West Magazine, July 2 2016 by DCMedia

02.07.16

Head-to-toe summer buys

Let’s glow

Meet the Westcountry wellness guru - pg 16

INSIDE:

+ St Ives: an

insider’s guide

+ Designer

homes

Jamie Lawson ‘Ed Sheeran launched my music career’

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G R E E N

T R E E

C O U RT

NURSING AND RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME

A NEW STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE IN RESIDENTIAL, NURSING AND DEMENTIA CARE COMES TO EXETER

Green Tree Court is the luxurious five star flagship home for Lexicon Healthcare who specialise in providing exceptional nursing home environments combined with the very best in clinical care and support. 68 deluxe and superior rooms, 31 of which are dementia friendly and feature superior quality fittings and ensuite bathrooms.

The superb range of in house facilities includes a contemporary café, social activity programme, hairdressers, holistic therapy, physiotherapy suite, treatment rooms, cinema room, library and activity centre and a prayer and quiet room. We also offer respite care and daycare packages. Please contact us for details.

A warm welcome awaits you at our marketing suite at Green Tree Court, 81 Harrington Lane, Pinhoe, Exeter, Devon, EX4 8NS. You can contact us by telephoning 01392 240400, emailing us at enquiries@lexiconhealthcare.co.uk or visiting our website www.lexiconhealthcare.co.uk

“We are waiting to help you discover a new quality of life” Open evening and tour, 27th July, 5 - 7.30pm

www.lexiconhealthcare.co.uk

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‘It is really hard as a parent when your kids make choices you disagree with. Teenagers are creatures that blow with the trends’

SECRET WESTCOUNTRY Where to go, what to do

Gillian Molesworth has a vegetarian in the family, p26

09 42

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST Sh! We have all the gossip!

WEEKENDS AWAY Beautiful places to visit and enjoy

[contents[ Inside this week... 6

THE WISHLIST Our pick of the best treats this week

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

SINGING HIS PRAISES Devon music star Jamie Lawson tells all

SINGING HIS PRAISES Meet Devon music star Jamie Lawson

DELICIOUS AND NUTRITIOUS Meet the new Westcountry food guru

GEORGEOUS GEORGIAN The transformation of a Totnes home

ANNE SWITHINBANK How to mow (and grow) a meadow

TOTALLY TROPICAL Why exotic prints are the latest look

CULTURE VULTURE What’s on and where to go

BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

THAT GOLDEN GLOW Darren Norbury admires a special beer

WEEKENDS AWAY Get the most out of a trip to St Ives

YES, I’M SIX FOOT FIVE Chris McGuire tells a tall story

DAYS OUT YOU’LL ADORE Our pick of the West’s don’t-miss events

SUMMER BEAUTY

Top tips for looking good

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NATURALLY DELICIOUS

Meet Devon’s new nutrition guru

[ welcome [

25.06.16

Out & about South West gems to explore

DON’T MISS: + ‘How I got noticed

by Martha Stewart’

This certainly is a creative place to live...

SEX FACTOR

new looks you’ll love

ridie Nicol lives in Sidmouth, east Devon, where she used to be a gym instructor at the local leisure centre. After developing kidney problems herself, she used a combination of good nutrition and exercise to steer herself back to health. Today, with a degree in Nutrition under her belt, she has started a new business advising others on eating wisely and making smart lifestyle changes. You may have heard of the foodie blogger Deliciously Ella - we think she has a rival in our own homegrown Naturally Bridie! Read Bridie’s story on page 16 today

Devon gets ready for an intimate gig with Mr Cardle

- pg 16

[

of the week

[

Another Westcountry talent is the wonderful singer-songwriter Jamie Lawson, who grew up in Plymouth and then lived near Padstow. Jamie spent many years on the pub gig circuit before his friend Ed Sheeran hit the big time, and gave him a helping hand with his career. Now Jamie is in danger of eclipsing his pal, with an Ivor Novello songwriting award under his belt and a number one album to his name - but they are still friends, he assures us. It’s quite a story, and he tells our celebrity writer Dawn Ellis all about why he is excited to playing again in Devon and Cornwall this year (page 12). Enjoy your weekend!

[

She used good nutrition and exercise to steer herself back to health

@mattcardle

@WMNWest you are far too kind :) Can’t wait to see you on Sunday @ExeterNorthcott XX Ed’s note: Encore! What a show!

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

Becky Sheaves, Editor

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

COVER IMAGE: Matt Austin

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Sarah Pitt

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Catherine Barnes

Lynne Potter

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If you do one thing this week...

Why not experience the life of a Westcountry farmer? As featured on BBC1’s Countryfile, Dartington Hall in south Devon is now offering ‘Farmer for a day’ packages on the Dartington estate near Totnes. Hosted by farmers Jon and Lynne Perkin, at Old Parsonage Farm on the 1200 acre estate, you’ll start milking both Jersey cows and goats, followed by feeding and grooming a variety of animals. After a hearty farmhouse breakfast, you could find yourself delivering the newest arrivals at the farm, moving herds or getting involved in land management. The day finishes at 6pm, following the afternoon milking of the friendly purebred Jersey herd. By the end of the day you’ll certainly know what Devon farm life feels like! The package costs from £335 for two, including a night in the beautiful historic four-star accommodation of Dartington Hall’s medieval courtyard, plus a delicious locally-sourced dinner at the two AA rosette White Hart restaurant with breakfast and lunch on the farm. For more details see www. dartingtonhall.com or call 01803 847147.

Win

Win! Dartington Hall is offering one lucky reader plus friend the chance to try the ‘Farmer for a day’ package, worth £335 for two adults. To enter, simply tell us the name of the farm the winner will be visiting. Send your answer, plus your name, address and contact details to: Dartington Farmer competition, westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk to arrive by July 8. Normal terms apply, West will not share your details. 5

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Ten multi coloured LED solar lights £4.69 www.ledhut.co.uk

the

Set of three Orla Kiely storage bowls £45 Amara

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

STREET STYLE STAR

PEACE, MAN Love and Peace bracelet £14.95 What’s About Town

Rebecca Frost Rebecca, 34, is a beautician in Plymouth. “I don’t really have a style but I do love the warmer weather and getting to wear summery clothes and maxi dresses,” she says. Us too! Sandals: New Look Dress: River Island Jacket: Next Bag: Accessorize

Woof! Padded leather dog collars £29 each www.

Send your stylish snaps of you or a friend looking fab to westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk

notonthehighstreet.com

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Wishlist Retro DAB radio and Bluetooth speaker £80 House of Fraser

fave!

COMFY Florine large floor cushions £ 83- £99 www. outthereinteriors.com

Nour tennis racket brooch £18 QVC

Store we adore...

STORE WE ADORE: rd Bakery, Plymouth ybi The Lad Run by Sarah Worsley and her daughter Donna Robertson, this café/bakery specialises in homemade glutenfree products, prepared in a cross contamination-free kitchen. They also provide dairy-free and diabetic-friendly food made to order, as well as celebration

cakes for all. Previously found at their stall in Plymouth City Market, Sarah and Donna have just moved to their new café in Frankfort Gate. Pop in for a cuppa and a cake to find out more. The Ladybird Bakery is at Frankfort Gate, Plymouth, 07738 109780

Henrietta patent leather pumps £120 French Sole

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talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life... My teenager’s gone vegetarian - help! ne of my kids has just decided to become a vegetarian. I’m not going to lie, the bottom has dropped out of my world. Literally all my family meals revolve around meat. Except one, which is a smoked fish, white bean and chorizo stew. Oh wait, that has meat in it too. I want to support this child. meat should be on the menu. I want to demonstrate to the Here are a few of the EME’s child that her decision-making mottos: faculties will be respected in this 1. You don’t have to be a jerk household. I want her to make about it. You don’t have to eat a her own choices and show admilot of meat. We don’t need buckration for the self-discipline that ets of chicken or racks of ribs she has so far shown. – just a bit of the good stuff. Eat However, I also worry about less, eat better. her health. I have no idea how 2. EMEs use it up – we make to provide a healthy balanced stews that last three days, we diet for a vegetarian, especially make good use of leftovers, we one that’s going attempt to push our through the main culinary boundaries growth phase of to include the notIt is really hard her life. Beans so-great cuts and as a parent every night? the offal. Waste is when your kids Doesn’t that have sinful. gastric conse3. EMEs buy Britmake choices quences? ish, where the welyou disagree It is really hard fare standards are as a parent when good, and we avoid with. Teenagers your kids make factory-farmed are creatures choices that you animals. We look that blow with disagree with. for the Red Tractor Teenagers are to ensure trustworthe trends creatures that thiness. Only free blow with the range eggs will do. trends. There are plenty of kids 4. EMEs appreciate the contriwho are vegetarians, yet wear bution that British farmers make leather and drink milk, for which to the economy and to the landproduction calves must also be scape. This country has a housing produced. That’s just wasteful. shortage. Without food producMaybe I need to package my tion going on in those beautiful ethos with a trendy name, like green fields, how long would they an EME, an Ethical Meat Eater. remain the rural idyll that makes I need to outline our manifesto. up our green and pleasant land? EMEs draw on anthropologiSo that’s my manifesto. Now, cal and sociological evidence all I have to do is provide a cutely that humans are designed to be animated video for social media omnivores, with our prominent and we’re all set. EMEs of the canines clear indicators that world, unite!

