West Magazine, 17 May 2015

Page 1

17.05.15

DON’T MISS: + WILD SWIMS + COOL GINGHAM INSIDE: + CHOCOLATE

CREATIONS

+ MEET THE

GIRL RACER

PLUS: + WIN £50 BAKEWARE + VINTAGE FASHION

Demelza did next

What

HOW ELEANOR FOUND LOVE ON THE SET OF POLDARK Cover_May17.indd 1

13/05/2015 12:47:29


COME AND FIND YOUR

DARLING Gown

At Darling Gowns we aim to give our bride to be an unforgettable experience when choosing the dress of her dreams, by creating a warm friendly relaxed atmosphere. Here at Darling Gowns we are passionate about our fantastic gowns we like to offer unusual pieces for our clients, including bespoke personalised shoes, head pieces and Tiaras by using Award winning designers for our unique Brides and alternative Brides. Where the bride is not overwhelmed by 100s of dresses, in our small intimate but personal Bridal Studio, by providing the most stunning gowns of quality and individuality. For more details contact Darling Gowns 01822 853132 or Visit www.darlingweddingdresses.com Ads.indd 2 darling_gowns_pl_fullpage.indd 1

2 The Rock Complex, Yelverton, Devon PL206DS 13/05/20153:22:44 15:26:03 5/13/2015 PM


‘Our most frequently asked question is, do we ever get fed up with chocolate. The answer? Never’ Why chocolatiers Kim and Aisling O’Neill love their work, page 12

40 35

SECRET WESTCOUNTRY One chef’s top spots for food, fun and the finest views

9

DEMELZA IN LOVE How the Poldark actress found romance on set

HEALTHY CHEESECAKE With matcha and more!

[contents[ Inside this week... 6

THE WISHLIST The cutest things to buy right now

8

HELEN MIRREN’S STYLE Looking good in primrose yellow

9

JUST BETWEEN US...

12

Sh! We have the latest gossip!

12

CHOC AND AWE The best chocolatiers in the west

16

GIRL RACER The Devon driver who’s turning heads

22

ST IVES STYLE Making over a fisherman’s cottage

26

30

CHECK MATE The pick of the gingham trend

42

CHOC AND AWE Our guide to the best of the sweet stuff

A WEEKEND IN...

Fabulous Falmouth

ANNE SWITHINBANK Sweet meadows, and how to create them

29

THE BRUSH OFF Beauty tips for the best brushwork

32

VINTAGE FASHION How to wear the retro trend

34

INVENTIVE ICE CREAM A Westcountry farm works with kids

36

THE BOOST

39

FEET FIRST

Top tips for maximum wellbeing Could reflexology work for you?

44

MAN AND BOY An art gallery trip goes (somewhat) awry 3

Contents_May17.indd 3

13/05/2015 11:05:55


37

[

[

WILD SWIMS

Calling all Westcountry water babies...

[ welcome [ It’s all happening around here... Don’t things get busy at this time of year? There’s another Bank Holiday in the offing (I’d like to order better weather this time, please) and, what with half term, food fairs, music festivals and county shows, the South West really is buzzing right now. So let’s sit down this Sunday, then, and have a peaceful moment or two before the fun starts. On page 12 today we meet a mother and daughter team who have put their love of all things chocolate to good use, setting up a gorgeous chocolate cafe/shop where you can even have a go at making your own truffles (as well as eating them). I’m sure you’ll find their story inspiring - I know I did. And if you’re in a foodie

[

Tweet

of the week @Darlinggowns Thankyou to @WMNWest for our amazing feature on our shop ! Store we Adore in the Wedding Wishlist what a lovely write up

mood, we’ve got £50 worth of baking kit to win (see opposite) to celebrate the wonderful Dartington Food Fair taking place on Bank Holiday Weekend. Elsewhere, we’ve got lots of fresh fashion for the summer season, including a look at the new gingham trend on page 30 and Kathryn Clarke Mcleod’s take on how to wear vintage on page 32. And on page 26, our gardening guru Anne Swithinbank takes time out from Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time to tell us how she created a beautiful wildflower meadow at her home in east Devon. All in all, it’s a wonderful Westcountry round-up, as I’m sure you’ll agree.

If you’re in a foodie mood, we’ve a £50 baking kit to win

[

Becky Sheaves, Editor

COVER IMAGE: Ian West/PA Wire

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

MEET THE TEAM Becky Sheaves, Editor

Sarah Pitt

Kathryn Clarke-McLeod

Catherine Barnes

Phil Goodwin

4

EdsLetter_1thing.indd 4

13/05/2015 12:40:22


If you do one thing this week... Foodies will be on cloud nine at The Shops at Dartington Food Fair, with 40 food and drink producers offering goodies to sample and buy. There are also workshops, children’s activities and a cake baking competition with £50 voucher prize. Look out, too, for a pop-up supper hosted by chef Jane Baxter, pictured, to launch the fair on Saturday May 23. The fair runs from Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, May 24-25, visit www. dartingtonfoodfair.org for further information.

Win

To help West readers create cakes with the wow factor, The Shops at Dartington have a fabulous baking set worth £50 to give away. For your chance to win, just email your name, address and phone number to wmnwest@westernmorningnews. co.uk with Dartington Food Fair in the subject line, to arrive by Friday, May 29. Normal terms apply.

5

EdsLetter_1thing.indd 5

13/05/2015 12:40:52


Fun beach bag, £25, www.ollieandnic.com

IT’S LACROIX Christian Lacroix beach towel

the

£90 Amara

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

Store we adore... Sam Cox Bridal, Plymouth

Cathlene heels £40 Linzi

This shop is the stuff that bridal fantasies are made of, with dresses to swoon over from upmarket designers including Jenny Packham, Ritva Westenius, Martina Liana and Mia Mia. It also stands out for the friendliness of proprietor Sam and her staff, who make every effort to help you choose the perfect dress for your big day. “You can feel the warmth and excitement as soon as you enter the shop,” says one satisfied customer. Sam Cox Bridal is at 52 Southside Street, the Barbican, Plymouth, 01752 228451 or www.samcoxbridalwear.co.uk

6

Wishlist_May17.indd 6

13/05/2015 09:59:07


Wishlist

Lemonade jar £29.95 www.dotcomgiftshop.co.uk

fave!

Dressing gown £55

Miner’s lantern, £11, www.

Cath Kidston

coastalhome.co.uk

PRETTY Mussel shell necklace handmade by Ashburtonbased Yume Martin, £120, www.yumemartin.co.uk

For tunes Parrot Zik 2.0 headphones £299 Amara

7

Wishlist_May17.indd 7

13/05/2015 11:22:30


talking points Gillian Molesworth

Story of my life... Interior design: decisions, decisions...

o…which one do you like?” asks James, my husband. We had been browsing the array of lighting fixtures at St Austell’s B&Q for about 40 minutes. “I don’t know…several?” I said. “They’re all so different.” It’s an exciting point we’ve got to on the biggest investment of our married lives thus far: the so many: that boxy beige one, house extension. But it is also inthat simple white one, that fancy timidating, with dozens of quesbeaded one, and that kooky feathtions you barely grasp, all requirery one. Which? Which? The ing answers every day. clock was ticking. “Are you sure this is where you “I can’t do it!” I finally wailed, want the manifold?” I was asked and went home to browse 250 the other morning, and blinked more options online until my blankly at the plumber. The head was spinning and I was what? crying gently into a glass of Luckily James is more savvy white wine. than I am when it comes to Finally, I found exactly what homes and how I was looking for. they do what they The PET Lamp do (while I’m still project produces surprised wires beautiful, quirky I browsed 250 make the magic pieces in Colomswitches work) bia and Ethiopia. more options but he’s leavMade from recyonline until ing many of the cled materials, my head was design decisions these colourful to me. pieces draw on spinning and I Hence lighting. traditional basket was crying gently I do read design weaving skills for magazines, but their fun designs. into my wine my problem is They were great! that my tastes are “I’ve found exvery broad. I like actly what I want!” pretty much any style if it’s done I said to James, and showed him well: traditional, contemporary, online. “OK,” he said. “How chintzy, eclectic, country cotmuch?” tage. But you have to just pick I clicked on the “shop” tab and one, otherwise you end up with we both blinked. 700 Euros (£509) a mishmash. And if you don’t for a set of three. James made a have lots of time to spend making raspberry noise with his lips, like mood boards or if you don’t hire a horse sneezing. No wonder they an interior designer, you’re limmade their debut at the Milan ited to buying something at the Home Show. place near you, when you’ve got “It is a social enterprise,” I venthe time to do it. tured gingerly. “Find something So I’m under pressure to get else,” he said. Back to square one. some pendant lights. But I like Next stop, B&Q…

S

Primrose pretty At a Broadway opening night recently, Helen Mirren seemed to be channelling her most famous role, in a primrose yellow coat that we reckon the Queen herself would love to wear. Her Majesty probably doesn’t shop at Zara though... but we rate this good-value bell sleeve coat just as much as Helen does.

Bell sleeve coat £89.99, Zara (www. zara.com)

steal her

style

OR MAKE IT YOUR OWN

OPTION A Fitted Lace shift dress £49 M&Co

OPTION B Bright Yellow Autograph blouse £35 Marks & Spencer

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

Moley_Gossip_May17.indd 8

13/05/2015 11:09:45


BRAND NEW!

AWKWARD! Devon-based TV presenter KIRSTIE ALLSOPP reveals co-presenter PHIL SPENCER ‘hates it’ when she asks couples awkward questions about their family plans when they are looking at houses. The Location, Location, Location stars have been helping people get on the housing ladder since the hit show first began 15 years ago, and Kirstie is not afraid to quiz wouldbe buyers on matters which might influence just how many bedrooms they need in their new abode. Kirstie, who has a home in east Devon, reveals: “The thing that tortures Phil, I think probably more than anything else, is when I turn to people and I say, ‘What are your plans for children?’ And Phil’s like, ‘You can’t ask that!’ And I’m like, ‘Yes I can! They’re investing this huge amount of money in something that shelters them.” She adds: “We had one couple and

Just

the producer nearly killed me! They were Phil’s couple, Phil had shied away from asking it, I was only seeing one house with them, went in, took her aside, had the chat. “The next day, they reduced their budget by £100,000 because they realised they’d better get on with it!” Wise words from Kirstie, who has two sons with her other half businessman Ben Andersen.

