09.08.15
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high summer fashion fixes
‘My island inspiration’ Why Devon’s Emma Carter paints on the beach
INSIDE: + MAKE A CASTLE YOUR HOME DON’T MISS: + THE TRUTH
ABOUT SUGAR
PLUS: + BAKE OFF’S PAUL
HOLLYWOOD
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5th-30th August
Join the fun every day at Drake Circus with: 5-7 Aug Face Painting 8-13 Aug Arts & Crafts 14-16 Aug Kids’ YO! Sushi Workshops 17-19 Aug Balloon Modelling 20-28 Aug Gardening Fun 29-30 Aug Circus Workshops Visit our website for further details of each event Over 70 stores | Big brand names | Places to eat
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dream shopping...
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‘Once you learn how to handle them, assess their age and get the hang of cooking them I am sure you will love them too’
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WINDOW DRESSING Go beyond curtains for a fresh look in your home
Tim Maddams cooks grouse, p 40
30 44
GOOD FOUNDATIONS How Liz McLarnon gets curves in all the right places
SECRET PLACES A surf guru spills the beans
[contents[ Inside this week... 6
THE WISHLIST This week’s pick of lovely things to buy
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TIME FOR A DECAF TEA... Our new mum columnist battles on
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JUST BETWEEN US... Sh! We have the latest gossip!
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CAPTURING THE CASTLE The grandest getaways in the South West
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YES, IT’S BACK! Bake Off’s Paul tells all
ISLAND LIFE Getting arty on the beach in Devon
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WINDOW DRESSING Curtains, shutters and so much more
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WONDER WALLS
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COOL SOUP Our healthy, tasty recipe of the week
Anne Swithinbank on walled gardens
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GOOD FOUNDATIONS How to get curves in all the right places
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HOW TO WEAR THEM Boyfriend jeans: the new rules
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YOUR WEEK AHEAD Cassandra Nye looks into the stars
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BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week
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GLORIOUS GROUSE Tim Maddams cooks game
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BRAND NEW BEER A new Devon brewery is born
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HOW TO WEAR THEM
Boyfriend jeans: the new rules 3
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ISLAND LIFE
Why Burgh Island has inspired this artist
[ welcome [ Let the sun shine... There is so much to enjoy in this week’s West, I really don’t know where to start. First up, we’re meeting the fabulous Devon artist Emma Carter (pictured above). Emma’s been telling Anna Turns all about how a childhood on Burgh Island led to her impressive career as a painter. Find out more on page 16 today. If you’re feeling creative, I’m sure you’ll also love our feature on Sally Parkin (page 44). She’s the Cornishwoman who decided to make those wonderful old wooden surfboards fashionable again - and, in doing so, founded her own business, the Original Surfboard Company. We’ve also got a terrific feature
[
Tweet
of the week @thehoneydoctor Actress Scarlett Johansson uses Manuka Honey to give her a natural, healthy glow. Did you spot us in the @WMNWest?
[
[
from Hayle’s Darren Norbury, our resident beer guru, on page 41. He travelled over the border just recently to check out a new brewery that’s been set up in Woodbury Salterton, east Devon. It sounds like it was a fun trip. Darren says he was especially thrilled to find some of his wise words on beer framed and up on the wall at the new brewery’s launch party. But as the South West’s premier ale expert (and our columnist!) , it’s no more than he deserves, if you ask us. Finally, we have some really rather grand Westcountry getaways to try on page 16 today. Happy reading!
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If you haven’t had a trip away this summer, we have some to try
Becky Sheaves, Editor
COVER IMAGE: Steve Haywood
CONTACT: westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk Tel: 01392 442250 Twitter @wmnwest
MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor
Sarah Pitt
Kathryn Clarke-McLeod
Catherine Barnes
Phil Goodwin
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If you do one thing this week... Why not take advantage of the special summer-only route from Newquay Airport direct to Dublin with Aer Lingus? Prices start at just ÂŁ29.99 for the 70 minute flight and, with the Euro at such a low, this lovely, friendly city is now super-affordable. Flights run most days until September 5, see www. newquaycornwallairport.com for details.
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This beautiful cashmere and silk Savoy Pop scarf features a geometric pattern from the 1930s, £37.50, www.
The Westcountry’s most prolific seaside sandwich stealer, hand painted on this Emma Bridgewater mug £39.95 for two,
colliercampbell.com
www.daisypark.co.uk
the
wishlist West’s picks for spending your time and money this week
Bright idea Kiana irregular shapes necklace £22, www. oliverbonas.com
STREET STYLE STAR
Trousers: Karen Millen £90 Bright yellow top: River Island £25 Shoes: House of Fraser £45 Necklace: Topshop £25 Sunglasses: House of Fraser £130 Kay says: “I work for Coast and I love all their clothes but I also love Karen Millen. My favourite style icon is Blake Lively – she is stylish all the time. She can put on an outfit and make it look good, whatever it is!”
SPOTTED BY: ABBIE BRAY AND CONNIE CHAMPAIN
Kay Browne Kay, 49, lives in Exeter. She is the manager of the Exeter branch of fashion retailer, Coast.
You’re Just My Cup of Tea cushion £6, www. tesco.com
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Wishlist
fave! Brolly good Bronze umbrella earrings made by a Fairtrade project in India £9.95 www.decoratorsnotebook.co.uk
Painted serving table £190.50, www. furnish.co.uk
Store we adore ID Fashion, Plymouth
This new shop in Plymouth’s smart Royal William Yard stocks unusual clothes made and designed exclusively for the shop. Owner Denitsa Avramova-Bastable works with designers in her home country of Bulgaria (including her mother, the fashion designer Anna Avramova, to develop her range. She also sells jewellery made in a workshop on site, and a selection of beads for customers to make their own creations. ID Fashion is at Unit 2&3 The Guardhouse, Royal William Yard, Plymouth, visit traditsia.co.uk
Pretty Secret Garden notebook £9, www. colliercampbell.com
Ci Ci colour block stripe purse £25, www.oliverbonas. com
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talking points SWEET
stripes
Fran McElhone
Story of my life...
Singer Diana Vickers was bang on trend in seaside stripes at the Closet London summer party recently, wearing the label’s pretty stripe button back dress, £52 (www. closetlondon.com). You too can earn your stripes with this version by Oliver Bonas, or the retro-styled frock from Pretty Eccentric, both available online.
Life with a new baby, and Facebook... t is 1.35am: Been hearing snuffly piglet noises for some time and they’ve just escalated to a decibel that renders it impossible to ignore. Switch light on and reach into the basket next to my bed to feed hungry Woody. Scroll down Facebook.
I
socks are wet. My fault for wearing them with flip flops outside. I quickly take a selfie of us. I look tired and Woody looks disgruntled. Come back in and Woody has a nap. I gobble down a piece of toast with such speed I barely taste it, and then check a WhatsApp group conversation of fellow antenatal friends. Find myself jealous that their babies slept “from 10am until 5am!!!!!”.
4.40am: Baby elephant noises commence. Feed, change, lay down, pick up, lay down, pick up, lay down – trumpeting contin11.45am: Woody wakes up and ues until around 6.45am, when we have a cuddle. All of a sudden, Woody falls asleep on my chest. contented grunting noises turn Catch up on the into an almighty weekend supplewail, his mouth ments, there’s flings wide open All of a sudden, a foodie special, and his tongue viflick past the mebrates. I console contented ringues, yuk, but him with yet more grunting noises rip out the recipe milk. turn into an for chocolate chip bread and butter 1.11pm: Woody almighty wail, his pudding. Maybe, needs a nappy mouth flings wide some day I’ll have change (urgenttime to make it. ly). Afterwards open and his he lies on his mat tongue vibrates 8am-9am: More wriggling his legs feeding, another around, mainly change and some the right one, raucous wails as I sneak a wet and starts chuckling to himself. wipe under his neck. There is Divine. He falls asleep in his nothing in this world Woody hates bouncy chair. more than a wet wipe on his neck. We go and play on his exciting col1.30pm: After wolfing down an ourful mat Auntie Sally gave him egg sandwich I decide I may actuand Woody finds his nose. Very ally have time for a cup of decaf cute. tea and a biscuit. Relish the fact I am eating the biscuit in peace so 10am (ish): Try Woody in the dunk it in my tea, twice, to celbaby sling, facing outwards for ebrate. Wow, I have time to cancel the first time, and wander around the travel insurance that automatthe garden, He’s not keen and my ically renewed last week too.
