West Magazine December 17 2016 by DCMedia

17.12.16

Ways to add Yuletide sparkle

DON’T MISS:

Lesley Joseph’s Plymouth panto

SAVING GRACE: Celebrity food fixes

Time for some

FESTIVE FUN · Fabulous Christmas quiz · £500 worth of prizes · Last-minute gifts

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‘I love pantomime so much. I can’t imagine Christmas time without it’ Lesley Joseph plays the Wicked Queen in Plymouth, p12

FESTIVE FEASTING Make your dinner look divine

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST! Why Carey Mulligan is speaking out

[contents[ Inside this week... 6

THE WISHLIST Our pick of the best treats this week

JUST BETWEEN US... Why Carey Mulligan is speaking out

STRICTLY QUEEN OF PANTO Lesley Joseph on stage in Plymouth

SHINE LIKE A STAR Sequins, sparkles and smiles

SLIM PICKINGS Smart ways to avoid weight gain

IT’S QUIZ TIME! Win £400 in our fun family brainteaser

LOOKING DELICIOUS Christmas dinner gets a makeover

JUST ASK GRACIE Our style guru solves your problems

SHINE LIKE A STAR Sequins, sparkles and smiles

BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

SMALL BITES What’s hot in the South West foodie world

A DROP OF THE HARD STUFF April Marks finds new ways with whisky

TOP CHEFS HELP OUT Wise advice from celebrity foodies

BACK IN THE BOX Chris McGuire considers hibernation

WATER OF LIFE New ways with whisky

STRICTLY PANTO

We meet Lesley Joseph in Plymouth 3

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JUST ADD SPARKLE

The best looks for the holidays

[ welcome [ If you’re in search of entertainment, look no further... f you’re planning some time off with family and friends over the holidays and I do hope you are - then we’ve got some great entertainment for you in this edition of West. Our sensational annual Christmas Quiz (p16) is as fun as ever, with lots of brain-teasers to puzzle over and some terrific prizes to be won. So if you think you know which Westcountry cathedral has three spires, the name of Prince Harry’s girlfriend and what Frosty the Snowman’s eyes were made from, you could be in line to win one of eight superb prizes. We’ve got everything from local food hampers to gift vouchers up for

[

of the week @PGBSidmouth Lovely little mention by @CotleyXmasTrees in today’s @WMNWest shhhhh - don’t tell everyone #sidmouth

grabs - more than £400 worth of treats in all. So sharpen your pencils - and your wits - and give it a try. Good luck! Elsewhere in the magazine, we meet the fabulous Lesley Joseph, who talks Strictly, Birds of a Feather and being an icon in her 70s to our feature writer Chris McGuire. He caught up with Lesley in rehearsal at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal - she’s in their spectacular pantomime this year, which opens this weekend. It’s well worth a visit. Finally, do check out our recipe for roast turkey on page 36 - it’s just a little bit different and totally delicious. Have a great weekend!

[

We meet the fabulous Lesley Joseph, who’s in Plymouth right now

TO ADVERTISE: Contact Cathy Long: 01752 293017 or 07557 576668, clong@dc-media.co.uk EDITORIAL: westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk Tel: 01392 442250 Twitter @wmnwest

[

[ Becky Sheaves, Editor

COVER IMAGE: Christmas at the National Trust,, Tyntesfield, by Steve Haywood

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Phil Goodwin

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Gillian Molesworth

Cathy Long

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If you do one thing this week... Looking for that perfect present for a Westcountry Christmas? Rudds Wellingtons – based in Salcombe, south Devon - are a new brand of wellies that are cleverly designed for the realities of rural life. There are three types of Rudds – sailing, farming and riding. The riding wellies (pictured here) are smart, stylish and practical, guaranteed for 12 months and lined with warm neoprene. Designed to be stirrupfriendly for riding, they are also comfy on a long walk and have a reflective stripe up the back – a clever idea to keep you and your horse safe in traffic. £120, buy online at www.ruddswellies.co.uk

Win

We have a pair of Rudds riding wellies to be won, worth £120. To enter, simply tell us where Rudds are based. Send your answer, together with your name, address phone number and email to: Rudds competition, westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk to arrive by December 30. Alternatively, you can post your answer to: West magazine, Queen’s House, Little Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3LJ. Normal terms apply, West will not share your details. 5

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Chunky cable knit jumper £22 M&Co

GLAM Travel jewellery box £16 Oliver Bonas

the

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

GIFTS! Christmas present sack £17 Amara

Snowman lantern £15 Heatons

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Wishlist

Eichholtz Windolf table lamp £495 Sweetpea & Willow

Wine carafe £35 Designist

Pleated cropped trousers £42 Littlewoods.com

COSY Lambswool Knit Throw £140 Kelly Hoppen

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talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life... How to survive the bleak midwinter his is my first winter as a horse owner in the North Atlantic, and once again, my appreciation is renewed for farmers and anyone else who keeps livestock. It’s hard work. Actually, it isn’t the work that’s the troubling part: it’s the adverse circumstances. It’s the lack of grass, and the frozen pipes out of which you can’t get your horse’s nostrils – that’s what water. It’s the constant mucking makes it worth it. out because the animals are kept Or it would, if our two weren’t inside more. It’s the temperatures being funny about being ridden that make life an endless sucout alone. cession of rugs, with their clips, Horses don’t like being alone, buckles, and Velcro that always and they don’t like leaving their seem to malfunction when you stable companions. They are herd need them most. You have to keep creatures. You can overcome this devising new ways of thinking by being a good leader, riding around problems. positively and giving them other And riding itself is tricky at things to think about than their this time of year. own insecurity. But I’m writing this when they get starin a frosty week, tled and want to run Confidence can and you don’t home, it’s hard not want the horses to share the feelmake all the slipping around, ing: after all you’re difference to especially as the sitting on a 500kg almost anything: frost makes them animal that, let’s lively. That rules schoolwork, sport, face it, is only giving out the “first you the illusion of making yourself thing in the morncontrol. ing” ride. The What they need is attractive to “after school” confidence, and you another person... ride is a no-go on have to be the one to twilit roads: just provide it. yesterday I saw Confidence. Isn’t some fearful pictures of a girl it interesting how important that whose horse was hit by a motorquality is. Confidence can make ist. The horse’s legs were knocked all the difference to almost anyout from under it and it was carthing: schoolwork, sports, making ried, wedged into the windscreen, yourself attractive to another before the driver braked and person, succeeding in your career, threw the horse forwards again, taking risks. It is an essential elebristling with broken glass. Forment of horsemanship. tunately they all lived to tell the I am still working on my contale, but with scars. fidence, which is not at 43 what When you do manage to get it was at 19. First, I’m just going out, the landscape is beautiful: to get through the winter. Winter sparkling frosty hills, blue sky, solstice, right? Roll on longer days plumes of steam coming from and warmer weather…

SPARKLING

sequins

The actress Naomi Watts dazzled as she attended the premiere of Allegiant in New York. The actress picked a fully sequined silver-and-black ensemble from the American designer Derek Lam’s Autumn/Winter 2016 collection. High-shine pieces are a must this season as they give a shot of glamour to every outfit. Luckily, you can get a similar look straight from the high street. We love this relaxed top from Apricot, where the sequins add a little pizzazz to a laid-back weekend look.

Sequin tunic top £22 Apricot

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION A Sparkle Star by Julien Macdonald cami top £45 Debenhams

OPTION B Shimmer

Myleene Klass all over sequin top £50 Littlewoods.com

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

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17.12.16

GOING FOR GOLD Tom Daley has just cohosted the British Olympic Association’s fund-raising ball in London alongside Claudia Winkleman, in a strong hint that his future plans are still all about the Olympics. The event was a celebration of Team GB’s success in Rio, where Tom, 22, won a diving pairs bronze medal but missed out on individual gold. It was the last fun event of his extended break after the Rio Olympics and now the Plymouth diver is back in the pool training again. Yes, he is hoping to compete – and win gold this time - in

Just

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

the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “I’m going to keep going as hard as I can until I’m Olympic champion,” he says.

CAREY’S ON THE CASE!

[[ ‘I’d be up for behaving badly again’

TIME FOR A REUNION? Caroline Quentin – who lives in Devon, near Tiverton – has hinted that she would like to reprise her role as Dorothy in Men Behaving Badly. The hit sitcom, which ran

from 1992-98, saw Caroline working alongside Martin Clunes (who lives in nearby Dorset!). She said recently: “I watched Cold Feet this week which I loved. So it can work!”

