West Magazine, March 12 2016

12.03.16

Spring flings

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Fun outings to enjoy

New season style solutions INSIDE: + HEALTHY LUNCHES + KEVIN MCCLOUD

WIN: + NARCISSI

FROM SCILLY

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‘I shook like a leaf all the way from Devon to Oxford for the interview. Confidence is not my strong point’

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PACKED WITH GOODNESS Nutritious advice for lunch on the go

New author Rosa Watkinson on how her dreams came true, page 16

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THE GOSSIP PAGE Who’s doing what - with whom...

CULTURE VULTURE Our pick of the region’s events

[contents[ Inside this week...

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THE WISHLIST Check out this week’s objects of desire

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JUST BETWEEN US...

Sh! We have the latest gossip!

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WIN SCENTED FLOWERS Narcissi from the Isles of Scilly up for grabs

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OFF THE SHOULDER Smart styles for springtime

WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE From Devon farm to published author

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COASTAL CHIC Gorgeous interiors in west Cornwall

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ANNE SWITHINBANK Planting now for summer success

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BEAUTY WITH ABBIE BRAY Fabulous foundation and where to find it

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OFF THE SHOULDER How to wear the latest look for spring

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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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FIRST-CLASS FORAGING Hedgerow inspiration from Tim Maddams

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FRUGAL - OR JUST MEAN? Chris McGuire on tight-fisted friends

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SECRET PLACES Westcountry wonders to visit today

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WHAT TO WEAR NOW

Your fashion dilemmas, sorted

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IN FULL BLOOM

Flower farming on Scilly

[ welcome [ Spring is in the air - it really is... hat a dream job that must be, living on the Isles of Scilly and growing flowers! Actually, I once spent a February half term aged 14 picking daffs in Cornwall and so I have an inkling that the flower business can be, at times, rather hard work. You can find out the truth in our insightful interview with a family who grow scented narcissi on St Martin’s (page 12) and the reality of living the dream. And you can even win some of their gorgeous flowers, too.

Talking of dreams coming true, I so enjoyed our feature today on page 16, in which newly-

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Tweet

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of the week @rocketsnrascals Great to be featured in @WMNWest as an adored store. Thanks, pop by for a ride anytime!

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[

published author (and mum-of-three) Rosa Watkinson tells how she went from running a smallholding in west Devon to getting a three-book publishing deal, via Oxford University. Inspiring is most definitely the word. Did I mention we have some copies of her brand new book to win, too?

Finally, our resident chef Tim Maddams has been out picking flowers too just lately - in his case, those white bluebell-lookalikes which are known as wild leeks. Being a talented and imaginative chef, Tim’s foraging always leads to great ideas for home cooking - check them out on page 41 today and have a lovely weekend.

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She went from a smallholding in Devon to a publishing deal

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

Becky Sheaves, Editor

COVER IMAGE: Tu at Sainsbury’s

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

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...

Turn off the phone, lock the door and immerse yourself in a generously-filled bath, laced with some decadently expensive body oil, for an indulgent soak. In our dreams, we’d go for this new mauve Brindley soaking tub from Smiths-Briten, a definitely decadent £899 from www.purebathroomcollection.co.uk. Lovely, isn’t it?

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BAA

Girl’s skirt £24

Rocking Sheep £235 www.

Monsoon

whiterabbitengland.com

the

wishlist

BREW Japanese dotty teapot £24 www. idyllhome.co.uk

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

STREET STYLE STAR Watermelon Abra Kadabra earrings

Alexandra Pegg, 19

£17.60 DaWanda.com

We spotted data analyst Alexandra in Plymouth. We love her pairing of neutrals with classic denim. Extra style points for the tan Fiorelli bag which works so well with an oversized patterned scarf.

Scarf: Debenhams Top: Topshop Cardigan: Unknown Jeans: River Island

Miraval Rose made by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at their chateau vinyard in Provence

Shoes: New Look

£18 Marks & Spencer

Bag: Fiorelli

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Wishlist

fave!

Newgate watch £129 www. newgateclocks. com

WOW! Caravan kids’ bed £1,235 www.idyllhome.co.uk

Royal blue heels £80 www.dunelondon. com

Bloomville lantern £71 www. amara.com

Toucan T-shirt £30 www.peopletree.co.uk

STORE WE ADORE:

Laura Wall Art and Illustration Artist Laura Wall’s gallery is full of her own quirky original art, prints and lampshades. Many feature a young couple relaxing in the unmistakeable surroundings of Teignmouth – spot the red cliffs and Regency townhouses! – and other seaside spots in Devon and

Cornwall. There’s also a corner dedicated to all things inspired by Laura’s charming and hugely popular children’s book character Goose, including signed books, cards and giftwrap.

Laura Wall is at 4a George Street, Teignmouth, see www.laurawall.com

STIRRED Tom Martin martini glasses £75 for two www.amara.com

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talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life...

This American abroad feels (very) confused h dear, I’ve just come from watching a programme on the circus that is the American presidential election, and I fear by the time this article is published Donald Trump will be officially the candidate for the Republicans.

Sigh. It was so easy living in England with Obama at the helm – suave, urbane, liberal. Now we’re ate money for the community and heading back to the dark days of often invest in it, too.

George W Bush, who I’m afraid So fine, the Republicans are just looked like a yahoo most of typically supporters of industry, the time. and help them to thrive through My poor party. Yes, the Repubtheir policies. All well and good licans are my party. By tradition, as long as it’s above board. anyway. I come from a proud line It’s a source of dismay to many of industrialists and businessthat the Republicans have courtmen. My great grandfather was ed votes by allying themselves to a founding member of American extremists: the Christian right, Can, later sold to Continental for instance, and the National Can, where my Rifle Association. father and uncle Yikes. both learned And why does the their trade. party seem to atTrump: he’s I’ve visited a tract so many leadlot of canning footed, opinionated, vulgar, boastful plants. They are old white men… and opinionated. fascinating. Huge especially as their Not a very noble rolls of aluminicandidates? um gleaming as I just don’t know figure for high they’re unrolled what to think when office. On the and stamped. The I look at Donald cans whizzing Trump. I think his other hand... past on conveyor “brass and glass” belts above and buildings are atrobelow. Everycious, appealing thing happening a mile a minute: casino-style to the baser instincts the cans are shaped, trimmed, of human nature. He’s vulgar, necked, sprayed and decorated. boastful, and antagonistic. Not a Several per second: whizz, whizz, very noble figure for high office. whizz!

On the other hand, he has a My family wanted government reputation as a ferocious negotiapolicies that support business. tor, and that’s got to stand the Factories and their owners get a country in good stead. That’s lot of bad press but they do plenty what many voters seem to think of good. They provide innovative anyway. technology and jobs. Good ones I’m not so sure. I think he’s a make working environments loose cannon. Might have to vote where workers are proud to be a Democrat again. Don’t tell my part of their success. They generdad…

O

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

ALL WHITE

on the night

By Ellie Jones Stepping out for the recent National Television Awards, queen of daytime TV Holly Willoughby proved it really is all white on the night. Channelling her inner Grecian goddess, Holly looked fabulous in a white halter-neck ball-gown.

With summer on its way, why not make like Holly and wear head-to-toe white to create a column effect?

Holly’s dress was custom-made by couture designer Suzanne Neville, so we have scoured the high street to find you our pick of the best for less.

Lace bodice dress £180 BHS

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN OPTION B Fitted Dress £595 Phase Eight

OPTION A Flowing Floorlength dress £339 Monsoon

12.03.16

Just

THAT’S IT -

between us

WE’RE OFF...

We’re not saying it is a sinking ship or anything, but both CAROLINE FLACK and OLLY MURS are quitting as presenters on The X Factor.

It was only a year ago that Caz and Olly were chosen as new co-presenters but last year’s series struggled with ratings and seemed to lose its way.

Even so, Caroline says: “I have had a brilliant time working on The X Factor,” and pop star Olly claims he quit to dedicate more time to music:“This was an incredibly hard decision.”

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

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ALESHA PLANS TO HELP OUT POSH: ‘MY

FEET HURT’ She’s had enough! The once die-hard stiletto-fan VICTORIA BECKHAM has decided she now wants to wear comfy shoes.

“I think people saw the real me when I came out in a pair of men’s trousers, a roll-neck and trainers,” she said recently.

