West Magazine July 8 2017

08.07.17

FAMILY TIES An afternoon with hotel royalty in Cornwall

- pg16

INSIDE: ‘I designed the perfect bikini’

DON’T MISS: A Dartmoor manor house makeover

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Ways to embrace high summer 04/07/2017 13:59:23

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04/07/2017 13:32:07

‘I came out of the workshop shouting about my business, and I’ve not stopped since’ Cornwall’s Claire Scipio has designed swimwear for teenage bodies, p12

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SEASIDE FARE Cook fish soup with Mitch Tonks

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COOL MAMA Hotelier Olga Polizzi’s Cornish plans

[contents[ Inside this week...

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THE WISHLIST Our pick of the best treats this week

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JUST BETWEEN US...

Sh! We have all the latest gossip

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OUT OF THE BLUE Swimwear for teenage bodies

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COOL MAMA

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SCORCHING LOOKS Summer layers - sorted

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THE NEW SUPERFOOD? Cornish ice cream gets healthy

Meet Olga Polizzi in St Mawes

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A LABOUR OF LOVE Rejuvenating a Dartmoor manor

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JUST ASK GRACIE

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COOL DRINKS New tipples for beach or BBQ

Our style guru solves your problems

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BEACH CHIC Relax in comfort and style

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BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

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

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COOK LIKE MITCH TONKS This week we try fish soup

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SECRET WESTCOUNTRY Where to go, what to do

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AN IRON FIST If Chris McGuire ruled the world...

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STEAL HER STYLE

Olivia Munn reinvents the LBD 3

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SECRET PLACES

Where to chill out this summer

[ welcome [ Inspiration at every turn... hen Claire Scipio - who lives at Nanpean on the south Cornwall coast - went bikini shopping with her daughter Shannon, 14, she was in for a disappointment. The swimming costumes on offer were skimpy, awkward and, in many cases, totally inappropriate for a youngster who just wants to run around the beach having fun without looking like a contestant from Love Island. Claire, who is one smart lady, decided to design beach swimwear that teenage girls can wear and feel comfortable in. The result is Bodds, which launches this summer - think high quality swimwear that isn’t

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Tweet

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of the week

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too revealing and won’t float away in the sea but also looks fresh, cute and entirely appropriate. I love her costumes, even though my teenage days are long behind me.

Elsewhere in the magazine, our wonderful writer Sharon Goble meets the impressive Olga Polizzi. Olga is the hotelier who taught her daughter Alex Polizzi (aka TV’s The Hotel Inspector) everything she knows. Olga, who is a scion of the Forte dynasty, runs two fabulous hotels here in the South West - Hotel Endsleigh in the Tamar Valley and Hotel Tresanton near Falmouth. Find out how she does it on page 16 and have a lovely weekend.

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She decided to design beach swimwear that feels comfortable

@WMNWest Could this be the best steak we’ve ever eaten? @KathrynCMcleod reviews @FistralBeach TO ADVERTISE: Contact Cathy Long: 01752 293017 or 07557 576668, clong@dc-media.co.uk

Becky Sheaves, Editor

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

COVER IMAGE: Hotel Tresanton

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Phil Goodwin

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Gillian Molesworth

Cathy Long

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Knot front dress £38 Dorothy Perkins

ART DECO Trinket box £68 Amara

the

wishlist

fave!

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

Feather heels £95 Dune

Frill layered clutch bag £28 Very

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Wishlist

COLOURFUL Abstract cushion £58 Amara

FUN Woollen rhino head £12.50 Magical Story

This freestanding frame looks great on a desk

Side table £140 Cuckooland.com

Floating frame £24 Oliver Bonas

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03/07/2017 13:54:41

talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life...

Cross over the road, my friend re the roadworks in Bodmin town centre ever going to end? It doesn’t feel like it. What it feels like, is that the roads team bisected the town, put cones up everywhere, and created fiddly little detours, then abandoned ship, appearing every once in a while to change the colour of a section of pavement or do a token hard to keep Bodmin looking bit of drilling. good, including the charity Is this a fair statement? I shops. There are several in the haven’t been documenting town centre and the Mary Portas progress every day. But when effect has certainly raised the I do go into town, there doesn’t bar for charity shops. With time seem to be a whole lot of to kill between appointments, construction going on. And the I had a pleasant browse among people I know who live there these shops that were miles agree. Fits and starts, but no better than charity shops used to moving of the cones. be. They were well organised and No one seems to care that smelled of flowers rather than the people who mildew. There was live around a good choice of the fringes of homewares as well Bodmin are conas clothes. And the This is supposed stantly having to window displays to be part of rearrange their contributed to the the ‘Building a routes and build town feeling cared in extra time for for.

Better Bodmin’ journeys. This Not everyone scheme - I just is supposed to is a fan of charity be part of the shops in the town hope there’s “Building a centres, however. a Bodmin left Better Bodmin” A friend of mine, a to improve scheme - I just retailer, points out hope there’s a that: “They don’t Bodmin left to pay VAT, don’t improve, since everyone I know pay their staff, get reduced rates is currently avoiding the sheer and when buying, they play the inconvenience of the darn place charity card to get better prices by just not visiting it. Free parkthan the independent shops”. Is ing is small compensation. this better for the community?

I did have to go in the other Possibly not. day to run some errands. I didn’t But at least there’s something know what to expect. How could to go into town for. If you have high street businesses possibly children or teenagers at a loose survive the loss in footfall that’s end, give them £20 and drop them surely hit the town? I expected off in Bodmin for a few hours. many vacant windows.

You’ll be amazed how many barWell, I was pleasantly surgains they can bag. And there’s prised. Lots of people are trying hardly any traffic. Sigh…

A

DARK

florals Roses are red, violets are blue and Hollywood star Olivia Munn looked stunning in a sheer black dress with rose detailing at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. Floral prints are a huge trend for summer and they really don’t have to be girly and pastel - just look for a dark colour palette like Iron Man actress Olivia has done here.

Floral mesh dress £65 Debenhams

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION B Sassy Floral shift dress £30 Dorothy Perkins

OPTION A Serene Cold shoulder floral dress £45 Very

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

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08.07.17

LOOKING FOR MS RIGHT Olly Murs is on his way to Devon, to perform at Powderham Castle on July 29 – and he is looking for love!

He recently admitted that he has found it hard to get over his split with his ex, Francesca Thomas, nearly two years ago.

“It’s really tough going through a break up you know, we’ve all been through break ups right? It’s not nice to have a broken heart, mine’s still broken.

“Maybe I do need to grow up, I think I do. When I was in my old relation-

Just

between us Gossip, news, trend setters and more – you

ship, my ex relationship, I got told quite a few times I needed to grow up. I’m not perfect, I know I’m not perfect.”

Olly recently told the DevonLive website he was “looking for the right girl,” but then added cheekily that he is “happy to meet some wrong girls along the way”. Crikey.

CUSTARD PIES AT THE READY...

Dominic Wood is one half of Dick and Dom – remember them?

The Bafta-winning children’s TV presenter (pictured on the right) grew up in Exeter and was a familiar face on kids’ TV back when he co-presented Dick and Dom in da Bungalow.

Their anarchic show was known for throwing custard pies and encouraging children to shout “Bogies”. “Most adults hated it,” Dom says, “But kids loved it!”

These days, Dom is all grown up - he’s 39, and is married to Sandi Lee Hughes who used to be in the pop band AllStars, from the TV show Star Street on CITV. They live in Teddington, near London and have two young children, Tommy and Sam. The good news is, Dom is still working with his co-star Dick. In fact, you can see Dick and Dom perform later this month at Camp Bestival in Lulworth, Dorset, (July 27-30) where they will star on the main stage. We can’t wait!

heard all the latest juicy stuff here first!

!

CHAMPAGNE MOMENT! We’re thrilled that Alexandra Burke is here in the South West right now, performing in Sister Act at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth. But is the X-Factor winner any good in the part of Deloris, made famous by Hollywood legend Whoopi Goldberg?

Well, according to the critics, the answer is definitely yes: “Within minutes of taking to the stage, all thoughts of Whoopi Goldberg are dispelled and Burke has claimed the role as her own,” says the Edinburgh News. “It’s a warm, joyous performance that never falters and marks the 28-year-old out as a musical theatre performer at the top of her game.”

And the Daily Telegraph agrees: “The exuberant soul and disco soundtrack feels tailor-made to suit Burke’s oaked, sinewy voice, which ripples and soars like a creature rising from the deep. Her Deloris is both brash and touchingly human.” Well done, Alexandra.

