West magazine July 26

26.07.15

Summer at

Port Eliot Cornwall’s countess throws a festival in her garden

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reasons to love the South West

PLUS: + NAUTICAL

FASHION + EXOTIC

INTERIORS

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INSIDE:

+ ANNA FRIEL

AT HOME IN FROME

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‘It’s the best place for festival gear – my crew and I are really into their boiler suits this year’

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GETTING AWAY The places we love to visit in August (and other times too)

Why the Countess of St Germans shops at Mole Valley Farmers, p 44

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THIS WEEK IN THE STARS Your horoscope - and happy birthday to Millie Mackintosh, Leo

ITS A JUNGLE IN THERE Exotic looks for your home

[contents[ Inside this week...

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

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YES, I’VE GOT BABY BRAIN Our new mum columnist confesses all

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JUST BETWEEN US...

Sh! We have the latest gossip!

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CORNWALL’S FOODIE QUEEN

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DRAGON MOTHER

On a culinary mission to London Meet Sonia, Deborah Meaden’s inspirational millionaire mum

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IT’S A JUNGLE IN THERE Exotic looks for your home decor

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ANNE SWITHINBANK

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HOW TO WEAR IT Shirtdress, we salute you

BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Superfoods for summertime

Salad advice for your garden

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NAUTICAL AND NICE The summertime blues (and whites)

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HOW TO WEAR IT

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YOUR WEEK AHEAD

All hail the new shirtdress Cassandra Nye looks into the stars

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BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

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RESTAURANT REVIEW Eating with the in-laws in Polzeath

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A FESTIVAL IN THE GARDEN The Countess of St Germans on why she hosts a huge festival at Port Eliot

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NAUTICAL AND NICE

The yachting look, sorted

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DRAGON MOTHER

Meet Deborah Meaden’s business-minded mum

[ welcome [

Tweet

The holidays are here at last...

of the week

..and with what seems like half the country heading this way for some fun and relaxation, it’s a good time to make sure that we locals, too, are making the most of life here in the gorgeous Westcountry.

One woman who most definitely does just that is Catherine, the Countess of St Germans.

Known to her friends as Cathy, she’s married to Peregrine, the Earl of St Germans and is the mastermind behind the Port Eliot Festival, which takes place in south east Cornwall next weekend. Previous festivals have seen everything from live Madness gigs to children’s story-time with Kate Winslet, so who

@WMNWest

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So close @KathrynCMcleod !! lovely judging comment! “The standard of design in @WMNWest is consistently of the highest order” #edfawards Ed’s note: Well done to our three fabulous finalists at the EDF South West Media awards in Taunton this week – Phil Goodwin, Steven Haywood and Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

knows that this year’s extravaganza will bring.

Turn to page 44 today for an exclusive insight into Catherine’s remarkable life.

Another intriguing Westcountry character is businesswoman Sonia Meaden, who gives us a terrific interview in West this week. Not only is she the mum of Dragon’s Den star Deborah Meaden, this Devon-based self-made millionaress is quite something in her own right. Find out more on page 16 today, including Deborah Meaden’s unusual birthday present to her mum, Strictly Come Dancing, and why all women should wear a tutu.

Happy reading - and have a great week.

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Previous festivals have starred both Madness and Kate Winslet

Becky Sheaves, Editor

COVER IMAGE: Port Eliot Festival

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

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Sarah Pitt

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Catherine Barnes

Phil Goodwin

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If you buy one thing this week...

Why not bring a bit of French style into your garden with this bistro table and chairs, perfect for enjoying a drink on balmy summer evenings? Made from powder-coated steel in grey-blue, they fold up for easy storage and moving around. Priced at £115, the set is available from interiors shop Dupère Design in Modbury, south Devon and online at www.duperedesign.com

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Tres chic 1920s make-up bag £12.95 www.swankymaison.com

Stag hanky box £18.50 www.annabeljames.co.uk

the

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

So cute Blue choker flower necklace £10 Tamar Valley-based www.stockwellceramics.co.uk

Store we adore Choccie Bar, Exeter

Just a glance in the window of this shop will have a chocoholic sighing with pleasure. The chocolates, made on the premises, come in chunky bars, in fantasy boxes and even in sheets which look like abstract paintings – with much use of colour, sparkle and swirls. Owner Katie Jones also offers chocolate making workshops for children and adults.

Choccie Bar is at 29 Gandy Street, Exeter, see www.chocciebar.com or call 01392 423003

A vintage postcard with a local address features on this brooch handmade by Stockwell Ceramics in the Tamar Valley, £10, www.stockwellceramics.co.uk

Hedgerow mug, £12.99, www.afarmersdaughter. co.uk

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Wishlist

Flower earrings, £6.50, Dorothy Perkins

Breezy Roman Holiday blue sundress £63 made in Warsaw Poland from en.dawanda.com

SO TWEET Needle felted blue tit made by Benton’s Menagerie, £95, from the Contemporary Craft Festival Shop in Bovey Tracey, call 01626 830612

Jester chequered cabinet £429 www.aroundthehousefurniture.co.uk

Japanese influences can be seen in this Mido teapot £30 www.black-bydesign.co.uk

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talking points LOVELY

Fran McElhone

Story of my life...

An era of nappies, night feeds and love eing a new mama is and I had parked well within the hard! I thought everylines., so my open doors were still one knew this?! Since occupying my space. my cherub Woody came Just as Woody started whimalong two-ish months past, I pering and this whimper became began conducting my day-to-day a howl and I leant over to haul existence while feeling absolutehim out of his car seat, I heard ly knackered. Which all makes a disgruntled voice muttering simple errands/interactions far something about me moving out trickier than they were before. the way. I looked round to see a And because sleep deprivation woman glaring at me so I curtly has a cumulative effect, the longer replied, ‘Yes if you can wait two it goes on, the more ridiculous its secs’. I promptly plonked Woody effects. I had to call the fire brion my lap, grabbed the handle gade out because of it. Sorry, I’m and closed the door. But alas, my not ready to offer elaboration yet, front door was open, remember? it was just too emMore mutterings barrassing.

Yes, and glares cast my I am completely way, so I suggested I am completely devoid of a shortshe might consider term memory, closing my door for devoid of a shortsay the most idime! term memory, otic things, and am Another super even more clumsy glare and a flick of say the most than usual. her wrist saw my idiotic things Put simply, it all front door slammed and am even makes me feel a shut. It was now little more vulnervery hot in there, more clumsy able. So, the unso I scrambled out, than usual derstanding and clutching Woody, tolerance, patience and stood by the and friendliness of car, bidding her others is really needed and apprefarewell with a glare to rival hers. ciated. The other day, I was shown This was a nasty, albeit minor, none of this so watch out – vent encounter. Rightly or wrongly, I ahoy! had this sense she was glaring at Here’s what happened – my me for being a bad mum because mother needed to pop into Wamy baby was crying. But she had itrose (the Sidmouth one) and, three small kids with her. The Woody being tired, he and I waited moral of the story? A little pain the car. It was a really hot day tience and friendliness goes a long so I opened the back door and the way towards us new mums who front door and sat in the back with are just learning the ropes. Treat him – and, just so you know, my others as you wish to be treated. space was on the end of the row Simple, really.

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Fran McElhone and her husband Mike live in east Devon with their new son Woody. Next week: Gillian Molesworth on family life in north Cornwall

lemon

Lorraine Kelly showed off her new slimmeddown figure in this citrus-coloured pencil dress at the Minions film premiere recently, accompanied by her daughter Rosie, 20.

Lorraine chose her frock to fit with the “yellow carpet” Minion-themed dress code of the event – here are some smart ways that you too can look bright and cheery in shades of lemon.

Lace dress £34.99 New Look

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION A Flirty Sister Mimosa dress £189 Paul & Joe

OPTION B Sporty Karla dress £165 Oxygen Boutique

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12 JULY 2015

Just

POPPY DROPS IN Hip Somerset retreat The Pig Hotel has seen plenty of A-listers visit just recently. Glastonbury headliner Florence Welch stayed there ahead of her festival performance and The Streets Mike Skinner popped in for dinner.

Meanwhile, model Poppy Delevingne (above) departed in style – by helicopter. Fancy joining the cool crowd?

Rooms start at £149 – and The Pig group is set to take over Combe House Hotel in east Devon next year.

KONNIE: I’M A NERD “Pretty much everything is nerdy about me” confesses former Blue Peter Presenter and Cambridge grad Konnie Huq, who’s presenting a new Sky 1 quiz show, King Of The Nerds.

Mum-of-two Konnie, who’s married to TV satirist Charlie Brooker, confesses: “In telly, you meet loads of people who are really cool...(but) it’s a bit like a holiday

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romance for me. I’m not the sort of person who’s going to go the Groucho Club or Glastonbury. I don’t really do cool things.”

