West magazine - December 19, 2015

19.12.15

Dreaming of... days and ways to wear white

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INSIDE: + CAROLINE

QUENTIN: ‘MY FAMILY CHRISTMAS’

Great beers to raise a toast with

WIN: + RIVER COTTAGE COOKERY COURSE + AMAZING PRIZES IN OUR SUPER FESTIVE QUIZ

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PLUS WIN FANTASTIC PRIZES IN OUR 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COMPETITION Visit our website for details

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15/12/2015 11:41:17

‘I enjoy a bottle of champagne while I muck out my horses’ Dame Babette Cole shares her Christmas traditions, p 14

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HOW I CELEBRATE Caroline Quentin spills the beans

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TREE TACTICS Lights and baubles at the ready

[contents[ Inside this week...

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

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BIG HAIR Our columnist remembers hairdos past

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HOW WE CELEBRATE Our friends in the west share their Christmas traditions

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WEST CHRISTMAS QUIZ Amazing prizes to be won

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LET THERE BE LIGHT Our ideas for a cool yule

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OLD SCHOOL Whose favourite haunt is this?

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE How to give yours a special sparkle

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ANNE SWITHINBANK Gathering foliage to deck the halls

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WINTER WHITE Opt for pale and interesting

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YOUR WEEK AHEAD Cassandra Nye looks to the stars

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BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

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INGREDIENT OF THE WEEK Tim Maddams on ways with leftovers

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THE BEER GURU Beers to sup with Christmas dinner

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LOOKING BACK Phil Goodwin remembers Christmasses past

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ALL WHITE NOW Glamour after dark

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FUR AND FEATHER Sign up for a game course 3

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FINAL TOUCHES Putting the sparkle on the Christmas tree

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[

[ welcome [ There’s still time to put the tree up... don’t know about you, but I tend to leave things to the last minute at Christmas. And if, like me, you are still likely to be decorating your tree on Christmas Eve, you’ll find inspiration in this, our festive edition of West.

You don’t even need to stray further than your garden to find greenery for decorating your house, as our gardening expert Anne Swithinbank reveals (p27). We have some some last minute gift inpsiration, too, on our Wishlist (p6).

It is always intriguing to read about other people’s Christmases. On page 12, Catherine Barnes

I

Tweet

of the week

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@Dawn_French Here I come darlin’ Cornwall, into yer lovin’ arms…. How I missed you! #whereheartis

catches up with Caroline Quentin, Dame Babette Cole and other friends in the Westcountry to find out they spend December 25. Now we know!

For looking glamorous on the day itself, why not take a leaf out of Kathryn Clarke-McLeod’s book and dress entirely in white (p32). You could ring the changes, too, at the Christmas dinner table with beer instead of wine (p41).

Finally, do have a go at our fantastic Christmas quiz. For a little help, take a peek at West’s back issues, at www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/westmagazine. We hope you’ll find it lots of fun, and we have some amazing prizes to win too. Happy Christmas!

It’s always intriguing to read about other people’s Christmases

TO ADVERTISE: Contact Lynne Potter: 01752 293027 or 07834 568283, lynne.potter@dc-media.co.uk

[

Sarah Pitt, Acting Editor

COVER IMAGE: Steve Haywood

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

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Sarah Pitt

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Catherine Barnes

Lynne Potter

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If you do one thing this week...

Get into the festive spirit at The Shops at Dartington’s Christmas Festival today and tomorrow, when they’ll be mince pies, mulled wine and chestnuts, music from John Shillito’s Jazz Band and, from 2pm on both days, the chance to meet Father Christmas. They’ll also be lots of ideas for presents, both in the craft and food stalls outside and in The Shops themselves. You can even have a Christmas hamper put together for you. Open 9.30am-5.30pm today and 10am-5pm tomorrow. Find out more at www.dartington.org

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FOLKSY Ceramic Nordic decorations £9 for a set of three www.tch.net

Hanging candle-holders £40 each www.outthereinteriors.com

the

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

TEA TIME Christmas embroidered tea cosy £48 handmade in Newlyn by www.

STREET STYLE STAR

poppytreffry.co.uk

Gabriella Capel-Williams

Gabriella says: “This may sound odd, but Kate Middleton is my style icon – I love how she always looks so elegant and beautiful.

I’m always looking for jewellery, but right now I really want some new knee-high boots and more big scarves.”

Green coat: Debenhams £75 Scarf: New Look £8 Jeans: River Island £40 Ankle Boots: Next £35 Bag: Accessorize £35

INTERVIEW: HANNAH MATTOCKS

Gabriella, 25, is a junior doctor from Exeter.

Floral William Morris Golden Lily hand cream £10 www. berryred.co.uk

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Wishlist

Winter blues Laser cut heels £29 New Look

Kernow Chocolate Christmas trio £8.95 www. stmichaelsmount.co.uk

MUNCHABLE Three Kings biscuit card £10.95 www.biscuiteers.com

Store we adore The Cornish Hen, Penzance

A tiny deli with a big heart, right in the middle of Penzance, The Cornish Hen specialises in wonderful baking, with mince pies containing homemade mincemeat currently flying out the door. Be tempted by gorgeous tartlets, squidgy coffee and walnut cake, lemon polenta cake and many other homemade creations. Cornish cheeses and meats and other epicurean delights are also on sale, alongside Spanish and Italian delicacies.

The Cornish Hen is at 27 Market Place, Penzance, call 01736 350223

Cosy Bobble hat £60 www. thegreatgiftcompany.co.uk

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talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life...

Good hair days ain’t what they used to be was comparing notes with an American friend over what our kids want for Christmas. She has a teenage daughter who right now, is all about the hair. She wants a hair dryer – not just any hair dryer, but a Hot Tips Magma 370-pro or something that costs a small fortune.

She also wants hair straighten“What do straighteners do ers, of a similar high-end brand, anyway?” I asked. as her current ones are just not “Apparently it’s all about lookgood enough. ing sleek and going across your “How much performance difforehead flat,” she says. “They ference can there be?” wailed my live in dread of poufy bangs.” friend.

That’s American for fringe, by I was laughing under my the way. breath. I’ve known this friend for That sent us reminiscing. In years – we were roommates at our day – that is, the 1980s – it was one point – and she has never set all about the poufy bangs. Our a lot of store by careful grooming. style icons were pop divas like She has always Madonna and Cyndi sported what Lauper. To heck you might call a with sleek – you “tousled” haircut wanted your bangs – cut into choppy to stand loud and In the 1980s our layers and falling proud. You wanted style icons were any old how. If them to have their she overslept her own postcode.

Madonna and alarm, it would We backcombed.

Cyndi Lauper. have a little crest We hair sprayed. In We backcombed. like a rooster. fact, I’m reasonably The most time sure that if you took We hair sprayed.

I ever saw her a rocket into outer spend on it was space, there would an upside-down be a hole in the blast with the ozone layer the size hairdryer (not a Hot Tips Magma of Somerset, and signed in pink 370-pro) if the temperature was curly writing “with love from the below freezing. teenagers of the 1980s”.

Despite the lack of parental “Look at it this way – she’s example, her daughter has grown providing you the perfect aminto one of those girls that gets munition,” I concluded. “If she’s up an hour early to straighten, flouting authority, you can always pluck, lip-line and powder, threaten that you’ll borrow the presenting a flawless mien to the Hot Tips Magma 370-pro and breakfast table. drive her to school sporting 1980s “I really don’t know where she bangs.” gets it from,” sighed my friend.

“That’s true,” she said, in a “At least she can use the straightconsidering way. “That’s very eners herself now.” true…”

I

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

GREAT

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19.12.15

Just

MOO-CATION, MOO-CATION We really have loved every minute of The Apprentice this year. One intriguing snippet of insider goss that came our way was from Devon’s own Kirstie Allsopp. When the episode aired in which contestants had to buy all sorts of weird and wonderful items, some of them were filmed hopping into a farmyard and digging up sackfuls of

fresh manure. Kirstie knew exactly where they were, thanks to her TV presenting partner Phil Spencer: “Here’s an exclusive piece of info, that’s Phil’s Dad’s cows and cow yard” she revealed on Twitter. So Phil’s a farmer’s boy – who knew?

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

!

SHERE DELIGHT

GOT A LIGHT? Jennifer Saunders (who brought up her kids in Chagford, Devon) lived up to her Absolutely Fabulous reputation when she switched on the Christmas lights at Stella McCartney’s London store.

Jennifer, who will reprise her role as boozy Edina “Eddy” Monsoon in the upcoming movie of the hilarious TV series, arrived in character, in a fluffy mohair gilet, an orange top and geometric print trousers, while her pal and co-star Joanna Lumley styled her blonde hair in her Ab Fab character Patsy’s signature beehive style and wore a camel coat by Stella. Both Jen and Joanna have a long-running friendship with Stella, after inviting her to guest star in Ab Fab.

