West Magazine August 23, 2015

23.08.15

Diving belles Devon’s high board stars are shining

INTERIORS:

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INSIDE: + IS GOOD FAT A FICTION?

shades of monochrome

WIN: DON’T MISS: + CUCUMBER

COCKTAILS

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+ SYMPHONY TICKETS + SIGNED RECIPE BOOKS

19/08/2015 10:52:01

ANOTHER JEWEL IN CATHEDRAL GREEN’S CROWN

M S

MICHAEL SPIERS T R U R O

P L Y M O U T H

E X E T E R

T A U N T O N

2 2 C AT H E D R A L YA R D, E X E T E R E X 1 1 H B T E L : 0 1 3 9 2 6 6 6 5 9 0

www.michaelspiers.co.uk T H E S O U T H W E S T ’ S L E A D I N G R E TA I L E R O F F I N E J E W E L L E RY A N D WAT C H E S , I N C L U D I N G :

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‘I want to see how my body reacts to change and to see how I feel’ Diver Sarah Barrow looks ahead, page 16

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TAKE YOUR PICK Anne’s gardening tips

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WHOA! Why Taylor was rocking

GET YOUR ZEN ON Beach yoga in Cornwall

[contents[ Inside this week...

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THE WISHLIST This week’s pick of lovely things to buy

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FRAN ON THE ROAD Tiny passenger alert

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JUST BETWEEN US...

Sh! We have the latest gossip!

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GAME FOR A LUNCH Wild meat is a treat

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WEAR IT WELL If it flatters, it matters

MAKING A SPLASH Devon’s diving stars

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IN BLACK AND WHITE New-wave monochromes

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WHAT LIES BENEATH

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WINNING GAME You’ll love these recipes

Bugged by ants in your plants?

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MAKE A BEELINE A-lines are back

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HOW TO WEAR IT Lace: the time is right

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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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WINNING WAYS Cucumber’s so versatile!

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ARE YOU LOCAL? Almost, hopes Chris McGuire

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THE HIGH LIFE

Tonia and Sarah dazzle 3

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[

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THE NEW MONO

Bold – and surprisingly bright – interiors style

[ welcome [ Salad days We’re delighted to feature cover star Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow, the Westcountry’s own Olympics diving stars, who not only have their eyes set on the high boards of Rio 2016, but are contemplating what the future may hold beyond the water. With their focus and energy, we’ve no doubt that this pair are set for sparkling success, but in the meantime, we have everything crossed they bring home the Olympic medals they’ve worked so hard for, next year. Good luck, ladies!

If you’re a relative newcomer to our part of the world, you may well identify with Chris McGuire’s hilarious efforts to settle in. If you

[

Tweet

of the week @BuntyBaxter Chuffed to make it into the happy list in this week’s @WMNWest Ed’s note: We were frilled to make knickers with Bunty at Dartmoor Made!

play your cards right, he might even offer to mow your lawn (forever), although be prepared: he may turn up in his pyjamas.

Our beauty reviewer Gillian Adams enjoyed the journey beyond her habitual comfort zone, at a make-up workshop: Find out how she got on, inside.

Meanwhile, foodie Tim Maddams says try cucumber – in a curry!

– please don’t write them off as a predictable salad veg. And columnist Darren Norbury has next weekend’s Bank Holiday sorted, with a host of Westcountry ale festivals to look forward to. Be there for the beer, music and lots of fun besides. Cheers!

[

He might even mow your lawn... but may turn up in his pyjamas

Becky Sheaves, Editor

COVER IMAGE: John Allen

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 buy one thing this week...

Get swept up in the atmosphere of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s Last Night of the Proms at the Riveria Centre in Torquay on Friday, September 11.

There will be music to move you, favourites to tap along to and, of course, the traditional selection of Proms choices.

Whether you like the light-heartedness of Mozart, Sibelius’ emotional expression of love for his country, or Borodin’s Russian dances, the concert features some best classical music ever written.

Tickets for the evening, starting at 7.30pm, are available from 01803 206333 or www.bsolive.com.

Win

We have five pairs of tickets for the Torquay concert on September 11 to give away. If you are free that night, email your details to westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk, with Proms as the subject, by Wednesday, September 2. Normal terms apply.

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19/08/2015 15:29:00

Zip up your pennies with this leather heart purse, £17.40,

Ceramic earrings made by craftswoman Alice Shields, from the Contemporary Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey and www.

en.dawanda.com

craftsatboveytracey.com

the

Charming

wishlist

Sedona precious stones bracelet, £29.50, www. oliverbonas.com

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

STREET STYLE STAR Sarah Fincham Exeter University graduate Sarah, 38, paid a visit to the city, taking time out from her job as a London-based nanny, She is also studying law to become a barrister.

Chilli plant, £19, www. plants4presents.com

White top: Reiss £35 (in the sale) Sunglasses: “I have no idea, my friend gave them to me” Handbag: Marc Jacobs. “This was a gift, but they are usually around £300-£400.”

Shoes: Aldo £30 Coral scarf: “A boutique in Greece for 36 euros” Sarah says: “I f I like something, then I just buy it. Victoria Beckham has got good style. She always wears chic, elegant clothes with simple cuts. I guess I do admire her taste.”

SPOTTED BY: ABBIE BRAY AND CONNIE CHAMPAIN

White trousers: Tommy Hilfiger £80

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Wishlist

Trilby hat, made in Poland by Sterkowski Hats and Caps, £20.43, en.dawanda.com

Starfish plate, £8.99, www. oakroomshop.co.uk

Tweet Rosella bird frill top, £35, www.oliverbonas. com

Store we adore Jelly, Exeter

The display of little girls’ swimsuits in the window has the verve of an upmarket boutique, but believe it or not this is a charity shop, run by Exeter Community Initiatives. We just love the bicycle outside positioned to tempt you in. The shop sells reasonably priced and beautifully presented secondhand children’s clothes, books and toys, as well as essentials like nappies, and also acts as an information point for new parents to get advice and support.

Jelly is at 9 Paris Street, Exeter, call 01392 435835 or visit jelly.eci.org.uk

I love... red heart rectangular cotton pillowcase, £75, www.charmajesty. com

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talking points East at John Lewis Sharma blouse Was £59 now £23.20 Grab one while you can

Fran McElhone

Story of my life...

On a marathon car journey... up the road he funny thing about these days (actually, once you taking a baby on holifactor in a couple of litres of day is that they have water, lunch and spare layers, no idea they, or you, mama’s load is about the same, are on holiday – despite being the thanks very much). dictator of your every move (I Our first walk was a delightful wouldn’t have it any other way), circuit through fields from the they remain in oblivion. popular honey hued village of Logistical preparation started Broadway, climbing steadily up weeks in advance of the operato Broadway Tower, then back tion that was packing for our first through the pastures to the vilholiday with Woody. The first lage. From the plateau where consideration was how the heck the tower is perched, there were to fit everything in. I had always splendid views, which on this scoffed at those particular day saw rooftop luggage an ever-blackening box things – why sky edging mendon’t people just acingly nearer at I had always travel more lighta colossal speed. scoffed at those ly? I would cackle.

Within 10 minutes, Turns out these Woody went from rooftop luggage roof box things lolling around on box things – why are an essential the warm grass as piece of kit for Opwe ate cheese sanddon’t people eration Baby. wiches to being cojust travel Once on the cooned in daddy’s more lightly? road, where we waterproof as, stopped was no drenched through longer determined to the bone and by the strength huddled under the of our bladders or our caffeine spindly branches of a lone tree cravings, but by our baby’s milk on the hillside as the rain buckneeds. We knew to add on a hefty eted down upon us, we wondered percentage increase to the jourwhat the heck to do. ney time, so that was no biggy.

This was a storm that was not Camp we did not. A cottage going to bugger off for some time. stay was the only way we could Petrified Woody was going to contemplate going away with our become wet and cold, we set off 10-week-old. So once at our Cotsthrough the downpour to walk wolds base, I set about choosing the remaining mile to the finish. circular walks on the OS map, Cold, wet and fretful, we arrived no longer than 5.5 miles, as poor back at the car, while Woody finpapa has to carry an extra 12lbs ished off his snooze.

Floaty

FLORALS

Jodie Kidd met servicemen on last leg of their charity cycle ride from Edinburgh to the City of London to raise funds for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity

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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

steal her

style

OPTION A In the pink Apricot Summer flower top £17 A garden party tee

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION B Amber alert Laura Ashley Rose print blouse £50 Great worn with boot-cut jeans

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23.08.15

Time in hand NATALIE IMBRUGLIA has revealed she would love to become a mother – whether she finds the right man or not.

