West Magazine, July 19 2015 by DCMedia

19.07.15

Cool looks,

hot days + KAFTANS + COVER-UPS

& SPARKLY SANDALS

+ WIN: LUNCH FOR

SIX BY THE SEA DON’T MISS: + DEVON’S ENCHANTING NEW AUTHOR

PLUS: + VICTORIA

PENDLETON + DRAMATIC DECOR

Cover_July19.indd 1

best summer ever essentials

15/07/2015 16:07:16

Ads.indd 3

15/07/2015 15:56:20

‘In London I couldn’t bear being unable to see the sea, not being able to look out towards the horizon’ Why surf guru Louise Searle headed for home, p 12

Fabulous homes by the water in... Plymouth

The west Cornwall woman on the seaweed trail

NO, IT’S NOT VENICE

I NAME THIS CHILD... Why Charlotte is top of the pops

FUN FORAGING

[contents[ Inside this week... 6

THE WISHLIST

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

This week’s pick of lovely things to buy The bus from Bodmin leaves at 5.45am

JUST BETWEEN US... Sh! We have the latest gossip!

NEWQUAY’S SURF GURU

Why Louise Searle is making waves

A COUNTRY DIARY The Devon publishing sensation

LIFE ON THE WATER Dramatic decor by the River Tamar

ANNE SWITHINBANK Sage advice for colour in your garden

TAKEAWAY HEAVEN Win lunch for six at Venus Cafe

BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best

COOL KAFTANS Our pick of the latest summer cover-ups

HOW TO WEAR IT The sleeveless blazer trend, sorted

YOUR WEEK AHEAD Cassandra Nye looks into the stars

BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

A WEEKEND IN... A marvellous minibreak in Portreath

FUN FORAGING On the seaweed trail in west Cornwall

MAN & BOY Playtime isn’t fun for Phil Goodwin

HOW TO WEAR IT

The summertime sleeveless blazer trend, sorted 3

Contents_july19.indd 3

15/07/2015 13:37:56

A DEVON DIARY

The enchanting new book out this week

[ welcome [ What a heart-warming tale... I’m really excited about our feature on page 16 today. We’ve got an exclusive look at the illustrated diary of a wonderful woman called Margaret Pogson, who painted charming pictures of everyday life in Devon back in the 1970s. Now aged 80, Margaret kept her gorgeous pictoral diary hidden in a drawer for 30 years, but this week sees it being published for the very first time as a beautiful hardback book. We have the full story of Margaret’s diary, not to mention a copy of this remarkable book to win, in today’s magazine. Talking of competitions, we also have lunch for six to win, which is well worth a try, especially as it is at the much-loved Venus cafe at Bigbury on Sea in south Devon (see opposite for details).

[

of the week @MidnightMamas Somehow managed to shave my legs, now on a 20 minute countdown and still have mascara to do AND THE REST Ed’s note: Read more from new mum Fran McElhone in next week’s West

Elsewhere in the magazine, our columnists have been having a lot of fun this week. Darren Norbury’s been drinking American beer in Cornwall on page 41, Gillian Molesworth caught the 5.45am coach to London from Bodmin (p8) and Tim Maddams has been picking wild cherries (p40). The one person who hasn’t been enjoying himself over-much is our back page columnist Phil Goodwin, whose close encounter with a child’s climbing frame left him with two black eyes and what looks suspiciously like a broken nose. It’s much funnier to read about than experience, as you’ll see when you get to page 46 today. Enjoy reading West magazine this week!

We have Margaret’s full story, not to mention a copy of her remarkable book to win

[

Becky Sheaves, Editor

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

Cover image: East

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Sarah Pitt

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Catherine Barnes

Phil Goodwin

EdsLetter_1thing_July19.indd 4

15/07/2015 16:17:56

If you do one thing this week... Fuel up after a dip in the sea with a tasty lunch or cream tea from The Venus Company’s gorgeous beach-themed cafes. It’s exactly 20years since The Venus Company opened its first cafe at Blackpool Sands (pictured) in south Devon, taking the name of the original tea hut from which founder Louisa’s mother served ice creams during the early 1960s. From these humble beginnings, The Venus Company now has six cafes across the South West, offering meals and snacks made from delicious local produce. In Devon, there is a Venus Cafe at Bigbury on Sea, East Portlemouth, The Shops at Dartington and Blackpool Sands. In Cornwall you’ll find Venus Cafes at Watergate Bay and Tolcarne Beach, Newquay.

Win

Lunch for six at Venus Cafe We have teamed up with The Venus Company to offer a lunch for six from its newly revamped takeaway beside the wide sands of Bigbury on Sea, south Devon. The menu features Venus Cafe’s organic beef burgers made using Devon 28 day aged beef, paninis, pasties, salads and much more. For your chance to win, email your name, address and telephone number, with Venus Company as the subject, to westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk by August 2. Normal terms apply

EdsLetter_1thing_July19.indd 5

15/07/2015 16:20:38

Mr Fox pushalong toy, £11.50, www. berryred.co.uk

the

wishlist

May it jingle! Blue eggs coin purse, £6, www.millygreen.com

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

Pretty... Set of three kitchen storage tins, £24, www. berryred.co.uk

Store we adore

Interiors Hyde Park, Plymouth South Devon’s Fiona Wilson recently reached the semi-final of the BBC TV programme Great Interior Design Challenge and has just come on board at this popular interiors shop in Plymouth. You can see Fiona’s flair in the furniture, paints and furnishings on offer - check out ‘knob corner’ for the perfect handle to upcycle a cabinet. You can buy Annie Sloan Chalk Paint here and ask Fiona’s advice on how to use it to give a makeover to an old piece of furniture. Feeling lazy? You can also buy pieces she has already transformed. Interiors Hyde Park, 75 Hyde Park Road, Plymouth, see www. interiorshydepark.co.uk and call 01752 292540 6

Wishlist_July19.indd 6

14/07/2015 13:56:33

Wishlist

Longline necklace in lapis lazuli, £49, made in North Devon by www. wanderlustlife.co.uk

Bold Grasshopper floor lamp by Greta Grossman, £138, www.voga.com

HELLO LADIES Hello Summer pocket mirror, designed by Polish artist Ja Cie Brosze, £2.50, en.dawanda.com

bejewelled Jewelled nude sandals, £95, www. laredoute.co.uk

Foxglove cushion, £14.99, Wyevale garden centres across the region and www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

Wishlist_July19.indd 7

14/07/2015 13:57:16

talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life... A long journey is well worth the effort s a family, we had a pretty amazing experience this month – we went to Wimbledon. First time. We got on a minibus from the Dragon Leisure Centre in Bodmin with a stalwart crew of 17, nine adults and eight children from the tennis programme. You have to go the extra mile when you come from Cornwall – time she served. literally. We boarded our chariot We then hit the LTA “try tennis” at 5.45am. Ouch. zone. Here the kids tested their Travelling is different with the reflexes on a “punch the button” addition of mobile technology, game, hit against a backboard, don’t you find? In my day, there rolled a ball to stop between the wasn’t anything to do on the bus red lines, and (most popular) unless you’d brought a book and served against a radar speedomecould read it without feeling sick. ter. I got 54mph – look out Serena. You chatted, bantered, played Then we bought some souvenir games and sang songs. This balls (a steal at £10) and markers trip was very quiet, with every(£2 each) to get some signatures one plugged into from the players. phones. The first signatures It was amaztook some courage, ing just walking but soon it was a You have to go through the gates real trophy hunt. of Wimbledon, not It’s fantastic how the extra mile knowing what to close you can get to when you come expect. It was such the players. Apart from Cornwall a “wow” moment from the very topcrossing over that names, you’re lit- literally. We fishpond and finderally in the fray boarded our ing yourself on top with them. And on chariot at 5.45am of Henman Hill the open courts, (or is it Murray you can watch Mound?) looking them play from just straight at the big feet away. The line screen. And so many people! judges and ball boys and girls look We followed our fearless leader so smart in their uniforms. Our right across the grounds, and only low moment was trying to I took three boys to see some find a place on the hill to watch a women’s doubles. They watched Murray match: everyone was terround-eyed at the powerful ritorial and not very patient. ground strokes, the immaculate At around 8pm we all piled back cross court and down the line onto the bus. Time to tuck into our placement, the angled volleys. brought-from-home feast: homeThe players’ chirpy grunting made shortbread and flapjacks, amused everybody – there was boxes of strawberries, and, of one Russian in particular who course, Cornish pasties. This taste sounded like a squirrel being from home got us all in the mood punched in the stomach every for the long trip home.

All white TV presenter Emma Willis gets it ‘white’ at the Glamour Awards, in a textured co-ordinated set from exclusive design label Mother Of Pearl. Get the white hot look with this Antonia dress from London’s new online fashion store Oxygen Boutique, £195, or try these pretty High Street versions from Dorothy Perkins and Oliver Bonas.