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Happy days: Julie Taylor captured this picture of Mevagissey harbour looking beautiful in the sunshine

in pictures Adorable: A new donkey foal has been born at the Miniature Pony centre at Moretonhampstead

Success: Roo Cross opened a new branch of her shop Roo’s Beach at the St Moritz hotel in north Cornwall

Let’s dance: A Bollywood film has been shot in Plymouth

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talking points A HISTORY

of the

WEST in

100

objects 54: SHALE CUP

The best way to:

HAVE A LAUGH There’s nothing quite like live comedy, is there? Here are our favourite ways to get belly laughs in the South West •

At the bar: Comedy Keller is a regular comedy night at The Bierkeller bar on Exeter’s Quay every Sunday. £10 a ticket, the club packs in around 100 people, so book ahead. Large parties can book a table on 01392 670424.

On Sunday July 9 at 7pm, Luke Honnoraty will be performing, - he’s a local Westcountry stand-up who has supported Katherine Ryan and performed at the Comedy Store in London.

•

One to watch: Renowned for his cutting edge comedy and social commentary, Irish comedian Andrew Maxwell is performing on September 15 at Tiverton’s regular Comedy Hall event. Andrew has appeared on Have I Got News For You and Mock The Week, and will be supported by up-and-coming comedian Darren Harriott. £14, www.comedyhall.co.uk •

Festival fun: Cornwall has its very own threeday comedy festival this summer, with some big names performing at Stand Up In The Wyldes near Bude. Stars include Bill Bailey, Katherine Ryan, Alan Davies and Cornwall’s own Kernow King plus many more, as well as music, street food and entertainment. August 25-27, Lower Exe Farm, Week St Mary. Adult weekend tickets £86.40, single day tickets also available www.intothewyldes.com • The A team: Look out for some serious A-listers coming to Plymouth Pavilions soon.

Comedy giants Rob Brydon (September 27), John Bishop (October 10,11 and 12) and Jimmy Carr (October 13) are all performing at the Pavilions, with tickets from £24.75. www.plymouthpavilions.com.

Found at Farway, east Devon, made about 2000 BC Julien Parsons is the Senior Collections Officer, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter. He says: The Rev Richard Kirwan, rector of Gittisham near Honiton, had a wide range of interests beyond preaching. He had been an excellent cricketer in his university days and later lectured to parishioners on astronomy, bee-keeping, natural history and archaeology. Given his abundant curiosity, it’s no surprise that when Kirwan discovered ancient burial mounds at nearby Broad Down, Farway, he set about their excavation.

The most spectacular find attributed to Kirwan’s digging in 1868 is a small, beautiful, black cup. Its round bottom, flared rim and single handle place it in a very select group of precious Bronze Age vessels. Some are fashioned from gold or amber, whereas others, like the Farway cup, are carved from shale – possibly from Kimmeridge in Dorset.

The cup, which was unburnt, was found nestled amongst charcoal, cremated bone and red ochre.

This was once the resting place of a prehistoric body, or bodies,

and we are left to speculate on its significance. An offering to the gods perhaps or a personal memento of the deceased?

Rev Kirwan was blessed with enthusiasm, but his archaeological technique was less than perfect. If you look carefully at the exquisite little vessel you can spy a V-shaped nick in its rim. Not the result of prehistoric carelessness, but a pickaxe wielded by a Victorian workman. Its survival is a minor miracle.

#54 This cup is 4,000 years old

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

Congratulations to: Mrs Z Flemming of Yeovil who wins a Burts Chips and Good Game Company hamper thanks to Burts Chips of Plymouth www.burtschips.com

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People

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BODDS SWIMWEAR

Out of the blue

[

A fruitless search for a bikini has led one Cornish mum to design a new range of swimwear per fect for teenagers, discovers Kirstie Newton laire Scipio recalls the nightmare of bikini shopping with her daughter Shannon at the age of 14. “She wanted a bikini but the choice on the high street was all push-up padding and string bikinis - childish, immature styles or frumpy sportswear,” she remembers.

“Shannon was nervous about showing too much flesh, saying: ‘I wouldn’t go out in my bra and knickers, would I?’ “As her mum, I desperately wanted her to look and feel good, but was equally unhappy to let her go out in what was available in store and online.

It turned out to be an epiphany.”

Mum and daughter sat down together and sketched their ideal swimwear. “We started with the classic bikini styles – bandeau and triangle – and made them look a bit bigger.

“The coverage is almost that of a swimsuit – the pants are high-waisted, and the top is like a crop top. We’ve used a compression fabric that provides the support girls’ developing bodies need, and each suit is lined front and back.”

With Bodds, Claire – who lives by the sea in Nanpean, near St Austell - was keen to offer teens and younger girls more choice in bikinis, and to fill a gap in the market between children’s and adult’s active swim clothing.

The next step was to convert the designs into reality. Claire had no experience or training

PHOTOGRAPHY: SAM PASCOE AND EMMA GRIFFIN

C

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Shannon loves the swimwear her mum Claire designed for her

in fashion or product development. She was a teacher by training and had been studying for a degree in Education and Child Psychology while juggling life as a single mum to Shannon, now 15, and son Riley, 11.

For help, she approached Breakthrough, an initiative funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Over the course of two days, she was able to discuss her ideas with coaches, to learn the fundamentals of running a business.

“When I walked into that room, I tiptoed in and tried to hide behind people,” she admits. “I knew my idea was strong, but I had no self-belief as this was so far out of my comfort zone. With a lot of poking, prodding and prompting, I began to feel that I could handle

[

anything that was thrown at me. I came out of the workshop shouting about my business, and I’ve not stopped since.”

Claire’s initial sketches were turned into workable designs by Karen Johnson International, a manufacturer of lingerie and swimwear for 25 years for names including M&S, supermarkets and department stores. With Surfers Against Sewage cofounder Chris Hines as her business coach, Claire evolved the brand to embrace an ethos of environmental responsibility, right down to the material used – Econyl, which is upcycled from regenerated fishing nets (and also used by Cornish clothing brand Finisterre).

“By being kind to the planet without preaching, I want Bodds to be an active player in sustain-

[

‘Seeing Shannon running down the sand dunes, happy and confident, shows me that I’ve got it right’

able fashion,” says Claire. “I’ve been able to trace some of the nets back to Newlyn and I’d love it to be 100% Cornish eventually.”

A year on, her first swimwear line going on sale this summer online, at £37.99 for a set. “This sort of quality costs more to produce – but then, the women who are happy buying a bikini for £3 on the high street are not likely to be my customers.” Claire has a growing list of pre-sales based on word of mouth and focus groups alone, is lining up stockists to complement online trade, and is busy collaborating with high-profile brand ambassadors, particularly in the surfing world.

New styles and colourways are in the pipeline, and Claire has found that the appeal of Bodds goes far beyond her original target market. “I was surprised by the interest from women of all ages for well-fitted, non-skimpy, fashionable swimwear,” she reflects. “High street fashion is fine when you’re sitting still, but the minute you have to run down the beach after a toddler, everything starts moving!” “As a result, the new ranges will go up to size 14.

“There’s no doubt this past year has been

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People

the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I wouldn’t change anything,” Claire adds. “I honestly believe without the help of Breakthrough, I would still be just talking about my idea, instead of promoting my business to potential investors and supporters. I’m busy - but excited.”

Claire’s business development manager, Lucy Cox (co-owner of fashion brand Halto), is proud of her charge. “Claire is ultimate proof that if you combine a great idea with the right frame of mind, you can achieve anything,” she says.

“There were so many barriers to starting her business, but she harnessed the fear and just went for it.”

Ultimately, Claire’s motivation goes beyond the desire to be successful. “There is so much pressure on social media to over-sexualise the pre-teen body,” she says. “I say: let children be children for as long as they possibly can. Seeing Shannon running down the sand dunes with her brother, happy and confident, shows me that I’ve got it right.” www.boddsswimwear.co.uk www.breakthroughcornwall.co.uk 15

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cool mama Hotelier and designer Olga Polizzi - mum of TV star Alex - has bold new plans for Hotel Tresanton. Sharon Goble went to meet her by the water in St Mawes lga Polizzi oozes charm, understated elegance and an innate sense of style, much like the hotels she owns here in the Westcountry - Hotel Endsleigh near Tavistock and Hotel Tresanton at St Mawes.

It’s at the Tresanton, on Cornwall’s stunning Roseland Peninsula, that Olga has just set about transforming an unloved parcel of land opposite the hotel. She recently bought back the plot, sold off by a previous owner of the hotel, and the new beachside garden promises to be a very special spot, giving guests more outside breathing space with stunning sea views.