Fran McElhone and her husband Mike live in east Devon with their new son Woody. Next week: Gillian Molesworth on family life in north Cornwall
Stripe dress £52 Closet London
steal her
style
OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN
OPTION A Elegant Fifi dress £159 Pretty Eccentric
OPTION B Flirty Everglades dress £59.50 Oliver Bonas
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09.08.15
Just
between us Gossip, news, trend setters and more – you
JUDGE THIS Hooray! Bake Off’s back and we’re hooked, but Paul Hollywood’s revealed that success has come at a price: “People will come up and say, ‘Can you judge that?’,” he reveals, joking that he tends to get “nervous” whenever he sets foot
in a bakery. Paul, who’ll be exploring his family’s past in Who Do You Think You Are this Thursday, adds: “I get that in petrol stations, in pubs. I try not to go to supermarkets now.” We say: any excuse to dodge the shopping, Paul!
A little flock ‘n’ roll... Vegetarian Tony Blackburn has joked he’s been trying to whisper sweet nothings to sheep, to get them on his side for his latest TV challenge. The radio DJ is swapping rock music for shepherding on ITV’s new competition Flockstars, alongside former Coronation
heard all the latest juicy stuff here first!
!
Street actress Wendi Peters and Birds Of A Feather actress Leslie Joseph. “I’m the only person here who doesn’t want to eat the cast,” Tony says. “I did whisper to one of them, ‘Guys, for God’s sake, I’m on your side’. But it made no difference.” West says: Baa! What rotten luck!
WHAM! WE’RE HAPPY NOW After 25 years together they have one of the most enduring relationships in showbiz, but Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley has revealed that he and Banarama singer Keren Woodward’s marriage had bit of a wobble. Andrew, who’s been living a laidback life with Keren near Wadebridge for years, has been seen playing footie in Truro recently. He tells the Sunday Mirror: “We split up, but are through those difficulties. It’s safe to say that things are good and we are very happy now.” Delighted to hear it! 9
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Festival: Penny Cross took this picture of glam revellers at the Somersault Festival in north Devon
in pictures Young handler: Jack Northmore, four, with his sheep Tilly at the Yealmpton Show
Champs: Tap dancing champions proudly display their medals at the City of Plymouth Festival of Dance
Yikes: Sara Dawkins tests out The Drop at the Eden Project, its newest attraction
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talking points All because
Good PR
ONE OF US Famous faces with links to the Westcountry
Milk Tray is 100 years old! What’s in the box?
1 Exotic Delight 2 Caramel Softy 3 Hazelnut Swirl 4 Strawberry Sundae 5 Fudge Duet 6 Orange Truffle 7 Perfect Praline 8 Caramel Charm 9 Nutty Heart 10 Surprise Parcel
From vintage rail posters:
1 Suntrap of the South
This week:
Eastbourne
Jenson Button
2 Where Holiday Fun Begins Aberystwyth 3 Glorious Sands, Ideal Bathing St Ives
The Formula One driver was born in Frome, Somerset and grew up nearby in the village of Vobster
4 Delightful Centre for Holidays Plymouth 5 The Honeymooners’ Paradise Ilfracombe 6 Where the Poppies Grow Cromer 7 It’s So Bracing Skegness
At the end
The happy list
School: Jenson was educated at Vallis First School, Selwood Middle School and Frome Community College, all in Somerset. Frome: A bridge in his hometown of Frome is named “Jenson Button Bridge”. No racing though - it’s for pedestrians only.
10 things to make you smile this week 1 Blackberries we’ve seen some early ones South West seaside resorts with piers:
1 Paignton 2 Boscombe 3 Weston-Super-Mare 4 Swanage 5 Teignmouth 6 Torbay 7 Weymouth 8 Falmouth 9 Bournemouth 10 Clevedon
2 Partners in Crime Agatha Christie on Sunday TV
3 Boardmasters this weekend in Newquay
4 Falmouth Week regatta fun, on and off the water
5 RNLI Day Helicopters and
Family: His dad was the Rallycross driver John Button, and was well known in the UK during the 1970s. John was a constant member of Jenson’s entourage until his death last year, aged 70.
Success: Jenson won a recordequalling six of the first seven races of the 2009 season, securing the World Drivers’ Championship DID YOU KNOW? at the Brazilian Grand Prix that year.
Jenson failed his first driving test for getting too close to a parked vehicle
Name change: Jenson was originally named Jensen. As an adult he changed the “e” to an “o” to differentiate his name from the car company Jensen Motors.
more, Ilfracombe, Aug 16
on in Sidmouth next week
Early days: Jenson began go-karting at the age of eight. In 1989, aged nine, he came first in the British Super Prix. He won all 34 races of the 1991 British Cadet Kart Championship.
9 Harvest time for gratitude 10 The sales super bargains
Formula One: He first drove in Formula One with Williams F1 for the
6 Dahlias in the garden 7 Salads easy lunches 8 Ray Cooney Out of Order’s
2000 season. In 2006 Jenson won his first Grand Prix in Hungary.
Marriage: In 2009, Jenson met model Jessica Michibata. On 14 February 2014 he proposed and the two married in Hawaii in December 2014.
Home: Jenson returned to Frome in 2013 to turn on the town’s Christmas lights. In a surprise stunt, he turned up in an F1 McLaren which he drove through the town. Partners: Since 2010, he has raced for McLaren. From the 274 F1 races that he has started, Jenson has won 15, with a total of 50 podium finishes. Home: Like many Formula One drivers, Jenson lives in Monaco, but he also has properties in the UK and Bahrain. His hobbies include mountain biking, triathlons and body boarding. 11
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Enjoy
Grand getaways An Englishman’s home, is of course, his castle. But – even if just for the weekend – you can also make a castle your home. Catherine Barnes takes her pick of the best grand getaways in the South West
Pentillie Castle This Cornish country pile dates back to the 1600s and has been handed down through generations of members of the Coryton family. Situated on the banks of the beautiful river Tamar near Saltash, Pentillie’s not a hotel but a boutique B&B, which prides itself on its hotel-quality accommodation in nine individually styled bedrooms. They’ll also cook you supper or rustle you up a picnic on request.
Pentille Castle
Best for: Murder mystery fans Pentillie’s grounds include a mausoleum – the final resting place of Sir James Tillie who is rumoured to have poisoned a rival to claim his widow and the estate.
Pentillie Castle
Price: Rooms are available from £140 per night, see www.pentillie.co.uk
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Doyden Castle
Doyden Castle, Port Quin, Cornwall Victorian bon-viveur Samuel Symons built this mini-pleasure palace in the 1830s, where he drank, boozed and gambled with his friends. There are sea and open country views for miles around and Rock, Polzeath, Port Isaac are all within four miles of this clifftop National Trust property, which sleeps two. Best for: Poldark fans Doyden Castle featured as Dr Dwight Enys’ home in the BBC’s 1970s adaptation of Poldark. But who wouldn’t prefer a weekend here with Aiden Turner’s Ross, especially in a howling storm with the log fire blazing?
The views from Doyden Castle
Soak up the sun at Kingswear
Price: From £435 for a two night stay. You can also pre-order a breakfast hamper (£35) ready for your arrival. See www.nationaltrustholidays.org.uk
Kingswear Castle Kingswear Castle was built in 1502 to help defend the river mouth at Dartmouth. It lay neglected for more than a century before the Victorian Charles Seale-Hayne spotted its potential, restoring and converting it into his summer bachelor pad. It was bought by the Landmark Trust in 1987 and renovated in keeping with its original Tudor heritage. Since then, it has been available to stay in as a self catering holiday let, sleeping up to four people. Best for: Game of Thrones fans The interiors have a medieval feel and it’s perched on a rocky outcrop on the river’s edge, with splendid views of Dartmouth Castle on the opposite shore – especially from the crenelated roof terrace. Price: A three night stay costs from £856, see www. landmarktrust.org.uk
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Bath Lodge Castle
Bath Lodge Castle Norton St Philip
Bath Lodge Castle
Polhawn Fort, Torpoint Perched on a Rame Head clifftop with stunning views, Polhawn was one of a number of Napoleonic forts built in 1867 to protect this stretch of Cornish coastline from invasion. During the Second World War, it had a detention cell reserved for errant soldiers – and you can still see their cheeky scribblings on the wall. Run as a hotel and tearoom from the 1930s, the fort was bought by John and Teresa Wicksteed in the late 1980s. They have revamped it into a centrally heated venue with drawbridge, spiral staircase and spectacular 80-foot dining hall.