Carey Mulligan says that since having her daughter, Evie, she has become all the more determined to help the children of Syria. “Since having my daughter it just drives home even more how unimaginable it would be for my daughter to be in any of these situations and to have to deal with any of this,” she said recently at a rally calling for action in Syria. “It just really drives me to speak out and do more if I can.” Carey lives on a farm near Exeter with her musician husband Marcus Mumford. She says: “I’m safe in the knowledge that when I put Evie down to bed she is safe. The parents in Aleppo aren’t. They don’t know what the night will bring.” The actress is an ambassador for the charity War Child, and says she wants to “stand up and say that we need to do something real.” 9

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DREAMING OF

A DRAKE CIRCUS

CHRISTMAS

• Late night Thursdays till 9pm • Over 70 stores • Big brand names you’ll love

drakecircus.com

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talking points A HISTORY

of the

WEST in

100

objects The best way to:

ENJOY A FESTIVE TIPPLE Whether it is a pint of Christmas ale, a mulled wine or an indulgent hot toddy, here is our guide to the best places to enjoy a festive tipple around the South West with friends and family. • Mulled wine : Sip on a warm glass of Cornishproduced red mulled wine (£8 a bottle) packed with fruits and aromatic spices made at Polgoon vineyard on the edge of Penzance. Visit the vineyard shop and deli to purchase a bottle of the festive drink, Christmas gifts and hampers. Get in the Christmas spirit by enjoying a glass of mulled wine while browsing the local produce. www.polgoon.com. • Hotel heaven: Soar Mill Cove hotel near Salcombe in south Devon is offering a lovely Christmas package from December 23-27. Both family and dog-friendly, this relaxed hotel has fabulous sea views, an indoor pool and wonderful clifftop walks. Afterwards, their Land Rover can bring you back to the bar, where there are hot toddies waiting! Three night break from £695 www.soarmillcove.co.uk • Jolly holly: Celebrate the festive season with a glass of Jolly Holly, a winter ale launched by St Austell Brewery. Jolly Holly is a seasonal addition to the Cornish brewery’s popular range of beers, and has a dark chestnut colour with aromas of Christmas cake and spruce forest and a rich, complex depth of flavour that is distinctively fruity. Mmm! www.staustellbrewery.co.uk. • Cider special: Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm in Callestick, near Newquay, has created an aromatic festive tipple that blends its popular Rattler cider and a secret mix of spices. The mulled variety is for sale online at £34.95 for 12 500ml bottles and can be served chilled or warmed up, making it perfect for the chilly evenings. www. thecornishcyderfarm.co.uk.

23: HAYDON’S ‘MARCUS CURTIUS’ Painted by a Plymouth artist, 1836 to 1842 Julien Parsons is the Senior Collections Officer, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. He says: Life imitates art, they say. Tragically so in this painting by Benjamin Robert Haydon. He was born and raised in Plymouth and as a teenager worked at his father’s printing business. In 1804 Benjamin downed tools and set off for London. Inspired by fellow Plymothian Sir Joshua Reynolds, he dreamed of being a great painter. Unfortunately, Haydon had failings as an artist. Not least, an eye condition and a hot head: he argued relentlessly with patrons, artists and the Royal Academy. Also, he slaved over vast canvases that took years to paint while his debts piled up. In 1827 he went to debtors’ prison for the first of several stays. Above all, Haydon was a Romantic who believed in suffering for his art. The legend of Marcus Curtius was particularly appealing as it featured a soldier sacrificing his life to save Rome by leaping on horseback into a chasm.

For the face of Curtius, Haydon produced a self-portrait: it was the artist offering himself up for the sake of art. The critics did not recognise Haydon’s ‘genius’. He lived in the age of Turner and Constable, and in comparison his paintings seemed old-fashioned. In 1843 he received a crushing blow when his work was rejected for the new House of Commons. Depressed and disillusioned, Haydon took his own life on 22 June 1846.

#23

On display in Gallery 10, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter.

This Plymouth artist painted himself as a Roman soldier

Competition winner: Congratulations to Sue Summers of Torquay, who wins a £50 Princesshay gift voucher and £10 entry to the Princesshay Snow Globe in Exeter www.princesshay.co.uk

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People ‘I love pantomime so much. I can’t imagine Christmas time without it’

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Strictly the Queen of Panto chris McGuire talks to lesley Joseph, star of Birds of a feather and Strictly come Dancing, as she prepares to be very wicked in Plymouth this christmas.. t’s funny what music can do. A blast of the Birds of a Feather theme and I’m ten again, on a Sunday evening, thrilled to wring the last drops from my weekend in the company of Dorien, Sharon and Tracey. Some 25 years later, here I am chatting to the charming Lesley Joseph, whose impressive career has encompassed so much more than a certain Mrs D Green of Chigwell. “I just love pantomime,” says Lesley, 71, making no attempt to hide her enthusiasm. “You can do anything in it. I’ve been doing it for so long now, I can’t imagine Christmas without it.” This year, we here in the South West are in luck. Lesley will be appearing as The Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth. And it’s clear the prospect of spending the holiday season in the Westcountry appeals to her: “I’ve spent a lot of time over the years in Plymouth,” says Lesley. “I really love the Barbican and the Hoe, and going down to the Dolphin on the Barbican. “I love walking by the sea when it’s absolutely

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blustery and blowy and you can hardly walk. I love all that!” As we talk, it doesn’t take long to learn Lesley is a passionate advocate of pantomime: “It’s a British tradition. I think it’s a direct carry-on from Commedia

Le sl ey pl ay in g Do rie n Gr ee n in th e TV si tc om Bi rd s of a Fe at he r

tume changes, whereas when you’re doing the fairy godmother you stay in the same one until the finale. So playing this character is much more like being a Dame. Every time I come on I have a different costume.” Lesley will be playing opposite the former popstar Duncan James (38), who grew up in Sidmouth, east Devon, and found fame in the boy band Blue. “I’ve known Duncan for quite a long time now, so I’m really pleased. I love him, he’s a lovely boy. “He’s in Hollyoaks at the moment, so for him it’s a good year. I’m really looking forward to it. I think we have at least one number together, it’ll be a lot of fun.” Unable to control my excitement any longer, the 10-year-old me surfaces. I bring up Birds of a Feather, the iconic sitcom that made Lesley a household name. The show has recently found a new home on ITV. Is she surprised about its continuing popularity? “Not at all. We’ve stayed friends, we’re like family, so we always knew that the chemistry was still there. When ITV said they’d offer us eight episodes and we did it and it went out to huge rat-

‘I’ve spent a lot of time in Plymouth. I really love the Barbican and the Hoe and walking beside the sea’

dell’arte,” she explains, referring to the historic theatre form in which all actors wore masks. “Also we had variety, then double acts and people like Tommy Cooper, who worked very much on an audience. We’re used to ‘breaking that fourth wall’ and it’s just become a tradition in Britain.” ‘Breaking the fourth wall’ (talking to the audience) is something Lesley will be doing a lot of as The Wicked Queen. With 27 years of pantomime under her belt, does she prefer being a goody or a baddy? “Bad is always more fun to play than good. You bounce off the audience much more.” But Lesley has a few words of warning to any Wicked Queen wannabees: “It is more tiring. I have a lot of cos-