Not that the hotel is short on those. St Mawes is an amazing place to take in the ever-changing seascape and I’m not surprised that Olga, who is, after all, hotel royalty, chose to invest here. Indeed, her whole family loves the village: “Both my daughters have now got a house here in St Mawes. Charlie has had one for ages and Alex bought a little house here last year. It’s ideal because they come with their children and we all have our own space.”

O

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Interview

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The hotel rooms are sea-facing and the existing terrace off the restaurant offers an unparalleled vista towards St. Anthony’s lighthouse.

Olga is the daughter of the late Sir Charles Forte and still works closely with her brother Sir Rocco Forte in his international hotel chain.

And then there is her daughter, Alex Polizzi, now a household name as TV’s The Hotel Inspector.

Olga and I meet for an aperitif just before dinner and it’s immediately obvious that the Hotel Tresanton holds a very special place in Olga’s heart. “Buying it, in 1997, is probably one of the nicest things I’ve ever done,” she tells me.

Indeed, Cornwall was “a revelation” for Olga when she first visited about 30 years ago with her second husband, historian and author William Shawcross. Her first husband, Count Alessandro Polizzi, died in a racing car crash in 1980, leaving her to bring up her daughters Alex, then six and Charlotte, four.

William’s godfather had previously owned the hotel and, in its fashionable heyday, the likes of the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret used to stay.

“But I found it in a terrible rundown state - only six rooms were still open. My husband kept saying, ‘Why don’t you buy it?’ and eventually I did - with my heart rather than my head!”

‘Buying Hotel Tresanton is probably one of the

It was a similar story with Hotel Endsleigh when it came on the market ten years ago.

“Someone told us about this amazing house near Tavistock with an extraordinary garden, so we went to see it on the way to Cornwall and loved it, but thought it was too much to take on.” Later,

nicest things I’ve ever done’

after reading an article which said the property should be saved for the nation because of its distinctive architecture and historic garden, she went to see Endsleigh again and... “Rather stupidly, I bought it. Every time I go there I fall more in love with it.”

Hotels are in Olga’s blood. Her father founded the Trust House Forte chain, which once boasted 800 hotels worldwide. Having worked at a senior level in the family business for decades, Olga

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Interview

Olga with her daughter Alex Polizzi, famous as The Hotel Inspector

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Interview

‘After we’d finally finished for the day we’d watch Fawlty Towers and laugh’ found its hostile takeover in 1996 a bruising time.

When the Forte family lost its fight to keep the chain, she sold her shares and had a significant sum of her own money for the first time in her life. That’s when she invested in Hotel Tresanton.

Olga spent two years completely redesigning the place, which opened in 1998. “The comedian Harry Enfield wanted to visit the very day we opened. Six of them came - an incredibly smart group. We hadn’t yet figured out things like the laundry or taught staff how to set out a tray properly, so I’d do it. After we’d finally finished for the day we’d watch Fawlty Towers and laugh and laugh.

“It has been fun here. In the early years, I used to come down at Christmas and do stockings for the rooms.”

The standard of hotels in Cornwall has improved markedly since Olga established Tresanton as the county’s first boutique hotel.

St Mawes continues to play a big role in the life of the whole family. Her daughter Charlotte (Charlie) runs Onda, a stylish boutique a short walk from the Tresanton, which sells luxurious womenswear and jewellery.

When she’s not in the Westcountry, Olga spends a lot of time travelling abroad as Director of Design for the Rocco Forte Collection, the luxury hotel chain run by her brother and sited in many of Europe’s most exciting destinations.

But I sense that her own two hotels in the South West are the ones Olga is most proud of and invests herself in on a deeply personal level.

When I check out and go to say goodbye, I find Olga overseeing work in the new garden. She’s as much a designer as she is a hotelier and I’m left in no doubt the new beachside haven will be a heavenly place to kick back, unwind and watch the world go by. www.tresanton.com www.hotelendsleigh.com

Olga Polizzi with her husband, the historian William Shawcross

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drink

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interiors

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fashion

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Interiors

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real homes

A labour of love

[

This run-down home, bought at auction, turned out to be a historic Dartmoor manor dating back to the 1300s. Becky Sheaves discovers how it has been brought back to life, with care, attention and plenty of patience...

B

ack in 2014, GP Geoff Edwards and his wife Sue – who had worked as a nurse – were on the hunt for a new project to get their teeth into once they retired from their busy working

lives.

A local estate agent in Tavistock came up with the answer: “Have you looked at Staddon House?” he said. “It is in need of a lot of TLC but you might just like it.”

“When an estate agent admits a house is in need of TLC, you know you’ve got a project on your hands,” says Geoff. “And he was right, it was basically a wreck.”

Fast forward three years, however, and this ancient Dartmoor house, dating back to medieval times, is a thing of true beauty. Geoff and Sue have worked to create a home that honours its long history while also being comfortable and practical for today’s family life.

“I’ll be honest, Sue must take the credit for how the house looks,” says Geoff. “She was the one who devised all the colour schemes and interiors, picked all the paints and generally made every room look lovely.”

The couple bought the house at auction for £250,000 – a bargain, you might say, for a three-

bedroomed property with a large garden in rafters, some from the 1300s, and, hidden in walls, Walkhampton near Yelverton on the western side not one but two stone staircases. “We preserved of Dartmoor. However, the house was in “terri- them as room features which do not lead anyble” condition, as Geoff explains: “It had been where. Then we had a new glass staircase made treated really badly over the years but, because with maple wood treads – very light, very unobit was listed and also within the trusive, allowing the original Dartmoor National Park, there stonework and features to be were so many conditions that seen.” we had to follow when it came Exeter-based architect Kirsty ‘We pulled out to working on it.” Geoff admits Curnow-Bailey of Living Space the fireplace and that he and Sue have spent more Architects planned the restobehind it found than the cost of buying the ration. “It is all very honest,” house on restoring it. says Geoff. “Where there is an a beautiful old The property dates back to original feature, we have tried to carved granite the 1300s. “When we were workcelebrate it. Where something is ing on one of the fireplaces, we new, we acknowledge that and fireplace dating pulled it out, found another do not try to make our additions back to the 1500s’ behind it and behind that was seem original.” An original a beautiful carved granite firebeam needed reinforcing, but place that our archaeologist the steel rafter bolted on to it is dated to 1500s,” says Geoff. The left exposed and painted with fireplace, which also has a bread red oxide. oven and a little shelf for a tinder box, is now a Outside, the house had its concrete render proud feature of the main sitting room, complete chipped off and replaced with traditional lime with a new wood burner supplied by Kernow render from Cornish Lime Co, based just outFires of Wadebridge. side Bodmin. Taking advice from the Dartmoor The couple also uncovered ancient beams and National Park’s heritage team, the front UPVC

[[

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Interiors

door was traded in for a simple wooden replacement and one original wooden casement window was replicated over the whole house with new ones made to the same proportions. “Sue chose Stiffkey Blue from Farrow and Ball for the exterior windows and door paintwork, which looks wonderful alongside cream lime render,” says Geoff.

The kitchen is now in the old dairy and scullery extension to the back of the house, where the Edwards were able to save money with a surprisingly frugal approach to making the kitchen units.

“They are all made from pallet wood, which we dried out for ages, then painted in Farrow & Ball colours,” says Geoff. Steve Rawlings, from Rawlings Joinery of Plymouth, undertook all the carpentry and the building work was carried out by

without its heavy weight causing issues. “A company called Devon Stone, based in Exmouth, has a real stone veneer attached to an acrylic resin base. It’s a little bit flexible, so it could cope with our walls and floors not being straight.” Another find was Castrads radiators of Frome, who made all the old-fashioned school-style radiators for the property: “and were really reasonable pricewise,” says Geoff.

The lighting plan is by Lucy Gibson of Exeter’s Amos Lighting. “In our previous house, we used to go off to B&Q and bung in lights here and there. We never really got it right. Lucy worked wonders. We bought a lot of the lights from The Antique Lighting Centre on Exeter Quay.”