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And the top dad award goes to…

Luther star Idris Elba, who has revealed how his two children inspired him to sign on for The Jungle Book.

The 43-year old actor will be the voice of fearsome tiger Shere Khan in Jon Favreau’s live-action remake of the 1967 Disney film, alongside a star-studded cast which also includes Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray and Sir Ben Kingsley.

Idris, who has two children – a teenage daughter, Isan, as well as oneyear-old son Winston, said: “It’s a massive honour to be asked to play that character in a classic like that.

Jon Favreau is an amazing director, but I did it because I wanted my children to watch something that was a classic and be a part of that.” We think he’ll be a roaring success!

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Big kiss: Chris Groves and Percy the dog have been gathering mistletoe at the National Trust’s Cotehele near Saltash

in pictures Hoe, Hoe, Hoe: At a charity fun run in Plymouth 650 people dressed up as Santa

A lot of pluck: Sandra and Nigel Broom from Colyton, east Devon are busy rearing Christmas turkeys Festive spirit: There was a party on the quay to celebrate the switch on of Mevagissey’s Christmas lights

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talking points Tuning in

Stocking fillers

ONE OF US Famous faces with links to the Westcountry Channel 4’s Alternative Christmas Message:

1 Ebola nurse William Pooley (2014) 2 Whistleblower Edward Snowden (2013) 3 Comedian Adam Hills (2012)

4 Educating Essex teachers Vic Goddard and Stephen Drew (2011) 5 Acid attack survivor Katie Piper (2009) 6 President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2008)

7 Sharon Osborne (2002)

Under £1 on the Middletons’ website, Party Pieces

8 Doreen and Neville Lawrence (1998) 9 Brigitte Bardot (1995) 10 Quentin Crisp (1993)

The happy list

Figure this Christmas by numbers :

1 Angel on top of the tree 2 Eyes shut – or you’ll scare off Santa!

3 Times more calories: 6,000 on Christmas Day! 4 (Gas mark) Ready, set, roast turkey!

5 Comet – Santa’s fi h reindeer

10 things to make you smile this week 1 Late night shopping last minute solutions

2 Panto lots to see 3 Christmas lights making our streets pretty

6 Years since snow last fell on Christmas Day

4 Glam outfits hooray 5 Office parties let your hair

7 Dwarves and Snow White at Torquay’s Princess Theatre now.

6 Carol singers join in!

7 Blowing the diet anyone

8 New Tarantino movie Hateful Eight opens on Christmas Day!

8 Mulled wine hic!

9 Winter Solstice longer

9 Lessons and Carols 10 (Top) Who’ll be #One?

This week:

1 Whoopee cushion 2 Jitterbugs 3 Gigglestick 4 Crawling man 5 Wooden bead bracelet 6 Stretchy spider 7 Butterfly glider 8 Jungle finger puppets 9 Princess duck 10 Tiara and wand

down

for a mince pie?

days on the way

10 Christmas Day Merry Christmas one and all!

Sue Perkins TV star Sue Perkins had a house for many years in west Cornwall, where her parents still live Cornwall: Sue had a house with her Penzance timetable from memory.� ex-partner in West Penwith for many years. “Nothing beats Sennen Cove in Back to London: When Sue and her December, with the wind whipping partner split up, she moved back at that empty curve of to London. But her white sand,� she writes parents still live in west in her new memoir, Cornwall and she visits DID YOU KNOW? Spectacles. often.

Home: In 2003 Sue and her then partner Kate bought a farm in Cornwall, after a burglary in London left them feeling unsafe in the city. “We had only got halfway down the track when I knew I wanted to live there.�

Sue says that wherever she goes someone shouts “Baaake!� at her

Career: Sue started out in stand-up comedy with longterm collaborator Mel Giedroyc. They met at Cambridge University and had success with their TV show Mel & Sue’s Light Lunch. Sue then worked on the food show Supersizers, with Giles Coren.

Neighbours: One of her new Cornish neighbours said to her: “You’re in the right place. The South West is like a Christmas stocking – all the nuts end up at the bottom.�

Paul Hollywood: Sue says that on every series of Bake Off, she and Mel try to “steal or deface� Paul Hollywood’s sports car.

Commuting: Sue lived in Cornwall and worked in London for many years: “I could recite the whole of the First Great Western London-to-

Protective: Sue says that if one of the bakers gets upset on the show she steps in: “I simply start swearing‌ and I know it won’t be broadcast.â€?

Competition winners: Congratulations to‌ • Trill Farm winter box: Karen Holland, Millbrook • A copy of The Doctor’s Daughter by Vanessa Matthews: Linda Shilan, Moretonhampstead

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People

HOW WE CELEBRATE

Westcountry Christmas We are not the only ones who are looking forward to Christmas, as Catherine Barnes found out when she went calling on some of our friends in the west

Chloe Madeley Fitness guru and TV star Chloe Madeley lives in London and is behind wellbeing and fitness website fitnessfondue. com. She spends Christmas in Cornwall at the family home in Talland Bay with parents Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan and brothers Jack, Dan and Tom. Chloe says: “There’ll be 10 of us around the table this Christmas; my parents, my three brothers and their partners, one grandchild, and myself.

When we’re in Cornwall we’ll normally walk through the little wood down at the bottom of our paddock and make our way to the beach or the Smugglers

Rest for a tipple. The evenings are usually spent watching The Snowman and White Christmas and playing games like Trivial Pursuit or Cranium!

My Christmas wish is that my family are together at Christmas every year, happy, healthy and merry!”

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Caroline Quentin Actress Caroline, who’ll be starring as Mrs Bumble in new all-star BBC1 series Dickensian from Boxing Day, lives in Tiverton with husband Sam, who’s behind skincare brand samfarmer.co, and their children Emily, 16 and William, 12.

Caroline says: “We will be seven for Christmas lunch this year, fewer than usual as my mother and father-in-law are away. It’ll be Sam, me, our two kids, my two sisters and Uncle Peter, my sister’s chap. We’ll be having turkey and all the traditional trimmings – gluten free for me, as I have Coeliac disease, and veggie for my daughter and one of my sisters.

We always get our tree at Langford Lakes Christmas tree farm near Wellington in Somerset. When we get the tree home, we put on the Christmas carols, and then it’s a glass of something fizzy for us and a hot chocolate for the kids and we decorate the tree. It’s a time for remembering Christmases past – I always miss my Ma, who died four years ago. She loved decorating the tree, a glass of Baileys in hand.

On Boxing Day we walk to Huntsham near where we live. It is THE most beautiful place in the world at any time of year, but I love it during the winter time. Then we’ll head home for cheese (all local cheeses of course and Stilton) with biscuits and a glass of red wine, then a slice of homemade Christmas cake.

My Christmas wish is always for peace on earth. This year, it seems even further away and less likely, but it’s still worth wishing for.

At Christmas my local charities are particularly important to me. I’m a patron of The Flicka Foundation near Mabe Burnthouse in Cornwall. It’s a donkey sanctuary and as we know, donkeys have a special place in the story of Christmas. I’ll also be thinking of everyone at Exeter Drug and Alcohol Dependency.

Christmas is a difficult time for those struggling with addiction and they need all the love and support we can give them.

In Dickensian, which is screening over the Christmas holidays on BBC1, I play Mrs Bumble. She is utterly vile to Oliver Twist and anyone else who crosses her path, including her husband! I loved playing her... I think Sam may want to tread carefully with me this Christmas once he’s seen it!”

‘We are seven for Christmas lunch this year – turkey and all the trimmings’

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People

Kernow King Ed Rowe is better known as comedian Kernow King. He lives in Roche with wife Jo and their children Nellie and Percy. This Christmas, he’s playing Dick Whittington’s cousin in Hall for Cornwall’s festive show, Dick Whittington and his Mousehole Cat! Ed says: “This year there’ll be nine of us around the table on the big day. We’re actually breaking Christmas tradition this year, as for the first time in the 36 years of my life, we’re going out for Christmas dinner. Usually my mum or my wife (with help from the men!) cooks, but we’ve all decided we’re having a year off and going to a local restaurant whose Sunday roasts are pretty legendary. I’m in the Hall for Cornwall’s Christmas show and Christmas Day is one of my only days off, so I don’t want to be doing a mountain of dishes!

Any beach in the Falmouth area is good for a postdinner walk. Usually, it’s just for an hour or two, nothing mega. We’ll eat leftovers for tea, but as we’re not cooking a fully-fledged dinner at home, we’ll have a leg of something roasted. I’m a massive sucker for pickled onions, which I love to make in about October, so I’ll certainly be tucking in to the cheese and crackers with pickles in the evening.

My Christmas wish? Well, it feels a little hollow wishing for peace on earth when the world seems to be going crazier and crazier, but if we all do a little bit for someone, the world might be a bit happier. But for me, I wish just for my family to have another happy and healthy year.”

Dame Babette Cole Dame Babette’s famous books for children include Princess Smartie Pants and Mummy Laid an Egg. She lives near Crediton.