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 Next week: Fran McElhone on life with a new baby in east Devon

Antonia dress £185 Oxygen Boutique

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION B Demure OPTION A Dotty Elsie spot dress £59.50 Oliver Bonas Pretty prints

Victorian-style high-collar dress £29 Dorothy Perkins Vintage charm

Gossip_July19.indd 8

14/07/2015 16:40:52

BRAND NEW!

NUN TOO HAPPY! KATY PERRY has found herself in the mother of all unholy rows by trying to buy a convent against the wishes of the nuns who live there. The singer has been trying to get the five nuns at the Immaculate Heart of Mary convent in Los Feliz, California, to sell her their property since May, but despite visiting them and giving an impromptu gospel performance of Oh Happy Day, the sisters are unconvinced. According to the Los Angeles Times, Sister Rita Callanan said: “Well, I found Katy Perry and I found her videos and... if it’s all right to say, I wasn’t happy with any of it. I’m sorry, it was just too much for me.”

Just

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

Mum’s the word Motherhood wasn’t something UNA FODEN (33) from The Saturdays had planned on. But discovering she has Hashimoto’s hyperthyroidism, an autoimmune condition that can lead to fertility problems, changed things for her and her rugby star husband BEN FODEN, she has revealed. “I’d probably have put off motherhood, thinking I had loads of time, and to this day I wouldn’t have had a baby if I hadn’t, by chance three years ago, gone for a general medical check-up,” she said recently. She and Ben now have daughter Aoife (three) and a son Tadgh (five months). “I was very lucky the condition

MEL SAYS: PICK ME! was detected because it meant I got treatment quickly, so I’ve never been affected by it. I take daily medication and don’t even know I have it, to be honest. It did make us try for children earlier, just in case there were any problems.”

Spice Girl MEL C has declared “X Factor is over”, after saying she would much rather sign up to be a judge on rival BBC show The Voice. RITA ORA has just left The Voice to join the panel on Simon Cowell’s The X Factor on ITV, but Sporty Spice told The Daily Star she thinks The Voice is the better show.

Mel said: “I’d love to do The Voice because, one - I love Ricky Wilson, and two - Tom Jones is a wonderful artist. “I’ve never met Will.i.am but hey, he’s been fun on the telly. “Would I do it if they asked me? Yeah, I’d consider it. X Factor’s over. It’s had its day.” 9

Gossip_July19.indd 9

14/07/2015 16:41:15

Over the moo-oo-on: A Belgian Blue cow at Greenacres Farm, Silverwell near Truro has given birth to triplet calves

in pictures

Famous: TV star Ellie Harrison was on The Lizard, Cornwall, filming Countryfile

Model shoot: New swimwear brand SasSea launched in north Devon with a photo shoot at Combesgate beach Woolacombe

Fresh: Totnes chef Matt Buzzo is picking fresh artichokes for his restaurant

WIP_Lists_July19.indd 10

14/07/2015 17:04:56

talking points Under canvas

I name you...

ONE OF US Famous faces with links to the Westcountry

The best coastal campsites in the UK, according to TripAdvisor This week:

1 Treen Farm Penzance 2 Ayr St Ives 3 Bay View Farm Cornwall 4 Slapton Sands Devon 5 Burnbake Dorset 6 Dalehill Farm Pembrokeshire 7 Grange Farm Isle of Wight 8 Cobbs Hill Farm Sussex 9 Deepdale Farm Norfolk 10 Dunes Bay Scotland

Alex Sharp

The top 10 baby names for 2015 – spot the Royal inspiration for No 1!

TONY award winning actor Alex Sharp grew up in east Devon and went to school in Sidmouth

1 Charlotte 2 Brooke 3 Lana 4 Elsa 5 Martha 6 Corey 7 Jackson 8 Jesse 9 Christian 10 George

Juicy The happy list

Success: Alex, 26, recently won a Tony award for his performance on Broadway as an autistic teenager in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night.

Young Company he appeared in productions of Godspell, Animal Farm and Fiddler on the Roof. Funding: Sadly, the children’s acting company has been disbanded due to lack of cash: “I was really shocked and saddened to hear that it lost its funding,” says Alex.

Devon: He spent much of his childhood in Devon, attending state school Sidmouth College. He was a member of Exeter’s DID YOU KNOW? Northcott youth theatre group.

Alex’s first role, aged seven, was Piglet in WinnieThe-Pooh in a school show

10 things to make you smile this week The superfoods to keep you hydrated all summer:

1 Grapefruit 2 Cucumber 3 Iceberg lettuce 4 Celery 5 Radishes 6 Star fruit 7 Baby carrots 8 Spinach 9 Green peppers 10 Watermelon

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Sales sandals now so cheap Fresh peas from the pod Prosecco in the sunshine Coasteering fun to try Travel plans so exciting Old friends down on hols End of term kids can’t wait Grandparents time to get together as a family

9 The Bodyguard musical now on in Plymouth

10 Jethro at Hall for Cornwall July 17. Guilty pleasure...

Mentor: Alex says he wants to share his Tony award with the leader of his youth theatre group, Rachel Vowles: “There is no way I would be where I am now without Rachel who taught me when I was part of the Exeter’s Northcott Young Company,” he says. Competition: Alex is the youngest person ever to win a Tony for Best Actor in a Play – beating international stars Bradley Cooper and Bill Nighy. “For a split second I thought I had misheard and then everyone from the production started screaming and shouting – and I realised it was me… it was all very surreal.” Exeter: While at Exeter’s Northcott

Shop work: When he was 18, Alex worked at Chandos Deli, Exeter. “I loved living in the city and in Devon. It’s where I grew up, so it will always be a huge part of my life,” he says.

New York: Alex won a place at the Juilliard Drama School in New York. “To get a place in a drama school there was a dream come true,” he says. Student: During his final year at drama school, Alex was offered the part of Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The Tony nomination came just seven months later. Luck: “You work so hard, and to get recognition like this, and so quickly, for my first ever job, it’s a dream, and profoundly encouraging,” Alex says. 11

WIP_Lists_July19.indd 11

14/07/2015 17:05:22

Interview

[

LOUISE SEARLE

Cornwall calling

[

Six years working in London were quite enough for Louise Searle, who has brought her dynamic approach to business to life in her home town of Newquay, on the north coast of Cornwall

By Becky Sheaves

ouise Searle spent six years working in advertising and design in London, before realising that life “surrounded by concrete” just wasn’t for her. “I had been lucky enough to grow up by the coast here in Newquay. In London I couldn’t bear being unable to see the sea, not being able to look out towards the horizon,” she remembers. London’s loss was Cornwall’s gain. And Louise’s return to base in Newquay has had remarkable consequences, not just for her (she’s now a happy mumof-two, with the beach at the end of the road) but for women in the surf industry worldwide. In 2003, Louise set up the first (and arguably the best) magazine for female surfers, called SurfGirl. Initially, it was sold alongside another (male-orientated) publication, called Carve. But today, SurfGirl is a stand-alone magazine in its own right, sold all around the world and with a 400,000 strong global following on social media. “I was fed up with seeing photos in the men’s surf magazines of women walking down the beach in tiny bikinis with boards under their arms and very few action shots,” Louise remembers. “I wanted to showcase the incredible talent in women’s surfing and

LouiseSearle_July19.indd 12

15/07/2015 11:27:25

PORTRAITS: ABBI HUGHES

Among Louise’s many projects is a range of women’s surfboards

LouiseSearle_July19.indd 13

14/07/2015 17:10:20

provide girls that were getting into the sport with good role models.” Today, 12 years on, Louise has certainly done all that, and more. SurfGirl is the biggest global women’s surfing magazine, both in print and online. It’s on shelves across the world from California to Australia and has become more popular than many of the men’s surfing titles. “Among the surf media we are second in Europe and fourth in the world as far as followers are concerned, which isn’t bad for a magazine based in Cornwall,” says Louise. “I just love to include things that make you feel good about yourself. It’s my happy place. There’s enough stress and bad things going on in the world. “I hope that SurfGirl encourages people to follow their dreams and take a different path in life - whether that’s giving up their job and travelling abroad or moving to the coast to surf. “I’ve had a lot of comments from women over the years who have said SurfGirl has changed their lives. We try to encourage and empower girls as much as we can.” Louise is also the author of the SurfGirl Handbook, which has sold 20,000 copies internationally, and is just being updated for a new edition. She is also just publishing a surf fitness book. Her business includes a range of surf-related products sold online, ranging from cushions and throws to clothing and jewellery. It all sounds a bit frantic, so how does she fit it all in? “Well, in the early years of the business, the one thing that had to give was, ironically, my time actually surfing myself. When the kids were little, I struggled to find time to get in the water. Life did become just work and family. “Nowadays my oldest son Luke is 16 and Zack is 14, so I am able to go surfing after work. There’s nothing quite like it, and I still find the joy in being in the ocean.” Louise and the children’s father Mike split up two years ago, and she says she is: “happily single – I have quite enough going on in my life right now”. Mike and Louise set up their first

‘I want to encourage people to follow their dreams and take a different path in life’

