finest in the world and their makers deserve the respect they are due. Bath Blue, I think, has the current title of world’s best cheese, and that’s a fact to be proud of !

A word of caution, if you ever visit a dairy farm – and I would urge you to do so – when you enter the milking parlour you will witness an incredible thing, these places have big, often muddy dairy cows wandering into them twice a day in their hundreds and yet they are spotless. You could as they say, eat your dinner off the floor. I suppose in a way you are. The point I am somewhat labouring is that you will need to keep all

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your cheese making equipment very clean. The reasons for this are simple – you are not going to be heating your milk/curds/whey to the sort of temperatures where bacteria are killed. So you need to take extra care to make sure that you don’t contaminate your cheese with anything untoward during the making or storing process.

That said, don’t become too concerned, simply make sure every vessel, spoon and jar is clean and dry before you use it.

A few points on the milk itself. You don’t need to find raw milk (unpasteurised) if you don’t want to - and it’s not available everywhere anyway - but you do need, if at all possible, to find unhomogenised milk. Which should just be called milk, but sadly homogenisation is now common place and is the reason why you no longer get the top of the milk creaminess that you used to do.

You also need full fat milk, otherwise you won’t get much cheese - simple as that. The other thing you will need is some rennet or vegetarian rennet (available online very cheaply) or some lemon juice, freely available from all good lemons. And lastly you will need some cheesecloth or muslin for separating the curds from the whey.

OK, we’re going to keep it simple so here’s how to do things in two different ways. This week, here is my recipe for lebneh - also known as yoghurt cheese - and next week we’ll be exploring the mysteries of rennet...

Home-made cheese Lebneh, or yoghurt cheese, can be made very simply. Place a litre or so of natural yoghurt in a mixing bowl. Season heavily with salt (a lot of the salt will come out of the cheese as it hangs). Rinse a square of muslin in cold water, then place it in a sieve over a bowl. Place the yoghurt inside (you could add cracked pepper or chilli flakes) and then tie the corners up with string to create a little purse of yoghurt.

Hang this from a kitchen cupboard handle or in the fridge overnight - put something under it to catch the drips. Then carefully unwrap to reveal your prize. This simple cheese can be kept as it is in the fridge for a few days or you can roll it in herbs and keep it in oil in the fridge for a week or more. @TimGreenSauce

Tim Maddams is a Devon chef and writer who often appears on the River Cottage TV series 44

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Drink

Darren Norbury

talks beer ild thing, you make my heart sing. annual Mild May Well, I’m quite fond of you, at least. campaign once It’s the lightly-hopped, generally a year, and next sessionable, smooth, easy drinkmonth I’m sure ing pint once so beloved of manual he’ll be having workers in need of a thirst-quenching beer with his usual big plenty of malt to replace lost sugars. It seems, quota of guest though, that not everyone has such a soft spot for milds on offer. this long-established beer style.

In my local, As I write, Robinsons – a St Austell-sized the Star Inn, regional of the North West – has announced Crowlas, it is killing off its 1892 mild, named after the owner and year in which it was first brewed, because it is head brewer no longer viable. The Campaign for Real Ale Pete Elvin has produced a new 3.6% ABV (CAMRA) is “disappointed” but mild, dark brown in colour, sees the rationale in Robinson’s which offers a palate of dried decision. Mild is no longer sexy. fruit with a hint of bitter coffee It is, by and large, unloved and after an aroma of roasted malt In fairness, a unwanted, like those American and mocha. I declare an interest, lot of mild does recipe Cadbury’s Crème Eggs too, in citing Coastal Brewery’s go up country, that were foist upon us this year.

Merry Maidens Mild as proof Down here, St Austell 4K Mild that people will still drink mild but some can was still around when I started and that it can win awards, too. be found down getting into beer properly, In fairness, a lot of it does go but as time went by they, too, upcountry, to the mild heartland here - now and found that that word ‘mild’ of the Midlands. But some can be again was putting people off. Rather found down here, for instance at than bin the beer, though, they The Front, Falmouth, now and changed the name to Black again.

Prince and for a while its Milds can be dark, they can be popularity held up. Try and find a pint of it now, light, they can be low ABV, they can be five or though, and you’ll be struggling. I think it still six per cent ABV. But they will always be lightly crops up at the brewery’s annual Celtic Beer hopped, and because they have got a good malt Festival, but that’s its only outing. bill they will generally have a lovely robust Still, some people still have a taste for mild. body. Born to be mild…

Gary Marshall, at the Blisland Inn, on Bodmin Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk Moor, celebrates in style when CAMRA has its @beertoday

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I LOVE A GOOD SAISON… …so I’m delighted to see that Cheddar Ales is now giving this style a go. Firewitch (4.8% ABV) is described as a ‘spicy farmhouse saison’. It is made using Pilsner and Munich malts and a little wheat malt with fresh citrus fruit zest, Indian coriander and grains of paradise with a blend of Sorachi Ace, Calypso and Pacific Jade hops. Just in time for summer, when the saisons are traditionally supped.