Dame Babette says: “There’ll be at least six of us around the table this Christmas, and one of my Christmas traditions is to enjoy bottle of champagne while I muck out my horses.

I usually ride on Christmas Day. The village is very quiet with verylittle traffic and I love looking at everyone’s Christmas trees and decorations. I come back to Christmas cake, Stilton and port. My horse has carrots. My Christmas wish in these current times is peace for the world.

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Steve Wilson and Lucy Tapper TV presenter Steve Wilson and artist Lucy Tapper create children’s books Hedgehugs. They live in Milton Abbot, west Devon with daughters Daisy, eight, and Holly, six.

Steve says: We’re celebrating Christmas at our house this year, with my parents Gill and Gray visiting. We’ll be nipping to friends for Christmas drinks pre-lunch and another neighbour for board games in the evening!

Christmas Eve is always a roast ham with leeks and cheese sauce which we look forward to almost as much as the main lunch on Christmas Day. This year we might do roast beef as our Holly is really into Yorkshire puddings at the moment. Then there’s the carol service at our local church, sending the letters to Father Christmas up the chimney and putting out all the food and drink that Father Christmas likes. When he stops at our house he is rather keen on cider. Same as Steve!

Sonia Meaden Entrepreneur and hotelier Sonia Meaden lives with husband Brian in Chagford. They have four grown up daughters – including Dragons’ Den star Deborah – and two grandsons.

Sonia, who’s looking forward to a fun family Christmas, says: “Everyone wears strange funny masks (much better than paper hats!) over lunch, so we all look very weird. Then we have a panto, with everyone given a brief script of their role; it’s hilarious !

We are spending Christmas in Chagford this year and it it may be our last here, before we move to Exeter.

The charities close to my heart are Rays of Sunshine, which grants wishes to terminally ill children and their families, plus the MS Society which supports the suffers of this dreadful disease.

My Christmas wish this year is that a peaceful solution will be found for Syria and the Middle East, for everyone’s sake.”

‘Everyone wears funny masks over lunch, then we have a panto’

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Good luck, one and all!

Compiled by Catherine Barnes

[

It’s quiz time!

Festive thinking caps on for our quiz of the year!

We’ve some fabulous prizes to win

[

Cracker Jokes Groan! But what’s the punchline?

1.

Who delivers presents to baby sharks at Christmas?

2.

What are the wettest animals in the world?

3.

What do you get if you cross a bell with a skunk?

4.

What athlete is warmest at Christmas?

5.

What’s orange and sounds like a parrot?

6.

Who hides in the bakery at Christmas?

Celebs

7.

What’s the best thing to put into a Christmas cake?

1.

8.

Why did no one bid for Rudolph and Blitzen on eBay?

9.

What do you call a prawn that won’t share?

10.

What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations?

2.

3.

4.

5.

Poldark’s Aidan Turner was among the stars in Devon filming Agatha Christie thriller And Then There Were None for the BBC in July.

Which real-life place inspired the mystery’s fictional setting, Soldier Island?

Who’s the 18-year-old Somerset-born Game of Thrones star who has also been time-travelling with Doctor Who this year?

Olivier award-winning Exeter born actor Luke Treadaway starred in hit TV series Fortitude this year, but what’s the name of his twin brother, who plays Dr Victor Frankenstein in cult US series Penny Dreadful?

Actress Fiona Fullerton revealed to West that she’s never regretted giving up showbusiness for family life and a new career as a property developer. But what was the name of the Bond Girl she played opposite Roger Moore in A View to a Kill?

Muse rocker Matt Bellamy was spotted on a

visit home to Teignmouth this summer. Who’s the Hollywood golden girl (and mother of his son, Bingham) he split with last year?

6.

Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz were also in Teignmouth, in June, filming a biopic based on which infamous round-the-world sailor?

7.

Who’s the Cornwall-born actor who plays Zacky Martin in Poldark and also trod the boards in a stage production of Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca this year?

8.

Psst! Wellbeing guru Chloe Madeley confessed to West she smuggles Cornish pasties up to London by the dozen... What’s the name of her fitness website?

9.

Bake-Off legend Mary Berry sold her Devon holiday home this summer: where is it located?

10.

Strictly star Peter Andre tied the knot with doctor Emily Macdonagh at which stately home near Exeter this summer?

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Pantos 1.

Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin’s starring in Cinderella at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal (so’s Gok Wan!), but on which show did he win a $1million prize this year?

2.

The Exeter Police & Hospital Players are performing Wizard of Oz … the Panto! at Exeter’s Barnfield Theatre in January. A West End musical (it visited Plymouth this year) was also inspired by this story. Witch is it?

3.

Sleeping Beauty is the panto at Torquay’s Princess Theatre. In the ballet version, what’s the princess’s name?

4.

It’s Cinderella at Barnstaple’s Queens Theatre.

Name the Downton Abbey actress who starred as Ella in Kenneth Branagh’s big screen take on the fairytale?

5.

Kernow King is starring in Hall for Cornwall’s festive show, Dick Whittington and his Mousehole Cat! What’s this Cornish comedian’s real name?

6.

Devon touring company Wonder Productions will be at lots of venues with their show Aladdin. What year did the Disney version come out?

8.

See Duffy Beats the Devil at Penzance’s Acorn Theatre. It’s based on the Cornish version of which Grimm’s fairytale?

Peter Pan is the festive treat in store at Exmouth Pavilion. Which famous children’s hospital does this play still benefit?

9.

Robin Hood & Babes in the Wood is coming to the Kidz R Us Theatre in St Ives. What’s

7.

the name of the miller’s son who’s among Robin’s merry men?

10.

See Jack and the Beanstalk at the Exeter Corn Exchange. What did Jack exchange in return for magic beans?

6.

Rock and Falmouth hold food fests centred around which bivalve mollusc?

7.

Where in Devon was the first ever Seaweed festival held in June?

8.

The GoldCoast Ocean festival has been held annually where, since 1999?

9.

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan are patrons of which book event, held in November?

10.

Tiverton held a festival in mid-July. What was the main attraction?

Festivals 2015 1.

Who headlined Glastonbury and proclaimed himself ‘The Greatest Living Rock Star on the Planet’?

2.

Which Cornish festival exhibited the Cinderella movie’s fairytale frock?

3.

Which Devon weekender has comedian Ade Edmondson described as ‘the best little festival in the South West’?

4.

The Sea Shanty Festival is held in which Cornish harbour town?

5.

Plymouth and Brixham both host summer revels celebrating what kind of seafaring folk?

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Food & Drink 1.

What does east Devon-based Rocks Organics make?

2.

According to our beer expert Darren Norbury, this variety of dark ale was named after trolley-wielding Londoners. St Piran’s, Tavy Ales and Edwin Tucker’s all make a version. How is it commonly known?

3.

4.

5.

This wayside herb was introduced by the Romans and our go-to-chef Tim Maddams describes the taste as a combination of celery and fennel. You can candy the stems, but it’s not angelica.

What is it?

Health food guru Ally Mac used Manuka honey in her No Knead Nut Bread recipe in West. Which estate in Cornwall produces this special flower honey (and grows tea, too)?

Ruby Reds at Burrow Farm in Broadclyst. What are they?

6.

MasterChef winner James Nathan’s Green Room restaurant is at the Retallack Resort and Spa. Which year did he win the TV cooking contest?

7.

Where in Cornwall are Porthilly Oysters harvested?

8.

Falmouth’s Caro Warwick-Evans and Tim van Berkel reap what vitamin and iodine-packed wild green, for customers including Jamie Oliver, Nathan Outlaw and Tesco?

9.

The man behind luxury fashion brand Mulberry, Roger Saul, grows this ancient grain on his Somerset farm. Sometimes known as Dinkel Wheat, what is it?

10.

Claire Bishop’s Gastrobus sells gourmet burgers by the sea. In which Devon village will you find it?

In April, we met Sally Grigg who rears

Where in the West?

Where in the Westcountry did West spend A Weekend In? 1.

Anning

stay in at its Gwel an Mor resort

Home to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic and the Wellington Hotel

5.

2.

Where Jack Wills was established, with stunning views from Overbeck’s

Great for surf, its heritage centre was once the home of inventor Sir Goldsworth Gurney

6.

3.

Spingo Ale’s brewed at its Blue Anchor Inn, or book a perch for your hen at the Chicken Hotel

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Its name means ‘sandy cove’ with eco-lodges to

8.

It’s the beginning of the line, where the rooms at the boutique Artist Residence hotel are works of art.

Once billed as the ‘Honeymooners’ Paradise’ Verity’s the golden girl here

9.

Home to a high-profile cookery school, it’s one of Dartmoor’s stannary towns

Take a Jane Austen tour around this town, or follow in the footsteps of fossil hunter Mary

10.

Daphne du Maurier lived at nearby Menabilly, while its regatta is an annual diary date

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Twelve months of West 1.