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People

ings I was pleased, but not 100% surprised.” I’ve heard whispers of Birds of a Feather special this Christmas. The rumours, it seems, are true: “The Christmas special we’ve done this year is fantastic, it’s a real romp. We thought: ‘Oh Birds on holiday in Marbella or the South of France or something.’ But it’s not that, it’s a real caper. It’s wonderful and it’s got some very, very iconic Birds moments in it.” All in all, it’s certainly been a busy year for Lesley. Her performances were one of the highlights of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. Lesley is eager to talk about the show, which to her was something of a busman’s holiday. “It was very enjoyable,” she says of taking part, “but it didn’t change my life – in as much as I didn’t suddenly discover things I didn’t know that I could do.” After all, as a veteran of many musicals, Lesley had been dancing for many years. “Although I don’t do ballroom dancing, I do musicals and therefore learning ballroom dances didn’t revolutionise my life. But it was great fun!” Did she have a favourite dance? “I didn’t really, every week I’d say ‘This my favourite dance now’. I enjoyed them all, actually.” Did she enjoy dancing with her partner Anton du Beke? “He was absolutely lovely, and a real professional.” Indeed, the energy levels Lesley displayed on the show were impressive, yet she’s keen to refute the idea that the fact she is in her seventies should be brought into the equation. “Age doesn’t come into it, that’s who I am, that’s what I do. Had I not been able to do it, I wouldn’t have done the show. “I didn’t go into it to be some sort of role model for older people, I went into it because I am me.” I can’t help admiring her attitude. What keeps Lesley so youthful? Perhaps, like another famous Dorian, she has a portrait in the attic? Lesley has the answer: “Exercise is the most important thing and keeps you young.” As our chat draws to a close I can’t help feel the ten-year-old me would have been impressed that I’d met Lesley. I’m equally sure the young me would love Lesley’s turn in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. To be honest, the older me is looking forward to seeing it, too. “I suppose one year I will suddenly say: ‘OK, this is too much now, I’ve had enough’,” says Lesley of pantomime. “But for me it’s not even work, it’s something I love doing.” I can only hope Lesley Joseph continues to enjoy enchanting audiences for many years to come. Lesley Joseph plays The Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at The Theatre Royal, Plymouth, from now until January 14. Tickets from £10, www.theatreroyal.com 15

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[

It’s quiz time! This festive season, why not play our fun family quiz – with some fabulous prizes to be won

[

Celebrities

Food and Drink

Westcountry roots: Can you identify these celebrities with links to the South West?

We all know the Westcountry has the best food! But do you know the finer details?

This author went to Exeter University and it’s said many locations around the city inspired her famous Harry Potter books

This fortified Devon beverage is made by monks

Which comedy legend lives in Fowey?

Rodda’s of Cornwall is famous for what naughty-but-nice scone essential?

This Monty Python actor was born in Weston Super Mare in 1939

This snack brand cooks its chips in Roborough, Devon - including Guinness flavour chips!

Torquay-born, this model and actress got her first leading role as Valentina in the 2009 film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

This award-winning cheddar is made on a farm in Newton St Cyres, Devon

This Plymouth-born athlete certainly knows how to make an entrance (into the swimming pool)

If you drink an Otter, what is it you are enjoying?

Yeo Valley is a family-owned farming and dairy company based in which village?

Who set up Riverford Organic, based in Buckfastleigh, Devon?

Which farm produces ice cream from their own cows in a small village near Newquay?

Proper Job is an authentic Indian Pale Ale brewed by whom?

10.

The River Cottage Canteen & Deli in Plymouth is linked to which celebrity chef?

As a member of the hugely successful band Coldplay, this singer hails from Whitestone, Exeter

Surprisingly, this ‘Only Way is Essex’ star is not of Essex origin. The DJ, model and reality TV personality was born and raised in beautiful Devon

This model’s Tavistock roots are no (Victoria’s) secret

Best known for his roles in A Street Cat Named Bob and Oscar-nominated Unbroken, this actor grew up in Sandford, near Crediton

10.

This tall, funny lady was born in Torquay and had a TV show named after herself before trying her hand at midwifery

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On the first day of Christmas... Christmas Songs Ding dong merrily on high – test your knowledge of Christmas carols 1.

Rudolph is most famous for his what?

How many swans are swimming in the Twelve Days of Christmas?

According to the song, what were Frosty the Snowman’s eyes made out of?

Mummy was seen kissing Santa Claus underneath the what?

Walking in the Air is the theme to which animated Christmas Classic?

In the carol Away in a Manger, little Lord Jesus slept on what?

What kind of pudding do the carollers demand in We Wish You a Merry Christmas?

“Pa rum pum pum pum” is (genuinely) a line from which Christmas carol?

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas is sung by which Canadian crooner?

10.

According to the song Jingle Bells, it was fun to ride around in a one horse open what?

In the news in 2016 Have you been paying attention? See if you can remember these noteworthy events! 1.

What ancient bridge was recently damaged by Storm Angus on Exmoor?

Which singer-songwriter, known as The Thin White Duke, passed away in January?

Which historic hotel in Exeter was ravaged by fire in November?

Which Penzance rower won Gold at Rio?

The carcass of a dead whale washed up on which Devon beach this year?

Theresa May took over the role as Prime Minister from whom?

Who became Prince Harry’s girlfriend in November 2016?

Young refugees from Calais were taken to a youth hostel in which north Devon town?

Walnut the Whippet took his final walk on which Cornish beach?

10.

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend was held in which Devon castle this year?

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Animals Furry, friendly or ferocious – how well do you know the animal kingdom? 1.

What type of animal escaped from Dartmoor Zoo in July?

What is the UK’s only poisonous snake?

3. 4.

The Devon Wildlife Trust has re-released what rare creatures into the River Otter? What is the name for a young female horse?

And a young male horse?

What is, officially, the UK’s national bird?

Red squirrels are endangered in the UK, due mostly to the presence of which other animal?

What is the name of a male deer?

What short-legged breed of dog has always held a special place in the Queen’s heart?

10.

Which is Britain’s most common type of owl?

TV and film Have you been glued to the box? 1.

The brooding 18th-century television series Poldark is set in which county?

Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins were the hosts of which popular TV cookery show?

Which English actor starred in both The Tunnel and Game of Thrones?

The film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them stars which leading male actor?

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver travels to some of the healthiest places on Earth to uncover their secrets in what show?

A Cottage on Dartmoor is a 1929 British silent film directed by whom?

Bruno Tonioli, Darcy Bussell, Goodman… who’s missing?

Who played King George VI in The King’s Speech?

10.

Which Gogglebox star recently went to the jungle to meet Ant and Dec?

4. 5.

David Tennant and Olivia Colman starred in which ITV detective series filmed in Dorset?

Len

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Where in the West? How well do you know the wonderful Westcountry? 1.

Also known as the English Riviera, this seaside resort town was home to Agatha Christie

Which town is famous for its Flaming Tar Barrels event every November 5?

In this town you’ll find Rick Stein’s flagship restaurant, The Seafood Restaurant

Where did the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America – and you can see their steps still today?

As the only city in Cornwall, it’s known for its Cathedral with three spires

This town’s name is derived from the Cornish Pen Sans, meaning holy headland, as a chapel once stood here more than a millennium ago

Which south Devon town has a reputation for welcoming alternative lifestyles and is rumoured to be “twinned with Narnia”?

Which town is known as “The Gateway to the Moor”?

This remote coastal spot in Cornwall was once an important landmark in world telecommunication?

10.

In the 20th Century this town became a haven for giants of British Modernism, notably Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson

Pantomime Oh no it isn’t! Test your panto knowledge here 1.

Which Cornish stand-up comedian is starring in Jack and The Beanstalk in Truro this Christmas?

What is Aladdin’s mum called?

What is the pantomime this year in Radio 4’s long-running soap opera The Archers?

What does Cinderella use for a coach (with a touch of magic) when she goes to the ball?

What special pet helps turn Dick Whittington’s life around?

Which Strictly Come Dancing star is appearing in panto in Plymouth this Christmas (there’s a clue on page 12 of today’s magazine!)

How many very small, bearded friends did Snow White find in the house in the woods?

How was Sleeping Beauty woken from her 100 year sleep?

Traditionally, what is the name for the leading young male role in panto (played by a woman in men’s clothes!)?

10.

And the name for the older female lead role (played by a man in woman’s clothes!)?

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Entry form Send your answers to West Magazine, Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House, Little Queen St, Exeter EX4 3LJ to arrive by Jan 7 2017

Christmas Songs

In the news in 2016

Animals

TV and film

10.

Where in the West?

Pantomime

10.