Louise discussing surfboard design with Ben Skinner (centre) surf magazine (on body-boarding, called ThreeSixty) back in 1992, and also worked together on the surf magazine Carve, another of the many publications their company Orca Publications produced over the years. “When we split up, Mike decided to start his own photography business, which is going really well,” says Louise. “So

it seemed natural and OK with both of us that I would carry on with Orca Publications. “Right now women’s surfing is in the best place it has been in ages,” she says enthusiastically. “The women’s world tour is strong this year and the girls are ripping.” But the business hasn’t all been a bed of roses, Louise explains. “There was the perfect storm of the recession and following that numerous surf brands made the decision that mainstream fashion was the place to be. I think some brands don’t believe girls are serious about surfing. But there is a vast number of

LouiseSearle_July19.indd 14

15/07/2015 12:00:32

Interview

‘Surfing is my world’ From books to homeware, Louise does it all

Sign of the times This weathered beach sign adds a touch of coastal chic to your home £12.90

Throw it over Add a touch of camper van charm with this applique throw £34.90

How to eat Louise Searle’s publishing company Orca recently produced this cookbook £17.99

W women out there who are truly passionate about riding waves.” Undaunted, in 2012 Louise launched her online store, SurfGirl Beach Boutique. “There wasn’t anywhere you could go and buy cool surfy things for your home,” she says. Her most recent venture is a surfboard collection designed especially for women: “We want a little extra buoyancy and yet for the boards to be manageable and easy to carry under your arm,” says Louise. The range has been developed with Ben Skinner of Skindog Surfboards. “It’s called Serra, Latin for mer-

maid,” Louise explains. “The idea came about because my friends always seem to be using boards which are too thin or too short for them, so fingers crossed it’s going to go well.” And with that, she is off to the beach: “I spend all day in an office looking at pictures of people surfing on my computer. But now I’m able to get down to the sea in the evening and go into the water myself. Cornwall is such a wonderful place to work, and do business, because of the beaches and the surf. For me, that’s what it is all about.” Visit www.surfgirlmag.com for details

On the beach A cute basket for a day on the sand £19 www.surfgirlbeachboutique.com

LouiseSearle_July19.indd 15

15/07/2015 12:01:01

People

MARGARET POGSON

Margaret Pogson painted her Devon diary in 1979

Book of the year This week, a remarkable, and very charming, illustrated diary of a year in the Devon countryside has been published, after spending 30 years hidden in a drawer. Becky Sheaves finds out more n 1979, Margaret Pogson of Seaton, east Devon decided to keep an illustrated diary for a year, recording in both words and watercolour pictures the natural world around her home on the coast. Every day she painted what she saw, from thatchers on a village rooftop to a robin hopping around rocks on the shore. Margaret was an accomplished amateur watercolourist, and her pictures were both charming and evocative. Margaret then had her diary turned into an album by a bookbinder in Exeter. She kept it in a drawer for more than 30 years, occasionally showing it to visitors. But on her 80th birthday last year, she handed the volume over to her son, Brian, as a gift: “As I began to turn the pages, it was clear the illustrations were as bright and clear as the day my mother had painted them,” Brian says. “I even make an appearance in one picture, hauling crab pots out at sea on a fishing boat. “It reminded me of my life at home as a teenager when I recall my mother going off to paint. Dad would drop her off on his motorcycle in the middle of the countryside with her paints and sandwiches and she would sit there painting. Dad would return to collect her later. “Every page is a reminder of how beautiful Devon is and how fortunate I am that my parents made the move here.” Brian, who is a boatbuilder working in Exeter, approached a publisher called Richard Webb, who is

Feature2_July19.indd 16

14/07/2015 17:29:57

Feature2_July19.indd 17

14/07/2015 17:30:28

Diary news

Devon-based publisher Richard Webb says he “could not have possibly foreseen” the impact The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady would have when he first published Edith Holden’s illustrated nature notes from 1906.

Could Margaret’s book be another bestseller?

based in Dartmouth, south Devon. It was a fortunate choice: back in 1977 it was Richard who published The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden. A publishing sensation, it sold more than three million copies and is the fourth bestselling British book of the past 40 years. Indeed, there can be no doubt that its style and content were an inspiration for Margaret’s diary. Richard retired in 2014 but says he “could not resist” getting involved. Margaret’s book has now been published in hardback this week: “My Devonshire Year ranks with the finest books that

I have ever published and, with my own love of Devon, it is the perfect swan song to my long publishing career,” he says. “Brian came to me through recommendation from various people in the bookshops of Devon, and at first I must admit I was reluctant to meet him or see the book. I’ve been offered so many Country Diary lookalikes over the years. But when we did meet, just before Christmas 2014, I could see that the book was something really special, and in many ways even better than The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady.” So who

“I was in my mid-30s and had just moved home to Devon after working for 15 years in London,” he remembers. “This was one of the very first books my business partner Delian Bower and I brought out together. It was also one of the very first to have merchandise along with it, such as bedlinen, cookware and stationery.” Indeed, so popular was Edith’s book that it sold more than three million copies in 13 different languages. “It was lifechanging, of course,” says Richard, “But I was determined to carry on living in Devon and publishing books here. There was no way I was going back to London. “Besides, with the top rate of tax at 90 per cent in the late 1970s, I think the Government got most of the money we made.”

So could My Devonshire Year be equally successful? “In many ways, I think it is a better book, but the world has changed since the 1970s,” says Richard. “We don’t all watch the same TV show on BBC1 as we did back in the 1970s, and we don’t all read the same books. But I hope that people do enjoy it, as it really is a wonderful book.” My Devonshire Year by Margaret I Pogson costs £20 from Richard Webb www.dartmouthbooks.co.uk ILLUSTRATION: © 2015 BRIAN POGSON

Feature2_July19.indd 18

14/07/2015 17:31:29

Feature2_July19.indd 19

14/07/2015 17:31:53

is Margaret Pogson? She is still alive today, at the age of 80, albeit very frail. She was of Devonshire origin – her parents were both born in Axminster – but was born in Derbyshire, where her father was a railway signalman. She married Kenneth Pogson in 1955, when she was 21. Margaret and Ken, an ambulance driver, moved to Seaton in 1961, where Margaret was a founder member of the Seaton District Arts Society. It was while the family was considering a move to Lincolnshire in the 1970s, that she decided to create a book about the coast and countryside she had grown to love so much. As things turned out, they didn’t

relocate and, instead, bought a cottage in Axmouth where Margaret created a cottage garden full of traditional Devon country flowers and old-fashioned roses. It was her intention to paint another book, about her garden, but it was never started. Today, Margaret is staying out of the limelight but professes herself “delighted” with the publication of her book, says her son Brian: “My mother’s book holds a special place in my heart for its significance to me personally. But it also takes the reader on a calm and peaceful journey as it follows the rhythm of the seasons. “It has been a hidden treasure that we have now chosen to share so it can be enjoyed by others.”

People

Win

We have a copy of My Devonshire Year (£20, Richard Webb, www.dartmouthbooks.co.uk) to win. To enter, send your contact details to Diary Competition, westmag@westernmorningnews. co.uk by July 31. Normal terms apply

Feature2_July19.indd 20

14/07/2015 17:32:54

interiors

cook

fashion

trend 21

Intro_july19.indd 21

15/07/2015 13:51:34

The original cantilevered granite staircase is a feature of this striking apartment in Plymouthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Royal William Yard

Interiors_July19.indd 22

14/07/2015 16:36:54

Interiors

Old meets new Sarah Pitt discovers an apartment created in a 19th century naval yard, a former liquor store that has now been restored to its former glory

he buildings at the Royal William Yard in Plymouth are built of solid stone, a majestic complex overlooking Plymouth Sound and the river Tamar towards Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall. These buildings, designed by Victorian architect Sir John Rennie and constructed between 1825 and 1831, once rang with the sounds of ships being loaded with provisions – including bread baked and beer brewed right here – to keep sailors fed for months at sea. Now, the former Royal Navy victualling yard – which fell empty, building by building, over the course of the 20th century – has become the smart place to live, in apartments which offer massive spaces and waterside vistas. The Clarence Building, a former liquor store which was the last building to be converted, has particularly stunning views across the river Tamar. It was that view – one of Plymouth’s best kept secrets – which won Giles Andrews’ heart the first time he went to see the Grade I listed apartment, a slice of the building over three floors, where he now lives. “I fell in love on the spot because these apartments are just so extraordinary,” he says. “I don’t think there is anything like them anywhere else in the UK, on the edge of a city like this.”