December: We met Jeannie Fletcher, who creates amazing theatrical costumes from her workshop in Exeter. Her projects have included monster heads for a production of The BFG. Who was the author that created this snozzcumber-loving character?

2.

January: Devon Dogs agility trainer Lauren Langman revealed that owners have as much fun as their canine companions on her courses. But can you remember the name of TV’s famous dog trainer whose memorable catchphrase was “Walkies!”

3.

February: Classical singer Katherine Jenkins chatted to us ahead of her performance at Plymouth Pavilions. What was the name of her UK tour?

4.

March: Exmoor film actress Ella Hunt talked about filming her role in a sci-fi movie about an alien invasion, alongside Sir Ben Kingsley and Gillian Anderson. What was it called?

5.

April: Exeter filmmaker Ashley Thorpe revealed how comedy star Reece Shearsmith had agreed to feature in his animated tale about ‘The Most Haunted House in England’.

It’s based on an actual place in Essex – what’s it called?

6.

May: Cornish writer Lisa Glass’s teen novel Blue, is being turned into a Hollywood movie called Bluer Than Sky. What outdoor activity is the plot centred around?

7.

June: Liskeard’s reigning Miss Cornwall revealed how she’d overcome bullying to claim her crown. What’s the name of the lovely young veterinary science student?

8.

July: We caught up with Olympics stars Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow. What’s the sport that’s brought them fame?

9.

10.

August: Bestselling author Kate Morton confessed to a long-distance love affair with Cornwall and her latest novel, The Lake House is set in Polperro. Where in the world does she actually live and write?

September: We visited Man Booker Prize winner Dame Hilary Mantel at her seaside home ahead of the local literary festival she’s

president of. Can you name the event?

11.

October: South Zeal’s Maggy Whitehouse was a finalist in the Benefit Cosmetics Funny Women Awards. What’s her current day job?

12.

November: Upcoming Plymouth actress Victoria Lucie told us about her movie debut in director Peter Nicholson’s Devon-based psychological thriller. What’s it called?

Slogans We’re lost! Could you navigate to these Westcountry towns, just from their slogans?

1. It’s a Must 7. Imagine. Discover.Believe 2.

Gem of East Devon

8.

The very heart of Cornwall

3.

Britain’s ocean city

9.

4.

An ancient town somewhere in Devon

Gateway to South Dartmoor and the South Hams

5.

The heart of Cornish mining

10.

Gateway to Camelot country

6.

A town caught still in a timeless charm 19

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Entry form Cut out and send to West, Western Morning News, 5-11 Millbay Road, Plymouth PL1 3LF to arrive by January 8.

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*West magazine will not share your details with any third party 20

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£50 Princesshay gift card

Your fantastic prizes!

River Cottage cookery course

First prize: £240 River Cottage cookery course • Second prize: Premier Exeter racecource package for 4 worth £100 • Third prize: Family portrait voucher worth £100 • Fourth prize: Three course meal with wine for two at Bistrot Pierre, Plymouth • Fifth prize: £65 Wildwood Kitchen hamper • Sixth prize: A winter pass to Crealy for a family of four Seventh prize: A Wanderlust ruby bracelet worth £38 • Eighth and ninth prize: A bottle of Tarquin’s Dry Gin worth £33

A winter pass to Crealy

Tarquin’s dry gin

Dinner at Bistrot Pierre

Just look what you could win! Our star prize is a cookery course at River Cottage, (www.rivercottage.net). Also up for grabs is a day at the races for four at Exeter Racecourse, a family portrait voucher from Dartmoor’s www.flossyandjim.com; and dinner for two at Bistrot Pierre and a hamper from the Wildwood Kitchen Delicatessen, both in Plymouth’s Royal William Yard. We also have a Crealy family pass and a beautiful bracelet from north Devon’s www.wanderlustlife.com..

A Wildwood Kitchen hamper 21

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Glass animal decorations, £12 for a set of six, Paperchase

Sparkling centrepiece Gabrielle Fagan on creating a Christmas tree worthy of a gold star

hen it comes to decking the halls, and making your home look as cheery as possible for the celebrations ahead, the Christmas tree is very much the focal point.

And whether you favour a ‘can-you-believeit’s-not-real?’ artificial one or always opt for the genuine article, whose fragrant scent (and needles) fill the house, it’s the decorations that say most about your taste and family history – from hand-me-down baubles to childhood creations.

“This year, people seem determined to want their tree to be the biggest they can fit in and afford, and they also have a very good idea of what colour or style theme they want to follow,” says Craig Roman, home and garden styling expert at Dobbies Garden Centres.

“They’re very specific about the look they want

W

to achieve, and we have three key looks this year – full-on traditional, with lots of red and gold; a countryside feel, featuring creatures great and small; or the dazzling snowy white tree, embellished with silver or gold touches.”

Red and green make the ultimate festive match, and has a timeless appeal which can be interpreted in a retro way, or given a dash of kitsch.

“This is an absolutely classic look with red particularly strong this year and not only in decorations – there are also red berry lights,” says Craig.

“There’s a lovely nostalgic feel to this style of

[

decoration, which is seen in red candy cane and Santa stocking decorations.

“This season we’re seeing much more emphasis on the texture and finishes of baubles – matt with shiny; shiny with glitter; and even ribbed. ones. Many have an ‘added extra’, such as a tiny charm attached to the top, or a ribbon with beading.

“People could embellish their own baubles by simply sourcing charms, stickers or diamante glitter from craft stores, or using a glitter pen to personalise them with names or messages. And you can add to the red effect by pegging cards to red ribbon, which can be hung

‘You could embellish your own baubles by sourcing charms from craft stores’

[

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Interiors

Traditional Christmas decorations, from ÂŁ1.79, and 7.5ft Washington tree, ÂŁ379.99, all from Wyevale Garden Centres

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Interiors

Go for a real-looking fake tree: Linea 6.5ft fir tree, £70; glitter star tree topper, £10, and bark tealight holder, £6, all available from House of Fraser

from banisters, curtain or picture rails and adding red bows to a wreath.”

For a luxury look, dress your tree from the back to the front, hanging up to four baubles all along each branch, depending on their length.

Place darker coloured baubles at the back, nearer to the trunk, and brighter shades nearer to the branch tip, to give the illusion of depth.

Or you could make a tree come alive with woodland creatures, a look which is very much in vogue at the moment and is sure to delight young and old alike.

“This is a cosy, comforting look featuring all the British wildlife characters. Owls are currently the most popular, along with squirrels, foxes, ‘Tiny creatures hedgehogs and stags,” says look perfectly Craig.

“Woodland motifs have feaat home on the tured strongly in decor for a branches and while now, and the reddish brown shades of the squirrels evoke a cosy, and foxes key into the trend for rustic feel’ copper tones in decor, so it’s not on a mantelpiece. Or spray pine surprising that they’re popular cones or leaves with copper for the tree. paint. to hang on your tree For “Of course, tiny creatures animal baubles, take a look at will look perfectly at home on the selection in the shops at the the branches and evoke a cosy, moment. rustic feel. Stand a tree in an old barrel or a Another magical look brings the outdoors wicker tree hamper to complement that look.” in, capturing the atmosphere of a winter wood, Bring in nature by making your own simple where snow-laden trees sparkle and shimmer. hanging decorations. Use spray-paint to em“This is a magical, winter wonderland effect, bellish a tree branch and decorate them with which – because of its neutral colour palette – tinsel and baubles to hang on a wall or display works with any decor and is hugely popular,”

[[

Bring a snowy scene indoors with this pre-lit flocked six-foot Whistler Tree, £75, and tree decorations from £6, from House of Fraser

says Roman. “Lightly flocked artificial trees with twinkling pre-lit white lights are perfect for this, and then all you need is a collection white or silver baubles – the ‘less is more’ rule definitely applies to this style.

“If pure white is too cool for your taste, warm up the effect with a few gold baubles. This metallic finish is enjoying a revival and will feature very strongly in collections next Christmas too.

For a finishing touch, make snowballs by simply rolling white or silver strands of tinsel into a ball, and pop them in between branches.”

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GET THE

LOOK Decorate for Christmas with animal magic and cheery traditional baubles

Father Christmas tin decorations £3.99 each, oakroomshop.co.uk

Linea glitter acorn £4 House of Fraser

Hendrick’s stag head decoration £6 Paperchase Joy sign £49.95 handpickedcollection.com

Squirrel decoration £3 George Home, Asda

Wooden Houses advent calendar £40 John Lewis

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Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Festive foliage Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, picks some greenery for Christmas here is a long history of bringing evergreens indoors to celebrate midwinter and even the smallest of gardens should yield strands of ivy and snippets of holly. Their freshness will make all the difference to Christmas decorations. I like to set a 1m/3ft high bunch of Pinus mugo, dogwoods, phormium, pittosporum, holly and elaeagnus in a large vase and decorate them with gilded apple and pear ornaments. Gathered now and placed straight in water, they should still be looking good on Christmas Day. Don’t worry about cutting from your plants, as this encourages new growth in spring.