Polhawn Fort
Bath Lodge Castle is one of six Victorian gate houses built to complement Farleigh Castle, on an estate which dates back to the Norman Conquest and beyond. One of its 11 rooms, the Windsor, opens right out onto the battlements, with a bathroom in a turret. Three bedrooms in the oldest part of the house have balconies. It’s going to be as-seen-on-TV come January, as owners Karen and Mike Hepker have just filmed Channel 4’s B&B competition Four in a Bed. Best for: Date nights Bath Lodge Castle is a grown-up retreat, with the spa area designated an adults-only zone. The perfect weekend escape for couples who feel like being treated like royalty. Price: Rooms from £150 a night. www.bathlodgecastle.com
Best for: Dream weddings You book the whole fort, for a minimum two nights, on a self-catering basis. Polhawn can accommodate up to 20 people in bedrooms which all have sea views. The banqueting area can seat up to 120 and there are two rooms licensed to hold weddings. Price: Two night’s hire costs from £2,495, see www.polhawnfort.com
Polhawn Fort
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Enjoy
The Castle Hotel, Taunton The luxurious Castle Hotel was once a Norman fortress. The notorious Judge Jeffreys held his 1685 Bloody Assizes after the Monmouth Rebellion here in the Great Hall. The hotel has been owned and run by the Chapman family for more than 60 years and the rooms now have a stylish, contemporary vibe. Best for: Foodies The Castle has two superb restaurants, Castle Bow and Brazz, headed by Liam Finnegan. Celebrity chefs Gary Rhodes and Phil Vickery both worked in the kitchen here early on in their careers. Price: A night’s stay costs from £160, see www.the-castle-hotel.com The Castle Hotel
Star Castle Hotel, Isles of Scilly Given a bird’s eye view of this Elizabethan fortress and you’ll see that the outer wall really is star-shaped. Now a family-run hotel on St Mary’s, with 38 bedrooms, it’s a great base from which to explore, with local boatman Tim Fortey offering island-hopping tours from the Calypso II. Owner Robert Francis catches crab and lobster for the table from his fishing boat. The hotel has its own vineyard, Holy Vale, and you can enjoy a drink in its dungeon bar – once a genuine stronghold for prisoners. Best for: Wine lovers After six years toil establishing his vineyard, the first of owner Robert Francis’s wines are ready for drinking this year. There’s a Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and two Pinot Noirs. Price: From £102 per person for dinner, bed and breakfast, see www.star-castle.co.uk
Star Castle Hotel
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People
PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVEN HAYWOOD
After spending blissful childhood days on the magical Burgh Island in south Devon, artist Emma Carter explains why she is...
inspired by the sea By Anna Turns
ith Emma Carter’s summer art exhibitions in full swing, she’s currently contemplating how her work has evolved over recent years. “I have let loose! My paintings feel less contrived and more expressive than they were when I started out 20 years ago,” she explains. At the moment she’s obsessed with a particular composition of Burgh Island in south Devon, the setting so well known from the Agatha Christie Poirot dramas on television. The island holds a special place in Emma’s heart – her family has owned one of just two private cottages on the island for the past 30 years and she often goes there for inspiration. “There’s a little white sailing boat in many of my pictures right now – that stems from me being out on the ocean as a young girl with my big strong dad, sailing round the island on a dinghy. We’d often be the only nutters out there
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when there were strong wind! “In my paintings, I want to convey that feeling of being a free spirit. All my skies are massive and my seas are rough... perhaps because in life for me there is always so much movement going on.” With time, Emma, 43, says she is getting bolder and braver as a painter, and that security is one that comes with age and confidence. “I look back at some of the work I did years ago and it looks so naive to me. But of course it is because I have evolved and grown up. I never stop learning as a painter. I can’t possibly paint unless it comes from the heart.” And that’s where art becomes fascinating, she says, as it allows people to communicate their deeper feelings. This October, for the fourth time, Emma will travel to Germany to host a pioneering art therapy course at the BMW headquarters, in conjunction with a psychiatrist. She teaches senior managers how to express themselves on canvas, while the psychiatrist supports participants as they explore their emotions. “We see really powerful transformations during these intense three days. It’s amazing how people’s barriers just come down,” says Emma, who is keen to roll this course out in this country too. “Often, the BMW staff sign up because they have worked in a process-driven corporate environment for such a long time, after starting off as very creative people with lots of ideas to offer.” She asks participants to think back to their childhood and consider where their motivations and anxieties may stem from. “It soon stops being about BMW and starts being about them. Then we look at where they are now, where they want to be and how they can communicate to others more effectively.” Emma, who lives in Paignton, has made just such a journey herself. Although her family has owned the Burgh Island cottage for years, it was a holiday destination: she grew up in London. She trained at Old Hornsey College of Art but then worked in “various jobs: managerial, retail, PR”. She moved to Devon full-time to start a family 14 18
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People
Emma’s favourite coastal spots Burgh Island: “This place is in my blood, I have been visiting since I was three and I still enjoy rockpooling here, cooking up freshly-caught spidercrab on a beach bbq and wild swimming.” Erme estuary: ”I adore the beautiful beaches at Mothecombe and Wonwell.” Avon estuary: “My family and I often walk or kayak here. The view looking up the river from Bantham Beach inspired me to paint a new composition here.”