Too wholesome? Tavistock-born model ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY says she was knocked back from modelling jobs at the age of 16 because she looked “too wholesome”. She tells Net-A-Porter’s online magazine The Edit: “I’ve always been considered more of a commercial model. “I started modelling when I was 16, which is just mental, and when I used

to go to castings for the shows, they would see me and say, ‘She looks too wholesome. She’s too healthy!’ And that’s bad because...? “So I would think, ‘Well, thanks. I’ll take that as a compliment.’ “I like that word, wholesome, so it’s hard for me to think of it as negative.” West says: Wholesome is a good look, Rosie!

between us! Gossip, news, trendsetters and more - you

heard all the latest juicy stuff here first!

DE M E L Z A: ‘I FOUND LOVE ON SET’ We all loved AIDAN TURNER as Ross Poldark in the recent TV series. But his on-screen wife ELEANOR TOMLINSON – who played Demelza - prefers Ben Atkinson (above), Aidan’s stunt double. Eleanor, 23, recently revealed that when she and Aidan rode on a horse together, she

was the one in control. By contrast, Ben’s equestrian skills are said to be “impressive”. Eleanor’s dad Malcolm has confirmed the rumours - but says marriage isn’t on the cards at the moment: “She is still very young. But she is completely smitten with Ben. They are very happy together.” 9

Moley_Gossip_May17.indd 9

13/05/2015 11:24:50


Roar: Isaac East from London gets into the spirit of the fossil festival in Lyme Regis

in pictures

Essentials: the official opening of a village store in the pub, the Miners Arms in Mithian, north Cornwall

Vintage: Dulcie and Lorraine modelling retro fashion in Plymouth

Hair she is: Showing off hairstyles at the GHQ hairdressing competition in Plymouth’s Holiday Inn

10

WIP_Top10_May17.indd 10

13/05/2015 10:58:34


talking points Pricey

Nul Points

ONE OF US

10 Eurovision songs that failed to score:

Famous faces who live in the Westcountry

1 Katinka, Holland 1962 2 Cry Baby, UK, 2003 3 San Francisco, Norway, 1997 4 Lopisine Mylimaj, Lithuania, 1994

This week:

5 Dio Come Ti Amo, Italy, 1966

Julian Fellowes

Artworks that only billionaires can buy:

6 En Gang I Stockholm, Sweden, 1963

1 Women of Algiers Picasso, £116 million

7 Solhverv, Norway, 1963

Downton Abbey writer Julian Fellowes lives in Dorchester, Dorset

2 The Card Players Cezanne, £158 million

8 Aldri I Livet, Norway, 1981

3 No 5, 1948 Pollock, £89 million

9 Je Suis Tombe Du Ciel, Luxembourg, 1970

4 Pointing Man, Giacometti £90.6 million

10 Opera, Turkey, 1983

5 When Will You Marry? Gaugin £197 million 6 Portrait of Adele Bloch Bauer Klimt £85.7 million

The happy list

7 The Scream, Munch £120 million 8 Three studies of Lucian Freud Bacon £90.7 million

Sweet dreams 10 things to make you smile this week 1 Devon County Show see you there!

2 Dartington Food Fair The most common nightmares:

1 Teeth falling out 2 Being chased 3 Exams 4 Naked in public 5 Death 6 Falling 7 Being trapped 8 Drowning 9 Being lost 10 Fierce animals

not to be missed, Sun/Mon May 24-25

3 Bluebells so good this year 4 Half term family time 5 Party leaders lots of new ones - and Farage (again)

6 Village cricket howzat! 7 The sea wetsuits off and in we go...

8 Drake Circus fashion central in Plymouth

9 Exams because we’re don’t have to do them!

10 Flipflops get them now

Westcountry: Julian loves living in the South West: “There’s no celebrity culture. People are judged on what they do, rather than any wealth or fame they have,” he says. Posh: Julian grew up in a smart Catholic family, and describes his diplomat father Peregrine as one “of that last generation of men who lived in a pat of butter without knowing it. My mother put him on a train on Monday mornings and drove up to London in the afternoon. At the flat she’d be waiting in a snappy little cocktail dress with a delicious dinner and drink. Lovely, really.”

Monarch of the Glen. Writer: He won an Oscar for the script of Gosford Park in 2002. In 2010 he wrote the wildly successful Downton Abbey, which will have its sixth and final series later this year.

DID YOU KNOW?

In the 1980s Julian auditioned for the role of butler in US TV series Fantasy Island but didn’t get the part

Career: Julian says he was influenced as a child by a family who lived in the same East Sussex village as him. The father, David Kingsley, was made many Peter Sellers comedies: “I learnt from David Kingsley that you could actually make a living in the film business.” Breakthrough: Julian struggled as a TV actor in Los Angeles, then moved home and won a part as Kilwillie in the long-running television series

Project: Julian is now working with US TV company NBC on The Gilded Age, a drama series based in 1880s New York.

Tory: In 2011, Julian was elevated to the Peerage as Baron Fellowes of West Stafford in the County of Dorset. He sits on the Conservative benches in the House of Lords. Cinema: Julian is the Patron of Moviola, an initiative to facilitate rural cinema screenings in the Westcountry. Family: His wife, Emma, worked as a Lady-in-Waiting to HRH Princess Michael of Kent and is the great-grandniece of Herbert, Earl Kitchener. They have one son, the Honourable Peregrine Charles Morant KitchenerFellowes, aged 24. 11

WIP_Top10_May17.indd 11

13/05/2015 10:59:25


There’s more to making truffles and pralines than meets the eye, as Rachael Dodd discovered when she paid a visit to a very special cafe/shop on Plymouth’s Barbican. Roll up your sleeves and find out what it takes to make the very finest...

hocaccino sits in the heart of Plymouth’s historic Barbican. The beautifully decorated shop window gives a glimpse of mouth-watering chocolates in neat little rows behind glass counters. It’s the vision of a picture-perfect chocolate shop, like something out of a story by Roald Dahl. But this is a chocolate shop with a difference. Once you’ve selected your chocolate treat or slice of cake you can sit and enjoy it in Chocaccino’s café. Or, as I discovered, you can have a go at making your own chocolates in their popular workshops. Self-confessed chocoholics Kim and Aisleigh O’Neill run Chocaccino as a mother and daughter duo. Essex-born Kim is an honorary Plymothian, having moved to the city aged 15: “I’ve been here a long time,” Kim said. “I came here with my parents originally when they started a business – we moved out into South Devon and I just loved it. From one breath-taking landscape to another, Kim moved to Zambia in the heart of Africa: “I lived in Africa for four years and I met my husband there – who’s Irish.” Kim said. “I worked for a travel agent and safari company – I used to go to the airport and meet all the clients, book their hotels and flights and take them out to dinner. It was very glamorous.” But when Kim and her husband had their two children, Aisleigh and Joe, they knew Africa wasn’t the ideal place to raise children and decided to return to Plymouth as a young family.

C

Kim, left, and daughter Ashleigh

12

Feature1.indd 12

13/05/2015 10:53:19


People

Aisleigh was brought up surrounded by desserts and shares her mum’s love of sweet things. “She brought me up cooking cakes and puddings from a little girl. I had a terrible sweet tooth and I still do now. If we had family dinners I always wanted to make the pudding,” she said. The pair started Chocaccino together eight years ago. “Mum had a restaurant here in Plymouth before we started here,” Aisleigh said. “She made the desserts and her sister did mains and starters. That’s where she made a business out of her love of puddings. “When they sold the restaurant, Chocaccino was something we could do together.” Both mum and daughter learned their trade at the Callebaut Chocolate Academy - the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate. “They taught us the basics, how to temper chocolate, how to make loose chocolates and bars and fillings and centres,” says Kim. “Then we came back here and started experimenting. Putting our own stamp on it all and creating our own recipes.” And experiment they did. Kim and Aisleigh are now whipping up batches of chocolates in 30 different flavours every Monday – sometimes making 100 of each. They don’t just stop at chocolates these days either. The pair also make spectacular wedding cakes decorated entirely in chocolate, 15 types of afternoon teas and sandwiches, as well as luxurious hot chocolate drinks with real Belgian chocolate. Kim and Aisleigh run the shop and café in

Rachael has a go...

13

Feature1.indd 13

13/05/2015 10:53:59


equal partnership. Kim says: “We share all the duties, serving the café, baking cakes or making the chocolate. Aisleigh does the main chocolate making, though, because she’s quite a bit quicker than me.” With so much chocolate, being a chocoholic is almost part of the ladies’ job description: “Our most frequently asked question is do we ever get fed up with chocolate,” Kim laughs. “The answer’s never. Even if I overdo it one day I can come in the next day and start nibbling all over again.” Kim and Aisleigh share their love of chocolate and expert knowledge with their customers through workshops for amateurs and professionals. And so it was time for me to have a go. Aisleigh works with professional ease as she guides me through the basics of making mini chocolate bars, larger bars and, finally, soft-centred chocolates. First, a very brief science lesson. Aisleigh explains tempering before we get started. “The sugar crystals in melted chocolate need to be roughly the same size to create a shiny chocolate bar which gives a satisfying snap when it breaks. If you don’t temper your chocolate you’ll be left with a crumbly,

Our most frequently asked question is do we ever get fed up with

the answer’s matte mess.” Heaven forbid. I temper the chocolate by slowly heating it and then cooling it back down to 30 Celsius. Standing in front of a basin of molten chocolate, I’m genuinely torn as to whether I should stir it

like I’m being told to or skip the workshop entirely and just drink it by the pint. I restrain myself, with difficulty. I’m then given moulds which have to be quickly filled with chocolate and scraped to remove any excess. Then they’re rattled briskly on the worktop, to remove any air bubbles and placed in the fridge to set. The whole process is a tricky one but made much easier with Aisleigh’s expert guidance. In 90 absorbing and satisfying minutes I’ve produced a beautiful bag of chocolate treats to take away. Which, it has to be said, took considerably less time to eat. Visit Kim and Aisleigh at Chocaccino on Southside Street, www.chocaccino.co.uk

14

Feature1.indd 14

13/05/2015 10:54:43


Our guide to the best

Sweet spots image: matt austin

The Westcountry is home to many top-notch chocolate companies. Here are some favourites...