Name

Address

Contact number

Email address Normal terms apply. West magazine will not share your details with any third party

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A Westcountry Christmas Indulgence Box

Win

First Prize: A Taste of the West Christmas Indulgence Box worth £76.99 including Sharpham wine Godminster cheese and Furniss biscuits. Order your hampers at: www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

Your prizes:

Morso humidifier

Second Prize: A Morso Humidifier worth £73 from Hearth & Cook, Exeter. Pop this stylish kettle on your woodburner and your home will avoid dry air this Christmas. www.hearthandcook.com

Third Prize: Bootee sheepskin slippers worth £63 from Celtic & Co of Cornwall. These gorgeous slippers are quite simply the ultimate in luxury for your feet. www.celticandco.com

Fourth Prize: A Family Day Pass to Crealy Devon, worth up to £55.80. For sheer fun, a day out at Crealy near Exeter cannot be beaten. This day pass is for two adults and two children, www.crealy.co.uk Celtic & Co slippers

Fifth Prize: A Drake Circus gift card worth £50. You’ll have the pick of Plymouth’s fabulous shopping centre with this gift card for more than 70 shops, all under one roof. www.drakecircus.com

Sixth and Seventh prize: Two winners will receive a Family Visit voucher worth up to £35 for the National Trust. A family day out (two adults, two children) to remember. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Eighth Prize: A Honeybuns Gold Gift Bag worth £28.99. containing six gluten-free cakes and cookies, made in Dorset, each of which has won Gold in the national Great Taste awards. www.honeybuns.co.uk

Honeybuns treats A family pass to Crealy

Days out with The National Trust 21 drake gift car

d_ARTWORK

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_June16.indd

1 21/06/

2016 13:17 12/12/2016 18:49:06

Hexagonal glass hurricane candle holder £30 Amber glass candle holder £28 Kelly Hoppen

Fabulous feasting Christmas dinner is a meal made for lingering over with loved ones - and deserves a sensational setting to boot. Gabrielle Fagan serves up some top table looks ou may well find yourself slaving over a hot stove this Christmas to create the perfect feast, but there’s no need to toil over the table setting. We’ve done the prep for you and asked the experts to dish up top tips for fancy festive themes. So whether budget or luxury, traditional or bold, there’s no excuse for not serving up Christmas dinner in style. Gold is synonymous with glamour and a golden setting could make you glow with pride. “Gold’s a seasonal favourite and looks beautiful contrasted with white or you could ring the changes this year and use a dark grey or even a black tablecloth for a dramatic, glamorous effect, which will also make table decorations sing out,” says Clare Harris, managing director of Talking Tables. Texture and tonal variation are key to creating an interesting table, says Clare. “Scatter gold sequins on the table, and maybe a mixture of pieces of your own vintage glassware. Fill glasses or tiny vases with posies of evergreen foliage, or

sweets wrapped in metallic papers. The display will look even more striking set with tea lights on a mirrored tray. This could make an easy-peasy centrepiece.” For more tabledressing inspiration, browse the online sites of Pinterest or Instagram, as party planners often post pictures of fabulous wedding tables. These are often more creative than Christmas tables and you can steal some ideas. Red and white is a classic choice that’s cheery and truly traditional - and it doesn’t have to be expensive, either. “This year, we have a beautiful ‘deck the halls’ Christmas theme, with vivid reds, shades of soft grey and accents of tartan. Supported by shades of warm teal and green, our new range pays a nod to festive foliage and Christmas pines,” says Clare Stevens, senior buyer at Poundland. “Add atmosphere by hanging a Christmas stocking and a red wooden gift tag on the back of each chair. That most traditional icon of the season, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, runs through the decorative theme.”

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Interiors

Silver place mats £30 for two coasters £16 for four napkin rings £20 for four, crackers £40 for six, garland £60 net of fairy lights £48 all The White Company 23

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Interiors

Kemble dining set £899 Oak Furnitureland in Truro, Exeter, Plymouth

table. So if I’m using leafy garlands and lots of candlelight as my centrepiece, I’ll repeat that effect on window ledges, and group candlesticks in a cluster to illuminate a corner of the room. It helps to bring the whole room to life and will make your dining table look even more spectacular. Then I simply drape a chunky throw or sheepskin rug on seats or chair backs to ramp up the feeling of cosseting luxury.” Food for thought, indeed!

Table from £3,460, Suffolk oak chair £240 tableware from £8, grey linen tablecloth, from £81, set of six napkins £33, candles from £5 all Neptune

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Another idea is to use silver and metallics wreath suspended above the table. On shelves for a sophisticated and elegant, nearby, I have silver baubles frosty setting. “For a truly luxuridisplayed in clear glass vases, ous dining experience on Christwhich catch the light and add mas Day, you need a spectacular to the atmosphere.” ‘For a truly table with glistening accessories, Alternatively, you could luxurious dining glassware and linen,” says The bring the outdoors inside for a White Company’s founder Chriswoodland feel to your Christexperience on sie Rucker. mas table decorations. “OffChristmas Day, “I love a pure white linen cloth, white or grey china and table you need a and then I use a pre-lit beaded linen are perfect for a subtle garland laid down the centre of country or woodland feel for spectacular table the table as a centrepiece. I then a table setting, which is so with glistening simply team it with a scattering on-trend in interiors. This of our mercury-coloured tea light look really suits Christmas accessories’ holders for added sparkle. banquets,” says Emma Sims“On the wall behind the table, Hilditch, creative director at I like to hang a net of cascading Neptune. fairy lights, which looks even more effective hung “My biggest tip for decorating is to adorn the over a mirror. And for a focal point, an evergreen entire room with the same motifs you use on the

Sketched Berry crockery from £4 Sainsbury’s

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GET THE

LOOK

Smart ideas for creating a festive meal to remember this Christmas

Ennis star tealight holder £5 Neptune

Table runner £10.99 Gisela Graham

Set of four beaded napkin rings £8 Creative Tops Pure Luxe pineapple crystal wine goblet in smoke £46 Gurasu

ld er s £1 2 Go ld ca nd le ho £1 5 tre e nt sa ea ph ld go al l Th e -6 £4 ba ub les Na tio na l Tr us t

Gold glitter reindeer £10 The National Trust

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Ask Gracie...

Want to look your best this week? Our styling expert Gracie Stewart of Exeter can help you fulfil your fashion potential in every possible way. All you have to do is ask...

Test your metal What’s the best way to wear metallic footwear? DS,

Q Seaton

The metallic trend is as popular as ever and footwear is one of the easiest ways to introduce this look into your outfit. A glossy metallic sheen lends even the most basic footwear, from office-appropriate slingbacks to street chic sneakers, a touch of razzle-dazzle polish. 1.

Colour coordination: There are your traditional silver, bronze and gold finishes, and then there are your coloured metallics. It’s important to know the difference, as you should style them differently. Replace your regular neutral shoes with a pair in a traditional metallic finish to add an understated yet exciting and playful pop of colour. Coloured metallic footwear is best styled with a toned-down or matching-coloured outfit.

Stay focused: The metallic trend can be quite overpowering, so start by keeping your shiny shoes the focal point of your outfit. As a general rule of thumb, the more metallic your shoes are, the simpler the rest of your outfit should be.

Daytime-ready: We generally tend to associate metallics with glamour and often opt to wear them for evening affairs but wearing them during the day can work just as seamlessly. Metallic ballet flats, loafers or lace up shoes are all great options for daywear.

Metallic ankle boot £32 Very Stuart Weitzman Gigi boots £460 eu.stuartweitzman.com

Gold block heel sandals £65 Topshop

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Silver lady Q

moisture.

How can I go grey gracefully? JH, St Ives

Grey hair is, of course, a natural part of the ageing process, but many - if not most - women find it hard to let go of their original hair colour. It’s never been easier to cover up your silver strands but it is possible to ditch the dye and go grey naturally, while still looking terrific. Here are a few tips to help you go grey effortlessly and confidently. 1.

Switch up your make-up: To accentuate your greys and warm up your skin, add a pop of colour with rosy blushes and pink lip shades.

Pro-Voke Touch Of Silver brightening shampoo £3.19 Superdrug

Get a new haircut: Instead of reaching for the dye, liberate yourself with a new haircut. When choosing an ideal cut and style, you should be more focused on your face shape than your hair colour.

Try balayage: This hair painting technique is a low-maintenance way to phase in grey hair without having to sacrifice length.

Use the right products: If you have truly white hair, look for violet based shampoos to give you a brighter white and neutralise any brassy, yellow tones. Those with silver-grey hair should focus on hydrating products, as silver hair is more likely to be coarse and dry so it needs more

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration intensive mask £4.61 Boots

Lancome L`Absolu Rouge cream lipstick in 06 Rose Nu £25.50 House of Fraser

Print coat £70 Very

Is it too much? Q

Grey print coat £59 Dorothy Perkins

Collared coat £69 Marks & Spencer

Gracie’s shopping list

Loewe Elephant coin purse £250 www.loewe.com Loewe’s cult Elephant wallet has been carefully cut, folded and stitched by hand in the label’s Spanish atelier. This brightyellow design fastens with a polished silver zip that doubles as his tail. Use it to carry your cash, cosmetics or keys. The Laundress wool and cashmere care set £35 www.netaporter.com Developed with the aim of reducing the need for dry cleaning, this kit will keep your favorite clothes in pristine condition. The eco-friendly washing liquid contains cedar extract and is sulphate-free to preserve the natural components of your clothing’s yarns. The portable spray removes odours and freshens fabrics, plus it contains moth-repellent.