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

SINGING

the blues Call The Midwife star Helen George looked summery and beautiful on the red carpet recently in this gorgeous strapless blue and white number. She paired it with a simple blue clutch bag and a white manicure, which we think looked great. You can steal Helen’s fresh, cool style with a quick visit to the high street right now, as china blue and white frocks are definitely having a fashion moment. Here’s our pick of the best on offer.

Print dress £55 Debenhams

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION A Paisley

Sahara print sun dress £89 East

OPTION B Roses Jacquard dress £120 Laura Ashley

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02.07.16

Just

‘HUGH IS SO HUGGABLE!’ MARTINE MCCUTCHEON confesses she still has a soft spot for actor HUGH GRANT, despite recent pictures of him on the beach looking in less-than-prime condition. Hugh starred as the dishy Prime Minister opposite McCutcheon’s lovestruck Natalie in 2003 rom-com Love, Actually. Appearing on Loose Women, Martine was quick to defend her former co-star

against topless pictures of him on holiday in Marbella. She said it was just a “dodgy photo” that people had seized on, as they’ve done to her in the past. “I love my Hugh, he could be 10 stone bigger than that and I still wouldn’t kick him out of bed. “I think he looks absolutely amazing,” she says.

[ [ ‘Sex and The City is the gift that keeps on giving’

KIM: ‘STILL GRATEFUL’ KIM CATTRALL says she is forever thankful for the Sex And The City role that made her an international star. The Liverpool-born actress describes the part of sexually-adventurous PR Samantha Jones as “the gift that keeps on giving”. Kim says landing the part of Samantha is “one of the best things that ever happened to me”. She says: “She’s been the gift that keeps giving. Every time I get

into a car or get on a plane to go and do a job or attend a festival, I sort of do a conscious, ‘Thanks Sam’. “To have that kind of crazy juggernaut in your career in your 40s, especially 15 years ago, was unheard of. It was like a late blooming of sorts. “To also have that character that was breaking out so many conceptions of women and women’s sexuality and power just really was a great gift.”

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

NEW HARRY POTTER

ON ITS WAY! JK ROWLING thinks the new Harry Potter play will be “unlike anything people have seen before”. The new play by Jack Thorne the writer of the This Is England TV series - is based on a story by him, JK and director John Tiffany. It picks up at the end of that final book in the series, with Harry Potter as a middle-aged civil servant. JK says that she still carries the world of Harry Potter around in her head all the time. “It was 17 years and just because I’ve stopped on the page doesn’t mean my imagination stopped. “It’s like running a very long race. You can’t just stop dead at the finishing line.” “I carry that world around in my head all the time.” Harry Potter and the Cursed Child opens at the Palace Theatre in London on July 30. 9

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Stretch: Angelina Lambourn is offering yoga classes at the newly restored Jubilee Pool, Penzance

in pictures Sweet: Niamh, aged six, took part in the World Record fairy gathering at Mt Edgumbe in south east Cornwall

Cheers! Cullompton Senior Citizens celebrated the Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 90th birthday in style

Berry nice: Phil Lorys sold lots of strawberries at the Newbridge Horse Show near Penzance

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talking points Magic

Really?

A history

of the

WEST in Ten Harry Potter spells:

1 Draconifors turns opponent into dragon

2 Anapneo clears a blocked throat

3 Silencio silences opponent 4 Reparo repairs broken objects

5 G lacius a freezing spell 6 Aparecium reveals invisible ink

7 Melofors turns head into pumpkin

8 Avada Kedavra murders opponent

Ten British dishes that the rest of the world just doesn’t understand:

1 Beans on toast 2 Rich tea biscuits and tea 3 Chip butties 4 Fishfinger sandwiches 5 Toad in the hole 6 Jelly and Carnation milk 7 Sausage rolls 8 Spotted dick 9 Bird’s Eye custard 10 Yorkshire pudding

9 Bombarda provokes small explosion

10 Cantis makes people break

The happy list

into song

Upmarket

10 things to make you smile this week 1 Temperatures Almost touching twenty Your home town has definitely been gentrified if it has…

1 A posh estate agent 2 A gastro pub 3 A vintage shop 4 A candle shop 5 A gourmet burger place 6 D rinks served in jam jars 7 Baby yoga classes 8 French bulldogs 9 A vegan restaurant 10 A farmers’ market

2 M anic Street Preachers at the Eden Project next

100

objects Roman carving Goldsmith Street, Exeter, AD 60–100 Julien Parsons is the Senior Collections Officer, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. He says: This carved head was excavated from a site in central Exeter in 1971. It’s made from imported marble, possibly by an Italian-trained sculptor living in Britain. The style dates it to the first century AD, most likely the reign of Vespasian, Titus or Domitian. We’re used to seeing life-size marble busts of Roman poets, philosophers and emperors. Many portrayals of classical perfection arrived in the 18th and 19th centuries, bought by British tourists to adorn their grand houses. Some of the sculptures they returned with dated to ancient times, while others were copies by Renaissance artists. In comparison to such masterpieces, my selection

may seem a little underwhelming. For a start, it’s small – just over 7cm tall, it can be cradled in one hand. The scale suggests it has broken off a private memorial or tomb. Then there’s the subject. Not a handsome hero with flowing locks but rather a middle-aged man with a receding hairline, his face creased and careworn. One expert described it as a dry and unflattering portrait. It’s difficult to argue with that. Yet the beauty of this work comes from its realism. Unlike those idealised versions of gods and emperors, this man’s face comes complete with imperfections. We may be separated by two thousand years but still he seems familiar to us.

weekend

3 The Queen’s tweet HRH got digital for birthday thanks

4 Chicago The West End hit at Theatre Royal Plymouth

5 Denim jackets So nineties, so right now

One expert described it as a dry and unflattering portrait

6 Aromatherapy breathe deep, we like lemon

7 P ies sweet and savoury 8 Child’s pose take five 9 Avocado emoji being configured as we speak

10 Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston, is it love?

On display in Gallery 3, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter www.rammuseum.org.uk Competition winners:

Congratulations to the winner of £50 Princesshay gift card, Mrs J Snell, Kentisbeare. Mrs V Teer, Bodmin; Paul Hampstead, Barnstaple; Ellen Sutton, Plymouth; Mrs M Stacey Canworthywater; Janice Page-Bailey, Gunnislake all win Under A Cornish Sky by Liz Fenwick

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Interview

JAMIE LAWSON

‘I’m coming home’ After a year in which he won an Ivor Novello award and his album reached the Number One spot, Plymouth singing star Jamie Lawson tells Dawn Ellis about his plans to return to the South West here’s no doubt about it, Jamie Lawson has had a year to remember. The singer-songwriter, who grew up in Plymouth and then lived near Padstow, has been catapulted to fame, enjoyed a number one album and also scooped the top music prize going - an Ivor Novello Award. It’s been a long slog for Jamie, 40, who relentlessly performed his music around pubs and clubs in the UK and Ireland to build up a fan base and a following. Along the way he found support from his friend and fellow singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.The pair played on the same circuit until Ed became a global superstar. Then Ed launched his own record label, Gingerbread Man Records, last year - and the first

artist he signed was Jamie. The ball started rolling fast and it hasn’t stopped since. Jamie’s single Wasn’t Expecting That rocketed up the music chart and his self titled album reached the top spot, number one. Jamie is now gearing up for his own headline national tour, including several Westcountry dates, which will end at Plymouth Pavilions in October. “I’m coming home,” Jamies tells me, with real enthusiasm in his voice. “It’s going to be the last stop of the tour. It’s going to be a big party. I really hope people will come out and support me. “It will be the end of the tour, end of the year