years ago and has worked as a professional artist for the past ten years. Today, her pictures vary in price from £75 to £1,200. She describes how some people look at a blank canvas and see an opportunity, while others are so scared to make a mark because they don’t want to get it wrong. “Adults can behave like truculent little toddlers because they don’t like failure – of course it doesn’t have to be a perfect painting but
their reaction highlights certain things. Grown men can break down in tears on me when they get to the root of the issue!” She muses that creativity is childlike and isn’t always nurtured: “BMW
are being very forward-thinking in wanting their managers to rekindle that creative thinking and be innovative with fresh new ideas.” Back in her Paignton studio, Emma finds painting a very 19
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People
See Emma’s work this summer: The Gallery Project, Noss Mayo Village Hall: until August 14 Brownston Gallery, Modbury: until August 31. Paint your own seascape with Emma Carter: October 6: Ladies that Lunch. 11.30am-2.30pm. £22 (includes two-course lunch and glass of wine). Buckland Tout-Saints Hotel. Call 01548 853055 to book. www.emmasisland.com
meditative process: “It might sound ridiculous but paint is a really amazing substance. I learn to use my tools, my brushes and my palette knives, I never underestimate what paint can do.” Last week, Emma’s ten-year-old daughter Lani was her studio assistant for the first time: “She loved being in the studio with me. She was squeezing the paint and passing me the brushes and palette knives, then I was showing her how to use them. “She even painted a little bit on one of my big pictures. She was wearing a little apron and took it all really seriously. I just want to encourage her and give her more confidence.” Emma, who is separated, has two children, Lani and Luke, 12, and says she enjoys nothing better than being on the beach with them. “It’s so important to turn off the telly and allow your kids to get messy and be imaginative. Ultimately, it’s about creating special memories. “I had such special times when I was a little girl and so much freedom to play and explore on Burgh Island. I honestly think that is why I am an artist today.” Indeed, Emma fondly remembers the childhood fantasies she used to play out on the island and its beaches. Just recently, she has been writing a children’s story incorporating some of her favourite pirate, mermaid and smuggler characters. These include Jimbo the tractor driver, Geraldine the pirate and Tom Crocker, an orphaned boy – not to mention a wolf, who guards Tom’s treasure. As Emma says, she likes to immerse herself into the beach landscape, then bring that inspiration from the coast onto canvas. With stunning results. For more details and to find out where you can buy Emma Carter’s work, visit www.emmasisland.com 20
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These windows feature frosted film, from £16.50 a metre, www. windowfilm.co.uk
Cool windows With summer in full force, Sam Wylie-Harris suggests ways to make a feature of the windows in your home hether you’re blessed with good, natural daylight pouring into rooms, or lumbered with a dark space that needs brightening up, your window treatments should never be overlooked. Not only will they enhance the windows themselves – often billed as the most important feature in the room – but in the height of summer curtains, blinds and shutters can provide an ideal balance of light and privacy. “Your window treatments can reflect the summer in your home decor and this can be easily achieved with simple, often inexpensive, measures,” says Martin Aveyard of design company Moon. “Keeping your curtains in fresh, tonal hues, for instance, will instantly brighten
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your room, creating a more spacious feel, even when closed.” Lightweight fabrics allow for a softer, gentler movement. Surprisingly, wool, with its natural crimp and spring, retains its shape well, creating a sleek look when hung. “Although wool is often considered to be a winter fabric, its natural properties mean it ventilates the home as well, allowing a breeze to travel through – just what we all need in the summer heat,” says Martin. For summer, Emma Mawston, head of design for Liberty Art Fabrics Interiors, suggests opting for something green, pastoral and inspiring. “It’s the perfect time to bring nature inside, keeping the mood uplifted even on the dullest of days,” she says. “Soft printed floral linen voiles
in pretty multi colours are perfect for floating from bathroom windows for a calm and relaxing atmosphere.” Alternatively, combining curtains and blinds will filter the light and allow the curtains to remain open and look more ‘dressed’. “There is a definite trend now for what is known as dual dressing,” says Lorna McAleer, of curtain and blind specialist Style Studio. “Try applying two co-ordinating fabrics at windows, with Roman blinds within the recess and curtains as an additional feature. It creates a very opulent look, whether this is in a modern home or period property, and is a design feature in itself.” Shutters are another option, suggesting sunnier climes. They’re ideal for minimalist sun
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Interiors
Pale blue shutters add calm to this room, ÂŁ165 per square metre, www. shutters.co.uk
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Interiors Blue classic Poplar cafe style shutters, £177 a square metre, www. californiashutters.co.uk
A shimmery pastoral feel is created by these curtains made from Liberty fabric, Rose May Linen Union in jade, £75 a metre, www.liberty.co.uk
rooms, loft conversions or converted garages too, delivering a clean, modern and European look. “Unusually shaped windows fitted with madeto-measure plantation shutters can create fantastic features. They are especially good for living spaces that enjoy the sunshine flooding in,” says Mike Stephen, director at Apollo Blinds. “Shutters are practical too, ensuring sunny rooms don’t overheat.” Murray Clark, director at The Shutter Store, agrees: “Shutters are a stylish alternative to curtains in bedrooms and living rooms, and come into their own during the summer months. They are easy to fit, flexible and can help to transform a room, letting in as much or as little light as you like.” Coloured shutters can really help add a pop of vibrancy to rooms, especially if the general decor is neutral. They work well with both traditional or contemporary design styles, and if you’re fitting shutters in your bathroom and require privacy without losing light, try what is
known as ‘tier on tier’ shutters, with separately alternative to curtains, as well as being practical, adjustable top and bottom panels. “You can open durable and cost-effective,” says Kerry Nicholls, either section or adjust the slats home decorating buyer at John to create the perfect configuraLewis. “They maximise the light tion for your room,” says Christhat comes in through the day, and sie Harper, operations manager blackout blinds can help block out ‘Cafe-style at California Shutters. “If your the early morning sunrise.” windows don’t suit a tier on You can also buy blinds which shutters cover tier solution, cafe-style shutters reflect the outdoor heat back out, just the lower make a great alternative, as they keeping the room inside cool. cover just the lower section of “Our blinds reflect up to 78% section of a your window, providing a balof the sun’s heat and help to window, giving ance between light and privacy.” keep homes beautifully cool,” both light and Perfect for each season, says Kirsty Hunt from specialists blinds will help brighten rooms Duette. privacy’ through summer, while keepLikewise, specialist solar coning in warmth during winter. A trol window film can help mainRoman blind is a great fuss-free tain a comfortable temperature. option for any window style, Glass can magnify heat generated particularly if you have a bay window with a seat by the sun, but solar control film will reflect away that makes curtains a little tricky to hang. a percentage of the sun’s energy and prevents “Blinds make a very effective and eye-catching the build up of heat. Alternatively, you could go for frosted film on your windows, which looks good as a decorative feature in itself, as well as providing privacy. “Ideally, we all want to relax and unwind in our homes, and crave an element of privacy,” says Micky Calcott, of The Window Film Company. “The perfect compromise can be found with frosted film, which obscures the view both ways without blocking out the light.” Find out more at www.moon.co.uk, www.liberty. co.uk, www.californiashutters.co.uk, www.duette. co.uk and www.windowfilm.co.uk.
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STYLE TIP: Coloured shutters can add a pop of
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Shop
GET THE
LOOK
Accessories to give your windows a fresh makeover
Country Toile teal roller blind £119 www. digetexhome.co.uk
Chrome finials £89 each www.okadirect. com
Lantern £14, Laura Ashley
Boat patterned window film £45 a metre, www.purlfrost. com Lola curtain tieback £25 John Lewis
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Gardens
ANNE SWITHINBANK
Wonder walls Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, explores the allure of walled gardens ost of us have ambitions and I hope yours have come true or will do some day. My dreams to live in the country and keep a horse have been realised but a third, to own a walled kitchen garden was always going to be tricky. I blame this pipe dream on the pictures in Peter Rabbit – was I the only child who wanted to be Mr McGregor? Keeping out nibblers like deer and rabbits is one benefit of a wall but the main objective was to create a favourable microclimate. Sites were chosen carefully, usually on a gentle south-facing slope to capture maximum warmth. North-facing walls were often built lower than those facing south to prevent undue shading, and carefully placed shelter belts of trees protected the garden from winds. Walled gardens reached their peak in popularity from the mid 1700s to the late 1800s when labour was cheap and before fruit and veg began to be routinely imported. They were great status symbols and the head gardener’s job was to extend the growing season and find ways of growing unusual and exotic crops. Walls were often supplied with ‘Walled gardens flues and provided gentle heat to bring on fruit like peaches were great status and vines. Their decline began symbols and the with the First World War but head gardener’s times were changing anyway, wealth was shifting, income job was to find from agriculture dropping and ways of growing labour becoming more costly. Many great houses were requisiunusual and tioned during the Second World exotic crops’ War, after which long-neglected walled gardens were sold off,
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rented out, grassed over or used as car parks. Next time you drive to Killerton House near Exeter, note the surrounding walls and realise what you are parking in. A gradual fascination with nostalgia stoked initially by the won-
derful TV series The Victorian Kitchen Garden with Harry Dodson and then fuelled by the restoration of the walled gardens at The Lost Gardens of Heligan has prompted a surge of interest in these walled relics. Many have had life breathed back into them and succeed thanks to armies of volunteer gardeners, or are run as allotments as
04/08/2015 15:14:47
This week’s gardening tips Anne’s advice for your garden at Cadhay near Ottery St Mary. Their gates now welcome all and sundry who love to soak up the history, the beauty of architectural detail, from beaver tailed glass panes, to door furniture, or just enjoy seeing how the crops are grown. Gone are the noxious chemicals like nicotine that gardeners of old had to use and most walled gardens are now run on organic principles and are havens for insects and other wild life. We recently visited Barrington Court near Ilminster in Somerset which happens to be the first property ever acquired by the National Trust in 1907 and subsequently leased by Colonel Arthur Lyle, a director of the sugar refining company Tate and Lyle. In the 1920s, during work to form the property into a model Arts and Crafts estate, a brand new walled garden was created, on a different site to the old one. Beautiful though this is, I was looking more at the crops than the mellow walls and admired the
pumpkins and other squash. Here, they have the luxury of space and while I tend to pack as many as I can into my own garden, carefully guiding their trailing stems so they don’t collide, the Barrington pumpkins are given as much as 2.4m/8ft between plants. Although I envy head gardener Christine Brain her walled garden, I’m glad I don’t have to contend with a particular pernicious weed that infests it. The pink-flowered oxalis is almost impossible to extinguish, as it grows from a tuber and when you fork it up, many smaller tubers, some no bigger than a pinhead, fall away and roll into the soil ready to grow again. Here, it is controlled by repeated hoeing or by planting through weed-suppressing landscape fabric covered with a layer of compost. Returning home with renewed enthusiasm, I’m determined to find ways of making my modest fenced kitchen garden more welcoming and ornamental.