“I just can’t do heels any more. At least not when I’m working, [and] I travel a lot. Clothes have to be simple and comfortable.”

The 41-year-old has increasingly been spotted in flats. It’s a big change from her previous stance in 2009, she told Allure magazine: “I beyond hate ballerina flats. I can’t even walk in them. Unless they’re on a ballet dancer doing ballet, I just don’t get it. I love heels.” Since then, she has reportedly had bunion surgery, which perhaps explains the change of heart – and footwear.

ALESHA DIXON says it is “heartbreaking” when children from poorer backgrounds cannot afford to pursue their dreams in the arts.

The singer and Britain’s Got Talent judge recalled her own childhood, when her family could not afford to send her to stage school.

“When I was growing up, and I think about my local area, I don’t really remember many places that I could go to as a creative person, someone who loved singing, loved dancing, loved acting.

“I didn’t have any money. I couldn’t afford stage school, I didn’t have money for that, and I feel like it shouldn’t be people that are born into privileged situations that get these opportunities.”

Mind you, she’s done pretty well since then. And the good news is, she is working hard to give more hard-up kids the lifechances they need.

Alesha is an ambassador for the National Lottery, which is celebrating a record £179 million raised in January to go towards arts, sports, heritage and community projects.

This is the highest figure it has ever raised in a single month. West says: Well done, Alesha!

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Hang in there: New recruits at HMS Raleigh are put through their paces at Torpoint

in pictures Aladdin: It’s panto time in Porthtowan!

I can see you: The Glow In The Dark race was lots of fun in Paignton

At last: After his hilarious midnight plea for a pasty went viral, Lando Winchester from Redruth finally got what he wanted

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talking points In bloom

Star quality

ONE OF US Famous faces with links to the Westcountry

10 types of daffodil

1 Minnow 2 Yellow Cheerfulness 3 Sea Princess 4 Spellbinder 5 Replete 6 Intrigue 7 Green Pearl 8 Silver chimes 9 Jetfire 10 Sorbet

You wish...

10 film greats who never won an Oscar

1 Alfred Hitchcock 2 Cary Grant 3 Peter O’Toole 4 Richard Burton 5 Marlene Dietrich 6 Lauren Bacall 7 Judy Garland 8 Greta Garbo 9 Errol Flynn 10 Mae West

The happy list

10 fan-fiction titles inspired by One Direction, published on Wattpad. com:

1 I Spy One Direction 2 One Direction Bit Me!

10 things to make you smile this week

3 Camp One Direction

1 Billy Elliot at the Theatre

4 ERR...WHY ARE ONE DIRECTION BEHIND THE SOFA?!?!

5 One Direction Adopted...A Thief?!

6 One Direction To My Heart 7 Trapped On A Tour Bus With One Direction 8 One Direction Is My Bully 9 Adopted By One Direction 10 Kidnapped By One Direction

Royal, Plymouth. A must-see

2 Cadbury’s mini eggs guilty pleasures

3 New lipstick instant makeover

4 Happy Valley Season 2 is scary!

5 Bobble hats forever young 6 Legally Blonde at Exeter’s Northcott April 4-9. Good fun

7 Going to the hairdresser me-time bliss!

8 Sing-along-a Grease Plymouth Pavilions March 19

9 Good jeans who needs gym?

10 Old friends treasure them

This week:

Kevin McCloud TV design guru Kevin McCloud lives in Frome, Somerset

Somerset: TV presenter Kevin Show: In his TV show, Kevin follows McCloud, 56, lives in a 15th-century unusual house building projects from farmhouse near Frome in Somerset, start to finish, marking the struggles with his wife Zani (Suzanna) and their along the way to finish on time and four children. “I’m under budget. terribly fastidious. I like symmetry and Green: He supports neatness, but my the Green Party: DID YOU KNOW? house is as chaotic as “Every breath we As a student, any other family’s.” take as human beings damages the planet. I Kevin was the Early days: Kevin’s do my best to be green in Cambridge father Donald was a but my environmental comedy group rocket scientist. Kevin footprint is four times attributes his love of that of the average Footlights with clever engineering Chinese person.”

Stephen Fry and slick design to his father’s influence.

Honour: Kevin was appointed Member of Study: He grew up in the Order of the British Bedfordshire and studied Art History Empire (MBE) in the 2014 New Year and Architecture at Cambridge Honours for services to sustainable University. design and energy saving property refurbishment.

Career: Kevin worked first as a theatrical set designer, then set up Building: He also runs HAB Housing a lighting business. His first series of (“Happiness, Architecture, Beauty”) Grand Designs was broadcast in 1999 a sustainable construction company – he has fronted 15 series in all. which builds eco-homes.

Competition winners: A stay for two, with dinner, bed and breakfast, at the Old Quay House, Fowey has been won by Penny Harries of Newton Abbot

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People

LIFE IN FULL BLOOM Sarah Pitt chats to Zoe Julian about life as a flower farmer on the Isles of Scilly

By Sarah Pitt

atching the weather is all part of the job when you make your living growing flowers on the Isles of Scilly.

The recent wrath of Storm Imogen, with her 100mph winds, was a case in point. “We have lots of high hedges around our fields, so that protects us up to a point – they are what makes flower farming possible here,” says Zoe Julian, who works with her husband Ben in their narcissi fields at Churchtown Farm on St Martin’s, an island which is home to just 120 people.

“There was a lot of damage from that storm though. It blew a real hooley, so that pick that day had to go. We just had to batten down the hatches, then go out, pick the damaged flowers and throw them in the bin.”

And while high winds can be disastrous, temperature is another variable in the Julians’ daily battle to make a living here on these scenic islands. Narcissi thrive here precisely because of the mild climate, but cold snaps do happen. The most nervewracking time for Zoe and Ben is the start of their season, in the run-up to Christmas,

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The Julians send 90,000 bunches of narcissi by post from Scilly every year

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MAIN PICTURE: JOHN ALLEN

‘Sometimes we think, why are we trying to run a big business from a small rock in the middle of the sea?’ when orders flood in. “It can get really cold at the wrong time,” says Zoe. Plunging temperatures just recently, though, have worked in their favour, holding back the crop so there are still enough flowers for Easter orders, just before the season comes to an end. “We should make it, because Easter is really early this year,” she says. “We are just crossing our fingers.”

Then the Julians – and their children Rosie, 13, and Piran, 11 – might have time for a bit of a breather before their next flower harvest, scented pinks, comes into bloom in late May and June.

It sounds such a romantic way to earn a living, sending bunches of scented flowers by post to people you have never met before across the UK (and the Julians really do send an awful lot – some 90,000 bunches of narcissi each year).

Perhaps that’s part of the appeal for the army of seasonal pickers and packers who join the Julians from December to March each year. Some come on gap year adventures, others are Scillonians, living on St Martin’s or one of the other islands.

“Some people work for us in the winter, and then have their own job on the islands in the summer, when the visitors arrive. We are busiest in the winter, although we operate all year around,” says Zoe. “Christmas is our really big one, and this is often when people who have worked for us, and know our systems, will come and help us out.”

Zoe, Piran, Rosie and Ben Julian on their Isles of Scilly flower farm

“I have got a few more grey hairs from trying to move that many flowers off the island at Christmas. We don’t just send our own flowers, we work closely with other growers on the island and we buy their flowers off them. We give them a guaranteed price, but then we want the best ones!”

For the Christmas rush, in fact, the entire packing operation is moved to the main island of St Mary’s, closer to the landing strip where the flowers are flown to the mainland.

“It is easier to move people than flowers!” says Zoe. “Once they are packed, they take

up more room, so by moving that bit of the operation to the mainland we are taking that big journey out of the equation.”

Logistics, indeed, are a bit of a nightmare when you run a farm sending 300,000 blooms a year from a small island in the Atlantic.

“Sometimes we think, why oh why are we trying to run this big business from a small rock in the middle of the sea?!” says Zoe. She does, though, sound cheerful enough about it – and the advantages of family life on an island where everyone knows everyone, there are no cars, and there’s a shop, a pub and a school. Zoe’s son Piran is the 13

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‘We don’t have to commute, and everything’s right here. It’s beautiful even if it’s sometimes foggy, rainy and blowy’ oldest of just 10 pupils.