Really, Konnie? Try awesome, then: Her fearless Blue Peter adventures included diving with sharks and kayak-surfing in stormy Cornish seas – which left her with a wound requiring plastic surgery!

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

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LEVI LOVES CORNISH PASTIES Reggae Reggae Sauce inventor Levi Roots has released an album – and yes, it’s reggae – remember the catchy jingle that brought him to fame (and fortune) Dragon’s Den? He says: “It’s no coincidence that I was on the show with a guitar rather than a business plan. I owe

a lot to that song.” Levi’s business sense is undeniable, though: he has teamed up with no fewer than THREE pasty makers in recent years. Ginsters, Rowe’s and the West Cornwall Pasty Company have all made to make Reggae Reggae flavoured pasties: Yeah man!

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Good work: Tassy Swallow is raising money for charity by stand up paddleboarding from Godrevy to St Ives - with her dog Sunny, too

in pictures Dinosaur uproar: Some big beasts have been spotted at The Eden Project this summer holidays

Prom fun: West magazine’s Tilly Barnes went to Tavistock College’s school prom with friends Chloe Young, Emily Stewart-Reid and Joe Edmonds

Thanks mum! Westcountry photographer Richard Austin captured a swallow feeding its chicks even though they’ve left the nest

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talking points Get away

In season

ONE OF US

Flowers in bloom right now:

1 Sunflowers

Famous faces with links to the Westcountry

2 Phlox 3 Delphinium 4 Sweet pea

by Connie Chapman

5 Marigold 6 Cornflower 7 Lily 8 Rose 9 Lavender TripAdvisor’s most popular summer holiday destinations:

10 Dahlia

This week:

Anna Friel

1 Spain 2 Balearic Islands

38-year-old actress Anna Friel lives in the town of Frome in northeast Somerset

3 Portugal 4 Greek Islands 5 Canary Islands 6 Florida 7 Mexico 8 Sri Lanka 9 France 10 UK!

The happy list Lazy days

10 things to make you smile this week 1 Blue Moon Aggie Fest Fab Cornish festival, Aug 1-2

2 Crealy’s new ride rollerYour 10 beach essentials:

1 Sunscreen 2 Umbrella 3 Book 4 Flip flops 5 Sunglasses 6 Face wipes 7 Hat 8 Snorkel or surfboard 9 Cover up 10 Camera

coaster fun in Devon

3 Broad beans pod, then de-shell - they’re worth it

4 Village cricket more cheerful than the Ashes

5 Family time = happiness 6 River walks just lovely 7 Crikey It’s Vintage today, Poltimore, Devon: retro joy

8 House hunting now’s the time, the market’s on the up

9 Sandcastles with flags 10 Cherries perfect right now

Early years: Anna was born in Rochdale, Greater Manchester and began her theatre training at Oldham Theatre Workshop. She has been acting professionally since the age of 13.

Awards: Anna has been the recipient of a number of awards throughout her career.

These include the National Television Award and the Drama Desk Award.

locations including Crowcombe Heathfield station on the West Somerset railway, near Frome where she is currently has a home. The scenic Exmoor National Park and the town of Dulverton also appeared in the film.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2008, Anna was one of People magazine’s 100 most beautiful people in the world

Relationships: She was previously in a relationship with actor David Thewlis and they had daughter, Gracie, together in 2005. They split after almost 10 years together - Anna has been in a relationship with Welsh actor Rhys Ifans since 2011.

Soap opera history: Anna played character Beth Jordache in Channel 4’s Brookside. In January 1994, she caused a storm when her character showed the first ever lesbian kiss in a British soap opera.

Local star: In 1998, Anna made her film debut in Land Girls. Filming took place in the South West, with

Miracle baby: After collapsing and needing emergency surgery for an ovarian cyst in 2001, Anna feared that she would have difficulty conceiving.

However, she later became pregnant with her daughter Gracie Ellen Mary Thewlis.

Somerset: In 2011, Anna Friel and Rhys Ifans decided to begin house-hunting in the West Country. A friend said: “They are totally in love and want to move to Somerset.”

Campaigning: Anna supports the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign as well as the WWF wildlife charity.

Frozen: In 2013, Anna caused a furore by admitting she was looking into having her eggs frozen, saying boyfriend Rhys “would like a child but I’m not sure we’re ready yet”.

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Clare Latimer

Cornwall to London Clare Latimer brings the very best Cornish food to the capital with her unique new Primrose Hill shop, Clare’s Cornish Kitchen. Anna Turns finds out more

he shop shelves are stuffed to the brim with carefully-selected artisan Cornish delicacies, the walls are adorned with original artwork by Westcountry artists. No, this isn’t Falmouth or Padstow; Clare’s Cornish Kitchen, in London’s exclusive Primrose Hill, is the first of its kind.

With the likes of Michael Palin, Yotam Ottolenghi and Andrew Marr at the recent launch party, there is no doubt that this is somewhere rather special. The Clare in question, Clare Latimer, is the famous actor’s daughter who divides her time between London and The Lizard.

This makes her ideally placed to create a shop appealing to people craving a nostalgic reminder of holidays west of the Tamar. “Everyone loves the idea of having a piece

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of Cornwall in central London,” says Clare, 63, who has spent the past 30 years heading up a high-end catering firm in the city. “There hasn’t been anything like this before. I want it to feel like you are walking into somewhere lovely in Cornwall.”

When Clare retired, aged 60, she decided to use her business premises on London’s prestigious Chalcot Road in Primrose Hill to launch her new shop this summer.

As a result, she has set up Clare’s Cornish Kitchen as a not-for-profit business venture initially for two years, as a welcome boost to her favourite local producers.

“It has always been my dream to have a Cornish shop in London – walking through an art gallery full of paintings from Cornwall into my shop where I am surrounded by pasties and Helford apple juice makes me feel at home

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main picture: victoria harrison

People

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People Clare in her shop with Michael Palin and chef Yotam Ottolenghi (right)

WWW.JOHNBATTENPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

The BBC’s Andrew Marr was at Clare’s shop launch party this summer

even when I’m in Primrose Hill.”

Clare’s strong connection to The Lizard began when she was just five years old and she’s been visiting regularly ever since. “My dad, the late Hugh Latimer, was a wellknown actor and I always loved Cornwall because it was heaven to escape the razzmatazz of the theatre,” recalls Clare. “I had a stammer as a child and being among animals on my friend’s farm and spending time surrounded by nature was a lot less threatening to me.

“I just loved Cornwall and, when I was 17, I passed my driving test, bought a dog, a car and a caravan and moved to my friend’s stunning farm overlooking Frenchman’s Creek. I started making sandwiches at Helford Sailing Club. Within three months I taught myself to cook and was catering for huge events.” Having begun her culinary

career in Cornwall – she went on to cater for everyone from celebrities to ministers at 10 Downing Street – she now wants to give something back to the county.

“Everything about the local food scene in Cornwall is so natural and fresh,” enthuses Clare.

“Most of my suppliers are young people living an outdoors lifestyle and producing amazing, healthy foods.” Clare agrees that Westcountry producers tend to be ahead of the game in terms of branding too: “Miles from anywhere in the far corners of Cornwall, these producers are setting the trend. They have got guts to start up on their own. I so admire how they have made their businesses successful.

It’s fantastic for me to now help them to break into the London market.”

Clare now lives nine months of the year at her cottage in St Martin on The Lizard, which

she bought ten years ago, with visits to London in between. Discerning foodie Clare insists that London’s food scene isn’t a patch on Cornwall’s.

“The food is so fresh and Cornish chefs all seem so passionate about what they are cooking, I eat out so much more when I’m here.”

Her top spots include The Ship Inn in Mawgan and The Shipwrights Arms in Helford where she worked years ago. And having spent her career in the kitchen, Clare’s enjoying meeting producers, finding out their stories and building relationships with them – she then displays their stories on her shop walls. From the Raw Choco-

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Clare’s London shop sells Raw Chocolate Pie Company bars from St Ives

Gear Farm pasties from The Lizard

late Pie Company in St Ives to delicious organic pasties from Gear Farm in her home village of St Martin, Clare’s shop is aimed at showcasing the very best on offer.

And it’s not just foodie treats for sale. Clare has hand-picked other delights, such as Cornish tartan dog leads, rosemary and bergamot skin lotion from St Kitts Herbery in Davidstow and Bodmin’s B Skincare’s lemon barrier cream.

Clare’s shop also showcases art and crafts from Falmouth’s gallery Beside the Wave. While putting Cornwall more firmly on the gastro map, she’s keen to further expose the county’s cultural and artistic heritage. “Because of my family’s theatrical connections, I enjoy working as a trustee of Hall for Cornwall in Truro,” she explains.

