West June 18 2016

18.06.16

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Garden & home updates

How to:

beautiful beach toes

Sip on a

SUPER COOL summer drink

Adore flora?

Mid-length frocks go full bloom

June18_Cover.indd 1

Crafting Devon’s frozen superfruit boost

- pg 16

14/06/2016 11:18:12

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

Ads_June18.indd 3

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‘I spent my whole life at castings, and then Downton came along.

It was a Godsend’ Matt Barber, aka Atticus Aldridge, on life after Downton Abbey, p12

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ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT Discover pale and interesting interiors

12 42

LIFE AFTER DOWNTON Matt Barber on stage in the South West

DELIGHTFUL DARTMOUTH Our guide to the perfect weekend away

[contents[ Inside this week...

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THE WISHLIST Our pick of the best treats this week

9

JUST BETWEEN US...

Sh! We have the latest gossip!

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LIFE AFTER DOWNTON TV star Matt Barber on stage in Plymouth

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KNEE-LENGTH FLORALS Summer fashion that flatters and fits

COCKTAIL MIXES TO WIN Try the delicious drinks made in Devon

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ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT Pale and interesting interior design

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ANNE SWITHINBANK How to get the very best summer blossom

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KNEE LENGTH IS THE LENGTH Summer frocks that flatter and fit

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CULTURE VULTURE What’s on and where to go

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BOOST YOUR WELLBEING Great ways to feel your best this week

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MARVELLOUS MACKEREL Tim Maddams goes fishing

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WEEKENDS AWAY Great ideas for the perfect mini-break

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ALWAYS SHUT THE GATE Junk mail gives Chris McGuire a headache

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SPICE UP YOUR LIFE Natural ways to boost wellbeing

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IN FULL BLOOM

Summer flowers you’ll adore

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CHEERS, MY DEAR

Healthy drinks in south Devon

[ welcome [ This is such a sociable time of year... hat with barbecues, beach parties and days out, there is a lot going on right now. And yes, I do include a trip to the pub to watch the football in that list!

All too easily, life in midsummer can turn a little too boozy, can’t it?

Help is at hand, however, with a smart new product from south Devon, called Rocktails. These frozen cocktails come in all sorts of grown-up flavours but are completely alcohol free. If you’d like to try some, we have ten gift packs to win today (see page 16) and you can also hear all about the young couple who went into business together to make these delicious

W

Tweet

[

of the week

[

[

drinks. It’s a great story. On the subject of fun days out, a must-see right now in the South West is the new production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which is on all this week at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal.

Starring opposite the terrific Pixie Lott (who plays Holly Golightly) is a face I’m sure you’ll recognise. Matthew Barber is best known as playing Atticus Aldridge in Downton Abbey. He is now starring in this fabulous new stage show here before it transfers to London’s West End. Our intrepid celebrity interviewer Dawn Ellis tracked Matthew down for West - read all about his life after Downton Abbey on page 12 today.

[

He is starring here before the show transfers to London’s West End

@GAdamsPlym Thanks for the lovely feature on my new book @WMNWest The magazine looks fabulous as always...

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: Steven Haywood

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...

Win

Chef Mitch Tonks throws his annual Rockfish Crab Party in Dartmouth, taking place this year on Sunday August 7 from 12–4pm. It’s a huge party on the waterside and is a fun-packed afternoon of eating South Devon crab, mayonnaise and salad followed by great local ice cream.

Local group the Nauti Boys will be singing and renowned celebrity chef Angela Hartnett will co-host with Mitch for the day. There will also be a stand up paddle board challenge and a giant model train set to play on. Buy your tickets (£25 per head) now at www.rockfishparty.co.uk

We have a pair of adult tickets (worth £50) for the Rockfish Crab party to be won. To enter, simply tell us the date of the Rockfish Crab Party and send your answer, plus your full contact details, to Rockfish competition westmag@ westernmorningnews.co.uk to arrive by July 8. Normal terms apply, West magazine will not share your details

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SWEET Ponti duck egg table lamp £55 www. oliverbonas.com

FOXY Sass & Belle set of six wooden fox coasters £10.25 thelifestylebloggeruk.com

the

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

STREET STYLE STAR

BEAUTY Make-up bag £10.99 www. thealphabetgiftshop. co.uk

Kim Blower Kim Blower, 29, from Plymouth works as an accountant. She says she’s a convert to shopping online these days: “I prefer to get things you can’t find easily. I like the smart-casual look.” We really like her Chanelinspired jacket and the neat little collar on her shirt looks very chic.

Jacket: H&M Shirt: Matalan Trousers: Matalan

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

Caesar’s Palace sandals £30 www. lookagain.co.uk

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Wishlist

FLORAL Summer Rising bath and shower gel with gooseberry and elderflower from The Lost Gardens of Heligan £20 www. nobleisle.com

Wimbledon rose gold vermeil tennis ball earrings £65 www. linksoflondon.com

SO CUTE Doll’s house, £89.99 in kit form, from hospice charity sueryder.org

HOLIDAY

Store we adore...

Reserved print beach towel £22 M&Co

STORE ADORE: n’s Soft Furnishings a An PatriciWE This soft furnishings emporium really is run by a Patricia Ann. Pat Kitt stocks an impressive range of curtain fabrics and wallpaper books, and will sit you down and help you choose the right look for your home. She offers everything from a full interior design service to curtain making.

Her shop also features pretty fabric flowers arranged in vases. “When I finish a room for someone, I make up an arrangement to give them,” she says.

Patricia Ann’s Soft Furnishings is at 68 Fore Street, Saltash, 01752 848601

World Of Work mix and match game £5.95 www.dotcomgiftshop. com 7

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talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life...

Hi tech solutions come with strings attached fter four and a half years of resisting, I’ve bought a new phone. Or rather, I’ve increased my monthly payments by about nine pounds and now I am paying off the lease of a new phone. I’ve never been an iPhone person, I get annoyed by how cool Apple think they are. So I go for the Android also-rans on principle. ing. Currently BirdUp and I So four and a half years are in a honeymoon phase. I makes a big difference with a spent ages sitting on our patio, smartphone. Have you heard of swivelling this way and that.

Moore’s Law? It’s the theory that Images of birds pop up: robin, the speed and sophistication of wren, greenfinch, blackbird technology doubles every eight(male). The screen comes up een months. with satisfying statistical data, I’ve got no idea how my phone moving from “Robin: possible” to knows half the things it knows, “Robin: probable” and finally to which is rather alarming really.

“Robin: very likely”. I took ages It got delivered to my house and walking it round the woods – my I put the SIM family were about to card in and told launch search and it my email adrescue operations. dresses. Within It’s not infallible The screen six hours it knew though.

If there’s a comes up with the majority of robin or a blackbird satisfying data, the people that singing he usually I knew, and drowns out the little moving from notifications kept guys like tits and Robin: possible to popping up from finches. There was a Robin: probable various proswallow twittering grammes. These away on our roof and finally Robin: are quite amusand the app insisted very likely ing, appearing as that it was a mistle little face bubbles thrush. “I can see which you can what it is, mate,” I move around the screen. When kept telling the phone, to no avail. you want to stop the correspondI took it to the coast, to identify ence you delete the person’s face. some little birds that make a curiIn some cases rather satisfying. ous noise like an insect. I followed One of the first things I did was the phone’s instructions: get close to download an app that I heard to the birdsong, keep the phone out about on a radio programme ages of the wind, hold still. I did have ago called Warblr. (Well OK, I a bit of an odd moment when two downloaded a similar one called other walkers rounded the corner BirdUp.) to see me squatting, stretching my Here’s how it works: you phone towards a gorse bush. point your phone’s microphone There’s something to be said towards the trees, and the app for a good old bird book and identifies what birds are singbinoculars…

A

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

LADYLIKE

in lace

Emily McDonagh, Peter Andre’s doctor wife, looked stunning at the recent High Street Fashion awards in this £115 halterneck Selma dress, by London designer Carly Hallahan. Within days, ASOS had all but sold out of this pretty crochet frock. You can still find it, though, at www.jarlolondon.co.uk, available in ivory or lilac. We love Emily’s ladylike look - M&S’s shortsleeved alternative (£85) is so versatile; great as daywear with flatties, or dressed up with a pair of heels.