She has told the Evening Standard that she would look into “other options” to start a family if she does not find a partner.

The 40-year-old singer and actress said she was “a bit behind the curve as far as family is concerned,” but added that motherhood “is going to happen”.

Natalie, who was married to rocker Daniel Johns for five years until their 2008 divorce, says she is “still hopeful” she will meet someone special.

“I may well look into other options if I don’t,” she reveals. “But right now, I have got time. I don’t stress about it. I

Just

live in the moment. I would really love to be a mum. And it is something that is going to happen.”

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

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WHOAH! STEADY Whoa, steady! TAYLOR SWIFT was almost thrown off stage when an enthusiastic fan tried to grab her legs during a concert in Canada.

The 25-year-old singer was performing her hit Bad Blood on a narrow platform above the crowd when the eager fan leapt up and lunged at her ankles, almost knocking her over.

Taylor appeared in shock for a moment, but quickly shook it off.

The fan, named on social media only as Harry, was quickly pulled back by security and Taylor regained her balance and quickly moved back onto the main stage.

Drinks on you, Dan! DANIEL CRAIG is the highest paid British actor according to the latest list released by Forbes.

Their World’s Highest-Paid Actors 2015 list has Craig in joint fifteenth place alongside Australian actor, Thor star CHRIS HEMSWORTH. Daniel is the only British actor on the list and his earnings are estimated to be around £17.3m.

For the third year in a row, Iron Man’s ROBERT DOWNEY JR is in the top spot, with annual earnings estimated at £51m ($80m).

Forbes reports that between the 34 stars on the list, a combined total of £561m ($877m) was earned, before taxes and fees, from June 2014 to June 2015. Nice work if you can get it, Mr Bond.

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Jump for joy: Yasmin and Layla have fun on Plymouth Hoe in the sunshine

in pictures Butterfly: Millie Peacock had her face painted at Boscawen Park’s play event in Truro

Showtime: Claire Clapp with her Charolais

Champs: Plymothians Steven Dodd and Elizabeth Haywood show off the medals they won at the Los Angeles Special Olympics

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talking points In tights

Villains

ONE OF US Famous faces with links to the Westcountry

Actors who’ve played Robin Hood:

10 wicked ladies from Marvel Comics:

1 Russell Crowe 2 Cary Elwes

1 Asbestos Lady

3 Kevin Costner

3 Nox

4 Errol Flynn 5 Patrick Troughton 6 Michael Praed 7 Douglas Fairbanks 8 Sean AND son Jason Connery 9 Patrick Bergin 10 John Cleese

This week:

2 Baroness Blood

Hilary Mantel

4 Man-killer

Twice Booker Prize winning novelist Hilary Mantel lives in Budleigh Salterton with husband Gerald.

5 Crazy Eight 6 Vixen 7 Scorpia 8 Shriek 9 Lilith, daughter of Dracula 10 Ferocia

Eat sunshine

The happy list

Early life: Hilary, 63 was born in Glossop, Derbyshire and went on to study law at university. She published a memoir of her early life, Giving Up the Ghost, in 2003.

Early writing: Her first novel, A Place of Greater Safety, set at the time of the French Revolution, was initially rejected and was finally published in 1992

10 things to make you smile this week 1 Summer shows on Bodmin Moor at Sterts

2 Dartmouth Regatta nautical and nice

10 foods packed with vitamin D:

1 Tuna 2 Eggs 3 Seaweed 4 Sardines 5 Portobello mushrooms 6 Pork 7 Salmon 8 Beef liver 9 Ricotta cheese 10 Cod liver oil

3 Park Runs sign up for a Saturday trot near you

4 Final reductions summer sales bargains

5 6 7 8

Line-dried washing Shells on the beach Paddling in rocky rivers While you wait car valet – money well spent

9 Raspberries late fruiters 10 Loose change back-of-thesofa treasure trove

in 2011. She’s now its president.

The Cromwell years: Wolf Hall, written from the perspective of the mysterious Thomas Cromwell was published to huge critical acclaim and won the Man Booker Prize. Hilary said: “I wanted to write about DID YOU KNOW? this man who came from such humble A snap on her background and rose computer of so high in a society where there wasn’t the view from really a mechanism her window for doing that.” She is reminds currently writing the final book in the trilogy, her to look The Mirror And The up from the Light.

Love and marriage: Hilary married Gerald in 1972. He later gave up his career in screen geology to become her manager. They lived Prize money: Hilary abroad for nine years, quipped she’d spend then split up, but remarried two years her first £50,000 Booker prize on ‘sex later. She describes Gerald as the love drugs and rock’n’roll’ feeling that the of her life. real plan – paying the mortgage – was too boring.

Devon connection: Hilary first saw Budleigh when she holidayed in Fancy that: Asked what she’d go as to nearby Exmouth when she was 16. a fancy dress party, Hilary joked: “I’d After seeing the town while on a cliff go as a bag for life.” top walk, she vowed to live there one day.

Devon connection: She was made a Dame of the British Empire in Local hero: Hilary was a regular at the February for her services to literature.

Budleigh Salterton Literature Festival She said: “I see it not so much as even before she and Gerald moved io a reward for the past, more as their seafront apartment in the town encouragement for the future.”

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People

TIM MADDAMS

Go wild for game West’s seasonal food expert, chef Tim Maddams explores how to make the most of wild meats in a new book packed with easy-tofollow and delicious recipes. First, catch your hare...

est magazine’s resident culinary expert, Tim Maddams, has just written a superb book all about sourcing and cooking wild meat.

“Game offers some of the most intense, delicate, rich and varied meat around. And not only is it delicious, it can also be a healthy and more nutritious alternative to traditional red meats,” says Tim, who was for many years the head chef at Axminster’s River Cottage Canteen. He often appears alongside Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall in the River Cottage TV shows.

In this wonderful book, Tim – who lives in east Devon with his wife and children – gives an accessible guide to obtaining, assessing, preparing and cooking game, including pheasant, grouse, venison, partridge, hare, rabbit, boar and duck.

PORTRAIT: STEVE HAYWOOD

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This is a favourite breakfast of mine in the winter, when the day’s activities call for a little more than tea and toast to sustain body and soul until lunchtime. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce yourself to a spot of simple curing. Curing in its most basic form is the removal of water from meat via the process of osmosis, by applying salt and sugar to the meat. Pigeon breasts can be treated in the same way.

DUCK ‘BACON’ AND EGGS Serves 4 4 mallard breasts, with or without skin For the quick cure 2 peppercorns 1 point from a star anise 1 bay leaf 2 tsp table salt 2 tsp light brown sugar To serve 4 generous slices of good bread A little oil or butter 4 eggs

To prepare the cure, crush the peppercorns and star anise, finely chop the bay leaf and mix these with the salt and sugar.

Tim Maddams

Season the duck breasts generously with the cure, sprinkling it over both sides (you may not need it all).

Place them in a ceramic, plastic or non-reactive metal container in the fridge for at least two hours, but no longer than four hours. They should give up some liquid and become a little firmer but the object here is not to cure them all the way through: you want duck ‘bacon’ on the outside but fresh duck on the inside.

Rinse off the cure and pat the breasts dry.

Place the meat in a clean dish and leave in the fridge uncovered for an hour or two to dry slightly, before covering. The breasts are now ready to use, but will be better in a day or two when the meat has developed in flavour and character.

To prepare your duck ‘bacon’ breakfast, slice the duck breasts thinly lengthways into ‘rashers’. Heat a frying pan and put some bread in the toaster. Add a little butter or oil to the pan and fry your rashers of duck until just cooked. Remove them from the pan and keep them warm while you fry the eggs in the same pan. Serve with the toast and enjoy.

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photography: Š Brendan Beausnal

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Win! We have five hardback copies of the River Cottage Handbook ‘Game’ by Tim Maddams to win, each worth £14.99. To be in with a chance, email your name, address and phone number to: westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk to arrive by September 4. Normal terms apply.

This recipe is so simple, it should be a standard for all burgers. It works particularly well with pigeon as the sweet smokiness of the bacon offsets the richness of the iron-y red pigeon meat very well indeed, but it is almost as good with wild duck breasts or venison.