Whenever Clare first returns home to her peaceful cottage at St Martin, she hides away from the hustle and bustle for a couple of days to recharge. Then she starts getting itchy feet and jumps back into action. “I love walking and I take my camera everywhere. A chough flies past, or I’ll watch the storm waves at Porthleven – there’s always something happening!”

And now there’s an added dimension to Clare’s journeys, as her search for exciting new food and drink businesses continues.

The Primrose Hill shop stocks Chocolarder treats from Ponsonooth

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Interview

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SONIA MEADEN

Mum’s the word

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A pioneering businesswoman and mother-of-four (including Deborah from Dragon’s Den) Sonia Meaden is having the time of her life, as Catherine Barnes discovers

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rian and I both agree the most successful thing we’ve ever done is to have four daughters who are so bonded that it’s a joy to be all together as a family,” says Sonia Meaden.

“I’m not a feminist. I think everyone should earn their role on merit. Are you having one of these? They’re delicious,” she says indicating a plate of fresh cookies and helping herself to a second.

“I think feminism may draw attention, but it’s the wrong kind of attention. I never had difficulty proving a point, but then, I’m a very strong woman and grew up unlocking my own destiny.”

It’s a spirit of endeavour that Sonia has nurtured in her own girls, including famous daughter Deborah, who has also inherited her mother’s attractive wide-open smile. Both have formidable business careers and no shortage of personal charm.

Sonia also has a sense of mischief and an unexpectedly naughty side. Let’s just say that if you’re planning a girls’ night out, you’d definitely want to bring her along. We’re chatting over coffee at The Moorland Garden Hotel on the fringes of Dartmoor near Yelverton.

Sonia and her husband Brian bought the hotel four years ago – their idea of a retirement project.

“When Brian first brought me here, I thought, surely we’re not going to book in for the night. Then he said, we should buy it,” she explains. “I said, why? And he said, because you’re sick of pottering around the garden at home pulling up weeds.”

Somerset born and bred, Sonia was born into a family holiday business that she and Brian later grew into Weststar, a hugely successful tourist park business.

“My father gave me my own little business when I was just ten. I had to buy the stock, sell the goods and pay rent,” she says. “He made me run it as though it were a real business. There were no conces-

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portraits: Steve Haywood

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Sonia and her four daughters in the 1980s

Sonia, Brian and the girls with boxer Henry Cooper

Deborah Meaden on Strictly Come Dancing

sions and all my friends were on the beach. But now I’m here, living quite a nice lifestyle. It was character building. I did the same with my girls, too.”

Indeed, Sonia’s hugely proud of her four daughters – “all opinionated!” – Gail, Emma, Cass and, of course, Deborah. It was Deborah, her second oldest daughter, who developed her own business interests before taking over Sonia’s role of Weststar chief executive. The Meadens sold the business for £30 million in 2005 and Deborah went on to Dragons’ Den fame.

There’s a 10-year age gap between Gail and Deborah and their younger sisters. Sonia and her first husband ldivorced when Deborah was young. Sonia and Brian then met and married and today Deborah and Gail call Brian Dad. So

how did she manage a career and four children?

“The girls were at boarding school because I was working so hard. There was more stability with boarding school than with carers, who would have come and gone in their lives,” explains Sonia, who had been a boarder herself.

“When we spent time with them, there were absolutely no distractions and we made a point of being together. But that’s easier when you’re running your own business, in control of your own destiny.”

These days, Sonia lives a relatively laidback life. The Moorland Garden Hotel and The Nobody Inn at Doddiscombsleigh, another business she and Brian bought when they got fed up with pottering around, are ticking over nicely.

Her routine includes a daily workout in the gym

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Interview

Sonia and her husband of 50 years, Brian

at their Chagford home: “Thirty minutes stretching, 15 minutes of weights and an hour on the cross trainer. I usually watch a programme my husband wouldn’t watch in a month of Sundays,” (for the record, she’s an Eggheads fan).

“I’m not a morning person. I like to go the gym around four and then I can go on and party all night.” And she’s not joking – Sonia’s already planning a major birthday bash for when she hits 80. Astonishingly, this milestone birthday is coming up in November next year.

“I want a big party, as when I’m 90 I probably won’t want a knees-up,” she says. “I’ve already booked the venue. Deborah asked me what I’d like for my birthday and I said nothing. But I would like to dance with one of the Strictly dancers. So she’s going to organise that.”

Deborah is well placed to deliver on this promise, as she quick-stepped and jived her way through five weeks of Strictly Come Dancing in 2013.

Sonia too loves to dance – and would make a less two-leftfooted follow up to Judy Murray, in the fun-celebrity-mum slot.

“With most things,” she says, “if people say do it, I’ll give it a go.”

Husband Brian, who’s not so twinkle-toed,

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has offered to take up tango lessons, which just shows how in love they are after 50 years of marriage. One thing they’ve always made a point of, reveals Sonia, is to make time for each other, right from when the children were small.

“It’s important you remain a lover to your husband and I say that at the age of nearly 80.

We’d have a holiday with the children and then make time to enjoy time together as a couple.

‘Deborah asked me what I’d like for my 80th. I said I want to dance with the Strictly dancers’

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Interview

Then, when the children left home, I had a partner who still excited me. The children are not at home for ever. You still have to work at a marriage.”

And it’s fair to say that Sonia’s full of surprises, buying a tutu at the age of 70 in which to enchant Brian with her own performance of the dance of Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker.

“When I bought my tutu in London, I pretended it was for a friend in New York the same size as me,” she laughs. “They couldn’t believe their eyes as I tried it on.”

Charity work is also among the loves of Sonia’s life. She was awarded an OBE in 2004 for her charity campaigns. Today, she’s backing calls for a major arts venue in Exeter and also supports Rays of Sunshine, which grants wishes to terminally ill children.

Meanwhile, she and Brian are shortly off to Germany with daughter Gail and the youngest of their two grandsons. “Travel’s a big thing for me, and I’ve been around the world,” says Sonia, who cites Rwanda as the most inspirational places she’s visited. “The way they’ve put the country back together is wonderful. Today they have the world’s highest proportion of women in government.”

It was while Sonia was on her travels, in Holland nine years ago, that a health scare proved a life-changing catalyst. “My heart stopped,”

she says. “Back then, you’d have seen a different woman, a workaholic. I’d never developed hobbies. I realised it was stress and decided I’d never set foot in an office again. No-one believed me, but even a workaholic needs time out to smell the roses.”

These days, Sonia still oversees her businesses, but also delegates. When we meet, she is busy discussing decor for the The Moorland Garden Hotel’s revamp into a beautiful boutique retreat.

She’s orchestrating, too, the development of a luxury Exeter city centre apartment she and Brian are moving into, having decided (with some regret) to sell their family home of 20 years in Chagford on Dartmoor. Neither of them, she explains, relishes the future prospect of the other being left “rattling round” in the family home.

“The girls are really upset,” she admits. “Chagford’s been the most wonderful community.

Living in the Westcountry, a lot of people from here seem to walk through the day without really

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looking at what a fantastic place it is to live,” she adds. “But Brian and I think it’s paradise.”

The Meaden’s new home will be architect designed but every aspect will be Westcountry sourced. Sonia’s a buy-local champion and insists the region doesn’t come second-best to London. Even her outfit today is from a local boutique. “You can get everything in Chagford apart from fashion shoes – you have to go to Exeter for those,” she says. Sonia admits she’s always been a power-dresser, revealing: “I had the biggest shoulder pads you can imagine in the eighties.”

In an odd way, she adds, Joan Collins’ iconic 1980s role in TV’s Dynasty defined new attitudes to middle-age. “I remember when I was young, a woman was old in her 40s. Suddenly, here was an older woman who was alive and dynamic.

“Some people stop at a certain age and then, unfortunately, they stop in their head, too.

“Once you’re fifty, people think you’re past it, but you have a wealth of experience... and I’m up for anything.”

‘Some people stop at a certain age and then, unfortunately, they stop in their head, too’

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Tropical heat Turn up the heat with some jungle-themed style points.

Gabrielle Fagan sources sultry homeware for exotic looks

he weather lately has been fabulous but, in our heart of hearts, we know it’s not wise here in the South West to believe that is any guarantee of more scorching days to come.

Indoors, however, is quite another matter. By embracing tropical style you can conjure your very own exotic sanctuary, and sit back and bask in paradise all year long.

Think jungle foliage murals and wallpapers, scorched earth colours like red russet, deep fuchsia pink and glowing orange, reminiscent of holiday sunsets.

Add to the illusion of that sun-baked setting with fashionable fun touches, from pineapple lamps to cactus vases and perching parrots.

Granted, there’s a retro, kitsch feel to this decor

T

style but interpreted in a modern way – less is more is the rule here – you can rest assured this look is truly on-trend.

Green is a calming colour and you can use it to conjure up an oasis of calm with lush foliage and an array of exotic birds.