I recently purchased a leopard print coat but now I’m worried I’m too old to wear it. Is there an age restriction on animal prints? JW, Looe

Leopard print is a classic and comes in and out of fashion every few seasons like clockwork. However on its last visit, it sort of came to stay and has earned itself a nice spot in the neutral colour/print category. A leopard coat might seem like a big statement - and it is - but it’s also surprisingly versatile and the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe. Regardless of your age, the key to wearing a leopard coat is ensuring the rest of your outfit is kept clean and simple, with good quality capsule pieces such as a well-fitting pair of jeans and a plain cashmere jumper you can wear underneath. You also need to ensure the coat fits like a glove all over, especially on the shoulders, waist and arms.

ZIIP Beauty Nano Current skincare device £375 www.cultbeauty.co.uk ZIIP harnesses the cell-stimulating power of tiny electrical currents – including nanocurrents which mimic the body’s own impulses – to kick-start cells and optimise their efficiency. Controlled by an iPhone app, you can adjust the setting to address specific skin concerns including ageing, acne and lost elasticity.

Got a style or beauty question? Email Gracie Stewart at westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk with the subject Ask Gracie

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Jingle belles

hatever your Christmas traditions, it’s always nice to pick a standout outfit that that will make you feel especially festive. A bit of glitz and glamour is a must and can be incorporated into your yuletide outfit in all sorts of ways. If you’re relaxing around the house, enjoying indoor festivities, then a sparkly top will add a sense of occasion teamed with slouchy jeans or black trousers. If you’re heading out and about to parties, why not opt for full on glamour with this beautiful skirt from JD Williams?

Elize dress £99 Monsoon

Sequin lace peplum top £38 Very

Gold jacquard body-con dress £125 House of Fraser

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Fashion Wrap fro nt jum psu it £75 Lo ng Ta ll Sal ly

Lace top £34 Next

Grey sequin embellished jumper £30 Apricot

Fit and flare dress £225 Jaeger Sequin skirt £39 JD Williams

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Wellbeing

the boost

Life just got better. Our wellness guru Charlotte Dear has handpicked the latest health secrets and expert advice to help you be your best self, every day

The perfect gift Give a loved one the gift of a January blues-busting rural escape with a visit to Coombeshead Farm at Lewannick, near Launceston in Cornwall. Launched by chefs Tom Adams and April Bloomfield and inspired by farmers, butchers, growers and producers, this dogfriendly guesthouse offers Georgian charm, Dartmoor views, homemade breakfasts, communal feasts and seasonal workshops â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a wholesome and wellbeing-boosting start to your year, from ÂŁ90 a room per night. www.coombesheadfarm.co.uk

Solstice soul

Thursday December 21 is officially the shortest day of the year, when the sun shines farthest to the south and we can start looking ahead to spring. Celebrated for thousands of years, the winter solstice is a major pagan festival of rebirth, awakening and a renewed energy of the soul. For many, this is a time for meditation and embracing the darkness, but it is also a good excuse to let go of your demons, regrets and grudges, toss them in the fire and start afresh.

HELPING HANDS Arthritis affects around 10 million people in the UK and many sufferers feel more painful symptoms during the colder, wetter months of the year. Remember to keep moving, lifting and stretching, even when our bodies are urging us to hibernate! The Cornwall Arthritis Trust funds an excellent website full of good advice on living with arthritis, from footwear to food and what financial help is out there: www.cornwallarthritis.org.uk 30

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Tea for you The beauty, health and celebrity world has gone matcha tea crazy just recently. They’ve got a point: packed full of antioxidants, this energy-boosting Japanese beverage is an excellent alternative to coffee and is said to enhance calm, boost memory and concentration and even burn calories. A good way to start your matcha journey is with Dartmoor-based brand Kineta, which sells a tin of matcha tea for £17.95, plus many tea-making accessories. www.ilovematchatea.co.uk

Giv with in C an dog home who

Slim pickings Desperate to keep off those pounds you’ve worked so hard to shed? Make Christmas lunch a lighter affair with these simple food trades: swap roasted potatoes in goose fat for roasted parsnips with paprika; pigs in blankets for Parma ham and asparagus; mince pies for pavlova; eggnog for prosecco; chocolate log for Pannettone; honey glazed ham for smoked salmon and stollen for roasted chestnuts. Simple!

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

@WMNWest or email westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 31

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Wellbeing

Feeling it in your bones?

If you’re at risk from osteoporosis, our expert has wise advice Q

I’m worried about osteoporosis, as my mother suffered with it in her later years. Is it genetic - and what can I do to avoid it? KJ, Hatherleigh

Dr Catherine Hood, women’s health specialist, says: Osteoporosis affects millions of Brits but there’s lots we can do to try and prevent it. It’s believed that more than three million people in the UK are currently living with osteoporosis, associated with weakened, fragile bones. The vast majority of those affected are over 50 and most are women. One in two women (and one in five men) over the age of 50 will break a bone as a result of osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Society (www.nos.org.uk), with the wrists, hips and spine most commonly affected. The key reason it is more common in women than men is due to the menopause, which causes falling levels of oestrogen. The menopause is the biggest risk factor for osteoporosis and the risks are greater if a woman goes through early menopause (before 45), or has a prolonged time in her life without menstruating, due to over-exercising, too much dieting or eating disorders. Oestrogen has many effects on the body, including modulating the turnover of bone. Falling levels can have several consequences, including alterations to bone health. Genes do play a part,

though it isn’t always clear how, because your geIt may surprise you to learn that stress, too, netics play an important part in regulating bone can be a contributory factor aas it exerts admineral density. There are likely to be many verse effects on bone density. This is mainly via genes involved but the precise ones responsible the action of cortisol, one of the major “stress for osteoporosis risk have yet hormones”. Elevated cortisol to be defined. levels - as a result of daily Nutrition also plays a stress - inhibit the absorption major role in bone health, of vitamin D. Chronic stress ‘Regular weightand this applies from childalso depletes the body of magbearing and hood through to older age. nesium, a mineral that’s even The building of healthy bones more important than calcium resistance exercise starts in childhood and it’s for creating strong bones. improves bone important to adopt healthy Exercise is crucial, too. density, such as habits to prevent osteoporosis Alongside a good diet and atand broken bones later in life. tention to calcium and vitawalking, running Calcium is an important min D intake, regular exercise or just climbing constituent of bone, so chilwill help prevent the developdren should eat plenty of leafy ment of severe osteoporosis. the stairs at work’ green vegetables and dairy Regular weight-bearing and products. Vitamin D is also resistance exercise is good for essential and can be found in improving bone density, such oily fish and eggs. as walking, running or just But nutrition’s important in adults, too, and all climbing the stairs at work rather than taking adults should have 10mcg of vitamin D a day and the lift. Prolonged rest worsens osteoporosis, so 700mg of calcium, especially if they are woman maintaining mobility with therapy and pain conafter menopause. It can be difficult to get enough trol is essential. of these nutrients via diet alone, so adults should Dr Catherine Hood is an ambassador for Kira For consider taking daily supplements to help mainWomen health supplements (www.kiraforwomen. tain strong bones. co.uk)

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SMALL BITES Our pick of what’s on in the Westcountry food world right now Oh crumbs! Buttery, crumbly and utterly delicious, it’s the new Dartington Boxed Fudge (£5.99) which has just hit the shelves in The Food Shop at The Shops at Dartington, south Devon. Handmade in Devon in small batches, this traditional fudge is available in six tempting flavours including White Chocolate, Stem Ginger and Baileys. www.shopsatdartington.co.uk

All in a good cause Chef and restaurant owner Mitch Tonks recently opened his latest Rockfish eatery on the waterfront in Exmouth. The venue will support the local voluntary lifeguard group Exmouth Beach Rescue Club. Every Rockfish restaurant has a £1 table donation that customers can opt in to and the contributions are given to a local community organisation. Rockfish has already been able to give £5,000 to Pride in Brixham, £4,000 to The Torbay Holiday Helpers Network, £7,000 to the RNLI in Dartmouth and over £11,000 to the National Marine Aquarium’s research projects in Plymouth through this scheme. Well done!