“We don’t have to commute, everything is right here. And it is beautiful, even if sometimes it is foggy and rainy and blowy,” says Zoe. Their mail order business dates back to the late 1980s, when a holidaymaker stopped by and asked if they could buy some flowers from what was then a wholesale flower business, run by Ben’s parents Andrew and Hilary.

“My father-in-law literally had one of those

light bulb moments,” says Zoe. “He went and got a cardboard box, put the flowers in and the business started like that, right there on the kitchen table.”

Those first flowers were, in fact, pinks, the Julians’ summer crop. But they were soon starting sending out fragrant narcissi by mail order too, during the winter and early spring. These proved a massive hit, providing an early splash of colour and scent to people in the rest of the UK, who tend to be still languishing in the depths of winter.

Zoe, for her part, came to the island of St Martin’s 14 years ago. She and Ben have now taken over the helm of what has become a thriving business. Island life was not a total shock, Zoe says, as she knew what Ben’s family did for a living, and had been to the Isles of Scilly before

on holiday. “I came on holiday here when I was four, and sailed here on a Tall Ship when I was 17.” she says.

Both Zoe and Ben met when they were studying at agricultural college. Flowers, says Zoe, compare favourably with cows. “It is very clean farming and you don’t have to get up at 5am to milk cows.” Their only concession to conventional farming is their small herd of beef cattle, who act as part of their crop rotation, grazing fields which are taking a break from growing bulbs.

After Christmas, Mother’s Day is their busiest time for the narcissi. Valentine’s Day, though, is not. “I have not managed to persuade the British male that narcissi are the romantic thing to send.” says Zoe. Just give her time.

See www.scillyflowers.co.uk

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People

Win a posy!

Churchtown Farm is offering a box of 60 narcissi, worth £20, (www.scillyflowers. co.uk) for a West reader to win. Send your name, address and phone number, together with the answer to the question below, marked ‘narcissi’, to westmag@ westernmorningnews.co.uk before Friday, March 18. Normal terms apply.

West magazine will not share your details. Q: Which island does the Julian family live on?

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People

[

ROSA WATKINSON

[

When dreams come true A lifelong ambition to be a writer has taken mum-of-three Rosa Watkinson from a smallholding in west Devon to Oxford University and a three-book publishing deal. Here, she tells us how it all began...

have been a sporadic writer all my life. But until just recently (of which, more later) I had never been published. Rejection slips filled a drawer and my confidence hovered around the zero level. So my writing tailed off.

Then one fine day my husband, Paul, encouraged me to try out an online creative writing course run by Oxford University’s Department of Continuing Education. It turned out to be an excellent course and inspired me to write again.

I then heard about the Diploma in Creative Writing, also run by the same people. I never thought for a moment I’d be accepted onto the course but I sent in an application anyway. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say.

No one was more astonished than I was when I got an interview. I read up on the course, its structure and reading list, plus the books, poetry and playscripts the tutors had written. Girded with

PHOTOGRAPHY: EMILY WHITFIELD-WICKS

I

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Rosa lives and writes at her smallholding in Lifton, west Devon

this knowledge, I took the bus to Exeter, a train to Reading and yet another to Oxford. I shook like a leaf the whole way, barely able to read a word of the book I’d brought along for company. I loathe interviews with a passion. Confidence in myself is not my strong point.

Oxford is a beautiful city and I fell in love with it. The honeyed architecture, the history, the museums, the ancient colleges.

It felt glorious to think I might be part of it, if only for a moment.

To say the interview was intimidating is an understatement. Three interviewers grilled me - the course director and two of the tutors. I managed to bumble my way through somehow and thought I’d failed miserably as I blinked my way outside again.

But I couldn’t be sad as it was a beautiful Spring day. I spent the rest of it walking along

[

the sun-sparkled river, thinking how wonderful it was to have got to the interview stage.

Imagine my amazement when I got a letter stating I’d got in. Me? As the weekly train journey took five hours each way, I stayed one night a week in St Hugh’s College. Breakfasting in their portrait-laden refectory, I felt almost like a real student. What am I saying? I was a real student, just a great deal older than those surrounding me.

The diploma taught me a great deal about all the different genres of writing. I loved meeting the others on the course and hearing their different voices in their writing. Most importantly, my writing improved.

As a child, my father, a collector of myths and fables would read stories to me, and this inspired my early love of legends, stories and fantasy.

[

‘I shook like a leaf all the way from Devon to Oxford. Confidence is not my strong point’

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People

Rosa’s new book is already doing well, much to her delight

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People When my own three children were little I worked from home and since then I’ve worked in various jobs, most recently as a special educational needs teaching assistant.

Now I run a small-holding in Lifton, on the Devon-Cornwall border, with a B & B, which fits in well with being a writer. Yes, after writing and day-dreaming all my life, I am happy to say I’m now an author, that writing is what I do, and it gives me a thrill.

Two years after my first day in Oxford, I got a 2:1 and attended a wonderful graduation ceremony in the beautiful Sheldonian Theatre among all the good friends I’d made. Needless to say, I glowed with pride.

I had started writing an epic fantasy during my diploma and ended up publishing it on a website called Smashwords.com. It’s incredibly easy to self-publish a book these days. Even a numpty like me had no problems. But before my fantasy novel been on that website for very long, the chief editor of a publishing house called Claret Press read and loved my manuscript for The Cracked Amulet.

In March last year I signed a three book deal with Claret Press in London. My editor, Katie Isbester, suggested some changes that improved the story and, to my great pride, The Cracked Amulet was published a few weeks ago. It is the first book of three in what I am calling the Wefan Weaves trilogy, A few days ago I was informed I’m now the Claret Press’ number one bestselling author.

I’ll admit, I did a happy dance to hear the news.

I just couldn’t contain myself. There’s a certain thrill you get knowing your words are being read.

I now await the reviews. The Cracked Amulet has already got a 5* rating on the Goodreads website, which is amazing. I once read somewhere that writing is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. I have to say I agree.

The Cracked Amulet by Rosa Watkinson, £8.99 Claret Press

Win!

Copies of Rosa’s novel

We have two copies of Rosa Watkinson’s fantasy novel, The Cracked Amulet, to win, each worth £8.99. To win one, send your contact details, plus the answer to the question below, to: Rosa Watkinson competition, westmag@ westernmorningnews.co.uk by March 18. Normal terms apply, West will not share your details. Q: Which company publishes Rosa’s new novel?

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interiors

30

fashion

41

beer

40

recipes 21

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Use of white paint and light wood makes the openplan kitchen bright and welcoming

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Interiors

Special spot A cottage nestled among the sand dunes at Hayle charmed one couple so much they just had to buy it – and create their perfect holiday home.

Alexandra Pratt takes a look around

visit to Gwynndreth is like entering a great seascape canvas of Cornwall’s wild west. Seabirds wheel in the breeze, calling over the sound of the waves at the end of the garden.

Even on a dull day, this cottage’s position directly above the Atlantic means light and colour fill every corner of the house. It’s a striking experience and little surprise then, that for owners Rachel and David discovering this property was “like falling in love”.

Following a family bequest, the couple decided to start looking for a family holiday home in the county. After almost a year of exploring the county’s coastline, starting in the east and working westwards, they eventually turned off the A30 at Hayle on a whim, following the town’s sign proclaiming “Three miles of golden sands”.

“Out on the coast path, we were overwhelmed by the amazing views across the bay to St Ives and Godrevy. Rachel said, ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a house up here?’ We turned around to see a For Sale sign outside what was to become Gwynndreth,” says David.

Less than a year later, the cottage was theirs, but it needed some TLC. A tip-off from neighbours led to an introduction to David Burrows, who became their builder and Daniel Tregear, who drew up the plans. On further consultation with David and Daniel, it became obvious to the couple that it made sense to do all the work needed in one go, and so work began in April 2013.

Most significantly, the building needed repair around the central wall and chimney, so Rachel and David decided to take them out altogether and locate the staircase centrally.

A

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Interiors

Upstairs, this created two bedrooms. A cosy third bedroom is tucked away behind the kitchen, ideal for anyone less mobile.

Downstairs at the back of the cottage, which faces the garden that runs down to the sea, Rachel and David replaced the porch with a baywindowed sunroom. Not only does this open

up the view, it also creates window seats to enjoy it from.

Once building work finished in 2013, the couple focused on the interior finish, with Rachel making all the curtains and blinds. The style

[[ The style is French nautical, with washed pale grey walls giving a calm foil to bright pops of blue, red and white

is French nautical, with washed pale grey walls giving a calm foil to bright pops of blue, red and white created by fabrics and tiles.