“The big leaf tropical look was originally made popular by Don Loper at his Beverly Hills Hotel in 1942, and this style of leafy wallpaper has since become of the most recognisable wall coverings in the world. Currently there’s a huge demand for that type of aesthetic,” says

[

designer Robin Sprong, who creates wallpapers featuring imagery including garden and jungle scenes.

“Our Crazy Banana wallpaper range aims to reflect its 1940s origins, while reflecting those on-trend shades of greens, emeralds and gemstones. It’s highly sophisticated yet very retro, and brings the foliage of the garden and jungle indoors.”

Alternatively, you could take a walk on the wild side with another striking wallpaper from the Forest collection at Robin Sprong, from around

There’s a retro-kitsch feel to this decor but these days it is truly on trend

[

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Interiors

Sleep among tropical flowers with the Cordelia bedlinen, duvet cover £44.99, pillowcases £12.99 each and curtains £54.99 from Dunelm Mill

Jungle wallpaper, £212.40 a roll from Robin Sprong’s Forest collection, www. robinsprong.com

£212.40 a roll. It is so realistic you’d swear you could step into its rich green jungle landscape.

Young designer Miki Rose’s Jungle Print wallpaper, meanwhile, features palm leaves, parrots, monkeys and toucans. It is currently reduced from £125 to £93.75 a roll, from Graduate Collection.

And if you are not up for getting all hot and bothered pasting up wallpaper, simply make a statement with your paint instead. Try the luscious lime from the Dulux Feature Wall collection, £13.83 for 1.25 litres at B&Q. You can also clinch the tropical look with a cocktail of citrus shades and quirky, fruitthemed accessories: “Summer may only just have arrived, but we’ve been enjoying the heat in interiors trends all year. There’s a trend for bright

Cactus vases £19.95 to £39.95, Parrot porcelain jug £45 and pineapple jug, £34.95, all www. rigbyandmac.com

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Interiors Pineapple design window film, from £30, www. windowfilm.co.uk

Young designer Mike Rose’s jungle wallpaper print is currently reduced from £125 to £93.75 a roll, from www. graduatecollection.co.uk

neons and sunshine yellow accents in interiors and fabrics; wallcoverings and accessories take on a tropical theme,” says Katharine Maclaverty, co-founder of design company Rigby & Mac. “Go all out and create Hollywood mid-century glamour, with statement pieces, bold jungle prints, fun tropical accessories and a liberal smattering of warm gold metallics,” she says.

The Seventies revival in fashion is mirrored

Metro chair from Declor in Christian Lacriox’s palm leaf print £2,413, www. declor.co.uk

in interiors, and with it has come the trend for Friendly Barter trend palettes.” indoor gardening, cacti, succulents and terMarianne recommends you use blocks of rariums. The modern way to pull off this look is colour, so popular on the fashion catwalk, to lead with natural materials – think reclaimed wood on a path from one area to another in your home. and stone – copper accents and a largely mono“Start with the brightest colours in the destichrome base. Don’t break out with orange shagnation zones like the living room and kitchen, pile carpet just yet though – Tropicalia is the inwhere you strike camp, gather with friends and spiration, but you don’t want to recreate Elvis’s relax,” she advises. jungle room.

Conjure a sanctuary bedroom where the ocean Or you could generate a frisson of heat with could be a step away, by putting up plantationhot pinks and deep reds mixed style window shutters and dresswith tropical blooms. ing a bed in exotic flower print “Paint like no one is watching,” bedding. Try Dorma’s Cordelia says Marianne duvet and pillowcases, newly ‘Create Shillingford, creavailable at Dunelm Mill this Hollywood midative director at month.

Dulux. “Don’t be For alternative touches of century glamour afraid to mix it flamboyance – perhaps not all with bold jungle up with tropical in the same room though! – opt shades that buzz for wallpaper with red and pink prints and with life and repineapples from Luku Home and fun tropical create the jungle cushions decorated with humaccessories’ fever at home.” mingbirds by Blooming Briony “Choose colDesigns (available from Designours which are er Makers). Now all you need is clean, fresh and a colourful cocktail – complete highly lightwith mini umbrella – to sip in reflective, like Luscious Lime, your tropical surroundings.

Sunny Savannah 6, Jamaican Ginger, Floral Bunch and See www.dunelm.com, www.designersmakers.

Chartreuse Charm, from Ducom, www.rigbyandmac.com and www.robinlux’s 2015 Layer + Layer and sprong.com

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Shopping

GET THE

LOOK

Paint in luscious lime from Dulux’s Feature Wall collection £13.85 for 1.25 litres, B&Q

Try tropical shades and fun jungle-themed accessories

La Siesta hammock £269.80, www. vivalagoon.com

Blooming Briony Designs hummingbirds cushion £45, www. designersmakers.com

Abigail Ahern orange camel cushion £35, Debenhams

Lamp £69.50, www.thelightingcompany.co.uk

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Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Salad days Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, discovers that unusual salad leaves are nothing new ome years ago I agreed to become a patron of the Town Mill in Lyme Regis, a working water mill on the river Lym where organic wheat is still ground into flour, and sold on the premises. The mill dates back to the 1300s and has a small walled garden consisting of four raised beds surrounding a mulberry tree. Due to other commitments, I’ve been a rather dormant patron recently but by the time you read this, I will have visited to reacquaint myself with these lovely old building.

The garden contains herbs, fruit, veg and medicinal plants and is maintained loosely with the 1600-1700 period in mind. To understand what gardening was like back then, you need to read John Evelyn. Better known for his diary, he also wrote about French gardens, trees and in 1699 the first recorded book about salads entitled Acetaria a discourse of Sallets. Born in 1620 he rather wisely decided to evade the Civil War by travelling around Europe. After marrying in France, he returned to Britain, moving into Sayes Court in Deptford, a property owned by his wife’s family. Sadly, this no longer exists but it became I hadn’t thought famed for the garden created there. By the time he was writmuch about ing about salads, he had moved salad-eating in to Wotton, his family home in 1699 – the first Surrey.

Prior to reading a copy of revelation was Acetaria (edited by Christopher the sheer variety Driver), I hadn’t thought much about salad-eating in 1699 and of leaves under the first revelation was the sheer discussion variety of leaves under discussion. When I was growing up in the 1960s and 70s all we saw was

S

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lettuce and maybe mustard and cress. It is tempting to think that the current range of leaves available is a modern innovation but the table at the front of Acetaria lists 35 different sorts, including endive, corn salad, mustard, chervil, sampier, nasturtium, sorrel and spinach. Evelyn also has much to say about the benefits of a vegetarian diet or at least of eating less meat and avoiding greed. He had plenty of history to draw on, as Roman salads were impressive too, including lettuce, rocket, watercress, purslane, chicory and basil.

The challenge for modern gardeners is to grow a wide range of salad leaves in our own backyards without a small army of gardeners to keep on top of the sowing, weeding, watering and gathering. I aim for several varieties of lettuce in the ground all summer, spaced about 9in apart.

These are gathered mainly by the leaf from the outside and middle and I need to sow more now.

They’ll germinate perfectly well in a soaked drill but I tend to raise them in pots and modules to plant out. Chickweed grows like the weed it is in the greenhouse and I encourage this and add it to salads. As I don’t need as great a volume of

tastier leaves like rocket, mustards and coriander, these are sown across the tops of containers in the greenhouse, aiming for a plant every 1cm/ half inch. These are snipped when needed, as cut and come again plants. Plastic chocolate selection ‘tins’ with holes drilled in the base are ideal, being 8-10cm/3-4in deep.

August is the month to sow all the winter hardy salads, so shop now for seeds of land cress, lamb’s lettuce, rocket, mizuna and mibuna, mustards, chard, winter lettuce, spinach and claytonia. I’ll start most of mine in modules, then plant them at 17cm/7in spacings and as the weather is cool, they will not run to seed but continue delivering leaves from autumn to spring. Growing outdoors provides the best flavour but some might need cloche protection during a hard winter.

There is a caveat from the publishers at the start of Acetaria to remind us that some of Evelyn’s more experimental salads could be poisonous, especially if eaten in quantity.

He himself warns against making fatal errors like mistaking ‘deadly cicutae, hemlocks, aconits. &c. for garden parsley, and parsneps’. Wise words indeed.

Question time with Anne West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank

Q

I’m growing penstemons for the first time and I’m not sure how to care for them. Are they hardy enough to leave in so they can flower again next year?

Penstemons are useful, floriferous plants reaching 60cm/24in or so high, great for filling gaps in borders. After the first flush of tubular flowers, cut the spikes back near to their bases and the plants will throw up another lot. When these later ones have finished, leave them on as winter protection and cut back in spring.

Penstemons are not herbaceous, so they don’t die right back and disappear underground for winter. Some are almost like small shrubs and although they are usually frost hardy, an exceptionally cold wet winter can see them off.