“I was living in Covent Garden at the time, in London, and I wanted a break from it,” he says. “My brother works in the Royal William Yard, and one boozy weekend I was on the phone to him and telling him that I was fed up with London. He said ‘why don’t you move here?’ and at the time I was drunk enough to agree! I came down, saw the apartment and put in an offer for the asking price that afternoon. “I just love it,” he adds. “If it was on the river in London it would be worth £25 million or more. It has been quite a sea change for me, moving from London,” adds Giles. “I don’t think I could have coped with a quaint cottage in the countryside.” When it came to decorating his new pad, Giles has kept the scheme simple because the building itself is such an extraordinary structure. Built of massive blocks of limestone with huge iron supports, its most dramatic feature – after the river views – is the granite cantilevered spiral staircase. “It is quite stunning,” says Giles, who runs an environmental charity, the World Tree Trust, from the apartment. “Every step is cut to exactly the same size. I have my office on the landing at the top of the staircase, because the stairs are so quiet. It is a really nice space.” Looking at the expanses of stone, you might imagine this building would need a lot of heating. In fact,

Interiors_July19.indd 23

14/07/2015 16:37:22

Interiors

A city apartment with incredible views

tough, the opposite is the case. makes himself from recycled composite wood the opposite is the case, says Giles: “My only res- (see www.facebook.com/soifurniture). ervation on buying here was Both bedrooms feature bedwhether the building would be side tables he designed himself, cold in the winter, but actually I which are decorated with pieces never use the heating,” he says. of patterned wallpaper finished ‘Limestone has “Most of it is limestone, which with varnish. He has also used an incredibly has an incredibly consistent the technique to give a new sleek temperature so it doesn’t get lease of life to an old 1960s sideconstant hot in the summer or cold in board. temperature so the winter.” “It is literally wallpaper In furnishing the apartand varnish, a way of making it doesn’t get hot ment, Giles has avoided clutter, something really striking out in the summer or and worked with the building of a plain piece of furniture,” cold in winter’ – there is plenty of space for he says. “That particular piece huge paintings, for instance. was a really ugly-looking There are also several pieces of orange teak veneered thing smooth white furniture, based which I bought for a few pounds on a Japanese design idea of combining cubes in on eBay. I took five hours to do it, and all I did different configurations, which Giles designs and was paint the edges and wallpaper the fronts of

[[

the drawers using a wallpaper from a company called Harlequin, then finished it with a couple of coats of varnish.” He also chose Harlequin fabrics to cover the sofas in the sitting room, made to Giles’ specifications by the west London-based Sofa and Chair Company. “The sofas are particularly long, to make the most of the space, but they have low backs, and slim armrests like Victorian and Edwardian ones,” he says. “What I don’t like about most modern sofas is they have these massive chunky armrests.” Giles has put 19 Clarence on the market because he is set to move to Bristol for work. “But I’m really in two minds about it because I love it so much here,” he says. “I can’t believe my luck sometimes.” 19 Clarence, Royal William Yard is on the market at £475,000 with Atwell Martin, Plymouth, 01752 202121, www.atwellmartin.co.uk

Interiors_July19.indd 24

14/07/2015 16:38:04

Interiors

GET THE

LOOK

Go for a minimalist man-pad look with sleek design pieces

Valje wall cabinet, £84, www.ikea.com

Nordli bedside table, £55, IKEA

Nordli wardrobe, £200, IKEA

Stockholm duvet cover and pillowcases, £35, IKEA

Clavio sideboard, £635, www. limelace.co.uk

Art Deco cut crystal decanter table lamp, £240, www.lukuhome. com 25

Interiors_July19.indd 25

14/07/2015 16:38:48

Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Sage advice Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, on the perennial charms of the salvia family ow lupin flowers have morphed into velvety seed pods and purple alliums faded to parchment, the garden moves on into high summer. Stepping quickly into their shoes are plants from the salvia tribe. Their generic name derives from salvus, meaning safe and well, a reference to their supposed medicinal values. For me, they’re a safe bet to bridge the gap between early summer flowers and later blooms. In our garden, the current star is Mexican Salvia patens, a perennial which dies back to tubers every winter. The payoff is spectacular, jewel-like azure flowers but the drawback is dubious hardiness. We lift, pot and over-winter ours under unheated glass as much to protect the plant from wet as cold. Otherwise, it is trouble free and not bothered by pests. Quite different is shrubby Salvia ‘Lemon Pie’ whose pretty, pale lemon flowers open in profusion all summer long. This one is completely hardy here in a sunny raised bed where it enjoys good winter drainage. All we do is trim the plant back around March and it stays at 60cm/24in high. Ordinary culinary sage (Salvia officinalis) also makes a small, hardy shrub but ours For me, they’re are growing old and woody at a safe bet to the base. Every spring, rotting lumps pull away and I must take bridge the gap cuttings or sow more seeds. Imbetween early mediately after flowering they summer flowers are sheared back, leaving behind spurs of this year’s soft stems, and later blooms from which new growths soon sprout. Old foliage was almost bleached out by sap-sucking leaf hoppers so it will be good to

Gardening_July19.indd 26

[[

enjoy healthy new growth. Balkan clary (Salvia nemorosa) is a tough, hardy and reliable herbaceous perennial dying right back for winter and growing again each spring. Most bloom between June and October, sending up slender spikes of white, pink or purple flowers 45-90cm/18-36in high. The cultivar ‘Caradonna’ is popular, for

long-flowering and blending well with clumps of blue brodiaea (triteleia) and grass Stipa tenuissima. Other hardy perennials include cultivars of S.x.sylvestris, such as well known ‘Mainacht’. Also herbaceous but more demanding is the slightly tender South American bog sage S.uliginosa. While other salvias need a welldrained soil and most are drought tolerant, this one craves moisture but when satisfied, its branching spikes of sky blue flowers will tower at 8m/6ft. Holbrook Garden (01884 821164 www.

14/07/2015 15:56:01

holbrookgarden.com) Sampford Peverell near Tiveron in Devon (open Wed, Thur and Friday until 11th September) use it in their naturalistic plantings and you’ll find plenty of salvias in their Sampford Shrubs Nursery (www.samshrub. co.uk). I spoke to Martin Hughes Jones who enthused about Salvia curviflora, an unusual herbaceous kind with plum-crimson flowers. This has proved itself hardy in their garden so far. The salvia tribe is not short of primadonnas and chief is S.argentea a biennial or short lived perennial starting out as an impressive silvery rosette of densely woolly leaves. The appearance of white flowers is bitter sweet because this means your plant is almost certainly on the way out. Equally tricky is tender S.discolor whose dark, indigo flowers peep gloomily from silver bracts redolent of blackcurrant. Blackcurrant and sweat are recurring themes when it comes to salvia aromas but don’t let this put you off, as fruit usually dominates. One though, clary sage (S.sclarea) is actually known as Sweaty Betty. The name clary derives from ‘clear eye’ and plants were once used to treat eye conditions. It is easy to grow and biennial, so seed

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

is sown from May to July, planted in September and blooms the following year. We used to grow S. s. ‘Turkestanica’ in our previous garden where it flourished in a sunny, free draining border and shimmered with lilac and white bracts at heights of 1.2m/4ft. I’ve missed out new, slightly tender ‘Amistad’ with its dark calyces and magenta pink flowers and spectacular late flowerers like S.involucrata and S.guaranitica. Check out Prospect House near Axminster open under the National Gardens Scheme (www.ngs.org.uk) where 200 varieties of salvia are grown.

Question time with Anne West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank

My houseplant fern has accidentally dried out and all the fronds have turned brown. I watered it straight away and wonder if it will re-grow.

As long as you watered it soon enough, recovery is probable. I would leave the dead fronds on to start with, then as soon as you see new ones developing, cut off the dead. When the new fronds are growing well, pot the plant on to a slightly larger pot so there is fresh compost around the roots but make sure the roots are moist first. You might have to take the old pot off the rootball, ‘pot’ that into the new container, then carefully pull it out to leave a hole into which the rootball can be dropped. I wouldn’t crumble away at the roots, as ferns tend to make fine feeding roots all around the outside.

Is it too late to sow carrots? I haven’t got round to growing any this year and don’t want to miss out.

You are just about in time if you sow right away, using an early (quicker maturing) variety like any of the Nantes. Find some good soil, put down a line to mark the row, use a stick or draw hoe (less bending) to take out a drill and then moisten it thoroughly. Trickle seed evenly along the base and cover over lightly with fine soil or if this is lumpy, with potting compost. Make the rows 15cm/6in apart. After germination, thin seedlings to 5cm/2in apart and keep the carrots covered with fleece to ward off root fly. Water the plants during droughts and they should be ready to pull in autumn.

• Thin the fruits on plums, apples and pears so that fewer, better quality fruits will set. This is best done over two or three sessions, gradually removing more fruit as they swell. Branches are less likely to bend and break under a heavy load. • M ulch with wellrotted compost around leeks (while soil is moist) planted out last month or earlier this month. Water during dry

spells. • Once strawberries have finished fruiting, shear back growth to let light into the crown. Weed beds, remove straw or mats and apply a mulch. But if the strawberry plants are three or more years old, did not fruit well and are now multicrowned, considered grubbing them up and replanting in a different bed.

Prune summer flowering shrubs weigela and deutzia as soon as they finish. You can cut back all their flowered stems or thin by cutting one third of them almost to the base, so the shrub retains a natural shape. New stems will grow back to flower next year.