Question time with Anne West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank
Q
I’m moving house and want to take some Nerine bowdenii with me and also lift and move a couple of roses. Will I get away with it, in August?
August is a good time to move nerines, when their foliage is beginning to die back and before they bloom in October and November. Set them 5-8cm/2-3in deep in a sunny, well-drained spot and don’t be disappointed if they take a couple of years to settle down flower again. The rose is trickier, because they move best during the winter months. Start by pruning back by about one third, then dig around the plant, lift, prune roots to tidy them and pot up ready for moving. Water in well and stand them in a shady spot so they don’t lose too much moisture from their leaves. Why not try making some of the prunings into cuttings? They take best struck straight into the ground, so you might need to borrow someone else’s garden.
Q
I pruned my mulberry tree really hard because it was so wide. It has made new growth but how long will I have to wait for flowers?
• Clip back English lavender varieties which have finished flowering. Shear back into the newer growth just above the very old stems. New shoots will arise and clothe the plants for winter.. • P rune apples and pears trained as cordons or other restricted shapes. With cordons, cut back to within 3 leaves of the basal cluster of leaves on main shoots and to one leaf on sublaterals and you’ll win back a neat column of
leaves and fruits. Never miss a year, as they easily get out of control.. • Thin out bamboo canes and feather up the bases by removing side shoots and leaves. This is not essential but clumps look more ornamental, cane colours are shown off and you gain free plant supports. • If your borders have fizzled out, go shopping for plants in bloom now and add them to the garden.
It is all very well for books to advise minimal pruning for mulberries because they do spread widely and in a small garden, it is better to have a pruned mulberry than none at all. I hope you carried out the work in winter, when the cuts are less likely to bleed. The new wood will likely need three years to ripen up and fruit again. As you have probably pollarded the top, I would now get into the habit of thinning out no more than one third of the new stems every year to avoid having to cut them all back at once in the future.
Cover blueberry plants with fleece held in place by clothes pegs. Otherwise the birds will steal the berries as soon as they begin to show colour.
Check
Send your questions to Anne at westmag@ westernmorningnews.co.uk
plants like Michaelmas daisies which will grow taller in the autumn. Add extra stakes if needed, to support them before they fall apart. 27
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Beauty
Tried
& tested
We present the best beauty cheats and treats, all trialled by West magazine’s Catherine Barnes, with help from daughter Tilly, 18
The formula for Nadeballa’s natural ingredient face creams has been passed down four generations of Delara Michault’s family. The rejuvenating skinfoods are handmade in small batches and start at £37 for hydrating day cream. Find out more at www.nadeballa.com
Hot lips Rock a Fifties vibe with this Lola matt long-lasting lipstick, (£12) in Cheeky Cherry. The matte finish gives it increased staying power, so pucker up!
Travel kit
BRIGHT IDEA
Holistic skincare expert Antonia Burrell has launched this travelfriendly Discovery Kit (£29), featuring miniatures from her botanics-based skincare range. At Harrods and www. antoniaburrell.com Attention, colour-junkies. Urban Decay’s Electric Palette velvet shadows (£38) are pigment rich and super-bright www.urbandecay.co.uk
BARGAIN BROWS This cute brow kit looks very like a much more expensive product and at £5.99 from Wilko, it won’t break the bank
MADE BY HAND
Body paint Love body art, but not enough to commit full-time? Here’s the grown-up version of the temporary tattoos we used to love as kids. These watercolour-inspired kits are super pretty, perfect for festivals or unlocking your weekend wild child. Press on dry skin with a damp sponge and you’re good to go! £11.99 at www.glim-glam.com
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the review
Here’s the rub In summertime, exposed skin needs to be silky and soft. Lisa Haynes tests out three scented scrubs rosy glow The rose extract in this luxury body oil soothes the skin, as well as locking in moisture. £34 at www. marksandspencer.com
Molton Brown Heavenly Gingerlily Caressing Body Polisher £34
(www.moltonbrown.co.uk)
Rituals Mandi Lulur Summer Limited Edition Frangipani & Rice Milk Body Scrub £19.50
(www.rituals.com)
lemon squeezy Caudalie’s cleanser will remove eye make-up without rubbing delicate skin. It has a fresh citrus blossom, mint and melon fragrance £15 at www.uk.caudalie.com
A soft, bubbly body wash will quickly pitch me back into sleep, and at 7am I need jolting awake. Luckily, this frangipani and rice milk sugar scrub does the job. Sweet, nicely grainy and fragrant, if a bit flowery, it scours and buffs, leaving 4 skin smooth, moisturised and 5 invigorated.
With a lovely silkiness and a soft, beaded texture, this scrub is fine enough to use even on the décolleté and throat without causing redness. It has lovely aromas of warm spice and cardamom. There was no greasy residue and it was easy 5 to shower off, leaving skin soft, scented and moisturised. 5
Sanctuary Spa Cooling Glacial Scrub £8
(www.sanctuary.com) Even opening the jar of this scrub is refreshing, thanks to its cool cucumber and aloe aroma. The thick seasalt is gentle to use but still manages to slough away dead skin cells, while the cooling effect is pleasing but more subtle than expected. SKin was left feeling silky smooth and 3.5 awakened.
5
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Liz McClarnon wears her own label Liz McClarnon Lingerie Collection birdprint bodyshaper ÂŁ18.50 at www.simplybe.co.uk
Clever curves he 1950s hourglass look is a stunning one for summer, but it does need strong foundations. Go for supportive undies beneath your pretty frock and just add a squirt of old-fashioned scent and heels!