The best bet is to take cuttings from the summer regrowth and over winter these in a greenhouse or cold frame as spares.

Q

My runner bean leaves are peppered with lots of whitish mottling, then holes develop.

Do I need to worry about this?

I’ve been out to look at my own beans and can see similar symptoms as well as some small blackfly colonies. Fortunately, there are plenty of ladybirds about so I shall leave them to deal with the blackfly. The symptoms you describe are caused by other sap-sucking insects, probably leafhoppers which profited in the warm weather of early and high summer. There’s a small chance that capsid bugs could be at work but they generally cause more distortion. Neither of these are easily controlled by spraying, even if you wanted to. There’s still plenty of green in the leaves, so there is no need to worry overmuch.

Just keep the beans well watered and mulched, so they grow strongly.

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

• Skim duckweed from ponds, remove dead leaves from marginals and top up the water if necessary. This will enable animals and birds to feed (check they can get in and out easily on stones or marginal baskets) and give you calm reflections.

• C lear spend crop such as early potatoes, broad beans and calabrese and straighten up the beds. Sow Chinese cabbage in modules and straight to the ground chard, perpetual

spinach, spring onions and turnips.

Remember to soak drills first.

• Meadows of grasses and wildflowers are often cut now, so that the grasses don’t dominate.

Leave some areas uncut, as wildlife habitat.

Many butterflies (skippers for example) use grasses as their food plants for caterpillars and they may be feeding or pupating. I often leave our entire meadow intact for two years on the trot.

Make up some general purpose liquid feed and treat all your container plants to a boost of plant food. This includes house plants which may also need cleaning or repotting.

Wake up

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

houseplant cyclamen returning to growth.

Water, wait for the new leaves to appear, then pot on into fresh compost.

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Beauty

Tried

& tested

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

Pout and about Hot pink, soft lips – Benecos’ lippies pack some moisture. £6.95 at www.pravera.co.uk

ADORABLE How cute is this drawstring makeup and toiletries bag (£19.99)? Find it at www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Fresh EYES WIDE OPEN Build your own lashes with this mascara and little tube of magic fibres for dramatic definition.

Santhilea Magnetic Lash Mascara, £25 www.selfridges.com

Caudalie’s refreshing make-up removing oil does the job and leaves skin feeling freshly cleansed. £18 at www.caudalie.com

SCRUB UP Try natural brand Urtekram’s brown sugar scrub for silky pins. £16.39 wwwecco-verde.co.uk

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the review When you haven’t had time to...

Caught on the hop by your holiday? Lisa Haynes has been trialling cheats that will smooth, gloss and prep you… in a last-minute bathroom session

WORKOUT

Nice nails For violet femmes in three shades of mauve, these polishes are part of Poundland’s bargain rainbow range

I want one of those!

A cute summer gift for someone you love, this mini pamper set is £15 at www.oliverbonas.com

THE CHEAT: Nuriss Bingo-Wing Fade-Away Cream, £65 (nuriss.co.uk) If those good intentions to lift free weights five times a week rapidly went out of the window, there is a Plan B. This cream won’t work toning magic overnight, but spend two minutes applying it twice a day in the run-up to your holiday, and your skin should feel tauter. For maximum results, massage into your upper arms in circular upward motions.

WAX THE CHEAT: Nair Argan Oil Bikini & Underarm Glideon, £5.10 (Boots stores) Stray hairs and swimsuits are not a good mix. If you haven’t had time to book in for a professional wax, this roll-on formula is a happy hair removal fix. For a mess-free finish, twist up the notouch applicator, smooth on and simply rinse off for fuzz-free skin that lasts for up to seven days.

PEDI

TAN

THE CHEAT: Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi Electronic Foot File, currently reduced to £29.99 from £39.99 (boots.com) If you’ve found time to shop for new sandals, fancy feet are a must. For the next best thing to a date with a chiropodist, see off sandpaper soles with this nifty DIY tool. Smooth the rotating roller over hard skin for baby soft tootsies in five minutes flat.

There’s even a tool for extra coarse skin, if more groundwork is required.

THE CHEAT: Fake Bake 5 Minute Mousse, £20 (boots.com) Self tan is the instant route to a slimmer silhouette. This genius speed-dry mousse eliminates the need for the overnight biscuit pong wait. Just five minutes is all you need for the tan to develop, meaning you can apply on the morning of your departure flight. Smooth on with a selftan mitt to avoid tell-tale orange palms.

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

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Nauti & nice ere in the South West, we spend all our days elegantly lounging on beautiful yachts, don’t we? Well, even if you’re more likely to be on the river foot ferry than a glamorous gin palace, there’s no denying the perennial appeal of the nautical look.

Blue and white go so well together, and are such a flattering combination. Even better, there are some terrific coastal-style bargains to be had in the summer sales right now, too. All aboard!

H

Walda navy jersey jumpsuit reduced to £45, Flora wedge espadrilles reduced to £17 and Lilian bracelet reduced to £7, all Phase Eight

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Fashion

Land’s End keyhole dress £40 in the sale www.landsend.com Samantha cowl neck dress £59 in the sale, Phase Eight Jersey anchor beach top, made in Brittany, £76.49 in the sale www.thenauticalcompany.co.uk

Swallow print scarf £8 www.apricotonline.co.uk

Anchor beach bag £15 www.very.co.uk

Arabella striped sweater £89 www.baukjen.com

Magisculpt for Marisota nautical swimsuit £26.50 in the sale www.marisota.co.uk

T shirt £8 in the sale www. longtallsally.com

Selena skirt £25 in the sale People Tree 31

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Trend

HOW TO WEAR IT:

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

The shirt dress Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod has high summer fashion all buttoned up eet the dress that is a delightful blend of preppy and tomboyish.

Remember when dungarees tried to make a comeback? I fought back.

Dungarees were a dragon and I was a valiant knight, refusing to entertain them on the fashion pages, tsk-tsking at Alexa Chung for indulging them, and declaring them ‘hideous’ to any poor soul who stood still long enough to listen.

They were a problem. Like any problem, the key to solving it lies in deeper understanding of the issue. Those who embraced dungarees were looking to fill a gap in their wardrobe that not everyone knows is there. You know how, when you put on your boyfriend's work shirt, you think "Wow, I look great in this man-garb" and even, for a second, consider wearing it to the office the very next day. Then reason sets in and you realise you would look like a woman who has run out of clean clothes, not a fashion pioneer.

When dungarees came about, they gave the wearer that exact Taylor Swift same feeling. "This boyish farm has a crisp garment makes me look edgy white collared beyond words." Turns out we like the idea of reinventing items from version. What the men’s section.

I would give to The solution is finding an item belt and a gorgeous navy Michael that is akin to an oversized shirt, Kors number with rolled sleeves spend an hour yet is actually properly designed and an oxblood leather belt. And in her wardrobe to fit a woman’s body. The shirt that’s just my top three. What I dress is everyone’s best friend. would give to spend an hour in They are tailored but have a joyher wardrobe! fully loose fit, and are formal and Shirt dresses are not exactly casual all at the same time. Hardworking wardbreaking news, I admit. They’ve stood the test robe items, for sure. of time and were worn by style icons Audrey Celeb fans of the trend include Reese WeathHepburn in the Fifties and Sophia Loren in the erspoon and Taylor Swift, both queens of cleanSeventies. The SS15 runways officially heralded cut style. Taylor’s incarnations of the look have their return though, with big names such as included a crisp white collared version (complete Tory Burch and Carolia Herrera conjuring up with a burgundy hat and polka dot tights), an some truly modern incarnations. adorable cream polka dot version with a maroon These look fantastic in just about every colour

M

Dress, River Island, Princesshay, £45 Hat, River Island, Princesshay, £25 Bag, River Island, Princesshay, £40 Shoes, River Island, Princesshay, £58

and fabric. My top three are definitely a quirky print, denim (light or dark, your choice) and crisp white. This River Island number is the ultimate summer saviour. Light, bold without being too bright, and with a flattering collar and button down neckline that is both smart and feminine.

Blazer and heels would make it meeting appropriate in a flash, and yet I can just as easily throw it on to browse at a weekend market.

It would even be good parrying with the next fashion dragon I have to slay. Crop tops, I have my eye on you! En garde!