Pigeon and bacon burgers Serves 4 250g boneless pigeon breast meat, skin removed 250g dry-cured smoked streaky bacon, rind removed A good knob of butter A few bay leaves Freshly ground black pepper To serve 4 bread rolls or slices of toast, spread with dripping or butter Mustard, ketchup and/or other embellishments of your choice Equipment Mincer

Roughly cut the pigeon and bacon into chunks. Fit your mincer with the coarse blade. Mince the meats together, then mix well by hand and pass the mixture through the mincer again.

Divide the mixture into four even portions. Form these into thick burgers using your hands, or a burger press if you have one. Place the burgers in the fridge to firm up for an hour or two before cooking.

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat (or you can cook the burgers on a barbecue or under a hot grill if you prefer). Season the burgers with a little pepper (you won’t need salt as the bacon will provide enough).

When the pan is really hot, add the burgers and sear on one side without moving for around five minutes;

if things start to get a bit smoky, turn down the heat slightly. Don’t be tempted to faff about with the burgers; leave them alone as prodding and poking can cause them to fall apart or release precious moisture.

Once the burgers are well browned on the underside, turn them over in the pan, add the butter and bay leaves and cook for a further five minutes. Then turn

off the heat and leave the burgers in the pan to rest for five minutes.

Serve the burgers in bread rolls or on dripping (or buttered) toast, with whatever embellishments you like.

P. S. I like these burgers slightly pink; if you don’t, then cook them a little longer.

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People

This is as seasonal as food gets. In late summer, when the grains are being harvested, pigeons take the opportunity to help themselves to whatever the combine harvester leaves behind. At the same time, chanterelles are popping up in the woods and the hedgerows are groaning with blackberries. Lunch is looking good. This recipe also works well with duck breasts.

Pigeon with blackberries and chanterelles Serves 2 Rapeseed oil, for cooking 4 plump pigeon breasts (easily removed, see pages.150–3) 2 good handfuls of chanterelles, trimmed and brushed clean of grit A knob of butter A good handful of blackberries A couple of handfuls of salad leaves Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place a heavy-based frying pan over a high heat and add a little rapeseed oil. Season the pigeon breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the hot pan.

Give them a minute or two, until they start to form a nice caramelised layer on the base. Now turn them over and add the chanterelles and butter at the same time. After about another two minutes, once the pigeon breasts are firm but not overcooked, remove them to a warm plate and set aside in a warm spot to rest.

Finish cooking the chanterelles for another minute or two, then lift them out and put them with the pigeon.

Turn off the heat and pop the blackberries into the pan to warm and release a little juice. Add any resting juices from the pigeon and mushrooms to the berries.

Divide the salad leaves between a couple of plates.

Slice the pigeon breasts and arrange on the leaves, then scatter over the mushrooms. Spoon on the blackberries and sprinkle over the juices from the pan. Drizzle with a little more rapeseed oil if you think it needs it and serve with some fresh crusty bread.

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Interview

Diving belles in synch and solo Things have not stopped for Olympic divers Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow since they plunged themselves off a diving board at seven years old. But as they prepare for their final Olympic Games in Rio next year, the duo tell Emily Smith they are looking forward to a future after diving

iving from a ten metre board takes a lot of courage and strength – something Sarah Barrow and Tonia Couch have been doing for years.

After winning medals all over the world in World Series competitions, Commonwealth Games and the Olympics – the girls are now the best platform divers in Europe and preparing to head to Russia for Olympic qualifiers as well as thinking about life out of the water.

Sarah and Tonia finished fifth in the London 2012 Olympic Games and are hoping that they will end their diving career on a high in Rio next year.

As well as diving as a synchro pair, the girls hope to qualify as individuals. They have to finish in the top 12 to qualify as individuals and the top three to perform as a synchro pair.

“It’s going to be difficult to get in the top three

D

in Russia – you do get one more chance next year though to get through,” says Tonia.

“Synchro is our main priority in Russia but I do love doing the individual dives as well.

“It will be my third Olympic Games and my last so hopefully I will finish on a high. It’s sad but it’s been so long – I have been diving for 15 years. I love training and competing but I miss out on so many things. My friend is getting married next week and I can’t go to that. It does make me upset, but it will all be worth it in the end.”

Sarah says: “We have been in the top 12 pretty consistently while we have been competing but

[

diving is an ‘on the day’ sport so you never know.

“There is quite a lot of pressure on us but there is also pressure on the whole team.”

If both Tonia and Sarah qualify for Rio then they will compete against each other in the individual 10-metre platform competition. As best friends and training partners, the pressure is on to do well as individuals in their last Olympics.

“Tonia and I have always competed against each other so it’s not weird.

There is always going to be rivalry and you can get jealous, but you just keep it in your head,” explains Sarah.

[

‘There is always going to be rivalry, but you just keep it in your head’

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PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHN ALLEN

Tonia Couch, left and Sarah Barrow

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“You help each other out and you get used to seeing the other person succeed or not. There has never been a time when we have both been happy with our performances!

“It will be emotional at Rio if we get medals – it’s what we have wanted since we started the sport.”

Sarah is currently working for a masters in professional practice at the University of St Mark and St John, concentrating on sports journalism. As retirement gets ever closer, the 26-year-old has to think about an alternative career.

She says: “I want to learn now.

I would like to report on Olympic sports because that’s where my knowledge is and you can always learn more.”

The pair have just started working with a lifestyle coach, Debbie Timberlake, who is getting the girls booked on to courses and helping them with their future careers.

Later in the year both Tonia and Sarah will take part in a broadcast-

ing course.

“Debbie is really good and comes down and helps us think about what we want to do,” says Tonia. “In September we are doing a broadcasting course and we have had cooking lessons and level one and two of diving coaching.

“It would be great fun to be on TV. I don’t know if we would be good at it but you don’t know until you try.”

Although the diving duo travel all over the world – they have not long been home from Mexico – they remain true to themselves and don’t let the limelight take control.

Sarah owns her own house and lives alone, whereas Tonia lives with her Royal Marine partner of six years, Karl.

“There are times when I’m home and he’s away, he’s away in August when I have the month off. You just get used to it,” she says.

After diving for more than 15 years it’s fair to say neither’s beauty has gone unnoticed. In fact Tonia was

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main picture: pa wire

Interview

named as one of the “eight hottest athletes” at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year.

Even huge high-street names such as Topshop want the girls wearing their clothes.

“When I was performing in the London 2012 Olympics Topshop got in touch and gave me £500 to spend in a London store. I don’t know how that happened but it did!” laughs Tonia.

“I had a personal shopper and was allowed to choose loads of clothes. They also wanted me to do a Topshop photoshoot for their mag – it was really nice. I thought ‘oh my life!’ Then they gave me and Sarah £200 towards an outfit for an awards ceremony. They have been really good.”

Tonia is also sponsored by sports brand Bjorn Borg – who provide her with training gear in return for pictures of the diver in their outfits on her Twitter and Instagram feed, where she has

‘It will be emotional at Rio if we get medals – it’s what we have wanted since we started the sport’

more than 30,000 followers. Tonia is the youngest of two girls and Sarah the eldest of two, her sister Emma Barrow is working as a photographer and regularly shoots the girls.

Although the pair have appeared on TV, in national papers and get recognised all over the world, their feet remain firmly on the ground.

Last time I met the girls, Tonia confessed she kept her medals in a drawer and even after becoming FINA World Diving Series Champion not much has changed.

“I still haven’t done it!” she laughs. “I have won a few more medals now so I definitely need to put them somewhere other than a drawer.

Karl keeps telling me to do it!”

Tonia and Sarah are currently training twice a day, four times a week and once a day twice a week – and joke that they are looking 19

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main picture: adam davey/PA wire

Interview

forward to when they no longer have such a punishing schedule.

“When I retire I just want to do exercise when my body feels like doing it. I want to see how my body reacts to change and to see how I feel. If I want to do some exercise then I will go to the gym,” says Sarah.

“It would be nice to do a half marathon or a running race of some kind. I think I will still

want that sense of achievement and to have goals – that will always be in your head when you stop.”

The Olympic divers head to Russia at the end of July hoping to qualify for their last major competition – the Olympic Games in Rio – next year. There is no doubt that however they end their diving career – the names Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow will come up time and time again.

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interiors

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food

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fashion

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mania Resist the siren call of the paint chart and look at life in black and white.

Gabrielle Fagan makes monochrome look easy 22

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Interiors Sassy Boo black French bed, £1,295, Coco print, £145, Geometric Luxe throw, £99, all www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

STYLE TIP: The chalky effect of unfinished

white plaster creates depth and contrast

ometimes we yearn for life to be simple and our choices ‘black and white’, in the hope that prevarication and confusion can be avoided.