‘It’s going to be the last stop of the tour, it’s

going to be a big party’

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Interview

Jamie Lawson’s music career has skyrocketed in the past year

and end of the whole campaign for my record, a lot has happened.” Jamie is still riding high and smiling after recently winning the Ivor Novello Award, beating his boss Ed Sheeran to the gong for Best Song Musically and Lyrically Written. He won the award for his single Wasn’t Expecting That, fending off Sheeran’s track Bloodstream. “It feels amazing to win,” says Jamie proudly. “It’s an odd sensation to get recognition, as it’s a song that’s been around for a few years and got passed on a couple of times. And now here it is and it is good enough to win an Ivor Novello award. “There’s a real kind of warmth when it comes to winning this award. It means a lot as it’s one for songwriting, voted for by other songwriters in the industry. It doesn’t get much better.” And what was it like beating his boss Ed? “It felt very good,” he jokes. “He was pretty chuffed for me. It’s better that I won than he did as I was the first signing for his record label. “My album went to Number One and now there’s the Ivor Novello win. That means Ed has an eye for talent and he’s doing things right.” Ed is not the only one. One Direction’s team also spotted Jamie’s potential. The hugely-popular boy band signed him as their support artist for their tour last autumn. “When I got the call

about that job, I thought it was a joke,” he says. “Why would they chose an acoustic singer/songwriter to open for the biggest boyband on the planet? It seemed to work though. “Their fans really came around to my music and sang along. I was meeting people between the shows and the queue of fans just got bigger and bigger. “A lot of those fans, who are loyal to One Direction have stayed with me since and I’m grateful to them for that.” Jamie’s also been getting noticed in America, appearing on some of the most popular talk shows going, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “It’s one of the biggest TV programmes on the planet and strangely one of the worst performance I’ve done,” he says. “I didn’t do badly as such, I just choked on a couple of notes. I wasn’t nervous at all to begin with but when I started singing all the nerves kicked in. “I’d never had that sensation before, it messed with my head. Ellen was very kind and I’ve since gone on to do The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and The Late, Late Show with James Corden in America, which was an incredible ex-

‘When I got the call to

support One Direction

I thought it was a joke’

perience for me.” He says he’s going to find it hard to top this year. “I don’t know if I can better it,” he admits. “An Ivor Novello is a lifetime thing and I can tick it off now and say ‘done’. I now just want to try and write another record. I don’t want to let what’s happened influence how I’m writing my music in the future. “I don’t know if I can top it all unless I hit America. Maybe that’s the next challenge.” Be that as it may, he’s still got plenty more work to do, with a recent performance at Glastonbury Festival and a gig at the Boardmasters Festival in Newquay this August. He’s thrilled to be heading back to home turf. “As well as Plymouth, I used to live near Padstow and I definitely miss the beach and the ocean and of course my friends and family. “I hope I get time off at Boardmasters so that I’ll get the chance to chill out for a bit. And after the Plymouth show there will be a big night out, which will take me a few days to recover from, I’m sure!” See Jamie Lawson at the Boardmasters Festival, August 10-14 and Plymouth Pavilions, October 27 www. jamielawsonmusic.com

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27/06/2016 13:30:25

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People

It’s all good Bridie Nicol, a nutritionist from Sidmouth, reveals her inspiring story and shares her secrets to a natural, healthy and delicious lifestyle.

By Charlotte Dear

hen Bridie Nicol fell ill with kidney problems, she was determined to do everything she could to regain her health. “My doctors warned me I couldn’t go back to work for a year and that I wouldn’t be able to travel, which was a real blow because that was something I had planned to do,” she tells me. “But I decided I didn’t do being ill, so instead devised a plan to eat and exercise myself better,” she explains. The results were astonishing: “Within four months I was back to work full time and then I decided to go travelling. I travelled the world for two years, stopping at 22 different countries, discovering so many different cultures, lifestyles and foods.” Bridie had a long-standing interest in health and fitness, thanks to her job at Sidmouth Sports Centre in her home town in east Devon. She worked as an Activities Coordinator, running gym and fitness classes, swimming lessons, children’s holiday activities and weight management courses. But when she came home from travel-

photography: matt austin

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People

Bridie is pictured at her home in Sidmouth, east Devon

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What Bridie ate yesterday: Breakfast: Bowl of porridge with cinnamon Mid-morning: Green juice of spinach, basil, celery, cucumber, sprouts, avocado, lime, green tea and spirulina Lunch: Salad platter with grapes, cheese, homemade crackers, hummus and yogurt Afternoon: Cut up apple with cinnamon Dinner: Homemade pumpkin soup with cardamom and carrot, figs, feta and a raspberry and mackerel salad Treat before bed: Some dark chocolate and a cacao hot chocolate with a dash of milk ling, she knew she wanted to do more: “I just knew that health and, more particularly, nutrition were my passions. I had to find a way to make them my profession!” She decided to study Nutrition at Bournemouth University and then returned to Devon, where she worked in Exeter as a hospital auxiliary nurse. “This was really interesting, as it gave me an understanding of different illnesses as well as the emotional experiences that people go through in hospital. “After that, I returned to Bournemouth, where I worked at a Tesco’s NutriCentre, working on the shop floor offering advice to shoppers, advising them about food supplements and choosing the right food for their ailments. “During my time there I saw anything and everything; I loved the challenge of facing something new and saying to the customer ‘leave it with me and come back tomorrow when I’ll have made a diet plan for you.’” When Bridie was made redundant from that job, due to Tesco closing the whole NutriCentre operation nationally, she wasn’t altogether disappointed. “I was already thinking about going out on my own, so this was the push I needed.” Naturally Bridie, her new business, is now just two months old but already flourishing beyond Bridie’s wildest dreams. “My clients

have two options – the first is a one-hour phone consultation to discuss their lifestyle and receive advice from me about what they should be eating and how they should be exercising. The second is a face-to-face consultation. I discuss their medical history and nutritional background and even look inside their kitchen cupboards. They don’t always like that bit, but it’s really important that I have a good understanding of what’s really going on with their diet. “I work to what the individual needs. When I first moved back to the South West, there wasn’t anything else like this here, so I feel even more excited to get started. It’s a bonus, too, that this is one of the healthiest regions in the UK, so we’re already in the right mindset.” Bridie is a big fan of micronutrients and believes we underestimate them at our peril. “The Food Standards Agency used to advise five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, they’re now advising seven to ten. I’m a strong believer in a good ten portions per day and whatever you eat one day, don’t have the same thing the next.” People can think this makes for an expensive lifestyle: “But it really doesn’t need to be - you’re only consuming a small amount each time and you’re not spending out on products like treats, sweets and alcohols. Instead, you’re buying food that gives you energy and helps support your muscles and digestive tract.”

‘I even look inside their kitchen cupboards. They don’t always like that but it shows what’s going on’

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24/06/2016 17:59:50

People

Our bodies are being challenged a lot more nowadays, Bridie says, so we need to make sure we’re consuming all the little doses of minerals needed to keep functioning properly. “We should be eating as freshly as we possibly can – I’ve turned my outside space into an edible garden but even if you only have space for pots or window boxes, plant herbs to enjoy every single day.” Bridie has also created a host of deliciously nutritious recipes, using her favourite ingredients for a healthy and varied diet. “It’s all about getting people interested in cooking, because it can be a lot of fun.” It’s important for your body not to get bored, she says, and emphasises that she does eat carbohydrates every day: “A little tip from me would be to re-cook your pasta before you eat it; this changes the structure of the food so that you’re taking in a lower calorie content.” All in all, these are exciting times for Bridie and her fledgling business. “I want to inspire others,” she explains, “It’a all about reaching out to people, spreading messages and changing lives for the better.” www.naturallybridie.co.uk

Bridie’s new business offers nutritional and lifestyle advice

Recipe: Chai Berry Bowl Ingredients

1 cup Jasmine green tea (or tulsi tea) 4 tsp chai seeds 1 cup mixed berries 1/4 cup porridge oats 1 tsp baobab ½ vanilla pod Handful of raw coconut chips Couple of leaves of mint

Method 1.

2. 3. 4.