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

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NEW LOOK spotty flower dress £24.99

CREW CLOTHING Florence dress £30

GET THE

look

NEXT platforms £38

REISS 1971 Vanda dress £139

HOBBS Polencia dress £135

NEW LOOK navy sleeveless shirt dress £19.00

DEBENHAMS yellow dress £32

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Shop

The edit Your straight line to style: smart looks for daytime dressing

+

Patterned blouse £27 Very

Designed by Rochelle Humes £59 Very

+

Teal barrel bucket bag £25 BHS

+

Sleeveless ivory blouse £45 White Stuff

New for AW from M&S Collection £99 M&S

+

Navy handbag £60 Simply Be

+

Ruffle blouse £34.95 Joe Browns

Navy button through suedette skirt £14 George at Asda

+

Terracotta Jane backpack £200 La Portegna

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Stars

Your stars

by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

The captivating fire sign of Leo has a wealth of redeeming qualities even though some might say they can be a bit conceited or arrogant. While this can be true, a well-developed Leo has learned to temper the “all about me” syndrome.

Millie Mackintosh born July 26, 1990.

She’s found fame as a reality star in TV’s Made in Chelsea, although her great-great grandfather had already secured the family’s fortunes by inventing Quality Street chocolates.

Wiltshire-born Millie shares her birthday today with Sandra Bullock, Mick Jagger and Helen Mirren. She wed rapper Stephen Manderson aka Professor Green in 2013. Leos born on this day are said to have a flair for public relations and Millie seems to bear this out – she’s got her own fashion label and is a promoter for Pimms.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) There seems to be one challenge after another thrown at you this week. Most are regarding your social life and a current relationship. You already know what you will do and there is no easy way to do it.

Your instinct tells you that you are on the right track, but when is the train coming? The full moon at the weekend is there to guide you.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Brace yourself for a bit of a hectic week ahead. Socially there are choices to be made which can be tricky. Perhaps you are sure to upset someone by not being able to accept an invitation. Don’t just offer to get in touch later, make a firm date. That way you will soften the blow.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) So clear is your vision right now that there is insight into many situations.

Certainly, if someone wants a problem solved, you are the one to come to. It being a sharing time, others will be willing to confide readily, but keep your own secrets under wrap for now.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Problems you felt awkward about find solutions. Difficult people seem to be occupied elsewhere. A financial worry can be reorganised to your satisfaction. Where you need to concentrate now is on the weekend.

Although the full moon does not throw up any problems, it does present you with a question.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) This week, everything seems crystalsharp and doable. You will wonder what you were worrying about before and realise that time has been wasted. So, get moving in the right direction. There is everything to play

for and, as the weekend approaches, the full moon makes things even clearer.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) A good-natured and happy feeling runs through the week. Getting together with someone new at the weekend can be fun. Perhaps someone will suggest a joint venture. Do you know them well enough? Find out more. Where there is love, you are there. Chase dreams but not shadows.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Admiring glances come your way, especially at the weekend. Of all the signs, you are chosen to see something special. Don’t assume that what you sense is just wishful thinking. Be open to new people and possibilities. This is a week when you must have confidence in yourself.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Someone who you have not seen for a very long time should be sought. Remember the lovely feeling they gave you when you were together. Could this be rekindled? The chances are you will be pleasantly surprised by the answer.

Sometimes we neglect those we take for granted.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) This week is all about letting go. There are plenty of options here. Clear out your clutter, let a friendship go that is proving too negative, simplify things at work or be

a bit more spontaneous. The need for change is strong and even exciting. What weighs most heavily on you? It is time to be honest.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Things are moving and you need to be ready to act. A reminder that you also need to pay attention to close friends is necessary. Having a network of helpful and encouraging people will not happen by chance.

Whatever you put into this week you will be sure to see progress.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Unexpected twists and turns at home and work could cause delays. These will, however, give you time to rethink a personal decision. Something that is not set in stone may need changing or rejecting. Although you like a peaceful life, being too passive this week could lose you an opportunity. Someone who has a strong romantic interest in you is having a hard time getting their message over.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Mingling with others brings home the feeling you are living on a certain level. Maybe a bit of adventure is what you need? Start with a holiday or by joining a group venture. What you feel about this at the beginning could change rapidly. Why? Because of the people involved. A firm decision needs to be made and, although it may not be easy, it will take you in a better direction.

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Wellbeing

the boost

Life just got better. We’ve handpicked the latest wellness trends, best-body secrets and expert advice to help you be your best self, everyday

Go nuts The tide has turned in favour of ‘good’ saturated fats which, eaten in moderation, keep you feeling fuller for longer. Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr’s among the celebrity advocates of coconut oil. It’s not only a food supplement, but a hair and skin conditioner, make-up remover and even natural antifungal foot treatment. Gwyneth Paltrow’s even a fan of ‘oil-pulling’ – swilling her mouth with the stuff to whiten teeth and freshen breath.

Think we’d prefer a Bounty bar… when the dentist isn’t looking! Buy coconut oil and find a wealth of tips at www.lucybee.co

LONG LIVE

Fit fest Falmouth is focussing on fitness from now until August 2, with opportunities to try all sorts of activities in five designated zones around the town during ZestiFAL week.

Join in with zumba or yoga, or try sailing, scuba, snorkelling. There are special Olympics games, or are you Tuff Enuff to take on a beach obstacle challenge? Many taster sessions are free, with other activities at a fraction of their usual cost.

Find out more at www.facebook.com/zestifal

#curvy Social media chanels went into a frenzy last week after instagram banned the tag ‘curvy’.

The company says it was part of a move to eradicate content that violates guidelines on nudity, but the move has generated severe backlash from the body-positive community. The way to celebrate your womanly curves in the meantime? #curvee

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FEEL-GOOD FOODS FOR YOUR DAY Feeling stressed? Pep up your diet with foods that help release feel-good serotonin. Carbs including porridge will get you off to a good start to the day, while the magnesium in spinach can regulate cortisol levels, which tend to get depleted when we are under pressure.

And it’s true that a warm bedtime glass of milk could help you sleep – the calcium helps soothe tension, as well as easing anxiety.

Add blueberries for increased heart health and improved memory function

WHY BILLIE LOVES

tummy toner TOWIE star Billie Faiers has described this Adonia tummy toning treatment as the ‘bikini buddy’ which got the 25-year old back into her swimwear within 12 months of giving birth to baby daughter, Nelly.

The super-serum costs £49 at www. tummytone.com and helped with ‘This serum plus her three-inch waistline weightloss. exercise and a Billie, who recently joined her The good diet Only Way Is Essex co-stars on their helped to trim annual sunshine trip to ‘Marbs’, says three inches she’s also focussing on a good diet off my and exercise. Her work projects now include a new fashion line, plus her waistline’ baby range with Mothercare: “I am setting up my products for the long term... which can continue even if I’m not in the public eye.”

[[

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

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

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Wellbeing

Fab at 40

Skincare advice for a new decade I am approaching 40 and, although I have always looked after my skin, I want to make sure that as I enter a new decade I am doing the right things to keep it in the best condition. What should I be considering now? MN, Salcombe

Q

Dr Pradnya Apte says: Hitting 40 can be a shock to the system but this transitional decade doesn’t have to mean you have to fall victim to the unwelcome signs of ageing. Whether you have a well-established skincare regime or you’re looking to turn back the clock, there are plenty of things you can do to take action.

It’s often around now that signs of sun damage begin to appear, such as uneven pigmentation and broken capillaries. Fine wrinkles and open pores begin to appear, as collagen and elastin in your skin begin to deteriorate.

Late nights and stress can now take a more obvious toll, particularly in the mornings. You may start to notice reduced fullness in your face – particularly beneath the eyes and in the cheeks – leaving skin with less support so that it appears to sag a little. Any changes in weight, particularly weight loss, tend to have an ageing effect on the face. But don’t fret, it’s never too late to repair the damage.

Fighting the signs of ageing that occur around deposited into the deeper parts of the skin. A the eyes can be a top priority for women in their course of three is recommended to achieve a forties. It’s for this reason that the non-surgical smoother, hydrated skin. The results are very eyelift has become so popular – especially if natural. you don’t want more invasive Since the turnover of treatments. surface skin cells (known as A combination of both keratinocytes) slows down in botulinum toxin injections and our forties, treatments that ‘Dermal fillers dermal fillers, the procedure encourage the turnover of boosts drooping brows by these cells can restore a more replace collagen relaxing the muscles in the youthful bloom. Treatments lost through age. forehead and ‘fills in’ the hollow such as chemical peels – either Done carefully, troughs beneath the eyes. superficial or medium depth For women in their forties who – medical needling or skin the results can have noticed a loss of volume boosters from the dermal filler be natural and in their face, dermal fillers ranges will help with this. youthful’ can be particularly effective.

Finally, it is time to consider Most dermal fillers are made using skincare that includes from sterile gels that contain active ingredients to combat hyaluronic acid – a natural the ageing process. There is no sugar found in the skin which substitute for the advice given binds to water molecules in and skincare prescribed by order to help plump it. Filling in lost fullness qualified professionals. Above all, a moisturiser while smoothing out lines and wrinkles, dermal with a minimum SPF 30 is recommended to fillers work with the skin to replace collagen lost prevent sun damage that causes the skin to age. through age. Done carefully, the desired affects At the Revitalise-Rejuvenate MediClinic in Exeter, can be natural and youthful.