Short-sleeved dress £85 Autograph at Marks & Spencer

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION A Pretty

Lace maxi £35 Very.co.uk

OPTION B Perfect Heather lace dress £129 Monsoon

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18.06.16

Just

LAST CHANCE TO HEAR...

There’s another chance to hear muchmissed actor Alan Rickman in cinemas this summer, as the voice of the Blue Caterpillar, Absolem, in new film Alice Through the Looking Glass.

The star, who sadly died of pancreatic cancer in January, reprised the fantasy role which he initially voiced in Tim Burton’s 2010 film Alice In Wonderland, much of which was shot on location at

Antony House in south east Cornwall.

His last on-screen appearance was in the recently-released Eye In The Sky, in which he starred opposite Dame Helen Mirren, with whom he also starred on stage in Antony and Cleopatra.

Dame Helen said it was “Alan as we all knew him and remembered him - so it’s a lovely way to say goodbye”.

Alan, we miss you already...

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

!

AGE? JUST

[ [ ‘I said I was a bit of a horse master - but they can tell I’m scared’

NERVOUS RIDER? Jamaica Inn star Matthew McNulty has admitted it took him a little time getting used to being back in the saddle again, for his latest role as villain Lucien Grimaud in the BBC’s Musketeers. He said: “I did a lot of horse riding for Jamaica Inn so I came onto The Musketeers professing to be a bit of a horse master, but it quickly goes. The horse feels any nerves. You never know what it’s going to do and it adds to the excitement.

“When you’re in character, you’re not allowed to be scared so it gives you a licence to be fearless, but as soon as they say ‘cut’, you feel it in your stomach, that pent-up anxiety.”

A NUMBER Allo ‘Allo star Vicki Michele has revealed her passion for performing is even more intense because it provides respite from the tinnitus she endures. Vicki, who’ll be appearing in Yeovil later this month in comedy play, The Naked Truth, says: “The only time I seem able to literally ‘tune out’ and get away from it [tinnitus] is when I’m performing.”

But glamorous Vicki, who’s 65, is otherwise looking and feeling great, saying: “I never think about my own age. My attitude is if you don’t acknowledge ageing, it won’t happen.

“I’ve decided I feel 35 inside and so the outside is irrelevant. If I get any odd aches and pains, I just say to myself, ‘Don’t be stupid, you’re too young to be bothered by anything like that’. It seems to work!”

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Beautiful: Plymouth’s City College students created a love poetry walk, enacting famous sonnets

in pictures Cheers: The Delicious Kernow run included lots of food tastings, plus a quick pint in Padstow

Celebration: Alverton Primary School are Cornish county champions

Good luck with that: The Poldark Express is a new cart that will be entering the Red Bull Soapbox Challenge

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talking points Sweet

Buy, bye

ONE OF US Famous faces with links to the Westcountry

Baby animal names:

1 Joey (wombat) 2 Pup (gerbil) 3 Pinkie (rat) 4 Kit (skunk) 5 Shoat (weaned piglet) 6 Spat (oyster) 7 Eyas (hawk) 8 Pup (shark) 9 Cria (alpaca) 10 Seafoal (seahorse)

Not on the High Street: ten stores we used to love

1 2 3 4 5 6

Woolworths Timothy Whites Rumbelows C&A Dewhurst Freeman, Hardy & Willis 7 Adams 8 Dillons 9 Past Times 10 The Sock Shop

The happy list

10 things to make you smile this week 1 Dresses at last!

2 Fresh fish squeeze lemon on top, and add chips

1 Mrs Corry

3 Raspberries on

2 John, Barbara and Annabel

4 Allotments great for

3 Miss Andrew

5 Glastonbury the final

4 Robertson Ay 5 Maia of the Pleiades 6 The Red Cow 7 Arthur Turvy 8 Andrew & Willoughby 9 Fannie & Annie 10 The Marble Boy

Matt Bellamy Muse lead singer Matt Bellamy grew up in Teignmouth, Devon Star: Matt Bellamy is the lead singer of the rock band Muse.

more “professional” one, and Muse has since gone on to enjoy worldwide success. On June 16-17 2007, Muse was the first band to sell out the newly-built Wembley Stadium.

Family: Matt’s father, George, was rhythm guitarist in the 1960s pop group The Tornados, who had the hit song, Telstar.

DID YOU KNOW?

Cut!

Mary Poppins book characters that weren’t in the film:

This week:

everything pottering countdown...

6 Elton John in Exeter, tomorrow night!

7 Colour changing nail polish yes, really 8 Filters make your photos look amazing on your phone

9 Sunflowers tall and bright 10 Salads Crisp and delicious

Love life: Matt began dating American Matt Bellamy Music: Matt started actress Kate Hudson playing the piano (daughter of Goldie is ranked 19 at the age of six and Hawn) in 2010. Their on Gigwise’s guitar when he was 11. son Bingham was list of The born in 2011 in Los 50 Greatest Muse: At school, Angeles. In December Teignmouth 2014, they separated: Guitarists Community College, “Look, we had a great Ever Matt was in a relationship, she’s a number of bands lovely person, we’re with drummer better off as friends,” Dominic Howard. Dominic and Matt said at the time.

Matt then asked fellow pupil Chris Wolstenholme to join them.

Love: Since February 2015, Matt has been dating model and actress Elle Battle: In 1994, using the name Evans, who also starred in the video Rocket Baby Dolls, the trio won a for the Muse song “Mercy”. school Battle of the Bands contest.

They wore makeup, trashed their Home: Matt has stayed loyal to his gear, incited a stage invasion and won roots. In July 2004, Muse returned hands down: “That show was magical to Teignmouth Community College and it kept us going for years and to open its new £3 million arts centre years, just remembering what that felt and were greeted by screaming fans like,” says Matt. and proud teachers. In 2009 the band staged two homecoming open-air Muse: After their win, Matt’s band gigs on Teignmouth Den, attended by decided to change their name to a an estimated 30,000 fans.

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People

Life after Downton Actor Matthew Barber played the young aristocrat Atticus Aldridge in Downton Abbey. He is now here in the Westcountry starring in an exciting new stage show, as he tells Dawn Ellis

ctor Matthew Barber, who played young aristocrat Atticus Aldridge and won the heart of firecracker Lady Rose in Downton Abbey, says it would be “wonderful” if a film would be made of the hit TV drama.

“It would be incredible, it really would, but I’d probably be the last to know about it if it happens,” he jokes, as I press him for the latest Downton gossip.

Matthew is starring in Plymouth at the Theatre Royal all this coming week, alongside the singer Pixie Lott in an exciting new version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s here for just a week before it transfers to London’s West End. Matthew, who appeared in series five and six of Downton Abbey has fond memories of shooting scenes at the famous Highclere Castle and tells me it was an “amazing experience” to be part of the Downton juggernaut.

“You spend your whole life going in for castings and then something like Downton comes in, it’s a Godsend,” he says frankly.

“Everyone who worked on the show was fantastic and they are all such a great group of people.

“We were turning out this product that was so much more successful than anyone thought it

A

‘I spent my whole life at castings then Downton came along it was a Godsend’

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Matt onstage with co-star Pixie Lott during a rehearsal for Breakfast at Tiffany’s

was going to be and more than we could wish for.

“When I was at university I used to do Shakespeare tours every summer and I travelled around country houses doing garden Shakespeare. I performed at Highclere Castle a few times and it’s fairly local to where I grew up , so it’s always been slightly on my radar.

“It’s an amazing place and now it’s crazily been put on the map and is internationally known.

“I’d say Highclere is just behind the Union Jack on the list of things that sum up icons of British culture,” laughs Matthew, who is 33 and grew up in Hampshire before studying at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

He recalls turning up at several “incredible locations” to shoot his scenes for the series. “We had to wear wonderful costumes and spend a lot of time acting like we lived in these beautiful places,” he said.

“We filmed Alnwick Castle in Northumberland and at one point the amazing library there was used as the green room [where actors relax off-set]. It’s amazing to exist in these stunning locations, kind of like the people living there may have done in years gone by.

“It’s the best form of dressing up you could ever have, as not only do you have the costumes, you have the house and surroundings to complete the look,” says Matthew.

Since starring in Downton Abbey, the actor has been busy with numerous projects, the latest of which is the production Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring opposite pop princess Pixie Lott.