Playing with fire

Sweet success One of Devon’s leading ice cream producers, Salcombe Dairy, has just been awarded a Gold in the Food & Drink Devon Awards 2016 for its Blackcurrant Sorbet, for its “sophisticated sharp and zesty taste and sleek glossy appearance”. In late June, Salcombe Dairy opened their first ice cream parlour on Dartmouth’s Quay in south Devon. As well as serving their range of ice creams, sorbets and frozen yoghurts, they have also been selling a selection of sundaes, freshly ground barista coffee and Tregothnan Tea from Cornwall. Yum!

The trend for cooking with fire is bigger than ever and it shows no sign of cooling down. Holly and David Jones of the Manna From Devon Cooking School offer wood-fired cooking classes from £175, including lots of delicious lunch. Xanthe Clay, food writer of the Daily Telegraph, says: “…without wishing to gush, if you are getting a wood burning oven you really should do the Manna from Devon course. In fact, I’d say it’s essential.” If you can think of someone who would enjoy a Manna From Devon cooking course, they are now selling gift vouchers ready for Christmas. Visit www.mannafromdevon.com or call 01803 752943 to find out more.

Got some foodie news? Let us know on westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 33

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13/12/2016 13:01:10

Afraid to smile?

Meet the highly experienced experts, Martin Docking and Simon Martin

Reserve your place on our Discovery Days: Monday 9th January, Wednesday 25th January (by appointment)

DISCOVERY DAY FOR SAME DAY TEETH If you’ve been suffering with gum disease, bone loss and unstable teeth, and you are permanently self-conscious about your smile, Revitalise Dental Centre can offer you a life-changing solution: Same Day Teeth. Same Day Teeth is revolutionary technique that means we can provide a new arch of teeth – fixed in place using dental implants – in just one day. Better still, they feel like and can be cared for just like natural teeth. You’ll be able to eat the food you want, taste it better and have a smile you can be proud of. And don’t worry if you normally find it an ordeal to visit the dentist, we offer sedation to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOVERY DAY OFFER – SAVE UP TO £300 9am

ENT TREATM TED E COMPL

SAME DAY

✓ FREE consultation worth £150 ✓ FREE FREE CT Scan worth £150† ✓ Patient finance available*

Book your place today! 3pm

Revitalise Dental Centre, Hurlingburrow Farm, St.Agnes, Cornwall TR5 0PG Martin Docking, GDC No: 115044. Simon Martin, GDC No: 67146 Ads.indd 2

01872 555915 www.revitalisedentalcentre.co.uk

*Subject to status. T&C’s apply. † We will deduct the CT scan fee from your comprehensive written treatment plan, provided you choose to go ahead with treatment within 30 days of your initial consultation. 13/12/2016 13:46:44

What are dental implants? Dental implants are small artificial roots that aid in the replacement of missing teeth. The surface of the implant is biocompatible and will actually fuse with the jawbone. We use dental implants to anchor new arches of teeth in place for two types of patient:

r : , y )

1. People who have been living with badly fitting, uncomfortable and impractical complete dentures for too many years 2. People who have been suffering from loose teeth, gum disease and chronic infections and now sadly face the loss of all of their teeth

r ith

Before

Upper full denture with plastic palate removed with four Locator速 attachments positioned to anchor the denture firmly in place

Locator速 abutments arranged in the upper jaw ready for the full denture to be attached

After

Lower full denture with 4 Locator速 attachments that anchor a less bulky and comfortable lower denture in place

Locator速 abutments arranged in the lower jaw ready for the full denture to be attached

Functional Benefits

Greater chewing capability

Improved aesthetics

Emotional Benefits

Improved speech

Greater comfort

Revitalise Dental Centre, Hurlingburrow Farm, St.Agnes, Cornwall TR5 0PG Martin Docking, GDC No: 115044. Simon Martin, GDC No: 67146 Ads.indd 3

Less bone resorption

Improved confidence

Improved social life

Quality of Life

Quality of life is improved through new benefits

www.revitalisedentalcentre.co.uk

Tel: 01872 555915 13/12/2016 13:47:12

Cook

Roast Turkey with Apricot and Couscous stuffing

Carol’s top tip: The stuffing can be used to stuff the neck cavity of the turkey if preferred but must be cold before doing so. Check the turkey is cooked sufficiently by piercing the thickest part of the thigh with a skewer – the juices that run out should be clear with no traces of pink.

Recipe: Carol Bowen Ball, author of Esse’s The Four Seasons Cookbook Carol says: Everyone has their favourite turkey and stuffing recipe, sometimes handed down the family over generations. This is a new take on an old favourite. Instead of the usual sausage meat and chestnut stuffing it has a modern and lighter couscous one flavoured one with courgette, sage, apricots and almonds.

Ingredients:

Method:

Serves 6 (with plenty of leftovers) 150g dried couscous 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 small onion, finely chopped 150g courgette, coarsely grated 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage 50g soft dried apricots, finely chopped or dried cranberries 25g toasted flaked almonds Salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 thin slices lean bacon, halved 5kg whole turkey 2 oranges, cut into wedges 300ml dry white wine or turkey stock Bay leaves, to garnish (optional)

Preheat the oven to 190 C/Fan 170 C/ Esse Dial Guide HOT. (Aim for the dial reading to be at the low end of HOT).

ut the couscous in a bowl and add P sufficient boiling water to cover by 1cm. Leave to stand for 10 minutes then fluff with a fork. Add the garlic, onion, courgette, sage, apricots or cranberries, almonds and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into small bun tins lined with the bacon.

Place the orange wedges inside the cavity of the turkey and place in a roasting tin. Pour in the wine or stock

and cover tightly with foil. Roast for 31/2 hours, removing the foil for the final 20-30 minutes to brown and crisp the skin. Transfer to a warm place to rest, covered with foil, for up to 1 hour before serving.

ook the stuffing in the oven during C this time for 20-30 minutes.

Make a gravy in your usual way with any skimmed pan juices. Serve the turkey garnished with bay leaves if liked and with the stuffing, gravy and chosen vegetables.

The Rangemoors Hearth & Cook showroom at Marsh Barton, Exeter, supplies the full range of Esse stoves: www.hearthandcook.com 36

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Drink

Happy h ur with drinks expert April Marks

April says: We British seem to have an obsession with single malt whisky, often overlooking the merits of blended malt whisky. I’d like to clarify here that I’m not re f e rring to blended grain whisky - which is an altogether different style, lighter in character and often higher in alcohol which appears harsh in comparison to malt whiskies. I’ve recently discovered just how good blended malt can be when I attended a whisky blending

workshop run by Pernod Ricard, who own Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s and Royal Salute. We were given a lab kit and several finished single malt whiskies, all with different characters, allowing us to find what we considered the best blend. As a very general rule whiskies from the Highlands are malty, slightly sweet and have an oily texture, while the Islay and islands whiskies tend to be peated, giving the spirit a smoky taste, Speyside whisky is often fragrant and fruity while the Lowlands whiskies are gentle and light in com-

I’ve recently found

out how good blended

malt whisky can be

parison. Blending is not a new idea. The first whisky brand, Usher’s Old Vatted Glenlivet, started life as a blended malt in 1853. It is, however, a growing market as new products come to the fore with fun names and contemporary packaging. Single Malt whisky is a superb product and you may have a favourite distillery but why not try something just a little bit different this Christmas? April Marks is co-founder of Regency Wines Ltd Exeter @regencywinesuk

Product of the week Lord Byron Cocktail You will need; 50ml of Scotch Whisky 15ml of an orange flavoured liqueur 15ml sweet red vermouth Dash of angostura bitters For the garnish – a slice of orange Rocks Glass Stirring Glass In the mixing glass stir all the ingredients with ice then strain into the rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of orange. For an extra Christmassy touch add a star anise.