Dr Pradnya Apte offers treatments within a relaxed Another treatment that works well is Restylane atmosphere, after a thorough free skin consultation. Call Skinboosters. Tiny measured microinjections 01392 426285 or visit www.revitalise-rejuvnenate.co.uk of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are to make an appointment.

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21/07/2015 16:43:55

Eat

ally mac’s

Raw Pecan Pie Tray Ally says: Mini bites are great for bigger groups and the best for sharing at a get together or dinner party! The texture from the pecans gives the soft gooey base a great balance with a hint of cinnamon.

Pecans are very good for you chock-full of minerals, great for your heart and in the top 15 foods recommended for their antioxidant activity.

While this recipe is in the tradition of a tray bake, you don’t even need to cook it.

And it is also absolutely yummy.

You will need (serves about eight): 300g Medjool dates (make sure they are stoned) 50ml boiled water 350g pecan nuts 50g almonds 50g organic desiccated coconut 5 tbsp coconut oil (plus a little extra for greasing) A pinch of Himalayan sea salt 1 tsp cinnamon 50ml homemade almond milk (or try ‘Rude Health’ almond milk) 2 tbsp raw honey

Method: Chop up 150g dates, soak the chopped dates in the boiling water and leave them to soak.

To make the crust, put 100g of pecan nuts in your food processor with the almonds, desiccated coconut, 1tbs of coconut oil, a pinch of salt and the remaining 150g of dates. Whizz for a few minutes.

Grease a baking tray (I used one measuring 23cm x 53cm) with coconut oil and pour in the crust mix. Place your tray in the freezer to allow the mixture to set.

Once the the soaking dates have cooled, pour them into the blender, along with their soaking water, 200g pecan nuts, 4 tbsp coconut oil, cinnamon, almond milk and honey. Whizz for a few minutes until the mixture is nice and smooth and gooey.

pop the whole tray in the freezer to harden for about an hour. There’s a bit of clock watching with this recipe!

And finally, bring out your finished creation, cut into bite size pieces and dig in! It tastes soooo good, I promise!

Once you have allowed the crust to has set in your tray, bring it out of the freezer. Pour the mixture over your crust in the tray.

Sprinkle the rest of your pecans on the top and

@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

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Eat

Ingredient of the Week

Chanterelles with Tim Maddams

he unpredictability and wonder of wild mushrooms never ceases to amaze me. They have the ability to surprise me, break my heart, frustrate me and thrill me, all in the same outing. What with their unrivalled flavour, they are, for me, almost an obsession. OK, not almost. If I ever have a car crash it will be because I am doing five miles an hour, staring at roadside hedges trying to spot mushrooms while someone drives into the back of me.

There are various summer mushrooms, starting with the St George’s mushroom (which is really a spring species). Then we have the chicken of the woods and the oyster, which both put in early appearances. But for me, it never gets really exciting until the king of the early season wild fungi makes its presence felt in the woods.

The mushroom of which I am speaking is the summer chanterelle, known as the girolle in Italy and the “I nearly crashed the van” here in east Devon. You will find chanterelles in the woods, particularly beech woods, from now until mid September and possibly beyond, depending on

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the weather. Unlike many other wood mushrooms these chaps grow even in dry conditions, albeit far more slowly than if it’s been wet. If you are looking for exact locations a top tip is to just go and start looking. No-one – unless they are a very good friend, slightly mad, or looking to lead you up the garden path – will tell you where they pick theirs. It’s simply not cricket to ask, either – so don’t.

I will leave identification to you, make sure you double and triple check or go on a guided foray to learn first-hand what to look for. Once you have even a fistful of these aromatic little beauties you are in for a treat. Earthy, slightly fruity, ultimately mushroomy, a chanterelle has a flavour so uniquely its own it is tricky to describe, though if I had to describe it in just one word, I think “yum” would cover it.

I love a warm salad of chanterelles, pigeon and blackberries, and the recipe features in my new book, the River Cottage handbook on Game (Bloomsbury, July 30). Shameless self-promotion aside, do get hold of some of these ‘shrooms as it is a short season and a long wait until next year.

Not just on toast Don’t faff about too much with chanterelles once you have them.

Just brush off the worst of the forest debris, add to a pan with butter, garlic, salt and pepper and cook for a few minutes.

Add a little white wine, cook for another minute or two, season and add to pasta (or, OK, pop on toast). A risotto works well, they are epic on pizza, can be lightly pickled or roasted, and they freeze rather well too. @TimGreenSauce

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

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Drink

Darren Norbury Beer of the week I’ve been reacquainted with an old friend thanks to a taster box from online beer retailer flavourly.com Firebrand Brewing Co’s Black Saison 5% ABV is possibly my favourite from its range, tart, fruity and funky thanks to Wallonian yeast. It shouldn’t work. But it does.

worth a try Skinner’s Brewery has taken up a challenge against eight other regional UK brewers to create a Rugby World Cup special for the Nicholson’s chain of pubs. The brewer drew a style, ABV and ingredients specification at a meeting in London. The beer will be called All Blondes and will take on the other brews in September.

talks beer f you’re heading to Dartmoor ice it was marketing genius.” The truth, in fact, Brewery, Princetown, for the first is more prosaic. In most bars these days, chiller time, or perhaps to enjoy a pint at the cabinet space is at a premium. The solution?

Prince of Wales pub in the village Make your product cellar cool and chill it down where the brewery’s products are on at the serve with ice. tap, I offer this piece of sage advice: don’t go in the Tim arrives at Dartmoor at an exciting time dark, like I did. It took me ages to for the business, having worked drive there from west Cornwall, all over the world, including the with an increasing sense that I Czech Republic and the Baltic You may not was going to be a lost soul on the States, as the iron curtain was moor for evermore. coming down. More locally, he has know Tim but No such danger for the helped Crediton-based Sandford he is the man brewery’s new managing Orchards as a consultant, but director, though.

Drinks he’s a seasoned beer drinker and behind the Magindustry veteran Tim Hobbs has was glad to get the Dartmoor ners’ marketing been living on the moor since call. Plans include expanding the push that made 2002 and can’t keep away from brand outside the Westcountry. the world he loves, So he has The beer already goes as far as cider sexy again answered Dartmoor’s chairman Surrey, and London is in his Philip Davies’ call to take the sights. But before that, expect business to the next level. new brands and the promotion of You may not know Tim’s name, Dartmoor favourites, including but he is the man behind the Magners’ marketing new Dartmoor Best Bitter, around here. Tim push that made cider sexy again. says 50% of beer drinkers are loyal to three or “Magners was probably the most successful fewer brands, and is sure he can take Dartmoor new brand drinks launch of my lifetime,” said to that next level of brand loyalty.

Tim. “It rejuvenated the market. It was generally Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk regarded that when we launched Magners over @beertoday

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WITH THE GRAIN Grain merchants Tony Banham and Robin Appel have championed the Maris Otter barley variety, now the first choice for many brewers, including St Austell’s Roger Ryman. They have deservedly been given a lifetime achievement award by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group at its annual award dinner.

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Eat/Drink

RESTAURANT REVIEW

The Waterfront

By Paul Greaves

he tide, much like the sun, is somewhere between in and out when I visit The Waterfront in Polzeath for lunch.

I’ve been visiting this corner of Atlantic-fringed Cornwall with my in-laws for the past nine years, though it feels longer. If anyone asks me what it’s like to spend holidays in the same place every year with my wife’s family, taking identical cliff walks, staring at the sea mist for three days and wondering where the sky went, calling the fog sea mist, taking the ferry to Padstow every Tuesday just so we can come back quickly, freezing my Tintagels off outside the resort’s only pub while drinking a beer called Doom, I tell them it is the most joyous experience of my life. Or maybe not.

My only regret, s I say to my wife Elizabeth through gritted teeth, is that the week ends all too soon. But this year, by the final day of seven, I have somehow located my good mood and hence aimed for something a little more extravagant – a table for four at The Waterfront with my in-laws Hilary and Ady. The Waterfront sees itself through the prism of a prosecco bubble, with smartly-attired laughing patrons eating fresh seasonal produce in a modern, sun-bleached world. The principal lure is the balcony overlooking Polzeath’s main street, flanked by the sandy beach and with great views of that wandering western sea.

My main impression from previous visits has been of a slightly overpriced and echoey, generic glass and wood venue with monumentally slow table service. But that isn’t the review I’m writing today because The Waterfront has got its act together nicely and is now well worth a visit.

The menu is a conventional mix of English and Italian (burgers, pizza, and goujons for the kids) with cross-continent nods to North Africa and Asia here and there. It’s a bit safe and limited but I suspect the restaurant is casting its net to attract family holiday traffic.