That’s rarely realistic in day-to-day life, unfortunately, but taking a monochrome approach could be the perfect stress-free solution when it comes to decorating your home.

No one’s more convinced of the merit and power of a classic black and white pairing than Hilary Robertson, author of Monochrome Home.

“White loves black. Black loves white. Exploring their relationship builds an interior which is timeless, flexible, practical and liberating,” she says.

“By restricting the colour palette, having a colour cleanse if you like, any number of eclectic elements

S

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Interiors

Sassy Boo black French bed, £1,295, Coco print, £145, Geometric Luxe throw, £99, all www.frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

can easily exist happily together; inexpensive or Black and white tiles aranged chequer simple things will look more sophisticated and decostyle, £5.49 per tile, Topps Tiles rating decisions are made easier.

“Once you commit to a monochrome scheme, you won’t find it restrictive or as drastic as it sounds,” she says. “Creativity can flourish within the boundaries of black, white, grey and all the shades in between. It actually affords the decorator considerable freedom to experiment.”

If you would prefer to walk on the bright side, pair shades of white with pale or bleached floors and a smattering of black for details.

“White is reflective, peaceful and restorative and maximises daylight. It’s a perfect neutral, unobtrusive canvas for furniture and decorative objects,” advises Hilary.

“Mixing black furniture, black and white photography and a lamp or two adds punctuation to a room, and a rug combining both Once you colours will ground it, which is commit to essential. There’s something awkward about a room where objects monochrome, float, offering nowhere for the eye you won’t find it to rest.”

Brilliant whites have a more as restrictive as contemporary feel than softer ies says Hilary, who explains: “It’s it sounds shades, and sit well next to objects been reinvented for our times. This with some patina and age. Considincarnation is softer, more sensual er a palette of three different tones and complex. There’s something of white and vary the warmth undeniably glamorous, louche and coolness of these. The lightand sexy about a dark room. est should go on the ceiling and “Texture is all important in this mouldings, darkest on the floor, and the middle interior, which relies on the tension created between shade on walls. For lustre, opt for pearlescent white hard, soft, rough and smooth to add character. Empaint, and for a chalky effect, try unfinished white ploying a mix of finishes and materials, from matt plaster. paint to glossy lacquer, gives monochrome rooms A primarily black decor should not be dismissed depth.” as harsh, masculine, or a throwback to the EightReserve the darkest shade for the ceiling or paint

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Monsoon Sabal wallpaper, £129 a roll, www.urbaneliving.co.uk

window frames, mouldings and doors dark for a graphic effect. Chalkboard paint, a softer black, works well with vintage and antique pieces, while gloss and lacquer suits crisper modern areas. Dulux’s Charcoal Drift, from the Him + Her Collection, £24.49 for 2.5 litres of matt emulsion, is a rich black which could suit a feature wall.

Monochrome Home by Hilary Robertson, photography Pia Ulin, is published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £25.

See www.dulux.co.uk

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Shop

GET THE

LOOK

Strike a chord with bold patterns and texture

Charcoal drift Dulux paint, £24.95 for 2.5 litres matt emulsion, B&Q

Black and white enamel pots, £4.95 to £7.95 and hand-painted exotic animal egg cups, £10.95 each, www. rigbyandmac.com

Harlequin china range, from £15 for a mug to £95 for a teapot, www.janconstantine.com

GTL zigzag chair, £250, www. grahamandgreen.co.uk

Cushion, £50, www. housejunkie.co.uk

Kenzie Cartoon chest of drawers, £975, www. outthereinteriors.com

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18/08/2015 14:49:39

Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Ants in your plants?

Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, says forgo the battle for a balance when it comes to garden foes or some reason the day when ants swarmed and took to the wing was seen as an event in our family and we’d go about telling each other ‘the ants are flying’. We’d look to see how many nests were erupting in our garden and watch to see the birds swooping and diving to catch them. Flying ant day around here was in early August and although it is generally accepted that simultaneous flight from all the colonies in one area is triggered by perfect, often pre-stormy weather, it is tempting to think this is organised by telepathy, or more likely an ant information network. Each colony has a specific scent and when workers meet, they pass their antennae over each other.

In our last house, they used to pour through the floorboards of our bay window, their bodies piling up inside the secondary glazing. Here, they usually keep out of the house but I remember abandoning a sea swim at Branscombe because they were peppering the surface. The smaller flying ants are males and the larger ones virgin queens, which fly up and disperse before giving off their pheromones, so they are more likely to mate with males from other nests. She will attempt to outfly They farm her suitors, so that only the aphids by strongest can catch her. Sperm is stored and a queen uses it to moving them fertilize eggs and populate a about from new nest for up to 20 years. The shoot to shoot males die after they have mated.

I am frequently asked how to and leaf to leaf rid a garden of ants but first we should ask in what way they are bad, or good? Ants in the house are a step out of line and many

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nests in a small area are troublesome. Gardeners tend to object when mounds infest their lawns, plants are undermined and ants invade containers, fluffing up the soil and making it difficult for the root hairs of plants to make

contact with soil particles. On plants, they ‘farm’ aphids by moving them about from shoot to shoot and leaf to leaf and will also scare away natural predators like ladybird larvae.

On the other hand, ants are part of the natural environment and a live and let live policy is usually best. They are the food of other organ-

18/08/2015 15:17:49

This week’s gardening tips Anne’s advice for your garden isms, notably the fabulous green woodpecker. It is generally accepted that like worms, they have a part to play in aerating soil, moving nutrients into upper layers for plants and allowing deeper penetration of rain. Plant seeds are dispersed by ants and often placed in nests where conditions are ideal for germination. Ants will often wander just inside the house and usefully take household pests and their eggs, such as silverfish, woodlice and fleas.

It is many years since I had to deal with an ant invasion and I would probably opt for a biological control nematode in the garden. If they were in our jam pots, I’d probably just clean up and move the jam into a better stronghold.

Wasps also come in for some flack but these are useful creatures spending the first part of

their lives catching and feeding masses of aphids and caterpillars to the wasp larvae in their nests.

These larvae secrete a sweet saliva, which the adult wasps feed on. It is only in late summer when the queen wasp stops laying eggs and there are no more larvae delivering sweet saliva, that wasps are driven to scavenging for sugar from rotting fruit. Unfortunately they also make a nuisance of themselves in pub gardens and at picnics. The workers and drones die off in autumn, leaving just the fertilized queens to hibernate.

For the garden, they do more good than harm.

The more you leave nature to take care of itself in a garden, the better a balance is achieved and most perceived problems like ants or wasps are easily solvable by lateral thinking once you know how they operate.

Question time with Anne

• Last chance to pot on house plants and other potted plants straining in their pots, as they’ll just have time to put new roots into the fresh compost before the onset of winter.

• If you can’t fit your fingers between the old rootball and edges of the new pot, remove the plant from its pot and ‘pot’ the old pot into the new

one. Next, remove the old pot, leaving a hole of exactly the right size to accommodate the rootball of the plant.

• The earliest apples will soon be ready. Watch for windfalls, then holding an apple in your hand, lift and twist gently.

If it comes away easily with stalk attached, it is ready.

West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank

Q

My lawn didn’t look too good, so I scarified it this summer. It now looks ten times worse and I’m not sure what to do next.

Lawns often look poor after warm, dry summer weather but soon bounce back when it rains. It does the grass no good to feed it or scarify it whilst bone dry and scarifying is a job for the autumn. For the time being, I would wait for rain and while the soil is damp, apply a liquid feed to the grass to perk it up. Mow regularly and in the autumn you can scarify gently again to remove some more thatch, moss and so forth. Improve drainage and aerate the soil by spiking it with a fork or on a larger area using a machine. Then, work in a top dressing of good top soil mixed with sharp sand. The grass will soon spread into the improved soil and you’ll have a better lawn.

Q

I bought a couple of sarracenias at a garden show this summer. They look healthy but I’m not sure how to look after them, especially in winter.

Sarracenias are carnivorous pitcher plants from North America. Flies are attracted by secretions of nectar inside the rims of their pitchers and once inside, slip down into the plant’s ‘stomach’ at the leaf bases where they are broken down and absorbed. Pitchers are often full by the end of the summer. I stand mine outdoors in good light, in 2.5cm/1in or so of rainwater. They don’t like tap water and should never be given plant fertilizers.

In the South West, most are hardy enough to stay out in winter but I bring mine into the unheated greenhouse. Trim dying leaves down gradually so leaf bases are still nourishing the plant and let the saucer dry out between fillings during winter.