Bare wood underfoot enhances the seaside feel.

“Quite a lot of the solid wood furniture and framed mirrors were bought from charity shops, and we sanded, painted or varnished them in a beach style,” says Rachel.

A French style day-bed in the sitting room invites a sense of relaxed reclining, while roughplastered walls and painted wainscoting chime with the cottage vibe.

Across in the sitting area, the addition of a woodburner means the cottage can also become wonderfully warm and snug when a storm replaces those blue skies. From winter storms to breezy spring days when flowers dot the sea’s edge, Gwynndreth has a front-row seat to it all.

“It really is a wonderful place to escape to.

We’ve been enjoying the house since November 2013 when it was finished and many friends and family have also had holidays in Gwynndreth,” says David.

Since this happy outcome came from following a sign on a whim, perhaps they should have named the cottage ‘Serendipity’.

Gwynndreth is available as a holiday let through Cornish Gems. Call 01872 241241 or visit www.cornishgems.com

24

GET THE

LOOK

Add interest with bold colours, real wood and nautical touches

Wooden fish swirl wall art £56 www. thenauticalcompany. com

Country Girl spot mug £7.90 designed by west Cornwall’s www. bettyboyns.com

Plymouth large white bedside table £99 www. thewhitelighthouse furniture.co.uk

Nautical striped cushion £19.99 www. thenauticalcompany. com

fave!

Faithly square rattan chair £375 www. outthereinteriors. com

Classical English sailing boat £45 www. thenauticalcompany. com 25

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07/03/2016 18:12:17

Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Strange fruit Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, is busy planting seeds now for the imminent spring season here is something contrary about a gardener. Many of us like to think we’re in tune with nature, by carefully marrying our plant choices with prevailing conditions, opting for a no-dig policy, eschewing pesticides and so forth. Yet gardening is an intrinsically unnatural process and I bet every one of us gets caught out by struggling to grow something completely at odds with our situation. Accomodating acid loving plants like rhododendrons, pieris and enkianthus where soils are limy is a prime example but with me, it is aubergines.

There are plenty of aubergines in the shops; huge, black glossy things grown in warmer countries like China, India and Egypt, then shipped over for our moussakas and brinjal bhajis. So why do I waste time, effort and electricity trying (and frankly, failing) to produce home grown fruit? This is a struggle that, collectively, has been going on for centuries. Even sixteenth century gardener and botanist John Gerard moaned that, despite encouraging it to flower in London gardens, “it came to bear fruit of the bigness of a goose egg one extraordinarily temperate year… but never to full ripeness”.

My determination dates back to the happy memory of a summer around 1990 when I lived in Surrey. During a heatwave, I produced magnificent crops of aubergines under glass. The potted plants must have stood 75cm/30in high and each delivered several shop-quality fruit. It is best to pinch out the growing tip when plants are 15cm/6in tall to encourage two main stems and then on large-fruited varieties, thin to leave only four fruits per plant. My husband John and I had just installed a new aluminium greenhouse and in one cordoned-off end, a thermostatically controlled electric heater. The seeds were

T

[[ During a summer heatwave, we produced magnificent crops of aubergines under glass

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germinated in a warm propagating case during early February and the seedlings, transplanted singly to pots were able to grow on comfortably.

They finished in 10cm/8in pots and enjoyed a hot enough summer for fruits to set and swell.

Here in the Axe Valley, east Devon, I can germinate seeds readily enough but after they’ve been transplanted one per 9cm/3.5in pot, they need to go back inside the propagating case to keep warm.

Eventually, they have to come out onto the staging but as the greenhouse is unheated, you can almost see them blanching at the cold and root development slows down. They do get going but tend to be small at the onset of flowering and, just as they set fruit and we’re looking forward to an aubergine summer, the weather takes a nose dive towards the end of July. A cool, cloudy summer is no use to an aubergine.

Every year I try a different ploy. I’ve sown at different times, early and late. Plants have been in pots and in rings on soil beds. I’ve even tried a range of varieties, eventually latching on to a mixture supplied by Mr.Fothergills (0845 3710518 www.mr-fothergills.co.uk) in the hope that if the glossy black fruits wouldn’t mature, then maybe long thin or tiny round red, green, white or yellow ones might. Trimmed plants have been set on sunny windowsills in the house to over winter and looked as though they might make it, only to rot away last month.

There are still stones left unturned. I have yet to build hotbeds of manure or straw under

glass, or buy in grafted plants, purported to have greater vigour and the capability to fruit two months early. Suttons can send out F1 ‘Scorpio’ (0844 326 2200 www.suttons.co.uk) and although they cost £4.99 each, a packet of F1 seed can be nearly £3. There is also ‘Egg and Chips’ to consider, as Thompson and Morgan (0844 5731818 www. thompson-morgan.com) have followed on from their Tomtato to produce an aubergine grafted onto a potato. All these crops are in Solanaceae, the potato family, so are compatible. Maybe the potato roots will stoke the aubergine sufficiently to produce magnificent results. They cost £14.99 each but seem a safer bet than praying for summer sunshine.

West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank When is the best time to cut the old leaves off my grasses? I might want to move some of them as well.

March is generally the month for shearing the old stems and leaves from deciduous ornamental grasses such as miscanthus, calamagrostis and pennisetums. Look down into the heart of the plants and you’ll probably see signs of new growth. The general idea is to trim off the old before these new leaves grow too long. If the grass is evergreen, you can trim the lot back but in most cases, just run your hands through (wear gloves) to remove the odd dead leaf. We tend to use this technique with evergreen Stipa arundinacea and also deciduous S.tenuissima, so that rotten sections come out as well. Grasses are best moved or planted in spring.

Anne’s advice for your garden

• Harden off sweet pea plants sown earlier under glass or in frames, by standing them outdoors to experience weather. Then plant around their supports. Or buy some in. These plants need good fertile soil with plenty of organic matter added.

Question time with Anne Q

This week’s gardening tips

We have a large pink-flowered camellia growing in the ground but it looks horrible because the leaves have taken on a sickly yellowish tinge instead of glossy green.

Should I feed it?

Q

Anyone growing a camellia should remember they originate from woodlands on acidic soil.

Too often they are planted in full sun which bleaches the leaves. If the soil dries out, roots are compromised, nutrient uptake is poor and yellow leaves result. Cold, harsh winds will bleach and scorch too. Poor drainage also causes yellowing because roots die, again affecting the uptake of water and nutrients. Plants on an alkaline soil are likely to be deficient in manganese and iron.

Do a soil test (kits are available at stores) and if alkaline, consider moving the plant to a large tub of ericaceous compost. If in an exposed position but neutral to acidic soil, move to a more sheltered site. Let it settle, then prune, feed with iron sequestrine and mulch over the roots with ericaceous compost.

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

• Buy new herbaceous perennials such as monarda, campanula and helenium. Look for those with a good mat of growth in the pot as they can often be divided and made into two or three at planting time.

• Remove tired-

looking potted fruit trees from their containers, cut a couple of inches of root and soil away from outside the rootball, tease roots out and repot into a slightly larger container of fresh compost.

• Oil up your loppers and secateurs and prune back cornus and willows grown for their colourful stem. Stems are cut almost to the base. You can do this to Hydrangea paniculata, buddleja, lavatera and caryopteris too.

• Sow tomatoes, peppers, summer cabbage, celeriac, calabrese and lettuce under glass.

Sow half hardy bedding plants under glass, choosing seeds of Mexican sunflower (tithonia) , spider flower (cleome) and single colour strains that are hard to buy later from the garden centre.

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Beauty

Illuminating Clarins True Radiance Foundation Debenhams £27.50 This is a great dewy foundation, it illuminates and moisturises the skin as well.

[[ ‘Whether it’s a full or dewy coverage you are after, the perfect foundation is out there’

fave!

Light & fresh The Body Shop Fresh Nude foundation £15 This foundation promises 24 hour hydration and has a light semi-matte finish.

Abbie’s

Luminous

Mary Kay Time Wise Luminouswear foundation Mary Kay (£16) Infused with vitamin E, this is great for creating a firmer and more radiant finish.