Harvest

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

English lavender while the flowers are just opening if you want to dry them. Try chopping the leaves and adding a teaspoon to a shortbread mix for making lavender biscuits. 27

Gardening_July19.indd 27

14/07/2015 16:03:56

Beauty

Tried

& tested

We present the best beauty cheats and treats, all trialled by West magazine’s Catherine Barnes, with help from daughter Tilly, 18

Chiselled cheeks

MANE TAMER Label M’s therapy oil (£24.95) is new and formulated to tame frizz and manage flyaway hair. Find it at Toni & Guy salons or at www.labelm.com

Apply with artistry Prices start at £3 for an eyeshadow brush at www.marksandspencer.com and we love the look of these Limited Collection editions.

Kontour like a Kardashian for super-chiselled cheekbones, with this contouring palette (£29.95) from www.iconiclondoninc.com

FUN FACTOR We’re excited about the arrival of Tiger Stores in Plymouth - lots of fun at pocket money prices, including this stick-on nail art kits at £2 each, www.tigerstores.co.uk

LIP SERVICE Ruth Romano’s beauty treats are synthetic ingredient-free and you don’t pay UK postage on order over £15. These flavoured lip balms are soothing and just £3.95 each. www.ruthromano.com 28

Beauty_July19.indd 28

14/07/2015 16:58:43

the review Made for walking? Gillian Adams puts the Chameleon Shift walking shoe to the test

glow, girl Add a few drop of this self-tanner by Clarins to your body lotion for a natural-looking made-tomeasure glow. £26 at www. debenhams.com hat does every girl on the go Coast Path easily in my stride and loved need? Good shoes, of course! how lightweight the shoes were. While I have some fancy This feature also made a big difference heels tucked away in the on the third and final test – a walk on bottom of my wardrobe for Dartmoor. It was supposed to be a pretty special occasions, when I’m out and about walk to a wild swim spot on the River something sturdier is called for. Dart, but turned into more of a clamber The Chameleon Shift promises “supe- than a stroll. The woodland path disaprior performance and excellent stability” peared among the trees and the route and an ability to adapt to a range of terbecame a little more challenging, but cerrain and conditions. The first test was to tainly proved the worth of these shoes. go shopping. Clambering over mossy My sister and I went on granite boulders, tick. Bala weekend break to South ancing over tree roots, tick. Devon and the shoes sucWalking a narrow, muddy While my cessfully navigated up ridge smaller than your courage may and down long stretches shoe with a steep drop off, have faltered in of pavement and the odd tick. places on the browse around shops that While my courage may took our fancy. have faltered in places, the hike, the shoes It was a warm weekend shoes never did. While I never did and I was a little worried wouldn’t say the going was about over-heating feet effortless, it was certainly but the mesh vents, which made easier wearing these run the length of the shoe, which is all down the fab allow warmth to escape. No sweat, no shoe design, as they are made to give problem. great traction and durable cushioning in For the next test, I was off to the beach. extreme hiking conditions. With so much gorgeous coastline in Comfortable, responsive and not bad Devon and Cornwall this footwear needs looking either. These are admirable qualito handle shifting sand. It was a misty day ties for any footwear. Some clothing has at Polzeath when a friend and I walked to the tagline ‘one size fits all’ and with the Pentire Head. As the tide was out the first Chameleon Shift I’ve found one shoe that stretch was across the beach and after fits almost all activities, though maybe I’ll splashing in a few puddles on the wet keep my heels just a little longer. sand my feet stayed snug and dry. Merrell Chameleon Shift Ventilator, £100, I took the beach and the South West www.merrell.com

Word up! Girl band Little Mix have launched their first fragrance. We’re told it smells of fruits and violets and is ‘understated yet complex ... a true reflection of the band’ Curious? Prices start at £19.95 www. littlemixfragrances

Lash mani-a Nail experts Ciate London have turned their attention to cosmetics, including this mascara that will give your lashes a French-mani look. Apply this chalky blue (£14) to the tips for an ontrend summer look. www. ciatelondon.com

[[

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

Beauty_July19.indd 29

14/07/2015 16:59:12

Koko kaftan dress £49 reduced from £69 www.monsoon. co.uk

Cover story The long and short of this summer’s kaftan chic

ot just for the beach: this season’s kaftans will last you longer than your summer holiday and are so much more than just a cover-up. Monsoon and Tu at Sainsbury’s have amped up the boho with fringing detail that works great with slim-cut trousers, or a maxi for a chilled-out casual look. Jade Jagger has have put her name to signaNatalia handmade ture kaftan collection turquoise sea glass for holiday company necklace £82 www. Thomson, evoking the thestrandline.co.uk glam her gorgeous mum Bianca rocked back in the Seventies and proving it’s still timeless today. We’re completely sold on East’s gorgeousmirror-work kaftan. At £150, it’s something special for lazy days and balmy nights.

Butterfly and floral top £19 Accessorise

Crochet kaftan £16 and maxi skirt £18 Tu at Sainsbury’s Coral paisley print kaftan dress £29 www.apricotonline.co.uk

Fashion_July19.indd 30

14/07/2015 16:54:03

Fashion Brocade slim-fit pants £29 www.apricotonline.co.uk

Printed maxi by Sam Faiers at www.very.co.uk £29

Mirror work kaftan £150 www.east.co.uk

Double strap sandal £35 www.oliverbonas.com

Mochila bags, handwoven by Wayuu tribeswomen in South America £70 each www.jiyajewelry.com

Jade Jagger has designed this kaftan for holiday company Thomson, to raise money for good cause the Family Holiday Association £95 www.thomson.co.uk

Blue paisley lace £48 www.longtallsally.com

Embroidered dress £99 www.mintvelvet.co.uk

Fashion_July19.indd 31

14/07/2015 16:54:26

Trend

Dress, River Island, Princesshay, £50 Blazer, River Island, Princesshay, £55 Sunglasses, River Island, Princesshay, £15

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

HOW TO WEAR IT:

Sleeveless blazer Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod on how to turn racy into streamlined his is the type of garment that baffles my fiancé. “Why would you want a jacket with no sleeves?” he says. Then he grabs the price tag. “And why does it cost more than one with two perfectly good sleeves?” The list of garments that he is unable to comprehend includes harem trousers (Why are you wearing your pyjamas outside?) peplum tops (he once told me it looked like I was wearing a tiny person’s dress) and brogues (Don’t forget your briefcase, Mr Belfort). Cheeky. The type of garb he ‘understands’ the best is tight, bright and light on fabric. This, I explain to him, is exactly why the sleeveless blazer is an essential item in my wardrobe. It simply isn’t always appropriate to show up in something that clings to every curve and has a peekaboo hole. This River Island frock I’m wearThis is the type ing is a good example. I love it, it’s of garment fun and flirty yet the muted colours just about make it work apthat baffles my propriate. But there is still just a fiancé. “Why little bit too much va-va-voom for would you want daily wear, especially if you aim to look at all elegant. a happy ending. I was scarred a jacket with no The minute I throw on this for life when I bounced into the sleeves?” white blazer, the look is immedioffice in my early twenties rockately transformed. Sure, it’s still ing just that ensemble and one sexy, but now it is edgy, classy and of my (female) colleagues let out effortless too. What fun! a whistle and called out “Hey Celeb fans of the look include Nicole Scherhoney. How much?” These day, armed with the zinger and Victoria Beckham. One is extra sassy confidence that came with entering my thirties, and the other uncompromisingly classy. A great I probably would have retorted “You couldn’t endorsement for the versatility of the trend. afford it” or “Ask your husband”. But meek miniIt’s not just dresses this wonder garment can me scurried for the emergency flats in the boot of tone down. I love the look of pairing some short my car at the first opportunity. This blazer could shorts with heels and a blouse for work. Actually, have saved me some flaming cheeks. I like to think I invented it. It’s not a story with Fast forward to the present. The sun is out and

it’s a lovely day for meeting my fiancé Simon for lunch in the city. “Do you like my dress?” I ask. “Can’t really see it with that coat-thing in the way,” comes the reply from a mouthful of pasta. “Speaking of, I saw a lovely red mini with lots of jewel thingys on the chest in the window over there. You should try it on.” “Yes dear,” I sigh. “It sounds like it would go very well with some lovely extra-high translucent heels, the kind with glitter in them.”

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

Trend_July19_SleevelessBlazer.indd 32

15/07/2015 14:05:24

RIVER ISLAND Black sleeveless buckle jacket £45

GET THE

look DOROTHY PERKINS Sleeveless trench £28

NEW LOOK White sleeveless blazer £27.99

RIVER ISLAND Bag £45 Shoes £50

NEW LOOK Black belted wrap sleeveless blazer £22.99

DOROTHY PERKINS White sleeveless blazer £35 33

Trend_July19_SleevelessBlazer.indd 33

14/07/2015 16:30:07

Shop

The edit Your straight line to style: this week we’re in summer casuals

Lacey daisy top £34.95 Joe Browns

Cropped pants £45 White Stuff

Converse sneakers £44.99 Get The Label

Bird top £39.50 Oliver Bonas

Hilda trousers £15 Pretty Little Thing

Paisley vest £27.50 White Stuff

Cropped trousers £29 M&Co

Lilia trainers £35 White Stuff

Everlyn trainers £75 Dune

Grid_Stars_July19.indd 34

14/07/2015 16:19:28

Stars

Your stars by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

People born on the Cancer-Leo cusp can be a bit volatile, swinging quickly from one extreme to another. They often appear shy one minute and steal the spotlight the next.