Melchior Chocolates, north Devon

Chocolate Amour, east Devon

For the past 25 years, Swiss chocolatier Carlo Melchior has handmade award-winning chocolates in the heart of the bustling market town of South Molton.

Gill Coates runs chocolate-making courses in the village of Dalwood, perfect for hen parties, birthday parties or just having fun with friends or family.

Speciality: Carlo makes more than 50 different ganache centres to his truffles and pralines, from champagne to strawberry Prices: Buy 250g truffles online, £12.95 Contact: www.melchiorchocolates.co.uk

Speciality: Six or more people can book a bespoke course at a venue of their choice Prices: A half day chocolate-making course costs £45 per person Contact: www.chocolateamour.co.uk

Nicky Grant, west Cornwall

Willie’s Cacao, mid Devon

Based near Penzance, Nicky Grant makes exquisite wedding cakes in white chocolate, as well as selling fresh chocolates by post and running chocolate courses

You may remember Willie Harcourt-Cooze from his TV show (Willie’s Wonky Chocolate Factory) a few years back. He’s still making topnotch chocolate in Tiverton, now selling worldwide.

Speciality: Nicky can make bespoke wedding favours, such as edible chocolate place names Prices: Box of assorted fresh chocolates, £14 Contact: www.nickygrant.com

Speciality: Single-origin chocolate from beans imported direct from Peru, Venezuala and Madascar Prices: 80g bar of Venezualan Gold chocolate £2.99 Contact: www.willieschocolateshop.com 15

Feature1.indd 15

13/05/2015 10:55:57


Interview

[

SOPHIE FASEY

Meet the girl racer

[

Move over, boys, or Devon’s Sophie Fasey may just knock you out of the way. Meet the teenaged racing sensation who says that prejudice has fuelled her drive to win

By Catherine Barnes

“ W

hen people look at me in the street, they see a girly girl who likes shopping,” says Sophie Fasey, a pretty blue-eyed blonde who doesn’t deny that she can be described as just that. But there’s more... “People can’t believe I race stock cars, but when they put me down it makes me more determined to win. It makes me want to prove them all wrong.” In her five-year racing career, Sophie, from Sampford Peverell near Tiverton, has won 75 races, eight championships and a haul of 145 trophies, thanks to her skill for driving fast and hard. “People think because she’s into cars she’s tomboyish, but she definitely likes her hair and nails done,” laughs her mum Alison, 42. “Racing’s not just a boys’ thing.” When she’s not on the track, Sophie loves shopping at New Look and Topshop with her friends who, she says unconcernedly, have never seen her race: “They don’t really understand it,” she admits. Considered and quietly spoken, her self-assurance is all the more remarkable in that she is just 15 years old. She neither boasts about nor downplays her achievements as a female groundbreaker in a sport dominated by the opposite sex. Sophie lives with Alison, dad Leon, 49 and little brother Lewis, 10 and competes in both banger racing and go-karting. Her main event is Orci Ministox, a junior form of stock car

16

Feature2_StockCar.indd 16

13/05/2015 10:48:21


photography: Steve Haywood

17

Feature2_StockCar.indd 17

13/05/2015 11:36:22


Interview

racing which takes skill, speed and some seriouspelvis. Some people would have given up, but it ly hard knocks to come out on top. Competitions made me more determined. I’m not always the and meetings take place all over the UK every fastest but I get to the front because of my drivweek, with competitors (aged between 11 and 16) ing skills and because I don’t ever give up.” gunning laps of the racing cirSophie and fellow Ministox cuits at 60mph in stripped-down, racers are mourning the tragic souped-up Minis. death of 11-year old champion “Because I’m a points chamKeir Millar following a race ‘I’ve rolled the pion I have to start at the back, track accident in Fife last week. behind 30 other cars at the beMum Alison comforts herself by car over twice. ginning of a race,” says Sophie, pointing out that there are risks Once I ran into who astonished crowds by winassociated with many other a wall and bent ning her first race on her 11th sports adored by youngsters, inbirthday. “With Formula One, cluding horse riding. The safety my pelvis. It just the faster you are, the closer regulations and procedures are makes me more to the front you start. But with super-stringent, she says. determined’ stock car racing, the more you “It’s very rare for children to win, the further back you begin. get hurt, although I used to have So you have to push the other my heart in my mouth all the cars out of the way. time,” she admits. “It didn’t come easy and Broken bones are, fortunatethere’ve been lots hard hits and ly, few and far between, but crashes to get where I am now. I’ve rolled the car hurtful words have been flung around during over twice. Once, I ran into a wall and bent my most of Sophie’s career. Shockingly, the most

[[

confrontational attitudes have come from adults, says Alison. “She’s had a lot of people put her down and was even accused of cheating – although it was proved false,” says Alison. “The worse thing is; it’s not the other children, but parents and promoters. It’s been really sad to think people put her down, when it’s so unusual for a girl to be so good. You think they’d make more of it.” But doughty Sophie’s matter-of-fact: “There is prejudice,” she concedes. “Not many girls race and not many are good. People say, how’s a girl beating a load of lads? But there’s no difference – it’s all down to how good a driver you are. My parents say, just ignore them – and beat them.” “I still get nervous at championships,” confesses Alison, “but she’s so determined. She’ll tell me, don’t talk negatively! You don’t get anywhere if you do. I guess she gets that from her dad.” It was Alison who first taught Sophie to drive, along a private lane near the family business selling and servicing commercial vans. But it was dad Leon – a champion stock car racer in his own time – who fired up their daughter’s passion.

18

Feature2_StockCar.indd 18

13/05/2015 10:49:11


“From the time I was five I just wanted to race like my dad,” says Sophie. “Leon got such a buzz out of watching her compete, that he began taking her racing more than he was racing himself,” remembers Alison. “He was quite a success in his own time but we never thought that she’d get there. After she won the first race, it went a bit downhill, lots of crashes and she just couldn’t quite get the hang of it. Then we threw her in at the deep end with a race in London and suddenly everything clicked and she just got better and better.” Leon and Sophie also maintain her car together on a weekly basis, as well as checking and finetuning it before and after every single race. “It’s often the time spent in the workshop that wins the races,” explains Alison. “Dad and I work on the car when Lewis is at football,” adds Sophie. “I’m there every time dad spends under the bonnet - I know what I’m doing.” Between her racing fixtures, Sophie’s currently revising for the 10 GCSEs she’s sitting this summer, after which she’s being taken on as a

Sophie is supported by the whole family - mum Alison, dad Leon and brother Lewis

19

Feature2_StockCar.indd 19

13/05/2015 10:49:34


Interview

trainee in the family business. She’s also set to study hairdressing at college, explaining, “I wanted to do something completely different.” Once she’s drawing a wage, Sophie plans to chip into the costs of pursuing her sport. Alison explains that since buying Sophie’s £1,500 car six years ago (small beer compared to the £8,000 motors raced by some young competitors), the only significant expenditure has been on the petrol used towing it to meetings, which the whole family enjoys. Indeed, little brother Lewis is raring to follow in the footsteps of the sister he idolises, as soon as he turns 11 and is old enough to compete. “He watches and says he has lot to live up to and is always proud of me when I win,” says his sister. “We’re all so committed and I think that’s why I’m doing well. We do this together, as a family.” Once she celebrates her 16th birthday at the end of this month, Sophie will be too old to compete in the junior classes. She’s driving in the Junior British Banger Championship being held near Cannock today and her final under 16s races will be Northampton and Essex next weekend. “It’s going to be a sad time for me as I enjoy it so much,” says Sophie, who’s set to move up a gear into adult stock car racing. She’ll spend the rest of the year in training and aims to take part in her first novice championships next March. “No girl’s ever won that before,” she says, and there’s already a competitive gleam in her eye. This girl is definitely one to watch.