When it came to furnishings, Sue used much of the family’s own furniture from their previous home, a smallholding in the Camel Valley, RM Builders and Contractors of Tavistock, reupholstered and repainted. An old Cornish who specialise in restoration and renovaChina Clay metal box (“bought for about a fiver”) tion projects. became a coffee table with wheels on its base and Initially, Sue and Geoff lived in the tiny a sheet of reinforced glass over attached cottage at the the top. Fish Belly Antiques in side of the house, which Tavistock provided a Georgian soon became known in cupboard which is now a baththeir family (they have five ‘We thought room vanity unit, topped with a children) as “The Hovel”. at first the basin from Mandarin Stone and But when the cottage renovation a splashback made from an old was incorporated back into the marble tabletop. house they had to move out altowould take Today, the house is a warm gether for a while. “We thought eight months, and welcoming base for the at first the renovation would whole family. “Our grandchiltake eight months, then a year then a year – in dren love it here and are busy – in the end it was 15 months of the end it was 15 creating memories,” says Geoff. work,” Geoff says. months of work’ “As far as Sue and I are conThe roof, which was 1970s ascerned, this is it, we will live bestos, was replaced with Welsh here for the foreseeable future. slate and broken ceilings were We have future-proofed it with restored using traditional lath a downstairs wet room with shower and we cerand plaster techniques. In places, the original tainly have no intentions of ever taking on anplasterwork had been painted over with gloss other project like this again! For us, the house is paint in the 1970s, which all had to be replaced. “I a one-off and we are delighted with how it has think it was 22 tons of lime we used in all,” says worked out. This is home.”

Geoff.

Living Space Architects, Exeter: www.

In the upstairs ensuite bathroom, a new prodlivingspacearchitects.com uct allowed Geoff and Sue to have a stone floor

[[

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GET THE

LOOK

Try these ideas for adding a touch of old-school charm to your home

Farrow & Ball no 281 Stiffkey Blue £24 Homebase

Patchwork quilt £36.90 HomeSense

French style mirror £89 Very

Baron radiator £31.20 per section Castrads of Frome

fave!

Savannah three-seater sofa £899 Very 25

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03/07/2017 17:03:03

Ask Gracie...

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

J-Pillow Travel Pillow £15.99 Lakeland

Taking flight Most airplane pillows are small and uncomfortable, and your head deserves something a bit more comfortable.

I’m flying to Australia in a few weeks - it will be my first long haul flight so I was wondering if you could recommend any essential items I should take with me on the plane? PT, Polperro

Q

It’s safe to say I travel a lot, like most New Zealanders who set off to explore the world. Whether it’s for work, leisure or a trip back home, there are a few items I always carry with me, to make those long flights just a little bit more bearable.

1.

Go Travel The Nightshade sleeping mask £5.99 John Lewis

2.

Eye mask: Although most airlines dim the cabin lights during long haul flights, that doesn’t help if the person next to you decides to switch on their reading light or someone in front opens their window.

Travel pillow: Take something comfortable to lean your head on.

3.

Socks: The softer and fluffier the better. As soon as we are in the sky, I like to swap my shoes for thick, warm and, most importantly, clean socks.

4.

Headphones: Whether you want to watch a movie, listen to music or drown out the noise of other passengers, a good pair of headphones is a must. Noise cancelling ones are an added bonus.

5.

Fluffy heart socks £3.50 Topshop

Battery pack and charging cord: These days most airlines have USB charging ports at each seat, but for those that don’t, I always have a battery pack on hand.

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Satin dress £49.99 H&M

The cat’s pyjamas Do you have any tips on how to pull off the pyjama trend without looking like I have actually stepped out in my PJs? DL, Barnstaple

Q

It’s hard to resist a trend that doesn’t just look good but is actually comfortable too.

Which is one reason why we are big fans of the nightwear-by-day trend. PJ-style piping, matching sets and silky fabrics are all part of the new pyjama dress code.

• Shoes are key: Whether you choose sneakers or stilettos, choose a pair of shoes that most decidedly doesn’t resemble slippers.

Gracie’s shopping list

• Pick the right fabric: If you want to wear a pyjama set, always opt for silk, which is more formal and great for a night out.

• Find your waist: Pyjama shirts are usually baggy, so try pulling them in with a belt or layering them under dresses to give a fresh shape.

PJ style trousers £28 Very Perricone MD Omega 3 Supplements £75 www.perriconemd.co.uk A super-star supplement, these Omega 3 capsules each contain 3000mg of concentrated fish oil. Essential for supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health, the benefits are both internal and external – hydrating and plumping skin from within.

• Embrace the robe: Instead of a jacket, opt for a kimono-style robe on colder days.

• Avoid looking crumpled: If you’re going to wear pyjamas, make sure there are no creases in your outfit. You want to look polished, not like you’ve just rolled out of bed.

Marcelle Gentle Make Up Remover for Sensitive Eyes £14.50 www.birchbox.co.uk

Pyjama wrap jacket £199 Karen Millen

A clean start Q

Can you recommend a good eye makeup remover? I need something that will get rid of waterproof mascara easily.

EG, Helston

Marcelle Gentle Make Up Remover for Sensitive Eyes: Highly effective yet soothingly gentle, this advanced makeup remover whisks away all traces of mascara and shadow, no matter how durable the formulas. It even goes one step further to diminish dark circles and under-eye puffiness using cucumber and green tea.

Laura Mercier Dual Action Eye Makeup Remover £18.50 John Lewis

Benefit They’re Real! Remover: This magical formula completely lifts away all waterproof eye makeup without tugging at the delicate eye area. But just because it’s powerful, doesn’t mean it’s harsh. The gel is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Benefit They’re Real! Remover Laura Mercier Dual Action Eye Makeup £15.50 Boots Remover: Forget tugging at your lashes and sleeping with panda eyes – this oil-free formula dissolves all makeup, including waterproof mascara, with zero oily residue. Infused with soothing cucumber, the gentle water leaves your eye area feeling fresh and clean.

Aria Leather Coin Purse £18 Oliver Bonas Use this stylish and sleek pocket-sized coin purse to carry your loose change and favourite lipstick.

Darphin The Revitalizing Oil £25 www.escentual.com This beautifully crafted oil is formulated with a blend of precious plant and essential oils that can be used on your face, body and hair.

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

27

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Beach Chic ot summer days are just made for relaxing on the sand, so the last thing you should be worrying about is what to wear to the beach. Whether it’s a flowing kimono over a bathing suit, a knotted t-shirt worn as a cover-up, or your favourite jumpsuit and sandals combo, these must-have beach chic pieces will help you feel fabulous.

H

Beach cover up £35 White Stuff

Draped wrap bandeau swimsuit £76 Seaspray 28

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Fashion

Tropical jumpsuit £29.99 Bon Prix

Palm tree beach bag £7.99 TK Maxx

Twist front control swimsuit £85 Figleaves

Fedora £7.99 Blue Inc Perfect for summer barbecues and holiday nights out

fave!

Straw pompom beach bag £22 Very

Halterneck plunge swimsuit £77 Seaspray Sequin kaftan £79 East

29

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03/07/2017 16:31:59

Wellbeing

the boost

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

Better together According to the British Heart Foundation, more than 20 million Brits are classified as physically inactive. Don’t let yourself be part of that statistic by following these expert tips to finding that muchneeded gym motivation: buddy up with a friend who will spur you on and stop you bottling out at the last minute, make sure there’s space in your day by scheduling your workouts and keep things fresh and exciting by trying a new class every month!

And rest...

Escape the rush of daily life for an evening and take a mindful moment to appreciate the natural world with an evening canoe paddle on the River Dart.

Set off in daylight, gathering firewood along the way, and experience life on the river as day turns to night before pitching up on the riverbank for a bowl of soup around the fire and paddling back downstream by moonlight to the sound of the owls. Tickets cost £35 for adults and £15 for children www. windingrivercanoe.co.uk

GIVE IT A GO Next Sunday July 16, ten of the largest and most extreme inflatable obstacles ever created are coming to Exeter’s Westpoint Centre. Your challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to make your way around the 5k course, flipping, bouncing and boing-ing over, under and through each giant obstacle along the way. You’ll face the Ripple Runner, Mega Mountains and the Gauntlet before taking the Leap of Faith to the finish line. Tickets cost £35 for adults and £25 for children at www.ukrunningevents.co.uk

30

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Summer loving Ice cream season is here and Cornish brand Naturally Coconuts is offering up a mouthwatering range of freefrom flavours to choose from. Vegan, organic and gluten-free, these tasty ice creams are sweetened with unrefined coconut sugar, rich in Vitamins C, E and B as well as iron, selenium, calcium and magnesium.