Beauty box Expert advice from beauty guru Abbie Bray of Newton Abbot Wine stains

The full works Tarte Amazonian Clay full coverage foundation with brush (QVC, £33.50) I like full coverage foundation, but this was a little drying on the skin and I felt the brush was too big.

Finding the perfect foundation can be a real challenge, can’t it?

There are so many on the market to choose from.

Rest assured, whether it is a full or dewy coverage you are after, there is the perfect foundation out there for you. A lot of women can go wrong when it comes to choosing the right colour (trying to match it on the back of your hand is not a good idea). I know visiting beauty counters can be a bit daunting, but by talking to an expert, it will help you to make the right choice. If the thought still scares you, then swiping a colour on your jawline is the best way to colour-match yourself.

Foundation brushes are a must have when applying any foundation. Did you know you save a bottle of foundation a year by using a brush and not your hands?

Flawless Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation Boots £26.50 If you are looking for light, bright non-cakey coverage, try this. My mum has been using this for a few weeks and loves it!

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Shop

The edit Your straight line to style: this week we’relooking forward to summer

F&F £14

+

Seasalt £59.95

+ £59.95 White Stuff

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Dubarry of Ireland £49

Seasalt £59.95

+ Seasalt £45

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Gerry Weber £45

People Tree £48

+ La Redoute £59 29

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Necklace £14.50 Seasalt Cornwall

Off the shoulder e’re giving winter the cold shoulder this week in pretty springtime tops we plan to wear into summer. There are fewer more feminine looks than a gypsystyle neckline that makes a feature of an elegant collarbone.

Don’t you just love Sainsbury’s bell-sleeved Seaside tops (left and centre)? If you’re a child of the 70s, the retro floral print version may take you back to bucket-and-spade holidays in clothes mum used to run up on her Singer. We think this fabulous bucket bag by Dune and peachy White Stuff scarf brings the look up to date - try it paired with a pair of these flatteringly high-waisted jeans from Simply Be. If you’re feeling bold, then one of spring’s more out-there seasonal looks is the coldshoulder top, with clever cutaways. New Look’s turned a formal shirt into something more edgy, while we’re beguiled by River Island’s ruffled blouse, which would also look fabulous with those jeans.

W

Seaside denim bell sleeve top £14, white jeans £14, both Tu at Sainsbury’s 30

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Fashion Bare-shoulder ruffle blouse £35 River Island

Multi-plait belt £22.50 White Stuff

Scarf £22.50 White Stuff

Molly patch-pocket jeans £35 Simply Be

r T-shirt £11 La Redoute Floral Seaside bell sleeve top £16 Tu at Sainsbury’s

Cut-out shoulder shirt £19.99 New Look

Bag £59 Dune

Blue plimsolls £24.99 TK Maxx 31

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

HOW TO WEAR IT:

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

Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod on the long and short of a mid-length frock ome women crave chocolate, I crave dresses. As soon as it gets lighter I want to embrace the start of a new season by packing my black skinnies into a drawer for at least a few weeks and enjoying something with a more feminine cut. Sadly, as I am sure you have noticed, the weather has other plans.

But a girl wants what she wants. And, unlike Mother Nature, let it never be said that I won’t compromise. A longer length dress with sleeves is still a dress, after all.

It pays to keep transitional outfits in mind when planning your wardrobe. Mid-length hemlines, lighter weight coats and ankle boots are all essential for navigating the tricky periods that lead up to a high season. Layering is your best friend for months like March, and with the right base layer, anything is possible.

Mid length frocks are transitional perfection. Fans right now include Jessica Alba Unlike Mother and Alexa Chung. Approach Nature, let it with caution though. Seeing a dress on the hanger (or on one never be said of the above perfect creatures) that I won’t you may think “Oh how lovely, I bet I can just throw that on compromise and waltz out the door.” But beware, these frocks cut us midcalf, so they need to be styled with care to ensure the overall silhouette is an elongated and need to focus on ways to keep toasty. sophisticated one.

It’s important to try to do so without disguising Start with your shoes. Two options, a heel the curves the dress was designed to accentuate. or strappy sandals. Since the mercury is still One option is to add an oversized scarf to drape well below ten, let’s talk heels. Don’t fret, they and wrap around you, a la Miss Monroe, as you don’t need to be skyscraper stilettoes. Heeled go about your business. If you do need a jacket, ankle boots will do, and comfy chunky ones are keep it as cropped as possible. Anything that falls a fun addition, too. Or, if you’re lucky enough below the navel can distort your proportions, to be jetting off somewhere warm soon, then and contribute to a look that is more stumpy wear your midi with metallic gladiators for the than sublime. Look for prim cuts in warm fabrics ultimate in sightseeing style. such as wool, fur and leather.

If, like me, your next tropical escape is Nude tights are another ally when navigating currently no more than a mirage then you’ll this trend. Unless the dress itself is black, I feel

S

Dress, River Island, Princesshay, £38 Scarf, River Island, Princesshay, £18 Boots, River Island, Princesshay, £45 Bag, River Island, Princesshay, £25

that the protrusion of stark inky tights can be a bit too jarring, effectively drawing the eye into that mid-calf area - which is a fashion 101 no-no.

This soft grey knit from River Island worked a treat out for a cosy gastropub lunch last week and I plan to pair it with strappy gold heels and shimmering statement necklace to a night at the theatre this weekend. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect bag, though. I have 12 in my cupboard, but none is perfect. There are some things that one never compromises on.

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

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fave!

Hampstead bowling bag £199 HOBBS

Crew neck ribbed dress £28 NEXT

GET THE

look White shirt dress £59 MISS SELFRIDGE

Lola sandals £169 HOBBS

Daisy kimono midi sress £85 TOPSHOP

Karolina pinafore dress £59 MONSOON

Cream bag £35 RIVER ISLAND

Suede ankle boots £175 REISS 33

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The dance of love Dancer Vibha Selavaratnam will draw her audience into the state of mind of a woman in love when she performs new work Nayika (which means Heroine) in Exeter this month.

She is fresh from a major dance festival in Bangalore, India. Vibha first brought the colour and theatricality of classical Indian dance to the Exeter Phoenix last autumn, where she went down a storm. Her graceful movements convey the joys and pains of love as depicted in the ancient Sanskrit scriptures of her native land, with an exciting modern edge.

Nayika is at the Exeter Phoenix on Tuesday, March 22 at 7.30pm. Tickets £13 (£9) plus £1.50 booking fee, www.exeterphoenix.org.uk or call 01392 667080

culture vulture Our guide to what’s on in the South West by woman-in-theknow Sarah Pitt Sweeney Todd The darkly comic tale of murderous barber Sweeney Todd will be brought to life by the Musical Theatre Group at Plymouth University this month.

Expect fake blood and strong scenes aplenty in this tale of an unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking vengeance, and teams up in a grisly partnership with

Mrs Lovett, the resourceful proprietor of a failing pie shop.

Funny, with fabulous songs.

Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is at the Roland Levinsky building, Plymouth University at 7.30pm from March 16-19.

Tickets £8 (£5 for students) from www.upsu.com

Curvaceous landscapes Angie Rooke’s glowing paintings capture the curves and shadows of the countryside where she lives, on the edge of the Somerset Levels within view of Glastonbury Tor. “I aim to capture Somerset’s beguiling places; ancient apple orchards next to old stone barns, big fiery skies over the Levels, sheep grazing on a steep hillside,” she says. “Coming home from walking there, I apply colour to canvas and can look from my attic studio to the wooded hills around and sky above me for further inspiration.”

In the English Landscape by Angie Rooke from March 19-May 31 at the John Leach Gallery, Muchelney near Langport. Entry free, see www.johnleachpottery.co.uk , 01458 250324

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Enjoy

Your stars

by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

Find a pal in someone born under the sign of Pisces and you have a true best friend for life. They will be be forgiving of your foibles and provide the listening ear you need, often picking up on troubles before you’ve fully realised them yourself. Giving without expecting anything in return is typical of generous Pisces.

Emotions run deeply with Pisceans, who can be as unafraid to express how they are feeling as they are to comfort and care.

Alex Jones Born March 18, 1977 Believe it or not, Alex Jones from The One Show turns 39 on Thursday this week. Perhaps it’s love! She married New Zealand insurance broker Charlie Thomson on New Year’s Eve 2015 at Cardiff Castle. Alex grew up in Carmarthenshire and is fluent in both English and Welsh. As a Pisces, Alex is kind and generous at heart and, with Sport Relief just around the corner, who could forget her terrifying mountain challenge in 2014? She climbed the Moonlight Buttress in Zion National Park and raised an amazing £1.3 million for the charity appeal.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) The chance encounter that leads to love is possible. Be out and about attending to the concerns of others. It is ‘people’ time and, once you start to listen to their stories, it is fascinating!