The classic tale of Holly Golightly was written by Truman Capote and is so memorably portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic 1961 film.

It’s been given a new lease of life for 2016 with Pixie Lott as good-time girl Holly and it follows

‘I play Fred, a young writer.

He says he loves Holly

but she knows differently’

Plymouth fans can see Matt play young writer Fred this week

her fantastical existence in 1940s New York.

Holly’s story is told through the eyes of a young writer, completely fascinated by this exquisite extrovert who every woman wants to be, and every man wants to be with. With memorable songs from the era, this stylish production is set to capture the hearts of audiences and sparkle like a diamond in Tiffany’s window.

“It’s such a brilliant show, it’s wonderful,” says Matthew. “I play Fred who is the young writer, who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. He says he loves Holly, but she knows dif-

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People

ferently. They are like two lost souls and collide in and out of each other’s lives.”

The show has been on tour since the spring and Matt is enjoying working with Pixie, he tells me. “She really is awesome,” he says.

“She’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever come across in my life and she’s also one of the most down-to-earth people I’ve ever met and is now a very good friend.”

Matthew is looking forward to visiting the Westcountry and, hopefully, also catching up with his mother, who lives here. “My mother lives in Cornwall now. I’ve yet to make it down to see her as I started in Breakfast at Tiffany’s just as she was moving,” he says.

“I also spent a lot of my childhood holidays at Treyarnon Bay and Constantine Bay in Cornwall. A few years ago I found myself filming in that area. I walked around the corner and I saw the house where I spent so many happy holidays as a child. All the memories came flooding back, it was really lovely.”

Matthew has also been busy working as a film producer on the new movie Love is Thicker than Water. “There have been screenings while I’ve been out on tour. It’s been well received so far, thankfully,” he says.

“It’s a quirky love story, about a girl that comes from a good background and a boy that comes from a bad one.

“It’s about what it takes to get their relationship to survive. In a nutshell, it’s a realist approach to love. It starts off as impulsive love and by the end it’s more real. It’s about coming of age more than anything.”

See Breakfast at Tiffany’s at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth from June 20-25

Matt as Atticus Aldridge in Downton Abbey

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portraits: Steve Haywood

People

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WE’RE A TEAM Young couple Katie Bain and Chris Yandell, found true love and a whole lot more when they started their Devon-based drinks company together two years ago

By Becky Sheaves

here’s nothing quite like working with your other half to – potentially – drive one another crazy. But for Katie Bain, 32, and Chris Yandell, 34, working together “24/7 – it’s madness” on their fledgling drinks business has, it seems, been a remarkably romantic experience.

“I know it sounds unlikely,” laughs Katie, who met Chris at a barbecue in south Devon and ended up leaving life, work and home in London to be with him. “But actually working so hard together on our business has been really fun and a great experience to bond us as a couple.”

“And the truth is that if Katie hadn’t come along and put so much energy and enthusiasm into this project, it would never have got off the ground,” confesses Chris. “I’d probably still just be sitting around talking about it and never getting anything done.”

The couple run the drinks company Rocktails, creating alcohol-free cocktail mixes in sophisticated flavours. Rocktails are designed to be served frozen, like a very grown-up version of that iconic children’s drink called Slush.

Properly launched just last year, there is already a real buzz around Rocktails. This is due in no small part to Katie’s formidable contacts book, built up over a 14-year career in the fashion industry. When she was based in London, she worked for the British Fashion Council, organising London Fashion Week and working closely with the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Burberry.

Today, Katie’s life could “hardly be more different,” living in South Brent and spending her downtime on Devon beaches. But her contacts have most definitely come in handy: “I managed to get Rocktails into the goody bags at the British Fashion Awards last December, which was a fantastic opportunity,” Katie explains. “Chris and I were so

T

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People

thrilled when we heard that.”

The story of Rocktails (and their relationship) dates back to 2013, when the couple were introduced through a mutual friend at that fateful barbecue. Katie was down from London for a weekend in Devon. “My friend had been telling me I should meet Chris for ages. She knew we would get on.” Sure enough, Katie and Chris hit it off and ended up travelling to and fro between Devon and London until Katie “took the plunge” and moved to Devon.

Chris was no stranger to running his own business as he has been in charge of the hugely-popular beach eatery The Oyster Shack at Bigbury Bay since he was just 23. And the entrepreneurial spirit is, for Chris, very much a family affair. His parents run an internationally-acclaimed business based in Saltash called Spinnaker, which is a world-leader in the safe transport of cash and high value goods. “In fact, it has been really helpful for us to see how Chris’s mum and dad have worked harmoniously together in their own

business for 30 years,” says Katie. “It’s a great example to follow.”

Rocktails was a small business that Chris had bought off its founder in 2013, with a view to developing it. “The Oyster Shack, due to its location, has a lot of customers who drive and don’t want to drink alcohol, so I could really see the appeal of this idea. I wanted to develop drinks that are grown up and special but non-alcoholic.

What I love about this product is that it is fun, with a hint of childhood nostalgia and also sense of holiday escapism.”

Katie, too, was enthusiastic about the project and when she moved to Devon she “really drove the business forward” says Chris. First up, they

trialled the flavours, making all sorts of experimental mixes and taking them on the road to restaurants and bars for taste tests.

One place where the couple showcased their products last summer was Jamie Oliver’s The Big Feastival, held at the Cotswolds farm owned by Alex James, the former drummer from the Britpop band Blur. “We sold 160 drinks in three hours at Jamie’s festival – and we realised we were really onto something,” says Katie. “Then we also managed to get Rocktails served to the press at London Fashion Week in September 2015.”

Just before Christmas last year, the couple started selling the products in earnest, having finalised their recipes. “We finally got the prod-

‘My friend had been telling me I should meet Chris for ages. She knew we would get on’

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People

ucts into 35 local suppliers in December after a long process of trying different ideas, travelling round asking for market feedback, and making a lot of different recipes,” says Chris.

The drinks are sold in packets, and are ambient, meaning they can be stored out of the fridge.

“Then you freeze them and they turn into crystals, like old-fashioned slushies,” explains Katie.

“They sell at £2.65 a pack, or you can get a set of four for £9.95, which makes a nice present and is a really good alternative to taking a bottle of wine to a dinner or party.”

The designs, too, are really fresh and attractive. “Poppy Reid, our illustrator, really helped with the pack designs.

She is newly out of Falmouth and Bristol, and a great young talent,” says Katie. “Also, we are sourcing retro slush machines, which will be a lot of fun for pubs and restaurants who stock Rocktails.”

The couple also decided to market gift packs last December, complete with glasses.

“Even though it was the wrong time of year really for iced drinks, we sold 300 gift packs online in a fortnight – we were packing up boxes over sleepless nights, with help from our friends and their teenage children!” remembers Katie.

“Now Fortnum & Mason is interested in stocking our products in their London store.” They also entered the Taste of the West awards 2016, win-

ning a coveted Gold for their Lime Mint and Yuzu mix, plus Highly Commended for Passionfruit, Mango and Guava.

So does Katie ever find herself pining for her fashionable days at the cutting edge in London?

She laughs at the very thought. “Definitely not!

My life up there was so busy. And things move so fast in London – ideas can be here today, gone tomorrow. In Devon, I can go for long beach walks to clear my head after a busy day working.

It’s a lovely place to live, with the ocean, beaches and fresh air. It is so much easier to gain clarity here.” www.rocktails.co.uk

‘We packed boxes over sleepless nights, with help from friends and teenagers’

Win! We have ten £9.95 presentation sets of Rocktails to win, each containing a selection of non-alcoholic cocktails made in Devon. To win one, send your name, address and contact details to: Rocktails competition, westmag@ westernmorningnews.co.uk to arrive

by July 1. Normal terms apply, West magazine will not share your details.

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BRIGIDFOLEY

French inspired interiors and home accessories

Est’d. 1973

jazinteriors jazinteriors BUY ONLINE

01752 894012

www.brigidfoley.co.uk

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

01822 612203 ©LW ©LW

Outdoor Theatre – A Midsummer Night’s Dream • 23 June, 7pm* The Blues Band in concert • 25 June, 8pm* The Military Wives in concert • 26 June, 5pm* Late Evening Opening • 7, 14 & 21 July until 9pm** *Tickets and information from Plough Box Office 01805 624624 **Buy garden tickets at rhs.org.uk/rosemoor and save 10% or £5 after 5pm.