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Fashion
Penhaligon’s Eau de Toilette £110 www.amara.com Posey cotton day dress £99 The House of Foxy
Fifi dress £159 Pretty Eccentric
Emily & Fin Jessica dress £68 www.rockmyvintage.co.uk
Boux Avenue Amber Oriental balconette bra £28
Always Aliza fan embroidery bra in plum, £25
Matching French knickers £16 www.bouxavenue.com
Always Aliza fan embroidery briefs in plum, £16
Autograph body £39.50 Marks and Spencer
Tamara peep-toe sandal was £110 now £33 www.phase-eight.com
Ceramic necklace £26 skelini.etsy.com
Body £30 Spirit at Debenhams 31
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Trend
HOW TO WEAR IT:
MAIN PHOTO HAIR: CHARLOTTE AT SAKS, MAKEUP: ESTEE LAUDER, DEBENHAMS (BOTH PRINCESSHAY) PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE HAYWOOD STILL-LIFE PHOTOGRAPHS: PR SHOTS
Boyfriend jeans Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod finds both comfort and the cool factor had never tried this variety of denim on until I saw this Fat Face pair. I always assumed you had to be six foot tall and French to pull off looking good in your boyfriend's jeans. But it turns out all you need is a little know-how and your credit card. These are one of those items you can’t quite believe are a bona fide fashion staple. They’re baggy, slightly ill-fitting, often distressed (even torn) and ever so comfy. They shouldn’t work, but they do. There is a trick to wearing them, though. The loose relaxed bottom looks best with an equally soft and slouchy top. It is what you add next that elevates this sloth’s delight of a combination into a chic ensemble. All those soft folds of fabric need some sharp edges to dress them up. Here are some of my favourite items to pair with your new pair. A simple white tee. I like one with a bit of room to breathe and a bit of length. These look great This fabulous tucked in, especially if you throw little trick in a textured leather belt to draw exposes your attention to your waist. Or, if you aren’t enjoying the way your ankles, which bottom looks that day, just leave are guaranteed it untucked and the longer length will disguise a multitude of Krispy to look Kreme sins. positively elfin Shoes get the chance to take up the femininity factor. a starring role with these lovely Jessica Alba is a star worth denims. Integral to the ‘I borkeeping an eye on for tips in this rowed these from my boyfriend’ department. She’s a mother and aesthetic are the rolled up cuffs. This fabulous a mogul on the go, and her pairing of boyfriend little trick exposes your ankles which are guarjeans with a cobalt blue blazer, a grey slouchy anteed to look positively elfin in comparison to vest, strappy heels, an oversized bag and stateyour voluminous trousers. Draw the eye with a ment sunnies is proof that you can look amazbrightly coloured pair of pointed toe court shoes. ing and still be comfortable, no matter how long When it gets chilly you have two options – a your to do list is. wonderfully structured blazer or a soft waterfall There is more good news, heels aren’t comcardigan. Both act as foils to the jeans and crank pulsory. This look works well with a pretty pair
I
Jeans, Fat Face, Princesshay, £45 Top, Fat Face, Princesshay, £45 Bag, Fat Face, Princesshay, £28 Shoes, Next, Princesshay, £14
of ballerina flats. Think bright pink with a bow, white lace or red and pointy. Chuck on a printed tee (something in French is still a good bet, I’m loving ‘Celfie’) wrap a chunky knit around your waist, grab a clutch bag and head out the door. Where are you going? You’re meeting me for Prosecco because, honestly, looking that good and being this comfortable has to be some kind of special occasion! All fashion in these pictures is from Princesshay Shopping Centre, Exeter, www.princesshay.co.uk
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CATH KIDSTON Vintage wash boyfriend jeans £70
NEW LOOK Ripped jeans £24.99
GET THE
NEW LOOK Embroidered shopper £19.99
look DEBENHAMS J by Jasper Conran heels £49 FAT FACE Slim boyfriend blue vintage jeans £45
Can't choose? Get both. The yellow will cheer up even the rainiest Monday and the rust will go with everything you own. FAT FACE Slim boyfriend new pale vintage jeans £45
fave! NEW LO0K patent heels in either yellow or rust £19.99
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Your Summer Shopping List Tiger Juggling pins £7
Coast Rue skirt £129
Drake Circus picks the hottest summer buys
G
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
et set for summer by dropping into the fabulous Drake Circus shopping centre in Plymouth. Here, you can take your pick of the best summer fashion and accessories from some of Britain’s best high street brands, all under one roof.
Top of the list has to be a trip to Tiger - the Dutch lifestyle store has just opened and is packed with tons of fun, useful stuff. You’ll love these super cute trolley bags - which define the word adorable. They will ensure you’ll never lose your baggage at the airport again and cost just £20 each. Meanwhile for those who plan some island hopping or beach going this summer, Superdry has some cool backpacks for your towel and swimmers. A top pick is this Superdry Japan Beach bag, £39.99. If there’s a wedding in the offing, the No 1 place you need to head for is Coast which is packed with picture-perfect wedding outfits. This elegant Terri-Anne lace dress is perfect for sipping Pimms on the lawn or try their Rue skirt - it’s pretty and bang on trend. Summer’s also a time when you want to update your holiday underwear. Pop into Boux Avenue for some pretty bits including this polka dot all in one, which is down from £30 to just £15. With festival season in full swing it’s important to get the right cool footwear. Schuh have a great range of men’s trainers including these multicoloured Nike Roshe Ones, £70. Stylish, practical and perfect for partying into the dawn. And finally summer isn’t summer without a new pair of sunnies - these milky round sunglasses from M&S will go with anything and add a touch of cool to any summer look.
Boux Avenue Cynthia Spot teddy playsuit £15
Superdry London Loom shirt £44.99
Coast Luella lace dress £115
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Shopping Tell the kids! It’s the Drake Circus Summer of Fun: August 5-30
Tiger Happy Trails trolley bag £20 Coast Terri-Anne fitted dress £150
Entertain the little ones in August while you shop at Drake Circus. The centre has a range of exciting interactive children’s events planned which are sure to keep the kids busy - from getting crafty to balloon modelling to gardening to face painting - there’s something for everyone. Check out the Drake Circus website for full details and timings at www.drakecircus.com
M&S sunglasses £15
fave!
Superdry Palm Beach Montana rucksack £39.99
Coast Paloma pearl clutch £59
Schuh Nike trainers £70
dream shopping...
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Shop
The edit Your straight line to style: fringe benefits
+
Necklace £14.99 New Look
Lace side panel vest £14 Apricot
+
Fringed bag £55 www.lookagain.co.uk
+
Necklace £55 www.scribbleandstone.com
High neck body suit £10 www.prettylittlething.com
+
Clutch £35 Dorothy Perkins
+
Gold Star Tassel Necklace £42 www.jiyajewellery.co.uk
Oxendales folk top £34.99 JD Williams
+
Cross body bag £14 F&F at Tesco
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Stars
Your stars by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:
Happy birthday to...
Leo is a fire sign, and their passions can flare up easily. By the same token, this fire can be extinguished if Leos feel robbed of their natural need for freedom and being centre stage. If the lion senses an injustice, he’ll feel outraged, abandoning all thought of himself if he sees someone in trouble.
Gillian Anderson born August 9 1968 Chicago-born X-Files star Gillian comes from a globe-trotting family and spent almost half her childhood in London. She has lived in Britain since 2002 and says she naturally switches her accent according to where she is at the time. Currently filming a much-anticipated X-Files return, the actress has starred in TV drama series such as Bleak House. Leos born on this day are full of energy and passion, with a noholds barred approach to achieving their goals.
LEO (July 23 - August 23) The good news is you can now let go of any negative feelings toward someone. The not-so-good news is that you have to tell them. Life is often described as swings and roundabouts. This week it is more like a seesaw! Still, you will feel so much brighter once things have balanced out. Be brave in your decisions.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) This is definitely a party week. Are you on holiday or anticipating a get-together? Being at your most relaxed is always the best time to find out what others are thinking. Someone you met recently comes back into your life in a different way. This gives your relationship a boost.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Someone will appeal to your ego and vanity this week. It is important to realise they may have a hidden agenda. Of course, people are normally very responsive to charming Libra. It is to be expected. Even so, be aware you have something that someone else wants. Could it just be your attention they are seeking?
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) With some time off, be sure your hobby or special interest gets the attention it deserves. Some say they will draw in their spare time and others wish to play music. What would really give you pleasure and satisfaction? Go in that direction.
help others to use your talents, you know it has to be done.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) A block may have been put on an important relationship. Is that because one or other of you is unwilling to ‘open up’? Hard as it may be to start that conversation, please do it this week. The feeling of relief and satisfaction you will get cannot be emphasised enough. Some truths need to be told.
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) This is a very romantic and even passion-fuelled week for you, Aquarius. Current relationships take on a fiery aspect. Expectations are high and someone may be listening for a question. If you are not ready, do not be rushed! Meeting someone new and exciting should be good but there is jealousy around.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21)
Although this is a week of one-on-one chats and revelations, you feel somewhat divided. On the one hand there are those who would like to make you their friend. On the other are those who feel they can demand time with you. Don’t forget to make time for what you want.
You will not be unmasked as a secret genius this week. However, others may realise what an asset you really are! So often you hide your talents. You are far too modest. When considering how much it would
ARIES (March 21 - April 20) With many on holiday this week it is a good time to be creative. Overall there is a need for more satisfaction in your life. Rela-
tionships with younger members of the family are highlighted now. You don’t need any encouragement when it comes to romance, Aries. Even so, avoid getting into a rut.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) There may not be much time to spend by yourself this week, Taurus. Still, you prefer a crowd around you anyway. Make the most of a sparkling time by accepting invitations and issuing some of your own. Finances should be showing an improvement, even though there is a lot to pay out this month.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Someone you met at the beginning of last week seems set to come back. This will certainly make life more exciting. Likewise, at work, something that you started last week really comes together. Using some of those forgotten talents? Fine. You may even develop some more. Love may come knocking on your door at the weekend. The question is, are you listening?