Boil up some jasmine green tea and allow to cool, leaving the teabag in the water for five minutes. Add the cold tea into a blender. Then add in chai seeds, mixed berries, porridge oats and baobab. Scrape out the inner part of the vanilla and add to blender. Blend all ingredients and lightly whisk up. Place into a bowl or cup of your choice, then sprinkle the raw coconut chips on top, add a few mint leaves and place some berries, if you wish! Then it’s time to enjoy this omega-3 packed dish (chai seeds) which is great for the heart, soothes the stomach (berries) and supports the skin (berries & baobab) while the body is relaxed by the oats and the vanilla.

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The Art of Living

Rangemoors, the South West's range cooker and stove specialists, are delighted to

bring a new experience to home lovers and makers at their new Hearth & Cook showroom in Exeter. Expertly gathered together is a selection of the finest products designed to

transform homes and inspire wonderful culinary creations, including an extensive range of beautifully designed outdoor ovens from renowned Danish stove manufacturer, Morsø. Visit our showrooms - either in Exeter or Winkleigh - where you can experience a huge range of inspiring appliances in action, or browse our websites for more information.

• RANGE COOKERS FROM LA CORNUE AND ESSE • MORSØ STOVES & OUTDOOR LIVING RANGE • ASHGROVE BESPOKE KITCHENS Find us in Oaktree Place, 100 yards behind Carrs Ferrari & Maserati.

Ads.indd 2

Call 01392 797679 www.hearthandcook.com 14 Oaktree Place, Manaton Close, Matford, Exeter, Devon EX2 8WA

28/06/2016 10:36:09

The property in Totnes has been completely remodelled throughout

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Interiors

Gorgeous Georgian Charlotte Dear discovers a once-neglected Grade II listed house in Totnes that has been given a new, and very stylish, lease of life

hen interior designer Rhiannon Pitten bought this 1,800 square foot Grade II-listed Georgian property in the heart of Totnes, it had not been touched for at least 60 years. “With a team of 20 tradesmen, we stripped it back to its bare bones,” she remembers. “Each room had six or seven layers of wallpaper from the various eras it had witnessed, and, most surprisingly, about five carpets. Each had been fully fitted over the years, layered on top of one another so we really were peeling back the generations. “There were also boarded-up fireplaces that I swiftly restored. It’s so important to keep the charm of heritage buildings while bringing them up to the lifestyle of today and future-proofing them for those of tomorrow.” Rhiannon studied at the Royal College of Art, then followed a career in fashion before quitting the London rat race. She has been buying and restoring properties for four years: “I started doing up a house with a friend and got the bug for it.” Now part of a team of four, called Property Studio 4, Rhiannon oversees the day-to-day work, spending most of her time at building sites ensuring everything is on track. What sets her work apart from other development companies is that Rhiannon’s houses come complete with a full interior design kit, right down to cutlery in the kitchen drawers and wine in the fridge. “I always feel that houses are never homes until you add the finishing touches. The buyer can then decide whether they’d like to pur-

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Interiors

[[

chase the whole package or just Reclamation in Exminster to the ‘Each room had the property. Conran Shop in London.” “So far, second home buyers In the kitchen, a walnut floor six or seven layers have been quick to take on and Farrow & Ball walls in of wallpaper and, the kit – the logistics of transPierre Noir surround composporting large furniture down ite stone worktops – difficult to most surprisingly, narrow Devon streets can prove stain due to their antibacterial about five carpets challenging – but this could be properties. “I always like to inall laid one on top different if it’s a primary propstall an island with hobs, so that erty.” cooks can face the room rather of the other’ The exterior walls of this than staring at a wall. I am inpretty terraced house have been terested in new technologies, so painted a grey Dulux shade this property is fitted with an called Portland, in keeping with energy-saving heating element its Georgian heritage, while chalk-white walls that learns how warm you like your house.” inside act as clean canvases for Rhiannon’s inThe orangery beyond, where a lean-to kitchen terior design touches. The hallway is laid with once stood, is now an al fresco zone with a Velux individual hand-painted tiles from a local trader window, bi-folding doors and large dining table. – a stylish update on original 18th century decorative black and white tiling. To accommodate contemporary living, the sitting, kitchen and dining rooms have been knocked through into one sociable space. At the front of the house, the minimalist sitting area features a Loaf sofa, Nkuku coffee table and Rhiannon’s signature Buddha figurine. “I like to promote sustainable, eco-friendly products, so a lot is recycled, reclaimed or up-cycled. I source furniture from all over the place, from Toby’s

The courtyard outside has been transformed into a stylish suntrap with charcoal gates and pots of bamboo, rosemary and aloe vera, “I like functional gardens that stay green all year round.” Upstairs, this sense of serenity is maintained with monochrome fabrics, up-cycled furniture coated in Annie Sloan chalk paint and blank chalk walls. Rhiannon’s eye for detail shows at every turn: “I have put a phone charging socket by each bed, adjustable lighting in the bathroom to suit the mood and removable frosted glass effect film on the sash windows for privacy.” From top to bottom this property has been meticulously and sympathetically restored and designed to create a stunning balance of contemporary convenience and classic Georgian charm – a stylish family home to last generations. For sale with Savills, Exeter, £695,000

STYLE TIP: If you’re remodelling your kitchen, install an island with hobs, so that cooks can face into the room rather than staring at a wall

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GET THE

LOOK

Cool colours and natural touches give a fresh, contemporary feel Wicker heart £6 Wilco

Mia chandelier £299 Marks & Spencer

Two seater chesterfield £399.99 Argos

Wall tile £6 Sainsbury’s

Silver wicker bowl £22 Kelly Hoppen

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24/06/2016 18:10:11

Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Meadows Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, takes a wander through magical Westcountry meadows

eadows have dominated my week, starting with a small new site and ending up with a walk through acres of ancient sward. On whatever scale, meadows need careful management, more akin to gardening than agriculture, and they generate a lot of questions. First came the pleasant job of opening a brand new village hall in Broadhempston, a village to the north of Totnes lying in a tangle of narrow lanes labyrinthine enough to send up-country drivers weeping over their satnavs. This thriving village had organised itself to gain funding and raise money for the new hall and everybody had pooled their skills to bring their grand plan to fruition. Locals Charlotte Parton and Penny Derbyshire were in charge of the soft landscaping and I admired wide beds around the entrance, filled with plants largely donated by villagers and planted by a team of 20 volunteers. Other areas The fields had had a wild, hedgerow theme including a bank of wild flowers. never been Everything was top notch and a ploughed in wonderful example of what can living memory, be achieved when communities pull together. were never cut The ancient meadow was in one go, and so Goren Farm, a romantic and wonderful place in East Devon wild flowers had and home to Julian Pady and flourished his family, who inherited a tumbledown Georgian house and farm from his second cousin. The farm had been in the family since 1955 and, by the time Julian moved in to help in 2001, the fields which had never been ploughed in living memory, were being used just for a hay cut. No chemicals had been used on them and as the old farmer never cut them all in one go, wild flowers had flourished.

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The biggest threat to the meadow is bracken encroaching from the edges, so cattle were reintroduced to the margins, where their trampling smashed bracken fronds and hardened the ground, making it difficult for more to push through. Seed produced by the wild flowers is now harvested and sold via the website. After the seed harvest, a late cut of herb-rich hay is cut and stored to sell. Goren Farm is open to visitors in collaboration with the National Gardens Scheme and has evening openings (5-9pm) that run to 31st July (www.goren.co.uk). Breathtakingly beautiful, the meadows are threaded with yellow rattle, an annual parasite of grass that stunts its growth to the benefit of wild flowers. Julien tells how the flat rattle seeds are shed to the soil surface where they are exposed to cold weather in winter to

break dormancy. Spring sun then shines on the flat seeds, helping them to germinate. To introduce this helpful wild flower, graze or mow grass down first, then keep your meadow short until germination takes place. Visitors love to see the purple flower spikes of wild orchids poking from the sward. These are surprisingly large and thought to be naturally occurring hybrids between common spotted and Southern marsh orchids. Seeds take a month to ripen and are collected by hand before the hay is cut. Other flowers include field forget-me-not, mouse ear chickweed, pignut and patches of bird’s foot trefoil. The rough hawkbit and cat’s ear sprinkle the meadow with yellow dandelionlike flowers and later, silvery seed clocks. I’ll definitely be shopping for yellow rattle seed to sow into our meadow come September.