RHS Members go free.

RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262

Ads_June18.indd 2

13/06/2016 17:05:13

Pimlico double duvet cover £170 pillowcase £50, Carlton bedside chest £495 all The White Company

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Interiors

All is calm, all is white Buck the trend for colour and embrace an all-white world. Becky Sheaves reveals how to keep it pale and oh-so interesting

olour may be cool currently but if you prefer to dance to a different decor tune, and yearn for lightfilled, calm, easy-on-the-eye rooms, then a white palette is the obvious choice. It’s also great in the heat of summer to have pale and interesting interiors.

Just lately, the interiors trend has been very much for fashionably bright shades. What this theory fails to recognise, however, is the simple fact that white works.

What’s not to like about a palette which makes spaces appear lighter and larger - and with such a huge variety of shades on offer (yes, really!), from subtle and warm to crisp and sharp, there’s bound to be at least one, or more, that suits.

“White, combining all the colours of the visible spectrum, is a dramatic, affirmative choice, rather than a passive one,” declares Karen McCartney, champion of a white palette and co-author of the book White Rooms: Decorating with Style, Pattern and Colour.

“White creates the sense of a blank canvas, a fresh beginning upon which we can impose our decorative style,” she adds. “Light reflects off white - it bounces around and has the effect of lifting the spirits.

“And its credentials have been proven over time - white’s been used for generations and in

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many cultures, to symbolise honesty, purity, per- combination of pure white and a warm off-white fection and spirituality.” with added light-reflective properties, such as AbKaren firmly believes white has the power to solute White and Morning Light from our Light & “set rooms free” and can suit any style of home, Space range. from modernist to Moroccan interiors, country “Layers of subtle neutrals make a different cottages to industrial lofts - examples of which kind of impact on a room than deeper shades, but all feature in her beautifully ilthey’ll still make an impact. The lustrated book. creative use of light from floor to “It may be, of course, that ceiling brings subtle shades to life other factors are needed to at night too, and of course, you ‘Light reflects off make a white scheme work can add colour to a neutral room white - it bounces textured neutrals against a soft with accessories.” white background, a hint of “What’s so appealing about around and pink in the paint to tie in with a white is its great democracy. It has the effect of key decorative feature, or being doesn’t discriminate between lift ing the spirits. clever about the way in which high architectural art and a waregloss and matt contrasts. There house interior, where garage It’s a dramatic, are all sorts of additions which paint can cover every surface, affirmative choice’ can enhance a white space, rendering ugly pipes, bricks and whether it’s sheer white curstained floorboards invisible,” tains or shutters at a window, says Karen McCartney. or lighting, from natural light to “White allows the eye to float LED.” over every surface, and the furnishings, art and When it comes to choosing paint for your white objects to take centre stage. Patterned pastels, colour scheme, a few simple guidelines can make bold artworks, designer pieces and found objects it all so much easier. “Simple white reflects light all work stylishly within the context of white.” and helps to make a space appear bigger, but can The White Company, which has branches in feel cold and impersonal,” explains Marianne Exeter and Truro and also sells online, is a reShillingford, creative director at Dulux. “Try a nowned source for all things white, including

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Interiors

Provencal Sassy white French bed from 1,345 The French Bedroom Company

Grey carpet links black artwork in a white room, from White Rooms

by David Harrison and Karen McCartney

LifeTime shutters in vinyl PVCu from £319 per square metre Thomas Sanderson

Raffello white kitchen £1,763 for eight units Cooke & Lewis

furniture and bedding. Try its Carlton Glass bedWhen it comes to accessories, interesting side chest (£495) and one of its stars, Pimlico bed white objects in a group act as an eye-catching linen, which features an elegant stitched border. feature in a space. “The joy of grouping white obYou could furnish a romantic, jects together is that, while they elegant period sanctuary with may vary slightly in shade, this a white painted bed from The only adds to the interest they proFrench Bedroom Company, vide when displayed in a pleasing ‘Group white such as its Provencal Sassy bed, cluster,” says Karen McCartney. objects together. from £1,345.

“Pay attention to the shape, They may vary If you’re craving a kitchen height and placement of objects, makeover, then B&Q has classic to ensure that, whether they’re slightly in shade Cooke & Lewis kitchen units in showcased in front of a dark or but this only Raffello High Gloss, from £1,763 light wall, their form is easily for eight units. defined.” The Hexagon shelves, adds to their Furniture will be a focus in £10 each from B&Q, are ideal for interest when in a white room, so it needs to be framing objects and bringing a a cluster’ stylish, and pieces from online white wall to life. store Rume could fit the bill. Its So what are you waiting for? contemporary white Florence Get that painbrush out and it sofa starts from £1,461. White truly will be all white on the night window shutters, rather than curtains, contrib- and by daytime too. ute to an uncluttered, streamlined feel. Try the White Rooms: Decorating with Style, PatLifeTime vinyl PVCu shutters, from £319 per tern and Colour by Karen McCartney and square metre, from Thomas Sanderson.

David Harrison, £25, Penguin Lantern.

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GET THE

Padstow chaise £299 Argos

LOOK

Keep it pale and interesting with these cream and white picks

fave!

Vase £60 Black

By Design Sideboard £299 Argos

Bowl candle £7.99 M&Co

Florence threeseat sofa £1,461 Rume 25

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13/06/2016 11:08:36

Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Full bloom Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, celebrates the beautiful flowers of June lthough May is possibly my favourite month, June brings with it all the big shot flowers of early summer.

Apart from hawthorn and medlar, tree blossom has faded but tall bearded iris are out, the tight, rounded buds of peonies are burst-

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ing, spires of peppery lupin flowers rise like clusters of medieval towers and of course, there are roses. Some of these blooms are only fleeting but anticipating a succession throughout the year is one of the reasons gardening is so wonderful.

I’m a total budaholic, waiting and

watching for them to form, swell and burst.

For shapeliness and sheer range of mingling colours in one flower, bearded iris are hard to beat. After all, they are named for the Greek Goddess of the rainbow. They also have the competition for most extravagant names well and truly nailed.

I have a fondness for the soft, Lifting, dividing jewel-like pinks and mauves and replanting to be found in the likes of ‘Celebration Song’ and ‘Poem of irises after Ecstasy’. Yet some names are flowering, every downright threatening like three to four purple-hued ‘Unfinished Business’ and ruffled ‘Diabolique’. years, helps The flower form of upplants retain right ‘standards’ and flatter or downward-turning ‘falls’ their vigour decorated by ‘beards’ of hairlike structures characterize these irises. Most have a sweet scent only detectable by sniffing deeply close to the flower.

In my garden, there is only one bed against the south facing wall of the house where these lovely irises can find the well-drained, sunny position they need to perform well. Here, I intend to create a collection of favourites with perhaps a few shorter, earlier flowering varieties to extend the season. Their foliage is good too, sending up blue-green swords to contrast with more blowsy, rounded shapes. Lifting, dividing and replanting after flowering, every three to four years helps plants retain their vigour. Set rhizomes so their tops are level with the soil and roots buried. I observe the tradition of angling the rhizomes to point southwards but doubt this is strictly necessary.

Many of the better known herbaceous peonies have French names, such as ‘Duchesse de Nemours’ and ‘Solange’ . These were bred by the likes of Calot and Lemoine in the mid to late

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

1800’s and sit in my borders like well-to-do French ladies, smiling and nodding towards each other.

There are plenty of old and new varieties available from nurseries like Kelways of Langport Somerset (01458 250521 www.kelways.co.uk).

Not all make successful garden plants as some were bred to produce long stems for the cutting market, so read descriptions carefully, looking for stem strength as well as flower types and colours. Unlike bearded iris, peonies grow well in clay soils. What they won’t tolerate is competition from nearby plants either at the root, or leaning over them. Never bury their crowns by more than a scattering of soil, or they might refuse to bloom. If you need to move a peony, do it in early autumn. Some thick, fleshy roots will inevitably break off in the process but does not seem to affect their settling in.

I raise all my lupins from seed obtained from Westcountry Nurseries (www.westcountrylupins.co.uk) and have been pleased with the results. Generally, they grow and flower well for several years but then the base becomes so large and woody, they are likely to die off during a wet winter. I’ve learnt to anticipate this and, from favourite plants, take basal cuttings of new growth in spring. These, of course, will be identical to the parent whereas new ones raised from seed are a mystery and a surprise. Like peonies, they enjoy an open position and will flourish as long as soil is not chalky, heavily shaded or waterlogged.