Highland Queen 8 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky It’s not easy to find a reasonably priced aged Scotch Whisky but I’ve done it! The Highland Queen has a beautiful deep golden colour, aromas of dried fruit and sweet caramel. The palate is deliciously spicy with dried apricot and subtle oak on the finish. Available at the Drewe Arms in Broadhembury near Honiton and The Grapevine, Exmouth. 37

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Drink Beer of the week The acquisition of Bath Ales by St Austell Brewery earlier this year brought Bath’s small-batch operation, Beerd, into the company. Of the beers I recently tasted at the Celtic Beer Festival, Beerd’s Vigilante American pale ale was a standout, full of hop freshness, crisp and grapefruity.

Darren Norbury

talks beer IT’S A SELL-OUT! Cotleigh Brewery’s new festive seasonal, Hoppy Xmas, sold out of its first run before the end of November. Hopefully, the folk at this east Devon brewery have been cracking on making some more!

Pubs at the heart of the community The Campaign to End Loneliness report published recently found that 17 per cent of lonely older people miss going to the pub. Noting that 21 pubs a week are still closing, CAMRA national chairman, Colin Valentine, said: “Pubs can play a huge role in combating social isolation and can act as a safe haven for people who don’t have an extensive network of friends and family to call upon.”

he mincemeat has been purchased have a black pale ale!” he says, but with swearing (life’s too short to make my own) involved). Crossed Anchors Brewing, in Exmouth, and soon I’ll be starting on my first enjoyed great success with its Black IPA in its first batch of pasty-shaped mince pies, year of operation and owners Paddy O’Riordan for consumption at the Redruth bar and Oli Bainbridge are planning to build on their where I occasionally work. This means that 2016 strong start with a crowdfunding campaign. is nearly over. In political terms it’s been a year Vanilla’s everywhere, too. Vanilla is a flavour of upheaval but in the beer world great progress I often pick up in darker beers even without any has been made, at least in terms of the range of of the essence actually having been added, but styles now on offer. breweries such as Harbour, near Bodmin, have I say this having had this created successful vanilla porweek, for the first ever time, ters, and I have now seen vanilla an India porter - essentially a mild, from an upcountry brewery. This was from porter with IPA levels of hopFruit in beer? Check. Wild the creative ping. This was from the creative yeast? Check. Oysters? Check. geniuses Nick and Ben Sales at And then there’s pizza and bisgeniuses Nick Black Flag Brewery, based on cuits (not in the same beer – how and Ben Sales the north Cornwall coast near weird would that be?). The former at Black Flag Perranporth. I tried it in the was American, of course, and inSonder bar in Truro, which I volved a margherita (cheese and Brewery, have taken quite a shine to since tomato) pizza steeped in water based near its opening a few months back. before being filtered into the brew This was definitely the best kettle. Custard Cream Pale Ale Perranporth beer I’ve had from Black Flag, was a speciality from Northern eclipsing my previous favourite, Monk Brewing, in Leeds, made White Cross IPA. Look out for it. in collaboration with vloggers There has been a marked inSimon Martin and Rob Derbycrease in the number of saisons around this year. shire and went down pretty well. The biscuits Saison is a traditional, refreshing, Belgian thirstwere crushed in the boil. quencher, but now its fragrant, slightly tart, Where now? Wherever our genius British spicy notes are being embraced by British brewbrewers want to go. I expect to see foraged plants eries, such as Cheddar Ales in Somerset, with its featuring more in the future and perhaps an 4.8% ABV Firewitch. uptake in more exotic fruits. The sky really is the Black IPA? We’ve got loads of them now, much limit. to the disgust of those who think like my mate Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk Alan Hinde at Coastal Brewery (“You just can’t @beertoday

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culture vulture Our pick of the most interesting and exciting things to see and do right now in the South West

Midnight mass Truro Cathedral is hosting Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve to celebrate the joy of the coming of Christ into the world, with carols from their renowned choir and wonderful organ music. Doors open at 10.30pm, www.trurocathedral.org.uk.

Read on!

A fun-filled fairy tale In a show rich in puppets, music and song, The Theatre Royal in Plymouth is hosting an inventive and energetic production of The Emperor’s New Clothes. This innovative adaptation of the well-known fairy tale, written and directed by Niki McCretton, is a must-see for the whole family. Tickets from £12, www.theatreroyal.com or call 01752 267222. The show runs until January 14.

It’s important for children not to lose the habit of reading over the school Christmas holidays, so Devon’s libraries have launched a Christmas Mini-Challenge, inviting children across the county to read three books during the Christmas break. More than 11,000 children across Devon took part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge, a national initiative that challenges children to read at least six books during the school holidays. Now children are being encouraged to take up the Christmas MiniChallenge and read three books of their choice from a local library in return for some fun rewards. The challenge runs online from now to Friday January 6 www. librariesunlimited.org.uk

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Christmas made simple Need a little help in the kitchen on Christmas Day? Our favourite celebrity chefs serve up top tips for the biggest meal of the year ho better to ask advice from on the art of dishing up the best Christmas dinner, than celebrity chefs Antonio Carluccio, Donal Skehan, Michael Caines, Marcus Wareing, Gizzi Erskine, Rick Stein and The Hairy Bikers? The foodie experts serve up their top Christmas kitchen shortcuts, and share their favourite bits of the big day too...

Mum's Christmas pud

"I always look forward to making my mum's recipe for Christmas pudding," says Devon-based chef Michael Caines. "We always used to make it in October - we used to steam it - and then let it marinate and rest until Christmas." What's his secret to the perfect pud? "I use proper unpasteurised beef suet and some breadcrumbs, a bit of milk, bit of egg and then of course the fruit itself, and a little bit of booze," he explains. "Fresh breadcrumbs, as opposed to dry breadcrumbs, just give a little bit more moisture to the Christmas pudding itself. If you get beef suet from the butcher that's not been rendered, I think it's a better flavour than the packet." It's not just the pudding that gets him feeling festive though: "It's the whole journey towards Christmas; parties, going round to people's houses and just enjoying Christmas with friends and family, that's what I enjoy and the food is the reason we come round a table to celebrate."

Grub's up!

The Hairy Bikers - aka David Myers and Simon 'Si' King - are all about turkey and goose at Christmas time. "I love me turkey, I love the whole ritual around it, it's once a year, and it's special," says Dave. "When I was a kid, we always had a turkey. It was probably really cheap, but it was great. We had a sense of occasion, with giblet gravy. Now, of course, you get these

wonderful turkeys - you pay for them, but by God, they're good!" "There was one year that me and my middle son James, we went, 'Right, we want a change!' So we cooked the turkey and we cooked goose! It was great," remembers Si. They're both big on delegation and sharing the Christmas-cooking burden among everyone who's eating. "I had a couple of Christmases at your house, when your mum was alive," says Dave to Si. "I'd come down with the starter - smoked salmon and prawns were my contribution. Your mum always used to do the turkey. She had this way, it was cooked all night and it was just perfect. Your motherin-law used to do the trimmings and the snow queen pudding - which is a real Seventies dessert - and we'd do the veggies. "It was good round your house, a big old table. I'd fallen out with my girlfriend and I said, 'B******s, I'm going to Kingy's!' and I had a really good time. Sat there on Boxing Day in your front room with this enormous Lego castle - a bottle of whisky and a whole load of Lego! It took me a day to make that castle. It was brilliant!"

The whole hog

Donal Skehan is not such a turkey lover... "I'm not a big turkey fan. I do like it and I do cook it, but my go-to Christmas ham recipe is plum and star anise. It's absolutely gorgeous, you bake it and it gives you this really rich, glossy ruby red colour on the outside and it looks spectacular on the table. When it comes to turkey, I've stopped doing the really big roast, because most of our family don't love the turkey, so if I cook the big turkey, there are always leftovers." But if you must have turkey, he says, get a big breast, stuff it and roll it: "Take your turkey breast, butterfly it open so it's open like a book, take your stuffing - I do a lovely one with cranberries and orange zest - stuff it

in, roll it and when you've got it in shape, tie with butcher's string. Once you have your nice rolled turkey breast, it's ready to go in the oven. Baste it with orange juice and maple syrup - it's spectacular."