Tempted? Find a full list of stockists at www. naturallycoconuts.com

Race time Dig out your finest pink t-shirt, raise some funds for a fantastic cause and make your way to Taunton College on Sunday July 16 for the Cancer Research Race for Life. The 5k route takes in the picturesque Longrun Meadow and is great for all ages with the option of walking, jogging or running your way around the course. If you’re feeling a little braver, why not opt for a 10k or even a Pretty Muddy challenge? More details at www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

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

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

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03/07/2017 17:11:43

Wellbeing

The sound of silence

When marriage is under strain, our expert has some wise advice I’m at my wits’ end. Every time I come home to share it; whereas men hear it as a problem from work and want to air my frustrations and want to fix it. This is not always the case, of about my day, my partner starts telling me course, but can be quite common. What’s interwhat to do and how I should be handling things esting is that you and your partner used to be differently. It really irritates me because he doesn’t able to share stories together without any probknow what’s going on at my work and anyway that’s lem, which suggests other influences are creatnot what I want. So I tell him ing friction between you. not to tell me what to do and it The psychotherapist Eric ends up in a monumental row.

Berne describes three egoWe used to both come home states: Parent, Adult and and listen to each other but Child in our interactions ‘Make sure he was made redundant three with each other. A person you’re feeling months ago. Now the rows are may be in Parent (teachcalm and invite so bad, we’re not speaking at all. ing) mode helping a friend Any ideas how I can break this with an issue, and the friend him to sit down silence? GN, Chudleigh temporarily goes into Child with you to try (learning) mode. Afterwards, Counsellor they each return to Adult and mend the Tricia Moore (sharing) mode and converse rift. Be ready to says: It’s on equal terms. apologise’ incredibly Problems arise when frustrating someone tries to be Parent to have someto someone who is in Adult one tell you mode and doesn’t wish what to do, especially when to be helped. The interthey don’t really know your situation and all you action doesn’t work. The lines are crossed. really wanted to do was talk about your day.

Unease and misunderstanding follow.

There are quite well-known differences in the When you used to talk together about your days way women and men communicate. Women like at work, you were on equal terms: both Adults. It to describe something that’s happened, simply felt balanced. But since your partner was made

Q

[[

redundant, the balance has shifted. As he has nothing similar to share with you, he’s perhaps trying to be useful by helping you in your situation. However, that feels like he’s talking down to you, which is extremely irritating.

Your reaction, “Don’t tell me what to do,” actually comes from your Parent mode too. But as neither of you is a willing Child, the interaction becomes a row, with each trying to gain the upper hand; trying to be the stronger Parent.

Paradoxically, now that you are not speaking to each other, you are both in Child mode instead.

The way out is to return to Adult-Adult mode.

Make sure you’re feeling calm and invite him to sit down with you to try and mend the rift. Be ready to apologise for reacting badly to his ideas but explain that you didn’t really need anything fixing.

You only wanted to talk like you used to together - say how much you miss those conversations.

By now, he will hopefully also feel calm and may also be ready to apologise and perhaps describe how he is feeling.

Almost certainly, his feelings about redundancy are at the root of the difficulties you’re having at the moment. Once you can both share those feelings, you will be back on equal terms and in a much better position to plan together the best way forward. Good luck.

Tricia Moore works for national charity Marriage Care in Plymouth www.marriagecare.org.uk

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Food

SMALL BITES

Our pick of what’s on in the Westcountry food world right now Warm Halloumi and Couscous Salad Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients 200g couscous 400ml vegetable stock (hot) salt and pepper 460g jar red roasted red peppers, drained 1 butterhead lettuce small bunch of parsley 250g Halloumi 400g tin of chickpeas, drained and rinsed 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3tsp harissa paste Juice of ½ lime What to do Put the couscous in a bowl, cover with the hot stock, season and stir. Cover and leave to soak.

Chop the peppers into bite size chunks. Chop the lettuce and the parsley.

Slice the halloumi into 8 and heat a frying pan. Cook the halloumi on both sides until golden.

Fork the couscous into a serving bowl and mix in the peppers, lettuce, parsley and chickpeas. Combine the oil, harissa and lime juice and season, drizzle over the couscous and mix well. Keep 2 teaspoonfuls aside.

Lay the halloumi on top of the salad and drizzle over the reserved dressing.

Distilled and bottled in Cornwall Elemental Cornish Gin (from £20) is a family company based in Cornwall, masterminded by Jon and Jilly Meyer with the help of their two eldest children Alice and Jeremy. Their aim was to create an artisan Cornish gin and they use the more traditional and expensive “one shot” method of making gin rather than using a concentrate, as many commercial gins do. They also individually bottle, label and wax-seal each batch by hand, making it a genuine labour of love. www.cornishgin.co.uk

Kids love to cook Every Wednesday during the summer holidays you can drop your kids off to the Occombe Farm Cookery School in Paignton for a fun-filled, themed cookery day. The workshops are suitable for children aged 7-12. Week one is Bread Week, followed by Dessert Week, Pastry Week, Pasta Week, Cake Week and Party Food week. Wednesday July 26 – Wednesday August 30, £32 per class. www.countryside-trust.org.uk

Fishy tales The Great Cornish Fish Book (£17.99) is a gorgeous, full-colour 168 page book containing tales, recipes and insights from Cornwall’s coastal larder. With a foreword by Rick Stein and beautiful design and photography from Design Room Cornwall and Kate Whitaker, it makes the perfect gift or keepsake for anyone who loves Cornwall, its coastline and seafood. The book is part of the Made in Cornwall scheme, having been completely written, edited, photographed, designed and printed in the county. www.thecornishfishmonger.co.uk

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

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04/07/2017 13:22:05

Enjoy

Your stars

by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

Caroline Quentin

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.

Born July 11 1960

Caroline Quentin turns 57 this Tuesday.

Caroline, who lives in Devon, played Dorothy in Men Behaving Badly in the 1990s, Maddie Magellan in Jonathan Creek and DCI Janine Lewis in Blue Murder (2003–2009). She lives with her husband Sam Farmer, who runs a cosmetics business, in a farmhouse near Tiverton.

She and Sam met on a TV set, where he was working as a runner. They married in 2005 and they have two teenage children, Emily and William.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Jump over that edge of caution that normally stops your progress. If you don’t show confidence in yourself then others will find it difficult to do the same. This is a time for close cooperation with others. Take up the chance to shine and show what you can do. A loved one shows their support. Are you appreciating that? Let the sun shine into your life and accept that there are some wonderful moments waiting for you.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Being kind to yourself and your closest is easy when things are going well. So, what are you waiting for? Blow away that pessimistic streak that comes around every now and again just to annoy you! Appreciating what you have and living in the moment is what this week is all about. Never think that you don’t deserve the best. You do!

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Do you sometimes feel that there is too much to do? If there were five of you, could they all be happily employed coping with it? In a happily busy situation there are sometimes choices to be made. Be ambitious and reach as far as you can. Even then, look beyond to what the future could hold.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Having the best of intentions keeps the path ahead of you clear. Others are not so straightforward or honest, however. Someone approaching you with a smile could be waiting to trip you up. Annoyed by negative people?

Forget them. A loving partnership should be taking up most of your attention.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) You have so much to give. Both your love and talents shine a path before you. When you let others see this they have a yearning to be close. Who you let in is up to you. However,

pick up on only positive vibes and it can be a joyous time. Memories are being made here.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Loving and spiritual feelings go hand in hand at this time. You are starting on a path that brings the most satisfaction in the long term. It is not the way for others, who are not slow to say so. Remember that this is your life, not theirs! Bring a partner closer by sharing their concerns and helping.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) In such a passionate and surprising week, it can be hard to keep control. Some things are just too passionately felt. Still, try. In taking a slower and more mature approach you are proving something: that you are trustworthy. That is really important to those around you. This week you are setting a good example, as usual!

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Being human and showing it can be painful at times. However, it brings the richest rewards and satisfaction. In taking an honest approach this week you are showing strength.

Don’t want to be the centre of attention? Working through others can be just as effective. You are not short of patience but neither do you suffer fools.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) At times you may feel that you are on the outside looking in. On the other hand

there are situations where you really do not want to be involved. Unfortunately we can rarely pick and choose. Making things happen through a charity or organisation can be effective. Confide your feeling to a loved one.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) In a sensitive week you have the best chance to come closer to someone special. As they reach out to you, give them an honest response. Work colleagues may prove to be less helpful than usual. Could it be that they need a little coaxing? Where is your famous charm? Small, thoughtful things done for a partner are important to them.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Are you feeling that your current situation is a little bit stale? Feel like starting at the beginning again? Rather than a rush to move forward, sit down and set out a proper long-term plan. Good decisions make all the difference between a good outcome and an amazing one.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) A recent spark of inspiration seems to be making bigger waves than expected.