I’m off to admire the peonies, then clear space for a few more bearded iris, so I can spend a heady evening choosing between the pastel colours and frilly promises of ‘Kiss of Summer’ and ‘Florentine Silk’.

Question time with Anne West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank

Q

Having noticed a toad in the garden, I realized how few there seem to be now compared to, say ten years ago. Where have they all gone?

You are right. At night, I used to hear rustlings in the kitchen garden and could track down a toad going about its nocturnal invertebrate hunting, or occasionally disturb a slumbering toad hibernating under a tile or log in winter but don’t see much evidence of them now. There is a general acknowledgement that numbers of reptiles and amphibians are in decline and in the wider sense, this could be down to the fragmentation of their habitats by change and development. So in the garden, have you been moving and clearing?

Toads rely on a nice deep pond for reproduction, so maybe a local pond has been filled in, or the vegetation around it cleared. The route to a breeding pond (which they return to year after year) could be cut off by a newly busy road.

Q

My greenhouse vine is out of control. How do I stop it from taking over the whole inside?

A greenhouse vine should consist of one to three upright, mature woody ‘rods’ trained vertically with side shoots growing out annually from spurs. These side shoots are tied in to horizontal wires, produce flowers and are stopped by pinching out the growth tip after two leaves beyond the flower cluster. Subsequent growths are stopped after one leaf. After cropping and when the vine has gone dormant in winter, the side shoots are reduced to leave just one or two buds on stubs close to the old spur. This rigorous pruning and training keeps them under control, allows air movement, reduces the likelihood of mildew and reduces the crop (though it will still need thinning) for better quality greenhouse grapes.

• Water plants that have been recently planted or moved, those that have been pruned hard and are re-growing, newly planted bedding and veg plants if there is no rain. Direct water to the roots and give each plant a long drink. Check containers daily.

• Clear spring flowering forgetme-nots, cut dead heads from aquilegias and in large, wild gardens like mine go round pulling nettles and thistles (or dig them out) before they can seed.

• Sow biennials to flower next spring and early summer. We already have some

white foxgloves coming along in pots. Honesty, sweet rocket, Salvia sclarea var. turkestanica and Iceland poppy are my favourites.

• Examine your lilies daily for bright red lily beetles and their nasty, squishy larvae. Put your hand under the beetles, as they drop quickly to the ground. Dispose of them.

• Thin out any dead or weak stems and then prune back the flowered shoots of weigela.

Shrubs can then immediately begin to grow the wood on which it will bloom again next year.

Shear aubrieta when it has finished growing, as this removes the old flowers and makes the plants branch out, stay dense and have even more flowers next year.

Send your questions to Anne at westmag@westernmorningnews.co.uk 27

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Beauty The works Mary Kay Into the Garden pedicure set £20 I love this set! It has everything you need to pamper your feet at home with a gorgeous garden-inspired scent.

Pastel Mary Kay Into the Garden nail lacquer £9 Lilac is very on trend right now, and looks great on both your hands and your toes.

Abbie’s

Bright Crabtree & Evelyn nail varnish in Clementine (£6) Orange is my favourite colour and looks great on toenails, especially with tanned feet.

Beauty box

Expert advice from West magazine’s resident beauty guru Abbie Bray of Newton Abbot ummer is just around the corner and now is the time to get your feet ready for sandal season. I love this time of year and recently we have finally had some hot and sunny weather to enjoy. However there is nothing worse than when you dig out your favourite pair of flip flops and realise your feet are not fit to be seen.

There are lots of home remedies that you can buy on the high street to pamper your feet and after a winter of wearing socks and boots, they are probably going to need some help - I know mine did!

If you don’t want to fork out for a pedicure in a salon then don’t panic because there are lots of products to save the day, including this Mary Kay pedicure set. This really had everything I need to get your feet ready for summer. I really love the foot fizzies and the scrub as the results it gave were amazing, my feet have never felt so smooth. Treating your hands is just as important as your feet, so do try this lovely Bronnley honey hand cream, it smells amazing.

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In hand Bronnley Honey Blossom hand and nail cream £9 When pampering your feet don’t forget your hands too. This hand cream smells gorgeous and the shea butter really helps to soften your skin.

Soothe Bare Feet By Margaret Dabbs (Marks & Spencer £9.50) This is great for using daily or as part of a pedicure treatment, it leaves your feet feeling really refreshed.

Smooth Crabtree & Evelyn La Source foot remedy (www.beautyexpert.com £15) This has a great almond scent and it leaved your feet feeling soft and smooth.

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Shop

The edit Your straight line to style: weekend dressing for the midsummer man

Rocha John Rocha tropical print shirt £40 Debenhams

+

Chino shorts £20 Burton

+

Leather belt £18 Next

Simon Carter tropical fish print shirt £100 House of Fraser

+

Denim shirt £89.95 Barbour

+

Cut-off shorts £12 Primark

Chino shorts £39.95 White Stuff

Leather belt £18 River Island

Woven belt £10 Tu at Sainsbury’s

+

+

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Jerrica dress £89 www.joythestore.com

Nocera Stone Open Bangle £69 Oliver Bonas (in stores August)

Cream quilted cross body bag £12.99 New Look

Oh so pretty e can’t believe it either! Here we are at midsummer already, with long, light evenings just crying out for sundowner drinks in a pub garden or seaside bar.

And what could be nicer than a pretty frock to go with your Pimms or G&T? A floral print that ends on the knee is a flattering look that’s summery and fresh. We really love this wrap dress from New Look, ideal for all shapes and sizes. Knee length is THE length, as they say....

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Debut dress £120 Debenhams 30

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Fashion

Brooches £3 for three Primark Hourglass midi dress £55 Evans

Sunglasses £3 Primark

Floral satin dress £55 M&Co

Fortune hat £30 Dune

Blush pink platforms £19.99 www.deichmann.com

Wrap-front midi dress £24.99 New Look 31

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

Shoes, River Island, Princesshay, £65 Jacket, River Island, Princesshay, £60

HOW TO WEAR IT:

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

Slip dress

Dress, River Island, Princesshay, £30 Bag, Reiss, Princesshay, £110

Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod finds a way to wear summer’s slinkiest offering ain, rain go away. I mean it. What’s a girl to do with these muggy damp summer days. It’s too warm for jeans but not quite hot enough to bare arms shoulders and decollete all at once. The swiftest solution would be to hop on a plane to somewhere warm and Mediterranean, where summer means business and drinks are as cold as the day is hot. I need one of those old-fashioned doctors, the kind who prescribes “a week abroad” for everything from spots to malaise. Sadly those days are gone and my employers may not take kindly to me prescribing myself a few weeks in the sun to deal with a wardrobe crisis.

Just when I thought I could take no more and my bedroom floor was awash with garments deposited in a fit of pique, I had a lightbulb moment. The slip dress was a Nineties hero, elegant in a lingerie-meets-eveningwear kind of way. I love them, and gave both Anne Hathaway and Candice Swanepoel a sartorial thumbs ‘There is nothing up when I saw they had chosen elegant about slip dresses for red carpet appearances. being caught The only thing that has on camera in a stopped me adding one to my corner hoicking wardrobe, is that they are the epitome of “barely there” which your brassiere makes them really quite tricky about being caught on camera in back into to wear with a bra. I am of the a corner hoicking your brassiere opinion that strapless bras were back into position with one hand position’ invented to torture womankind. and clutching a pig in blanket on a I have never owned one that toothpick in the other. True story. spent as much time on my chest I have since studiously avoided as it did wrapped around my midriff like some buying anything with dinky little/no straps. kind of bizarre inner tube.

Life’s too short.

Ironically they are often bought to be worn But what if I was wearing one of these slip to formal occasions that demand elegance, dresses under a jacket I didn’t plan to take off layered under dresses that have little or nothing all day? This would mean that I could don my in the way of straps. I have thrown all of mine favourite triangle bra with no fear of a strap away. Why? Because there is nothing elegant clash. The low cut neckline, soft fabric and

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loosely cut short hemline mean that I have plenty of cool air touching my skin to ensure I don’t overheat. The leather jacket keeps my arms snug and can be zipped all the way up in defence should the weather take a turn to trouble town.