Both your lucky star and your guardian angel seem to be on duty. There are many paths that we can take in life but not all of them bring satisfaction. This week, if you skip along helping others, that satisfaction will come.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Taking a more relaxed attitude really helps this week. There are some sparkling moments and laughter at the weekend. Some aspects of your working life surprise but delight you. Someone very close, maybe even a soulmate, makes this weekend special. Strangely, this is someone you were not attracted to at first.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Thanks to a positive approach, this is a successful week for you. Avoid letting your confidence in your abilities wane! There is much more to your talents than others realise. Now is the time to show it! On a personal note, it’s also a time for romance and sensuality.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Happiness and fun are close to home.

New technology brings understanding of your place in society. In a fast-paced world there is less to be wary of than you think.

Open your mind to new possibilities, both at work and in your heart. Never have the rewards been higher for those who take on the adventure of life.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) Actions speak louder than words and, this week, words will be your way forward. Chosen carefully, they can charm

and cajole. Who wouldn’t want to agree with you when you turn on that Cancer charm?

Your mind is sharp and, if you can keep up with your ideas, fruitful!

LEO (July 23 - August 23) Changes do not have to mean starting from scratch. Pick out the good and leave the negatives behind. What some see as an end, you can now see as just the beginning. Use the chances that technology can give you to move ahead. If these worry you, ask a friend.

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) A few stormy days on the home front can hold up progress on a personal matter. Short of causing trauma, there is little to be done. Be prepared to go along with things that don’t really suit you. This glitch is temporary and soon you’ll be able to take more appropriate action.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) In a lighter-hearted week, take the chance to get to grips with any outstanding social trips. Yes, travel is going to be a part of life, reluctantly at first but then with more enjoyment. A steep learning curve is ahead of you. See it as exciting rather than daunting.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Get any unfinished work or commu-

nications done and dusted as soon as possible.

This is a week of romance and revelations.

Someone may make a declaration that is totally unexpected. How you react is not as important as what you say! Steer clear of arguments if you are able to.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Business and pleasure are closely linked this week. Good news on both fronts may seem great, but dates may clash.

Plan ahead and communicate with others to avoid this. You are able to stop the squabbles of others affecting you. Is that what you would like?

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Here is where life can get very complicated. Should you avoid a certain situation or try to influence it? Any money questions need time to sort out, and your patience could be running low. However, keep your practical hat on and financial draughts will miss you.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) A dreamy few days to start this week could see you a little confused. Get plenty of rest and save your late nights and laughter for the weekend. Looking after your health cannot always take priority but this week please pay attention to any niggling concerns that you may have.

35

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

Starting afresh...

Superdrug’s new face wipes are designed with a dose of daily inspiration in support of the Be Real Campaign, which promotes self-confidence and positive body image. “New Day, New Mindset, New Make-up,” was submitted by social media follower Connie Haigh when Superdrug asked customers for their favourite quotes. The slogan can be found on limited edition packs costing 99p.

EXTRA BABY HELP Most mums who stop breastfeeding in the six weeks after giving birth said that they would like to have carried on for longer, according to health organisation Virgin Care. Together with LloydsPharmacy in Exeter it is running a pilot scheme to support breastfeeding.

Sessions are available to anyone in Exeter who is referred by their health visitor, GP or someone else in a hospital or care environment.

Natural beauty Gwyneth Paltrow kick-started 2016 with the launch of an edible (really!) vegan make-up range for Juice Beauty, currently sold in the US. Closer to home, Holland & Barrett says it’s seen a growing trend in people searching for vegan beauty products. Brands to look out for include Skincere, A’Kin and Zoya Vegan Nail Range into stores. Louise Ingham, who specialises in ethical beauty and aromatherapy for the store says: “For anyone suffering with skin sensitivity or developing a growing interest in the ingredients within their beauty products, vegan ranges are definitely worth looking out for.”

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Sounds lush!

Hoops of fun Did you know that hula-hooping can burn up to 210 calories in a half-hour session, as well as tone up your tummy and trim your waist? If you never got the knack at school (hula-fitness hoops are slightly weighted and actually make it easier!) learn how at Monday evening beginners classes at the village hall in Northam, near Bideford.

Book ahead: visit www.dancefitdevon. co.uk for more details.

Your treat of the week is: Treat yourself in the bathroom with Origins’ new first-of-its-kind mask primer. It provides a blast of moisture in the same way a beautician uses steam to open your pores at the start of a facial, making skin more receptive to the lotions that follow. Spritz Maskimizer, £18.50, www.origins.co.uk.

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

If you’re a fan of Lush’s handmade bath bombs and aromatic handmade lotions, a trip to Bath may be in order, where it has its very own spa. Lush has just launched a new 75-minute Tales of Bath treatment inspired by the city. The £110 treat begins with a head and shoulders massage, followed by a soak in mineral waters, then a full-body massage to target tension. The treatment is even choreographed to a soundtrack composed by Richard Evans, inspired by the city and played by local musicians. Sounds like bliss!

Pucker up!

Youthfulness is often considered the holy grail when it comes to beauty but a new poll by FeelUnique. com reveal our idols aren’t all fresh-faced ingenues. When asked which celebrities have the most enviable lips, 40-yearold Angelina Jolie came top,

followed by 81-year-old Sophia Loren and Julia Roberts, 48.

That doesn’t mean we’re all about to rush out in search of lip-plumping surgery (has Angie or hasn’t she?) however, as 80% of women surveyed say they are already ‘really pleased’ with their lips. Mwah!

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

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Wellbeing

Happy lunches A packed lunch lifeline for busy parents I’m determined that my kids should eat healthily but they complain a sandwich, banana and carrot sticks are boring compared to their friends’ brightly-coloured treats. I’m a working mum, so don’t have hours to spare. Any ideas for healthy lunchboxes that will give my kids a bit of kudos? JH, Newquay

Q

Consultant paediatric dietitian Ana-Kristina Skrapac says: I hear this from parents time and again.

Thinking of new food ideas, worrying about lunchboxes returning home untouched and trying to strike a balance between giving your child food they want to eat versus what they need can feel like a battle.

Variety is key. A really handy guide is the Government’s Eatwell Plate. It shows the different types of food we should be eating each day, and the proportions we should eat them in, to have a healthy, balanced diet.

According to the guide, about two-thirds of our daily intake should come from carbohydrates (starches) and fruit and vegetables, with the remainder being made up of proteins, dairy foods and a small amount of food and drink that is high in fat and sugar. If you’re looking at specific carbs, for example, choose breads, pittas, bagels, pasta, potato, and grains such as cous-cous or quinoa as a base for the lunchbox main course.

And if you’re looking to include protein-rich food in meals, try meat, chicken, fish, or pulses - which are packed with nutrients important for growing bodies and help to keep children fuller for longer. Remember to vary foods for the best mix of essential nutrients and think about different colours, textures and tastes to keep the lunchbox vibrant, fun and tasty.

It’s important to get the balance right.

Making lunchboxes at home with your child can be a helpful way to learn about healthy eating,

and how ‘sometimes’ treat foods can be enjoyed alongside essential ‘everyday’ foods. Have firm limits on how frequent ‘sometimes’ foods are included in the lunchbox, balancing this with the ‘every day’ foods.

Reducing portion sizes and frequency across the week helps to teach your child about balance. Here’s a few of my best tips - when baking biscuits, you can modify the portion size to reduce calories, or even try making your own popcorn using different flavourings (such as herbs or spices) as an alternative to crisps.

Encourage your child to explore new lunchbox ideas with you. Children often need to try a new

taste multiple times before it feels familiar, so keep trying new foods at home together before they appear in the lunchbox.

Remember to have fun with exploring new tastes together – children love finger-foods or bite-sized parcels, dipping sauces, wrapping sandwiches in parcels with secret messages, using compartments of the lunchbox for surprises - all help to make lunch at school a fun experience while eating well.