A struggle to find anything out there suggests an over-fondness for secateurs and shears. Go a bit lighter on the trimming back and not only will wildlife love you, but there will be plenty of decorative greenery to choose from. Or your garden could be short of evergreens. As long as the ground is not waterlogged or frozen, you could plant now while the idea is fresh, or leave until spring.

The advantage of shopping now is evident as soon as you step into a good garden centre or nursery because they’ll have pushed their Don’t worry seasonal evergreens to the foreground in tempting displays. about cutting Hollies should be bought in plants for pairs if you want the females to set fruit, as apart from one Christmas or two exceptions, plants are foliage – this either male or female. When encourages they produce their small flowers in summer, you can see which is new growth for which because the males have spring prominent anthers, while the females show a small but discern-

T

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[[ 14/12/2015 16:30:03

ible fruit. For years, I thought the male hedgehog holly (Ilex aquifolium ‘Ferox Argentea’) sprawling at the feet of three females in our garden was enabling them to set fruit, but recently I learned it is sterile. Bees and other insects must be carrying pollen in from wild hollies up the lane.

I.x altaclarensis ‘Cameliifolia’ is a handsome girl with glossy, almost spineless leaves and a good set of bright red fruits. I.aquifolium ‘Amber’ bears yellow fruits and I’ve always liked I.a.‘Handsworth New Silver’ for her purple stems, creamy leaf margins and bright red berries.

To be sure of buying a pair, check their names as these are ripe for misinterpretation. For instance ‘Silver Queen’ and ‘Golden Queen’ are boys, while ‘Golden King’ and ‘Indian Chief’ are girls. Tough and adaptable, there are few places in a garden where a holly won’t take and grow. In a tiny garden or basement many are suitable for clipping into shapes and standards like prickly lollipops. RHS Rosemoor has a National Collection of hollies to compare and contrast.

Ivy is both a curse and a blessing because while excellent for wildlife (a food plant for holly blue butterfly, roosting and nesting for birds and hibernating butterflies, a nectar source from

September to November and provider of berries from autumn to April) it can also be a trial for the gardener. With immature climbing stems and a more mature, flowering shrubby form, it can swamp trees and ruin the paintwork on your house. Have it, but keep an eye on it. There are some lovely cultivated forms, such as Hedera helix ‘Halebob’ with neat, gold-edged leaves (Fibrex Nurseries, www.fibrex.co.uk).

I always hold misteltoe (Viscum album) in awe as it resonates with ancient times and mysticism.

Said to bring good luck, it is an intriguing parastite of trees like apple, poplar and lime. Gardeners often try to sow it onto apple boughs without success, because the seed is immature in January and you need a lot of attempts for a small number to take. Even then, male and female plants are needed for berries to form.

Try storing Christmas mistletoe fruits in a cool, light place such as a shed window until February. Better still, glean fruits in February or March from friends’ plants. Squeeze the sticky seeds on healthy young outer apple branches.

Then wait three or four years for a non parasitic hypocotyl to develop, stick itself to the bark, enter it and begin to truly grow. You would expect nothing less from mistletoe.

Question time with Anne Why won’t my cedar of Lebanon set any cones? There are two trees, growing in quite dry ground.

Cedrus libani is a beautiful and distinctive coniferous tree from Mediterranean regions.

Tall trees, they reach 30m/100ft and have a distinctive, tiered habit with layered branches of handsome, grey-green leaves. Trees produce pollen-bearing male cones in the autumn which resemble yellowish catkins about 8cm/3in long.

The brown 8-12cm/3-5in long female cones take a couple of years to mature before breaking up to release seeds. If your trees are quite mature, they should produce cones. While drought tolerant, they need some space to achieve their full potential and if they are crowded by other plants, it might be better to clear them a proper space and perhaps clear and mulch a generous planting circle around their trunks and under the canopy. Keep an eye on them to watch for the male and female cones.

Q

Anne’s advice for your garden

• Clean dead, spotted and yellowing older leaves from chard and brassica plants to tidy up the plants.

• Lift parsnips and leeks ahead of Christmas Day but heel them back into some loose soil in a sheltered spot in case we wake up to a frost and they can’t be dug on the day.

• Sow some parsley, as a cold period plus sudden raises

West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank

Q

This week’s gardening tips

in temperature when sun shines through the glass will help it germinate.

Seedlings should appear within a month.

• Start sorting, brushing out and restacking pots, seed trays and modules ready for the new growing season. A stock of good clay pots and pans are a luxury, so put them on your last minute Christmas wish list.

How can I make my anthurium bloom again?

It had plenty of flowers when it arrived but a year after, the leaves are green but smaller and no sign of a flower.

Anthuriums are flamingo flowers whose ancestors are native to tropical and subtropical South America. As with all house plants, you have to conjure an image of their natural habitat.

These plants are mainly epiphytic, so their roots would spread over tree bark and rock rather than push deep into the ground. They like constant, warm temperatures, high humidity and filtered light similar to that under a rainforest canopy.

My guess is that your plant is slightly short of light and plant food. During winter, you can place it close to a window but in spring and summer, move it further into the room or to a north facing window. Feed monthly with a well-balanced liquid feed and perhaps a squirt of foliar feed for good measure.

Gather A fruitful autumn left a plentiful natural larder for the birds but a sudden cold snap will see them clear holly, pyracantha and cotoneaster of fruits, leaving nothing for decorating wreaths and Christmas puds.

Gather some now, to store in a vase in a cool, bright place until needed.

Clean

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

Clean away dead leaves and spent flowers on porch and greenhouse plants. Clean any remaining dirty glass and if you see a lot of condensation inside, increase ventilation.

A damp, close atmosphere encourages grey mould.

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Beauty

[[ Highlighters are a must for parties, the key is to blend it in with your fingertips

Glow for gold Lavera So Glowing Highlighter, Golden Shine (Naturismo, £9.50) This highlighter adds a hint of gold shimmer to your cheekbones. I also tried using it to highlight my eyes, and it actually works!

Abbie’s

Shimmer Pixie Lott hair paint (Superdrug, £3.99) This is the perfect finishing touch to any party look. Add a little gold or silver sparkle to your hair, skin or clothes, safe in the knowledge that it washes away easily afterwards.

Red alert MDM Flow Lipstick Supreme (MDM Flow, £18) This matte red lipstick is the ultimate shade for making a bold statement. It is long lasting and doesn’t dry your lips out.

Beauty Box

Pretty Benefit Highbeam (Boots, £19.50) This highlighter is great for fair skin tones.

It adds a gorgeous pink shimmer across your cheekbones and lasts for ages.

Expert advice from beauty guru Abbie Bray of Newton Abbot It is that time of year again… yes the party season is in full swing.

Christmas is my favourite time of the year (and I am not afraid to admit it) and what better way to get in the festive spirit than painting your face and nails with the perfect party look?

Highlighters are a must for Christmas parties, giving your face a glow even in the depths of winter. If you have fair skin then go for a pink tone and for olive skin, a golden hue is perfect. They should always be applied sparingly. The key is to blend it in on your cheekbones with your fingertips, but be careful as a little goes a long way.

This week, I have selected a few of my favourite products that will make you the envy of any Christmas party.

At this time of year I think that you can get away with adding more sparkle. At Christmas, more really is more!

I really like the Pixie Lott hair paint. I was a a little afraid of it at first, but now I’m hooked. No Christmas party look is complete without it.

Quartet Mary Kay City Sophisticate eye palette (Mary Kay, £16) This palette was amazing. It adds a touch of sparkle to your eyes and is the perfect partner to match the nail varnish.

Berry nice Mary Kay Berry Stylish nail varnish (Mary Kay, £9) I love this colour. It is easy to apply, super shiny and lasted for over a week.

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Fashion

The edit Your straight line to style: cosy hats, gloves and scarves

Oliver Bonas £16

+ White Stuff £25

+

Jigsaw £69

www.bobbl.co.uk £50

+

Elen Angharad at designersmakers.com £59

+

www.peopletree.co.uk £45

New Look £14.99

+

+

Celtic & Co £65

Accessorize £27 29

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Star bag £9.99 New Look

Dress, £32 Rollneck, £12 Hat, £20 all BHS

Go for glow hen it comes to putting together an outfit for a winter’s evening, rich reds work particularly well with touches of gold. Think of the final leaves falling from the trees in an midwinter woodland for inspiration. We love this russet red dress from BHS, which coud take a touch of bling provided by the sparkly star bag from New Look.

Another metallics combination made in heaven meanwhile, are muted golds matched with moody arboreal greens and a shimmer of sliver.

Pair the Alma dress from White Stuff with the bauble earrings from George at Asda for an entrancing after-dark look from the forest.