All that’s left to do is head to Chandos for some good coffee, and perhaps a quick browse for holidays on Expedia.com. After all, this dress would also look fab over a swimsuit.

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

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Mae medium leather ziptop £15 ACCESSORIZE

Black lace trim slip dress £38 RIVER ISLAND

Pale pink cami slip dress £17.99 NEW LOOK

GET THE

look

Yellow cami slip dress £17.99 NEW LOOK

Nine by Savannah Miller jacket £250 DEBENHAMS

Cream embellished slip dress £50 RIVER ISLAND

Suede ankle cuff sandal £125 KAREN MILLEN

Red slip dress £24 NEXT

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culture vulture Our guide to what’s on in the South West by woman-in-theknow Sarah Pitt From the pub Writer Gavin Knight did much of the research for his new travel book in the pubs on the harbourside in the fishing port of Newlyn. The many conversations he had with fishermen there who still make an (often-precarious) living from the sea form the basis of this fascinating book.

And as Gavin discovers, even those quaint pubs, including The Swordfish and its neighbour The Star, are places where squalls can blow up in an instant.

Gavin’s previous works include a look at innner city gang culture. His latest book is written in no-nonsense prose, with the writer himself remaining an invisible observer.

It offers a fascinating insight into the tough reality of life in the

Country couple As their name suggests, Nashville-based husband and wife country-roots duo Wild Ponies like to cut a bit loose with their music. Doug and Telisha Williams laid every fear and foible, hurt and healing bare in previous album Things That Used To Shine. Telisha says that their latest album, Radiant, sees her in a brighter place. “There’s an acceptance and love for myself,” says Telisha, whose music is a murmur one minute, and raucous the next. “I’m feeling confident in my own skin.” Touring with drummer Rob Heath, they play Café No 8 in Launceston at 8pm on Wednesday, June 22 (£10, 01566 785386) and The B-Bar in Plymouth at 8pm on Thursday, June 23 (£10, 01752 242021).

Exploring the landscape

fishing fleet in Cornwall’s far west.

The Swordfish and The Star

by Gavin Knight, Chatto & Windus, £16.99

Renowned landscape artist Alan Cotton has been based in the small village of Colaton Raleigh in east Devon for the past 40 years. Now Alan has curated an exciting new show of selected paintings by other fine artists for an upcoming exhibition of Westcountry landscapes.

He has chosen works by Vin Jelly, Richard Slater, Gill Watkiss and many more. There are also oils by Alan himself, such as this one, pictured.

The show, called Moor to Sea, depicts the beautiful variety of the Westcountry landscape, and is set to be well worth a look.

Moor to Sea runs at the Brook Gallery in Barnfield Crescent, Exeter from July 11 to August 29, see www.brookgallery.co.uk for details.

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Enjoy

Your stars

by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

Individuals born on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer are ruled by both the planet Mercury and the moon.

These cuspians possess a large degree of brilliance and influence and tend to control those around them.

They dislike work which is perceived to be laborious and often attain their worldly goods without a great deal of physical or mental effort. Anxious to gain public favour, they are often known for their tact and versatility, and are very family-minded.

Paul McCartney born June 18 1942 Sir Paul McCartney turns 74 today and what a career he’s had. Superstar member of The Beatles, 2,200 artists have covered his song Yesterday, more than any other copyrighted song in history. Sir Paul was married to his wife Linda until her death from breast cancer in 1998. Today, he’s happily married to New Yorker Nancy Shevell. As an air sign, perhaps it’s appropriate that Sir Paul named his postBeatles band Wings. June 18 Geminis like Sir Paul are bubbly and enthusiastic, with the ability to bounce back from negative experiences.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Intimate conversations and sympathetic hugs are in order throughout this week. Listen carefully and try to find the source of a problem. You are no psychologist but, on the other hand, you are capable of great empathy. A pet project could be going off the rails but can yet be rescued.

Not every wish can be granted nor every dream fulfilled.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) As this week begins with a Full Moon so does a week of dissatisfaction. Too many flaws are shown up in a current relationship. That doesn’t mean that a split is inevitable but, my goodness, you can be in a very tetchy mood! It is not a time to shout too loudly about your gripes.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Something that is tied up with a work matter needs discussing. The final say may be yours but if others agree, so much the better. Take care over your cash. Throwing money at an awkward situation may prove very costly. Sometimes working out problems together can be both practical and successful.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Romance is showing you the options this week. Where are all eligible folk coming from? Take your time and look for someone special. Your kind heart and love of peace should not override your instincts.

Someone who is your exact opposite provides stimulation and an alternative approach.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) In a passionate but awkward week you need to stay sharp and aware. The Full Moon as the week begins shines a

light on finances, tempting you to make a fast decision. Take your time and, if not sure, ask someone who has ‘been there!’ Fresh temptations on the love front are great but should be considered, not leapt into!

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Getting on the same wavelength of a loved one could be tricky this week. Are they moving the goalposts or are you just misunderstanding? Well, the onus seems to be on you to put things right. Maybe a bit more flexibility is needed?

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) This may not be the time to finalise any travel as delays and changes may come up. Even so you can plan ahead and be ready for when the time is right. Putting finances in place needs careful thought with the fluctuations in both the financial and political world.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Dynamic and progressive planets dominate this week. Both finances and romance are involved. Could your romance come from an office contact? A foreign accent can be attractive. Do you like the idea of a sunny trip? Spontaneous comments and lastminute suggestions show what fun you can be.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Getting closer to people in general shows you a new side of life and a fresh approach.

A bit of a shocker at the weekend both surprises and informs. Have you expected too much from someone or are they just not making the effort? It is worth finding out.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Being strong-willed gives you a great deal of satisfaction this week. Anyone who tries to get the better of you will be in for a surprise, that’s for sure! A not-so-wonderful blast from your past is likely to appear or at least make contact.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Finding it hard to concentrate at the moment? Not surprising with that dynamic Full Moon as the week begins.

It won’t shake your tree, but a few apples could fall anyway. Shaky finances could lead to shaky decisions right now, so be cautious!

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) A sparkling full moon as this week begins shines a light on your relationships. Think about where they are going and where they have been. If there are any hold-ups or questions that need answering, find out why, now! You need to speak out.

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13/06/2016 15:37:34

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

SUNBURN? HERE’S THE SOLUTION It’s important to keep skin protected in the sun, but if you accidentally burn, apply a towel dampened with cool water to the affected area for 15 minutes. Or take a just below luke-warm bath or shower, advises consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation ambassador Dr Anjali Mahto. She also stresses it’s important to keep hydrated by drinking lots of water – which means avoiding alcohol until your skin’s recovered.

SAFE SCREEN Traditional sunscreens use chemical ingredients, designed to absorb sun rays and release their energy as heat.

But these new organic mineral lotions create a protective shield on the skin, scattering and reflecting UVA and UVB rays. Suitable for sensitive and very young skin, the anti-ageing facial cream is light enough for every day wear as well as the beach and it moisturises, as well as protects. Prices from £12.90 at www.organii.uk

PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE Fancy taking to the water but don’t know where to start?

There’s a six week beginners’ class for women beginning on the River Fal at Trelissick Garden on Wednesday evenings from June 29, where you can learn the art of Canadian canoeing. Sessions cost £15 each, contact Nikki at Canoe Cornwall on 07866 892999 for details.

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Fun on the river Begun as a jolly by Torbay Hospital staff, the now annual Stoke Gabriel to Tuckenhay swim takes place on Friday evening and it’s great fun. Swim (or row) your way up Bow Creek from Stoke Gabriel Quay to the waterfront Maltster’s Arms pub at Tuckenhay in south Devon. Open water swimming is great exercise and good for the soul, too. Free to join in, sign up at: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Pick your way to health For every kilo of our bodyweight, we need around 0.001mg of vitamin K every day, according to the NHS. Needed to help our blood clot, it’s commonly found in leafy greens.

The good news at this time of year is you can also get your fix from raspberries. They’re never better than when fresh, so find your nearest farm to pick them at www.pickyourownfarms.org.uk

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

Be a spice girl

Spice up your life: Medical herbalist Kirsten Hartvig’s new book, Healing Spices (Nourish books, £12.99), provides a brilliant lowdown on the health benefits of scores of kitchen cupboard aromatics. There’s advice, too, on how to incorporate them into your diet in interesting ways. Did you know that cumin, for instance, could help reduce raised blood fats and sugars?