Take cuttings of penstemons and tender perennials such as pelargonium, fuchsias, tibouchina, heliotrope and lemon balm. I insert several cutting in each 9cm pot of 50:50 soilless compost and grit or vermiculite. All apart from pelargonium are sat inside a loosely knotted poly bag and stood out of full sun.

There’s still just time

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

to make sowings of salad onions, hardy salads, spring cabbage, Chinese broccoli, Chinese cabbage, red Russian kale, radish, spinach beet, Swiss chard and turnips. Soak drills and cover seeds with potting compost if the surface soil is lumpy.

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18/08/2015 15:18:10

Beauty

Tried

& tested

KISS ME! Lanolips has introduced three fruity new tubes (£7.99 each) of its chapbanishing lanolin-infused 101 Ointment. Choose from strawberry, peach or apple. Find them at www. feelunique.com

We present the beauty treats and cheats of the week, picked by West magazine’s Catherine Barnes, with help from daughter Tilly, 18.

MANTRA Not just a pretty face. This make-up bag (£12.50) is

by Claudia at Marks and Spencer

DELUXE...

BareMinerals is celebrating its 20th anniversary in silver with this deluxe edition of its mineral foundation. £36.96 at www.qvcuk.com.

LIP SERVICE Look lively – these gorgeous matt lippies (£17 each) by fashion designer Giambattista Valli for MAC by are limited edition. Add a touch of shimmer with this crystal glaze gloss (£19). Get them while you can at www.maccosmetics.co.uk.

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the review This week we try:

Mineral makeup Make-up that’s good for your skin? It sounded too good to be true, says Gillian Adams, who tried it in an hour-long Jane Iredale make-up session at Nikita Beauty Salon in Plymouth.

What else would I am Woman by Joan Collins be, but très sensual? A light touch of incense (sandalwood, cedar wood and patchouli base) comes through citrus and floral top notes. A dressing table 50ml edition costs £50, but you can also try travel-size (12ml) for just £12. Find it at joancollinsbeauty.com

LIP SERVICE This nourishing body cream (£17) contains Himalayan Honey and Indian Rose scents to relax body and mind. uk.rituals.com

While I like to make an effort for special occashimmer. It’s the last colour I’d have picked, but sions my every day wear is a good moisturiser, it looked great and could be used stronger for tinted BB cream and some blush. It was a little an evening out. daunting to see vast quantities of powders and By the time shades of peach and brown had potions laid out in front of me as I’m not usubeen applied to my eyes I’d been converted. ally one for using lots of products.

The colour highlighted my eyes nicely as Amy Make-up artist Amy Clarkson from the Interhad predicted. It was great to get professional national Institute for Anti-Ageing introduced advice and step out of my colour comfort me to the Jane Iredale zone. mineral make-up range.

After a dash of lipstick and It’s made without talc, quick spritz with Pommisst parabens, or synthetic hydration spray I was done – I’m usually a fragrance and is recomand loved the final look. plum girl, but mended by skin care Krissie Staddon has owned professionals, with the Nikita Beauty Salon for over was great to get many testimonials from 15 years and regularly hosts professional acne patients claiming beauty events where you can advice and step an improvement in their try, test and and get some tips. skin since using it.

The next Jane Iredale event is out of my colour The products have going to be held on November comfort zone been developed to be 25 at 51 Houndiscombe Road, non-comedogenic, Plymouth, Devon. Call to book meaning they don’t a place on 07792 218016. A £10 block pores. Here’s the deposit is required, but this will science part: the mineral be refunded if you buy two or particles in the make-up form a protective more products. barrier on the skin that allows it to breathe and function normally. It also traps environmental pollutants.

Amy advised I tried a four-in-one pressed powder (foundation, powder, concealer and sunscreen with SPF 20), to create a light foundation base. Hate that heavy makeup feeling? I know I do, but after it was applied and finished with a little bronzer, it was surprising to see my made-up face in a mirror: it felt like I wasn’t wearing any. Only minimal touch ups were needed to maintain my look all day.

Another surprise were the colours Amy picked. I’m usually a plum and pink kind of girl, but she wanted to bring out the blue of my eyes so went for browns. She whipped out a peach blush called Whisper, which had a gold

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

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Fashion Deichmann UK sandals £12.99

Lands’ End button denim skirt £39.95

Next striped sweater £32 red A-line skirt £30

A-game Simple skirts cut to suit all shapes e’re making a beeline for the new A-lines that meld the seasons seamlessly and flatter girls of every shape. While we’re still enjoying making hay in late summer, team them with boho tops and pretty sandals. When September brings a touch of frost to the air think high neck blouses, skinny sweaters, knee boots and chunky tights. Dig out the old family photos and wear it with panache just like mum did in the Seventies.

We’re in love with this retro-fantasic fleecy bomber (£125) from La Redoute and there’s a hundred different ways to work Lands’ End’s button-front A-line (£39.95) in dress-up, dress-down denim.

W

White Stuff belt £22.50

Miss Selfridge hat £30

Dorothy Perkins long beads £10

M&S aysmmetric skirt £39.50

La Redoute jacket £125

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White Stuff skirt £55

Primark ribbon tie blouse £10

Phase Eight sapphire denim skirt £59

Next skirt £24 belt £12 fedora £22

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Trend

HOW TO WEAR IT:

MAIN PHOTO HAIR: CHARLOTTE AT SAKS, MAKE-UP: ESTEE LAUDER, DEBENHAMS (BOTH PRINCESSHAY) PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE HAYWOOD STILL-LIFE PHOTOGRAPHS: PR SHOTS

Nudes & lace

Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod finds the perfect day-to-night look

Dress, Coast, Princesshay, £139

Shoes, River Island, ace is a feminine favourite, and for Princesshay, £50 good reason. It’s floaty, ethereal nature has always been synonyNecklace, Next, mous with elegance but there is no Princesshay, £12 denying it is versatile too. This season’s variety is slightly fresher and flirtier, and makes the most of the neutral colour palette too.

Givenchy sent models down the runway in flouncy, layered mini dresses and thigh high black boots. (I adored the look, but wasn’t sure it had a place on any of my upcoming lunch and brunch dates.) I can certainly get on board with the general idea of lace texture and muted tones though. I think it fills a very specific wardrobe need.

Let me explain. I grew up in a country where evenings were always, well, evenings. The English summer baffles me, with bright sunlight until after 9pm. I’m all for dressing up, but the traditional evening look looks a lot better after dusk. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the hordes of young women with faces covered Young women in slap and dresses spangled with in dresses sequins sashaying along in blazing daylight frighten me a little. spangled with There is something completely insequins in congruous about it. blazing daylight This is where this trend comes into its own, almost as if it was defrighten me a signed to bridge the gap between er fabrics, such as leather. This little day and night. This dress from dress is no exception and would Coast is a great example. The soft look fabulous paired with a biker feminine blush colour is right on jacket and hair swept into a topthe money this season, and is sure knot. to be around for some time to come. The detailed You don’t need to go the full monty though. lace overlay has a high neckline that is demure You get serious style cred for even the merest but darling at the same time, and the pleated hint of the frilly stuff. Look out for ankle socks skirt falls to a modest knee-length but is buffered trimmed with feminine frills and even headflirtatiously by even the slightest breeze. Leave bands. Remember, it doesn’t have to be the real your hair down in soft waves and you are ready deal either. A T-shirt printed with a lace effect to sip cosmopolitans with the best of them. will hit the nail on the head and look amazing Lace looks great when juxtaposed with toughwith your favourite pair of black trousers.

L

Celeb fans of the trend include Keira Knightley and Kate Middleton. Keira’s look was a nude layered loose creation that would make most of us look somewhere between a shipwreck survivor and an uncooked potato. Being one of the most beautiful women in the world means she just about got away with it. Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cambridge shone like a star in a long-sleeved knee length Alexander McQueen version. She’s another feminine favourite, that’s for sure.

All fashion in these pictures is from Princesshay Shopping Centre, Exeter, www.princesshay.co.uk

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MISS SELFRIDGE lace midi ring £4.50

NEXT lace panel blouse £30

GET THE

look DEBENHAMS RJR. John Rocha £40

NEW LOOK pink and white lace embroidered clutch bag £15.99

DEBENHAMS Jenny Packham heels £65

SCHUH Converse trainers £47 MISS SELFRIDGE pink sheer tucks shirt £35

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Shop

The edit Your straight line to style: This week, we’re channelling Miss Moneypenny

Ralph glasses £189 Vision Express

+

Julien McDonald glasses £189 Vision Express

+

Pussy bow £9 Primark

+

Sleeveless £18 www.lookagain.co.uk

Mid length pencil skirt £9.99 New Look

Wool skirt (was £250) £125 Jaeger

+

Joules Suzy glasses £149 Vision Express

+

Ribbon-tie £35 www.laredoute.co.uk

+

Capri pants £16.99 F&F at Tesco

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Stars

Your stars

by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

Virgos tend to be observant, shrewd and patient, if a little inclined to hold back (and maintain self- control) when all around are letting rip. There’s a good friend to be had in a discreet, wise and witty Virgo, who has a practical knack for solving other people’s problems, even if they can’t always wave the same magic wand when it comes to their own!