How to mow a meadow •

•

Docks, thistles, brambles and other thuggish weeds should be removed from the fields by hand but don’t really like infertile soil. They tend to grow where autumn leaves have rotted and ground is lightly shaded.

•

Cutting regularly and removing the grass gradually reduces fertility over the years, allowing wild flowers to compete with the grasses.

•

Make your meadow cut at a variety of times over the years so that no one wild flower is repeatedly favoured. They then all get a chance to seed and colonise.

Trample areas of bracken regularly to stop it from encroaching

Question time with Anne West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank

Should I put my house plants outside for the summer or will they be better off staying indoors?

Many people do give their indoor plants a ‘holiday’ but this should be bestowed with great care. Used to low indoor light, thin-leaved plants evolved to live under the canopy of tropical trees will frizzle in harsh sunlight. Outside, they might be forgotten when it comes to water and feeding. They could be knocked over, accidentally left in a saucer of rainwater for too long or nibbled by slugs. I keep proper house plants (maranta, ferns, parlour palms, moth orchids) inside permanently and find that succulents tend to be slug-eaten and overwatered outside. Yet watched carefully and in the right conditions, some house plants could even be planted out for the summer (begonia, impatiens). Conservatory-type citrus, bougainvillea, mandevilla, olive and tibouchina usually benefit from increased light and fresh air and being outdoors helps rid them of pests.

Why are there no fruits on my cherry tree, when last year it was laden?

This is not just a case of boom and bust which can happen with fruit trees. They can exhaust themselves producing a bumper crop, then take a rest. But this year the cold spring was probably to blame, as cherries tend to flower early and blossom could have been frosted. Alternatively, there may not have been sufficient pollinating insects around. Birds sometimes rob trees and bushes even of unripe fruit during dry periods, as they’re short of water. Putting water out near the trees can help. Cherries prefer to have a definite, cold winter so they can go properly dormant before flowering and fruiting and last winter was very mild.

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

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

• Consider adding Japanese Iris ensata to your pond. These have done well this year, having enjoyed the mild winter. Flowers are beautiful and plants slowgrowing, narrow in leaf and general habit, so don’t take up too much room in a small pond. • Take care when weeding and strimming in wild parts of the garden. Another plant to prosper after the mild winter is giant hogweed. I’ve noticed a lot around and if you touch the plant or have contact with its sap, this sensitizes skin to

the ultraviolet rays in sunlight, causing reddening, stinging and blistering. Eradicate it carefully where children play. • Stake plants of aubergine and physalis in the greenhouse now they are large and beginning to set fruit. Toppling weakens roots and could affect fruits swelling. • Early potatoes could be ready for harvest, so dig carefully around one to check how on tuber size before lifting. A proper potato fork with flat tines is a luxury but less likely to spear your spuds.

Examine Lift the canopies of large shrubs smothering choice smaller plants underneath by removing lower stems osr remove the small plants carefully, replant and water in immediately and thoroughly. 27

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Beauty Kissable New Cid Lipstick Peony Pink (£18) No summer look is complete without a touch of colour, and I love this shade of pink!

Fix it Clarins Fix’ make-up (Debenhams £23) The ultimate life saver for keeping your makeup in place. It has a gorgeous mint scent too.

Abbie’s

Rescue Revlon Professional Hydra Rescue Repair (Amazon, £28.75) Don’t forget to look after your hair in the summer months. This rescue repair remedy really works well.

Amber Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess perfume (Boots £50) A sun-drenched blend of bergamot, amber, coconut and vanilla. Delicious!

Summer beauty Expert advice on looking good, from beauty guru Abbie Bray of Newton Abbot I finally feel like summer is here. The days are light until way into the evening and temperatures are finally getting hotter (even though we have had a few rainy days). In the summer months, your beauty routine could probably benefit from a change. It’s the perfect time to switch your lipstick colour to something brighter and glossier - this is perfect because a sheer colour can take you from day to night and you don’t have to change it. It’s also a great time to consider a lighter foundation or even a tinted moisturiser (except for me, as my skin is far too oily!). We also want our make-up to stay on for longer because summer days and makeup do not mix. This week I have picked some of my favourite treats that I can’t live without. If you haven’t tried Estee Lauder’s Bronze Goddess yet, then you are missing out. It is a gorgeous light coconut fragrance that smells just like you are on holiday.

Bronzed Autograph Multi Bronzer (Marks and Spencers £12.50) This is a great bronzer that really gives that sun kissed glow. I love it!

In the pink Benefit Lolli Balm (Boots £19.50) This tinted lip balm is great for keeping your lips soft and it is gorgeous shade of pink, perfect for summer.

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Fashion

Print dress £18 George

Truly tropical ashion is certainly having an exotic moment this summer, with a wealth of colourful prints evoking jungle adventures and palm-fringed beaches to be found on everything from dresses to handbags. There is plenty to choose from - don’t you love this pretty dress from ethical brand People Tree, and how about this lovely shell top from M&Co? These prints tend towards the busy end of the spectrum, so pair them with cool, calm accessories. They look great with white - like these white trousers from M&Co - or choose a handbag or sunglasses in a block colour that picks out one of the shades of your tropical print. That way, you’ll convey that glamorous longhaul holiday air, even if the closest you’re going to get to a palm tree this summer is Penzance or Torquay.

Shell top £24 Trousers £29 Bag £22 Bracelet £8 M&Co

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Trend Have you got a fashion question or a trend you’d like to see tackled? @KathrynCMcleod

Dress, Next, Princesshay, £36 Bag, Next, Princesshay, £20 Shoes, Next, Princesshay, £35

HOW TO WEAR IT:

MAIN PHOTO HAIR: ADAM AT SAKS, EXETER MAKE-UP: CLARINS, DEBENHAMS (BOTH PRINCESSHAY) PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE HAYWOOD

Cold shoulder Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod tries out the latest in style statements

‘ B

ut I don’t like my upper arms,’ is without a doubt the most common rebuttal I get when holding up a garment for a friend. It’s a bind, as we get older our ‘problem spots’ tend to bug us even more, which makes shopping for something special more than a little bit tricky. A lot of frocks are sleeveless, and frankly, when summer does finally make an appearance, no-one wants to have to cover up with a cardi or wear full sleeves. What’s a girl to do? Enter the cold-shoulder trend. When Bonnie Tyler sang that she was holding on for a hero, I’m pretty sure she meant this look. Whoever invented it deserves a statue of themselves erected on every high street in the land. In the meantime let me dish out virtual high fives to Derek Lam, Givenchy and Erdem, all of whom sent this look down the catwalk in their Spring 2016 shows. The solution is simple in its elegance. Imagine a normal sleeve, then cut away the fabric It’s like a fairy over the one area of the female godmother form that is always flattering, has waved her the point of the shoulder. Then, leave enough fabric below to wand over your drape artfully over the upper upper body, arm. It’s like a fairy godmother transforming has waved her wand over your upper body, transforming you fix. I was enchanted by this floaty, you into into an angular and flirtatious frilly cupcake of a dress from Next. an angular temptress. Sign me up! This isn’t really an option I can temptress Celeb fans include Jessica try and convince you will ‘go with Biel and Cate Blanchette. Both everything in your wardrobe.’ If the epitome of edgy elegance. A you’re looking for that I recommend glowing endorsement if ever there was one. My trying out a black bodysuit with cold shoudlers, wishlist for this category is long, and includes or perhaps a simple white long sleeve top. a Vera Wang coat (this section might as well be But, if you want a dress that makes you feel called a dreamlist, as it sits at around £1,500) like you are wearing a cloud of frothy candy-floss But luckily the high street has literally while starring in your own perfume commercial, hundreds of options, so you needn’t forgo then this is what I would go with. The beauty water and electricity for the year to get your of this number is that the smoke and mirrors

don’t end at the shoulder. There are swathes of fabric involved, all cinched in around the waist. These skim and skip their way around the notoriously tricky midriff area in a wonderfully noncommittal way (another canapé please) and it ends at a very flattering point just above the knee. Oh, it would be remiss of me not to mention the shoes. You should buy them too, think of them as the sidekick to your hero, they go everywhere together. All fashion in these pictures is from Princesshay Shopping Centre, Exeter, www.princesshay.co.uk

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Metallic sandals £30 NEXT

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Teal cold shoulder wrap shell top £17.99 NEW LOOK Earrings £10 NEXT

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28/06/2016 12:46:28

culture vulture Our guide to the very best don’t-miss events to enjoy in the South West right now

Music al fresco Rosemoor Garden in north Devon is opening its gates until 9pm for three Thursday evenings in July, when visitors can enjoy the gardens accompanied by live music. What could be nicer than strolling around listening to live music as you drink in the delicious scents of summer blooms, especially in the famed rose garden? On July 7 harpist Susan Sherratt will play, on July 14 it is the turn of saxophonist Jim Prior and on July 21 you can hear guitarist David Jaggs. Book tickets online at rhs.org.uk/ rosemoor. Or you could make a real night of it: dinner will be served in the Garden Kitchen Restaurant from 6.30-8.15pm (booking essential, call 01805 626821).