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Star chandelier ring, £7.50 Dorothy Perkins 30

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Fashion

Valentine jacket £89 Phase Eight

Geisha dress £69 White Stuff Alma dress £89.95 White Stuff

Bauble earrings £3.50 George at Asda

Sparkly gold knit £39 Simplybe.co.uk

Gold spot wrap top by Martine McCutcheon for Fashion World £50

Gold metallic sandals £65 Wallis

ag £6 D re ss £1 2 b P ri m ark

Skirt £65 White Stuff 31

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Trend HOW TO WEAR IT:

Winter whites MAIN PHOTO HAIR: CHARLOTTE AT SAKS, EXETER MAKE-UP: CLARINS, DEBENHAMS (BOTH PRINCESSHAY) PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE HAYWOOD STILL-LIFE PHOTOGRAPHS: PR SHOTS. SHOOT ASSISTED BY: ELLIE JONES

Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod considers how well white lights up the dark

n a sea of LBDs, she who dares to embrace white, wins. I’ll admit I wasn’t sure about the wisdom of the trend when I first saw McQueen send its models down the runway in the palest of shades. Winter to me usually means a complete lack of any sort of tan and a comfy extra layer in certain spots, courtesy of mince pies – so why would I wear white of all colours?

Here’s why. White is the visual equivalent of throwing open the windows in the house once in a while. Sure, you were cosy and comfy before but it’s only when you feel the bracing fresh air do you realise how much you needed it.

I don’t know about you, but I can get a little complacent in the winter months. Dry shampoo, a oversize rollneck jumper, black skinnies, over-the-knee boots and out the door. Oh, and red lipstick and gold hoops if White is it is after dark. Having somethe visual thing like this uber glamorous, equivalent of yet wonderfully comfortable and warm jumpsuit and jacket throwing open in your cupboard will keep the windows in you from falling into that rut.

They’re magnificent together, the house once but also pack a serious punch in a while worn as separates.

Wearing white also forces you to up your hair and makeup game just a little bit. Pale shades are quite pristine and light up the wearer, essentially drawing attention to them. This means you’ll want to look your best, and will be more likely to give yourself that indulgent extra layered together. I look forward to wearing this ten minutes in front of the mirror before heading jacket over an impossibly soft grey cashmere out. Always a good idea, especially at this time knit with cream leather trousers and tan suede of year when it seems like everywhere you turn boots. I also have an amazing belted cardigan there is a cameraphone. that will dress this jumpsuit down just enough There is a nice amount of wiggle room in to wear to a quiet dinner in between Christmas ‘winter whites’ too. You don’t need to be head and New Year. to toe driven snow by any means. Pale greys, White is also the perfect background for pieces creams and soft latte shades look amazing all you want to pop. There are some fantastic over-

I

Jumpsuit, River Island, Princesshay, £55 Coat, River Island, Princesshay, £65 Shoes, River Island, Princesshay, £50 Clutch bag, River Island, Princesshay, £15

sized scarves in the stores at the moment. Add one to your palest ensemble to allow it to take centre stage. Got a favourite pair of red heels?

Now is the time to let them shine. Even if it is just a bold new lipstick shade you have been dying to try out, take the opportunity to let your statement of choice do the talking.

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

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GET THE

look

NEW LOOK ribbed high-neck midi dress £24.99

MONSOON Eszter maxi dress £119

HOBBS Airlie trousers £119

NEW LOOK gold leather heels £34.99

DEBENHAMS Red Herring jumper £30 MISS SELFRIDGE dress £39

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culture vulture Our unmissable guide to what’s on in the Westcountry by arts expert Sarah Pitt Game on There’s been a resurgence of interest in game in recent years, but do you know how to prepare a feathered brace of pheasants, pigeon, or a haunch of venison for the pot?

Chef George Pascoe will show you how to confidently source, prepare and cook a variety of this wild meat on a one-day course at Philleigh Way, his Cornish cookery school near Truro.

The next course at the cookery school is on January 30. To book a place, which costs £150, see www. philleighway.co.uk

Write that novel Solstice celebrations Penzance will be all lit up on Monday evening in celebration of the winter solstice. Its ancient Montol Festival marks the ‘coming of the light’ with a parade of lanterns through the streets to light the town’s Midwinter Fire.

Anyone can join the parades, and many wear the traditional masks, ribbons and hats (there are mask and lanternmaking workshops at Penzance College of Art

today). The free festival begins with entertainment at midday procession starts at 4pm. You can also enjoy Christmas music tomorrow at St Mary’s Church,

when the Penzance Youth String Orchestra and Penzance Junior Strings will play from 4.30pm.

See montol.info for more details.

Have you got a book inside you just waiting to burst out onto the page? Then Cornish author Vanessa Matthews, the author of dark psychological thriller The Doctor’s Daughter, is here to help. She will be leading a residential writing retreat at The Vean in south Cornwall from February 29 to March 4. The course costs £685 per person, including four nights’ accommodation in this gracious house on the Caerhays estate, along with meals, unlimited tea and coffee and tuition.

See www.thevean.co.uk

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Enjoy

Your stars

by Cassandra Nye

Happy birthday to...

This week’s sign:

Jenny Agutter

The sun moves from Sagittarius into independentminded Capricorn on Tuesday. Self-disciplined Capricorns are by no means born chancers, which means you’re a friend that can be relied on. But it’s okay, too, to take the occasional risk and have a bit of fun. Letting your hair down from time to time won’t hamper your drive to succeed.

born December 20, 1962 Taunton-born Jenny won hearts (and still reduces us to tears every Christmas) as Bobby in classic film The Railway Children. More recently, she’s been the much-loved Sister Julienne in Sunday evening favourite, Call the Midwife. The daughter of an Army officer, she had a peripetetic childhood, but fell in love with Cornwall, where she has a second home, after filming The Eagle has Landed alongside Michael Caine and Donald Sutherland. Jenny, who’s married to hotelier John Tham, played the manager of a travelling opera company in Cornish Theatre company’s micro-budget film Tin, released earlier this year.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) You can sparkle with the best of them and are really in your element this week. An invitation that is some time off may not seem important but it could be crucial.

Were you hoping to keep the holiday simple?

Ah well, you will just have to go with the flow.

A plan for the next few days may need a few changes but make them quickly.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Finding it hard to choose between one invitation and another? Toss a coin and then you can blame fate if you chose the wrong one. Only joking! This is a week in which you sparkle and shine. Someone is trying to make eye contact. Have you noticed?

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Keep loved ones entertained by choosing a novel way to deliver gifts. Will you dress as Santa or the Christmas fairy?

However you celebrate, remember it is a time for family first and let everyone who is positive be your best friend. Get out and gaze at this week’s Full Moon with a loved one.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) We all love a party, right? Let’s have none of those excuses! Kick off your shoes and live in the moment. So what if not everything is perfect in your life? That is going to change. All you need this week is a big smile and the will to have fun.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Want to stay low-key this week? Not much chance of that unless you hide behind a Christmas tree. If you do, then it should be with someone very special. Consider older relatives and friends and be sure to give them love and attention. Remember that a small gesture can mean the world to someone at this time of the year especially.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Whatever makes the time go so quickly?

Could it be that you have been having fun? You need to forget what has not been done now and start to get into the holiday mood. Make the way that you give presents humorous and different and they will be remembered. Forget the emails for loving messages.

Isn’t a hug much better?

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) This is a week in which you invariably have to kiss some garden gnomes. Do it with goodwill and a touch of humour.

Yes, flirty people are around and they do not all look like Pierce Brosnan! A relative surprises you by showing a hidden talent. You thought that you knew them well!

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Someone who shows a bit too much interest in you could give you a touch of the shudders. Their flirty attitude may be quite harmless but you don’t have to be alone with them, do you? Looking for the best in others has the effect of bringing out the best in yourself.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Something you wished for some time ago could be in your stocking. Has your wishful thinking paid off ? A sensitive soul could be taken aback by a sharp remark you consider amusing. Don’t assume that you will not enjoy a certain invitation.

It could bring out the adventurer in you! Full Moons are very special for you. The next one means lots of love and affection is coming.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Have you been too busy to organise that get-together? Maybe something next week could fit in better. A promise to keep in touch with a relative should be honoured. The offer may be much more important to them than you realise. Just when you thought nothing could surprise you, the Full Moon brings a reconciliation and a proposition.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Keep the socials spinning by issuing a few invitations for after New Year.

Maybe someone in their family could be special to you? Someone who is trying to let you know how they feel may be being a tad too subtle. A special closeness with family and friends arrives with the Full Moon.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Maybe you should get family and friends together more often? Certainly this week brings forth a revelation from more than one place. A relative has hidden depths that make them far more interesting than you could have dreamed. Be sure to ask older people about what they did when they were young. An eye-opener comes with the Full Moon on the 25th!

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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

BUBBLY BUBBLE BURST The NHS has burst the bubble on recent media reports claiming three glasses of champagne a week could help stave off dementia, because the research, assessing ability to negotiate a maze after imbibing, was conducted on rats!