20

Feature2_StockCar.indd 20

13/05/2015 10:50:01


22

interiors

35

recipes

30

36

fashion

wellbeing 21

Intro.indd 21

13/05/2015 11:32:33


Light & easy Interior designer Giorgi Holland tells Sarah Pitt about bringing bright, quirky innovations and a touch of glamour to a fisherman’s cottage in St Ives or designer Giorgi Holland, taking on Sailfish Cottage in St Ives was a real design challenge. Many of the projects she undertakes are about bringing splashes of colour and sleek furnishings to modern spaces. This 19th century fisherman’s cottage was a much more traditional space, with low ceilings and beams, thick walls and sash windows. While breathing new life into this property, Giorgi has been careful not to erase the cottage’s historical charm. But her design scheme also has a modern freshness to it, with unexpected flourishes like luxurious upholstered headboards in the cottage bedrooms. “The brief from the owners was ‘contemporary cottage’, that was the feel I was going for,” says Giorgi, design director for Hayle-based company Iroka. “It has all been about taking a different angle, something that’s not usually done with these sort of fishermen’s cottages. Everybody always goes for an obviously seaside-y look. I decided to do something a bit different.” Her plans for the cottage started with sorting out the lighting, which she says was fundamentally important for the whole scheme. “With their low ceilings, cottages can be quite dingy so lighting needs to bring the design to life,” says Giorgi. “Without it, I don’t think that the scheme would have worked.” The sitting room was her biggest challenge in this respect. “That room was particularly dark. It was the trickiest room in the house, as the ceiling is very low,” she says. She has achieved her aim with down-lighting in the corner cupboards, stylish wall lights and installing a new window in the

F

22

NEW_Interiors_May17.indd 22

13/05/2015 10:40:09


Interiors

The former fisherman’s cottage in St Ives has been given a new lease of life thanks to bright, airy design

wall between the sitting room and the hall. “I knew that it would work, but it was something that the client was very nervous about – they are absolutely convinced now though!” she says. She has also gone for striking lighting elsewhere in the house. There are dramatic chrome wall-lights in the master bedroom, complementing the buttoned grey headboard to create a glamorous look. “I think it is really important to soften a space. A wooden headboard would have felt too plain in there,” Giorgi says. The colour scheme is muted and subtle throughout, in greys and off-whites. It’s far softer than the brilliant white paint that the cottage was previously paintedm with. “I’ve used Farrow and Ball paints, and I’ve often gone for a shade or two away from white,” Georgi explains. “You don’t necessarily need pure white to refresh a space.” In another bedroom she has brightened the decor with eye-catching abstract poppy cushions by Finnish designer Marimekko. The same striking print features in the wallpaper used to line open shelves, which Giorgi converted from a cleaning cupboard. “We didn’t really need the cleaning cupboard – there is another one at the top of the stairs – so I’ve opened it up as shelves and made a feature

STYLE TIP: Avoid brilliant white paint in small

cottages- a shade or two off-white is softer and more restful to the eye

23

NEW_Interiors_May17.indd 23

13/05/2015 10:40:35


Interiors

With low ceilings and small rooms, the Cornish cottage was a design challenge, says interiors expert Giorgi Holland of them with the poppy wallpaper,” she says. “I chose the Marimekko print because it’s unexpected.” With the rest of the room in pale grey, white and off-whites, the splashes of colour are cheery and welcoming. The red of the poppy cushions chimes with the mauve windowseat cushion in the sash window, as well as the pale grey painted corner cupboard. Giorgi designed the wardrobes, fitted cupboards and shelving throughout the cottage herself. The unit in the sitting room has a sliding door to conceal a TV, along with a number of cleverly commodious storage spaces. “I designed them specially, because space is tight,” she says. “I wanted to maximise the storage.” She has also used mirrors to bring more light throughout the cottage. The bathroom was a challenge because of restricted space, so she has chosen a mirror which has wall-lights mounted on it. This contrasts with the all-white tiles

which have a pretty textured pattern. “These mirror-mounted wall-lights are very contemporary, so I went for tiles which are very intricate. It created an overall balance,” she says. “The bathroom was awkward because it is such

STYLE TIP: Choose a striking print for details

like cushions and shelves, to contrast with an understated overall paintwork scheme

a small space, so I really wanted to do something that would make it seem bigger but without making it too contemporary.” The whole design project took just six weeks to complete from start to finish, completed by a team of local tradespeople. “There are some very skilled people hereabouts, very much on the same wavelength as me,” she says. “The most satisfying thing about the project was seeing it all finished off, having managed it myself all the way through. That, and seeing how absolutely delighted the client is,” says Giorgi. “And of course, I’m absolutely delighted too.” Visit www.iroka.co.uk to see other projects by Giorgi Holland

24

NEW_Interiors_May17.indd 24

13/05/2015 10:41:04


Interiors

GET THE

LOOK

Pair soft, muted colours with a splash or two of brightness

Marimekko Pieni Unikko red cushion, £34.50 www.cloudberryliving.co.uk

Northern Lighting acorn pendant £302 www. cloudberryliving. co.uk

Orbis nest of tables £109 Fairway Furniture Plymouth and www. fairwayfurniture.co.uk

Bardot soft mauve throw £25 www.made.com

Anglepoise chrome wall light £167.67 www. design55online.co.uk

Elise tall bed £819 www.livingitup. co.uk

25

NEW_Interiors_May17.indd 25

13/05/2015 10:42:45


Gardens

ANNE SWITHINBANK

Wildflower meadows Devon’s Anne Swithinbank, panellist on Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time, on why sometimes it is better not to mow the grass lossom is drifting, trees and hedges greening up, rhododendrons bursting their buds and lawns burgeoning. Tomorrow is press day for Chelsea Flower Show and all week, we’ll be regaled with TV coverage of perfect peonies, iris, roses, lupins and lilies. There should even be ceramic tulips from Paul Cummins, creator of the poppies at the Tower of London. Among the magnificent show gardens will be artfully created wild flower meadows and, after Chelsea, plenty of gardeners will be gazing with intent at their own grassy swards. A meadow area has a lot going for it and here are plenty of reasons why you should have one, however modest. Proper, traditional meadows are now a rarity in the countryside, because fields are made to work hard with grass cultivated for silage, hay and grazing. Deep down among the roots and stems of long, undisturbed grass lies a world teeming with life - including voles which provide food for birds of prey, especially owls. Moths and butterflies lay their eggs on grasses and wild flowers where caterpillars feed and ultimately pupate. In turn, they are food for birds and bats. These creatures have access to field edges, hedge bottoms and conservation areas but our garden meadows help link them together. In large gardens, energy is wasted by regular mowing and leaving areas to grow creates pleasant contours. For tiny gardens, it is fun to replicate a country estate in miniature by arranging flowers and formality by the house, a breathing space of paving or lawn in the middle and a wild area of apple tree or shrub with long grass at the bottom. Some of us with rural plots will find our lawns have evolved from old pastureland ready to spring back with a mix of grass and peren-

B

26

Gardening_May17.indd 26

12/05/2015 16:25:15


nial wildflower species. These can survive mowing (which is similar to grazing) by persisting for many years as a basal rosette of leaves attached to a strong tap root. Stop mowing and they rise up and flower. Even ordinary lawns erupt into a tapestry of grasses and lawn weeds (selfheal, speedwell, buttercups and yarrow). If your meadow is barren, buy or raise the wild flowers in pots or plugs and add them in. Or beg some from friends with local, established meadows. These are essentially herbaceous perennials, so plant or move them in spring or autumn when grasses are low. Annual cornfield flowers like poppies won’t last in a grassy meadow, as they rely on areas of bare soil for their seeds to germinate. You will sometimes read that the only way to establish a meadow is to strip off the topsoil to remove the fertility that favours grasses. You then sow the meadow mixture of your choice and because the grasses will be stunted, the flowers survive better. I’m not keen on this partly because it is hard work but mainly because I

think you should work with what’s normal for your locality. Eventually meadows need cutting, otherwise grasses will dominate and saplings begin to take root, moving the area towards scrubby woodland. There is no right answer as to when to cut - the wildlife will be so diverse, one time won’t suit all. The best bet is to cut in stages, so some areas are left longer while others are cut short for wild flowers to prosper. This way, you won’t be destroying all the vole habitat at once, or chopping off grass stems containing chrysalises in one go. I love the wild flowers in our meadow, which include corkyfruited water dropwort, knapweeds, cat’s ear and meadowsweet. My husband John and I have planted wild daffodils and orchids have started to appear on their own. Under the apple trees we’ve added non-native blue-flowered Camassia and Tulip ‘Apeldoorn’ and this autumn, I’m going to try scoring recently cut areas to expose soil and sow through with yellow rattle. This native annual is a semi-parasite of grass, so it naturally encourages more wild flowers.

West reader queries answered by Anne Swithinbank Part of our clematis ‘Perle d’Azur’ planted last autumn has suddenly wilted and shrivelled up. However the bottom section with side shoots seems ok. What is the cause and is the rest of it likely to die off too?

There is a condition known as clematis wilt sometimes caused by a fungal infection but also by poor growing conditions, or even by a slug or snail eating through a stem near the base (careless gardeners are sometimes also to blame). ‘Perle d’Azur’ is a late-flowering hybrid and the fungal infection is more common amongst the mid-season, large-flowered hybrids. I would get down on hands and knees for a close inspection of the stems and if slug damage is to blame, take steps to trap or kill them. Clematis need a deep, cool root run so if you dug a planting hole on top of rubble or in shallow topsoil, consider moving the plant to a better site while it is still young.

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

Q

Anne’s advice for your garden

• P rune forsythia, ribes (flowering currant) and other spring blooming shrubs by cutting back the stems that have just flowered, leaving small spurs behind. These will sprout strong new stems for top quality flowers next year. Cut out a few of the older, tattier stems of thicket-like plants to improve shape. • Sow ipomoea (morning glory) seed into pots or modules in the greenhouse. These are worth

Question time with Anne Q

This week’s gardening tips

Last year, my carrot crop was ruined by brown marks and tunnels into the roots, so how can I make sure this is not going to happen again this year?

Carrot fly tends to be a problem almost everywhere unless steps are taken to avoid it. The small, low-flying females lay eggs which hatch into small maggots that eat first the fine roots, then tunnel into tap roots. They have two or three generations in a growing season and are attracted to carrots by their smell. I always cover mine with fleece immediately after sowing and keep it on to exclude the fly. Or erecting a 60cm/2ft high barrier of clear plastic around the crop is said to keep out the low-flying beasts. There are biological controls to explore but covering is probably the cheapest option. This must take place on a fresh site, otherwise you might get flies hatching under the covers.

sowing late, as they won’t grow properly when the weather is chilly. • Provide support for perennials likely to grow long stems and topple later. Push in twiggy sticks, ready made supports or weave your own crabpots of wand-like stems for plants to grow through. • Sow kales, winter cabbage, lettuce, carrots, beetroot, swede, turnip, runner and French beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, courgettes and pumpkins.

Take cuttings of fuchsias, pelargoniums, heliotrope and other tender perennials to increase stock. Taking the shoot tips as cuttings also serves as ‘pinching out’ which encourages the mother plants to branch out and produce more shoots and blooms.