Paloma Faith born July 21, 1981 Singer songwriter Paloma’s been known for her retro-foxy style since her first hit Stone Cold Sober in 2009. Born Paloma Faith Blomfield, the singer, who turns 34 on Tuesday, married New Zealand chef Rian Haynes in 2005, but they split up just eight months later. She later said that they were ‘young and frivolous’ at the time. People born on July 21 tend to be tuned in to other people’s emotions and are romantics at heart.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Big fun this week, Leo! A partner may prefer one-to-one time rather than opening the door to all and sundry. Try to get a balance. Although you may want to get friends involved in a holiday, would it be more romantic with just the two of you? Those who are unattached, however, might consider a singles holiday or music event to meet someone new. Trust your instincts when someone shiny and new comes along. They may turn out to be far from ideal.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Do you feel like throwing the cushions around the room? Get that excess energy controlled with some physical activity outside of the home. Look for something that stretches you and is a new experience. It does not have to cost you money. Maybe start with swimming, then go and take a ball to the park.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Love takes many different forms. You know this. This week, Libra, there is a feeling that more time should be spent with children and older relatives. At first it seems like one more chore. Believe me when I say that it can be fun. Take an enthusiastic approach to start with and you will soon see what I mean.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Independence is much on your mind this week. Are there certain ties that you regret having formed? We all feel this way at some time or another, of course. Someone needs a bit of sympathy just as much as you need some space. A compromise involves letting something go.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) It will be people rather than places that give you the most pleasure. Do you have a cosy, rosy view of someone? Why not! A big part of life is what you make of it. Some people, like you, are capable of taking an op-

portunity and running with it.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Emotional fireworks are of the good kind, heralding a rekindled or new romance. At times you may wish to slow down, but when will you get these sparks again? Probably not until much later in the year. Go with the fun and sparkle.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) They say that there is nothing new under the sun. That may be partly true but there is also still a lot to discover. This week you are in line to discover something or someone who makes life sweeter. Delays in travel, however unlikely, can bring romance.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) The world may be your oyster but maybe you don’t care for oysters or want to have the world in your pocket. Bring the opportunities nearer to home, however, and the future is exciting. Insecurity can make you worry even when things are going right. Keep those positive thoughts coming.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Those who are not on holiday will look to the weekend to liven life up. Is it time for that BBQ? Maybe you will decide to throw a party for a friend? Getting the best out of your social life probably means organising something yourself. That way, Aries, you can get exactly

what you want.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) This is a time of expansion for you, Taurus. It could mean making your home bigger and growing your circle of friends. As everyone is in the mood for a party, why not throw one? Cramped for space? Organise a picnic or take friends to the beach. Getting them out of their rut also gives your own system a boost. Getting out into the fresh air and enjoying an exercise app could be just the ticket!

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Going all-out to be attractive? Change can be fun but be careful what you wish for! You may be like a flame to a moth but there are lots of different kinds of moth, Gemini. Someone you attract may not be so easy to shake off. In all this activity, leave time to be quietly creative. Instead of pouring your leisure time into the usual activities, look to learn something.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Listen to your instincts when meeting new people this week. If you get that warm, fuzzy feeling, it is probably good. A twinge of doubt should be listened to. Anyone can be charming if they put their mind to it and, when it comes to trusting people, your mind is your defence. There can be fun and lots of it but you have to get it started yourself. 35

Grid_Stars_July19.indd 35

14/07/2015 16:19:46

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

Let’s do lunch TV’s Claire Sweeney is leading a campaign to encourage families to spend more time together at mealtimes, supported by Table Table restaurants. “One in five of us Brits admits we don’t spend any time eating as a family in an average week,” says Claire, best known for her role as Lindsey Corkhill in TV’s Brookside. Claire remembers family dinners fondly from her own childhood: “My mum can’t cook very well, but my dad is a good cook, so he’d do great stews and roast dinners,” she says. “On Sundays, we’d always sit down together.”

On the run Looking for a challenge? The Totnes 10k takes place on Sunday August 2 at 11am, and looks set to be a lot of fun. There’s also a one mile fun run on the day, if you’re feeling a little less confident. Brush up your running skills between now and then with a local running group near you. Visit www.teignbridgetrotters. co.uk to enter.

Bloom Not a morning person? Harvard studies have shown that flowers are the best way to change that. Apparently the sight of fresh flowers can make us feel less anxious and more compassionate, especially when exposed to them first thing.

Wellbeing_July19.indd 36

14/07/2015 14:07:29

VICTORIA’S AN EASY RIDER Victoria Pendleton has swapped cycle racing for life as a jockey, after training near Shepton Mallet in Somerset at Paul Nicholls’ yard. Before then, the Olympic medal winning cyclist said she had “never sat on a horse in her life”. Let’s just say that Victoria might well be interested in this new pill-free solution called Salonpas for joint and muscle aches and pains. Two active ingredients (methyl salicylate and levomenthol) are absorbed through the skin via patches, and they can be worn comfortably under any clothes, even jodhpurs. Perfect even if you aren’t racing around on horses – or bikes either. Salonpas pain relief patch, £6.99 for pack of 5.

SPLASH

out in style If you’d like to try some wild swimming this summer, then the Kernow Splash Mob meets every Thursday for a swim in the sea at Carbis Bay, hot tea and coffee provided. For details call Neil Hutchinson on 07787148360. You can find lots of regular swims and special events at www.devonandcornwallwildswimming.co.uk What to wear? Try the new Speedo Fit Body swimsuit (£50). As well as 360-degree bust support, this sporty suit features extra support panelling, to help maintain a good position and technique in the water.

Veg of the week: GLOBE ARTICHOKE Globe artichokes are in season right now and contain a number of phytonutrients, such as apigenin, cynarin, and luteolin, which can detoxify the liver. Widely used in traditional medicine for water retention and liver ailments, globe artichokes are also thought to aid digestion and ease stomach acidity. Globe artichokes contain a lot of soluble fibre, so they won’t destabilise your blood sugar levels, and artichoke leaf extract can also help with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

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

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

Wellbeing_July19.indd 37

14/07/2015 14:08:15

Wellbeing

Break point? When sports injuries occur I am part of a group of friends who enjoy a game of mixed doubles tennis, but we have been so enthused by Wimbledon that three of my friends have injuries – one to their shoulder, one to their knee and the other to their elbow. What are these injuries and what should they do?

Paul Soley, physiotherapy manager at the Peninsula NHS Treatment Centre says: We may associate sports injuries with professionals, but amateurs can also fall foul of the odd injury or two – particularly if you’ve launched into exercise without proper preparation. It sounds like your friend with the shoulder injury has damaged their rotator cuff. This is a group of muscles that allow the shoulder full mobility and stability. They are often put under stress in sports such as tennis, swimming, kayaking, bowling in cricket and bowling. The symptoms may include a sudden, tearing feeling followed by severe pain through the arm; limited movement of the shoulder due to pain or muscle spasm; possible tenderness over the point of rupture and a reduction in shoulder movement

A chronic tear may develop over a period of time. It usually occurs as a result of the tendon rubbing against the overlying bone. It is more often an affliction of the 40+ age group and can result in a gradual worsening of pain. Eventually you will be unable to lift the arm out to the side without assistance or do any activities with the arm above the head, and there may be some limitations of other movements depending on the tendon affected The knee injury could be to the anterior cruciate ligament, which is one of the four main stabilising ligaments of the knee. A torn ACL is a relatively common injury. It usually occurs through a twisting force to the knee while the foot is firmly on the ground, or upon landing from a jump – tennis serves are a prime offender. It can also result from a direct blow to the knee. The symptoms may include a pop or crack when the injury occurs; an instant feeling of instability, which may be covered later by swelling; extreme pain, especially immediately after receiving the injury; swelling of the knee and restricted movement, and; widespread tenderness which, if at the side of the knee, may indicate cartilage damage. Your friend with the elbow injury may well have tennis elbow – so called for a reason! Also known as lateral epicondylitis, it’s an extremely

Avoid longer-term pain from a twist or slip: Stop what you are doing immediately and apply the RICE method: Rest the area that is injured Apply Ice to that area Compress the area to restrict swelling Where possible, also Elevate the area to restrict swelling Always seek medical attention.

common injury among tennis players, but which can also occur in people who do not play the sport. Symptoms include: pain about 1-2 cm down from the bony area at the outside of the elbow; weakness in the wrist, with difficulty doing simple tasks such as opening a door handle; pain on the outside of the elbow when the hand is bent back at the wrist; pain on the outside of the elbow when trying to straighten the fingers, and; pain when pressing on the outside of the elbow. For treatment and advice, call Peninsula Medical Centre on 01752 506070 or visit www. peninsulatreatmentcentre.nhs.uk

NEWWellbeing_Ally_July19.indd 38

15/07/2015 13:10:48

Eat ally macâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Chicken Bone Broth Ally says: Chicken bone broth is the one of the oldest health foods and has been used for centuries to comfort and revive. The fabulously nourishing dish is super-rich in minerals and protein, with antioxidants and vitamins from fresh organic herbs and veggies. My homemade bone broth contains all nutrients and minerals found in bones and tendons rather than just one or two found in food supplements. Slow cooking preserves the nutrients better than the high heat extraction used to make pills. I highly recommend you make this bone broth and incorporate it into your dietary routine. It is just so good for you and it tastes absolutely delicious too!