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

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OPENING SUMMER 2016 Queen St is the perfect location for Exeter’s food-loving residents and city visitors to sample the finest fare

Restaurants coming to Queen St: Turtle Bay, The Terrace, Absurd Bird, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, The Stable, Grillstock, Kupp, Comptoir Libanais

Visit queenst-exeter.com and register for the latest news, offers and competitions.

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06/06/2016 16:29:21

FIND A FOODIE

WHAT WILL WIN?

OR A

ARE YOU A BUDDING CHEF, SECRET BAKER OR GASTRONOMIC GENIUS? The team at Queen St, in partnership with the Express and Echo, have started their search to uncover a new food entrepreneur, someone with a recipe, product range or dining concept and, just as importantly, an ambition to start a business selling their fare. Once found, the ‘Queen St Foodie’ will receive a free launch and

support package, which consists of a purposebuilt kiosk to trade from for three months at the heart of Queen St; expert advice from a range of business mentors sharing the secrets of their success; marketing and branding; legal and finance advice, plus inclusion in the overall promotion and launch of the Queen St dining destination.

FOR MORE INFO OR TO ENTER VISIT QUEENST-EXETER.COM OR FOLLOW THE FUN #FINDAFOODIE. PLUS READ THE EXPRESS AND ECHO AS THEY REPORT ON OUR SEARCH AND ‘FOODIE FINDS’ THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER. T&CS APPLY. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

Ads.indd QueenSt_WestMagazine_03.05.16.indd 8 3

06/06/2016 31/05/2016 16:30:02 16:49

Drink

Darren Norbury

Beer of the week Belgian-style IPA is very big at the moment and White Flag Brewery, of Goonhavern, near Newquay, appears to have nailed the style with its Captain Haddock (6.5% ABV), named after the TinTin character. Lovely yeasty notes lift this beer above the normal citrus hop bomb into something more complex and satisfying.

IT’S A DRAW They counted votes twice, but couldn’t separate two contenders for top ale at North Devon Beer Festival. Take a bow Madrigal Brewery, Combe Martin, for old ale Monkey’s Fist, and GT Ales, Chivenor, for golden bitter Blonde Ambition.

A lotta bottle

Bottled ale is the star performer in the beer sales category, according to a new Hall & Woodhouse report.

It has seen 60% growth in value over five years, and the age of bottled ale buyers is dropping, with more than a third under 36.

talks beer lace me in any bar with a pint of What fascinates me is the diversity of the beer Dark Star Hophead or a Harbour market these days. The drinking experience is Brewing Co IPA in front of me and about so much more than the pub now. A few I’ll be a happy man. Place me in a doors along from The Pilchard Press is the Hub new bar with a nice vibe and great service, with bar, offering great burgers and hotdogs, but also both of these beers on tap, and you have a recipe home to a superb range of craft beers, from the for a truly great Saturday afterlikes of Beavertown, Camden and noon. our own White Flag and St Austell.

The bar in question is The St Ives is also home to a number Pilchard Press Alehouse, up an of famous traditional pubs, such This stonealleyway off The Wharf, in St as The Castle and The Sloop, and walled, whiteIves. The stone-walled, whitealso has a good Wetherspoon bar. painted space painted space is little more Meanwhile, St Ives Brewery now than five metres square and is has a café, deli and bottle shop. is little more what is known as a micropub.

There was a time when finding than fi ve metres Conceived in Kent by Martyn a decent drop of beer in St Ives square and is Hillier, the first micropub was was a tall order but now there’s former shop The Butcher’s something for everyone, and the what is known Arms, in Herne, which has been makings of a good crawl for the as a micropub acknowledged as the template aficionado, too. If only the public for this style of venue. transport was a bit better (a recurA micropub is a small premisring bugbear of mine). The last es where the focus is very much on cask beer First bus (if you see what I mean) heading east and conversation. There are no spirits, no food leaves ridiculously early at 7.14pm, although (except for, perhaps, crisps and scratchings) and local Royal buses do operate a little later. How certainly no gaming machines or TVs. Often, can we expect businesses to succeed – especially they are open just a few hours a day, with just an ones reliant on alcohol sales – without a compreowner running the business. The format is very hensive public transport system. Whinge over, simple but it has been a huge success. It looks I’m off for a beer. like The Pilchard Press is the first micropub in Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk Cornwall but I suspect it won’t be the last. @beertoday

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13/06/2016 17:52:25

Eat

Ingredient of the Week

Mackerel

with Tim Maddams very now and again a little tingle of that certification a few years ago. This is great excitement runs down my back, out news. Just look out for the MSC blue tick on along my arms, into my fingers and packaging when purchasing your mackerel. towards the shed where my fishing But what to do with this tasty fish in its bluekit is kept. black and silver livery? As in so many cases, For the past few years I have simple is best. only eaten mackerel that I have There are few finer treats than caught myself or has been landed fresh whole mackerel cooked locally by a rod and line boat. Not over wood on the beach or in the There are few only is the fish better that way garden. A few bay leaves on the finer treats than and freshness is absolutely key grill and a squeeze of lemon here when we are talking small, oily and there and you are away. fresh mackerel fish - but it’s a good way to guarMany people struggle with the cooked over antee sustainability. There have bones, though, so you may wish wood on the been a few issues over mackerel to fillet your mackerel or get the of late and, oddly, it hasn’t been a fishmonger to do it. Cooking filbeach or in the simple case of too many mackerel lets on the grill can be tricky, so garden being caught, but more a case of I tend to go for a pan or a griddle. political wrangling between the Intense heat is key as you Faroe Islands, Europe and the really, really want some charring British fishing fleet. on the skin. Serve your mackerel Happily though the Marine Stewardship Counfillets with rhubarb and tomatoes, just marinatcil has now reinstated mackerel from the north ed together with a few tomato leaves, new season east Atlantic as sustainable, after suspending garlic and loads of olive oil.

E

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Smokin’...

Home-made smoked mackerel is second to none and is so very easy to make that I am always surprised more people don’t do so. It’s so much better than any shop-bought smoked mackerel you will never look back.

You will need a smoker (of course) and a few hardwood shavings. Cure the fillets first, though, by sprinkling over a cure mix. I love to stir hotsmoked fillets into a bowl of buttered new potatoes. Add loads of chopped sorrel and black pepper. Food of the gods. @TimGreenSauce

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

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13/06/2016 17:53:54

Enjoy A WEEKEND IN

Dartmouth t was in Dartmouth that the Queen first met Prince Philip, when he showed her around the town’s Royal Naval College, back in 1939.

But despite the royal connections, there ’s more to Dartmouth than pure poshness.

This charming town of 5,500 people beside the River Dart in South Devon manages to have a spirited sense of fun, too. You’ll find artists and galleries, foodie events and a thriving community, not to mention the enchanting architecture of this oh-so-pretty south Devon town.

I

Arrive: Dartmouth is, to this day, somewhat inaccessible. You can cross the River Dart via ferry from Kingswear across the estuary or go the long way round by the area’s winding country lanes – we recommend using the park and ride on the outskirts of the town as, especially in summertime, parking in the centre is problematic. Or you could pull up in a boat, as so many locals and visitors love to do – try the ferry from Totnes.

If you’re a lover of old-fashioned railways then take the steam railway from Paignton to Kingswear then hop across the river on the ferry. For more details of rail and ferries visit www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk or call 01803 555872.

Stay:

If you’re pushing the boat out (sorry!)

then The Dart Marina Hotel and Spa on the waterfront is a truly luxurious place to stay (www. dartmarina.com). Double rooms start at £240 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast, and there are also self-catering apartments to book here too. On a budget? Try the town centre B&B The Cherub’s Nest which has double rooms from £75 (www.cherubsnest.co.uk). This Grade II listed merchant’s house dates from 1710 and rooms can come with parking permits (by arrangement).

Discover: Dartmouth’s deep, sheltered waters made it strategically important for centuries, hence its grand houses and impressive history.

Over the years, the safe waters of the River Dart have seen vast fleets assemble here, notably to fight the Spanish Armada. The town was defended with a castle on either side of the river mouth.