The health body warns: “While we can’t say for certain whether drinking champagne will have any effect on your future dementia risk, we can say that drinking high levels of alcohol is likely to cause many other health risks.” Killjoys!

Puppy love

Feeling ruff? Stroking a dog for 18 minutes can boost immunoglobulin A antibodies that fight infections such as colds, according to a study in the US. But remember: a dog is for a life, not just for the festive sneezon.

FULL OF FIBRE Beat the bloat this Christmas by including high fibre vegetables such as kidney beans, asparagus, lentils and broccoli in salads accompanying leftovers. If you’re going to struggle to fit a high-fibre meal in among the mince pies and canapes, pysillium seed husk is a digestive wonder. You can buy it in loose form, which you dilute in plenty of water, or in caspules. Health Plus sells them via independent health food shops at £7.75 for 90 capsules.

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Just add water!

How stylish is this BU Water bottle, created by design graduate Richard Braine? He was inspired to give ‘ugly’ plastic drinking bottles a facelift, and his chic design is functional, too, with lids made from bamboo and a charcoal filter that extracts chemicals and chlorine taste from tap water.

For each one sold, a donation will be made to Charity:Water which provides safe drinking water to communities across the developing world.

Richard raised funds to begin manufacturing them via Kickstarter. It’s hoped the first will be ready May. Pre order yours, at £29, from buproducts.co.uk

power nuts life’s for living Life begins at 68, according to a poll by Cigna Insurance Services which says we’re living longer yet feeling younger. Cigna’s identified five key distinctive tribes among the over 50s, including make-the-most-of-life ‘hedonists’. Would it surprise you to learn that most of this group are women? They’re inspired by attitudes they formed in the 1960s and 1970s. Keen to travel, get out and enjoy life, like Thelma and Louise they aim to leave worries about work and family behind. You go, girls!

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

A US senator is getting steamed up about a new kind of peanut butter, concerned that it may pose health risks for children. It’s called STEEM and is caffeinated – a serving contains the same amount as two cups of coffee. Its makers say that the slowrelease protein in the peanut butter helps deliver a sustained energy boost that could benefit athletes, or office workers with long and boring meetings scheduled!

@WMNWest or email westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 37

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Wellbeing

Should I ditch the diet?

Christmas goodies are tempting me s there really any point in trying to be good at Christmas? I’ve been gradually losing weight and am thrilled with the results. I really don’t want to undo all my good work, but know I’ll be miserable if I don’t indulge in the usual feasts or treats,

I

either!

Devon-based dietian Sophie Medlin says: At Christmas time many of us gain weight. It is a time when temptation is everywhere and willpower is low. The good news is that the studies show that most people only gain an average of 0.48kg or 1.05lb over Christmas, which is much less than you might have guessed! The bad news is that most people never lose the extra weight so it continues to build up over the years.

That said, as it is only a small amount of weight gain for most people, losing it in the New Year shouldn’t be too much of a struggle if we put our minds to it. The alternative is to exercise self control and enjoy the festive treats in moderation. This is especially important if you have an underlying health problem.

Some Christmas foods are more of a burden to Irish Cream liqueur has the same calories as four our waistline than others. As a general rule, anychocolate profiteroles! A good idea is to enjoy thing with pastry is very high in fat and calories, these things instead of, not as well as, dessert! so think twice before accepting that second (or On the big day, relax and unwind and definitethird!) mince pie. ly don’t worry about your diet.

Generally, nuts are very A lot of people enjoy a walk on good for us but at Christmas Boxing Day as a convivial way to time, they are usually coated in get some exercise to compensate Some favourites honey or heavily salted which for some of the over-eating! are the worst makes us eat more than we If you are trying to stay in should. Salty and sugary snacks control of your weight, use offenders – a also make us more thirsty and the days between Christmas small glass of as most people like a drop or and New Year to concentrate Irish Cream two of alcohol over Christmas, on healthier eating and getthis can also make us drink too ting some exercise in. Overall, liqueur has the much. Not only does alcohol through, the message is that at same calories as cause damage to our bodies but Christmas time it is a near imit makes us lose our inhibitions, possible to stay on track with four profiteroles which is dangerous when there any diet so ‘eat, drink and be is a buffet nearby! Most people merry’ and look out for the New also find they are more likely to Year dieting article in January! binge on unhealthy foods the day after over indulging on alcohol so the cycle continues.

Sophie Medlin works with individuals and organiAlcohol itself also contains a large amount sations to manage their health through diet. Contact of calories and some of our Christmas favourites sophie@sophiedietitian.com, call 07795 123030 or are the worst offenders. A small glass (50ml) of visit sophiedietitian.com

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Eat

Ingredient of the Week

Le overs with Tim Maddams eftovers are likely to feature on it, which is a great shame for obvious reasons. the menu in many homes next My no-waste plan of attack is simple. weekend. But at our place, years of Everything that will keep longest goes on careful practice combined with our the top shelf in the fridge and then we work habit of sharing downwards to the bits and Christmas Day with friends bobs that need using up asap. means we don’t really have Greens often get overlooked, but Odds and much left over come Boxing shredded and added to stock they Day. make an excellent broth. And if ends le over So while the odds and ends from there’s half a pot of cream going certainly find Christmas Day will certainly spare, why not dice some ham, a home – we find a home – there were ham chop some garlic into it, add some and Brussels sprout fried cream and toss it into pasta? had ham and wontons last year! – it’s more a Herbs are a common casualty of Brussels sprout case of what I can do to use up the Christmas fridge, so I always the leftover ingredients, rather make pesto or green sauce with fried wontons than making whole new dishes them for Boxing Day. This goes last year! with leftovers. well with the little dishes I put It has got me thinking about together to increase the chances the little odds and ends we often of using up those odds and ends. have kicking about. So often a This is quite a bit of work, but the recipe will call for half a something or a handful key here is get everyone else involved. Then the of that – but what do you do with what is left fun gets going and the tasty treats keep coming over? It is easy to overlook something and waste – what’s not to like?

L

[[

Fun and fast Slice cold bread sauce, fry it and serve with pesto on top Shred a little leftover pheasant and make some spicy wraps Get pickling. Surplus turnips, carrots and beetroot will all quick pickle very well. Just peel, slice and salt them then add vinegar.

Freeze leftover freshly cooked stocks, sauces and meats.

Final dregs: chuck all the opened wine into a pan with spices and honey and simmer.

Happy Christmas! @TimGreenSauce

Tim Maddams is a Devon chef and author of Game: River Cottage Handbook no. 15 (Bloomsbury £14.99) 39

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Drink

BLUEBEARDS IN PLYMOUTH Hunter’s Brewery’s collaboration with men’s grooming products company, The Bluebeards Revenge, has gone on sale in Plymouth Wetherspoon pubs.

Made with Citra and East Kent Goldings hops, combined with malted barley and wheat, the beer is bottled conditioned and weighs in at 5.1% ABV.

Beer of the week My favourite brew at the St Austell Brewery Celtic Beer Festival (a few days ago as I write this) was a one-off created by head brewer, Roger Ryman, called Underdog Session IPA (3.5% ABV). Interestingly, this intensely hoppy, crisp and clean beer was available in cask and keg and, traditionalists, look away now, the keg was superior. Would love to see this one brewed again (and available in a St Austell pub).

Darren Norbury

talks beer ix days to go – it’s time to get the whom I do some work) St Piran’s Porter, or a beer beers in, if you haven’t already. like Forge Brewery’s ruby red Dreckly.

Time to seek out your local bottled For your drinks party, if serving pizza, dips, beer shop, or visit a local brewer’s or sandwiches, there’s no reason not to go for shop to see if they have mini-kegs, perhaps, or lager, but instead of the usual supermarket suspolypins (18 or 36-pint fresh pects, look at local brands such St beer containers).

Austell Korev or Sharp’s Cornish Beer is for life, of course, Pilsner. Cold meats could benefit and not just for Christmas, but from an amber bitter or brown Do you always these coming two weeks are the ale, such as Hanlon’s Stormstay have wine with time to push the boat out, when or Skinner’s Jingle Knocker (one Christmas “a pint of the usual” just won’t of my favourite seasonal brews). do. It’s not just so you can have A stronger bitter, for instance dinner? Why, beer for when friends drop Otter Head or a Spingo Middle, when decent round (for this, a polypin conloves a robust, flavoursome beer will do the tainer with a tap is great). But cheese from a board crammed do you always have wine with with Westcountry examples. job just as well, if Christmas dinner? Why, when Lest anyone think I’m anti-vegnot better? decent beer will do the job just etarian (as it happens, I married as well, if not better? Also, you one and cook a lot of vegetarian might find beer less expensive. food) the nut roast, depending on Most of us, vegetarians aside, its density and intensity would will probably tuck into turkey on Christmas work with either a Pilsner-style lager or pale, Day and a light coloured beer with some good or a mild or even stout. Whichever beers you hop notes will work well here, such as a Harchoose, I hope you enjoy them. Remember, too, bour Brewing Company Pale Ale, or Bays Brewto pay your local pub a visit, and make a New ery Gold. Wheat beers can work well, too, and Year resolution to try more varied beers and suphere’s one case where I might look overseas, to port the booming British beer industry. We are Germany’s Erdinger Hefe Weisse, for example. becoming a nation of brewers and I kind of like Smoked salmon pairs well with a roast maltthat. Happy Christmas! driven porter, such as Coastal Brewery’s (for @beertoday

S

exeter beer festival

If you love winter beers, Exeter FC’s the place to be on January 15 and 16 when the city and east Devon branch of CAMRA stages its annual winter beer festival. I really enjoyed last year’s, which featured several Westcountry brews I’d not come across before. More details at http:// eedcamra.wix.com/exeter1

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Shop

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ake Christmas shopping a dream this year by popping into Drake Circus.