Plant greenhouse cucumbers bought as plants or sown earlier. They do best potted into bottomless pots stood on growing bags or borders as this raises them higher and protects vulnerable stems from rotting on cold nights. 27

Gardening_May17.indd 27

12/05/2015 16:25:39


Beauty

Tried

& tested

We present the best bridal treats and cheats, all trialled by West magazine’s Catherine Barnes, with help from daughter Tilly, 17.

Make a splash

Littlewoods stocks an impressive range of beauty brands in its online catalogue. Boost your lashes with L’Oreal’s Million Lashes mascara, £14 at www.littlewoods.com

Paint the rainbow with New Look’s matte polishes, £2.99 each

IT’S PAMPER TIME! Treat yourself: This little pamper kit contains facemask, revitalising eye pads, leave-in hair mask and intensive foot cream. £7.49 from www. thegiftoasis.com

HEY,

HOT LIPS! Iconic London prides its pigmentpacked lip glosses on their staying power. £12 each www. inconiclondoninc.com

MISTY

Smooth work Apply this Moroccan Black Soap (with argan oil) to face or body in a steamy bathroom and leave on for up to 10 minutes to unclog pores, then rinse. For a super smooth limbs, follow up with an exfoliating glove buff. £12.99 from www.alassala.co.uk

This body mist looks cute and smells fresh with essential oils of lemongrass, ginger and rosemary. £4 at www. missselfridge.com

28

Beauty_May17.indd 28

12/05/2015 16:52:31


the review How to do it:

Three of the best:

BRUSHES Apply your make-up in style with the best brushes that money can buy

For lips that last, prime, then apply lipstick with a roundtipped lip brush. Blot, then reapply your colour. Illamasqua’s lip brush (£18.50) is a great shape and comes with a cover to protect the bristles (and prevent lippie from smearing the inside of you makeup bag!)

Sustainable EcoTools get the thumbs up for kindness to nature: Their brushes are made with synthetic hair, bamboo and recycled aluminium handles.

Prices start at £5.40 for a concealer brush and you can find them at www.boots.com

Line up Polish up your tight-lining technique, with MAC 212 Flat Definer Brush (£19). It’s great for applying eyeliner as close as possible along the upper lashes.

www.maccosmetics.co.uk

I should cocoa Feel the benefit of this chocolate treat going straight to your hips - this fabulous body scrub contains cane sugar, cocoa shell and butter to leave your skin silky soft. £20 at www.hotelchocolat.com/uk

Powder power

Organic skincare brand Green People’s grown from strength to strength since mum and former nurse Charlotte Vøhtz launched it in 1997 and now it’s available to buy at Waitrose. Cleanse, tone and moisturise with its Blemish Control Kit (£24.95), suitable for all skin types including acne-prone or oily. Ingredients include lovely-scented rose geranium.

Fat brushes are great for a light application of powder to finish off your face. Kabuki brushes originated in Japan, where they were used to apply make-up by actors in traditional theatre.

Find this Lola Brocha Kabuki Brush (£19) at www.marksandspencer.com

Good Value Seeking a value for money kit to cover the works? There’s five pieces in the Models Own brush range, costing just £9.99

(www.modelsownit.com)

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

Beauty_May17.indd 29

12/05/2015 16:53:03


Peplum shift dress £39.99 Bonprix

Check it out

Cashmere stole £199 Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous

Slimming and very summery, gingham is our new check mate Rocket Dog pumps £14.99 Get The Label

e’re more than thrilled to see gingham - and checks of all sort - making a fashion-forward statement this springtime. Not only do checks have a pleasant habit of making you look slimmer (tip - especially if you go for a larger check), they also have a timeless charm that means you can shop for these items in the confidence that they won’t date. For summertime days at work, a black and white checked dress is just the thing, while this va-va-voom gingham bikini is perfect for holiday packing - or just a Whit weekend at the beach right here in the Westcountry. Accessories, too, can benefit from the gingham treatment: we love these charming spectacle cases from Swanky Maison - order online and you can get your name embroidered on. Cute!

W

30

Fashion_May17.indd 30

12/05/2015 16:17:15


Fashion Blue croptop £16 Miss Selfridge

Large check Scuba dress £55 Long Tall Sally

Scarlet Molly apron £21.95 Kitchen Buddies

Boucle blanket £18 F&F Tesco

Blue pencil skirt £25 Miss Selfridge

Limited edition clutch bag £29.50 Marks & Spencer

H o lly w ood c £48 Bou h e c k b ik in i x Avenu e

Personalised glasses case £16.95 Swanky Maison

Short sleeved blouse £10 F&F Tesco 31

Fashion_May17.indd 31

12/05/2015 16:18:12


Trend

HOW TO WEAR IT:

Vintage picnic Kathryn Clarke-Mcleod packs lunch MAIN PHOTO HAIR: AIMEE AT SAKS, EXETER MAKEUP: CLARINS, DEBENHAMS (BOTH PRINCESSHAY) PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE HAYWOOD STILL-LIFE PHOTOGRAPHS: PR SHOTS

and heads for the outdoors intage fabrics were the best, weren’t they? The unabashed playfulness, brightness and chinz made them a delight to wear and the recent VE day commemorations have brought them to the fore. But, how does one pull off a fashion nod to a bygone era without looking ‘costumey’? I think it is entirely possible to look good in vintage prints, as long as you keep a few simple guidelines in mind. It is all fashion, at the end of the day, so a lot of the fundamentals still apply. One of the rules is to dress for your personality. Just because you are channelling the old days, doesn’t mean you should forget what makes you tick. Don’t try to be something you’re not. That would be tantamount to getting into fancy dress. I have a pretty well-honed work wardrobe for 2015, so when I set off shopping for something a little retro it was with weekends firmly in mind. But how does I spend a lot of my weekend one pull off a time at the beach, so set out fashion nod to looking for something that could be flung on over my batha bygone era ers and be right at home at a without looking cliff-top picnic. Cath Kidston ‘costumey’? has a store in Exeter, and was made for the British weekend. This season’s collection is particularly charming. I took an immediate shine to the River good fabric. A cheaper version of Fish print when I saw it in the Princesshay store. this dress might look like a sack, but the clean But, boy oh boy, did I go back and forth on lines keep an element of chic alive. There’s noththe idea.Problem is, the same print is also availing worse than being bolted into a garment that able in homeware. Think towelling and aprons. restricts movement, or even worse, breath. None It looks right at home there. Which made me of that here. question the wisdom of an entire dress covered Remember, your hair and makeup can steer in these finny friends. Then I remembered that the direction considerably. If I had gone for pin fortune favours the bold. You sure can’t get any rolls and a red lip this look would have been a bolder, and I’m partial to fortune. I grabbed it. much stronger statement. Since going the whole The dress ticked another key box when shophog on retro isn’t my style, I kept loose waves and ping vintage. It is liveable. Ridiculously comfortminimal makeup to enhance the casual beachy able in fact. It is well cut, and well made from potential on offer. Before you head off shopping,

V

Dress, Cath Kidston Princesshay, £60 Shoes, Cath Kidston Princesshay, £24 Bag, Cath Kidston Princesshay, £75 Bangles, Cath Kidston Princesshay, £7

let’s talk about sneakers. Regular readers will know these lace-ups are not my usual style. But you know those Monday mornings where you are, for want of a better word, sulking about having to work for a living? You can’t muster up the enthusiasm for a work outfit and you certainly aren’t wearing heels on the train. Pop these babies on. A guaranteed pick-me-up. The rest of you may be headed working week, but your feet will be permanently ensconced in the weekend. All fashion in these pictures is from Princesshay Shopping Centre, Exeter, www.princesshay.co.uk

32

TrendColumn_May17.indd 32

13/05/2015 15:02:53


CREW CLOTHING Iberis trainer £30

NEXT Daisy print shirt £28

GET THE

look

CATH KIDSTON Ric Rac embroidered shawl £45

KAREN MILLEN Flat sports sandal £85

HOBBS Polencia dress £169

CATH KIDSON Paradise Bunch large leather trim tote £75

EAST Marigold dress £79

33

TrendColumn_May17.indd 33

13/05/2015 10:08:31


Food Meeting the herd at Langage Dairy Farm near Plymouth

Invent your own

ice cream

Could your children be about to create the next from. big thing in the dessert world? “What’s more, we’ll be encouraging them to Young people are being asked to invent their think of healthy ingredients. I really appreciate own frozen yoghurt flavour, with the winning the support of Tesco and the Flavour Fest team ideas brought to life to be sold at Plymouth’s in making this happen and hope we can raise Flavour Fest in August and actually on sale in some serious money for charity, too.” supermarket freezer aisles. The contest will raise money for local charity Devon’s Langage Farm has teamed up with Jeremiah’s Journey, which supports children Tesco and the Flavour Fest organisers to who have been bereaved. launch the ‘Flavour Find 2015’ CEO Joanne Anning says: contest. “This is an exciting competition Children aged between 5 and for children across Plymouth to ‘This is a 16 can enter, and have until get involved in and really be creacompetition May 31 to submit entries. tive. Three lucky finalists will be “The extra special bit is that that’s fun, able to visit Langage’s dairy it involves children at every level educational and farm in the South Hams and from the designing of a new prodhelp bring their new frozen uct to supporting those who are helps children yoghurts to life before the new facing a really difficult time.” understand inventions are taken around TV chef Richard Hunt is one of where their food Plymouth for a taste test by the the judges, and has been handing general public. out tips. “My advice to those who comes from’ At the launch of the comare entering would be to put a big petition, pupils from the Holy dollop of imagination into your Cross School in Plymouth got flavour combinations,” he said. to meet the cows that will be helping to produce “The project brief calls for entries that are fun the new yoghurt. and whacky but it also asks you to think about Langage manager Paul Winterton says: “I’m ingredients that are going to be a hit with the delighted to launch the Plymouth Flavour Find people of the Westcountry. for children across the city, in the build up to “For me, it’s about getting the balance right, what promises to be a great summer and a and thinking about what ingredients would comreally tasty Flavour Fest this year. plement one another nicely”. “We really wanted to launch a competition Richard, who has appeared on TV programmes this year that is fun, educational and helps such as Channel 4’s Kirstie’s Vintage Christmas, children understand where their food comes will be helping Langage Farm whittle down all

[[

Invent a flavour of ice-cream to win this contest the entries into three finalists, whose flavours will then be tasted by the public before a winner is announced in time for Plymouth Flavour Fest in August. The Plymouth Flavour Find is supported by Tesco, who will use their local stores to both sample the flavours of the three finalists and sell the winning frozen yoghurt.