Back in the day, a huge chain was dragged across to close the estuary every night. You can visit the 600 year old Dartmouth Castle daily during the summer months, costing £6.10 (adults) £3.70 (children). After you’ve walked the battlements, stay for a cream tea (www.english-heritage. co.uk).

Eat:

The town itself has medieval and Elizabethan listed buildings, lovely narrow streets and steep stone stairways. Buzzing with cafes,

shops and restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating. Mitch Tonks is the town’s celebrity chef and runs the fine dining restaurant The Seahorse, where you can try the likes of a whole John Dory grilled over fire with port vinegar and olive oil (£22). For a more budget meal, Mitch Tonks’ Rockfish serves superb fish and chips, just along the waterfront.

Don’t miss: There can be no more thrilling sight on the water than a fleet of classic yachts racing under sail. The Royal Dart Yacht Club’s Classics Regatta (July 9-12) will see parades and races of classic yachts, all built before 1974. Head for Dartmouth Embankment on the morning of Sunday July 10 to see the spectacular Parade of Sail at 11am (www.royaldart.co.uk).

Celebrate: Mitch Tonks throws an annual Rockfish Crab Party in Dartmouth, taking place this year on Sunday August 7 from 12 – 4pm. It takes place on Dartmouth’s South Embankment and is a wonderful afternoon eating South Devon crab, mayonnaise and salad followed by great local ice cream. Local group the Nauti Boys will be singing and renowned celebrity chef Angela Hartnett will co-host alongside Mitch Tonks, plus a stand up paddleboard challenge and a giant model train set for the kids (www.rockfishparty.co.uk).

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13/06/2016 10:43:33

Regatta racing

Foo d at The Sea hor se

Cream tea at The Dart Marina Hotel

The steam railway to Dartmouth

Mitch Tonks, Dartmouth chef

Dartmouth view 43

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13/06/2016 10:44:08

One of Kerry’s design schemes

Kerry Knight

My Secret Westcountry

My Favourite:

Kerry Knight is an interior designer who specialises in creating bright, contemporary spaces which incorporate vintage and upcycled furniture and accessories. Kerry lives in St Erth, near St Ives, with her husband Matt and their twins, Sydney and Saffron (5). She is currently renovating her woodland cottage to create a holiday let.

Beach: My favourite has to be Porthminster Beach in St Ives. Porthminster Beach Café serves the best coffee in St Ives and has a handy takeaway, plus the beach is good for children.

It’s also a great spot for paddle boarding on a calm day.

View: I love the view from Tremenheere Kitchen, the cafe at the sculpture garden at Gulval near Penzance. It’s a peaceful and inspiring spot, with views towards St Michael’s Mount as you climb the hill.

Festival: The St Ives Food and Drink Festival, every May on Porthminster Beach. There can’t be many food festivals held in such an amazing location. You can’t beat eating oysters and drinking prosecco on the beach…

Food: I’ll probably get in trouble with puritans for this, but I do have a weak spot for the Thai chicken pasty from Pasty Presto. When I’m pulling long days at the end of a design project and have no time to cook something at home this is

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13/06/2016 11:00:59

People

Boilers beer, St Ives Brewery

Tremenheere Sculpture Garden

Porthminster Beach Cafe

Kota Kai, Porthleven

St Ives Food Festival

my fall-back option.

Tipple: Boilers beer from St Ives Brewery is

Erth thanks to institutions like the village shop and post office and the pub.

Weekend away: It’s got to be the yurts or Cowslip Cottage at Botelet Farm near Fowey. I will be making my third visit this month – it’s in the middle of nowhere and very peaceful!

a very popular in our house. After a busy day painting furniture or project planning I’ll happily sit on my front step with one of these and enjoy the sunshine.

Restaurant: Kota Kai in Porthleven is a firm favourite for the amazing Asian-inspired food using local produce, and for their child-friendly approach.

Shop: I buy coasters for my projects at Arm-

Pub: The Star Inn is my local pub here in St Erth and I’m pleased to say the landlords are great supporters of our local primary school, hosting quiz nights and other fundraising events. There is a strong community feel in St

Way to relax: I love reading in my hammock at home, looking after our chickens and jogging along the river. St Erth is such a great location that we are putting our house on Airbnb this summer – I’m sure our guests will love it here.

Treat: Horse riding at Old Mill Stables at Lelant

strong and Wing in St Ives. They have a real touch of originality in each of my interiors and that level of detail is important to my clients.

Downs or, for a real treat, I book a spa day at UNA Carbis Bay - a great way to unwind.

See Kerry’s interior design work at www.beatengreen.co.uk 45

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13/06/2016 11:02:11

My life

[ “

I

Chris Mcguire

Always shut the gate If only the pizza leaflet people would show a little consideration...

t’s banging,” said my girlfriend.

“Close it, will you?”

“But it’s raining.”

“But nothing. I’m pregnant, and it’s banging. The baby doesn’t like

the noise.”

Since moving to the Westcountry I’ve discovered there are two types of people in this world: those who close a garden gate after them, and those who are the problem. This week I learned that convincing people to shut a gate they don’t want to shut is nearly impossible.

I’ll start by saying that I didn’t have a garden gate in London. In fact, I didn’t have a garden at all, so all this is new to me. Back then, it never occurred to me that a tiny door in the privet could cause so much stress.

I don’t think I’d mind so much if I actually wanted what comes through the garden gate – the problem seems to exclusively revolve around junk mail and free newspapers, neither of which interest me.

It’s a familiar routine: I sit down and put my feet up to unwind after a long day of updating social media accounts. Then suddenly, from nowhere, there’s the heart-stopping clang of our gate being thrown open, swiftly followed by an explosion of junk raining through the letter box and then the eerie silence that only comes when a gate hasn’t been closed. This silence doesn’t last long. Soon it’s replaced by the mournful banging of a gate in the wind. As I gather the junk mail – it goes straight into the recycling – and put on my shoes, I can’t help but wonder: is it really so hard to close a gate?

I’ve tried asking the various people who deliver junk to my house to do the courteous thing and close the gate after them but I might as well be speaking in Klingon for all the good it does me. In fact, I think I’d prefer it if Klingons delivered free papers and takeaway menus. With their clear adherence to military code and honour, I can see Klingons as gate-closing types.

I tried putting a sign on the gate, it said: “Close me please”.

But nobody did. In fact, this sign just seemed to encourage the gate-leave-openers. I’ve spotted a couple of people seeing the sign and opening the gate as they passed, merely to show how rebellious they were. Frustrated, I tried a bit of reverse psychology. A new sign went up that said: “Whatever you do, please don’t close this gate.”

It fared no better.

Finally, when a pizza delivery menu was dropped through my door by another gate-leave-opener, I decided to take strong decisive action. I picked up my phone: “Hello.”

“Yes?” said a jolly voice.

“Pizza delivery, what would you like to order?”

“I’d like to order a large Hawaiian, a large pepperoni and a meat feast. Oh and some garlic bread too.”

“Great.”

“But I won’t order them, as the person posting your menu through my door just left my garden gate open.”

With that I hung up.

Did this minor victory solve my gate-related problem? No. Did it make me feel better? A little. Although it had one definite effect: all the talk of pizza made me hungry. Soon I was ringing back – putting on a funny accent so the pizza shop owner didn’t recognise me – to

[

repeat my order. Thankfully, the jolly-voiced man was polite enough to play along. You’ll be glad to know I waited for the delivery driver on the street outside my house, to avoid any gate-based complications.

Chris McGuire is a writer who recently moved to the Westcountry. He’s decided to sell his garden gate and spend the proceeds on pizza @McGuireski

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

Chris_June18.indd 46

10/06/2016 17:18:31

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.

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

13/06/2016 15:58:52

Join us for our

Super Lodge Weekend 25th - 26th June 2016

2016 Prestige Oceana

We’re celebrating the launch of our brand new super lodges at Oyster Bay with a family fun day including music, food and funfair stalls.

Escape to Cornwall’s most desirable holiday home park; offering exceptional facilities and everything you’d expect in a 5-star hotel, there is no better place to own a holiday home in North Cornwall.

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Stunning new leisure complex and Owners’ lounge

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Owners’ only

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Children’s play area and multi games area

0800 484 0103

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14/06/2016 13:20:00