The Italian way Prone to over-boiling your Brussels sprouts? Antonio Carluccio, who has a restaurant in Exeter, has a few ideas for luxuriant Christmas cabbage dishes in his repertoire but, first up, a Brussels sprouts gratin: "I cook them beforehand and then cover them with bechamel and a little bit of nutmeg, and baked in the oven again, which is very nice." Alternatively, there's his cabbage Christmas starter which you make ahead of the big day. "You cook the cabbage soft and you put it on the side. Then you put some stale

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People bread in the oven to biscuit it, to really make it dry. Then you grate some Parmesan and cut little chunks of Fontina cheese or Taleggio, melted cheese. Then you prepare stock on the side. Make the assembly in a container. You put a layer of the cabbage, a little bit of bread, Parmesan and cheese and then another layer, and on top you pour the h o t stock, then let it go down. It makes all the bread soft inside and then, on top, you put fried, wonderful foaming butter with a bit of garlic. It is wonderful." He adds: "To cook the cabbage so it doesn't stink, you know what to do? A spoonful of vinegar in it while it's boiling and then the smell goes!"

Saving time SAVER Marcus Wareing is a turkey man ("Always Christmas turkey - it never changes. I don't want goose, I don't want beef - I can have all of that all year round") but he tends to work on Christmas day, so lunch is left to his wife Jane ("I just come in at the end, finish it off and take the glory"). He recommends a few shortcuts so lunch is on the table as quickly as possible: "If you don't want to cook a turkey for four to eight hours, depending on the size, take the legs off and cook them separately. You could even slow cook them the day before. Asking your butcher to break it down for you makes it a lot easier." And the piece de resistance? "Paxo stuffing - I love it. It reminds me of home."

Spice it up Gizzi Erskine's top Christmas dinner twist is to "add a bit of ginger to my bread sauce. So it has all the classic ingredients, loads of nutmeg, a bit of clove and then loads of powdered ginger for a more gingerbread fla-

vour. It's so delicious. It takes it to a different level. It's not gingery, it's warming!" Christmas lunch is her absolute favourite meal of the year. "You know people say, 'What's your death row dinner?' Mine is always Christmas lunch. I absolutely love turkey and the trimmings. It's the dream for me; turkey, bread sauce, all the jazz, then I'm completely happy."

Plan ahead Rick Stein - of Padstow fame - will be cooking for about 25 people, alongside his chef son Jack this Christmas. "I think it will be goose; we'll probably get some fresh langoustines in and have a starter of that, and then goose. If you're inviting guests, aim to finish all the cooking and be washed up at least an hour before they are due. Then you'll probably have just 15 minutes more cooking to do when they arrive. "Prep early and if you've got a lot of people coming, make sure you've got cold dishes and don't leave anything to the last minute, because people are talking to you when they arrive. Don't try cooking anything there and then, otherwise you're just boring!"

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My Secret Westcountry Georgie Upton Georgie Upton, 39, is the director of Wild West Communications PR company. She lives in Truro with husband Nick and their children Ernest, seven and Flo, four. My favourite:

Place to eat: There are so many favourites – where to begin? I have spent most of my seven years in Cornwall eating my way around the county trying to find the perfect spot. Somewhere that caters for grown-ups and kids has always been a challenge but I think eating at The Ferryboat Inn, overlooking the water, in the Helford Passage is one of my favourites - lovely food and such a view. It always makes me feel so lucky to live in Cornwall. The kids often just end up playing on the beach. I was also recently introduced to The Fish House in Fistral, Newquay - beautiful fresh fish, cooked in so many interesting ways. Paul Harwood, the head chef spent 14 years working for Rick Stein so it’s little wonder it’s so good there. Definitely worth a visit if you haven’t yet been.

Gerrans

PICTURE: JOHN HUSBAND

Walk: One lovely walk I used to do a lot with my son Ernest when he was tiny was from St Clement, Truro (we used to live there) along the Truro river, round to the Heron Inn at Malpas, to enjoy a glass of something lovely overlooking the boats. Walking along the river from St Clement towards Tresillian and back is also just amazing when the tide is in and the sun is shining.

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PICTURE: PHIL MONKTON

People

Porthchapel Beach

Cornish Blue cheese

Knightor wine from St Austell

The Truro River at Malpas

Weekend escape: Now this depends on if I am with the kids or not. But I do love a spot of camping and Arthur’s Field campsite in Gerrans on the Roseland peninsula south of Truro (also known as Treloan Coastal Holidays) is just perfect – simple, with views across the sea.

Food: I’d

View: From the top of

Western Railway train and since then I try and look for it everywhere. The new Great Cornish Food store by Waitrose in Truro sells the very one that is served on the Pullman carriage – try it!

Kit Hill between Callington and the River Tamar, near my parents’ house, you can see for miles - right across the Tamar Valley towards Plymouth Sound. It’s pretty special. There’s also a greasy spoon café, Louis’ tea room, if you fancy a cuppa and fish and chips.

Pub: For a great Sunday roast I tend to head to The Roseland Inn, in Philleigh because it has such lovely staff as well as great food. You can jump on the ferry across the river from Truro, which the kids love.

go for super-simple - properly made local bread from Baker Tom’s in Pool or Vicky’s Bread from Helston with Cornish butter, Cornish Blue cheese and a glass of chilled Knightor wine from St Austell.

Drink: I first tried Knightor wine on the Great

Secret place: Porthchapel beach – one cove along from Porthcurno near the Minack Theatre is worth the extra walk. That coastline is incredible, the colour of the sea when the sun shines, the way it sparkles, the white sand… dreamy! And as Porthchapel is rather hard to get to, compared to Porthcurno, it tends to be a bit quieter. 45

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My life

Chris MCguire

snug as a bug Chris Mcguire is planning a lie-in - a very long one... can still remember the look on my Yet my desire to hibernate predates fatherteacher’s face: “constipated” would hood. It takes us back to the ostrich… sorry… cover it. flamingo days. You see, I’m someone who loves “Christopher McGuire, you are a lie-in. It’s a much undervalued occupation, not a flamingo! Stop sadly now synonymous with sticking your head in the sand!” the idle. I’m sure some of the “I think you mean an ostrich, best thinking ever done For me, the desire sir,” I offered. was conducted in to stay in bed is “No, a flamingo,” he insisted. bed. I have no proof, usually connected “Tall bird, strange expression.” other than a theory This was well before Miranda fuelled by his to avoiding Hart’s rise to fame. crazy hair, but something: a test “Anyway, it doesn’t matter,” my I firmly believe at school, a big teacher glowered. “What matters that Einstein is you always ignore things you was also a fan of meeting, a trip don’t like.” the lie-in. I’m to IKEA So began a long lecture, which sure his Theory I totally tuned out. I’ve done a lot of Relativity of growing up since then, I’m six came during foot five for a start. Yet this week has shown me, a duvet day. For me, the desire despite the intervening years, I still avoid things to stay in bed is usually conthat displease me. In fact, as winter settles in, I’m nected to avoiding someseriously considering hibernation. thing: a test at school, Here’s a question for you. What do bears, a big meeting, a trip hedgehogs and the Blue Peter tortoise have in to IKEA. It makes me common? They’d all be rubbish partners in a wonder if Einstein was three-legged race. What else? They all hibernate. trying to avoid a perWhich means at this moment I am, fundamenformance review at tally, very, VERY, VERY jealous of them. Surely the Patent Office? I’m not alone in this? It seems strange to me that, So we come back to as the result of evolution, we’ve denied ourselves hibernation. It’s the what has to be the most sensible thing to do perfect way to avoid during the long winter months: I’m talking about winter – of which I am going to sleep. not a fan. I just don’t see Perhaps being a new dad has something to do the attraction in freezwith it? I now think about sleep in the same way ing mornings, grey days, most people regard life before smartphones. I thermal underwear and have a hazy recollection of what it was like. I cerwarming stew. The latter tainly seemed to get more done back then and my really annoys me: for the rest interactions were far more coherent, but I can’t of the year taste is important imagine going back. It’s probably not surprising with food, then suddenly winter that the idea of going to sleep for an entire season comes along and it’s all about temappeals. perature. I’ll stop ranting.

[[

Hibernation is my plan for the nation. In one stroke it would solve so many of our problems. Think of the savings that would be made if we all took to our beds! Our world would be a much better place - no more traffic jams, carol singers or Christmas specials on the telly. So this week, as winter really gets into its stride, I’ll pretend winter and all of its frustrations doesn’t apply to me. As a former keen viewer of Blue Peter I know what to. I’ve got lots of shredded newspaper. All I need to do now is find a shoe box large enough. Chris McGuire is a writer and new father. He’s set his alarm clock for April @ McGuireski

NEXT WEEK: Phil Goodwin on love, life and parenthood in the South West 46

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