Sing loud!

TRY A FOODIE MASTERCLASS Chef Ben Palmer is offering guests the chance to visit his award-winning Plymouth restaurant The Greedy Goose (formerly Tanners) for a summer masterclass on Saturday July 9. Budding chefs and foodie lovers will be welcomed by a drink in the bar, followed by the masterclass, hosted in the impressive Frater Room which dates back to 1498. Chef Ben will give you his top tips for summer entertaining, as well

as showing you some delicious recipes to try at home, including elderflower pannacotta with champagne fruits. Rounding off the class, Ben will answer any foodie questions you may have. The class will be followed by a three course lunch in the atmospheric Greedy Goose restaurant. Delicious! The summer masterclass and lunch costs £30 per person, including a drink on arrival, call 01752 252001 to book.

The wonderful, world-class Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra returns to the Westcountry this month, with an evening of the best patriotic British classical music, to be held in Torquay. Get ready for some fervent flag-waving, a good sing-along and a great night out with family and friends. Expect a selection of the most popular classical music, plus firm Proms favourites such as the Pomp and Circumstance March, Jerusalem, Fantasia on British Sea Songs and much more. Bring your flags and join in, it’s a great summer night out with fantastic live music, played by the full forces of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. The Last Night of the Proms, Riviera Centre Torquay Friday July 29, 7.30pm, tickets £1-£22 www. bsolive.com

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Enjoy

Your stars by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

Deeply intuitive and sentimental, Cancer can be one of the most challenging Zodiac signs to get to know. Cancerians care deeply about family and home and are very attached to the people who surround them. Their ruling planet is the moon, which can create fleeting emotional patterns that the sensitive Cancer cannot control, especially when a child. They can be temperamental but one of their greatest strengths is persistent determination.

Peter Kay Born July 2, 1973 We feel like chuckling just looking at his picture. Peter is an award-winning English comedian and actor. His 2010/11 stand-up comedy tour entitled ‘The Tour that Doesn’t Tour’ earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most successful tour of all time, playing to a total of 1.2 million people. Peter was born in Lancashire and has used his fame to raise significant funds for important charities including Children in Need and Comic Relief. Fun fact: he also popped up in Coronation Street in 2007, as a shopfitter.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) The luck of friends and colleagues rubs off on you this week. If invited to an unfamiliar gathering find out as much as you can beforehand and then relax and enjoy! Life can be hectic at the moment so why not arrange something quieter? Remember that treat you were going to give your partner? Social life should involve letting others take their share of the organising.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) It is a lucky and lively week with new friends on the horizon. Please make an effort to encourage them. Who knows what new interests you will find! A conflict between old friends needs careful handling and maybe it is even time to step back and not be involved?

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Travel with friends and family can bring special joy this week. Even planning things can bring you together. It is so easy to get tangled up in the everyday, isn’t it? Spare a thought for those whose life has shrunk because of age or illness. Just a visit or a trip out can make the world of difference.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Someone needs pulling out of their gloom-and-doom attitude. Are you the one to do it? You bet! Support comes from an unexpected direction once you get started. There are sure to be some misunderstandings, whatever you do. Choose your words carefully to get your meaning over.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Make the most of the chance to progress with plans, both for yourself and others. Something at work that may

have stalled can get going again now. Help from colleagues makes them feel better about your eventual success. Be with young people at the weekend, the younger the better. Fun can be your middle name.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) A weekend surprise may have left you rarin’ to go on a project. This will also boost your personal life. Being positive now saves you a great deal of work later on. Love and money go hand in hand this week. One can be enhanced by a romantic gesture and the other by a generous attitude.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Fun with friends brings you closer together. Work colleagues may plan a social event. Be there to influence what happens or you could be in for a dull trip! Romance is very much in the air.. Meet in a public place and stay relaxed. This could be special.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) A great deal of attention will be coming your way if you perk up the atmosphere. Bright colours, music, art and just plain fun can fill this week. Bringing more gaiety into your world really counts. Money and romance go hand in hand. Maybe you will receive a gift or give one, maybe both.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) An uninhibited relationship is what you really need. Some loving persuasion may be needed. Has fun been pushed out by responsibilities and work? Please aim for balance. News of something new in your life could be a sofa, plant or a baby. Hey, maybe something very unexpected!

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) There is a lightness about this week which feeds your usual positive approach. A close relationship is going from strength to strength but do keep up the momentum. Strong colleagues at work help with a pet project and propel you forward.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Taking good care of yourself and those close should be your priority right now. Of course there are many distractions. Wasting energy is not good so you need to plan. The weekend brings surprises that give you mixed feelings.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Ambitious plans may progress in a strange way. One minute they shoot ahead and at other times you feel stalled. Rather than become frustrated, focus on your love life. All you need is love? Sometimes. Good news often comes in small packages. 35

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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

RACING SNAILS! Watching a snail race has to be one of the more unusual ways to enjoy time outside, but it certainly sounds fun. The National Trust’s Trelissick has five forthcoming mollusc derby days, as part of its 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 and 3/4 activity calendar. Look out for them on July 25 and August 1, 8, 15 and 22.

KATIE’S WISDOM

JUST ROSY With microbeads facing a ban since its been reavealed they’re bad news for the oceans and marine wildlife, look to natural ingredients to exfoliate for summer-ready skin. Products containing sugar, salt or ground nut shells are just as effective. Melvita L’Or Rose Refining Scrub (£15 www.melvita.com) combines berries and Rose Muscat Oil to exfoliate and moisturise.

Since rebuilding her after suffering horrific facial injuries following an acid attack, Katie Piper has been an inspiration to millions due to her courage and positive outlook on life. But even she admits it isn’t always easy to be consistently, confident, without the occasional reminder. “There’s a saying,” she explains. “ If the world was blind, how many people would you impress? It puts into perspective our huge and often unhealthy obsession with appearance.”

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ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS Almost half of us are worried our children aren’t as happy as we were as children, with 96% of us blaming it on the fact kids today spend less time outdoors, according to The Camping and Caravanning Club. Free family days at Devon’s Branscombe Beach are a great way to enjoy the outdoors together. Join its beach rangers for fun activities include beach art, kite making and rockpooling from 1pm-3pm on Sundays until August 28.

Fun foraging OFF YOU TROT Saltash running club The Tamar Trotters is hosting its annual Magnificent 7 run on July 17. Be prepared for a very hilly course along pretty country lanes with views of the Tamar estuary. There’ll also be a 1.5 mile fun run. Find out more: www.tamartrotters.co.uk What’s coming up? Tweet us your wellbeing diary dates

Explore Mother Nature’s larder: Wild food forager Emma Gunn will be leading a walk around The Lost Gardens of Heligan on July 3, where you’ll learn how to identify wild plants for culinary use and develop the skills to go foraging on your own. Admission to the gardens costs £20 adults (children under 17 £10). Find out more and book at www. heligan.co.uk/events

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

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27/06/2016 18:30:12

Eat

Big Breakfast Frittata with Smoky Beans Recipe: Carol Bowen Ball, author of Esse’s The Four Seasons Cookbook

Ingredients

Method:

Sunflower or olive oil  1 onion, cut into six wedges 225g new potatoes, cooked and sliced 2 sausages, cooked and sliced 2 rashers lean back bacon, cooked and chopped 5 eggs Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley  6 cherry tomatoes, halved (optional) 400g can baked beans  1⁄2-1 tsp smoked paprika

Smear a large non-stick frying pan (with heatproof handle) liberally with sunflower or olive oil. Heat, add the onion and cook for about 6-7 minutes or until browned.

Add the potatoes, sausage and bacon. Cook for a further seven minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.

Serves: 4

Beat the eggs with seasoning to taste and the parsley. Pour gently over the potato mixture to cover evenly. Return to a low heat and cook gently for a further 15 minutes until the eggs are just set. Add the tomatoes to the top if using.