CANCER (June 22 - July 22) A situation or relationship that has given you some concern sorts itself out this week. Maybe you will make a move or someone else will decide to take control. Remember, holding on to something that gives you nothing but grief cannot be right. With the New Moon at the weekend comes a lovely feeling that things are moving on. 37 35
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Wellbeing
the boost
Life just got better. We’ve handpicked the latest wellness trends, best-body secrets and expert advice to help you be your best self, everyday
IT’S TIME TO
slap it on! Keep sunsafe by slathering on the lotion – according to consultant dermatologist Dr Virgina Hubbard most of us are too sparing. Always use a product with an SPF factor of 30 or above and choose one that offers both UVA and UVB protection. Reapply on the hour – sweating, as well as swimming, can leave your skin vulnerable. Dr Virginia also advises keeping a photo-diary to monitor existing or new moles.
Me, Tarzan Go jungle wild at the Lost Gardens of Heligan when you traverse the Burmese rope bridge – if you dare. It’s suspended 100 feet above a mass of tree ferns and exotic plants and is a great way to enjoy the view – and get your pulse racing. Admission to Heligan Gardens is £12.50 for adults, for details see www.heligan.com
Perfect skin British skincare specialist Flint + Flint is seeking ten volunteers with acne, to take part in a skin improvement programme. Devised by dermatology specialist Jane March in a bespoke treatment plan for each individual, the project could see you undertake an at-home programme, using Flint + Flint products, or undergoing an intensive series of peels and laser based treatments at their sister company Skin Health Spa clinics, worth up to £1,500. The trials will last between six weeks and six months. Interested? Email flintplusflint@downatthesocial.co.uk.
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LEONA’S DIET: PACKING PROTEIN Did you know a cup of peas contains as much protein as a glass of milk? If you’re vegan like singer Leona Lewis, a pea protein smoothie could be one way to get many essential nutrients for cell growth and repair. Find pea protein in powder form at www.veganicity. com (£8.45 for 250 grams) and blend it with your favourite feel-good ingredients, as a shake, soup or even pancake batter.
Stretch it out Stiff limbs? New research suggests that gentle exercise could actually help improve joint problems, by stimulating the secretion of hyaluronic acid, which helps keep our bodies mobile. You can also find the natural shock-absorber in Regenovex food supplements and topical gel, which also contain Marine Bionovex Oil, derived from Omega-3 rich green-lipped mussels. Find it at Boots, from £10.49.
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Wellbeing
Sugar: the facts Our expert unpicks conflicting advice I’ve been reading the new health warnings about sugar, but am confused about which sweet foods I should be worried about the most! NB, Paignton
Q
Devon-based dietitian Sophie Medlin says: There’s been a lot of publicity lately over a new government report called Carbohydrates and Health, with expert research concluding we ought to halve the daily amount of calories we get from ‘free’ sugars. The worry is that, as a nation, we’re simply not burning off the excess sugar we’re consuming on a daily basis. This gets stored up in the body, not only causing weight gain but the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, as well as tooth decay. Free sugars are defined as being any sugars that are added to a product by a manufacturer and it’s surprising just how many ‘savoury’ products also contain them – from soups and sauces to ready meals. The term also includes the sugar you add at home to everything from cakes to cereal, as well as syrups, honey, and natural juices. in Europe go through rigorous safety assessThe sugar in milk, vegetables and fresh and ments. Cancer Research UK has said that there dried fruit is not a ‘free’ sugar as it hasn’t been is no evidence that sweeteners are associated added by a manufacturer. with cancer risk, while the The report has recommendrisks of eating too much sugar ed that adults and children of have been proven consistently 11 and over consume no more to be a much greater threat to Indulging in than seven cubes (30g) of sugar our health. sweets and per day, while seven to 10 yearIt’s sensible to try saving olds should be limited to the cakes, biscuits and puddings chocolate just equivalent of six cubes (24g) for special occasions. Indulgonce a week will and five cubes (19g) for younging in sweets and chocolate make a huge difsters aged four to six. just once week will make a If you’ve decided to cut back, huge difference to your waistference to your a good place to start is by limline, health and day-to-day waistline and iting fizzy drinks and swapenergy levels. Eating sugary ping to sugar free versions. A foods leads to a steep increase health single can of cola contains 35g in our blood sugar levels, but of free sugars, almost twice these quickly fall again leavthe amount that a five year ing us feeling tired and cravold should have in a day. While many people ing more food. This cycle can easily continue worry about using artificial sweeteners, all throughout the day, which is especially dangerproducts developed for human consumption ous for those of us doing a desk job with ready
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access to vending machines. If you can’t help but crave the sweet stuff, try sugar-free jellies, low sugar yoghurts or a small amount of dark chocolate. The best way to prevent craving sugary foods is by consuming high-fibre carbohydrates and protein foods. Start the day with low-sugar muesli and snack on a small handful of nuts. The food shown to help curb our appetite the most is protein – meat, fish, eggs and dairy products as well as nuts and pulses. As a rule, the best way to improve your diet is to cut back on manufactured foods that contain lots of ingredients you wouldn’t find in your kitchen cupboard. Try to cook as much as you can at home and try to stick to single-ingredient, natural foods, like meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, rice, pulses and nuts 80% of the time. As with any habit, cutting back on sugar is about breaking the cycle and taking control. And remember, no one is perfect 100% of the time. Contact Sophie Medlin on sophie@sophiedietitian.com , 0779 512 3030 or visit sophiedietitian.com
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05/08/2015 14:30:51
Eat
ally mac’s
Ajo Blanco a cool Spanish soup Ally says: The arrival of summer heat has had me experimenting with all sorts of gazpachos – soups that you eat chilled – and this is by far the coolest, super easy, simple soup I’ve found to date! This zesty chilled soup is originally from Spain, and it is often described as ‘white gazpacho’. It boosts your immune system, with as much garlic as you can handle, and provides a creamy fresh delight for your taste buds with zero nasties! @allyskitchenstories
@AKitchenStories
You will need (serves 2):
Method:
1 cup homemade almond milk (method: soak 1 cup of raw organic almonds in water overnight, then blend with salt and an additional two cups of water in a blender and strain through a sieve) ½ cup croutons (optional) 3 garlic cloves (grated) 2 tbsps cider vinegar 1 cup almonds, blanched A pinch of salt and black or white pepper A handful of fresh coriander 1 bunch seedless grapes, halved 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (I use Greek, because I think it’s the best!)
Blend your almond milk with the water. Add the garlic, cider vinegar, salt and pepper, then add the blanched almonds and whizz up again in your blender. Finally add the extra virgin olive oil. Transfer your soup to a bowl and season with salt and pepper, adding a little more water if it is too thick. Chill for a couple of hours. Serve Ajo Blanco with grape halves, coriander and croutons scattered on top.
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 41
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05/08/2015 12:43:49
Eat
Ingredient of the Week
Grouse
with Tim Maddams am very much looking forward to the start of the grouse season on the August 12. Not that I am likely to be shooting any as they are mostly in the north of the country and it’s not the cheapest of days out. The reason I am looking forward to it so much is that I love eating grouse. They have a flavour unlike any other game bird you are likely to come across. Once you learn how to handle them, assess their age and get the hang of cooking them, I’m sure you will love them too. First, let’s get a few issues out of the way. Grouse moors are wild environments but they are managed heavily in favour of the grouse. Many other species benefit too and a few are also controlled to maintain high numbers of grouse, for example foxes and stoats. Heather is burned on a cyclical basis every three years to provide a perfect habitat for the grouse, and there are some question marks over the sustainability of this practice in relation to peat erosion and the possible knock-on effects on the water table. If peat erosion is being caused by the heather management then alternative methods of heather
I
regeneration will need to be implemented in sensitive areas. In the meantime, grouse will be shot in large numbers. They are tasty, relatively wild and the ultimate in seasonal meat treats, not to mention providing employment and economic stability in remote moorland communities. Onto the grouse themselves! You can’t cook an older bird in the ways you can a young one. Old grouse will be tougher and much stronger than younger ones and I recommend treating them to stronger flavours and a little longer cooking time to tenderise the meat and stand up to the strong, rich, heather and iron flavour of the meat. Younger grouse, that’s birds from this year’s brood, will be tender, sweet and juicy, particularly as these days the preference is for very little hanging, meaning the birds are immensely fresh. I would recommend getting your grouse from a specialist game dealer or a butcher you trust – and specify that you want young grouse. Plucked and dressed they are going to cost you a pretty penny, around £14 for a brace (two) but I assure you they will be worth it.