Ana-Kristina Skrapac, Consultant Paediatric Dietitian. To read more blogs from Ana-Kristina, please visit www.makingsenseofsugar.com

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08/03/2016 12:52:19

Eat

Wild leeks

with Tim Maddams ow, as you will all have noticed to fill your boots. Simply cut them off just above spring has sprung and thoughts ground level, or dig the whole thing up if you have turned to all things green like. The flowers are beautiful – and edible – and and tasty. I have been picking wild the bulbs are also good for cooking with, too, like garlic since late Demini onions. cember, due to the mild weather, This is not a native plant and and all sorts of other wild greens like so many misunderstood have since been added to the list. “weeds” it is loathed by most Alexanders, sea beet, sea pursgardeners. It has a habit of selfWild leeks were lane, winter cress, nettle and seeding and running rampant dandelion are all out now, as are across the imposed order of once so invasive three-cornered leeks or Allium beds and gardens with scant that in 18th Triquetrum. regard for the gardeners’ efCentury Cornwall I had thought that, as wild forts to remove it. Originally garlic is so common, wild leek from the Mediterranean and it was against the would also be well known. Until north Africa, it was first introlaw to grow them I whipped some out at a cookduced to the country in 1759. ery demo recently and for a few Apparently it was so invasive minutes they turned out to be that in Cornwall it was against the most fascinating of rarities. the law to grow it. I’m sure the Who would have thought? That good folk of Cornwall obedientgot me thinking that perhaps I ly ripped them and any other should do a little more to extol the virtues of this prohibited plants that may have happened to mild and plentiful allium, so here goes.... spring up immediately from the soil’s bosom and Basically, if you like spring onion you can use never grew them again. Very big on authority this plant both raw and cooked in much the same and extremely law-abiding, those Cornish folk way. Your biggest problem lies in locating a patch of the eighteenth century. Having said that, it and harvesting some but once you have spotted a grows in the far west of our region with particupatch – be prepared for a few disappointments lar vigour and I can’t encourage you enough to along the way, like all new foraging targets you make the effort to get hold of some. Happy spring may well have a few false starts – you will be able to you all.

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Go wild in the kitchen Wild leeks are pungent yet delicate and work very well in pestos, pasties and pies, not to mention as a fabulous addition to roasted veg salads adding a sprinkling of spring to the last of the winter jewels.

Try a soup made with them and a little potato and wild garlic. A quiche of the same works well too. My favourite way to use them, though, is just flash-fried in a very hot pan with a little butter and tipped on top of some fresh pan roasted fish. It’s also well worth tipping a few chopped bits into the mussel or whelk pan the next time the urge takes you.

Failing all of these you can of course use them on top of pizzas, in the bases of soups, sauces and curries and they lend themselves fantastically well to a spicy Asian broth. @TimGreenSauce

Tim Maddams is a Devon chef and author of Game: River Cottage Handbook no. 15 (Bloomsbury £14.99) 40

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Drink

Beer of the week

Darren Norbury

talks beer ’ve written recently about tea being Lervig and Evil Twin breweries featuring pizza added to beer. It’s quite common and money. Yes, you read that correctly. Apparnow and I’ve expeently pizza because it is Norrienced it recently way’s biggest export (in its frozen in Atlantic Brewform), and money, in the form of ery’s Earl Grey PA (4.5% ABV), bank notes, because, well, the Adding which I appreciated the quality Norwegians aren’t short of a few of, even though the taste wasn’t bob. The frozen pizza was added ingredients such quite for me, and Electric Bear’s in the boil, while the money was as tea to beer is Samurye, where rye in the grist in lieu of dry hopping. (As it hapnothing new, but seemed a better foil for the leaf pens it didn’t taste of either pizza flavour. or money he said: rich roast, it really seems Adding ingredients such as rather, with chocolate, coffee, to be in vogue at tea to beer is nothing new, but burnt notes, dark fruit and alcothe moment it really seems to be in vogue at hol). the moment. I’ve just watched a It’s interesting that this year video blog by a friend of mine, marks the 500th anniversary Rob Derbyshire, who’s based of the German purity law – Rein Yorkshire, where the subinheitsgebot – which restricts ject was a 17.5% ABV collaboration between the that country’s brewers to just three ingredients in beer: malt, hops and water. While I like some of the added extras, such as the coffee, or cacao nibs, for instance, it really is amazing which flaCREAM CRACKERED vours you can achieve with just malt and hops, and not forgetting the all-important yeast, of Jacob’s Cream Crackers are being course. launched with a £15m advertising Black malts can give rich, roast coffee flavours, campaign. I’m a great fan of them, and pale ale malts offer biscuit or bread notes, while not just because they make such a good smoked malts, from Bamburg, in Germany, for accompaniment to cheese (which I instance, offer, well, smokey, peaty notes, someadore). They are, in fact, the perfect palate times veering in the direction of bacon. And hops cleanser if you’re having a tasting session can impart any number of fruit flavours, from of different styles of beer. blackberry hedgerow hints to sharp citrus and vivid peach, or give resinous, piney notes, espe-

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Coffee-infused beers are very much a ‘thing’ at the moment, which I enjoy much more than my infrequent cups of coffee.

Dynamite Valley Mochabilly Mocha Porter (5.5% ABV) proved a good choice for me at The Front, Falmouth. The mocha flavour works well with the roast malts and there’s nice bitter dark fruit in the background.

South West brewers gather The annual Maltings beer festival in Newton Abbot is about so much more than drinking. It’s also a big networking event for the Westcountry’s brewers. This year it’s being held from April 14-16, organised by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).

Expect to find some 280 beers from brewers from Wiltshire to Cornwall.

cially prevalent in American IPAs. So to add a non-traditional ingredient really does have to bring something big to the party. An addition of some port to a barrel of strong stout has been done by my friends at both Coastal and Penzance breweries and really does create the ultimate winter warmer. Warmer still was a curry beer Stuart Howe created when he was head brewer at Sharp’s which included chilli powder, ginger and coriander, among other things.

And that is why I love writing about beer, why no two days are the same, and why I’m always learning and tasting something new.

Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk @beertoday 41

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Enjoy

A WEEKEND IN...

MAIN PICTURE: BRIDGET BATCHELOR

Exmouth xmouth is on the up and, these days, has lots to offer for the weekend. There are great places to eat, a huge (dog-friendly) beach, fun nightlife and some rather glamorous places to stay, as well as plenty of that good old-fashioned Great British Seaside vibe.

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Stay: The Imperial Hotel is right on the beachfront, set in four acres of pretty gardens with lovely sea views. Right now, this threestar hotel has half board breaks on offer from £109 pp for two nights. Or you could keep up seaside traditions and bed down in a familyrun B&B. such as the Beachend Guest House.

It’s just a stone’s throw from the beach and has two-night stays starting at £130 pp.

Food at The Grapevine

Eat: We’re very excited that Exeter’s The Oddfellows bar and restaurant has expanded to open a new branch in Exmouth. Look out for serious cocktails and soul food, plus a chic, hipster vibe (www.theoddfellowsbar.co.uk).

The Mexican, on The Parade, is a fun venue serving surprisingly tasty Tex-Mex food with fresh, healthy ingredients (01395 223388). If you can hang on until April, The River Exe

42

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Local mussels

Kite surfing

Dog-friendly beaches

Oddfellows in Exmouth

The River Exe Cafe

Café (07761 116103) is a floating barge with superb food, moored in the beautiful Exe estuary waters – catch the water taxi (www.exeplorerwatertaxis.co.uk) from the marina.

Visit:

Exmouth Museum is a little gem of a place exploring the town’s past - from fishing to lace-making. It is housed in quaint old stables in the town centre and costs just £1.50 for adults to visit, re-opening for the summer at the end of March (01395 263785). Exmouth World of Country Life on the edge of the town is a major day out destination for families, with play areas, farm animals and much more (children £10.20, adults £12.50). Don’t forget to have a mooch

around the marina while you are here, with lovely views and great cafes to try.

Explore:

Cycle along the Exe Estuary trail along the River Exe inland to the pretty village of Lympstone. Spot rare over-wintering birds on the estuary as you go, then have lunch by a real fire at The Globe Inn (www.globelympstone. co.uk). You can hire bikes for the trail from Bikelands (www.bikelands.co.uk) – a family weekend hire (two days) for two adult bikes and two child bikes is £90.