Beer of the week St Austell 1913 Stout, which I enjoyed, is no more, but the brewery has not given up on developing a new stout for its portfolio. The next stop along this route is keg Black Beard Stout (4.5%), which I tried in the brewery’s Hicks Bar recently. Roasted malt is the star, as you might expect, but there’s a lovely smokiness, too, which adds richer depth and stops the brew being just another Guinness clone. Not sure how long this one will be around – catch it if you can.

Things to come I’m told, in a hushed whisper, that Dartmoor Brewery is planning something a bit special for its forthcoming 21st anniversary. Fans of the Jail Ale brewer, watch this space…

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My life

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man and boy

A spot of bother

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Phil Goodwin and son James, five, contemplate chicken pox s a family, I think we managed to pack plenty of action and adventure into the Easter half term holidays. Trip to the seaside including visit to dinosaur attraction?

Check. Day out in Lyme Regis digging for fossils (we found two ammonites) including visit to dinosaur museum? Check. Swimming, bike ride, cinema, eating out in restaurant, twice?

Check, check, check...

Visit to GP to confirm outbreak of chicken pox? Check. Yes, after five years and having seen many friends go down, the pox finally struck. Not nice being ill on your holidays but good timing from a parent’s point of view perhaps. At least there will be no need for extra time off. Or so I thought.

James started with just a couple of tiny spots on the belly. My wife noticed them in the changing cubicle at the swimming pool as the boy was munching his way through the near three-course meal he needs after a strenuous session. We thought nothing of it to begin with but by the next day it was a full-blown rash.

The doctor confirmed it was indeed the varicella-zoster virus and ordered isolation until the spots scabbed over. At least five or six days was the prognosis, which would take us into the new term. Even worse, I also felt like I was going down with the flu and was a bit spotty myself.

The arrival of this illness is greeted by many as a relief, something to get out of the way in childhood when the effects are much milder.

Having contracted the dreaded thing in my mid-20s when living in London, I totally understand this. Anyone who has gone through chicken pox in later life will concur. It left me covered in weeping sores, resembling a leprous

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saint from the spooky Cuban spiritual religion of Santería. I spent many days alone in a flat, shivering under a duvet watching The Godfather trilogy, only occasionally venturing out (beneath a hood and behind sunglasses) to buy a protein shake from the corner shop. I vividly remember

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The smell of calamine lotion really brought it all back. I really felt for him, waking up in the night crazy with itching

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my shock at looking at myself in the mirror.

I threw a cloth over it in the end as I couldn’t bear to look.

Memories of this thoroughly unpleasant time flooded back as I tried to soothe young James as he was driven mad by the itching.

Mine were everywhere, on the soles of my feet and in places too delicate to mention here.

I tried to leave them but they screamed to be scratched. I still have the tiny hole on my forehead where I attacked one of the blighters.

And so to treat the lad. The smell of the calamine lotion brought it all back. I really felt for him. He woke up in the night going crazy with the itching. This illness is easier to bear when young but it is still no fun. Trapped at home. We were invited to a barbecue until friends realised a toddler had not been initiated and the timing was bad for a deliberate contagion. A family friend suggested she might bring her two, aged five and one, to ‘get it over with’ but the wife dissuaded her. I have always considered chicken pox ‘parties’ a deeply weird concept. Yeah, I get the idea but deliberately making someone, especially your child, ill is just wrong. It may be pessimistic, but just Imagine if they suffered a bad reaction, became seriously ill. I just think let nature take its course. Who knows, you might dodge it for years, decades even. Scientists may find a cure.

So there we are, holidays, sunny weather and we are stuck indoors watching TV. Thank God for Netflix. Cool showers, warm words about how it will be gone soon. But at least it will never come back, right? Wrong. It seems the chicken pox virus, hidden deep in the spinal cord, can indeed re-emerge years later, as shingles. And that is what had happened to me: Happy holidays.

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Supported by Supported by

TOURISM EVENT OF THE YEAR

the

South West’s e t a m i t foodie event! ul 24 - 26 April 2015

South West Food & Drink Producrs

10am – 6pm (5pm on Sunday)

The Festival Cookery Theatre Festival Bars

Little Cookies Children’s Area

Westcountry Bakery with Glenn Cosby

Darts Farm Food is Fun Teepees

OUS FABUL SIC U M LIVE S T N EVE

Festival After Dark Party Nights Thurs 23, Fri 24 & Sat 25 April

NEW FOR 2015!

4& ow! urs n2s3,ariFllrie2n Tho Sat 25 Ap

tickets Buy online om/exeterfoodfest www.theticketfactory.c eter Phoenix Buy in person at the Ex

Exeter Castle & Northernhay Gardens, Exeter www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk Untitled-1 3

www.exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

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