Joanne Froggatt born August 23 1980 2015 has already proved to be Joanne’s year, with the actress, who plays lady’s maid Anna Bates in Downton Abbey, winning a Golden Globe at this year’s awards. Joanne, who is set to play Victorian killer Mary Anne Cotton in forthcoming series Dark Angel, has been married to long term sweetheart James Cannon since 2012. Virgos born on this day tend to be grounded and practical and Joanne certainly has a reputation as a modest and completely down-to-earth sort,.despite her huge success.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Being a very loving person, you often take it for granted that you will give more than you receive. This lack of confidence can come across as a lack of love for yourself.

Yet when you are charming, you are hard to resist. Believe it. Love is close by, but are you refusing to see it? Perhaps you seek perfection?

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) This week you will receive back what you are willing to give. The past may have soured your view of life. Such feelings, however, should be seen as temporary.

There is so much promise ahead of you, and the love that is so essential to your happiness.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) A slow start to a new relationship may give you cause for concern. Be a little patient. Let someone know what you hope for in life and what you dream of. Something that you never thought you would feel again is just around the corner. Allow yourself to enjoy it without asking too many questions.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Maybe the truth won’t go down well with everyone, but do you really need them? We all put up with negative people sometimes, often through guilt. Stop feeling guilty. When you feel that you have failed, look around you. An exaggerated feeling is an untruth. This is what you are feeling now.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Try as you may this week, you are likely to say the wrong thing to the wrong person. So beware. Something you thought was a foregone conclusion seems to be far from it. At times, keeping a low profile has its charms. Add something special to the weekend by admitting how you feel about someone.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Mincing your words this week could give the wrong impression. Any delay in uttering the truth could see you accused of avoiding an issue. Does it seem embarrassing? Well, don’t forget your amazing charm.

Turn it on at the right time and just see the opposition melt away.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) When history starts to repeat itself you can be forgiven for getting a little tetchy.

Don’t have any of it. Maybe it is time to walk away from a very negative influence? Think more about the future than the present. If you knew how much satisfaction was ahead of you, would that help?

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) This week you are suspicious of everything and everyone; it is not necessary.

It is fine to relax and be a little less judgmental.

An overactive imagination could lead you to miss out on an opportunity. Wondering where someone is now and what they are doing? It could be worth finding out.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Be prepared to give more love than you get back this week. If someone is having trouble ‘opening up’ to you, patience is needed. Some people are easier to spend time with than others. A financial offer seems good but be sure the figures add up. There is nothing

romantic about mixing business with pleasure.

Indeed, at this time it could prove to be something of a disaster.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) At times you feel as though the future is vague and full of pitfalls. It is as if you have been handed a gift that you do not want to open. Why are you worried? Remember small changes can make things much clearer. You are not aware of all the facts.

Worry about the past should not be allowed to cloud your future.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) This week, the harder you try to bring on romance, the more elusive it becomes. Just keeping things simple is the best way forward. An overactive imagination can lead you up the wrong path and stop you from crossing through a welcoming gate.

There is love around you. Some of it is taken for granted and so becomes invisible. Some is misunderstood as interference.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Just because someone has not paid you a compliment recently does not mean they have lost interest. Maybe you have to make the next move, but do it soon.

Even the keenest suitor can get bored and wander off if left wondering too long. Have more confidence in yourself. Why doubt your charm?

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Wellbeing

the boost

Goal!

Stick with your fitness goals with the help of Earthmiles, an app which rewards you with points for keep-fit sessions. It links to tracking apps such as Fitbit and Mapmyrun, and you can redeem Earthmiles on offers from health, fitness, nutrition, wellness, and sports companies. Find it on iTunes.

IMAGE: STEVE ROBERTS

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

WALKING BOOKS Take a Broadchurch-themed walking tour with Natalie Manifold in Lyme Regis and explore the real-life locations featured in the gripping police drama. Or step back two centuries into Jane Austen’s world and the setting for her novel Persuasion. A fascinating and fun way to stretch your legs! Visit www.literarylyme.co.uk for times and prices.

SENSITIVE

SUBJECT? Sensitive skin? Keep it clean with La Roche Posay’s soap and alcohol-free range including scrub (£10) make-up remover, scrub and soothing lotion (£12 each). The brand’s also behind formulated cleansers for blemish-prone and allergy-prone skin and skin prone to redness. Find one that suits you at Boots stores and pharmacies nationwide.

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ROSIE H-W:

How she works it Millie Mackintosh, Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley, Karlie Kloss, Abbey Clancy and Alessandra Ambrosio all attribute their perfectly toned bodies to regular Pilates sessions. Devon-born Rosie told Harper’s Bazaar: “I have to really work on my stomach. I’ve found Pilates great because it’s slow and controlled and you really have to think about the muscles you’re working.” Need any more convincing? Do a postcode search to find a class near you at www. bodycontrolpilates.com.

THANK YOU!

Just breathe Head to Carlyon Beach near St Austell for an evening beach yoga session on Friday, led by Breathe Health and Fitness.

The session runs from 6.15-7.30pm, with more details at www. breathehq.co.uk What’s coming up? Tweet us your wellbeing diary dates

It’s official. Practicing gratitude on a daily basis can have long term health benefits.

The positive psychology movement has been getting a lot of press of late, prompting a slew of research. Studies have now linked optimism to better immune function. It is also believed that taking five minutes a day to concentrate on things we are grateful for will lower stress levels – which translates to a decreased risk of heart disease.

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Wellbeing

Good fat, bad fat?

Are we being fed mixed messages?

Is there any such thing as a ‘good’ fat?

Suddenly, we seem to be being told we should eat more butter and coconut oil- and I’m confused!

Q

Devon based dietitian Sophie Medlin says: Understanding the different fats in food can be confusing at the best of times. The most important thing to remember about fat is that all fats contain the same number of calories regardless of whether it is olive oil or butter or lard.

In fact, fat is the most calorie dense ingredient we consume, with just one tablespoon of olive oil, coconut oil or butter containing the same number of calories as a whole dessert bowlful of strawberries!

The number of calories we eat measured against with how physically active we are determines how much fat we store on – and in – our bodies. Research is now starting to tell us that it’s this (as opposed to the specific amount or type of fat that we eat) that’s putting our health at risk.

For that reason, regardless of the type of fat we choose, we should be careful with how much of it we eat, to avoid weight gain. coconut oil – has always been thought of as ‘bad That said, there are some fats which have greatfat’. Medical bodies are standing by the advice to er health benefits over others. These include moreduce this to help lower our risk of heart disnounsaturated fats such as olive ease and strokes. oil and avocado which appear to Trans-fats act on the body in reduce the risk of heart disease the same way as saturated fat and stroke. Omega 3 fats from and should also be cut back on. fish may reduce inflammation These have been chemically Regardless of in the body and might reduce altered to behave more simithe fat type, the the risk of dementia. Coconut larly to butter and are used in more you eat, oil is being very heavily marketprocessed cakes and pastries, ed as the new wonder product, labelled as ‘hydrogenated’ or the higher your but there’s actually no scientific ‘partially hydrogenated’ vegcalorie intake evidence to back up its use. If etable oils on the ingredients will be. Enjoy... you were to review the studies list. that have examined the potenEating a balanced dietwhich in moderation tial benefits of coconut oil, you’d includes some fat is important. come to the conclusion that it But regardless of the fat type, might be a little bit better for the more you eat, the higher you than butter, but that’s all. your calorie intake will be. My Saturated fat – the type that is solid at room advice? Enjoy all food in moderation and if temperature and comes from animal fats such you love butter on your toast, for instance, try as butter, cream and the fat on meat, as well as one slice and a piece of fruit instead of two. If

[[

you can’t live without chocolate or cheese, then make time to have it and enjoy it. Try to find a portion that is around 100-150 calories and savor every mouthful. If you’re anything like me, buying one portion at a time is essential to avoid eating the lot! Remember, if you don’t restrict your favourite foods completely, this will help you to feel less deprived when you are trying to change your diet.