GET INVOLVED: In order to enter the competition, children aged between 5 and 16 should visit Langage’s website at langagefarm.com/latest-moos/ where the full brief can be found. Entries close on 31 May 2015. 34

FoodieAlly_May17.indd 34

13/05/2015 10:30:52


MAIN PICTURE: ANDY MAC

Food

ally mac’s

Berry & matcha raw cheesecake Ally says: If you have yet to try any raw desserts I urge you to do so. You don’t have to be vegan or a raw food enthusiast to enjoy these treats. You may be surprised to learn that this ‘cheesecake’ contains absolutely no cheese. It is made from… wait for it… cashews! Cashews make the creamiest, smoothest, luscious cheesecake that really does rival the real thing. Honest. Cheesecake? Good for me? Um, yes. Not as in an eat-for-breakfast-everyday kind of way, but to replace your animal-fat heavy, sugarladen, digestion-halting regular cheesecake? Absolutely.

Here’s the deal: This cheesecake is raw, meaning that all the powerful vitamins, minerals, and enzymes present in the whole foods you use to make the cake remain intact. So in place of an atom bomb of empty calories in your belly, you instead have a mixture of wholesome fruit, nuts and raw honey. I use Manuka honey, which is produced in New Zealand and has strong antibacterial properties. It is expensive, but is much better for you than the standard supermarket variety. Matcha: One of the most powerful super foods you can buy. It’s a green powdered tea from the Far East, made from the nutrient-rich young leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, ground into very fine powder.

You will need:

Method:

Crust:

To make the crust: Process the nuts and dates in a food processor until the nuts have become crumbs and the mixture sticks together when you press it. Add the shredded coconut. Press into the bottom of a spring form pan and put in the fridge. I used a seven-inch tin.

2 cups raw nuts (I used walnuts and almonds that were slightly toasted) 1 cup dates (chop into small pieces - it also helps if you soak them in warm water for five minutes) Pinch of Himalayan pink salt 1/4 cup of shredded unrefined unsweetened coconut (usually found in health shops)

Filling: 3 cups cashews (soaked in water for a minimum of four hours, ideally overnight) Juice of 1 lemon, plus the zest 3 tbsp Manuka honey or maple syrup 6 tbsp melted coconut oil 1 vanilla pod 1 tbsp matcha powder 1 cup of mixed berries (I used raspberries)

To make the matcha layer: Blend all the ingredients (except the lemon zest) in your blender until smooth and then add the lemon zest and the matcha powder. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture for the raspberry topping; pour the rest onto your crust and put in the freezer. To make the raspberry layer: Blend the raspberries and the 1/4 cup of cheesecake mixture in your blender until creamy but retaining small pieces of raspberries for texture. Spread this over your cheesecake and keep in the freezer or fridge overnight. It is even better after two days.

Natural food expert Ally Mac lives and cooks in South Devon. Ally specialises in devising good-for-you recipes that are easy to prepare at home. She also sells several of her own delicious healthy products online at www.allyskitchenstories.co.uk 35

FoodieAlly_May17.indd 35

13/05/2015 10:31:17


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

SOFTLY SOOTHE Looking for a steroid-free way to soothe and treat itchy skin conditions? Mum of two Lee Heads was, too, and came up with this skin-gentle solution for her baby son’s eczema. Her Bria Organics formula contains healing herb oils including borage, rosehip and chickweed. It’s great for soothing and managing eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and cradle cap and it calms stress-induced rashes, too. There’s also a soothing bath and body oil available at www.briaorganics.com

W

LET’S TANGO As all of us Strictly fans know, the Argentine Tango is quite a dance - an intense communication between two individuals. The dancers do not follow a fixed pattern; each step leads to the next, in countless variations. To learn to tango is ‘as easy as learning to walk’, say the folks at Devon Dance, who hold Beginners and Improvers classes at Stokeinteignhead Village Hall, Stoke Road, Stokeinteignhead, Devon (TQ12 4QB) on Mondays, just £6 per person. They also offer special tango classes for people with Parkinson’s Disease – how cool is that? Visit www.devondance.co.uk for details. 36

Wellbeing_May17.indd 36

13/05/2015 10:26:55


They’re berry good for you

DO YOU NEED A BRUSH UP?

Yes, carrots are good for your eyes, but bilberries (better known as whortleberries down our way) are also good news for eye health. They can help reduce your risk of macular degeneration and cataracts thanks to anthocyanosides, which are potent antioxidants. Legend even has it WW2 RAF pilots ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision. If the wonder-berries prove tricky to track down at the greengrocer, you can buy them in jam or chutney (£2.65) from www.westcountrycheese.co.uk and in tincture or tabletform from Health Plus at www.veganicity.com

How often do you wash your makeup brushes? According to Flavio Refrigeri, of Clinica Fiore Skin Medica, we ought to shampoo and air-dry them once a WEEK. Flavio says a regular kit-cleanse is important to offset clogged pores and breakouts. And check your makeup’s sell-bys, too: “Expired cosmetics can cause skin irritation and eye infections, which can lead to longer term skin problems that are harder to combat,” says Flavio. See Beauty Review (p29) for the best brushes to buy now.

Wild water There’s nothing quite like an open air swim. For advice on swimming safely in the region’s sea, rivers and lakes, as well as some great off-the-beaten-track bathing options, visit www. wildswimming.co.uk. We like the sound of the secret swimming spot 20 minutes upstream of the Tarr Steps on Exmoor’s River Barle, as well as the Treyarnon Bay tidal pool - eight feet deep sea water trapped by natural rocks on a beautiful stretch of north Cornish coastline. Splash!

SINGLES:

Fancy a walk? If you’re on your own but fancy a nice country walk, with the chance to meet like-minded friends (or even a new partner!) then Strolling Singles might be for you. The group meets for weekend walks all over Cornwall, with a ramble around the beautiful Trelissick peninsula at Feock, on the River Fal, scheduled for next Saturday (May 23). For more details call 07890467310 or visit www.strollingsingles.co.uk 37

Wellbeing_May17.indd 37

13/05/2015 10:27:27


Wellbeing

Feet first

Reflexology

Could reflexology work for you?

Could this traditional Chinese treatment work for you? Tavistock-based expert Annie Cooke explains:

to promote general health. Altogether, it is an excellent way of relaxing and harmonising the body. At an appointment there will be a preliminary Devon-based reflexologist Annie talk about your health issues. Then you will Cooke explains: Reflexology is be asked to remove your shoes and socks and, a complementary therapy while sitting in a comfortable position, your feet that works on the hands will be massaged. There is no need to worry and feet to help the body about ticklish feet, as the experience is much to heal itself. It comes from deeper than this. the ancient Chinese and uses The reflexologist will access all the different the concept of chi (energy) that points on the feet and some of these may feel a flows through the body. little sensitive. Any discomfort is fleeting and Reflexologists believe there is a point on the an indication of congestion or imbalance in a feet or hands that corresponds corresponding part of the body. to every part or organ of the It is generally a pleasant and body. By massaging these, your Refl exology soothing experience. body is given the optimum Reflexology treatments usually comes from the opportunity to heal itself. last approximately 45 minutes I have been a practising ancient Chinese although this can differ from reflexologist since 1985 and, concept of chi person to person. For the first working from my practice in appointment it is best to allow (energy) flowing Tavistock, I have treated many one hour. through the different people with many

1. What can it treat?

Q

What is reflexology, and what health benefits can it bring? DT, Wadebridge

[[

different problems. My clients Visit Annie’s website www. body have found reflexology valuable anniecookereflexology.co.uk, call in difficult times when life is 01822 613286 or email anniecooke1@ very stressful as it is extremely hotmail.co.uk relaxing. In fact many people fall asleep during the session. To find a trained reflexologist near you, contact the Reflexology is also a good preventative measure Association of Reflexologists at www. aor.org .uk

Conditions that respong well to reflexology include infertility, migraines, circulation disorders, sleep problems, sinus trouble, IBS, back pain and many stress-related illnesses.

2. Who is it suitable for? Reflexology is suitable for most people: women, men, children, older people, younger people. It can be effective for both acute and chronic conditions.

3. How does it work? Reflexology can be used to restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium and encourages healing. Reflexology is a holistic therapy treating the whole person not just the symptoms.

4. What to expect: When I am giving a reflexology treatment I only use my hands to apply pressure to the feet (says Annie Cooke). This releases blockages and restores the free flow of energy to the whole body, aiding circulation and improving elimination.

38

Wellbeing_Stars.indd 38

13/05/2015 11:48:37


Wellbeing

Your stars by Cassandra Nye This week’s sign:

Happy birthday to...

This week marks the cusp between Taurus and Gemini. People born on this cusp are said to be eternal adolescents - energetic convincing and prolific. And a little tiring!

Toyah Willcox

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21)

Fizzing with energy, Toyah (who was born on May 18 1958) is a typical ‘Taurini’ - born on the cusp of Taurus and Gemini. She’s full of life and ideas but needs to guard against exhausting herself (and others). Toyah, who will be 57 on Monday, found fame with her 80s hit songs It’s a Mystery and acting roles in Quadrophenia. She’s married to Robert Fripp of rock band King Crimson, and the couple had a Westcountry wedding in Dorset.