Meanwhile, preheat the grill until hot. Place the frittata under the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes until the top is lightly browned. Alternatively place in a very hot oven and cook until the top is lightly browned.

At the same time, place the beans in a pan with the smoked paprika and heat until hot. Serve the frittata cut into wedges with a portion of beans on the side.

The frittata can be prepared a day ahead then chilled until required. Reheat in a moderate oven until hot, about 10-15 minutes. The smoky beans are best made fresh. The Rangemoors Hearth & Cook showroom in Marsh Barton, Exeter supplies the full range of Esse cookers: www.hearthandcook.com 38

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BOURNEMOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SUMMER CONCERTS IN DEVON Barber of Seville Overture – Dance of the Hours – Carmen Suite Star Wars – Ride of the Valkyries – Nimrod – Nutcracker Suite and many more!

RIVIERA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, TORQUAY

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Drink Beer of the week I’ve drunk porters lately which, frankly, could have been described as stouts. Tuck (4.7% ABV), from Lincoln Green Brewery (have you spotted their theme?) does not fall into that category. Espresso coffee and bitter chocolate notes take the edge off the sweetness and there’s a cherry note as well as a hint of smokiness. Worth seeking out.

TRURO TO LEICESTER Mark Tetlow, who hails from Truro, has become the first person in Leicestershire to become accredited as a beer sommelier. Mark is a graduate of the Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, which specialises in brewing, and is quality assurance manager on the Everards brewing team in Leicester.

Darren Norbury

talks beer ounger readers may not believe this, golden colour, which in the beginning but there was a time when golden helped with converting lager drinkale just wasn’t A Thing. There was ers. It has also been known nationmild, there was bitter, stouts, porally almost since its start, and as the ters and barley wines. But the idea well-acknowledged first golden ale it of slaking your thirst on a hot summer’s afterstands out from the crowd of other golden noon with a golden, hoppy ale? Unheard of. beers.” It was in 1986 that Exmoor The point about convertAles, or Golden Hill Brewery, ing lager drinkers is not to be as it was known then, came up understated. Many of today’s Many of today’s with a special recipe to mark golden beer drinkers of, let us the 1,000th brew of Exmoor Ale. say, a certain age are drinkers golden beer Exmoor Gold was unusual for who have been weaned off comdrinkers of, let its time in using just one malted mercial, mass-produced lager, us say, a certain barley which gave the golden and have found that the natural colour, setting it apart from real product suits their constiage have been standard amber bitters. Beer, tution better and can lead to weaned off you would have heard argued at fewer headaches (I know it’s not commercial, the time, is brown. Only lager is proven, I’m not a doctor). golden. Go to a beer festival now and mass-produced Well, now an awful lot of beer you can’t move for golden beers, lager is golden. Exmoor Gold opened not just lighter malted interprethe floodgates. Another hugely tations of bitter, but American influential golden beer would pale ales, British saisons, even enter the canon of great British real lagers – it’s all come full brews two year later: Hop Back Summer Lightcircle. Poor hop harvests made brewers think ning, from Salisbury, named after a PG Wodeabout the amount of golden, bitter beers they house book and helping to boost the profile of have in their portfolio, but the forecasts for this lightly malted bitters. year’s harvest is better, so don’t expect our love Exmoor Ales’ managing director, Jonathan affair with golden brews to end anytime soon. Price, said of Gold: “Its appeal is that it has On reflection, the coming of golden ale may always had great drinkability. There’s also its have been as important as the revitalisation of

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real ale in the 1970s. As Good Beer Guide editor, Roger Protz, says: “Just about every brewer has a golden ale in their locker, but Exmoor Gold helped revive and boost the cask ale sector and made it attractive to a new generation of drinkers.” Happy anniversary, Exmoor Gold. Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk @beertoday

Delivered by boat

Lynmouth received some interesting cargo just recently. Clearwater Brewery’s Submariner beer was delivered from Instow by boat to the Bath Hotel. The beer was in time for a sea shanty festival.

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Eat

Ingredient of the Week

Peas

with Tim Maddams s much as I love fresh peas, I do have serving. a little secret to share with you, I am A nice warm salad of new potatoes, peas, fresh quite fond of good quality frozen free range egg and garden herbs dressed with peas too. I know, it’s a shock, but it’s care can be the proud centre of any early sumtrue, they are certainly as good as mertime lunch table. But don’t be afraid to be any pea that has not been picked that very day. bold, if the peas are just picked and as fresh as They seem to revive much better a daisy then serve them in their than any other frozen vegetable pods, in a bowl. What could be and they are still perky enough more fun and more tasty? to be enjoyed with the simple Any leftover cooked peas need Don’t be afraid butter, salt and pepper treatment. not end up going to the chickens, to be bold. If the Anyway, on with the cookery and simply knock up a little batter back to fresh peas, which are in and have yourself pea fritters peas are just season right now. for supper, delicious with a little picked and fresh There are so many things you sheep’s curd. To your leftover as a daisy, then can do with peas that there really peas add a couple of tablespoons is no limit to the variations of of self-raising flour, an egg and serve them in recipes you could plump for. Just a little milk. Mix together to their pods remember the golden rule, if the make a batter with bits that will peas are big and fibrous you must fall slowly from the spoon when accept that and cook them aclifted. Heat a half inch of suncordingly. Finely chop a couple of flower oil in a deep sided pan and cloves of garlic and sweat them in a pan with a once it’s hot, gently place dollops of the mixture little butter, add your bigger than small peas and to fry. Once they are golden brown and cooked a little water, salt and pepper, cook with the lid through simply drain well on kitchen paper and on until tender. Add a couple of chopped spring serve. A little green sauce here would be great onions and a touch more butter or olive oil before but ketchup will suffice.

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Pea hummus This works with fresh or frozen peas. Blanch a couple of handfuls of peas in boiling water until tender but still vibrantly green, refresh in ice water and drain well. Place in a food processor with some tahini, garlic, olive oil, toasted and crushed coriander seeds, salt and pepper. Blend, then season with a little lemon juice and adjust the salt and pepper. Spread on a little toast with a pea shoot on top and a little paprika, this is an elegant and tasty canapé. On a larger bit of toast and served with a light salad it makes a wonderful lunch @TimGreenSauce

Tim Maddams is a Devon chef and author of Game: River Cottage Handbook no. 15 (Bloomsbury £14.99) 41

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24/06/2016 18:13:20

A WEEKEND IN

St Ives

MAIN PICTURE: DAVID HODDER

WORDS: GRACIE STEWART

he picturesque fishing town of St Ives is one of Cornwall’s best-loved destinations. Surrounded by four awardwinning beaches, St Ives enjoys beautiful golden sands and crystal blue waters offering stunning seaside vistas from every corner. A maze of quaint cobbled streets leads you to the harbour where boats still land good catches of fresh fish. And, as if that wasn’t enough, St Ives has a rich artistic heritage that is celebrated with a plethora of galleries from the small to the internationally acclaimed.

Stay: Nestled in the historic centre between the spectacular Porthminster beach and the Harbour beach, Trevose Harbour House is a tasteful and charming boutique guesthouse. Expect sink-in Hypnos beds and invigorating Neal’s Yard toiletries. The top-floor suite, which has a

bath beneath a huge skylight for a good soak under the stars, is definitely the pick of the bunch. Breakfast is served on the private suntrap terrace, with everything from traditional bacon and eggs to potato scones with Penryn Smokehouse salmon. Rooms start from £155 per night.

Eat (and drink): Since

[[ The top-floor suite, which has a bath beneath a huge skylight for a good soak under the stars, is the pick of the bunch

opening its doors in 2002, Alba has become known for fine dining in St Ives, specialising in local produce, line-caught fish and seasonal vegetables. The menu is designed by award winning chef Grant Nethercott and showcases natural, eclectic flavour combinations. Downstairs you’ll find the sister establishment, the A

Bar, which offers small plates, cocktails and coffee served all day from noon. Blas Burgerworks is an eco friendly, cozy restaurant serving excellent locally sourced organic burgers that the kids will love. All their burgers are made using Cornish meat, naturally reared, free range and cooked on a chargrill.