Enjoying a diet based on lean protein such as chicken, fish and lean red meat, having plenty of fruit and vegetables and limiting processed foods is the best course of action for everybody.

Trimming the visible fat from meat before cooking is helpful and measuring the oil you add will help you stay in control.

Remember that food should be a pleasure not a chore and if you’re still on the cabbage soup diet, feeling awful on Atkins or living on rice cakes, trust me, there is a better way.

Contact Sophie Medlin on sophie@sophiedietitian.com , 07795 1 2 3030 or visit sophiedietitian.com

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18/08/2015 17:23:30

Eat

ally mac’s

Banana and Coconut Milk Bread Ally says: Banana bread is really a loafshaped cake masquerading as bread. This recipe is one of my simplest and healthiest bakes. It contains just a few simple ingredients, which you’ll most probably already have in your cupboards at home.

Ittakes hardly any time to make and is healthy enough to eat for breakfast without scruples, with no sugar or oil, only lots of banana for sweetness and moisture.

Bananas somehow taste even sweeter when baked, than raw. I’ve also added chopped dates to add another layer of sweetness.

@allyskitchenstories

@AKitchenStories

You will need:

Method:

1 can of Biona organic coconut milk 2 organic eggs 3 ripe bananas, mashed 1/4 cup finely chopped dates 2 cups buckwheat flour (buckwheat is gluten free) 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon baking powder A pinch of Himalayan seasalt Seeds to drizzle on the top

Preheat oven to 180C. Grease your loaf tin with coconut oil.

Whisk the coconut milk, eggs, cinnamon, salt, baking powder and honey together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy and fully combined.

Stir in the banana, finely chopped dates and buckwheat flour until thoroughly mixed.

Spoon your mixture into the greased loaf tin, sprinkle the top with seeds and bake in your pre-heated oven for 1 hour until well-risen and golden on top.

This is delicious served warm or cold. I absolutely love it, and once you’ve tasted it I’m sure you will too. Yum!

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 39

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18/08/2015 14:36:50

Eat

Ingredient of the Week

Cucumber with Tim Maddams

hy is it we seem hell bent on categorising things into little boxes in this country? So often we take a vegetable, for instance and decide it’s either a ‘salad’ item or a ‘proper’ vegetable. At college many, many years ago, I raised this issue with my teacher and he said: “If you can eat it raw, it’s tender and palatable, then it’s a salad veg. Everything else is not.” So, I made a salad of red cabbage and a lettuce soup, just to upset the apple cart. I mean, really!

Although I was doing that to be a clever dick, (in hindsight, I must have been a nightmare pupil – sorry!) I also felt that categorising veg was down more to accepted practice, than any real, useful reason to separate them into these two groups. After all, there are very few vegetables that are not pretty tasty and useful raw as well as cooked, or hot as well as cold (and vice versa).

One that I really think most cooks miss a trick with is cucumber. It’s a vegetable that’s very definitely in the salad camp, but one which (with a little imagination) can sing. This is the time

W

of year to enjoy them, while the greenhouses of England are producing loads of top notch varieties in all sorts of shapes and sizes. There are curved ones, mini ones, dark green ones, light green ones, yellow ones and crinkly skinned ones and all are excellent.

A cucumber curry may seem like a strange and unpleasant thing, but if you peel the cucumbers, de-seed them, lightly salt them and then add them last minute to a base of onion, spice, and coconut milk along with fresh spinach you’ll be amazed at the transformation.

Don’t underestimate the allure of a cucumber sandwich either – they really are great and perfect mid-afternoon snack material.

While we’re all familiar with the idea of a slice of cucumber in iced water, or to freshen a gin and tonic, cucumber juice itself makes a fine summer drink. Simply blend your cucumbers, then place in a sieve with a clean J-cloth in it and allow the juice to drain through. You can drink this in its virgin form, or if you’re in the mood for cocktails use it as a mixer –it will add a hint of virtue to a Margarita.

Cucumber ‘fettuccine’ Cut your cucumbers lengthways and remove the seeds.

Use a vegetable peeler to shave them into little ribbons.

Warm the strips gently in a little butter or olive oil, seasoned with garlic, salt and pepper.

Delicious served as an accompaniment to fish, you can also beef them up as a dish in their own right with a little cheese and some toasted herby breadcrumbs. @TimGreenSauce

Tim Maddams is a Devon chef and writer who often appears on the River Cottage TV series 40

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18/08/2015 14:38:02

Drink

Darren Norbury Beer of the week Nice to see Butcombe Bitter (4% ABV) among the superb range of ales in Marks & Spencer. It’s a Westcountry classic that’s deservedly getting a wider audience. Biscuity, caramel malt provides a classic base for English hops to create a traditional, assertively bitter session beer.

Muddy good effort Staff from Firebrand Brewing Co’s Bar and Restaurant in Launceston raised £400 for Cancer Research UK when they took part in Plymouth’s Pretty Muddy obstacle race. Waitresses Charlotte Hartnell, Kira Talbot, Riley Spear, Hollie Bickle and Tash Squires ran, crawled and climbed five kilometres through Central Park. Bet they needed a beer after that!

talks beer ugust is always a busy month in festivals at the Mount’s Bay Inn, Mullion, and the the beer calendar. I’ve recently Clock and Key, Trispen, just outside Truro. returned from the Campaign for At Axbridge in Somerset, meanwhile, a beer Real Ale’s Great British Beer festival is being staged at Lower Weare BS26 2JB Festival in London and the London until Monday. I reckon August is the perfect time Craft Beer Festival has been on, too. It’s great to to visit a local beer festival, whether you are a visit the capital now and again seasoned sipper or a newcomer.

– there’s so much happening Most are family friendly and there – but there’s plenty to many are held outdoors, often August is the keep the beer lover occupied in in a marquee, with many the Westcountry, too. offeringbarbecue or live music as perfect time Today is the final day of the well as brews. to visit a beer St Ives Beer and Cider Festival Look out for more than 150 in the port’s Guildhall, where beers and ciders at Abbfest, from festival, whether St Ives Brewery owner Marco September 18 to 20 at Ipplepen, you are a Amura is staging his second Newton Abbot. Live music will seasoned sipper summer event. Pop along and include the Military Wives, and you might see me! there will be Word Cup rugby on or a newcomer Last day, too, today, of Stith big screen. No transport worries, Fest, at Stephanie Todd’s either, with a free bus service community pub, the Seven from Newton Abbot. Find out Stars, at Stithians. Always a more by visiting abbfest.org great atmosphere at that venue.

Organising a beer event in the Westcountry?

The main festival action kicks off across the Drop me a line at darren.norbury@gmail.com region next weekend. In Cornwall, there are and I’ll help to spread the word. three annual pub festivals all running from Friday to Monday. They are the ale and cider Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk festival at the Bowgie Inn, Crantock, and beer @beertoday

A

[[

A GUIDE TO TRURO The Cornwall branch of CAMRA has launched the latest in its series of pub guides, this time for Truro and District. The launch was held at Skinner’s Old Ale House, in Truro, where city mayor Lorrie Eathorne-Gibbons was the special guest. The guides are available in Truro pubs, and in the tourism information centre.

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18/08/2015 14:38:29

Enjoy

Oddicombe beach

A WEEKEND IN...

Babbacombe abbacombe, which abuts Torquay on the Jurassic Coast is proud of its very own identity and describes itself as ‘the jewel in the crown’ of the English Riviera. This tranquil spot still exudes the spirit of the genteel summer holidays of yesteryear but with contemporary touches providing the best of both for the 21st century weekend escapee.

B

Stay:

Babbacombe Model Village

Once known as The Regency, The Babbacombe Bay Hotel has attracted holiday makers for well over a century. Now revamped as a gorgeous boutique retreat, it offers a sea view room from £125 per night with breakfast at this time of year. Whether you’re staying or not, its bistro is great for locally-sourced specials and check out the stunning views from its roof terrace (www.babbacombebayhotel). co.uk. Boutique clifftop retreat the Cary Arms offers family –and pet! – friendly stays with stunning views. Self catering? The sea view from contemporary-luxe holiday apartment The Cliffs at Babbacombe is utterly amazing.

It was used as the backdrop by the BBC to film an interview with the Prime Minister David Cameron, see www.babbacombedowns.co.uk

Eat: Memories Bistro is just a short way away in 42

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18/08/2015 15:15:21

St Marychurch

accompanied by adults are permitted access! Step back in time at Bygones museum on Fore Street, St Marychurch, where exhibits include a life-size Victorian shopping street and an old penny-inthe-slot amusements arcade.