The security that you are looking for may be delayed because of a new idea. This often happens around the time of a New Moon, even if it is bad timing. Present plans and commitments do not sit well with extra spending, so be prepared to juggle! At home there is a need to explain yourself clearly to avoid any misunderstandings. Impatience with those close is avoidable and surely non-productive?

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You need to chat with a loved one but may not get the face-to-face opportunity. If you decide to put things in writing, choose your words carefully. Although you may not feel like going out and socialising much, be careful how you decline an invitation.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) As this week begins, the New Moon heralds change. Perhaps a long-standing relationship will take a different turn. On the business side, something is at last showing promise. Although you have some doubts, try to be encouraging on the parts that you consider to be good.

LEO (July 23 - August 23) A strong attitude during this week of the New Moon could see you a little confused. Has someone decided to change a long-standing arrangement? Sometimes it is a case of ‘least said soonest mended’!

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) A strong attitude during this week of the New Moon could see you a little confused. Has someone decided to change a long-standing arrangement? Sometimes it is a case of ‘least said soonest mended’!

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) This is a positive time for you, and one in which a long-standing friendship could begin to be something more. If that is what you want, then state your feelings clearly. A clear chance to take a different direction with a friendship presents itself. Please try not to over-think it!

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Your finances need careful planning, although you should take advice offered by a non-professional with care. The intention may be good but the solution impractical. A combination of friends and relatives seem able to solve any problem but you will still have to make a big effort and maybe put your hand in the cash bundle.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Don’t expect everyone to agree with you this week. It may be a case of a lack of imagination on their part! If you should decide to speak your mind at the weekend, be prepared for more changes. Be yourself and don’t try and change for the benefit of others.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Extra care and thought needs to be put into any kind of communication this week. Decisions made on the spur of the

moment should be avoided. Demands on your finances next week need to be considered. While love ticks along nicely for a long time, it could be ripe for a change.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) With the emphasis on personal relationships, if you fully use your imagination, it is possible to pull a really magical rabbit out of the hat! Flexibility brings success. The chance of closeness is all around you. Get your priorities right and take full advantage of what is on offer.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) An urge for travel and new experiences is triggered this week. Loyalties may change in the next few months as you get to know someone better, so maybe don’t buy their ticket yet? New chances to shine and new faces keep you on your toes. Where were you this time last year?

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) After a couple of weeks when your thoughts have been fairly scattered, this week gets off to a good start. Determined to get organised and bring some extra cash in, you explore all avenues. Lack of imagination could really hold you back. Look at new ways to do and think about the everyday.

39

Wellbeing_Stars.indd 39

13/05/2015 15:50:32


Watergate Bay sunset

My Secret Westcountry James Nathan Former MasterChef winner James Nathan is head chef at The Green Room at Retallack Resort and Spa near Wadebridge. He lives nearby with his wife Linsey, daughter Sophie, nine and their two cats.

My favourite... Walk: I love to go to the beach at Mawgan Porth. It is always beautifully sunny, I go there as much as I can. Festival: The Rock Oyster Festival. It’s a really great event which brings together a love of Cornwall and its produce, as well as fun activities for all the family. I’ve done demonstration cooking there before and loved it. I’ll certainly be going this year.

Activity: I love surfing, but I’m also really into mountain biking at the minute.

Food:

It has to be lobster – there is just nothing like it, especially from fresh Cornish water. I always get mine in Padstow from a local fisherman. I love to take it home and cook it as a real treat.

40

MSW_May17.indd 40

12/05/2015 15:44:44


People

MawganPorth

IMAGE: ADAM GIBBARD / VISIT CORNWALL

Tipple: Anything from Camel Valley Vineyard truly great Cornish produce.

Relish Deli Shop

IMAGE: HEATH LEAVOLD

food’s a huge passion of mine - I even lived out there for a time.

ery pub in St Merryn. It’s exactly what a pub should be like, with great food and a good selection of drinks in a lovely location.

Treat: To go fishing on a boat anywhere off the coast. In an ideal world, I’d catch some sea bass and come home to cook it. I like minimalistic dishes where the ingredient does all the talking, so sea bass truly does that for me.

Weekend away: I don’t get the opportunity

Secret place: Hustyn Wood near Wadebridge

very often, but if I was going to go anywhere my first choice of location would be St Ives. There are some beautiful hotels including the St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa, or the Pedn Olva hotel. Both have amazing views and are truly luxurious.

– it’s perfectly peaceful! But don’t tell anyone.

Pub: The Cornish Arms, a St Austell Brew-

Shop: Relish Deli in Wadebridge. They have some gems in there and I like to experiment with their produce. They also have a great range of Spanish products available. Spanish

Chill out: It sounds like cliché, but watching sunsets over the sea. My favourite places to go are Watergate Bay or Mawgan Porth. James has launched a new seafood-inspired menu at Retallack Resort, north Cornwall. For details visit www.retallackresort.co.uk 41

MSW_May17.indd 41

12/05/2015 15:50:09


Enjoy

A WEEKEND IN...

Falmouth almouth is a seaside town with a real buzz about it, a working port with a vibrant arts scene thanks to its student population and no fewer than four sandy beaches which attract holidaymakers and locals alike. Try your hand at watersports, take the foot ferry across the River Fal to picturesque St Mawes, or sample fish and chips sitting on the harbour wall, watching the floating world – from massive tankers to fishing boats and sailing dinghies – go by.

Shop: Shopping in Falmouth is a treat, with plenty of independent shops alongside the high street stores. For books head for the lively Falmouth Bookseller which hosts author events and signings, and try Bohoz on the High Street for colourful Moroccan lamps, and bohemian clothes and jewellery. Willow and Stone on Arwenack Street, meanwhile, specialises in unusual doorknobs.

Stay: You can’t beat friendly St Michael’s Hotel and Spa with its fantastic views over Gyllyngvase beach It has a good restaurant serving seafood and comfortable and chic rooms, many with sea views looking over the garden. Another lovely place to stay, further up the river on the other side of town, is The Greenbank Hotel, where your view at dinner is of the boats on the river.

Do: You can try sailing, kayaking

F

Eat (and drink):

Falmouth is the place to have fish and chips, either at Rick Stein’s Fish close to the National Maritime Museum, or the award-winning Harbour Lights Fish and Chips in Arwenack Street, which prides itself on serving sustainably-caught fish, both to eat in and take away. For imaginative and tasty veggie food, head to the tiny Pea Souk, tucked away on Well Lane off Church Street. Or pretend to be a Jane Austen heroine taking tea (or coffee) in the regency-era De Wynn’s Coffee Shop, where the Eddie family serve their popular homebaked Granny Nunn’s Bread Pudding.

St Michael’s Hotel

and coasteering from Swanpool beach where adventure company Elemental UK caters for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. There are also boats to explore on dry land at the National Maritime Museum, where you can climb aboard a replica cargo ship as sailed by our Viking ancestors.

Explore: Boats leave for fishing trips out to sea from Custom House Quay. If it rains, you might want to head for the Falmouth Art Gallery to have a look at its most famous painting, The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse, or head to the Tudor majesty of Pendennis Castle, which has been defending Falmouth for centuries. For music-lovers, meanwhile, the weekend of June 12-14 is a good time to visit, as pubs and other venues in the town will reverberate to the sounds of salty song for the Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival.

De Wynn’s coffee house

42

A weekend in May17.indd 42

13/05/2015 10:19:26


Gyllyngvase beach

4 of the best

Romantic places to propose

1 The Idle Rocks, St Mawes

This newly refurbished chic hotel has a terrace overlooking the water on the Fal estuary. It’s a real luxury retreat, with great food and stylish accommodation. Order that fizz and get down on one knee… Dish of the day: Half a dozen Fal River native oysters Prices: Three course dinner from £40 Contact: 01326 270270

2 The Magdalen Chapter, Exeter

National Maritime Museum

This cool and contemporary hotel in Exeter has excellent food and there are some private nooks and corners to hide away in – you can book The Potting Shed in the grounds for a champagne moment, or try the private Circle dining room. The Total Indulgence package (£495) includes red roses, spa treatments, champagne, the best bedroom and more… Dish of the day: Roast cod with spiced butter and brown shrimps Price: Three course set menu from £16.95 Contact: 01392 590257

3 The Horn of Plenty

Swanpool beach

Beautiful mini-manor house on the Devon/Cornwall border, set in lovely grounds, with plenty of places for an intimate stroll to see the view and pop the question. Why not come back for a seriously lovely boutique wedding reception? Dish of the day: Rhubarb meringue tart, gingerbread ice cream, poached rhubarb Price: Three course dinner £49.50 Contact: 01822 832528

4 Gidleigh Park

Show her you’re serious with a trip to this top-notch two-star Michelin restaurant. Wander in the beautiful grounds for a chance to ask for her hand in marriage, then celebrate with (possibly) the best fine-dining food in the Westcountry. Dish of the day: Warm salad of native lobster with cardamon, lime and mango vinaigrette Price: Tasting menu dinner from £125 Contact: 01647 432367

43

A weekend in May17.indd 43

13/05/2015 10:20:11


Ingredient of the Week

Geraniums with Tim Maddams

s chefs are funny folk. We look at flavour in different ways to most people and this leads to openmindedness on a scale often unexpected by the person who gets to eat it. We are happy to gobble up innards and offal that most would rather avoid (more fool them!) and we are more than happy pushing the boundaries of flavour. I’ve recently tried oak in an ice cream, the scent of pine needles in a bacon cure and lavender in a biscuit. You do need to be careful though and really push yourself for honesty when tinkering with the more unusual ingredients. Use too much of them (or put them in the wrong place) and your reputation will be in tatters. Rose water is an excellent example - so perfumed that it’s a real love/hate flavour. Yet even the most ardent rose water hater will happily eat just a little in the right place. The trick is balance and, as often as not, these quirky ingredients are best left to professionals to play around with. An excellent seasonal rule-breaker

U

to this, though, is the scented geranium tribe. Pelargoniums, as they are known, are excellent and subtle perfume-adding ingredients and they work brilliantly in different situations. A little scented geranium leaf, chopped and stirred through a tomato salad (once the homegrown toms get going, that is) with a hint of garlic, a dash of vinegar and perhaps a little honey along with the salt and pepper ration will transform the dish. A yoghurt scented with water mint and rose-scented “Lady Plymouth” geranium will make any Moroccan BBQ dish sing and have your diners asking how you have achieved such cunning and unusual flavours. You should be able to find these plants in the nurseries just around now. So go and rub a few leaves, test the scent and buy a couple that you like the smell of. These can then be added to your herb garden as a useful and different flavouring to use as you wish, I promise you that geranium is a good crowd pleaser - and an unusual talking point, too.