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Following our usual method of choosing not quite the cheapest we take a pleasant New Zealand Marlborough Muscadet for £19. Elizabeth and Ady each have a basket of fried calamari with firecracker sauce (£7.50) while I have the

pate and chutney. The squid rings are large, crispy and not too rubbery, the pate spreadable and edible. Hilary has a sober-looking smoked fish concoction of mackerel, herring and the like.

It seems to me like something monks on a lonely

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4 of the best Laid-back places to eat out

1 Riverside Restaurant, not too greasy and with excellent chips and sweet mushy peas.

Ady and Elizabeth both choose the 10oz sirloin steak for their main course (£19.95). Both are cooked to their blood-red liking. Elizabeth prefers my chips to her fries and helps herself in typically brazen manner. Hilary has Porthilly mussels mariniere (£15.95), postively Bacchanalian compared to the Lenten fish starter.

The feasting peaks with a coconut pannacotta with fruit sorbet. It has a firm wobble and cooling sweetness, nicely balanced by the non-too-sharp sorbet. Suddenly the sun is more out than in.

The cheese board is a superior three-portion effort of generous size. After two glasses of ‘careful, I’m getting carried away port’ the bill comes in at £151. I’m impressed with The Waterfront in a way I wasn’t expecting. Service was attentive, well-paced, and chatty. The food is presented with a definition of flavours, and is well executed. The atmosphere is relaxed.

I’m feeling better about things anyway. Before you know it, I realize I quite like Polzeath. A walk along one of those scenic precipitous cliffs to the sunken church doesn’t seem so objectionable.

We could all walk together, holding hands while the sun sets, while we celebrate our endearing family foibles.

Then I’d go to the Med next year instead.

The Waterfront, Polzeath, 01208 869655 www.waterfrontpolzeath.co.uk

How they scored...

island might eat when they run out of puffin but I probably don’t appreciate its austere attractions.

Then I have “catch of the day” and chips (£10.95). If they did catch cod that day in Cornwall I’d be surprised - but it’s very good. Crispy,

Food

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Atmosphere

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Service

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Price

Meal for four, £150

Bridport

This relaxed and friendly restaurant is in a prime location on the water’s edge. Enjoy a fresh and exciting meal with glorious views to match.

Dish of the day: Grilled lemon sole fillets with sea salt and lemon Prices: Three course dinner from £27 Contact: 01308 422011

2 Dukes Inn, Sidmouth

Overlooking the sea, this laid-back inn offers delicious food in a picturesque setting. Food here is often locally sourced within a 35-mile radius and the atmosphere is always inviting.

Dish of the day: Herb crusted lamb chops with chargrilled asparagus Price: Main meals around £13 Contact: 01395 513320

3 The Beach Hut, Watergate Bay Always bustling with activity, this beachside hangout overlooks the bay.

There is a constant buzz here with the sound of the waves to accompany your meal.

Dish of the day: Pakora burger with sweet potato Price: Three course dinner from £25 Contact: 01637 860877

4 The Swan, Wedmore

As a result of a complete refurbishment, this vibrant Somerset pub is always bustling with people.

Thanks to Tom Blake from River Cottage, the food is wholesome and fresh.

Dish of the day: Green herb and mozzarella stuffed chicken Price: Three course dinner from £22 Contact: 01934 710337 Chosen by Connie Champain

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Port Eliot festival

My Secret Westcountry Catherine St Germans Writer Catherine St Germans founded the Port Eliot Festival with her husband Peregrine, the 10th Earl of St Germans. The annual music, fashion and arts event takes place on their historic south east Cornwall estate next weekend, from July 30 - August 2

My favourite...

View: The view from the main gate at Port Eliot Festival on the opening Thursday night, when everyone is arriving and the whole site is lit up. It is the best thing, seeing everyone arriving and the atmosphere is amazing.

Beach: Tregardock, near Port Isaac in north Cornwall. Like all good beaches, it is a trek to get to, through a farm yard and down a steep cliff. You have to time it right and the tide must be out, and then there is also a ladder to climb down. But once you are on the beach, you are in another world. It is incredibly beautiful, with huge rock pools, caves, a waterfall and, sometimes, huge surf.

Festival: Eeeaassssy one – Port Eliot Festival, where else?

Activity: Kayaking on the St Germans estuary, swimming in the sea, followed by a picnic with pasties and a fire.

Westcountry food: Buttervilla produce (based at Polbathic in the Tamar Valley) – biodynamic and delicious, they supply fruit and vegetables to the great chefs in the Westcountry. Their strawberries and tomatoes are simply the best. Their method of farming is ancient, following the lunar cycle and it works.

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People

Pentillie Castle

With society milliner Stephen Jones at the Port Eliot Festival

St Germans

Sunset at Port Eliot

Westcountry tipple: Black Cow Vodka from

Weekend away or overnight stay:

Dorset, made with milk, is amazing and hard to beat in a White Russian.

Pentillie Castle, run by the Coryton family, is gorgeous. It’s only down the road from us at Saltash but feels like a world away.

Pub: The Rod and Line, Tideford, for the best fresh crab baguettes in the world and the most fun landlord, Mike Jones.

Restaurant: Rustic and quirky, I love The Oyster Shack, Bigbury for cocktails at sunset and freshly-caught seafood. Then my all-time favourite is Rick and Jill Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow – it doesn’t get better than dinner there. The room is filled with great art, the light from the sea fills the room, the staff are amazing and the food is superb.

Way to relax: Lying in the grass by the St Germans estuary in complete peace and quiet.

Shop: Mole Valley Farmers is my fave, for food for my doves. It’s the best place for festival gear – my crew and I are really into their boiler suits this year.

Treat: A pedicure or aromatherapy massage at The Long Barn, Lanjore, St Germans – a total wind down.

‘Secret’ place: The Boogie Round, our secret late night venue at Port Eliot Festival.

Buttervilla produce from the Tamar Valley

www.porteliotfestival.com 45

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My life

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man and boy

My first festival

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Phil Goodwin and James, five, head off in the camper van y son has been to his first festival and coped admirably. For a while I had wanted to introduce him to this weird and wonderful side to our contemporary culture but I was a bit unsure how he would handle the crowds and noise.

So we started low-key, camping overnight in our van at Chagstock. This gem of a gathering on Dartmoor has got everything you want at a major event, but it’s a more manageable size for someone three feet tall. Plus, it is only half an hour’s drive from home. We played, danced, drank and ate almost nothing healthy for 24 hours. In the end, I had to drag him away from the lasers and sound system of an impromptu dance tent as darkness fell. One light stick and a raver was born.

My wife, a classical music lover more than anything, is not so keen on the rudimentary washing and toileting facilities available at such events and refused my invitation to come along. My son, by contrast, is never happier than when he can dodge a shower and had no problem with avoiding soap for 24 hours. However, as he has no clue what a music festival is, the idea had to be sold based on an encounter with the snakes, lizards and spiders which Dartmoor Reptiles had brought along. He was pretty excited to hold both a python and a boa constrictor, me less so.

Nevertheless, there were many more ways to pass the time in the kids’ field – the swing boats, the climbing wall,

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bouncy castle, shooting gallery and so on. I was delighted to see the old con tricks still going strong. Nobody could dangle from the pull-up bar long enough to claim the £20 and I didn’t see a single winner on the football challenge. James could barely reach the wooden figures of Steven Gerrard and David Beckham, let along kick a ball hard enough to knock them over. I wonder if anyone could.

I smacked a sweet chip into the head of the

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I popped him on my shoulders and he went mad for ten minutes before declaring folk music ‘boring’

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former Reds skipper but still only shifted him a foot or two off the ground. I don’t know how long it is since anyone won this game, but one of the prizes was a Czech shirt with Pavel Nedved’s name emblazoned on the back. Who retired from international football in 2006.

Undaunted, we made the rounds, returned to the van for a chill out – reading a dinosaur book – then came back for the evening. I managed to sneak a couple of beers in return for treats for him. Fair’s fair after all. Just as Seth Lakeman was ready to grace the main stage he decides he wants to draw and lays full length on his belly doing a picture of dinosaurs chomping the band. When space got tight, I popped him on the shoulders and he went mad for ten minutes before declaring folk music ‘boring’.

After buying a flashing light ring, we found the remnants of the live lounge and a laser show on the canvas marquee ceiling. First he joins a group of indie kids dancing practically inside the bass bins, then implores me to spin him round by the arms. Then he charged around the tent making shapes with the light ring. I decided it might be best to get him away before The Levellers played, for fear of what that might unleash within his increasingly excited mind.

We both crashed out on the mattress in the van and woke early the next day, taking breakfast on a couple of straw bales. As we headed for home, the lad kicked off his shoes and pulled on his shades. When we got home, he played it cool under questioning. At night time, he didn’t want to take off his wristband. Next year, Glastonbury.

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