Enjoy: A night out at The Grapevine (www.thegrapevineexmouth.com) a town centre Victorian

pub that has reinvented itself as a foodie venue serving local ales and with a lively, fun-filled live music scene. Try and coincide your visit with an appearance from nine-piece soul band One Foot In The Groove (www.lemonrock.com), who play here regularly and never fail to get everyone up on their feet and dancing.

Walk: Exmouth beach is several miles long, and sandy all the way. Both ends of the beach are dog-friendly all year round, making this a much-loved venue for dog-walkers and, until the summer season, dogs can enjoy the whole beach.

By Ellie Jones 43

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Perranuthnoe Beach

The Mexico Inn

St Michael’s Mount

My favourite:

My Secret Westcountry Ben Tunnicliffe Chef Ben Tunnicliffe runs seafood gastro-pub The Tolcarne Inn in Newlyn as well as the family-friendly restaurant Ben Tunnicliffe Sennen Cove. He lives in the village of Goldsithney, west Cornwall, with his wife Kinga and their two sons, Ollie (10) and Xander (5).

Walk: It’s impossible to pinpoint my favourite walk in west Cornwall but I would definitely head for the coast path. Whether for a leisurely stroll with the boys or a scrabble up and down the more difficult sections to blow the cobwebs away, I love the views and the exhilaration of being by the sea.

Beach: My whole family loves a walk on Perranuthnoe Beach, overlooking St Michael’s Mount.

My favourite time to visit is on a bright but blustery day in the early autumn – Kinga and I have a stroll and make exciting plans (we don’t usually have much time to chat!), while Ollie and Xander run around like crazy and end up soaking wet. They are both mad on surfing and very occasionally we all get to go together.

Arts Venue: The Tolcarne Inn is very close to Newlyn Art Gallery which has a fantastic programme of exhibitions alongside its sister gallery, The Exchange in Penzance. The recent Terry Frost exhibition was really popular – a lot of people make a day of it and come to The Tolcarne for lunch after visiting the gallery.

Activity: I’m a keen road cyclist and, as well 44

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People

Ben in the kitchen

Fishboy clothing, Penzance

Michael’s’, ‘Causeway’ and ‘Mousehole’, all of which are made at Badgers Cross on the edge of Penzance.

The Mexico Inn

Pub: I always enjoy a visit to The Gurnard’s Head near Zennor. It’s a great place to stop when cycling the north coast road. Alternatively, as a family we often meet friends there with children, as the boys and their friends can play in the garden while we adults enjoy a pint, glass of wine and something to munch. Owner Charles Inkin and the team have created the kind of atmosphere where you can lose yourself for a few hours and enjoy great food and company - we always wish we could stay for longer!

Restaurant: This changes all the time and

as riding to work regularly, I try and get out on longer adventures as often as possible. Having an active hobby is great because it keeps you fit as well as giving you time to relax and forget the stresses and strains of running two busy kitchens. As I entered my 40s, the MAMIL (Middle Aged Man In Lycra) thing happened and I got into road bikes – before I opened the new restaurant at Sennen I was averaging 100 miles a week, but now I’m rather busy!

Food: We enjoy such great seafood here in Cornwall and the South West generally, how could I choose anything else? The quality and diversity of the fish and shellfish which comes through Newlyn Market each day is incredible. All I have to do is call my fishmonger and he tells me what is freshest and best value that day. We build our menu at The Tolcarne around that, while at Sennen we offer Ben’s Market Selection.

Tipple: I love the beers produced by Josh Dunkley at Cornish Crown Ales. It’s a truly artisan operation but they also achieve great consistency – something which is really important to our customers. The range includes ‘St

really depends on my mood, but at the moment we are enjoying our visits to The Mexico Inn at Longrock near Penzance. Tom Symons and Amy Parsons have done a fantastic job of creating a proper pub, where you can just drop in for a quick pint or indulge in some of their excellent cooking. I recommend you try it if you haven’t already.

Weekend away: Fowey is great for a weekend away without going too far. There are loads of good casual places to eat and it’s always relaxing to stroll around the town or check out the boats.

Shop: Fishboy in Penzance (at the top of Chapel Street) has some great labels – everything is really good quality but a bit quirky too.

Treat: As we are so busy with The Tolcarne and our new restaurant in Sennen (we are just getting into our second season there), just spending some time together as a family is a real treat! So a walk by the sea followed by a pub lunch is heaven. The simple things are so often the best. www.benatsennen.com 45

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My life

What a week

Watch the pennies Chris McGuire wonders if we are frugal or just tight-fisted... don’t quite know how to put this.

He drank it all, groaning with each swig. Then, It’s a topic upon which I’m going glasses empty, he sat in silence basking in a smug to have to tread carefully, othersense of somehow beating a system that was wise I can see myself ending up in trying to part him from his hard-earned cash. the village stocks having past their Yet this embracement of discomfort was as sell-by date pasties thrown at me. You see, what I nothing compared to a man I saw in the superlearned this week that is people in the Westcounmarket this week. He was causing a kerfuffle try don’t like to be parted from (words are like buses, you don’t their money. Ever. use one for ages…) about a I’m not saying Westcountry carrier bag.

‘But I thought folk are tight. What I am saying “5p for a bag! Never! is they’re careful with money.

Forget it! I don’t need you don’t like Very careful. I’ll give an exama bag!” lager?’ ple. This week, I was having a What followed ‘I don’t. But it’s coffee in a popular high street was like an oldchain when a kerfuffle broke out style variety act, two pints for a (there’s a word you don’t use on a starring a man fiver. You can’t regular basis). I looked up to see trying to secrete tables, chairs, lattes and megaan entire bagful of say fairer than mocha-choca-chinos crashing to shopping about that.’ the ground all around me. Why? his person.

Coffee carnage had arrived in Lemons went the apocalyptic form of a pendown his sioner with an empty supermarj u m p e r, ket shopping trolley. Really. This eggs into lady, smartly dressed in designer clothes, was his back pockets. A sliced causing chaos with her massive kart. As customloaf was tied to his belt ers ducked for cover, a member of staff rushed like some kind of malforward. functioning bum-bag.

“Excuse me Madam. Can I park your trolley The man then waddled outside for you?” out of the supermar“Oh no dear,” came her reply. “I’m not letting ket, clearly in pain, but it out of my sight. I can’t get my bloomin’ pound serene in the knowledge coin out of it.” he hadn’t been parted Later in the week, I went for a pint with a from five pence more friend, a Westcountry lad. He has a well-paid job, than he absolutely had to. occasionally wears a tie and enjoys watching The So why did I bring up Antiques Roadshow. Some would call him dull. this Westcountry carefulI’d call him rational – and a little bit dull. Yet, ness with money? The andespite his level-headedness, I was amazed to see swer’s simple: it’s infectious. him come back from the bar with two pints of I was out and about shopping lager. He hates the stuff. when I found I needed a call of “But I thought you don’t like lager?” nature – quite urgently. I was re“I don’t. But they had an offer on, two pints for lieved to find a toilet but relief soon a fiver. You can’t say fairer than that.” turned to indignation when I discov-

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ered they were charging 30 pence to use it.

“30p for a pee!” I cried. “I’d rather wet myself.”

In London I would have paid up without a second thought but not here in the West. As I sprinted off in search of free facilities I was sure I’d taken at least one step closer to becoming a local.

PS: For regular readers who have so kindly asked after my newly-shaved legs, I can tell you they’re cold and itchy. On the plus side I’ve been asked to enter the ‘Miss Lovely Legs’ competition, Westcountry region. So every cloud…

Chris McGuire is a writer who recently moved to the Westcountry.

His hobbies include not spending money and talking about not spending money. @ McGuireski

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

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07/03/2016 18:26:16

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Immediate delivery available while stocks last. Offer valid while stocks last. Main image features the Stressless® Wave sofa.

Winter Warmers at the Langstone Cliff Hotel Sunday 3rd January 2016 - Thursday 31st March 2016 (with the exception of the Easter Weekend 25th—28th March 2016 )

From just £78.00 per room per day for two people accommodation, full English breakfast and Dinner! Quite amazing value!

No shopping, no cooking, no washing up. Friendly, helpful, all local staff.Warm, clean, pleasing accommodation, constantly being up-dated (the newly refurbished entrance hall looks quite special).

For full details of this amazing offer just scan the QR code or go to

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Web: www.langstone-hotel.co.uk Untitled-1 2

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LOVE IS...

A Michael Spiers

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