Roast grouse Heat bacon fat in a hot frying pan and cook the well-seasoned birds on their backs until golden. Cooking them this way, with the bones very close to the surface of the pan,releases a lot more flavour than just bunging them in the oven. Cook for a few minutes on each side before cooking briefly on the breasts. Return to their backs and place the pan in a hot oven for around eight minutes. Allow to rest for ten minutes before serving, very simply, with a good tart fruit jelly. @TimGreenSauce
Tim Maddams is a Devon chef and writer who often appears on the River Cottage TV series 42
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05/08/2015 12:45:06
Drink
IMAGES: MATT AUSTIN
Darren Norbury
talks beer Beer of the week Beer Cellar, in Exeter’s South Street, always has a good range of guest beers, and when I was there recently I was amazed by the amount of punchy lemon citrus hop flavour Time and Tide Brewing, a Kent micro, had packed into Hoptide, a 2.8% ABV brew. A session IPA – what next? Genius brewing.
strange but true... From the Great London Beer Flood of 1814, which killed eight people, to how they flew beer in the fuel tanks of Spitfires across to the troops after D-Day, my fellow beer scribe Martyn Cornell’s new book has more than two dozen true stories relating to the more unusual side of beer. Strange Tales of Ale is published by Amberley Publishing at £12.99.
he invitation to a brewery launch Once packaged, the beer should arrive in the promising “some fine cold beer” drinker’s glass in the same condition it was would have sent a shiver down in when the keg was filled. And venues which many a Campaign for Real Ale cannot turnover cask ales before they start to stalwart’s spine. But this is the age turn to vinegar can take kegs instead which of the craft brewer. Cool is no longer uncool have a much longer bar life. and Powderkeg Brewery, launched last month Powderkeg has launched with two beers in Woodbury Salterton, near which exemplify styles which Exeter, is less the exception and keg well. Speakeasy (4.3% ABV) closer to the rule in being a kegis an American pale ale, or only brewery. transatlantic pale as John calls Dismiss right Brewer John Magill had eight it; smooth, easy-drinking and now a return to years’ experience at wellclean, but with assertive fruity known Westcountry brewery hop bitterness that leaves you the grim days of Cheddar Ales, was head wanting another. Cut Loose Watney’s Red brewer at Exeter Brewery (4.6% ABV) is a modern twist Barrel in the and has picked up a degree in on a traditional Pilsner style, microbiology along the way with New Zealand Motueka 1970s. Brewing to setting up his own business hops invading the European has moved on with wife Jess. Because the party and offering stone fruit beers are in keg, they will be notes. found on the bar among bigThe launch in Oddfellows, selling commercial lagers – Exeter – a friendly, vibrant “like a diamond in the rough!” says the brewer. venue which I’d heartily recommend. So why keg only? Well, sceptical minds, Meanwhile, a note to new breweries: you don’t dismiss right now a return to the grim days of have to have a framed print-out of your story Watney’s Red Barrel in the 1970s. Technology from my website on display at your launch has moved on, as have brewing techniques. party… but it didn’t half make me feel good!
T
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ALES OF THE CITY It’s all about London this week, with the Great British Beer Festival (http://gbbf.org.uk) taking place at Olympia from Tuesday until Saturday. Also, Somerset’s Wild Beer Bo have a tap takeover at the Rake (http://www.utobeer.co/uk/the-rake), just outside Borough Market, on Wednesday, from 5pm. 43
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My Secret Westcountry Sally Parkin Sally Parkin set up Original Surfboards in 2008. She was inspired to begin making the traditional wooden boards she’d used since childhood summers near Padstow, when she could no longer find them to buy. She has two children and lives in Tiverton.
My favourite... Walk: The cliffpath from Constantine Bay to Bedruthan Steps on the north Cornish coast is my favourite in all seasons and all weathers. At the moment it’s particularly special because of the sound of the skylarks and the colours of the wildflowers and the sea. I’ve been walking this path since I was just a few years old. Beach: Porthcothan Bay, near Padstow. I learnt to swim here, catch waves on thin wooden body boards, now more often called belly boards. It’s quite different experience to other types of surfing and incredibly sociable because it’s easy to learn and can be enjoyed by all abilities and ages from five to 85.
Food: I like to eat and drink Westcountry products. Constantine Bay Stores has a fantastic collection of local food and great wine and super-friendly service. In Devon, Pipers Farm sells the best meat and Darts Farm is a great place to shop for locally-produced food and drink, as well as gifts. And Lifton Farm Shop
on
the Devon/Cornwall border is a fantastic recent discovery.
Westcountry tipple: When I’m celebrating, a Pebblebed sparkling rose from east Devon. For alcohol-free, Luscombe Sicilian Lemonade or tea from the Cornish Tea Company.
Pub: The Turf Hotel on the Exe Estuary combines a stunning and unique location with delicious food and friendly service. Café: In Topsham, near Exeter, I go to Route 2, both for the coffee and gluten-free food options. In Exeter, my favourites are Devon Coffee in Queen Street or Carluccio’s for breakfast for the best Eggs Benedict. I get more work emails written in cafes than in the office as there are
fewer interruptions - and the internet is faster, too!
Restaurant: For a special occasion, Rendezvous or The Magdalen Chapter, both in Exeter. There are a number of new relaxed eateries in Cornwall – my favourites are Scott and Babs at Retorrick Mill, near St Mawgan, Gilmores in Newquay (where you can also play pitch and
44
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MAIN PICTURE: ADAM GIBBARD
People
Sally with surfboard
alongside their ukuleles – bringing the Hawaiian tradition of serenading surfing to Devon! My favourite Cornish shopping haunts are MMW at Revolver in Newquay, Roo’s Beach at Porth and the St Eval Candle Company factory shop at Engollan.
Bedruthan Steps on the north Cornwall coast
Treat: Pampered toes and nails at Lefroy, Exeter run by my lovely cousin Becky Parkin. My surf-related treat has been to invest in a made to measure wetsuit at SNUGG in Newquay. I’m keen to dispel the myth that you can only ride wooden bodyboards in vintage swimwear!
The Magdalen Chapter in Exeter putt) and Strong Adolofo’s, near Wadebridge.
Chilling out: Sitting in the sunshine at Porthcothan or in our garden in the Exe Valley. I also find the scent of Cornish St Eval candles very calming in the office as well as in our home. Weekend away: The Scarlet in Mawgan Porth is my dream – I’ve never stayed there but I have been there for lunch and supper. I love the interior style and the sense of calm you experience the moment you walk in the door. A friend did the photoshoot for its launch. When the photos were published I was captioned as ‘the woman who holidays alone’ which I thought was very funny.
Shop: For clothes I shop in Exeter - Lorna Ruby and Exiv. For gifts, Toot Garook and Mojo and the shops in Magdalen Road, especially Maker, all in Exeter. Maker sells my boards
www.originalsurfboards.co.uk 45
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04/08/2015 15:34:51
Preview Here’s what you can look forward to
Next week in
Don’t Miss! Exclusive:
‘HOW I GOT MY DREAM JOB’
EXOTIC FASHION
Meet Cornish artist Lou Tonkin and hear how she juggles life as artist-in-residence at The Lost Gardens of Heligan with being a busy mum-of-three. We showcase the latest looks for high summer style this August.
fave! Wise words from our Gardeners’ Question Time guru
ANNE SWITHINBANK Writing from her east Devon garden, Anne gives expert advice and tips on what to do this week in your plot, as well as answer your questions
THE WISHLIST The tings you need, and want, right now
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NEXTWEEKINWEST.indd 46
05/08/2015 13:26:37
Untitled-6 1
05/08/2015 15:22:21
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