With 70 top brand stores under one roof – many offering Click And Collect – you’re sure to find the perfect present. Here’s a few ideas...

Accessorize is packed with great festive gift ideas right now. Try this ombre faux fur tippet, a cosy checked scarf or a furry pom pom beanie.

For the man in your life, head for Drakes Jewellers – surely he’d love an Emporio Armani watch, Duncan Walton cufflinks or Citizen Eco Drive L Sunrise watch? Also, a Jack Wills men’s rucksack

M

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Marc Jacobs Decadence £48 The Fragrance Shop

With more than 70 great brands, convenient late-night shopping and a magical Christmas grotto – plus lots of stores offering Click and Collect, Drake Circus Shopping Centre in Plymouth is sure to make your Christmas shopping both easy and fun... and a lovely M&S Collezione briefcase look like seriously good options.

For pet lovers, look no further than Cath Kidston. Their oh-so-pretty dog beds, glamour leads and cute collars are totally adorable. Beauty fans will appreciate a No7 Instant Glamour Kit or this retro-cute Soap and Glory Soaper Star from Boots.

For lovers of fine scents, hit the Fragrance Shop. We love Marc Jacobs Decadence perfume from the Fragrance Shop or Hugo Boss The Scent.

Kids are easy to buy for at Drake Circus, too:

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Shop No7 Instant Glamour Kit £20 Boots

Ombre faux fur tippet £32 Accessorize

Emporio Armani Classic watch £159 Drakes Jewellers

Soap & Glory Soaper Star £20 Boots

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Check scarf £19 Accessorize

Citizen Eco-Drive L Sunrise watch £219 Drakes Jewellers pop into The Entertainer for toys, great clothes at Primark and H&M, and cool stationery at Paperchase. And don’t forget Drake Circus’s Christmas Grotto. You can book your slot with Santa online [www.drakecircus.com] or find him in the atrium of Drake Circus.

Still dithering about what to get? Here’s the perfect suggestion: hy not get a Drake Circus Gift Card – with 70 stores to choose from, your recipient can choose whatever they wish for Christmas. Or even better – suggest they buy you one and you’ve got Christmas wrapped!

Fur Pom beanie £19 Accessorize

Champneys Relaxation hamper £60 Boots

43

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Porthtowan

My favourite...

My Secret Westcountry Mark Etherington Mark Etherington is behind the Brian Etherington Meat Company, founded by his grandfather Robert in 1954 and later run by his father, Brian. As well as supplying meat to butchers across the Westcountry, it has a farm shop and butchery academy at Wheal Rose, Scorrier. Mark, who has a teenage son, lives in Truro.

Walk: I often head to Porthtowan when I finish work as it’s just a short drive from our offices and farm shop. A walk along the cliffs is the perfect wind-down after a busy day, followed by a pint at The Blue Bar. Beach: I really enjoy getting out on a stand-up paddleboard. Starting at Maenporth, I work my way round to Gyllyngvase beach in Falmouth, where I have a rest before returning – that way I get to enjoy two of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall in one trip.

Festival: I’m a big fan of the Eden Sessions and try to go to at least one gig there every year.

This year it was Paolo Nutini who I thought was excellent – although it’s such a brilliant setting for a concert that it doesn’t really matter who you see!

Activity: I’ve always loved playing football.

I’m currently with the Truro College team and I also used to play for St Day FC. Local clubs are always looking for people who are keen to play and it’s a great way to meet new people.

Food: The Trevethick’s pasties we sell are 44

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People

Trevethick’s pasties

The Old School Bar & Kitchen

Tribute bitter

Cream tea

The Eden Sessions

The Blue Bar the best pasties ever – and I’m not just saying that! They are made to a secret family recipe belonging to Ian Trevethick – the recipe is four generations old and uses only the finest Cornish produce. I have one for lunch on a regular basis, as you just can’t beat them.

Tipple: I’ve been known to enjoy a pint of Tribute or two! I think it’s a great Cornish export and I take my hat off to St Austell for making it such a success.

Pub: My current favourite pub is The Old School Bar and Kitchen at Mount Hawke. They

do amazing burgers but we’ve also been going for Sunday lunch a lot recently – it’s the perfect spot to kick back after a busy week.

Restaurant: Gravy Boesti in Truro is a firm favourite at the moment. I have been so impressed with the food here on our recent visits and the staff are always welcoming and helpful.

Way to relax: My ultimate day of relaxation would involve borrowing my dad’s boat and heading off down the Carrick Roads (the estuary of the Fal River). The scenery is stunning and there are plenty of places to pull up for

lunch or a drink.

Weekend away or overnight stay: That would have to be Lewtrenchard Manor near Okehampton in Devon. It’s a luxury country hotel surrounded by beautiful grounds and rolling hills. A weekend here feels like a total escape, and the food is also delicious.

Shop: Darts Farm is fabulous; I love stocking up in the food hall after browsing the other shops on site. It’s a great example of a successful rural venture which combines lots of different elements but has local produce at its heart.

Visit the online farm shop at www.etherington-meats.co.uk 45

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My life

man and boy

It’s nearly here Phil Goodwin, father of James, five, contemplates Christmas

W

[

be a watching brief involving a tickling of the website and a few wise words from our reigning monarch. Ideally, after that, I would settle down, drink in hand and watch a few old films – White Christmas always hits the spot, and of course the Porridge movie is a timeless classic – but I will instead be sticking together Lego bricks to construct the compound for the white, genetically modified dinosaur from Jurassic World, the Indominus Rex. This will no doubt be followed by multiple reenactments. The film has held my young son under its spell for half a year, a love affair that shows no sign of ending. I welcome the obsession, though. He may drive others nuts with his incessant chirruping about long-dead lizards but not me. What’s not to like about dinosaurs, apart from them actually existing? Besides, I loved the film too.

Anyway, Christmas is the time to count your blessings and the lad is indeed a priceless gift. Watching the progress he has made at school and in life this year has been a delight. The odd bedtime tantrum aside, he is impeccably well-behaved and polite. So I will bend my elbow this year to toss back a drink with a mixture of sadness, nostalgia but, for the main part, thanks for what I’ve got. For us football fans, they say it is the hope that kills you but of course in real life, it

Christmas is a time to count your blessings, and the lad is indeed a priceless gift

is the one thing that keeps us all going. At the turning of the year, we also forward to brighter, better things to come. As everyone now knows, my team Liverpool are coming to Exeter in the FA Cup in a few weeks, not a hundred yards from where I live. Here’s to all things shiny and glittering. Merry Christmas.

[

main picture: Steve Haywood

elcome to the run in. Only a handful of chocolates are left in the Thomas the Tank Engine advent calendar, which means the event is nearly close enough to touch.

If you are struggling through the sensitive morning after the infamous Black Friday, then pour yourself another coffee. If, like me, you have left the shopping list until late once again, better sharpen the elbows and get ready to do battle, credit card in hand, in the packed aisles and snaking queues.

Yes, the festive season has crept up once again. Like Noddy Holder in a glittering stovepipe hat, tiptoeing to your snoozy bedside before bellowing in your ear the famous line of Slade’s classic Number One: “IT’S CHRISTMAAAAS!” I could harp on about rampant commercialisation, adopt a lofty position from which to scoff at the lost meaning of Christmas, but it would be fake, a pose. I have always loved it. Though, after losing my mother this year, I have to admit, I have not been looking forward to it much this year.

Since leaving home I had always made the trip back north from wherever I was to be with her for Christmas Day, so next Friday will be a bit odd. Last year I spent the morning of December 25 in a ward of Whiston Hospital, Merseyside, so things can’t get much worse than that. It is a time of year when you can’t help casting your mind back, remembering gatherings gone by, good and bad. This year, I will raise a glass to one more, dear absent friend.

This year, for the first time, I will be working the big day. Yes folks, your Western Morning News never sleeps, never takes a day off in the digital age. Conscious that celebrations might be a bit muted this year, I volunteered for duty. Hopefully, barring catastrophe, this will 46

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