Do: Take in the view from a telescope on the Downs or stretch your legs along the cliff path to Torquay via Ansteys Cove. You could also take in a show at Babbacombe’s own theatre where cabaret and music extravaganzas, Starlight and The Music of the Night, run until October, with the theatre also hosting one-off dates during the summer, including music from Rose Royce soul singer Gwen Dickey on August 30.

The famous Cliff Railway

St Marychurch. Nostalgia fans will love the decor – it’s adorned with old enamel signs and vintage ephemera – and it’s also won rave customer reviews for its great value food. Booking is recommended. Indulge in a delicious cream tea at Angels Tearooms on Babbacombe Down Road, served on pretty crockery, or enjoy fabulous Italian food at Milan-Milan. Bag table among the fragrant herbs in its rooftop garden and try the Brixham crab risotto (£13.95)

Shop: Find a mouthwatering selection of chocolate at Truffles of St Marychurch, sourced from local producers including the Cockington Chocolate Co.

Showtime at the Palace Theatre

See:

No weekend in Babbacombe would be complete without visiting to at least one of its famous attractions. The Cliff Railway shuttles visitors from the Downs to Oddicombe Beach.

Keep an eye out, as dolphins have been spotted in the Bay. Babbacombe Model Village is a miniature marvel which has been enchanting visitors for more than 50 years. Family tickets cost £34.95 and you can visit once again for free if you return within a week.

Visit: Tessier

Gardens, a gorgeous little park, was bequeathed to the town in the 1930s ‘for the use of adults only’. These days, though, children 43

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James Ashton

Lyme Bay view

My Secret Westcountry James Ashton James Ashton is one of the ‘three dads’ behind Exeter- based brand Rocks Organic Drinks. He lives in Shaldon with wife Joanna and sons Sam, 12 and Monty, nine.

My favourite...

View: At this time of

year, it’s the panorama of Lyme Bay as you coast down Teignmouth Hill, before crossing Shaldon Bridge on the drive to home. Sometimes I may have been only 21miles away at the Rocks site in Exeter; other times I may be returning after a business trip to Japan, but once I see that view it brings the same fantastic ‘welcome home’ feeling.

Beach: Dawlish Warren out along the sand spit curving into the river Exe. Lovely for family walks. We’ve seen migrating geese, seals and the quite rare masked crab in the sand. We’ve even found some Second World War fighter aircraft bullet cases with a metal detector – the sand spit marshes were used as an aircraft practice firing range in the war. It’s a favourite fishing spot of mine, where in the right surf conditions I regularly catch bass, keeping the occasional one for baking in a salt crust coating. The boys like to catch flat fish which come into the shallows.

Festival: Any food festival celebrating the best of Westcountry produce – an excellent opportunity to try new produce, meet the entrepreneurs and indulge. And guitar-makerto-the-stars Mansons Guitar Show in Exeter, which attracts international rock musicians.

Rocks is headline sponsor on October 3.

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18/08/2015 14:39:36

People

Cafe Ode

Activity: Any sea or coast sport, from rowing to scuba diving. I’ve ‘retired’ from competitive rowing, with an unbeaten record of Shaldon Regatta long distance rows with my rowing partner Chris. Our youngest son Monty has shown an interest in rowing and hopefully he will take up the mantle. I spar with trainer Kris Barras at Muay Thai Boxing at Fightworx in Torquay twice weekly. The rounds are tough, but he provides great encouragement. Family weekends will find us on the river in dinghies and kayaks and on spring tides jumping off Shaldon Quay in wetsuits straight into the rushing current. Bear Grylls would approve!

Food: Dover sole caught by the Torquay day boat Rachael which is skippered by Clive Baker.

It’s the best sole by a long mile, simply cooked whole loosely wrapped in foil with a knob of Westcountry butter in the oven. A Rocks Raspberry & Lime drink works well with the hint of lime combining subtly with the sea salt freshness of the fish!

Tipple: Rocks Drinks of

course and Doom Bar beer after a powerful row on the River Teign is a favourite. In the quieter moments, I’ve developed a liking for single malt whiskies, not just for the taste, but the story and craft involved in making it.

James and pal rowing The Darkness rock Mansons

Pub: The Ferry Boat Inn’s garden in Shaldonon a summer’s evening flood tide. It is the place to meet and catch up with friends, watching the tide and reminiscing on local rowing races won and lost, the local fishing news and latest boating gossip.

Restaurant: Rick Stein’s, Padstow. The hake is perfect and caught in Cornish swaters. It’s a place for special occasions such as birthdays and family celebrations. Padstow’s where I spent very early family holidays with my parents.

www.rocksdrinks.co.uk

Way to relax: A winter’s day storm sat by a window on a Sunday morning in Café Ode, Shaldon, slowly drinking their responsiblysourced coffee with my wife and two boys, watching the waves crashing over Teignmouth seafront whilst snug inside by the wood burner!

Who relaxes in the summer in the Westcountry when there is so much to do in the finer weather?

Shop: Darts Farm is hard to beat just for the sheer range of select good food, clothing and gifts. For a clothing treat without the city trappings we like Salcombe for its great choice of clothing brands in a village environment right on the sea.

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18/08/2015 14:40:10

My life

NEW IN TOWN

Phasing in Chris McGuire on moving to the Westcountry from London t’s been just over a year since I left London behind and embraced the green and pleasant land that is the Westcountry. I hate to view myself as predictable but, looking back, it’s clear that I’ve been through several distinct phases common to most newcomers.

I like to think of these stages as a process of Westcountry acclimatisation. Perhaps you, or someone you know, is currently exhibiting one or more of the following signs?

Phase 1: Westcountry Newcomer Sleepiness. I blame the air. It’s different to the air you get in other places. I don’t know, it’s just more ‘airy’. Sorry if that doesn’t sound scientific. In fact, it might not be the air at all! I’ve no idea. But, whatever causes it, coming to the Westcountry makes people sleep well. Very well indeed. You can spot newcomers who’ve gorged themselves on refreshing sleep, they tend to be the ones who arrive at the supermarket in their pyjamas. Don’t pull that face, we’ve all done it!

Phase 2: Westcountry Newcomer Naivety Bubble. The change of pace from urban

I

[

life gives newcomers a false sense of security.

Previously streetwise, overly cautious former dwellers of big cities start relaxing a little too much, leave their cars unlocked and their keys in the front door overnight (you only tend to do that once). For obvious reasons, I won’t give any hints or tips how to spot those experiencing this phase.

Phase 3: Westcountry Newcomer Sportiness.

There’s something about the Westcountry that brings out sportiness in people who otherwise would never have dreamed of being active: Me, for example. Within months of moving West I was exercising daily.

To be fair, I would’ve been doing it sooner, but my time had been taken up by huge amounts of sleep – see Phase one. I found my home among the MAMILs (middle-aged men in lycra), the push bike enthusiasts you’ll see all over the Westcountry outside cafes, bars, restaurants and (very occasionally) riding bicycles. Among the cyclists’ ranks newcomers are easy to spot: with their pristine kit and inexpertly shaved legs. Of course, newcomer sportiness isn’t restricted to cycling. Other examples may be found in running, rowing and kayaking (basically any activity where garishly bright clothing

Among cyclists newcomers are easy to spot, with their inexpertly shaved legs

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is required).

Phase 4: Westcountry Newcomer Overfriendliness. One of the easiest phases to recognise. Culture-shocked by the warmth of Westcountry locals, these newcomers respond by overdoing the level of enthusiasm required in daily interactions – for example inviting complete strangers over for afternoon tea or offering to mow a neighbour’s lawns (forever).

Phase 5: The Westcountry Newcomer Know-it-all. This phase is entered when a newcomer believes themselves to have discovered all there is to know about moving West. They develop the rather irritating habit of wanting to categorise other new arrivals’ acclimatisation based on their own limited experiences. Phase five is, of course, not something I have experienced personally, but I’ve seen this trait in many others.

It’s my hope that this run-down of the phases of Westcountry acclimatisation will assist everyone, both newcomers and long term residents of the area. It is, by no means, meant to be a definitive list. I look forward to seeing any Phase four newcomers down the pub soon, where I’ll be happy for them to buy me (several) pints.

Chris McGuire is a writer who lives in Devon with his partner, but you probably heard that on the grapevine already. Phil Goodwin is away.

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19/08/2015 12:45:35