If you feel that you are on the right path, then keep the momentum going. Long-term dreams begin to show the possibilities. Don’t be afraid of any small delays. Letting them knock your confidence would be premature.

34

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04/07/2017 14:28:00

Cook

mitch tonks:

Brodo di Crostacei There is something wonderful about fish soup. It’s that depth of flavour that I love and, made well, a mouthful transports me instantly to the Mediterranean. The secret is a good stock and a bit of time to allow the broth to just tick over on the stove and allow the flavours to develop. This looks like a lot of work but it’s not, it’s nice and easy and suits a lazy Saturday, glass of wine in hand – of course.

Serves: 4

You will need: For the stock 2kg crab or lobster shells 4 tablespoons tomato puree 2 carrots 2 sticks celery 1 onion 1 fennel bulb Olive oil for frying 1 bulb garlic cut in half Tablespoons of fennel seeds For the broth Stock from above 1 tbsp dried oregano A good pinch of saffron 6 salted anchovy fillets a good handful of

Method: chopped parsley tbsp of fennel seeds 1 fennel bulb finely chopped 1 garlic clove finely chopped 4 bay leaves 6 skinned tomatoes cut into 8ths 250ml white wine 4 scallops 8 mussels 8 prawns – peeled 8 clams

1.

First make the stock: roast the crab and lobster shells with a little olive oil for 20 minutes until dry and slightly golden. You should get a wonderful smell from them.

2.

Roughly chop the veg and cook in a large pan with olive oil until soft and golden.

This will add sweetness to the broth. Then add the tomato puree and cook for a further 5 minutes, add the roasted shells then cover with water and simmer very gently for 3-4 hours, then strain and reduce by a third.

3.

Now make the final dish. Fry the fennel and garlic gently in a large pan in olive oil, add the oregano, saffron and anchovies and cook for a further 3-4 minutes until the anchovies have broken up, add the wine, boil and reduce by half then add the stock, fennel seeds, bay leaf and tomatoes,

simmer very gently for 3 hours to allow the flavours to develop.

4.

Season, then add the shellfish, cook for a further 5 minutes and serve with a sprinkling of parsley – delicious.

The Seahorse, the Restaurant & its Recipes by Mitch Tonks & Mat Prowse, photos by Chris Terry £25 Bloomsbury www.seahorserestaurant.co.uk 36

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Drink

Happy h ur with drinks expert April Marks

April says: For those of you considering the Loire Valley in France as your holiday destination this summer, I would definitely recommend a stopover in Saumur. My husband and I planned to spend just two nights in this historic town located between two rivers but we ended up staying there for the entire eight day holiday.

We arrived in France on a Saturday, so we needed to stock up at the supermarket as on Sundays they, very sensibly, don’t open. On uncorking the wines, however, we were pretty disappointed which then gave

us an excellent excuse to go and visit some wineries. We found some stunners at Domaine Filliatreau, where wine cellars are cut into the local limestone. It is family-run, with some superb plots of vines where they grow predominantly Cabernet Franc, some vines are 90 years old.

We tasted their extensive range (of course) and purchased our four favourites, which ranged from softer fruit-driven styles with a lovely hint of violets to more powerful robust smoky versions of Cabernet Franc from their best sites, aged for up to three years in barrels.

As well as Domaine Filliatreau I would suggest a distillery tour at Combier in the old part

‘The vineyard is family run and some of

their vines are 90 years old’

of Saumur town. Established in the 1800s, a good couple of decades before the more famous Cointreau, it was in fact Combier who created the product know as Triple Sec. As the name suggests, this is a triple-distilled spirit and is made with orange peel. Still using the original recipe, Combier purchase their oranges from Haiti and, unlike other Triple Sec distillers, they are the only company to separate the pith from the zest giving their product a lovely, smooth and less bitter finish. We loved it - so naturally we bought some, the slight sting in the tail was our next stop at the local supermarket where we spotted the same Triple Sec at four euros less than we’d just paid! We’re still enjoying it though, served from the freezer (it’s 40% abv so won’t freeze) in shot glasses.

April Marks is co-founder of Regency Wines Ltd Exeter @regencywinesuk

Triple Sec Cocktails SUNNY DREAM A sweet after-dinner or weekend BBQ drink 25ml Triple Sec 25ml apricot brandy 15ml orange juice 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream To garnish – 1 slice of orange Shake all the ingredients together firmly without ice, in a cocktail shaker and pour into a martini glass. Perch the slice of orange on the rim of the glass.

RED DEVIL A light, bitter after-dinner drink 25ml Triple Sec 25ml Campari

25ml orange juice Shake the ingredients together with ice, in the shaker and strain into a martini glass.

REGATTA Medium-dry party cocktail 25ml Triple Sec 25ml Galliano 25ml freshly-squeezed lemon juice 15ml vodka Dry sparkling wine or champagne to top up.

Shake all the ingredients (with the exception of the sparkling wine or champagne) together with ice, in the shaker and strain into a large champagne flute. Top up with a little sparkling wine or champagne.

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Drink

Darren Norbury

talks beer Beer of the week Full marks to North Devon’s Country Life Brewing for its Board Break porter (4.5% ABV), enjoyed at Frank Symes’ Watermill Inn beer festival, Lelant. Lovely roast malt notes with hints of bitter coffee, but I also detected some cherry fruitiness.

USA STYLE Look out for Black Tor Brewery’s latest seasonal special. Its American IPA (5% ABV) has an array of fine resinous, piney hops, but the malt bill includes the Vienna variety which gives a nice balancing richness.

Ratt’s the way to do it Lyme Bay Winery’s Jack Ratt sparkling cider has received a silver medal for its design and packaging at this year’s International Cider Challenge.

In the taste section of the competition, there were awards, too, for the Devon’s producer’s Scrumpy and Vintage Dry.

he internet has changed so many in Truro, run from Gary Watts’ Sonder bar. things: how we socialise, how we Beer Hawk divides opinion. What started out as date, how we make complete fools of an independent retailer was snapped up by global ourselves to potentially millions of brewing giant AB InBev in 2016, not that you’d impeople. mediately realise this from its website. However, Now, you know me well enough by now to rewhile there are plenty of global brands, like Leffe alise that my default position for enjoying beer is and Goose Island, there’s a huge amount of indein a good pub or bar, enjoying friends’ company pendent beer, too, with the corporation’s size enaand entertaining them with my never-ending bling massive buying power. vault of puns. But sometimes Honest Brew – which had quite you just want to get hold of that a high-profile spat with Beer beer that everyone else on the Hawk over its perceived lifting of internet is raving about, and it’s the former’s “Howler” three-can If you like a not only not in a pub, but it’s not packaging design – is subscripbrewer’s beers, in a nearby shop, either. Time to tion-based and tries to match a log on. variety of beers to customers’ palthen chances The online retailers roughly ates, based on their buying experiare they have break down into two sorts of ence, tasting notes and ratings. Altheir own online seller: ones where you just fill a though it is a subscription service, shopping basket, sorry “cart”, there’s a no-quibble, cancel any shop, which and those which are subscriptime arrangement. makes things tion-based. Of the subscription Finally, there’s East Angliamodels, Beer52 is possibly the based Beers of Europe, which alsimple best known, with its monthly though online is also a huge physithemed boxes and a decent magcal store as well, and well worth a azine, Ferment, also available on visit if you’re in that part of the its own in newsagents, included in the package. At world. If a brew’s proving difficult to track down, the time of writing, they are promoting a British you may well find it at Beers of Europe, where you road trip box including bottles and cans from the can order anything from a single bottle to a big likes of Tiny Rebel, in Newpprt, Ilkley, in Yorkmixed case. shire, and Fierce Brewing, from Aberdeenshire.

If you like a particular brewer’s beers, then EeBria’s USP is that the beers it offers are sent chances are they may have their own online shop, direct from the brewers who make them, implying which makes things simple. The joy of the busithat they are freshly shipped rather than loitering nesses I’ve mentioned here, though, is that you in a warehouse. There’s a huge range of produccan discover new favourites. And isn’t that what ers now, as well as ciders and gins, for those who beer drinking should be about? like that sort of thing. EeBria also does packages Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk for beer clubs – I’m an occasional member of one @beertoday

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culture vulture Our pick of the most interesting and exciting things to see and do right now in the South West It’s Port Eliot festival time!

Taking place each summer, the Port Eliot Festival is a magical combination of books, food, music, fashion and so much more. The four day event takes place in the spectacular gardens of Port Eliot estate in south east Cornwall and provides inspiration for all ages.