You will need: 1 large amazingly good quality organic chicken 4 bay leaves 8-10 crushed peppercorns 2 roughly chopped leeks or onions 4 thin carrots, halved lengthways 3 celery sticks, halved A handful of chopped fresh kale Small bunch of fresh thyme Small bunch of fresh parsley 2 tsp Himalayan salt A small knob of ginger (approximately 3cm long, grated)

Method: Place the chicken in a large casserole with the peppercorns, bay leaves, leeks or onions, carrots, kale and celery. Tie up the herbs (muslin or cheese-cloth works perfectly) with string and add to the pan with the Himalayan salt. Pour over four litres water to cover the chicken and place on the hob. Cover and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours until the chicken is cooked through. Leave in the broth until its cool enough to handle. Remove the cooled chicken from the casserole and slice the chicken into your soup. Ta da! Your fabulous broth is ready to eat. @allyskitchenstories

@AKitchenStories

Natural food expert Ally Mac lives and cooks in South Devon. Ally specialises in devising good-for-you recipes that are easy to prepare at home. She also sells several of her own delicious healthy products online at www.allyskitchenstories.co.uk 39

NEWWellbeing_Ally_July19.indd 39

14/07/2015 17:58:42

Eat

Ingredient of the Week

Cherries

with Tim Maddams s I sit here basking in the heatwave to end all heatwaves and keeping a close eye on the social media to see who is first to say “It’s too hot...” I am looking out of the window at the wild cherry tree growing in the hedge opposite the house. This cherry tree and I share a lot in common, and in many ways the tree is the perfect metaphor for how my life tends to roll. This tree is one of the first to blossom in the early spring, showering the hedge with its pungent white petals, heralding the twittering of the birds on the chimney pot. But this first flush of youthful exuberance is shortlived. It soon sheds its blossom (which is very tasty by the way, not that that’s any help right now) and puts its effort into the more serious and manly task of growing leaves and branches. Then, just as it’s feeling strong and full of life, it decides to bear fruit. At this point things begin to go downhill. As I am looking at it across the road, there are literally hundreds of semi-ripe, marble-sized cherries just waiting for the sunshine to finish

them off. As soon as they are ready, I tell myself, I will be out there, basket in hand, traffic-dodging, plucking them from this generous tree with gusto. Unfortunately, a little like some latter day plague of locusts, the local pigeons, jackdaws and blackbirds are also waiting this prize, and do they care if the cherries are ripe? Do they heck. Every year it’s the same. I tell myself in the spring to go and net the tree. The neighbours all think I’m mental anyway, so a little more crazy behaviour will not cause a stir. But, something stops me, something in me says, well, it’s a fair fight right up to the point that you start using a net to keep the birds off. The tree itself seems to be fully in acceptance of this bird-based wholesale cropping of its fruits, it seems to look at me, shrug and say “It’s just the way of life, man”. In my head, it’s quite a hippy kind of tree. As for the metaphor, well like all long-suffering family men, I work hard to grow fruits and the little blighters come along and gobble the good stuff before I get a look in. I’m trying to see the tree as a spirit guide, to become more accepting and giving. It’s slow going.

Life’s just a bowl of cherries... Good fresh cherries can be eaten straight from the bowl - and all wild cherries in the UK are edible. But popping the stones out and marinading the fruit in a little limoncello will see them transformed into even greater delights. The leftover juice will make a refreshing, post-lawnmowing spritzer if poured over ice and topped up with soda. @TimGreenSauce

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

TIMBEER_JULY19.indd 40

14/07/2015 16:17:34

Drink

Darren Norbury Beer of the week Such has been the success of Cheddar Ales’ seasonal Summer Pale Ale that it has been added to the brewery’s permanent portfolio and re-named Hardrock. With its citrus hop, herbal, spicy notes, the golden brew is bang on trend and the 4.4% ABV offers good body while remaining sessionable. It’s available in cask, keg and bottle.

Westcountry move Former Rebel Brewing Co, Cornwall, brewer, Mexican Guillermo Alvarez, has moved to start-up Electric Bear Brewing Co in Bath. A biochemist, he is a third generation brewer: his uncle, Carlos, being a key player behind the iconic Corona Beer brand. G, as he is known, cut his teeth in the brewing industry at St Austell.

talks beer t’s a Saturday afternoon and I’m Alpha acid levels in hops mark the amount of sinking into a squidgy seat at Peter bitterness. A traditional English variety, such as Walker’s HAND Bar in Falmouth, Fuggles or Goldings, tends to have a low alpha with Cornwall CAMRA deputy content but the famous American varieties, such chairman, Bob Bunce, and Simon as Citra and Chinook, ramp up the bitterness, Treen of St Austell’s brewing team. We are both on the aroma and palate. They’re often used discussing hops and why more with low-alpha hops to create a aren’t grown in the UK. rounded taste, rather than just a In particular, we are discussing ‘bomb’ of hop flavour. We are discusszesty, that is high-alpha, hops, The public demand for highbecause the bar is holding its alpha hops is being addressed by ing hops, and annual celebration of American British hop growers, but it takes why more aren’t beers and hops. There’s a time to develop new varieties. selection of American keg And hops will not grow just grown in the UK brews, of which my pick was anywhere. Herefordshire/ - in particular Firestone Walker’s Easy Jack Worcestershire and Kent/Sussex zesty, highIPA, a great session beer at 4.5% have the right balance of terrain ABV. It typifies the US style of and climate. Results in other alpha hops well-balanced golden beer that areas have been mixed, to say the still gives a big smack of zesty, least. If you’re not familiar with citrusy hops and a long finish American beers, try corkers such without seeming overly bitter. as Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, a hopOn cask there are some British beers which driven 5.6% ABV beer or anything by Flying Dog, showcase American hops, such as Acorn Stone Brewing Company and Brooklyn Brewery. Brewery’s Belma IPA, slightly maltier than the American beers offer a preview of where British American brews, but still with big juicy hop notes craft brewing is heading now. in abundance. (If you see a beer by Acorn, try it – Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk they are one of my favourite UK brewers.) @beertoday

[[

BEST VALUE BEER A price comparison survey by GoEuro has found that the cheapest beer in Europe is to be found in Krakow, Poland. In Britain, you get most beer for your money in Liverpool. 41

TIMBEER_JULY19.indd 41

14/07/2015 16:18:08

Enjoy Portreath sea views

A WEEKEND IN...

Portreath eaning “sandy cove” in Cornish, Portreath is a small fishing village on the north Cornish coast, just a few miles from the nearby A30. Unlike the arguably quainter villages of Port Isaac and Boscastle along the coast, Portreath is easy to get to and still relatively un-mobbed by tourists. And what it lacks in charming historical architecture (almost all the buildings here are post-war) it makes up for with its lovely coastal setting and safe sandy beach. The beach here is now the jewel in Portreath’s crown, and offers a safe, sheltered place to try surfing or just enjoy a swim in the sea.

The Terrace restaurant Gwel an Mor

Stay:

The Scandinavian-style eco-lodges at the new Gwel an Mor holiday resort on Feadon Lane are five-star and beautifully designed (www.gwelanmor.com). The resort also has a spa, restaurant and offers cycle hire - and is petfriendly. Also close to the beach is Bassets Acre, a 19th century manor now turned into holiday accommodation (www.bassetsacre.com), where prices start at £490 for a week’s stay in a fourbed apartment.

Eat: The Terrace restaurant at Gwel-an-Mor is open to non-residents and has a Spanish-born, French-trained head chef Joe Lado Devesa, who cooks tapas, fresh seafood and contemporary European classics. While you are in Portreath, many locals say the best pasties in Cornwall are made in Portreath Bakery - and their Cornish saffron cake also recently got the thumbs up on the TV show Britain’s Best Bakery.

Drink: Portreath

has several family-friendly pubs, with The Waterfront Inn a favourite for

its beachside setting.

Do: Portreath is the perfect place to try surfing. You’ll find lessons and board hire for all levels, from beginners to more experienced, at Surf HQ on the seafront in the village (01209 844806, www.surfhq.co.uk).

Visit:

Try a walk along the cliffs while you are here, making the most of the South West Coastal Path. Head westwards and you will see

the huge surfing beach at Gwithian, while a trip eastwards will take you over to the surfing beach at Porthtowan and on to Chapel Porth and St Agnes beyond.