Don’t miss:

Running from September 10-24 2016, the St Ives September Festival offers a wide range of music, arts and literature events, attracting visitors from far and wide. Locally-themed plays and musical shows will be staged and there will also be drop-in art classes

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Blas Burgerworks

Alba restaurant, Seabass

St Ives Harbour Hotel spa

St Ives Farmers’ Market

in everything from textiles to life drawing. If you’re interested in the town’s history, join one of the fascinating walking tours on offer www. stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk.

Shop: The St Ives Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday from 9.30am-2pm and is a not-for-profit initiative designed to support local food producers. At the market, in the Guildhall, you can find a wide range of interesting and hard-to-find fresh local food including meat, vegetables and baked goods.

Visit: The iconic Tate Gallery is closed for refurbishment until spring 2017 but you can still see world-class art at its sister site, The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. This charming exhibition offers an insight into the work of one of Britain’s most important 20thcentury artists and is set in Trewyn studios, where Barbara Hepworth lived and worked from 1949 until her death in 1975. Displays include sculptures in bronze, stone and wood, along with paintings, drawings and archive material. Trevose Harbour House

Explore: Not only does the St Ives Surf School run fantastic surf lessons but they also offer SUP (stand up paddle boarding) and sea kayaking activities from the beautiful Porthminster beach in the heart of St Ives. The guided sea kayaking tour progresses in a leisurely fashion for 90 minutes along the rugged Cornish coastline. Be sure to keep an eye out for seals, dolphins, sunfish, cormorants and gannets, all of which are common in this part of Cornwall. Relax: The St Ives Harbour Hotel Spa is home to four treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and a crystal steam room. The spa offers a range of luxurious treatments - look out for the highly recommended Smooth And Firm Body Experience, which costs £82.50 for 70 minutes, including a top-to-toe body brush and polish, plus shoulder, neck and head massage - www.stives-harbour-hotel.co.uk 43

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Amy and Tom

My Secret Westcountry Amy Parsons Amy Parsons and her partner Tom Symons met when working at The Abbey Restaurant in Penzance in 2005. Ten years later, having worked together in some of Cornwall’s finest kitchens, they took over The Mexico Inn in Long Rock on the outskirts of Penzance. Amy and Tom live above the pub and have two children, Hugo, two and Esmeralda, born in May this year. My favourite… Walk: The coastal path around Cape Cornwall and Cot Valley is rugged and spectacular. When I have time I also enjoy foraging – blackberry season is a great time to scour the hedgerows and knock the kids out with some fresh air. Beach: Showing some bias here but it would have to be Long Rock beach. Day to day our business can be very demanding, so we’re really lucky to able to walk two minutes down the road and be on an uncrowded beach with views towards St Michael’s Mount.

Cot Valley

Arts event : I always look out for Rogue 44

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People Isles of Scilly

Newlyn Harbour

Theatre’s performances in Tehidy Woods near Redruth. You get to wander around the woods and the action takes place around you. The performances are on at different times of year – including Christmas and Easter – and they always come up with great characters and stories.

Activity: Our son Hugo loves the Lappa Valley steam railway near Newquay, so for a family day out we head to this brilliant attraction built on an old mining site. It’s like going back in time really – and it is also good value, which is rare these days!

Westcountry food : This would have to be fresh crab. Tom and I only get one day off a week, so we need our crab fix! Vicky’s Bread (made near here) and Rodda’s salted butter are also delicious necessities we can’t live without. Heather Lane Community Nursery supplies us with seasonal offerings such as salad leaves, broad beans, rainbow chard and kale. We call them in the morning, the produce is picked fresh and delivered in the afternoon - you couldn’t ask for any more from a supplier.

Vicky’s Bread

Restaurant: The Shore in Penzance is a seafood-focused restaurant run by Bruce Rennie, for whom Tom and I have both previously worked. Bruce is a very talented and driven chef who is rightly winning national recognition. For someone with his background to open a restaurant in Penzance is a great thing for the town. We also visit The Old Coastguard in Mousehole and like to sit in the garden for lunch.

Way to relax : Now that the Jubilee Pool in Penzance has re-opened we’re hoping this summer will be a good one, so we can head over on our days off. A splash around, a picnic and hopefully a bit of sunshine sounds pretty good! Weekend away : When the children are a bit older we’re looking forward to taking them to The Scillies. You don’t need to go far to experience somewhere unique and amazing when you live in this part of the world. I just hope the crossing isn’t too rough when we finally do it.

Westcountry tipple: Cornish Orchard’s

Shop: Newlyn is a great place to go food shop-

‘Gold’ Cider is a current favourite and we also cook with it, using it for braised pork shoulder, steaming shellfish and it even goes in my sticky apple cake…

ping. There is a proper butcher, fishmonger and baker, plus a specialist cheese shop and Harvey’s Shellfish - all within walking distance. A shopping trip is also a good excuse to stop for lunch at The Tolcarne Inn, where the menu is a simple blackboard featuring the daily catch from the nearby fish market.

Country pub: The Gurnard’s Head is on a wind-swept stretch of the north coast near St Ives. Tom and I worked there together and loved the fresh game and lobsters brought to the door, and enjoyed picking sorrel and other wild herbs from the back lane. Cows also walk pass the door twice a day, which gives the place a nice rural rhythm. Lappa Valley Steam Railway

where we’d head. Eclectic beers on draft, plus an amazing selection of rum… definite bar envy!

Town pub: If we were going for a boozy session, The Lamp and Whistle in Penzance is

Treat: As a chef, just having time off (especially in the summer) is a treat! A trip to the beach followed by a barbeque and a few beers sounds perfect, and in the winter I love a stomp around the woods followed by a huge roast dinner… www.themexicoinn.com 45

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My life

Chris Mcguire

A tall story Hey Chris, how’s the weather up there?

ore knees, a constantly bruised head, bad posture and an aching back. No, this isn’t a list of cases in a particularly boring episode of Holby City, they’re the issues we tall people face on a daily basis. Being tall (I’m six foot five) is a pain in the neck – literally. But I’d willingly put up with all these frustrations, as bothersome as they are, if people would just stop talking to me about my height. Yes, this week I learned it’s impossible not to have the same conversation over and over again. Here in the Westcountry, as the holiday season moves into full swing, our streets are filled with tourists. Don’t get me wrong, they’re very welcome – the lifeblood of local economies. I just wish little old ladies didn’t think I was one of the tourist attractions.“How tall are you?” demanded one tiny woman, this week. “Erm, about six foot five,” I stuttered. “I used to know a man who was six foot eight. What do you think about that?” Not a lot. This is the problem, you see. I wish people would realise that being tall is not a competition. I don’t feel a great sense of personal failure to meet someone taller than me. In fact I feel very little, other than sympathy for the other poor individual who must hate air travel even more than I do. “Good for him,” I said. “That’s three whole inches!” “Yes.” “So think on!” With that, she flashed me a look of triumph and marched off. This happens to me on a regular basis. I was out on my road bike the other day, when an elderly lady stepped out in front of me. I screeched to a halt, narrowly avoiding her. “You OK?” I gasped. The lady didn’t speak, rather she looked up and down my Lycra clad form and frowned. I felt like I was about to get a Gok Wan style fashion

critique. Finally, she announced: “My grandson is tall like you.” Then, with no warning, she prodded my (slightly flabby) midriff. “Ow!” “But he’s athletic.” “Good for him,” I said, clutching my side. The lady walked away, shaking her head. You see, when it comes to talking about height, I’ve heard it all: “Do you sleep with your feet in a grow bag?”, “What’s the weather like up there?”, “You’re not on stilts are you?” I often wonder how people expect me to react to such remarks. Should I pretend they’re original? With time, I’ve learned nodding and smiling is the best way to get these encounters to end quickly. Yet a conversation this week took the biscuit. I was seated on a bench, eating what may or may not have been a pasty. Suddenly, from nowhere, an elderly lady appeared next to me. She made me jump. “I had a brother about your height,” she said. “Oh yes,” I replied. “We had to break his legs to get him into the coffin.” It took a Herculean effort not to spray a mouthful of chewed pasty into the air. “There was no way I was paying for an extra-long coffin.”

“Right.” “Course the French had the right idea.” I couldn’t help wonder where she was going with this? “With the guillotine. Put the head between the legs, save yourself a fortune on mahogany.” With this I made my apologies and left. From now on I’ve decided not to involve myself with old ladies in discussions about my size. Even if this does seem the height of rudeness. Chris McGuire is a writer who recently moved to the Westcountry. He’s spent a lifetime standing at the back of photos, even selfies @McGuireski

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

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27/06/2016 18:32:23

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