Whether you’re into swimming in the estuary, picnicking under a 300 year old tree, rocking out at the Park Stage or watching a cooking demo in the Big Kitchen, there’s something for everyone. Thursday July 27 – Sunday July 30, tickets from £30 www.porteliotfestival.com

A star is born

Working in watercolour Sue Lewington’s published sketchbooks of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have firmly established her as one of Cornwall’s leading artists, and this summer she is heading to Trelissick Garden, near Truro, to host a series of painting and drawing workshops. There are a number of sessions to choose from depending on your skill level and you can use the materials provided for a small fee (£3 - £5) or take your own.

Sunday July 16 - Sunday September 3, £25, www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Funny Girl brought global fame to Barbra Streisand 50 years ago, boasting some of the most iconic songs in film and theatre history, including People and Don’t Rain On My Parade. Now, half a century later, a critically acclaimed production is heading to Plymouth after wowing critics and audiences in London’s West End. This iconic musical tells the story of Fanny Brice, whose vocal talents and comedic ability see her rise from Brooklyn music hall singer to Broadway star. Tuesday August 1 – Saturday August 5, Theatre Royal Plymouth, £15 www.theatreroyal.com

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04/07/2017 11:56:02

A gut feeling Lisa Salmon finds out the crucial differences between gluten intolerance and coeliac disease luten intolerance is a buzz phrase these days, but coeliac disease is also gaining awareness. Both digestive disorders have similar symptoms - but they're fundamentally different. If you have digestive problems after eating things like bread, pasta or cereal, there's a chance you might be intolerant to gluten or even have coeliac disease. But how do you tell the difference?

Both conditions can have similar symptoms, including diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, mouth ulcers, stomach pain and bloating.

The symptoms appear after consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, and in many foods such as bread, pasta, sauces and cereals, as well as treats like cakes, biscuits and pizzas.

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The only way to find out whether you've got coeliac disease or gluten intolerance (sometimes called non-coeliac gluten sensitivity) is to see a doctor. Remember, it is always best to speak to a professional, rather than self-diagnose, as you may need to have tests to rule out other things. Plus, if you do have coeliac disease, it's vital you get the right treatment and advice. But in the meantime, here are some pointers to explain the differences between the two.

Coeliac UK (www.coeliac.org.uk) says around one in 100 people in the UK has coeliac disease but only 24% of them have been diagnosed - meaning nearly half a million Britons are unaware they have it.

While coeliac disease affects just 1% of the population, up to 13% are thought to have gluten intolerance. Indeed, a 2015 survey

found 10% of households contain someone who believes gluten is bad for them.

"Part of this comes down to a greater awareness of conditions like coeliac disease and gluten intolerance," says GP Dr Seth Rankin.

"However, it's important to stress that the two conditions are very different."

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease a serious illness in which the body's immune system attacks itself when gluten is eaten, damaging the gut lining.

In gluten intolerance, on the other hand, it's unclear how the immune system is involved, but Dr Rankin says: "If you're gluten intolerant, you may experience similar symptoms to someone who has coeliac disease. But importantly, there's no evidence to suggest this affects the lining of the gut."

Coeliacs are more likely to have other au-

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Health

toimmune disorders too. These include conditions such as Type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease. Coeliac UK says the chance of developing other autoimmune disorders may be increased when diagnosis of coeliac disease is delayed.

While the exact cause of coeliac disease isn't known, having certain genes increases the risk, so people with a first-degree relative (parents, siblings) who has coeliac disease are more likely to have these genes and are at higher risk of developing it themselves.

Actress Caroline Quentin, who was diagnosed with coeliac disease two years ago after suffering for years with symptoms including fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting and mouth ulcers, has tested positive for genes linked to the disease.

She thinks her late mother had coeliac disease, because although she was never diagnosed with it she had very bad digestive problems all her life, and eventually suffered with anaemia and osteoporosis, which are both linked to coeliac disease.

Caroline, who is a Coeliac UK patron, says: "I struggled for years with constant stomach pains, vomiting and total exhaustion."

It's not yet known whether gluten intolerance is related to genetics.

Coeliac disease can be diagnosed by blood tests which pick up specific antibodies signalling the condition. A biopsy of the villi - which line the small intestine (gut) - may also be performed, as gluten consumed by people with coeliac disease prompts the immune system to attack these areas.

The villi absorb nutrients, and the attacking immune system flattens them, so less nutrients are absorbed.

There are no reliable blood biomarkers for gluten intolerance, so it's diagnosed based on the symptoms being experienced, though tests should be carried out to rule out coeliac disease. A biopsy wouldn't be useful if a person was only gluten intolerant, as the condition doesn't damage the gut.

The gut damage caused by coeliac disease means nutrients from food can't be absorbed properly, and if left untreated, the disease can lead to other conditions, including osteoporo-

'I struggled for years with constant stomach

pains and exhaustion'

sis, infertility and anaemia.

It's linked with a higher risk of certain cancers too. Even the tiniest trace of gluten should be off-limits for people with coeliac disease. Following a strict gluten-free diet should help control symptoms, allowing the damaged gut to heal. Eating any amount of gluten will cause further damage.

People with gluten intolerance can often eat small amounts of gluten. It's often a question of discovering what's comfortable for you, and finding ways to manage symptoms so they don't cause distress.

"If you have coeliac disease, you need to avoid gluten like the plague," stresses Dr Rankin, founder of the London Doctors Clinic.

"If you're gluten intolerant then it really is your choice. If you can stand a bit of bloating when eating bread, then it won't kill you - but equally you may prefer gluten-free foods if you feel they reduce the symptoms."

However, it's important to note, coeliac disease and gluten intolerance aside, gluten is not in itself a "bad" food.

Dr Rankin adds: "One issue for me is the proliferation of the gluten-free fad and the rise in the belief that gluten is the real enemy of health - it's not."

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04/07/2017 12:21:54

Page turners Do you struggle to get your child or grandchildren to read for pleasure? Don't give up - enjoying books as well as using them for schoolwork could mean greater academic success ood news: more primary school children than ever (77.6%) are reading for pleasure, and new research by the National Literacy Trust Young Readers Programme has found that the longer children keep an enjoyment of reading going, the greater the benefits are in the classroom: ten-year-olds who enjoy reading have a reading age 1.3 years higher than their peers who don't enjoy reading, rising to 2.1 years for 12-year-olds and 3.3 years at the age of 14.

Past research has found children who read for pleasure are likely to do significantly better at school than their peers - they make more progress in maths, vocabulary and spelling between the ages of ten and 16 than those who rarely read.

An Institute of Education study also found

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children who are read bedtime stories by their parents as infants performed better than those who went without.

But reading for pleasure at secondary school makes the biggest difference to academic outcomes - the combined effect on children's progress of three things: reading books often, going to the library regularly and reading newspapers at 16, was four times greater than the advantage children gained from having a parent with a degree.

The new National Literacy Trust research marks the 20th anniversary of its Young Readers Programme - the first-ever national initiative focussed on the promotion of reading for enjoyment. Over the past two decades it has given more than 1.1 million books to nearly 400,000 disadvantaged primary school children.

To celebrate the Young Readers Programme anniversary, the National Literacy Trust has published a new book list: 20 Years of Children's Choices, marking the most popular books chosen by children who have taken part in the programme.

The Brilliant World of Tom Gates by Liz Pichon was chosen as the most inspirational children's read of 2011. Liz Pichon says: "I'm often contacted by parents who tell me how their kids were reluctant readers and how seeing them with their noses in a book - sometimes for the first time - makes them both happy.

"Helping children find the books they enjoy is so important, as reading should be a pleasure that will hopefully stay with them for life."

National Literacy Trust Young Readers Programme (www.literacytrust.org.uk)

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Family

Nine tips to encourage reading 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Make time to read Read a bedtime story with your child every night or set a regular time to read together during the day.

Let your child choose what to read They're more likely to develop a love of reading if they can choose books with you.

Join your local library Your child can pick from a wide selection of books.

Explore different reading materials and formats As well as fiction, there's a world of comics, magazines, ebooks, readalong audio books and non-fiction to discover.

Get the whole family involved Encourage your child to read with other family members like grandparents and brothers and sisters.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Bring stories to life When reading stories aloud with your child, give characters different voices that match their personalities. You could pause the story and ask your child what happens next, or even try acting out parts of the story together.

Create fun reading challenges at home Organise a treasure hunt around the house; give your child a list of things to find and see how quickly they can read the list and collect all the items.