Cycle: Portreath is at the end of the Mineral Tramways cycle route, a mostly off-road route which goes right across the heart of Cornwall’s historic mining district. You can hire bikes at Bissoe (www.cornwallcyclehire.com) which is inland on the route and cycle down to the sea.

AWeekendIn_July19.indd 42

14/07/2015 16:21:02

The coastal footpath

[

What Portreath lacks in historical architecture it makes up for with its lovely coast and safe sandy beach

[

Surf lifesavers at Portreath

You can also hire bikes closer to the village at Elm Farm, Nancekuke (www.elmfarm.biz).

BMX:

If you (or your kids) are feeling adventurous, The Track (the-track.co.uk) is a five acre facility for mountain bikes and BMXs, with a tarmacked section, stunt areas and much more. Call 01209 211073 for details.

Day out: Explore more of Cornwallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mining heritage, Poldark-style, at the multi-million pound regeneration project Heartlands four miles inland at Pool, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find engine houses, cafes, exhibitions and more: www. heartlandscornwall.com Surfing at Portreath

Gwel an Mor holiday resort 43

AWeekendIn_July19.indd 43

14/07/2015 16:21:28

My Secret Westcountry Caroline Davey Mum of three Caroline Davey runs the Fat Hen wild cookery and foraging school, based in St Buryan, west Cornwall. She offers a range of courses and will be running workshops at the Port Eliot festival later this month

Hairy and Vicky

Chocolarder treats

MAIN PICTURE: MYLES NEW

Festival: The Port Eliot music and literary festival in St Germans, south east Cornwall, is a big favourite of mine. I’ve been going for years now and will be leading a foraging walk and a cooking demonstration there this year. It’s on from July 30 to August 2. It’s a great mix of the arts, food, philosophy and outdoor living set in the spacious and wonderful grounds of the Port Eliot Estate. I love the fact that you can swim in the river, practise yoga on the lawn, dance till dawn, eat great food and let your children go feral. Activity: I’m a very active person and enjoy

My favourite... Walk: I love to walk the coast path in Penwith, west Cornwall, but more often than not I’m running along it with my dog Molly. I love the stretch between Land’s End and Porthgwarra with the beautiful heathland and magnificent cliffs. Experiencing the magic of this landscape is always the best way to start the day or to unwind after a stressful day.

Beach: It has to be Gwenver, next to Sennen beach. As soon as I reach the top of the cliffs above Gwenver and see the view it never fails to bowl me over with its beauty. The white sand, the surf and the dog-friendly status are big attractions and the steep steps ensure it’s never too busy even in the high summer.

nothing more than sitting on my surfboard on a summer’s evening in the sea at Sennen, watching the sun set and enjoying the landscape. I also love to run, do yoga, cycle and sail.

Westcountry food: There are some great local food producers in Cornwall and recently I’ve been enjoying Sarah & Finn’s hot chilli relish, Chocolarder’s gorse flower chocolate and Ruby June’s curry sauces.

MyWestcountry_July19.indd 44

15/07/2015 10:24:55

People Gwenver

Finisterre

Ruby June’s sauces

Westcountry tipple: I adore Camel Valley’s sparkling wine. I went for a tour and wine tasting at the Camel Valley vineyard near Wadebridge a few years ago and was flabbergasted by the quality of their wines. They have won loads of awards for their sparkling wines.

Pub: I’ve just been on a family holiday to the Helford River and spent most of our holiday in The Shipwrights. The proprietors, Vicky and Hairy Harford, have done a great job renovating this pub to make it a light, bright pub with access to the river. The selling point for us was that you can arrive by boat, leave your children crabbing on the pontoon while you supervise them from a distance, pint in hand, enjoying the waterside view.

Boscawen-noon

Restaurant: I’ve just discovered a little gem of a restaurant in Falmouth. It’s a vegan restaurant called Wildebeest and it’s very reasonable priced, selling great vegan food. I have to stress that if you aren’t vegan and unsure you’ll enjoy the food, try it out as the puddings are to die for. I had a vegan cheesecake, chocolate brownie and a chocolate torte. I certainly didn’t miss the lack of cheese, butter, eggs and cream in any of these desserts. By the way I didn’t have three puddings myself but shared them with my friends!

Way to relax: I mostly do yoga, go running, cycling or surfing to relax. If I need to de-stress I just go to the sea by myself, sit and breathe and let the tide take away my worries.

Weekend away or overnight stay: St Anthony-in-Meneage on the Helford: pure relaxation and a really chilled part of Cornwall. This location has the added bonus of being close to the Shipwrights Pub in Helford village. Shop: Local clothing company Finisterre for anyone feeling super generous! They have a shop in St Agnes on the north Cornish coast and I would be more than happy with most things from their clothing range. I’ve just been given their merino wool base layers from my husband (and am wearing the leggings right now).

‘Secret’ place: On my doorstep, five minutes walk from our house, is the Boscawen-noon stone circle. It’s not one that you’d stumble across as it’s well hidden so those who get there have to seek it out. I’ve spent many a day here playing, picnicking and celebrating significant life events. We’ve also had some very colourful encounters here with interesting and strange folk from all corners of the globe. 45

MyWestcountry_July19.indd 45

14/07/2015 16:32:06

My life

[

man and boy

Ow, that really hurt...

Phil Goodwin, father of James, five, runs into a spot of bother

here was violence and bloodshed this week at a the Pleasure Ground, a quiet children’s playground in the leafy St Thomas area of Exeter. Parents and children looked on in horror as a man staggered around, bleeding profusely from a massive impact to his face. It was an awful scene, totally unexpected and deeply shocking. Real horror-show, as Alex de Large famously said in A Clockwork Orange. The police did not need to be called, because there was no aggressor. Incredibly, the man in question seemed to spring from a prone position to his feet and run at speed into a solid steel climbing frame. But who would do such a thing? Well, me actually. I was that soldier. And my face now bears testament to the powerful blow. I am not normally what you might call an accident-prone individual. Like all kids I had my share of broken bones – both arms busted, once from climbing a tree and later after catching a free ride on the back of a bus – and naturally I have had my fair share of shiners. Some were deserved – the one I got just in time for my brother’s wedding certainly wasn’t, I had a mate to thank for starting a fight we could never win – while others were just bizarre. Into this category I put falling during a drunken piggy-back race in London’s Charing Cross Road, a caper which earned me stitches in my chin. And trying to stop a fight in Perranporth, which scratched me up nicely. But how, at 3pm on a warm Sunday afternoon, I managed to turn my face into a pulp remains a mystery. After all, it’s the kid that is supposed to come home a mess of blood, snot and tears, right? It happened like this: Me and the boy had twice been to the small park, just off the main road, to visit the Splash Park – a rubberised former paddling pool now full of water spray-

[

ing, squirting and dousing equipment. Both times it had been shut. With the sun beating down yet again, we grabbed some fresh clothes and a towel and headed off – third time lucky, I told him. Not for me. After a brief run around the wet play area in nothing more than underpants – him, of course, I was watching from the side-lines – we went for a play in the main area. James took refuge inside the four metal walls of a climbing frame and I menaced him from outside, a regular game we play. I crawled under to get him and when he scrambled out the other side, I back-tracked, rose to my feet and chased round to surprise him at the other side. Except I didn’t. Instead, there was a blinding flash and blood began literally squirting out from my nose. Maybe it was a low hanging bar or perhaps I misjudged the run, I have no idea. And frankly, even less desire to re-visit the scene. I grabbed the (white) towel to stem the flow before a guy came to my aid. “Help me get this shirt off,” I asked him, desperate not to bloody my best (Ralph Lauren) check. Helpfully, a woman alerted me to the growing egg-sized lump on my forehead by putting a hand over her mouth and saying something cheerful like, “Oh my God!”. The boy looked a bit traumatised but to his credit he coped okay. Touchingly, he even complained that

It’s the kid who is meant to come home a mess of blood, snot and tears, right?

[

he hadn’t played on everything yet. So, bathed in blood, clutching a ragged towel to my face and holding my boy’s hand I walked topless back to the van, which was parked half a mile away, looking every bit the responsible father. The headaches have come and gone; the jokes have been predictable. I will find out tomorrow whether the nose is broken. Happy days.

ManandBoy_July19.indd 46

14/07/2015 14:09:37

French inspired interiors and home accessories

jazinteriors

01752 894012 www.jazinteriors.co.uk 16 Fore Street Ivybridge PL21 9AB ÂŠLW

bournemouth ournemouth symphony orchestra bolero b olero

1812 overture verture

west side story tory

Firebird

classical e travaganza the best classical music in the world

exeter great hall

01392 493493 Ads.indd 1

saturday 1 august 7.30pm bsolive.com

15/07/2015 15:59:19

ANOTHER JEWEL IN CATHEDRAL GREEN’S CROWN

M S

MICHAEL SPIERS T R U R O

P L Y M O U T H

E X E T E R

T A U N T O N

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

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

Ads.indd 2

15/07/2015 14:50:18