Gorgeous geraniums: Geranium leaf as a flavouring really comes into its own in the dessert kitchen. Strawberries simply halved and tossed in a little honey and a dash of fresh lemon juice become so much more sophisticated with the addition of a teaspoonful of chopped “Ashby Rose” scented geraniums. Or why not try whipping the cream for your next trifle and adding a few shredded geranium leaves beforehand? @TimGreenSauce

Tim Maddams is a Devon chef and writer who often appears on the River Cottage TV series 44

Tim_Beer_may17.indd 44

13/05/2015 10:23:12


Drink

Darren Norbury Beer of the week If you find yourself waiting for a train at Newton Abbot, eschew the soulless waiting room and its discarded burger wrappings. Instead, trot over the concourse to the Railway Inn. Railway memorabilia and books abound, but this is home to the Platform 5 Brewery and on a recent stop there I was impressed by The Antelope, a 4.3% ABV pale ale with crisp hop bite, clean and well balanced.

St Ives Beer Festival

Just under two weeks now until the St Ives Beer Festival, organised by CAMRA Kernow. The event runs from May 28-30, from 8pm-11pm on the Thursday, and 11am-11pm on the Friday and Saturday. There will be more than 60 real ales from around Cornwall and the UK, plus cider and perry. Find out more at www. facebook.com/stivesbeerfest

talks beer t all began with a disagreement over Dark Star American Pale Ale. We’d done politics (it was pre-election), football and whether Channing Tatum really was a film star or actually an un-manned railway station in the Cotswolds, and I was ready to settle down with my pint when a cry of “Yes, but it’s not American pale ale” caught my attention. Being the beer geek that I am, I was drawn into whether this beer had enough ‘zingy’ hop to be an APA or was a little too, well, British. According to the guidelines of the American Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP), “citrusy hop character” is definitely a factor and I had to agree that, lovely though the Dark Star was (and most of their products are excellent), this didn’t quite hit the definition. But, oh – what a minefield. You could be forgiven for thinking that there aren’t that many beer styles. Bitter, stout, porter, pale ale, IPA, say, oh and some foreign types, such as saisons, Kolsch, Pilsner, or Bock. However, the BJCP lists 80 different sorts of beer! The Americans are pretty strict about their beer judging, so imagine trying to figure out whether a barley wine is an English barley wine or an American barley wine. The nuances are subtle: ABV and malt content are broadly the same, but colours are slightly different (the English darker) and the American may be

I

more hoppy (albeit with more earthy and spicy English hops not uncommon). As an aside, I do have a bit of an issue with this ‘American pale ale’ or ‘English barley wine’ business. If it’s not made in that country surely a beer should be an ‘American-style’ pale ale? Call me Mr Pedantic. What does make me feel good, though, especially as editor of a British news beer site and a fervent follower of the local produce mantra, is that our very fine British brewers can turn their hand to pretty much anything on that 80-strong style list. Yes, we’re still a bitter island (some of us even more so after the recent election - just ask Nick Clegg!), but look at what’s happening even on our own doorstep. Belgian (style) lambics? Try the Wild Beer Co, in Somerset. German dopplebock? Look no further than Harbour Brewing Co, Cornwall. American pale ale? Bristol Beer factory Independence. Belgian Saison? Gyle 59 Toujours, from Dorset, or perhaps Cornish Firebrand Brewing Black Saison, to push that envelope a little further. We have such talented brewers and brewsters that the world of beer styles is now on our doorstep, and I’ve drunk several brews lately that easily match equivalents from their original countries. Visit your local pubs (and bottles) to explore further. Darren Norbury is editor of beertoday.co.uk @beertoday

BEER MAP Black Rock Brewing Company, in Falmouth, has unveiled new bottle labels which incorporates charts of the local Falmouth Bay waters. A route map to flavour, you could say. 45

Tim_Beer_may17.indd 45

13/05/2015 10:24:51


My life

[

[

man and boy

Art for art’s sake

Phil Goodwin is father of would-be artist James, aged five hat do you want to be when you grow up? You remember the question, of course. We all had it fired at us over and over again. Most children trot out the old favourites – fireman, policeman, train driver – and many fulfil the ambition. I can’t remember exactly what I wanted to be when I was very young. I think it was probably a footballer, though unfortunately the raw talent was never there. Now I am in charge of a tiny lad who finds himself faced with the same questions I once was. His first desire was to become the driver of a bin lorry. So much so that he used to run to the door every Wednesday and watch his heroes collect the bins. Often we would be awoken early by the sound of the lorry trundling down the street, followed by the impassioned cry of… “Ru-bbish truck!” After this, he set his sights on the art world. Naturally, this delighted my highly cultured wife, who works hard to encourage him to play the piano and would dearly love for him to become a musician. On a recent trip to London we decided to introduce him to a proper art gallery, in the hope his love for drawing would be encouraged. Beforehand, we went to the recreation of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre for the Bard’s birthday celebrations. Of course the bouncy castle, the candy floss and the ball pit were a hit. But he genuinely loved the wooden theatre. And was enthralled by the potted version of Hamlet the actors

W

staged by way of a taster session. The language was a bit tough. He wanted to know what the speeches were all about but, honestly, we almost had to drag him out. After that we strolled along the Thames to the Tate Modern to whet his appetite for modern art. Sadly, we never got to see any. It turned out that the famous main hall is wonderful for activities such as shouting and running up and down. When we tried to take the escalator to the

[

We went to the Tate Modern to whet his appetite for art. Sadly, we never got to see any

[

actual exhibits, he kicked off, so we abandoned the tour. I tend not to take this whole thing very seriously. I had no idea what I wanted to do, right into my twenties, though I do now envy people who know with certainty what they want to do. My job as a father, it seems, is to introduce James to as much as possible and encourage him in whatever catches his eye. For a while marine biologist was high on the wish list, a desire driven by his near-fanatical interest in sharks. I confess to experiencing a small pang of fear at the idea of him swimming with fearsome predators, even as a grown up. But I don’t want to turn it into a taboo that grows into a desire. I operate this same principle in regard to religion. When he comes home from school full of tales from the Bible I bite my lip and conceal my own scepticism. Purely out of the fear I may turn him into a priest. Last week, there was a fire at one of the houses down our street. Two engines appeared along with firemen, hoses, the lot. There was huge excitement. Cue mad panic to get shoes on and off he went to meet Fireman Sam – actually Sean in our case – who let him sit in the driver’s seat. Even better, he was invited him to come visit the fire station with a few friends. Now he wants to be a fireman. Nothing wrong with that. Though the art career might suffer. ‘What about the drawing?’, my wife asked him. ‘Oh I will do that as well,’ he said. ‘When I get home from the fire station’. A fireman artist. Why not?

46

ManandBoy_May17.indd 46

13/05/2015 15:47:23


Sunday 24th and Monday 25th May - FREE ENTRY

Destination Dartington, please join us for the 5th anniversary of the Food Fair •

Pop up restaurant at 7.30pm on Sat 23rd with Jane Baxter

Discover 40 Devon food producers in the main marquee

Live music in the courtyards

Dartington Cider Bar in the courtyard

Win a night at Dartington Hall grand prize draw

Meet the white rabbit in The Alice in Wonderland Children’s tent

Children’s activities throughout the weekend

Courtyard craft stalls

Porridge and Cake competitions on Monday

…. In fact something for everybody That’s in addition to the 14 different shops and cafes, clay and leather workshops!! Please see website for details www.dartingtonfoodfair.org The Shops at Dartington are located just 2 miles outside Totnes on the A385 at Dartington Car parking £2 per car for all day

New Foundation Degree Courses September 2015 Child and Adolescent Mental Health*

Health & Social Care* Teaching & Learning Develop the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for and earn while you learn!**

Would you like to know more? For more details please contact: Claire King

Amanda Huggins

07956 056 447

07772 715 020

amanda.huggins@learninginstitute.co.uk claire.king@learninginstitute.co.uk Our Foundation Degree Courses are validated by the University of Worcester. *Subject to approval. **Subject to eligibility.

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter:

facebook.com/learninginstitutesw

tlisw

www.learninginstitute.co.uk

Untitled-3 1

©LW

13/05/2015 14:59:54


LOOK! NO

At Interseal we offer the very best in quality and price. As a local company with a reputation to protect, our installation teams have been employed for over 10 years. Workmanship is guaranteed as standard. We specialise in providing high quality products ranging from windows, doors, Bi-folding doors, composite doors and patio doors. We also undertake all design, build and installation for all our bespoke conservatories and porch’s. All with exceptional energy saving qualities.

DEPOSIT REQUIRED

• Windows • Doors • Conservatories • Porches • Fascias & Soffits • Solidor Composite Doors • Double Glazing

SERVICE QUALITY CHOICE

INTERSEAL Unit 8, Alders Court, Bell Close, Plymouth PL7 4JH

01752 340 500

or 07890 048952 (after 5pm) Ads.indd 3

A RATED S WINDOW TED FOR C RA PRICES!

www.interseal.co.uk find us online at:

13/05/2015 15:40:38


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.