Be positive Praise your child for trying hard at reading and let them know it's alright to make mistakes.

Be a reading role model Your our child learns from you, so seeing you enjoying and valuing books can be a great inspiration

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04/07/2017 12:17:38

Karen Jones and her husband Andrew

My Secret Westcountry Karen Jones Karen Jones and her husband Andrew run Coast & Country Cottages, managing around 400 holiday properties in south Devon.

She lives in Thurlestone near Salcombe and she and Andrew have three children: Sam, 24, Alice, 22 and Elinor, 18.

Salcombe Gin

Millbay, Salcombe

My favourite: Walk:

Living and working so close to the South West Coast Path, I am spoilt for choice and having Archie, our six year old cockapoo, gives me plenty of excuses to escape the office for a lunchtime stroll and for fantastic walks at weekends and after work. From our office in Salcombe I enjoy walking down to Batson Creek or through picturesque Salcombe towards North Sands but our favourite walk at the moment at weekends is from Thurlestone to Hope Cove – the jaw dropping views over the turquoise waters never cease to amaze us and we love stopping for a well-earned beer at The Cove before heading back home.

Place to eat: Again there are so many to choose from down here! For special occasions I love The Seahorse in Dartmouth – fabulous locally caught seafood cooked to perfection – and I also enjoy the new Wild Artichokes in Kingsbridge with a group – the chef Jane Baxter’s cooking is divine!

Weekend escape: As daft as it sounds I’ve enjoyed some great breaks over the years without travelling very far at all! A weekend stay at one of our Dart Marina properties makes a wonderful, restorative break. The views over the water are incredible - I could sit and watch the boats on the River Dart all day (although the Elemis treatments in the Dart Marina Spa are rather enjoyable too!) Further afield I love The Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth for relaxation, lovely food and its wonderful spa.

Festival or event: Andrew and I are actively involved in and sponsor a number of local events and festivals throughout the year, from regattas and shows to fabulous festivals celebrating local food and drink. One of the busiest events is the

Dartmouth Food Festival, which takes place from October 20-22 this year – we run the Children’s Activities Marquee in the Royal Avenue Gardens, which means a busy few days decorating biscuits and face painting!

Beach:

Another tricky question as we have miles of beautiful unspoilt beaches on our doorstep, but a favourite when the children were small was Millbay – golden sands for sandcastles, shallow waters for paddling and the most sensational views over to Salcombe and out to sea.

Bantham is a wonderful beach for walking, surfing and beach cricket, plus you can grab a great cup of coffee from the Gastrobus too!

Shop: I’m a huge fan of

shopping locally and so have quite a few favourites. For gifts, Moss Trading at Avon Mill sells natural products from local artisans plus beautiful flower bouquets and Will Bees Bespoke in Salcombe make the most delightful personalised bags. For clothes I love the personal service at Bibi boutiques in Salcombe and Kingsbridge or the new Busby & Fox in Kingsbridge and for food Aune Valley Farm Shop is a regular haunt of mine.

View: I am lucky enough to enjoy a fabulous sea view from our home plus lovely views over the Salcombe Estuary from our offices so I’m rather spoilt. When I saw the view from Quayside, a property that has recently joined our portfolio, I knew that the stunning and uninterrupted views over the water and up and down the Salcombe Estuary, towards the sandy beaches of East Portlemouth and out to sea were really special and that we needed to get this shot for our brochure front cover.

Westcountry icon: Agatha Christie had her own holiday home near Dartmouth and many of

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People

Hobbit House at Oversteps House

Breakfast at 21 Dart Marina, Dartmouth

The Spa at the Scarlet Hotel, Mawgan Porth her world-famous novels were written from there and inspired by her surroundings. Today visitors can explore the house and gardens at Greenway, now owned by the National Trust, even arriving by boat along the River Dart from Dartmouth.

Mary Berry has a weekend home in Salcombe and is often seen around the area. Everyone was delighted when she agreed to open the first Salcombe Crabfest, which Coast & Country Cottages sponsored, in 2016.

Pub: My favourites are The Village Inn at Thurlestone and The Sloop at Bantham – both do great Sunday roasts and good fish and chips. The Victoria Inn in Salcombe is a good place to go with our dog, Archie - he is made very welcome and they even have a dog treats menu.

Food: The South Hams boasts a productive food

economy, with award-winning products and producers. As a keen home cook, our recent collaboration with local chefs including Mitch Tonks and Jane Baxter, and food companies including Riverford Organic Farmers, Tideford Organics and the South Devon Chilli Farm, to produce The South Devon Cookbook, is something I am very proud of.

Drink: Our

company has worked with Sharpham Vineyard near Totnes for many years and we source their wine for our properties – I rather enjoy a glass or two myself. The brand new Salcombe Gin is delicious too – Andrew attended one of their distillery workshops recently, coming home with a bottle of gin he had created himself.

With their Gin Bar so close to our offices it is very tempting at lunchtimes, but luckily they serve great coffee there too.

Special treat:

Living and working in such a beautiful place, I sometimes have to pinch myself – I am very lucky indeed. But for a special treat a spa day at The Voyage Spa in Thurlestone or The Salcombe Harbour Hotel with good friends is hard to beat.

Secret place:

We have some very special properties in our portfolio and enjoy receiving fantastic feedback from our guests following their South Devon escapes. Although it’s hard to choose, there is something very magical and almost secret about Oversteps House in Salcombe – from the secluded private beach house, Hobbit House, with private access to the blue flag awarded beach, guests can look down over beautiful South Sands, watching families build sandcastles on the golden sands, whilst enjoying a glass of Pimms.

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My life

Chris Mcguire

And that’s flat...

Chris McGuire takes on the ironing - and wins knew I’d made a mistake as soon as be transformed. Think of the free time we’d have!

I’d said it.

Just picture it!

I should have avoided politics I’m convinced we’d all be so busy bungee jumpcompletely. Sadly, I’d been caught in ing and learning Esperanto that, within a week, the moment and let my true feelings people would have completely forgotten we ever show. Big mistake. ironed anything. To me, the “Well that wasn’t in any of the whole sorry exercise is a conmanifestos,” scoffed my mate. spiracy led by ironing board ‘My ideas were “Doesn’t mean it’s not a valid manufacturers. just too bold for point.”

I was busy explainhim. I’ve come He narrowed his eyes, looking at ing this global conme with the expression of someone spiracy to my friend, to understand not sure if he was being wound up. when he started that prophets are “I’m perfectly serious,” I said, making noises rarely welcomed anticipating the next question. “I about having an think it’s one of the big issues of early start the in their home the day.” next day and needtowns’ He took a gulp of his pint, then ing an early night. looked at his watch.

Yet I know this “Ironing? Seriously?” he mutwas all lies - he tered. was actually sneaking off home Yes, this week, I’ve decided that our world to iron his work clothes for the would be a much better place if ironing was morning. Another life ruined banned. Think about it. I firmly believe it’s a winby convention. We need what ning policy. the experts call ParadigThere must have been a day when all of this matic Change, which – madness first started. A point where someone although it sounds like looked at a pile of newly-dried washing and loose cash to buy a digthought to themselves: “There’s something missging machine – means ing here. Yes, I know that these clothes are now being able to imagine a clean and dry but surely I can add a pointless and world without ironing. time consuming step to the process?”

Why not close your I wonder how much head-scratching followed eyes and think of it before this genius settled upon: “I know, why now? don’t I heat the cloth – an intrinsically supple Really try. and three dimensional material – so that it apWonderful isn’t it? pears flat and two dimensional?” With that single I said all of this in the sentence a billion hours of servitude and drudgpub. But, when I opened ery were born. my eyes, I found my mate I HATE ironing. It’s such a waste of time. had gone. Ah well. I expect Clothes are naturally crumply – not sure if that’s my ideas were just too bold a word – so why don’t we all just recognise that? for him. I’ve come to underSeriously, if we all said: “From tomorrow, we’re stand that prophets are rarely going to wear crumpled clothes,” our lives would welcomed in their home towns.

I

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So where will my anti-ironing crusade take me next? Nothing’s certain, but I’m thinking of going into coalition with a friend of mine who refuses to brush his hair.

You heard it here first.

Chris McGuire is a writer and new dad. If you think he looks a bit scruffy, don’t worry, it’s deliberate. @McGuireski

NEXT WEEK: Phil Goodwin on love, life and parenting in the Westcountry 46

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04/07/2017 13:23:06

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town this e m 53 Likes o h y m in un’s shining s e h T h it m s matt ve #LymeBay li n o v e d @ afternoon!

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